Fulang’s Little Inn C2

Chapter 2

He would never marry into the Wu family.

He had seen far too many men who were fickle and ungrateful—men to whom one gave wholeheartedly, only to be repaid with indifference. Even his uncle, a man well-read, honest, and proper in conduct, had privately exchanged letters with a confidante outside the household. From that, Shu Rui had long understood that men who remained devoted, whose affection did not fade amid the dull trivialities of everyday life, mostly existed only in third-rate operas.

Though he did not expect that he would one day encounter a truly good man, he would certainly not jump into a pit of fire knowing full well the other party was no such person.

His aunt wished to use his uncle’s upbringing as leverage against him. If he were truly weak-willed and without resolve, perhaps for the sake of repaying kindness, he might really have agreed.

But while he acknowledged the debt he owed the Bai family, it did not extend so far as to require repaying it with the entirety of his latter life.

Back then, his father had served as an official in Chaoxi Prefecture. Though the post was insignificant and hardly worth mentioning, he had nonetheless managed to accumulate some savings. When Shu Rui was seven and his parents passed away, his uncle brought him back to the Bai household to raise him, and the Ji family’s assets were brought along as well.

In the early years, when the Bai family was weak and poor, even the private school his uncle ran had been set up using his parents’ silver.

Over the years, it was true that the Bai family had sheltered him while he was young, allowing him to grow safely to eighteen. Yet the expenses of raising him had all been paid from his parents’ money.

To put it bluntly, the Bai family had taken him in out of kindness—but without his parents’ silver to smooth matters over and fund household affairs, the Bai family would likely not be enjoying today’s spacious residence, nor the comfort of having three to five servants attending them.

Now that he had grown up, the money his parents left behind had already been thoroughly scraped clean and spent by his aunt. With no silver left to squeeze out, turning her sights onto him himself was simply too greedy.

Shu Rui stayed in his room the entire day, going nowhere. When night fell, he shut the doors and windows, then carefully retrieved a palm-thick long box from beneath the bedboards and opened it.

Inside lay a shop deed, along with several strings of copper coins—twelve guan in total.

Ever since the silver his parents left him had been searched out and taken by his aunt time and again, he had gradually grown up and learned to understand things, seeing clearly what kind of person she was. Only then had he developed some wariness, slowly setting aside small sums for himself.

As for the shop deed—it was for a shop in Chaoxi Prefecture, and the only item among his parents’ belongings still remaining in his possession.

It had been placed into his palm by his mother on her deathbed, said to be part of the dowry she had prepared for him. He had always kept this deed carefully hidden, not even letting his uncle know of it.

Thinking back, when he was young and still innocent and foolish, his aunt would often cry to him behind his uncle’s back about how hard life was. Fortunately, he had not handed over this shop deed as well.

At the time, he had tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep, feeling selfish over keeping it. But now it seemed that had he not harbored that small bit of selfishness back then, in his current predicament, he truly would have had no road left to walk.

If he did not wish to submit to his aunt’s arrangements and marry into the Wu family as a continuation wife, then this shop in Jizhou was now his only destination.

Shu Rui clenched the shop deed tightly. He knew this would not be a safe or smooth path. A lone young ge’er leaving the Bai household to support himself and build a life—how could that be easy?

The few scattered copper coins he had saved would hardly be enough to accomplish much.

But what if he stayed here?

Even if, through great effort, he managed to escape marrying into the Wu family this time, what would the next time bring? In others’ eyes, he was nothing more than a commodity to be sold at a good price. So long as he remained, he would only ever be used.

The oil lamp in the room cast a faint glow reflected in Shu Rui’s clear eyes. His gaze abruptly hardened. Between the two choices, he was willing to choose the former.

That very night, Shu Rui resolved to head to Chaoxi Prefecture and quietly began making preparations.

This was not a matter of acting on impulse and leaving on a whim. Chaoxi Prefecture lay far away—already beyond the jurisdiction of Jizhou Prefecture where he currently lived.

Without careful planning, if he simply shouldered a bundle and rushed out, he would likely be caught and dragged back before even reaching the county seat.

He steadied himself—maintaining calm appearances within the Bai household while secretly laying his plans.

At the beginning of April, on a fine, clear day, the Wu family wasted no time in sending over the betrothal gifts.

