Volume Three: Southern Expedition and Territorial Expansion - Chapter 111: Lady Xuerou

Lady Wei Fufeng, the eldest lady of the Wei family, was born into a noble household and placed great importance on etiquette and decorum. Because of her noble lineage, the Wei family held considerable respect in Shangzhou.

Wei Fufeng understood that his behavior was a breach of propriety, a disrespect to Lady Li and her family. In more severe terms, he had insulted Jiuniang and his mother-in-law.

“Fourteenth Miss, my bond with Sister Qingxue has been forged through hardships; I respectfully address her as the Lady of the House. Please help me explain this to my mother-in-law,” Wei Fufeng said gently.

Fourteenth Miss shook her head softly, whispering, “I have explained it. I told her that you and Sister Qingxue share a bond through adversity, but Mother is still angry.”

Wei Fufeng was at a loss for words. After a moment of silence, Fourteenth Miss spoke quietly again, “My lord, don’t be troubled. Actually, Mother’s anger isn’t entirely because of Sister Qingxue. Mother said she doesn’t like that Father stays in Fuzhou for too long.”

Wei Fufeng was slightly taken aback but then suddenly understood. Since his father-in-law, Li Ji, had been in Fuzhou for a long time, it was natural that his mother-in-law would be displeased. He relaxed and smiled, “Mother-in-law could have gone to Fuzhou.”

Fourteenth Miss whispered softly, “Mother does not wish to leave Chang’an.”

Wei Fufeng was speechless. Then Fourteenth Miss whispered again, “Mother and I have made a robe for you. I will fetch it now.”

After saying this, Fourteenth Miss left. Wei Fufeng warmly watched her go, gazing at the door as it closed behind her. He let out a light sigh and set aside the worries that had plagued him since arriving.

His mother-in-law’s displeasure was beyond his control, and he was unwilling to engage further.

A short while later, Fourteenth Miss returned with a simple cotton robe and asked Wei Fufeng to try it on.

Wei Fufeng smiled and complied. Though the robe’s craftsmanship was modest, it was the gesture that mattered.

After trying it on, Wei Fufeng asked, “Fourteenth Miss, is your sister Jiuniang angry?”

“Not that I’ve noticed. Sister remains calm no matter the matter; she just enjoys reading quietly,” Fourteenth Miss answered casually.

Wei Fufeng felt a pang of disappointment. It seemed Jiuniang held no affection for him. But perhaps Jiuniang’s reserved nature inclined her to restraint, unlike Fourteenth Miss, whose temperament was pure and straightforward.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside. He faintly heard a servant urgently announce, “Master, Madam, Lady Xuerou, the County Princess, has come to visit.”

“Xuerou Sister is here,” Fourteenth Miss said cheerfully.

Wei Fufeng responded lightly, and Fourteenth Miss continued, “Lady Xuerou is the daughter of the late Prince Heng. Mother is her contemporary, and her family maintains close ties with the Prince’s household. Lady Xuerou is very close to us, especially to Sister, and she too enjoys reading.”

Wei Fufeng nodded gently. Fourteenth Miss, excited, added, “Lady Xuerou is very kind and always brings me gifts when she visits. Let’s go out to meet her.”

Wei Fufeng hesitated briefly but nodded. He originally wished to avoid trouble but felt that as Li Ji’s son-in-law, it would be disrespectful to avoid meeting her, which might deepen his mother-in-law’s displeasure.

...

Daughters of the Tang imperial clan bore titles according to rank: daughters of the emperor were princesses; daughters of the crown prince were titled county princesses; daughters of the princes were titled county ladies, generally holding first or second rank.

As Wei Fufeng and Fourteenth Miss stepped outside, they saw Li Ji, his wife, and Jiuniang already awaiting to greet the guest. Although Lady Xuerou was younger, her status far exceeded that of Li Ji and his wife.

Upon seeing his daughter and Wei Fufeng, Li Ji nodded discreetly with a somewhat unnatural expression.

