Zhu Yingtai's Wedding, Ma Wencai's Arrogance

Chapter 92 Zhu Yingtai's Wedding, Ma Wencai's Arrogance

Just like last year, the Zhu family of Shangyu sent people to Qiantang this year to welcome Zhu Yingtai home.

The 20th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Liang Shanbo stood in front of the school gate, bidding farewell to Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin.

Zhu Yingtai was reluctant to leave and whispered, "Brother Liang, I'm going now."

Liang Shanbo smiled and said, "Take care on your journey."

Zhu Yingtai and Yin Xin each carried a bag and arrived at the school gate. They boarded the Zhu family's oxcart and slowly drove away.

The following day was the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month.

Liang Shanbo also packed his bags, bid farewell to the school, and headed towards Liu Village in Shanyin.

In the latter half of the twelfth lunar month, the end of the year is approaching.

Inside the Zhu Family Manor in Shangyu, the loquat tree in front of the courtyard has lost all its leaves, leaving only bare, gnarled branches. Beneath the tree, a cluster of orchids stands gracefully, their leaves a pale green with a hint of frost, their tips slightly withered.

In a quiet room of the manor, a charcoal fire was burning brightly, making the room warm and cozy, like springtime.

Only four people were seated in the hut: Zhu Guang, Wei Shi, Zhu Yinghua, and Zhu Yingtai; there were no others.

Zhu Guang sat in the main seat. Madam Wei sat beside him, her demeanor dignified. Zhu Yinghua sat to the left of her mother, Madam Wei, her face gentle and graceful, her features somewhat resembling Yingtai's, but she appeared even more docile.

Zhu Yingtai sat opposite her elder sister, Zhu Yinghua. Her hair was styled in a flying phoenix bun, with fluffy, cloud-like sideburns adorned with a hairpin. She had a delicate touch of pale yellow floral powder on her forehead and wore only a light layer of face powder. She wore a short, narrow-sleeved blouse with a cross-collar and right-fastening front, and a long, flowing skirt in a contrasting color, tightly cinched at the waist. A light gauze shawl was draped over her shoulders.

When she returned to women's clothing, she became a beautiful and spirited young lady from a prominent family.

Zhu Guang's gaze lingered on Zhu Ying's table for a moment, then turned to Wei Shi.

Lady Wei understood her meaning, looked at Zhu Yingtai, and slowly opened her mouth, each word seemingly carefully considered: "Yingtai, you will be sixteen years old after the New Year, it's time to find a husband."

Your mother married your father when she was sixteen, and your elder sister also entered the Xu family at sixteen. For the past two years, you've disguised yourself as a boy to study at Wansong Academy, and your father and mother have indulged your whims. However, a daughter must eventually marry; next year, you shouldn't go to Qiantang again.

Zhu Yingtai did not respond immediately, but lowered her head to look at her hands on her knees. Her hands were long and slender with distinct knuckles, hands that were used to holding pens and even bows and arrows.

After a few moments of silence, she raised her head, first looking at Zhu Guang, then turning to Madam Wei, and earnestly said, "Father, Mother, your daughter wishes to study for another year."

Wei's lips moved slightly, as if she was about to speak, but Zhu Yingtai continued, "How could I not know Mother's loving heart? I also know that when a girl reaches adulthood, marriage should be discussed. However, sixteen is not yet an urgent time. I wish to study at Wansong Academy for another year, and it will not be too late to discuss marriage when I am seventeen the year after next."

She became even more earnest: "In the past two years, I have been in the school, reading some books and listening to many lectures, but I have realized that my knowledge is really shallow and far from sufficient. I can't bear to give up halfway, and I humbly hope that my father and mother will grant my request."

The Jin Dynasty inherited the old system of the Han and Wei dynasties, and in order to encourage people to increase their population, it often suppressed late marriage.

In the ninth year of the Taishi era of Emperor Wu of the Western Jin Dynasty, an imperial edict was issued stating that if a woman was seventeen years old and her parents had not yet arranged a marriage for her, the local government would force her into a marriage.

