A Poor Man's Son-in-Law: He Picks Up the Daughter of a Duke's Mansion at the Start

By the end of May, the courtyards in Wutong Lane had been completely transformed.

Yun Shuwei said she wanted to hold a small banquet, and she really took it seriously. Lin Mama led the maids and servants to bustle about, decorating the originally simple and elegant courtyard with flowers in full bloom.

A bamboo curtain, reminiscent of the Xiangfei style, has been hung over the hexagonal pavilion by the pond, providing shade without blocking the wind. Inside, a new set of chicken-wing wood tables and chairs has been installed, covered with brocade tablecloths, and furnished with imperial porcelain tea sets. A new variety of koi has also been added to the pond—several silver-white "Galaxy" koi, brought from Jiangnan by fast horses at the request of Granny Lin, which shimmer like moonlight as they swim.

Under the osmanthus tree in the front yard, a stone table and benches were set up. A Go board was placed on the table, and several jade ornaments were placed in the display cabinet next to it—all items from Yun Shuwei's dowry, which were usually kept away but brought out today to decorate the house.

The most wonderful room was the study. Yun Shuwei had someone move the desk by the window and replace it with a long table made of huanghuali wood. Not only were the Four Treasures of the Study placed on it, but also several scrolls of calligraphy and paintings. One of them was Li Mubai's "Visiting Friends in Autumn Mountains," which he had borrowed from the Duke's mansion and had never returned.

"Put it here so that the ladies and young women can see it," Yun Shuwei said to Lu Qingyan, standing at the study door. "Although they may not be learned, they will recognize the name of Scholar Li. Seeing this, they will know that you are not from an ordinary humble background."

Looking at the painting, Lu Qingyan recalled Zhou Wenyuan's sour words, then glanced at Yun Shu's slightly smug face, and couldn't help but laugh: "Are you trying to save face for me?"

"Otherwise what?" Yun Shuwei said matter-of-factly, "You are my husband, your dignity is my dignity." She walked into the study and pointed to several ornaments on the display cabinet, "This white jade brush washer was given to me by my grandfather on my tenth birthday; this jade paperweight was a gift from the Empress; and this..."

She counted them one by one; each item had a history and each was quite valuable.

Lu Qingyan suddenly remembered the rough pottery brush washer he often used at Yongning's house, its rim chipped. Back then, he thought that as long as it worked, it was good; now, it seemed…

"What's wrong?" Yun Shu asked, noticing his absent-mindedness. "Don't you like it like this?"

"No," Lu Qingyan shook his head, "I just feel it's a bit extravagant."

"What's so extravagant about this?" Yun Shu pouted slightly. "My mother said that you have to show off when the time is right. You're now a third-ranked scholar and a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, with a bright future ahead of you. If you still look shabby, people will look down on you." She paused, her voice softening. "I know you don't like these things, but that's how the world is. We don't cheat others, but we can't let others cheat us either."

That's very insightful. Looking at her, Lu Qingyan suddenly realized that this pampered young lady wasn't entirely naive.

The small banquet was scheduled for May 28th. Yun Shuwei drafted the invitations and invited five or six familiar ladies and young women—mostly old acquaintances from the Duke's mansion or female relatives of the Yun family. On Lu Qingyan's side, she invited the wife of Editor Wang, as well as two colleagues whose family members were in the capital.

On the 28th, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and sunshine.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Granny Lin led the maids to begin preparations. The cook was brought from the Duke's mansion and was skilled at making exquisite pastries. A tea stove was set up under the osmanthus tree, and a young maid was tending to boil water. Iced plum juice was prepared in the pavilion, served in a celadon jar, with fine water droplets condensing on the outside.

Today, Yun Shuwei wore a lotus-colored silk skirt embroidered with gold butterflies and flowers, her hair styled in a peony bun, adorned with a red-gold and kingfisher-feather hairpin, pearl earrings, and a pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets on her wrists. This outfit was both dignified for a new bride and exuded the noble air of a daughter of the Duke's mansion.