Earlier, Li Ji had tactfully urged his wife not to treat her son-in-law coldly. Her indifference embarrassed him, prompting him to urge Wei Fufeng to leave quickly, then send away their two sons.

Li Ji and his wife shared a deep bond, but his prolonged absence from home burdened him with guilt. His wife’s unwillingness to move to Fuzhou with their children troubled him greatly.

While walking to greet the visitor, two ladies in traditional loose robes approached—one seventeen or eighteen years old, with an oval face, elegant eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and cherry-red lips smiling brightly. Her presence was radiant and captivating.

...

“The County Princess has arrived,” Lady Li stepped forward with a smile, bowing her head in greeting.

Li Ji silently returned the bow, and the younger women respectfully lowered their heads.

“Lady Xuerou wishes to extend New Year’s greetings to Uncle and Aunt Lan, wishing you health and happiness,” the County Princess said graciously.

“That is kind of you. It’s good to see you,” Lady Li replied warmly.

Lady Xuerou smiled gently, then turned her gaze toward Fourteenth Miss.

Fourteenth Miss, standing behind Li Ji and his wife, saw Lady Xuerou’s glance and promptly greeted her cheerfully, “Sister Xuerou.”

“It’s been a year since we last met. Fourteenth Miss, you have grown so beautifully,” Lady Xuerou said with mild surprise.

“You are even more beautiful, Sister,” Fourteenth Miss replied shyly.

Lady Xuerou smiled and turned her gaze to Jiuniang, who responded with a slight smile, “Sister.”

Lady Xuerou nodded with a quiet smile. “It’s been over half a year since I last saw you. I’ve longed to speak to you at the Prince’s residence, thinking you might have found someone special.”

Jiuniang lowered her eyes in bashfulness. Lady Xuerou asked in surprise, “Could it be true? You have a beloved, but why have you not told me?”

“Please forgive me, County Princess. Jiuniang is betrothed, but out of concern for the men’s affairs, she has not shared the news,” Lady Li said apologetically.

Lady Xuerou nodded softly and turned her gaze to Wei Fufeng.

Wei Fufeng greeted calmly, “I am Wei Fufeng. It is an honor to meet the County Princess.”

Lady Xuerou nodded politely. Lady Li hesitated briefly, then whispered, “This is the fiancé of Jiuniang and Fourteenth Miss, from the prestigious Wei clan of Jingzhao.”

Lady Xuerou was slightly surprised, then asked, “Is this the gentleman betrothed to both young ladies?”

Lady Li nodded and whispered, “County Princess, please come inside and speak.”

Lady Xuerou agreed and, accompanied by Lady Li, stepped forward. Li Ji and his two daughters followed.

Wei Fufeng, with a wave from Li Ji, returned alone to his chambers, where a maid soon brought tea and refreshments.

...

Upon entering the hall, Li Ji bowed his farewell and left directly for the rear residence without meeting Wei Fufeng.

After Li Ji’s departure, Lady Xuerou took a gift box from the young maid accompanying her and respectfully presented it to Lady Li, who accepted it with a smile and passed it to Jiuniang.

Lady Xuerou then handed another gift box to Fourteenth Miss, smiling, “Your favorite osmanthus cake.”

“Thank you, Sister,” Fourteenth Miss accepted it happily.

Lady Xuerou smiled gently and, sitting with Lady Li and her daughters, asked softly, “Aunt Lan, since Jiuniang and Fourteenth Miss share a fiancé, is he an important heir of the Wei clan?”

Lady Li’s brows furrowed slightly, and she replied, “Aunt cannot hide this from you. Jiuniang’s fiancé is a lesser son of the Wei family. Originally, he was betrothed to Fourteenth Miss, but Jiuniang’s second uncle, Li Xian, insisted that the legitimate daughter be matched appropriately, so he arranged for both Jiuniang and Fourteenth Miss to be betrothed to this young Wei gentleman.”

Lady Xuerou was surprised and asked, “A lesser son? Why is he held in such regard?”