Several large chests were carried into the Bai residence. There were no gongs, no drums—everything arrived quietly and without fanfare.

Shu Rui watched in secret. Madam Jiang was ordinarily fond of bustle and display, yet for this marriage—normally an occasion ripe for spectacle—she proceeded with great caution. It seemed she herself found the alliance with the Wu family somewhat disgraceful and did not wish outsiders to gossip.

Though this marriage was said to be with him, the betrothal gifts arrived in one sweep, yet he was not permitted even a glance. Once the Wu family’s people departed, the items were immediately transferred into his aunt’s storeroom. Not even a list of the gifts was shown to him.

Such conduct—where was there even a shred of respect?

Shu Rui had no intention of marrying into the Wu family and thus did not covet the betrothal gifts in the least. Yet his aunt’s manner of swallowing everything whole was truly unsightly.

In previous years, she had played the poor victim, taking advantage of his youth and gullibility to seize his money and belongings. Now that his own funds were tight, he would have to find a way to scrape some silver back from her.

His eyes turned slightly. That evening, he went to the main house.

“The weather’s warming now. In summer, one uses handkerchiefs and towels more often. Since I’m still at home and have plenty of free time, I was thinking of buying some cloth to make a few more.”

Standing before Madam Jiang, Shu Rui lowered his head.
“…They can be packed into the chest and used over there as well. I heard that the price of summer cloth has risen again this year…”

Madam Jiang immediately heard what he was after—he wanted silver from her.

She had never been generous and instinctively shot him a sideways glance.

“Those small items—having too many is useless. There’s no need for you to buy cloth. Everything will be included in your dowry.”

Seeing this, Shu Rui continued, “I also wanted to make some for Aunt, and for Elder Brother and Second Brother as well. Once I go there, though I’ll surely still miss Aunt and my brothers, it won’t be as easy to see you as when I’m at home. Since I’m free now, I thought to show more filial piety and leave more keepsakes between us.”

Hearing this, Madam Jiang was not particularly moved, but with everyone under the same roof, appearances still mattered. It would not do to refuse him outright.

She could have given him cloth from the household stores, but she knew mentioning handkerchiefs was likely just a pretext to ask for silver.

She did not wish to indulge him, yet having just received the Wu family’s generous betrothal gifts, she was in a good mood. Moreover, provoking resentment at this juncture would not be wise.

Spending a little silver to keep matters calm was the lesser evil.

“It’s thoughtful of you to remember the family. Doing needlework is a good thing for a ge’er. When you go to the Wu household, though servants won’t be lacking, handmade things are still different.”

“While you’re still at home as a ge’er, prepare some. Once you’re married and become a fulang, you won’t have so much free time.”

She added coolly, “The auspicious date isn’t far now—three or five months will pass in the blink of an eye. Though the family has prepared everything for your dowry, there will always be things missing. If you lack anything, take the trouble to prepare it yourself.”

With that, she called for Nanny Li to bring money.

Shu Rui saw the plain cloth-wrapped silver—about ten taels.

His eyes narrowed slightly. For his aunt to part with this much silver was rare indeed. It seemed the Wu family’s betrothal gifts were truly generous.

But this chance to scrape silver from her hands might only come once. If he could take more, he would.

He slowly accepted the silver, neither thanking her nor leaving. Instead, he raised his eyes to look at Madam Jiang.

“Aunt—did the betrothal gifts arrive today?”

Madam Jiang shot him a cold look, displeasure already rising.

Suppressing the irritation of having her wealth eyed, she replied, “Those items are being kept for you for now. They will naturally be added to your dowry later.”

Shu Rui lowered his head, holding the silver. “I was merely curious about the arrangements. Seeing them once would put my heart at ease.”

Madam Jiang’s brows drew tightly together. She was on the verge of losing her temper, but she restrained herself.

“I’ll urge them to finish tallying the gifts. When the list is ready, I’ll let you have a look.”

Shu Rui murmured his assent, then, looking somewhat hesitant, asked, “Earlier, when I was young, Aunt said she would keep my parents’ belongings for me until I married. I was wondering about my dowry…”

Madam Jiang’s expression darkened visibly, though only for a moment. She quickly forced a smile.

“Of course everything has been arranged properly. Look at you—are you afraid your aunt swallowed it all?”

“It’s my poor phrasing. Please don’t take it to heart. I never understood managing money before, and in the future I’ll need to learn. That’s why I spoke too much.”