Lu Qingyan changed into a moon-white robe with dark patterns, and tied a black jade belt that Yun Shuwei had recently given him around his waist. His already extraordinary appearance, coupled with this outfit, made him look even more handsome and upright.

Around 9:00 AM, the guests began to arrive one after another.

The first to arrive was Madam Li, the wife of Editor Wang. She was in her thirties, wearing an indigo-blue jacket and only a silver hairpin in her hair, clearly from an ordinary family. Upon seeing Yun Shuwei, she bowed somewhat reservedly, saying, "Greetings, Madam Lu."

Yun Shu smiled and helped her up: "Madam Wang, you're too kind. Please have a seat." She led Madam Li to sit down in the pavilion and personally poured tea for her. "I often hear my husband mention Editor Wang, saying that he is very learned and kind."

Seeing Yun Shuwei's amiable demeanor, Madam Li breathed a sigh of relief and became more talkative: "My husband also said when he went back that Editor Lu is young and promising, and also very humble."

As the two were talking, someone else arrived. This time it was Yun Shuwei's half-sister, Yun Yao, accompanied by two close female friends. Yun Yao was dressed in a peach-colored dress today, with exquisite makeup. As soon as she entered, she smiled and said, "Sister, this courtyard is so elegantly decorated."

Yun Shuwei rose slightly to greet her, her expression as usual: "Second sister has arrived, please have a seat." She then introduced her to Madam Li, "This is my second sister, and these two are Miss Zhao and Miss Sun."

After Yun Yao sat down, her eyes swept around the courtyard, finally landing on the jade bracelet on Yun Shuwei's wrist. She smiled and said, "Sister, are these bracelets made of mutton fat jade? The clarity is so good."

"It was given to me by my grandmother." Yun Shu smiled faintly and changed the subject. "Second sister, try this tea. It's this year's pre-Qingming Longjing."

As everyone drank tea and chatted idly, Yun Shuwei handled the situation with ease. Although she was pampered, she had grown up in the Duke's mansion, and these social interactions had been her forte since childhood, allowing her to handle situations with exceptional finesse. She was neither arrogant nor lacking in dignity.

As they spoke, Madam Li got up to change her clothes. Seeing that only the few of them remained, Yun Yao lowered her voice: "Sister, I heard that the other day, Editor Zhou made things difficult for your husband at the Hanlin Academy?"

Yun Shuwei's expression remained unchanged: "Who told you that, Second Sister? It was just a common quarrel between colleagues, nothing to be ashamed of."

"That's good." Yun Yao smiled, "I was worried. That guy from the Zhou family is always arrogant because his father is the Vice Minister of War. But you don't need to be afraid of him, sister. Our Yun family is not to be trifled with either."

These words sounded like concern, but were actually a provocation. Yun Shuwei sneered inwardly, but only gave a curt reply on the surface.

Before long, Li returned. Yun Shuwei then suggested going to the study to take a look: "It's cooler inside, and there are some calligraphy and paintings to admire."

The group moved to the study. Upon entering, Yun Yao saw the painting "Visiting Friends in Autumn Mountains" and exclaimed, "Isn't this a painting by Scholar Li Mubai?"

"Indeed," Yun Shuwei said. "It was a gift from Scholar Li to my husband."

Miss Zhao and Miss Sun also gathered around to look, marveling at the sight. Madam Li, though unfamiliar with painting, knew of Li Mubai's reputation, and her gaze towards Lu Qingyan held a newfound respect.

Yun Yao looked at the painting, then at the set of writing implements on the desk, and felt a pang of sadness. She had married the son of a fifth-rank official, which, although from a high-ranking family, was far inferior to the Duke's mansion. Yun Shuwei, on the other hand, had married into a humble family, but Lu Qingyan was young and promising, and favored by Li Mubai, so his future was limitless.

After admiring the painting, everyone returned to the pavilion. A maidservant brought out some snacks, including lotus flower pastries, almond cream, rose cakes, and several kinds of seasonal fruits, all beautifully presented and delicious.

Yun Yao picked up a lotus-shaped pastry, took a bite, and praised, "This pastry is really well made, no worse than the imperial kitchen in the palace."