Lady Li hesitated, then said, “This young Wei gentleman is no ordinary man. He went to Xichuan to seek refuge with Wei Zhaodu, the Prime Minister. Somehow, he became the military governor of Southern Sichuan. When Wei Zhaodu sent a letter proposing marriage, we thought he was just a lesser son and agreed to Fourteenth Miss’s betrothal. Later, when Jiuniang’s second uncle learned of his official position, he insisted on the joint betrothal. Aunt had no choice.”

Hearing Lady Li’s resigned explanation, Lady Xuerou nodded, “A military governor is a high-ranking local official, a fitting match for Jiuniang and Fourteenth Miss.”

Lady Li shook her head helplessly, evidently unhappy with the marriage.

Nearby, Fourteenth Miss whispered, “My lord is still the Marquis of Fufeng, the Military Governor of Qianzhong, a title granted by His Majesty the Emperor. He is even more honorable than the Wei family’s legitimate son.”

Lady Li’s brows knitted slightly. Lady Xuerou turned to Fourteenth Miss in surprise, “Marquis of Fufeng, Military Governor of Qianzhong? Could he be the commander of the Fufeng troops in Quchi?”

Fourteenth Miss was startled and replied, “I don’t know. My lord once took me to visit Quchi, but it was a wasteland then. The beautiful scenery I heard of was gone.”

Lady Xuerou nodded, “I have been to Quchi before. Although the buildings have not been rebuilt, much of the natural scenery has regained its elegance. I never imagined the commander appointed to restore Quchi would be your lord.”

Fourteenth Miss nodded lightly. Lady Li spoke, “Xuerou, the men of the Li family wish to avoid affecting official reputations. Please keep the matter of this young Wei gentleman confidential.”

Lady Xuerou turned and whispered, “Aunt, rest assured. I will not speak of it.”

Lady Li nodded with relief. Lady Xuerou smiled softly, then, as if struck by a thought, quickly added, “Aunt, may I meet with this young Wei gentleman? I have a request.”

Lady Li was momentarily taken aback but then nodded, “Have Fourteenth Miss accompany you.”

Lady Xuerou nodded gently and, with Fourteenth Miss, left the hall and went to see Wei Fufeng.

Knocking on the door and entering, Fourteenth Miss cheerfully announced, “My lord, Sister Xuerou has come to see you.”

Wei Fufeng was greatly surprised and quickly rose to bow, “I greet the County Princess.”

Lady Xuerou responded softly, “Please forgive my boldness in coming to see you, Marquis. I hope you will not mind.”

Wei Fufeng glanced at Fourteenth Miss, who straightforwardly said, “My lord, Sister has come with a request.”

Wei Fufeng nodded lightly and looked at Lady Xuerou with a smile, “May I ask what the County Princess wishes to discuss?”

Lady Xuerou spoke quietly, “I have heard that Your Lordship led the campaign to Hedong and achieved great merit for the court. I admire you greatly.”

Wei Fufeng was taken aback and said, “It was my duty to quell the rebellion. I do not deserve the County Princess’s admiration.”

Lady Xuerou smiled gently and continued softly, “I came because I feel this opportunity is rare. It traces back to the chaos of Huang Chao’s rebellion. When Huang Chao captured Chang’an, I fled with my family to Xichuan. The terror and misery of those times remain deeply etched in my heart.”

Wei Fufeng nodded thoughtfully, “War is indeed terrifying.”

Lady Xuerou sighed softly, “In times of war, noble status is of no use. I come with a request: I hope Your Lordship could grant me a safe residence and property in Yuzhou. I humbly ask for your assistance.”

Wei Fufeng was surprised but considered it briefly, then asked, “I can offer you a modest residence, but I cannot grant property. You would need to purchase that yourself.”

“Your Lordship granting a residence is already a great favor,” Lady Xuerou said earnestly. “What I fear most is being troubled by officials. I beg you to provide a written order so that the local authorities in Southern Sichuan will protect me.”

…