Madam Jiang adopted a benevolent expression. “You’re right to think ahead. The Wu family has a large household—managing it will fall to you. Learning now will only help you later. I’ll have the household accountant teach you bookkeeping another day.”

With that, she exchanged a glance with Nanny Li. Shortly after, another ten taels were brought out.

“Take this for your expenses. Don’t be frugal. Once the betrothal gifts and dowry are properly arranged, I’ll call you to look them over.”

Shu Rui accepted the silver. Only then did he reluctantly thank her, his head lowered. As he left the room, the corner of his lips curved upward slightly.

“Madam gave Rui-ge’er ten taels—why give him another ten?” Nanny Li asked in surprise.

By Madam Jiang’s usual standards, such generosity was rare. Even the eldest young master seldom received this much at once.

Madam Jiang was already seething with irritation. “Didn’t you see his look when I gave him the first ten? Asking about betrothal gifts here, dowry there—he just wanted money. If I didn’t give him some, who knows how he’d cling and pester!”

Nanny Li fell silent.

From what she knew of Madam Jiang, the Wu family’s betrothal gifts would certainly all be kept by her. As for Shu Rui’s dowry, it was unlikely to be anything presentable.

Otherwise, there would have been no need to shell out silver now just to placate him.

Madam Jiang said angrily, “That ge’er is full of tricks. He thinks he’s climbing a high branch and now dares to put on airs with me.”

Nanny Li thought to herself that anyone would want to at least see their own betrothal gifts. To have everything seized outright—no matter how mild-tempered one was, resentment was inevitable.

But she dared not voice such thoughts, only saying, “It’s already kind of Madam to give Rui-ge’er silver for expenses.”

Madam Jiang was about to speak again when—

“Elder Brother’s studies cost a great deal. I asked Mother to make me two sets of fine spring clothes for outings, and she only made one. Yet here she is, giving silver so freely to someone unrelated.”

Before Madam Jiang could finish, a ge’er slightly older than Shu Rui lifted the curtain and stepped out from the inner room.

Seeing him, Madam Jiang scolded gently, “Who would ever shortchange you? Is one new outfit really worth complaining about for days?”

Second Young Master Bai sat down beside her, lips pursed in displeasure.

Madam Jiang said, “I’ll give you a few strings of coins to make another set.”

But he was still dissatisfied. “You gave him a full twenty taels, yet I get so much less. The Wu family sent such generous betrothal gifts—why give him silver at all?”

“Those betrothal gifts entered the Bai household—they no longer belong to him.”

Madam Jiang snapped sharply, “He’s spent many years in the Bai household, consuming food, clothing, and resources. And he still has the face to covet the betrothal gifts? Betrothal gifts are meant as filial offerings to the elders of the bride’s family.”

“When your brothers marry, there will be enormous expenses. Fortunately, the Wu family sent so many fine items. We’ll pick a few to make his dowry—what remains will be considerable. Otherwise, I truly wouldn’t know how to manage the two of you.”

Second Young Master Bai snorted. “As if I care to use his betrothal gifts.”

The words lacked conviction. In truth, he could not help being tempted by items even his mother called fine; his resentment stemmed more from not wanting Shu Rui to have anything good.

“Such childish talk,” Madam Jiang said, soothing him with a few words until he finally returned to his room, appeased.

Once he left, Madam Jiang dropped the benevolent expression and instructed Nanny Li, “Keep an eye on Rui-ge’er. He looks obedient, but he has his wits about him. Don’t let him stir up any trouble before the marriage.”

Nanny Li acknowledged the order.

Back in his own room, Shu Rui tucked the silver into his clothes, his eyes noticeably brighter.

Though he knew his aunt was delighted after taking the Wu family’s vast betrothal gifts and displeased by his probing, he had still managed to scrape a bit of oil from an iron rooster.

In the past, living under another’s roof, he had always avoided provoking her in the slightest. Now, he no longer feared making her openly displeased.

After that day, Shu Rui used the excuse of purchasing supplies with the silver he had received to go out shopping, heading to town every two or three days.

At first, someone from the household followed him under various pretexts. Seeing that he only wandered through leather shops, clothing stores, and cosmetic shops, they reported this privately to Madam Jiang.

