Chapter 163: Farewell to the Old, Welcome the New
Qinghe received the telegram, and soon people arrived.
They were Bai Mingyu’s father and elder brother. Dusty and weary from travel, they arrived in Sichuan and first went to an inn to settle in. Only then did they bring gifts to visit Old Madam Bai.
Old Madam Bai, with a slight gesture, invited them into the small hall for a conversation.
They were all members of the Bai family from the North, and the two branches were fairly close. Bai Mingyu’s family had done well in business over the past two years, but nothing compared to Old Madam Bai’s substantial resources in Nanfang. Old Madam Bai was the legitimate line of the Bai family, with no other heirs, so everything was set aside for Bai Hongqi to inherit. From childhood, Bai Mingyu had been raised to see her as the future head of the household, never considering a distant marriage.
The Qinghe Bai family had already anticipated this. They repeatedly said, “When our son sent the telegram, he mentioned this matter. We have no objections and will follow your arrangements entirely.”
Old Madam Bai slightly furrowed her brows and probed, “Even if he were to marry in as a son-in-law, it would be no problem?”
Elder Bai chuckled warmly. “If it were another family, of course it wouldn’t work. But we are all kin; it can be discussed. Since we are close relatives, let me speak frankly: I have another elder son, and earlier this year, twins were added to the family. In total, I have three grandsons, so the family has enough heirs.”
Lady Bai’s expression softened considerably. She could see their sincerity.
If Bai Mingyu were marrying into another family, the Qinghe Bai father and son would have surely resisted. But since it was their own family, there was no such pressure. Bai Mingzhe still felt a bit reluctant to part with his younger brother, but Elder Bai happily sent Bai Mingyu off.
Though Bai Mingyu’s father had always stayed in the Qinghe branch, he was not rigid. Having one son remain to inherit the family business was sufficient. The other son, when Lord Bai Jiu had taken him, was expected to develop his talents elsewhere. Since Lord Bai Jiu had accepted him, Bai Mingyu could not have stayed in Qinghe indefinitely.
After talking all morning, Old Madam Bai specially prepared a lunch of hometown dishes in the small kitchen.
The marriage-in arrangement proceeded smoothly, and Old Madam Bai finally released her remaining concerns.
Old Madam Bai smiled. “After all this, we are still one family.”
Bai Mingyu’s father said, “Yes, yes. Lord Bai Jiu has always praised Miss Hongqi. She is extremely capable. My useless son can learn much from her. He is indeed fortunate.”
Both families were wealthy; when judging only by character, they were completely satisfied.
Old Madam Bai had initially been angry only because Bai Mingyu had so casually asked for the marriage, showing no formality. But after hearing Bai Hongqi recount her adventures in the underground palace, and learning of his selfless acts to save others, her heart had already softened. Her prolonging of the discussion had only been to observe Bai Mingyu’s character.
Now, seeing for herself and witnessing the Qinghe Bai family’s attitude, she confirmed it was indeed a family of good people. Old Madam Bai was satisfied and agreed to the marriage.
However, she had one condition: there must be an engagement first. After all, this was a girl she had raised from childhood; she could not bear to let her marry too early.
The Qinghe Bai family immediately nodded and said with a smile, “Of course, an engagement is fine. Our son is no longer young, and now there’s someone to guide him. Hongqi is capable both inside and out; with her there, we can rest assured!”
This time, Bai Mingyu’s father and brother traveled light but had prepared ample gifts. Old Madam Bai declined politely: “Since he is marrying in, these are unnecessary. The Nanfang Bai family will bear everything.”
The Qinghe Bai father and son exchanged glances. It was their first time sending off a son and they had little experience. But whatever Old Madam Bai said, they nodded in agreement. Bai Mingyu had already sent the telegram so firmly it could be considered a family letter: he vowed to marry only Bai Hongqi. Even ten or a hundred oxen could not pull him back.
Bai Mingyu had been busy with the family academy and the factories. By the time he returned to the Meishan residence, both families had already agreed, and his marriage to Bai Hongqi was essentially finalized.
Knowing this, Bai Mingyu was ecstatic. Bai Mingyu’s father, though weary from travel, could not help shaking his head with a smile at the silly joy on his second son’s face.
At night, Bai Mingzhe quietly knocked on his younger brother’s door and handed him the money he had brought.
The amount was so large that even Bai Mingyu was startled, repeatedly refusing. “Brother, take these back. If you or father need money, the family’s distillery business won’t lack cash. I don’t need it here; don’t set it aside for me.”
Bai Mingzhe said, “Now that you’re with Lord Bai Jiu, the family can give you houses, land, and shops, but cash is more convenient. The North has been unstable these past two years, so we could not gather much. Listen: this money was originally for your marriage and bride. Our parents have been preparing it for a long time. My wife and I also contributed. Don’t worry about the family business; you won’t lack anything. Old Madam Bai in Nanfang is handling the wedding, so we cannot take it back. Your parents said you are grown now; take this money so that after marriage, you’ll have some on hand.”
“Alright, then.” Bai Mingyu took the money bag and counted it.
