The Daily Life Of Mei Furen Doting On Her Husband - Chapter 2

Meanwhile, Wu Zhen rode back to Daning Lane. The area was predominantly inhabited by dignitaries, their homes marked by doors facing wide streets adorned with rows of armors, giving the neighborhood a majestic appearance.

Upon reaching Duke Yu’s Mansion, Wu Zhen gracefully dismounted her horse, tossed the reins to a servant, and entered with the whip still in hand. The doorman whispered upon seeing her, “Master is waiting for the Second Lady in the main hall.”

Glancing at her attire, Wu Zhen thought about her father’s likely disappointment if he saw her in such a state. For his sake and to avoid trouble, she decided to sneak back to her courtyard and change into more conventional women’s clothing.

However, her attempt to slip away unnoticed was in vain, as her father caught her just as she was about to scale the wall. With no need for pretense, Wu Zhen followed her father into the main hall.

Wu Chundao, Duke Yu, had been a highly respected figure in his prime—brave, resourceful, adept in both civil and military affairs. He had served on battlefields, governed Luzhou, and risen to become Left Deputy of the Minister of Personnel after going back to Chang’an, eventually earning a position as one of the Three Commanders. Despite his successful career, he abruptly chose retirement a few years ago, perplexing many with his unconventional decision. He had even gone so far as to become a monk at the Xuti Temple near Nanshan Mountain, shaving his head in adherence to monastic tradition.

Despite several invitations from the Emperor and Empress to return, Wu Chundao remained steadfast in his new path, his resolute demeanor leading to his acceptance as a monk at Xuti Temple—a decision that left the Emperor and Empress with no choice but to respect his wishes.

Because of that incident, Wu Zhen, the unreliable second lady, became even more infamous. Rumors circulated, suggesting that Duke Yu was so angry with her that he had left home. Wu Zhen herself dismissed these rumors as nonsense.

However, Duke Yu maintained ties with his family despite residing primarily at the monk temple. At the end of each month, he would return to his mansion to spend a day visiting his second daughter, Wu Zhen, who remained the sole occupant—a fact that many considered pitiful.

Ironically, Wu Zhen herself did not share this sentiment. She wished for nothing more than to be left alone. When her father returned, it often felt more like an occasion for scolding rather than genuine familial connection. The routine of these visits typically involved Duke Yu slamming the table, glaring at her, and chastising her for perceived foolishness throughout the month. Wu Zhen would sit before him, her eyes vacant, listening with a blank expression—a peculiar form of emotional communication between father and daughter.

So it was unusual when Duke Yu returned home earlier than expected, just before the end of the month. Wu Zhen couldn’t help but wonder what had prompted his early return.

Duke Yu showed no inclination to explain himself. Instead, he looked disapprovingly at her attire and slammed the table in frustration. “What are you dressed like this for?” He demanded.

Wu Zhen casually seated herself beside him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She inquired, “Father, what brings you back at this time? What’s the matter?”

Duke Yu paused, momentarily forgetting the reason for his return. He gazed at his second daughter, now grown and unruly, a touch of sadness in his eyes. After studying her for a moment, he seemed unable to meet her gaze directly. He turned his head to look at the nearby curtain before finally speaking. “Her Royal Highness the Empress has sent me a letter. She wishes to arrange a marriage for you and has summoned me back to discuss it.”

Wu Zhen had never expected it to happen. She sighed in surprise and scratched her head. There was no trace of shyness on her face. Instead, she leaned on the small table and asked her father with interest, “Which desperate man dares to marry me?”

Normally, a girl should get married at fifteen or sixteen years old, and eighteen or nineteen years would also be suitable. However, Wu Zhen was already twenty-six years old and had not yet married. She could be said to be the only one in Chang’an City.

Since she was sixteen, her father, Duke Yu, and her elder sister, Empress Wu, had been worried about her marriage. Over the years, they had proposed several matches for her, but they all ended in failure.

It sounds incredible. After all, with her background and appearance, even though her reputation had some flaws, there were always suitors willing to marry her, but it had all been in vain until now. The main reason was that Wu Zhen was too unconventional.

Her first proposed marriage was with Mr. Fan from the family of Minister Fan. They were of similar status and he was not unattractive. If Wu Zhen had been like an ordinary girl, it would have been fine, but she was accustomed to being adventurous. After the two families arranged the engagement, one day she openly invited Mr. Fan to join her on a hunting trip outside the city. No one knew what transpired during the hunt, but it was rumored that Mr. Fan was so terrified that he wet his pants. Upon returning, he fell seriously ill. Once he recovered, he trembled at the sight of Wu Zhen and could barely speak. How could the marriage proposal continue under such circumstances? Thus, the engagement was abandoned.

 Later, another marriage proposal came, this time with Huang Langjun, the son of Huang Shizhong. Huang Langjun was a majestic man, tall and strong, much to the satisfaction of Duke Yu and Empress Wu. However, one day Wu Zhen decided to test her future husband’s mettle and challenged him to a horseback archery contest, which she won decisively. Unfortunately, this victory backfired. Huang Langjun began to see her more as a superior than a spouse, even proposing to become her sworn brother after she rejected his initial attempts to defer to her. Ultimately, the marriage never materialized, but Wu Zhen gained a loyal brother. Huang Langjun went on to marry, and at present, his son was several years old.

Another proposal followed, this time involving the son of Left Cavalry Commandant. This match turned out even worse. Before accepting the proposal, Wu Zhen and the prospective groom, Lu Langjun, had a heated argument. Their conflict was complicated by their similar lifestyles, both enjoying frequenting music houses. Lu Langjun was infatuated with a courtesan named Huzhu, who held him in disdain but often accompanied Wu Zhen in her outings. Rumors even circulated that Huzhu had developed an interest in Wu Zhen. Envious, Lu Langjun confronted Wu Zhen angrily, resulting in a physical fight where he ended up thoroughly beaten. Their relationship remained tense thereafter.

Subsequent marriage discussions seemed plagued by misfortune. One potential match, Mr. Chen, tragically fell seriously ill and passed away after completing only two of the six marriage ceremonies.

The cycle continued for the fifth time, the sixth time…

So Wu Zhen continued to grow older, and her reputation continued to deteriorate, making marriage increasingly unlikely. Consequently, she roamed freely through her days, whether she was taking courtesans on outings or causing trouble with officials. Even Duke Yu had given up hope for his second daughter’s marriage. He spent his days chanting scriptures, tending to flowers, and drinking tea in the Buddhist temple, seeking solace in a tranquil life.