Chapter 166: Loyalty
Several days later, the official robes and imperial decree arrived at the Pei Residence together.
After Madam Lu received her official title, her mood was extremely good; she could eat and sleep well. Her entire spirit visibly improved.
Madam Fang stayed by Madam Lu’s side all day. Madam Lu found her nagging and noisy: “Stop following me all the time. I won’t go out wandering, nor will I speak carelessly.”
Madam Fang paid no heed to what Madam Lu said and continued following her. Madam Lu complained loudly in words, but was actually used to having Madam Fang by her side.
On this day, Meng Dalang and Meng Liulang brothers came together to the Pei Residence to pay a visit.
Meng Dalang’s leg was severely lame. Meng Liulang supported his brother into the main hall, where they greeted Madam Li, Madam Lu, and the luggage together. Madam Li smiled and said: “The two General Meng are too courteous. A few years ago when we arrived at Changping County, we relied on the Beiping Army’s protection to gradually establish ourselves. Now the Beiping Army guards the Son of Heaven, while our Pei Family Army is stationed in Yan Prefecture; we are all loyal to the Emperor. We should look after each other.”
Meng Dalang smiled and said: “Madam, every word you said hits exactly what my brother and I are thinking. The Meng Family is left with only me and Liulang; there are no elders at home anymore. In the future, we brothers will come often to pay respects to Madam.”
Madam Li smiled gladly: “I must write a letter to Qinghe Yatou and tell her about this. With you brothers looking after us here in Bohai Commandery, Qinghe Yatou can be slightly more at ease.”
While Meng Dalang spoke with Madam Li, Meng Liulang did not interject, his gaze drifting uncertainly, lost in thought.
Madam Li looked at Meng Liulang and smiled warmly: “If this old woman remembers correctly, Young Master Liu is two years older than Qinghe Yatou, so he should be nineteen this year!”
Meng Liulang nodded in affirmation.
Then, Madam Li, like all enthusiastic old women under heaven, inquired whether Meng Liulang had a favored miss and when he would marry and have children.
Fearing his sixth brother might speak nonsense, Meng Dalang smiled and took up the conversation: “Right now, we brothers must lead troops; we might go to war at any time. Sixth Brother has no thoughts of marrying and starting a family for the moment.”
Madam Li smiled and sighed: “Qinghe Yatou is the same. She is already seventeen, yet not the least bit anxious about her lifelong affair. Shi Yan abandoned his family and business to come to Pei Family Village, managing the money and grain treasury for the Pei Family Army, busy from morning till night every day. We elders see this deep affection and sincerity in our eyes. In the future, she must not betray Steward Shi.”
Meng Dalang was quite interested in the part about Shi Yan abandoning his family and business: “We brothers here in Bohai Commandery have poor access to news. We only heard that Shi Yan went to the Pei Family Army—what exactly happened, Madam? Please tell us.”
Madam Li was old but clear-minded. She said nothing about the Pei Clan’s internal family division strife and only recounted how Shi Yan sought refuge in Pei Family Village.
Meng Dalang praised Steward Shi for his keen insight.
Madam Li smiled: “Qinghe Yatou has never mistreated Steward Shi. She trusts and values him, handing over the money and grain to him. Now several armies in Youzhou are each seizing territory; the magnates are truly suffering greatly. The Shi Family and Wang Family, backed by the Pei Family Army, are very secure.”
The Meng Brothers had lunch at the Pei Residence before taking their leave.
After returning to the Meng Residence, Meng Dalang said to Meng Liulang: “Today we visited the Pei Residence; you know all that should be known.”
“You refused to be a son-in-law and resolutely left Pei Family Village that day. But Shi Yan was more than willing; he threw away his family business, was expelled from his home, yet still went to Pei Family Village.”
“Since you made your choice, there’s nothing to regret. Stop missing Sixth Sister Pei; marry soon and have children to continue the Meng Family line.”
Meng Liulang did not know which words pierced his heart and lungs; his handsome face tensed with an ugly expression as he stiffly replied: “I don’t want to marry right now.”
Meng Dalang sighed: “My leg is injured; the doctor said I can no longer have children. If you don’t marry, the Meng Family line will end with us brothers. When we go to the Yellow Springs underworld later, how will we have the face to see Father?”
Meng Liulang turned his head to the side.
Meng Dalang shifted his leg and turned half a circle, continuing to face Meng Liulang: “Chancellor Pang is an Eastern Palace veteran and the Emperor’s most relied-upon confidant civil official. His granddaughter came of age this year and is a beauty of flower-like countenance and moon-like visage.”
“Chancellor Pang privately gave me a hint. As long as you go to propose marriage in person, this marriage will be settled.”
“Marriage alliance is the most secure political alliance. Chancellor Pang wants to co-opt us, and we need Chancellor Pang’s support in court. Meng Ling, you are no longer an ignorant young man; you must shoulder the heavy responsibility you ought to bear.”
Meng Liulang suddenly looked up and met his brother’s gaze: “Our Beiping Army stands on military merit; we need no marriage alliance.”
Meng Dalang calmly replied: “With military merit and marital assistance, wouldn’t that be even better?”
Meng Liulang irritably turned his head to the other side: “In any case, I don’t want to marry right now.”
Meng Dalang said: “I’m not asking you to marry immediately. You can first go to the Pang Family to propose marriage, settle the engagement, and marry after the war ends in a few years. If you die on the battlefield, the engagement automatically dissolves, and Miss Pang can remarry.”
Meng Liulang: “…”
Meng Liulang was so angry he laughed, turning his head back: “You’ve planned everything; why consult me?”
“This is your lifelong affair; I must get your consent.” Meng Dalang said unhurriedly: “If you refuse to go in person, I as your elder brother can go propose marriage on your behalf; that would also be reasonable.”
Meng Liulang pursed his thin lips and stared at Meng Dalang for a long time before sighing dejectedly.
This was conceding.
Meng Dalang also sighed: “Liulang, it’s not that I don’t feel sorry for you. Right now, we brothers are squeezed out by Madam Zhang everywhere; military expenses are given sparingly. In over a year, we’ve recruited only over two thousand new recruits, total strength just four thousand, not even as much as before.”
“We must avenge Father, our brothers, and the fallen Beiping Army officers and soldiers; we must revive the Beiping Army. Marrying into the Pang Family benefits us greatly with no harm. Miss Pang is a noble lady, wise and beautiful; it is no grievance to you.”
Meng Liulang’s heart ached faintly.
Yes! He himself chose to leave Pei Family Village, abandoning the girl he liked for the sake of pride and self-respect.
Now, what face did he have to regret it?
He had to continue down this path.
“In two days, I’ll go with you to the Pang Family to propose marriage.” Meng Liulang said with difficulty.
Meng Dalang nodded gratified: “Good; your going shows greater sincerity in seeking her hand.”
…
A month later, news of the engagement between the Pang Family and Meng Family spread.
Madam Li and the other old women did not go out; it was Pei Jia who heard this good news outside.
Madam Li smiled: “I’ll write a letter to tell Qinghe Yatou about this happy event.”
Madam Lu still could not bear to hear Pei Qinghe’s name and sneered: “Sixth Sister Pei is full of ambition; how could she care about such a small matter…”
Madam Fang hurriedly pulled Madam Lu aside, sparing everyone the deafening noise.
This letter was sent back to Pei Family Village by fast horse on Pei Jia’s orders.
Eight days later, the letter reached Pei Qinghe’s hands.