Bai Mingzhe’s slight melancholy vanished at once. He smacked his younger brother on the back of the head, joking, “You little brat, count it after I leave. Counting the wedding gifts in front of me—how shameful!”
Bai Mingyu laughed. “With my own elder brother present, what’s shameful? How long will you stay? Stay a little longer.”
Bai Mingzhe shook his head. “No, we need to return. The North remains our ancestral foundation, someone must watch over it.”
Bai Mingyu felt sad. “If things get too chaotic, you can come south. Lord Bai Jiu has land in both Sichuan and Meishan and factories will gradually be built. If you come here, our whole family can still be together as before. Don’t worry, brother. I’ll handle everything.”
Bai Mingzhe smiled. “Hearing that, I’m content. These years with Lord Bai Jiu have helped me grow.”
He looked at his younger brother, patted his shoulder, and the two—now grown similarly tall—felt closer than ever.
Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Bai Mingyu became engaged to Bai Hongqi.
The Northern Bai family enjoyed a reunion meal in Meishan. Two days later, the Qinghe Bai father and son returned north. Other elders gradually departed as well. Elder Bai remained in Meishan to oversee operations. Some stayed to help build new factories, others returned to guard ancestral lands, each choosing their path and doing their utmost.
By year’s end, the family had originally planned to visit Shanghai. But He Dongting wrote, asking them to remain in Sichuan for the holiday, sparing the travel. Xie Jing called him to confirm multiple times, and the reply remained the same, so he no longer insisted.
After the twelfth lunar month, Steward Sun Fu from the East Courtyard returned with Mr. Huang, who carried a newly transcribed book, nodding and swaying in delight, hardly noticing meals for several days.
Xie Jing visited briefly, instructing the household to take care of Mr. Huang and letting him be.
With Steward Sun Fu back, the new residence was organized smoothly. Previously, Xie Jing had been busy and slightly overwhelmed, but with the old steward’s assistance, all tasks were easily managed. His burden was lightened, and he carried himself with a confident stride.
Steward Sun Fu felt a little aggrieved. He had imagined Lord Bai Jiu’s wedding countless times, and in every scenario, he was busy everywhere. As head steward of the East Courtyard, he had to oversee all operations. But this time, the Sichuan Xie family handled most of the wedding, and he only assisted; he could not even manage the banquet. He had even hidden some aged wine, waiting for this day!
The old steward felt awkward for two or three days, unnoticed by Xie Jing, though Lord Bai Jiu did notice.
One day, after finishing affairs in the study, Lord Bai Jiu summoned someone. “Tell Sun Fu that with the New Year approaching, if any servants request leave to return home, handle it as per the old rules. Also, this year is the first opening of the residence; in addition to the usual bonus, add an extra reward for him to prepare.”
Then he asked, “Where is Sun Fu? I haven’t seen him today.”
A subordinate replied, “The old steward went early to prepare the celebration money. He said you would need it, so he got it ready in advance.”
Lord Bai Jiu smiled and nodded.
Soon after, he heard noise in the courtyard and looked up.
Through the glass window, he saw Xie Jing talking to Steward Sun Fu under a tree. From afar, he could not hear the words but could see the gestures. Xie Jing showed him a bunch of keys from his waist, then reached to touch the keys on the steward’s waist. Sun Fu gently tapped the back of his hand, and Xie Jing looked at it, tilting his head.
Lord Bai Jiu, familiar with him, could read his lips.
Xie Jing had just said that now he also had keys.
Apparently, he had admired the jingling keys at the old steward’s waist. Lord Bai Jiu did not need to see to guess the tone—serious yet adorable.
Lord Bai Jiu watched through the window for a while, a smile lingering on his lips.
In the courtyard, the old steward and the young master bickered. Unlike usual, the steady steward showed slight favoritism toward Xie Jing, who had grown up under his watch.
During the New Year in the East Courtyard, many bonuses were given. Lord Bai Jiu was generous, affixing little “Fu” characters on each shiny new silver coin, distributing them among everyone. The largest celebratory coin, about a child’s palm in size, was handed to Xie Jing by the old steward.
Firecrackers sounded, red paper fragments scattered everywhere.
Though there was no Northern snow, they still celebrated a lively New Year.
Early in the morning, Xie Jing went to greet his uncle. On the carriage ride home, he nestled in Lord Bai Jiu’s cloak, pressing into his chest.
Lord Bai Jiu kissed his forehead and asked softly, “Are you sleepy?”
Xie Jing shook his head, holding him close, and after a moment whispered, “I feel like I’m dreaming.”
Lord Bai Jiu pinched his earlobe, smiling. “How could it be a dream? You must have been mischievous last night and didn’t sleep well. Once we get home, you can rest a bit more.”
Xie Jing blushed, burying his face shyly.
Lord Bai Jiu pinched his earlobe, but could not pry him out of his arms. Instead, he nuzzled gently. Soon, Xie Jing’s breathing became uneven, and he lightly bit his collar button.
Lord Bai Jiu scratched his chin, whispering, “You’re small, but your teeth are sharp.”
His fingers brushed Xie Jing’s lips, and he released the button.
Lord Bai Jiu bent down, and this time, the kiss landed on Xie Jing’s lips.
