Chapter 116: The Past is Hard to Bear
"For the devoted..."
Those words were truly harsh to hear. Song Hemei had not expected Lord Lu to speak so bluntly without any pretense.
Though this was their first meeting today, his words suggested he was quite familiar with her background and origins—it seemed he had already investigated her thoroughly.
But before she could react, Yu Yeqing had already pulled her behind him, blocking Lord Lu's gaze from her, his tone clearly displeased and guarded: "Watch your tongue. My affairs are none of your business, and you have no right to comment on the people I care about."
Song Hemei's view was blocked, but she could clearly hear Lord Lu's angry voice: "I am your father. Is this how you speak to me?"
"What you are has nothing to do with me. If you enjoy putting on airs as a father, go home and manage your own sons. Lord Lu, please leave."
Yu Yeqing pulled her slightly aside to make way, and only then could Song Hemei get a look at the man before her.
His face was rather unpleasant after being rebuffed. Standing there with his hands clasped behind his back, he showed no intention of leaving. His gaze swept over them, his brow furrowing even deeper, but in the end, he still thought of himself as a loving father. When he spoke again, his tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of patient persuasion.
"You've only been in the capital for three years, your foundation is unstable. Marrying a girl of equal status to manage your household and raise your children—what's wrong with that? If you truly like her, take her as a concubine. Why must you reject every other girl outright? You're still young, I know you're sulking with me, but you cannot disregard your future prospects."
Yu Yeqing remained unmoved. When he spoke again, his tone even carried a hint of laughter: "So a concubine is all you offer. I thought you'd say I should keep her by my side without any clear status, and when I tire of her, send her back where she came from. Then when I'm older and look back, I can wallow in self-pity and pretend to be devoted to a love that came to no good end."
Song Hemei could tell he was alluding to Lord Lu himself.
But Lord Lu himself showed no particular reaction, as if this was not the first time he had heard such words.
He paid it no mind and didn't bother to respond. Accepting that reasoning was futile, he quickly turned his attention to Song Hemei, his tone instantly becoming distant and cold: "Song, you should know that your family status is low. If you truly care about him, you should leave—"
"Enough!"
Yu Yeqing cut him off sharply, his gaze fierce: "Get out."
Lord Lu's face now could no longer bear the insult. His breathing quickened: "How dare you speak to me like this?"
"And why not? You break into my residence without permission, barge in to see my sister, and speak rudely to my beloved wife. Should I treat you as an honored guest instead?"
He released Song Hemei's hand and began rolling up his sleeves: "Must I personally escort you out?"
Song Hemei's heart jumped. She felt that if this continued, it would be disastrous, so she quickly grabbed his hand again to stop him from acting rashly.
In a place like the capital, if he threw his birth father out today, tomorrow someone would impeach him for filial impiety.
She didn't use much force. Yu Yeqing knew it was her, so naturally he wouldn't resist, but when he turned back to look at her, his eyes seemed to tremble slightly, carrying a hint of grievance. Though not obvious, she now understood him well enough to recognize this emotion immediately.
Song Hemei was startled: "What's—"
Before she could finish, she heard a voice from behind call out: "Lord Yu."
She followed the sound and saw a man of about forty, bowing with his head lowered: "Lord Yu, my master only spoke out of concern. Parents love their children—that's how it is for everyone. If you're angry with him, you'll break his heart."
Yu Yeqing looked over coldly, not responding to his words, but toward this man, he showed noticeably more patience than he had toward Lord Lu.
He took a deep breath, suppressing all his emotions as best he could: "Uncle Shen, take him away."
Shen Qi nodded with a placating smile and quickly stepped to Lord Lu's side, speaking in a low voice: "My lord, don't you know the young master's mind by now? The more you argue, the more distant he becomes. One day he'll understand that you mean well for him. The young master has been away from the capital for so long, he must be very worried about Miss Qi. Let them reunite first; other matters can wait."
The man smoothed things over on both sides, laying out a perfect stepping stone. Lord Lu was silent for a moment, then nodded along. As he passed by Yu Yeqing on his way out, he let out a heavy sigh: "What a stubborn child!"
Watching them walk away, Song Hemei looked at the back of the man who had spoken and only then realized why he seemed familiar.