Second Young Master Bai, hearing that Shu Rui was constantly shopping, grew unhappy and went to check on him.

Seeing that the powders and creams Shu Rui bought were all old stock that only made his complexion look worse, he mocked him openly and covertly, then lost interest and stopped bothering him.

Madam Jiang, hearing nothing amiss, also loosened her surveillance.

During this time, the Bai family’s eldest son, who studied in town, returned home on leave and angrily confronted Shu Rui.

“How can you marry into a merchant household like that? Rui-ge’er, you’re young and shallow in judgment. Marriage isn’t something you decide based on wealth alone. Our family is, at the very least, scholarly. That Wu family are mere traders—and worse, he’s already aged and a widower. What will outsiders say about you?”

Listening to this earnest speech, Shu Rui found it almost laughable.

Looking at Bai Dalang, he said, “I am only a ge’er. All matters must be decided by Aunt. I’m young and don’t understand these things. I only know this marriage was chosen for me by Aunt, and I don’t know what sort of family the Wu household truly is. Since Elder Brother says it’s not a good match, why not speak to Aunt on my behalf?”

Bai Dalang fell silent for a moment, then said, “In any case, you shouldn’t agree for the sake of wealth. Things that look bright on the surface are rotten inside. Think carefully. I speak for your own good. You studied poetry with Father in past years—you should be able to discern right from wrong.”

With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.

Shu Rui had no interest in arguing with him. This man was clearly the greatest beneficiary of the marriage, yet he came spouting such sanctimonious words—it made Shu Rui feel sick.

So this was the refined, courteous scholar others admired.

He sneered inwardly and decided to wait and see—if he truly refused this marriage, how would the entire family react?

Shu Rui put these matters aside. Seeing that Madam Jiang no longer watched him closely, he secretly sought out a reliable cart driver, purchased gazetteers of Chaoxi Prefecture to read at night, exchanged his silver and copper coins for easily carried banknotes, and asked passing merchant caravans about road inspections and checkpoints along the official routes.

He left early and returned late each day.

Seeing him constantly bringing things home, the household servants gossiped privately, saying he admired wealth so much that he was even happy to marry a half-aged man as a continuation wife.

Yet to his face, they congratulated him, currying favor and asking him not to forget them once he entered the Wu household.

At the end of April, Shu Rui returned from the county again. In town, he bought several fresh fish with few bones and plump flesh from fishermen just back from sea, then smilingly told the household servants:

“Thank you all for your congratulations. How the future turns out—we’ll have to see. I can’t promise anything, but I appreciate your goodwill. Today I bought some fat fish. This afternoon I’ll make fish balls for soup—tonight everyone can eat to their fill.”

Fish balls were always welcome. When the old master was still alive, the servants’ meals had been decent enough. Ever since Madam Jiang took full control of the household, it was nothing but bland vegetable soups, scraping all the oil from their bellies.

Moreover, everyone in the Bai household knew Shu Rui’s cooking was excellent.

Delighted, they crowded around to thank him.

Inside, Madam Jiang heard that Shu Rui was treating the servants to fish balls and scoffed. “He’s really putting on airs. Does he truly think the Wu household is some land of blessings?”

Yet though Madam Jiang disliked anything Shu Rui did, seeing him frequently shopping, preparing things for himself, and even spending money to treat the servants—so long as he caused no trouble and obediently awaited marriage—she felt more at ease.

In her mind, once Rui-ge’er married over, there would be nothing left to worry about.

And yet, on the very last night of April, when night had fallen, the moon hung high and the stars were sparse—

The Bai household’s gatekeeper had just eaten a large bowl of soft, springy, fragrant fish balls. Sitting down heavily on the stone stool by the gate, yawns overtook him. He felt unusually drowsy after such a filling meal.

What he did not know was that the delicious fish ball soup had been laced with a mild sleeping powder. Unaware of when it happened, he slumped against the gate railing, already snoring loudly.

At that moment, a plain-clothed figure—having calculated the timing precisely—adjusted the bundle on his shoulder, lifted the chest in his hand, and in the blink of an eye slipped out of the Bai residence, vanishing into the night.

A gentle night breeze blew. Shu Rui sat on the donkey cart arranged long in advance, not stopping at the town to rest, heading straight toward the county city instead.

 

Bai Dalang = Eldest Brother Bai

 

(Dalang) means = Eldest son