Chapter 19: Hualan Presents the Fragrant Sachet

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Several young ladies quickly rose to their feet and bowed. “Brother Zhao of the Zhao family, greetings.”

Cheng Changbai smiled warmly and spoke, “Brother Zhao… no, that’s not right. Nowadays I suppose I should call you brother-in-law. Just yesterday, my eldest sister quietly asked me what you’ve been up to lately.”

“Changbai…” Hualan’s face suddenly flushed, and after casting a sideways glance at Zhao Han, she hastily lowered her head.

Zhao Han turned and looked at Hualan with a teasing smile. “Did you say a good word about me?”

“If not, then I’ll have to take back that Fishing by the Wu River painting.”

Ignoring Hualan’s attempt to stop him, Cheng Changbai shook his head and grinned, “The saying goes: when receiving money and doing favors, only I told my eldest sister that you’ve been diligently studying day and night at home, all for the honor of bringing home a marriage proposal!”

“Grandmother, look at them…”

Hualan furrowed her brows slightly, her cheeks flushed deeply. Her delicate fingers twisted the handkerchief nervously as she cast a pleading glance toward Madam Cheng.

Madam Cheng chuckled softly twice.

“All right, all right. If you keep this up, our Hualan might just hide away in her room from embarrassment.”

Wang Ruofu and Cheng Hong both wore faint smiles on their faces.

Seeing their daughter and future son-in-law so well matched was truly a source of joy.

“I’ve heard that recently the second son of the Marquis of Ningyuan often accompanies you?” Cheng Hong asked softly. The moment the Marquis’s legitimate son left Yangzhou without incident, the city’s officials felt more at ease.

“That’s right. Young Master Gu is preparing to travel to Bianjing with me,” Zhao Han answered sincerely.

Gu Tingye was busy managing the various shops of the Bai family. Even though Gu Yan had sent several letters urging him to return, he was adamant about staying.

“That’s good. At least you’ll have someone to look out for you along the way.”

Cheng Hong stroked his beard and smiled, thinking to himself that Zhao Han’s friendship with the Marquis’s heir might well provide some assistance in his official career in the future.

After conversing with everyone for more than an hour,

seeing Madam Cheng’s tired expression, Zhao Han stood up to take his leave.

Just as Cheng Hong was about to suggest that Changbai accompany Zhao Han out, Madam Cheng said, “Let Hualan go. Changbai wants to visit the scholar Zhuang anyway.”

The old lady glanced meaningfully at Hualan. “Hualan is most courteous and surely will see Brother Zhao safely to the second gate.”

While Cheng Hong and Wang Ruofu were momentarily stunned, Hualan stood gracefully and accepted, “Grandmother, rest assured. Your granddaughter understands.”

She quietly smoothed a non-existent wrinkle on her sleeve and nodded slightly to Zhao Han. “Brother Zhao, please.”

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Watching their figures disappear into the hall, Wang Ruofu frowned and looked at Madam Cheng in confusion.

“Mother, why did you ask Hualan to accompany him? If word gets out, wouldn’t that be improper?”

Madam Cheng took a slow sip of hot tea. “You two are such blockheads. Hualan has been secretly embroidering a fragrant sachet for half a month, just waiting for the chance to give it to Brother Zhao.”

“Besides, this is a marriage that’s already been agreed upon. Having the two children talk a bit more won’t hurt.”

“Moreover, as his mother, aren’t you well aware of Hualan’s character? She’s the most proper and well-mannered girl—she would never do anything inappropriate.”

Leaning back in his chair, Cheng Hong smiled, “Mother’s right. It’s better they talk more now than keep a formal distance after marriage.”

He then turned his gaze to the three young ladies.

“Brother Zhao prepared several gifts when he arrived and has already sent them to each house. Go check them out quickly.”

“Yes, Father.”

The three responded together. Rulan lifted her skirt and eagerly hurried outside.

After Mo Lan and Ming Lan properly bowed, they turned to leave.

On the other side, the two walked leisurely through the courtyard. Hualan deliberately lagged half a step behind, maintaining a respectful distance.

“Big Sister, is there something you want to say?” Zhao Han noticed her hesitation and slowed his pace.

Hualan pursed her lips, her fingertips instinctively stroking the fragrant sachet hidden in her sleeve.

“Changbai said you’ll be leaving for Bianjing in a few days. Since I can’t see you off, I specially prepared this for you.”

With that, Hualan quickly pressed the sachet into Zhao Han’s hand.

Zhao Han looked down at the palm-sized sachet in surprise. On the fine bamboo-green satin, a winding lotus pattern was embroidered with even, delicate stitches. Hidden within the subtle design were the four characters: “Path to Lofty Clouds.”

Hualan’s ears reddened slightly as she forced calm and asked, “Do you like it?”

“Your kindness, Big Sister, of course I do,” Zhao Han replied without hesitation and carefully put the sachet away.

Hualan smiled gently, radiant as spring blossoms.

Unconsciously, they had reached the second gate.

Traditionally, a young lady from a respectable family never stepped beyond the main gate, much less the second. For Hualan, a bride-to-be, this was a rare exception.

She paused, lifting her bright eyes like clear autumn waters, and softly said, “Brother Zhao, take care.”

Zhao Han nodded and cupped his hands in salute. “Thank you, Big Sister, for seeing me off.”

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At Wei Xiaoniang’s residence, Ming Lan’s eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at the gifts Zhao Han had sent. She couldn’t help but exclaim,

“Wow, this golden Ruyi collar must be from Big Brother-in-law to Brother!”

She carefully placed the collar around Liu Ge’er’s neck, making him flail his arms excitedly.

Wei Xiaoniang smiled gently. “This is quite extravagant. Our eldest brother-in-law is truly generous.”

Xiaodie stood nearby and whispered, “I just heard from the nurse in the front yard that each of the young ladies received different gifts. It shows Big Brother-in-law put a lot of thought into it.”

“Miss, Big Brother-in-law also sent a painting,” Ming Lan said with a puzzled expression, cautiously unrolling the scroll.

Wei Xiaoniang focused on the image: Lady Li clad in bright armor, standing sword in hand atop a city wall engulfed in flames, her expression resolute and majestic.

Her face changed instantly as she murmured, “It’s ‘Lady Li Defends Niangzi Pass.’”

After a moment of inner struggle, Wei Xiaoniang stroked Ming Lan’s head.

“Ming’er, you must keep this painting safe. One day, become a woman like Lady Li.”

Lady Li was the third daughter of Emperor Li Yuan in the Tang dynasty. Equal to men in valor, she led troops to repeatedly repel the Sui army, securing the city for her father with unshakable strength.

Ming Lan nodded, half understanding. “I understand, Miss.”

Rulan’s almond-shaped eyes grew wide and round, her heart filled with joy as she examined the various rare trinkets in the chest.

She clutched a particularly exquisite cricket cage. “Mother, look! Big Brother-in-law even knows I like cricket fighting!”

Wang Ruofu turned his head and glanced at her, “You only think about cricket fighting. Have you memorized the Thousand Character Classic yet?”

“If your father or second brother ask about your studies, I won’t be on your side.”

Rulan pouted and took a step back, holding the cricket cage.

“I’ll play with it for half an hour first, then study. Since it’s a gift from Big Brother-in-law, if I don’t use it, wouldn’t I be wasting his kindness?”

“By the way, what does Mo Lan have? More or less than me?”