Although a full hundred years have passed since Sima Yan issued this edict, and the Eastern Jin Dynasty today is very different from the Western Jin Dynasty a hundred years ago, most young ladies from prominent families today will be engaged before the age of seventeen to avoid giving others cause for gossip.

Zhu Yingtai was naturally aware of this matter. Her statement that "it would not be too late to discuss marriage again when I am seventeen years old" already pushed the deadline to the last minute.

Wei Shi and Zhu Yinghua looked at Zhu Guang simultaneously, and Zhu Yingtai followed suit.

Zhu Guang remained silent.

He was naturally cheerful and adored his youngest daughter, Yingtai. When Yingtai insisted on dressing up and studying at Wansong Academy, he initially refused, but eventually gave in. Now, his youngest daughter has been at the academy for nearly two years, and every time she returns home, he feels that she has become more serene and clear-headed.

Moreover, he currently does not have a suitable marriage partner in mind.

After a long silence, he sighed and said, "Very well, let's wait another year. Since Yingtai is determined to study, let her study for another year. There's no rush for marriage."

Madam Wei's lips moved slightly, but she ultimately did not speak to dissuade him. She also loved Yingtai, and with a mother's heart, she knew her youngest daughter's temperament and that her husband still did not have a suitable marriage partner. If that was the case, waiting another year might not necessarily be a bad thing.

Zhu Yinghua remained silent throughout. She gazed quietly at her younger sister Yingtai, her eyes containing a hint of understanding, but also a subtle worry.

Zhu Yingtai bowed to her parents, and as she straightened up, she could not hide her relief.

In truth, she had already secretly planned that when she returned home at the end of next year, she would again plead with her parents to allow her to continue studying at Wansong Academy with Brother Liang the year after. But she also knew that if she pleaded like this again next year, it would be extremely difficult.

The Ma family of Shangyu was the largest and most prominent family in Shangyu County, especially known for its powerful private army.

The Ma family's vassals and retainers numbered as many as two thousand, and were well-trained. In this respect, they were not much inferior to the Xie family of Chen Commandery.

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Ma Yue was the head of the Ma family, around forty years old, with a robust build and a rugged face. His wife, Wang Jingshu, came from the Langya Wang clan. Although she belonged to a collateral branch, the name "Langya Wang clan" was a prestigious title.

The couple had only one legitimate son, named Ma Wencai.

Despite his name, Ma Wencai was quite robust, with broad shoulders and a straight back. He had practiced martial arts since childhood and was skilled in archery and horsemanship. However, he was arrogant and few of his peers could catch his eye.

One day during the Lunar New Year, the sky was clear and the winter sun shone warmly.

In the Zhu family manor, a tall chestnut horse came to a stop with a long neigh, and a young man in brocade robes dismounted. He had a jade belt hook around his waist, a black fox fur coat over his clothes, and black leather shoes on his feet. His whole demeanor was imposing, heroic and noble.

This young man was none other than Ma Wencai.

When Zhu Guang heard from a servant that Ma Wencai, the eldest son of the Ma family, had come to visit, he hurriedly ordered someone to invite him into the hall.

Ma Wencai entered the hall, and without being impolite, he bowed respectfully to Zhu Guang: "Uncle Zhu, Happy New Year. My father has sent me with an invitation; please take a look."

After speaking, he took out a letter and presented it with both hands.

The letter was written on stationery, and the handwriting was neat and tidy; it was written by Ma Yue himself.

Zhu Guang took the invitation and read it. The invitation stated that Ma Yue and his wife, Wang, would be hosting a banquet at the Ma family manor the next day, and invited Zhu Guang and his wife, Wei, to attend. It also specifically requested that Wei bring her youngest daughter, Zhu Yingtai, to accompany them, as Wang was eagerly anticipating the meeting.

After reading the letter, Zhu Guang gently closed it, already having a plan in mind. Although Ma and Zhu had some dealings in the past, they could not be considered close friends. This time, Ma Yue and Wang Jingshu suddenly invited him to a banquet during the Lunar New Year, and sent their eldest son Ma Wencai to deliver the letter, and even specifically requested that Yingtai accompany him, which was somewhat unusual.