"The cook used to serve at my maternal grandparents' house; she's been doing it for over ten years," Yun Shuwei said. "Second Sister, feel free to use more if you like."

Just then, the sound of a carriage came from outside. Lin Mama came in to report, "Miss, the wife of Imperial Censor Chen and Miss have arrived."

Yun Shuwei hurriedly got up to greet him. Imperial Censor Chen was an old friend of Yun Chengzong, and his wife, Zheng, was a close friend of Wang, and they were quite prestigious among the women in the capital.

Madam Zheng was in her forties, dressed in a dark purple brocade jacket and adorned with kingfisher feather headdress, exuding elegance and grace. Beside her stood her daughter, Chen Yuan, who was fifteen or sixteen years old and possessed a delicate and charming appearance.

"Greetings, Auntie." Yun Shuwei stepped forward and bowed. "Sister Yuan is here too."

Madam Zheng took her hand and looked her over carefully: "Good child, you've grown up to be even more beautiful." She then looked at the courtyard behind her and nodded, "This courtyard is well-maintained, elegant yet noble."

Everyone took their seats again. Zheng's arrival elevated the atmosphere of the banquet. Seeing this, Yun Yao became much more reserved in her speech.

During the meal, Madam Zheng inquired about Lu Qingyan's situation at the Hanlin Academy. Yun Shuwei answered her questions one by one, her words neither overly boastful nor lacking in decorum.

"Qingyan is currently revising the 'Collected Statutes,' which Scholar Li values ​​highly," Yun Shuwei said. "However, he is young and still needs to consult with his seniors on many matters."

Madam Zheng nodded: "It's good that the young man is willing to learn and work hard." She then looked at Lu Qingyan, "I heard from your father-in-law that you write well, especially your policy essays, which are quite insightful."

Lu Qingyan humbly replied, "Auntie, you flatter me. I still need more experience."

"Humility is a good thing," Madam Zheng said with a smile. "However, when it's time to show one's abilities, there's no need to hide them. In the imperial court, talent alone is not enough; one must also be seen by others."

These are reasonable words, and Lu Qingyan respectfully agreed.

The banquet lasted until late afternoon. After seeing the guests off, Yun Shu breathed a slight sigh of relief and rubbed her temples.

"Are you tired?" Lu Qingyan asked.

"A little." Yun Shuwei sat down in the pavilion. "Socializing is exhausting; you have to think three times before you speak." She glanced at Lu Qingyan. "Did I embarrass you today?"

"How could that be?" Lu Qingyan sat down opposite her. "You did very well."

Yun Shu smiled, a hint of smugness in her smile: "Of course." She paused, "Don't take your second sister's words to heart. That's just how she is; she can't stand seeing others do well."

"I know."

"Aunt Zheng is truly looking out for us," Yun Shuwei said. "Her husband's family has extensive connections in the court. If anything happens in the future, we can ask her to put in a good word for us."

Lu Qingyan looked at her: "You invited her here today for this?"

Yun Shu blinked slightly. "Fifty-fifty. She's on good terms with my mother, so it's only right that she invites her. Besides..." she lowered her voice, "You have no connections in the court, so it's always good to make more connections."

Lu Qingyan's heart stirred slightly. These past few days, he had only thought of Yun Shuwei as a spoiled young lady, but he hadn't expected her to think so much for him.

"Shu Wei..."

"Um?"

"Thank you."

Yun Shu blushed slightly and looked away, saying, "Don't talk nonsense again." She stood up and said, "I'll go see what's left in the kitchen. We'll have something simple to eat tonight."

She turned to leave, but Lu Qingyan suddenly grabbed her hand.

Yun Shu was slightly taken aback and turned to look at him.

"From now on, you don't have to think about these things all by yourself." Lu Qingyan looked at her. "I am your husband, and I should share the burden with you."

Looking into his earnest eyes, Yun Shuwei felt a warmth in her heart, but said, "It's good that you know." She withdrew her hand and walked away quickly, her ears turning bright red.

Lu Qingyan watched her retreating figure, a slight smile playing on his lips.