The Daily Life Of Mei Furen Doting On Her Husband - Chapter 3

Upon receiving a letter from his eldest daughter, Duke Yu was so elated that he accidentally smashed his wooden fish. Unlike her unreliable younger sister, his eldest daughter was always dependable. Anyone she praised must be truly commendable. It seemed that finally, his second daughter might find a match.

Curious, Wu Zhen noticed her father’s sudden daze and the tears welling in his eyes, lost in his own sorrow. She couldn’t resist playfully hitting his arm and asking, “Father, who is this person you and sister are introducing to me?”

Duke Yu snapped out of his reverie and replied, “He is Concubine Mei’s nephew.”

Wu Zhen pondered for a moment, her hand on her forehead, unsure whether to laugh or cry. “Concubine Mei’s nephew, Mei Si? But he’s only seventeen. He’s been following me around since he was a child. I know him well. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare to marry me.”

Mei Si admired her like a soldier admires a general on the battlefield—pure admiration, devoid of romantic love. If Mei Si were ever asked to marry her, he would likely be scared out of his wits.

Seeing her misunderstanding, Duke Yu sighed and clarified, “No, it’s not Mei Si. Mei Si is a fool. The Empress is talking about the eldest son of the Mei family.”

Wu Zhen rubbed her chin, trying to recall, but she couldn’t remember him. As the most socially active person in Chang’an City, she knew nearly all the officials’ sons, yet she had no impression of him, which was rather odd.

 “I can’t recall such a person. You’re not making this up, right?” Wu Zhen tapped on the small table in front of her.

Duke Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. “He is Mei Si’s cousin. His father used to be the governor of Quzhou, and he himself lived there for some time after his parents passed away a few years ago. He returned to Chang’an a year ago and now serves as a Minister in the Ministry of Justice. Her Majesty the Empress mentioned that he is a man of few words, which might suit you.”

Wu Zhen narrowed her eyes at the mention of him, someone who had managed to stay out of her radar despite being in Chang’an for a year. It seemed he truly kept a low profile.

Noticing her expression, Duke Yu became alert. “Regardless, you are not to cause any trouble this time!”

“Father, you worry too much. While others may not understand, surely you know the past failed marriages weren’t entirely my fault,” Wu Zhen said innocently, idly toying with the whip at her waist. Excitedly, she asked, “How old is he?”

Having recently returned from the palace, Duke Yu had learned of the eldest son of the Mei family’s situation from his eldest daughter. “His name is Zhuyu, and he is twenty-two this year.”

Resting her arm on the table, Wu Zhen smiled. “Mei Zhuyu? That sounds pleasant, but isn’t twenty-two a bit young? He’s four years younger than me. Even if you’re keen to marry me off, you can’t rush a young man. He’s only been back from Quzhou for a year; I doubt he’s even heard of me. Don’t trick him into marrying me only for him to regret it later.”

“What are you talking about?!” Duke Yu frowned, ready to scold his daughter when suddenly, Wu Zhen stood up abruptly and walked out.

“Father, I’m going to the palace to visit my sister and find out more about him,” she announced, moving swiftly. Within moments, she had crossed the couch, dashed down the stairs, and reached the front yard. Duke Yu was left seething, clutching his chest in frustration. He could only point at the door and shout, “Behave yourself and don’t scare Wei Zhuyu!” No one understood his daughter better than he did. Duke Yu knew Wu Zhen was fully capable of such antics.

As the door creaked open on its own, Wu Zhen’s head appeared upside down, her voice reaching her father as she reassured him, “Don’t worry, my temper has improved a lot in the past two years. I won’t scare the young man for no reason.” It was her attempt to comfort her aging father.

 Wu Zhen ventured out alone, as usual without any attendants, riding her own horse named “Hongying” towards Daming Palace.

Following the completion of Daming Palace’s renovation, the Emperor and Empress had relocated there, leaving only officials and clerks in the original Taiji Palace. Daming Palace stood close to Daning Lane, where Duke Yu’s Mansion was situated, making it a short ride away. As Empress Wu’s younger sister, Wu Zhen enjoyed considerable favor from her, even possessing the privilege to visit her sister at Daming Palace whenever she pleased.

 —-

When Wu Zhen arrived, Empress Wu had just woken up from her nap and was sitting on the couch, rubbing her forehead with a slightly tired expression. Imperial Concubine Mei, seated next to her, stood very considerately and positioned herself behind the Empress, gently massaging her temples to relieve her headache.

Wu Zhen sat at the bottom and saw how her sister, the Empress, and Imperial Concubine Mei were getting along, and sighed in her heart. Although it was not the first time she had seen it, every time she saw the two of them together with such deep affection, she could not help but feel that the jade crown on the Emperor’s brother-in-law’s head was even greener.

The current Emperor liked musical instruments and was skilled at composing lyrics and music, often neglecting state affairs. Empress Wu had been assisting him for several years and earned his deep respect. However, it was widely known that the Emperor’s favorite was Concubine Mei, renowned for her talents in singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. True to her name (Mei meaning beautiful), this esteemed concubine remained aloof and distant towards almost everyone, including the Emperor. Yet, she displayed a gentle and affectionate demeanor towards Empress Wu, her eyes often tender, as they were now——

 “Sister, are you feeling better?” Concubine Mei’s breath was as sweet as orchids, her face full of concern.

Empress Wu propped up her head and smiled at her. “Much better. Stop busying yourself, sit down.” She took Concubine Mei’s hand and pulled her to sit beside her. Concubine Mei obeyed, sitting down, yet not idle as she began pouring water.

If Wu Zhen didn’t know, she’d have thought these two were real sisters.

Empress Wu took a sip of water from Concubine Mei’s hand, glanced at Wu Zhen’s expression, and asked with a half-smile, “Did you come to inquire?”

Wu Zhen replied, “Your Highness, I heard you’ve chosen a husband for me. Is it the eldest son from the Mei family?”

Empress Wu nodded. “Yes, I have met him. He is a good man and worthy of you.”

Wu Zhen glanced sarcastically at Imperial Concubine Mei. “I heard he is Imperial Concubine Mei’s nephew. Did she perhaps put in a good word for him in your ear?”

Empress Wu, accustomed to her sister’s antics, responded calmly, “Yes.”

Imperial Concubine Mei pursed her lips and smiled. Despite being over 30 years old, her smile retained the charm and allure of a woman in her twenties. “My eldest nephew is virtuous and chaste, with no concubines. His parents passed away early, so there’s no need to worry about serving them. He has a calm personality and won’t mistreat you. He truly is an ideal match. Her Highness is concerned about your marriage, and if this can resolve that worry, I too will be relieved.”