Zhu Guang smiled and said to Ma Wencai, "I'm grateful for your kind nephew's trip. Please inform your father that I, my wife, and my daughter will definitely attend the banquet tomorrow."

Ma Wencai bowed again, straightened up, turned around and strode away.

Zhu Guang then summoned Wei Shi and Zhu Yingtai and told them about the Ma family's invitation to a banquet the next day.

Zhu Yingtai was somewhat displeased upon hearing this.

Although her father didn't say it explicitly, she could vaguely sense something was amiss. His insistence on taking her along this time suggested the Ma family had ulterior motives.

Two years ago, she met Ma Wencai once, and he treated her somewhat rudely that day. His arrogant demeanor made her uncomfortable. Moreover, she now had someone she loved, and her feelings for Brother Liang had deepened.

With this in mind, she looked at Zhu Guang and asked, "Father, may I not attend the Ma family banquet tomorrow?"

Zhu Guang remained silent for a moment before saying, "Yingtai, the Ma family is the most prominent family in Shangyu. They have extended a kind invitation and specifically mentioned your name. It would be extremely impolite of you not to attend. It's just an ordinary banquet, and your father and mother are both here, so you don't need to worry."

Zhu Yingtai didn't say anything more.

She knew her father's words were reasonable; the Ma family was powerful and she couldn't easily offend them. It was just a banquet, and with her parents accompanying her, she figured nothing bad would happen.

The next day, the sky was clear and bright.

Zhu Guang, accompanied by Wei Shi and Zhu Yingtai, arrived at the Ma family manor by oxcart.

The Ma family manor was naturally a fortified settlement, covering a vast area, much larger than the Zhu family manor. With high walls and deep moats, it was heavily fortified and majestic, resembling a small city.

The banquet was held in the main hall and the side hall of the manor.

The main hall was for male guests, and Ma Yue entertained Zhu Guang there.

The side hall was where the women entertained themselves; it was here that Wang Jingshu hosted Wei Shi and Zhu Yingtai.

Several calligraphic works by famous calligraphers hung on the four walls of the main hall, and cushions were laid out on the floor. Ma Yue sat in the host's seat, and Zhu Guang sat in the guest's seat. The two exchanged toasts, and their conversation consisted mainly of topics such as the abundance or scarcity of farmland and recent news from the court.

In the side hall, the scene was quite different. The charcoal fire burned warmly, and Wang Jingshu sat in the main seat, dressed in luxurious attire, a single hairpin adorning her hair.

The crimson gold phoenix hairpin shone brightly. Behind her stood several maids and servants, their hands at their sides, holding their breath.

Lady Wei sat in the guest seat, while Zhu Yingtai knelt beside her mother, her expression serene and composed.

Wang Jingshu and Madam Wei exchanged pleasantries at the banquet, their conversation revolving around nothing more than wishes for a peaceful year and the well-being of their families. They also talked about Zhu Yingtai. During the meal, Wang Jingshu's gaze frequently fell upon Zhu Yingtai, but she didn't engage in much conversation with her.

During the middle of the banquet, Wang Jingshu suddenly smiled slightly at Madam Wei: "Madam Zhu, there are more than ten yellow plum trees in the back garden, and they are in full bloom right now. It is rare for you and your daughter to come here, why don't you go and take a look? After you have enjoyed the yellow plums, you can come back and continue drinking."

Wei found it strange and agreed with a smile.

The people of Jin revered nature, and their banquets were inseparable from the landscape and gardens. In the manors of wealthy families, it was a common and elegant custom for the host to invite guests to leave their seats to admire the scenery during the middle of the banquet.

Immediately, Wang Jingshu, along with Wei Shi and Zhu Yingtai, rose from their seats and headed to the back garden.

The back garden was quite spacious, with artificial hills and flowing water, and plum branches leaning horizontally. The dozen or so yellow plum trees were indeed in full bloom despite the cold, filling the garden with a delicate fragrance that was refreshing and invigorating.

