Chapter 28: Sister Ying's Wedding

To speak realistically, his house would certainly have to be left to Lian'er, and a portion of his fertile fields and silver would need to be set aside for Ying'er's dowry. As for Yu'er, he would have to earn his own land and property; there was little he could do as a stepfather. All he could do was ensure he studied well and help him gather enough for the betrothal gifts. Even if he wanted to give more, he simply lacked the means.

Li Yu naturally understood this logic. Having the opportunity to study was already a great favor; how could he have the face to ask for more? Seeing her son in a dilemma, Zhang Sanniang smiled and said, "When you achieve success and fame in the future, just remember to be filial to your father, and that will be enough."

"That goes without saying," Li Yu replied, his eyes reddening as he nodded. He had long considered the old man his true father. Although the Ning family was a prominent household in Shunqing Prefecture, Li Yu truly felt that Ning Jiaoyu possessed no airs at all. Not only was he polite and courteous, but he was also very humble toward his parents. The only unpleasant person was that Madame Ning; he felt her gaze was always cold and critical. Occasionally, her words were sharp, appearing quite rude. Well, it was understandable—after all, he had "stolen" her nephew's marriage prospect. However, Li Yu did not mind; she wasn't his real mother-in-law, after all.

That day, Li Yu not only chatted and had tea with Ning Zhaoyan, but they also played polo together at the Ning estate. The young girl, dressed in a light purple polo outfit, rode across the field with vigor and grace; had she been wearing yellow, she might have looked like a little sun. Li Yu couldn't help but ask, "Does the young lady like purple?" She had worn light purple both times they met, from her hair ribbon to her shoes; she wouldn't wear it so frequently when receiving guests if she didn't truly love the color. When his sister Ying'er met Wu Jingcheng, she would have liked to change her outfit eight hundred times a day.

"Yes, my mother says that purple represents courage and boldness." Ning Zhaoyan, having noticed that Li Yu wore a different color every time they met, asked curiously, "What color does Master Li like?"

Li Yu studied all day and night; he had no particular preference. As long as it wasn't green—a color associated with being cuckolded—he felt any color would do. However, he couldn't say something so shallow to a young lady he was fond of. "Everything in this world has its own beauty; I like them all and dislike none."

Upon hearing such a profound statement, he saw the look of admiration in her eyes. Ning Zhaoyan praised him, "Master Li’s heart is broad enough to embrace all things. You are truly a sincere and virtuous gentleman. It is my great fortune to have made your acquaintance."

He had been complimented. Li Yu found it hard to suppress a grin; a beautiful girl’s praise was always so delightful. As the two chatted happily, Li Gang and Ning Duan watched from afar with relief. Li Gang was relieved that his eldest son had finally found a woman he adored, while Ning Duan was relieved that his youngest daughter still maintained her feminine virtues when out in public, not shaming him.

Li Yu had come empty-handed, not having brought a gift for Miss Ning, mostly because he wasn't sure what would be appropriate and feared causing offense. But Miss Ning had prepared a gift for him—a translucent jade pendant carved with the Eight Treasures, the intricate knotwork clearly crafted by her own hands. Having accepted a gift, Li Yu began to think about what he should offer in return next time.

"Let me see." Inside the carriage on the way home, Li Ying reached out and tugged at the pendant on his waist. Her large head and little Lian'er’s small head huddled together to admire it. After a long silence, Lian'er studied it for a while before saying, "Sister, don't hit me for being honest, but I think the knotwork Miss Ning tied is better than yours, and it looks more valuable, too." The plum blossom knot was so beautifully tied it looked almost real.

"Hmph, of course it's nice," Li Ying said, feeling a bit indignant. "If I had materials as fine as this, you'd better believe I could tie a knot even better than that!" Though she said this, she was genuinely happy. Her "bargain" of a brother was truly lucky; not only had he achieved such a high rank, but he had also caught the eye of a woman from such a good family who was so skilled with her hands.

Lian'er stuck out her tongue, signaling he didn't believe her. Seeing her stepmother was a bit upset, Zhang Sanniang quickly pulled her into her arms and soothed her gently. "Mother believes you. Our Ying'er has the most skillful hands in the world..." She spoke as if coaxing a three-year-old.

"She’s been spoiled rotten by you. Who else would coddle a child like this?" Seeing her doting so heavily on Ying'er, her biological father, Li Gang, couldn't help but speak up. He lifted the curtain to check on the Wu family's carriage behind them and said, "She is a grown woman soon to be someone's wife; why is she still so flighty?" He worried that once Meng Zhen (Wu Jingcheng) achieved success and left their hometown for an official post, his daughter’s impulsive nature would lead her into trouble.

"Father, rest assured, Meng Zhen would never bully Sister," Li Yu promised during a late night when his father couldn't sleep. "Even if Sister suffers any grievance at the Wu household, no matter how far away it is, your son will go and bring her home." His eyes were sincere and earnest, and Li Gang never doubted his eldest son's filial piety.

"It is indeed my overthinking. Passing the provincial examinations is a major hurdle for scholars; Meng Zhen might not even succeed in obtaining a post in a distant land." Yet, the boy was so fortunate that he couldn't shake the premonition that these two children would eventually leave their hometown behind.

Parents worrying for their children was only natural. Li Yu knew that no matter what he said, they would continue to worry, so he simply accompanied Li Gang in silence. Li Ying, the bride-to-be, went from the excitement of wanting to marry, to the trepidation after the betrothal, and finally to the nervousness of her wedding day.

"Sister, get on." Li Yu knelt halfway on the ground, offering his sturdy back to his sister’s bedside. With the help of the matchmaker, Li Ying, holding a round silk fan, leaned onto his back. Looking at his parents' tear-reddened eyes, Li Ying felt a sudden, inexplicable regret. She whispered in a melancholy tone, audible only to the two of them, "Had I known you wouldn't change your surname, wouldn't it have been best if I had just married you?"

That way, she wouldn't have to leave her father and mother, and they wouldn't be so sad. When brother Yu started his own family, he wouldn't have to move out, and they could remain a happy, loving family.

"Ahem..." Li Yu nearly choked on his own saliva. He knew Ying'er didn't have any romantic intentions toward him; she was just saying whatever came to mind. "Sister, don't ever say such things again. What if Meng Zhen takes it seriously?" Then they wouldn't even be able to be friends!

"He isn't that petty." Indeed, even now, despite her regrets, she still felt that Wu Jingcheng was perfect, like an immortal from the heavens. "He even asked me why I didn't choose you."

Li Yu couldn't help but roll his eyes. He had changed his surname as soon as he arrived. Choose what? Unless he changed back to the Shen surname before marrying, the neighbors would certainly gossip.

Li Ying continued, her face full of happiness, "I told him you aren't as eloquent or amusing as Jingcheng, you aren't as handsome, and all you know is studying. Being with you would surely be dull."

He had been quite pleased to hear that, praising himself for his good judgment. Li Yu thought, *Sister, do you believe I'm about to trip and fall right now just to show you?* He could accept the other points, but how could she say Wu Jingcheng was better-looking than him? Was she blind?