Chapter 117: Great Joy

"Don't be angry, it's not worth ruining your health over such vile things. Dongzhu is getting married tomorrow. Even though she's a maid, we've never treated her as a servant. Will you go have a drink?"

"Dongzhu's wedding doesn't merit my personal attendance; there are rules that cannot be broken. Since Gangzi is away, let Weiguo go. As the manor's steward, his presence represents the household perfectly. It will ensure the groom's family doesn't look down on her, without violating protocol."

The old master answered without a second thought. In his eyes, aristocratic protocol was paramount, and not a single step could be overstepped.

"Very well, I'll send Weiguo tomorrow. You know, once she's married off, there will be one fewer person in this house who dares to speak up to me. I really wanted to go and show some support."

"Nonsense. You cannot go. If anyone goes, it must be Baolai in your stead. Never let a servant cause you to break protocol—that distinction must be kept clear."

The old master spoke sternly. If he were to find out that Cai Cong had ignored these social hierarchies, he would surely beat him with his cane.

"You are right; we mustn't break the rules. Go back and rest; you must be tired. I'll have the servants help you wash up."

Cai Cong laughed it off. There was no point in arguing with the old man now. Even if he wanted to go, he couldn't; the Emperor had ordered him to stay home and reflect on his mistakes.

Cai Jie had never left the manor; the sight of those decaying corpses would give her nightmares. After dinner was arranged, she and the four maids hid in their room whispering. They were all in the prime of their youth, and the sudden separation left them feeling reluctant.

The next day, Xu Jie arrived at the side gate of the Marquis's manor on a fine steed, wearing flowers in his hair and a thick layer of rouge and powder on his face to welcome his bride.

At first glance, Cai Cong almost mistook him for a monster and was startled. The others, however, kept praising what a handsome groom he was. Seeing that they were sincere and not just flattering him, Cai Cong felt he couldn't comment on the aesthetics of this era.

Usually, a bride should be carried to the sedan chair by her brothers, but Dongzhu was a lonely soul—where would she find brothers? Xu Jie, showing no disdain, carried her onto the sedan chair himself. This gesture greatly satisfied the people of the Marquis's manor, and they conveniently forgot about the "warning sticks" the groom was supposed to endure.

"Xu Jie, even though Dongzhu has only been with us for a year, she is like a sister to my mother. If you dare to let her down in the future, don't just worry about me—my mother certainly won't spare you. Do you understand?"

Cai Cong spoke loudly. Inside the inner courtyard, Cai Jie and the other three girls were crying until their faces were a mess, quite a sight to behold.

Dongzhu was sobbing uncontrollably, clinging to the sedan chair and crying that she wouldn't marry, that she wanted to stay and serve the mistress. Everyone's faces turned pale with fright. The matchmaker frantically pulled the curtains shut to keep her inside, while Cai Cong and the others offered comforting words.

*What a joke,* Cai Cong thought, wiping away a cold sweat. *If they don't get married now, wouldn't they hate me to death later?* After Xu Jie promised repeatedly that he would treat Dongzhu well, he finally mounted his horse and led the sedan chair toward his home.

Cai Cong was very curious about the ancient wedding ceremony and wanted to see it, but the old master kept such a close eye on him that he didn't dare go.

"Don't think your great-uncle is being heartless. Keeping you and your mother away isn't just about social hierarchy; it's also for the sake of those two children. Think about it: if you both went, everyone would crowd around you, and even Xu Jie's parents would feel constrained. Could they possibly enjoy their own wedding?"

Great-uncle lay on his rocking chair, waving a palm-leaf fan leisurely. He understood far more than Cai Cong and his mother, and naturally knew what would happen if they showed up.

"You are right, but your concern is a bit redundant. His Majesty has ordered me to reflect at home; I cannot leave. I went out yesterday to deal with the plague, which was justifiable, but if I dare go out today, I fear the Emperor would send someone to break my legs!"

"Tang Yi, tell the kitchen to prepare a feast for the manor tonight. Everyone eats. Consider it our celebration for Dongzhu." Cai Cong said with a smile. If he couldn't go, he couldn't go; the point was to be happy, and the sentiment was what mattered.

Seeing that Cai Cong understood, the old master stopped watching him and walked away slowly, followed closely by two servants carrying his rocking chair.

"Sigh, he walks with such an air of distinction, yet why do I feel like I'm walking with a limp?" Cai Cong muttered, leaning on his cane as he limped toward the study.

Before lunch, a servant reported that Xu Jie's relatives had arrived, claiming they wanted to thank the Marquis in person for his generous gifts.

"Hmm?"

Cai Cong was puzzled. They were busy hosting guests at a wedding; why come to thank him now? Despite his confusion, he had them brought in.

"This official pays his respects to the Marquis." The man was tall and dignified, wearing a brocade robe from Shu, a jade belt, and expensive deer-skin boots.

*A mighty-looking man,* Cai Cong thought to himself. "No need for formalities. How are you related to Xu Jie?"

"I, Xu Jingzong, am a clan uncle of Xu Jie. I currently serve as a compiler in the imperial court. I have come today on behalf of my cousin's family to thank the Marquis for his generous gifts."

Xu Jingzong wished his own son could befriend a servant of the Marquis's manor. Not to mention the gold and jewelry sent as wedding gifts, even the dowry for a mere maid included the most famous pastry shops in Chang'an—that was a golden hen that laid eggs!

"They have been loyal to me, so I naturally wouldn't treat them poorly. There was no need to come and thank me in person. I imagine the wedding is quite busy, so I won't keep you here for a meal, Magistrate Xu."

Cai Cong spoke casually. Xu Jingzong didn't look like he was here just to give thanks. Who comes to express gratitude empty-handed, with eyes darting around like that?

"That is true. This official will take his leave." Xu Jingzong kept his expression neutral, but as soon as he stepped out of the manor, a look of deep regret crossed his face.

*Wasn't it said that this Marquis was easy to talk to? Why this 'strangers keep away' attitude?*

In truth, Xu Jie's family was a distant branch of the clan. Xu Jingzong wouldn't have bothered to attend the wedding if not for the chance to climb aboard Cai Cong's ship. He had volunteered to come to thank the Marquis, but he was too anxious and showed his intentions too clearly. He had forgotten to bring a gift and spent too much time thinking about how to make a lasting impression, only to end up annoying the Marquis, who promptly showed him the door.

He walked back to Xu Jie's house, feeling unsettled. The place was lively. The couple had already bowed to their parents and to each other, and the bride was in the bridal chamber. Xu Jie was walking from table to table with a wine jar, drinking toast after toast, his face flushed—whether from rouge or wine, it was hard to tell.

"Cousin, you're back! Hurry and take your seat. Did the Marquis accept the gift? Did he look pleased?" Xu Jie asked enthusiastically.

Xu Jingzong gave an awkward smile, wishing he could slap himself. Only now did he remember he had forgotten the gift. He was filled with regret.

"Haha... The Marquis said that as long as you two live a good life, that is better than anything else." Xu Jingzong didn't admit his mistake and spoke only in pleasantries.

Perhaps feeling guilty toward Xu Jie, Xu Jingzong didn't mind the coarse soldiers around him. He accepted every drink offered and, once in high spirits, even told a few bawdy jokes about Xu Jie, making everyone laugh and comment that this relative was a good man, a high official with no airs.