Wang Jingshu walked ahead, chatting with Wei Shi side by side, while Zhu Yingtai followed behind her mother.

Reaching a yellow plum tree, Wang Jingshu suddenly stopped and smiled slightly at Madam Wei: "Madam Zhu, I have a few words I wish to discuss with you privately. Would you please have your daughter wait here for a moment while we walk over there?"

Wei glanced at Zhu Yingtai. Although she felt a little strange, she couldn't refuse out of politeness.

Zhu Yingtai could only stand under the yellow plum tree and watch her mother and Wang Jingshu walk slowly away along the pebble path until their figures disappeared behind the artificial hill.

As she was admiring the yellow plum blossoms, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Ma Wencai walking towards her.

She suddenly realized that this was not a chance encounter. Wang Jingshu had sent her mother away just now to create this opportunity for Ma Wencai to meet her.

She stood still, without retreating, her calm expression unchanged, only her gaze turning colder.

Ma Wencai walked up to her and stopped.

Zhu Yingtai was tall and slender, considered tall among women her age, but Ma Yingwen was more than half a head taller than her.

At this moment, Ma Wencai looked down at Zhu Yingtai, his gaze sweeping over her face, a smile playing on his lips: "Miss Zhu, it's been two years since I last saw you, and you've blossomed into a stunning beauty. Especially your eyebrows and eyes, so exquisitely formed, unlike those of ordinary women, your beauty seems to conceal a touch of swordsmanship. Such grace, I doubt you can find another like you in Shangyu."

A surge of anger welled up in Zhu Yingtai's heart.

According to etiquette, Ma Wencai should have addressed her as "Miss Zhu," which would have been more dignified and appropriate. Simply calling her "Miss Zhu" was already excessive and inappropriate. Moreover, this person's direct comments on her appearance and demeanor went beyond ordinary pleasantries and were downright arrogant and rude.

She steadied herself, her gaze growing even colder, her tone carrying a hint of sternness: "Young Master Ma, please address me as Young Lady Zhu. Furthermore, there is a difference between men and women; it would be improper for us to meet here alone."

Ma Wencai showed no sign of backing down, his smile deepening: "We've met before, why be so formal? You know I, Ma Wencai, have always disdained such empty formalities. With your looks and character, how could any ordinary woman compare?"

Zhu Yingtai looked at him coldly and said firmly, "Young Master Ma, I have no prior acquaintance with you. Today, the Ma family is hosting a banquet, and I am a guest, while you are the host. Does Young Master Ma not even know the proper etiquette for a host? Please step aside."

After saying that, she turned to walk around her.

Ma Wencai, however, wouldn't let her pass. He took a step forward and blocked her way again: "Why are you angry? Every word I just said came from the bottom of my heart. If you don't like me calling you 'Miss Zhu,' I'll change how I address you from now on, how about that?"

He paused slightly, lowering his voice a few decibels: "Ninth Sister, that nickname sounds lovely, gentle yet with a unique charm. From now on, I'll call you that; it's most appropriate. What do you say?"

Zhu Yingtai stared at Ma Wencai, her gaze as cold as ice in the first month of the lunar calendar.

"Ninth Sister" is her nickname, a nickname that even her closest relatives no longer use. Yet Ma Wencai somehow found out about it and dared to call her that so openly, showing such frivolity.

This is not a gesture of goodwill, but an overstepping of bounds; it is not intimacy, but an insult.

"Young Master Ma, your address just now was not merely a casual remark, but a deliberate offense. I advise you to be more mindful of your manners."

After Zhu Yingtai finished speaking angrily, she turned around and walked away in another direction with her head held high, without looking back.

Ma Wencai stood there, watching her retreating figure, watching the light gauze shawl on her shoulders flutter gently in the wind. Far from being angry, a slight smile played on his lips as he muttered to himself, "Indeed interesting! The Ninth Sister of the Zhu family, not only is she exceptionally beautiful, but her temperament is also fiercely independent. Only a woman like her is worthy of me, Ma Wencai. Go ahead and be angry, go ahead and leave; the more you act this way, the less I'll let go!"

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