Back when she had arranged to meet Shao Wen'ang at Jinjin Pavilion, she had seen Yu Yeqing talking to someone at Jufu Vegetarian Restaurant across the street. She hadn't had a chance to ask about it then, but now she thought it must have been this man.
When she turned back, Yu Yeqing was still looking at her with that grievance. With no outsiders present, his grievance became even more pronounced: "Why did you stop me?"
Song Hemei was a bit flustered and explained: "Naturally, I was afraid you'd act rashly and make a mistake. It doesn't matter if he says a few harsh words—I know your heart, and that's enough. Our affairs are between us; why does he need to understand?"
Yu Yeqing's expression softened slightly, but his voice was still low: "But I don't want him to speak ill of you, not even a little. Even more, I don't want him to tempt you with words that would make you give up. If we're talking about equal status, I'm just a country bumpkin, unworthy of you."
Song Hemei sighed helplessly and took his hand, shaking it gently: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Everything I say is true. I couldn't bear to let him speak those words trying to coerce you into leaving."
Yu Yeqing's breathing grew heavier, and there was even a catch in his throat, making her wonder for a moment if she had misheard.
"I endured so long to finally have you. And he thought he could make you leave with just a few words? I could almost—"
Song Hemei cut him off: "Alright, alright. Let him say what he wants—I won't listen or believe him. Even if he offers all kinds of benefits, I won't leave you."
"Really?"
She raised an eyebrow and answered with full confidence: "Of course, absolutely true."
Yu Yeqing lifted his gaze, his dark eyes meeting hers deeply: "What if he gives you ten thousand acres of fertile land, and gives Third Young Master a high official position with a generous salary, and then—"
"Enough, enough!" Song Hemei quickly cut him off, truly afraid that if he kept going, the benefits would be so many she might hesitate, and that would make him overthink again. She simply preempted him: "If you keep going, are you going to say he'd give me the dragon throne itself? But no matter how much you say, I will never leave you."
She spoke with such conviction that Yu Yeqing's expression finally softened.
A hint of a smile curved his thin lips: "Good. I believe you."
He spread his fingers and slid them between hers, interlacing them tightly: "Let's go. Let's go see Minglian."
"Wait a moment." Song Hemei tugged at his hand to stop him. "You can hug me for a while."
Yu Yeqing's expression flickered: "What?"
"I mean, you can hug me for a moment now. Otherwise, with you looking like this, how would it look when Minglian sees you?" Song Hemei winked at him and raised her other arm: "Don't you want to hug me?"
Yu Yeqing's Adam's apple bobbed. He bent down slightly and pulled her into his arms, his hands wrapping tightly around her waist, burying his face in her neck and nuzzling her gently: "I do."
Song Hemei couldn't help but smile. She realized now that she really did understand him—seeing the look on his face just now, she knew that's what he wanted.
He was always like this. When he felt uneasy, he wanted to hold her, to press close against her, to prove that she was right there, willing to be with him. And when he was overly happy, it was the same—he needed to confirm it wasn't a dream.
Though having the marriage certificate had eased him somewhat, Lord Lu's provoking words earlier had undone that comfort.
Her hand stroked his dark hair as she soothed him softly: "That's enough. Now that we have our marriage certificate, of course I'll spend my whole life with you. Otherwise, with the certificate in hand, even if I wanted to run, I couldn't. Don't let your thoughts run wild. You're an older brother too—don't let Minglian worry."
Yu Yeqing hummed softly in response and held her tighter for a moment before slowly letting her go.
"I'm sorry. I lost my composure."
Song Hemei made a little sound and took his arm, continuing forward along the cobblestone path: "It's fine, it's fine. Your wife forgives you—I don't mind you losing your composure."
Yu Yeqing's expression finally no longer showed the anxiety and resentment from before. His brows relaxed, and he returned to his usual gentle and courteous demeanor.
When they passed through the moon gate and the door came into view, the nervousness that Song Hemei had pushed aside surged back. She instinctively let go of the person beside her: "You're a grown man—don't be too affectionate in front of Minglian. That wouldn't be good."
Yu Yeqing didn't understand: "What's wrong with it? We're husband and wife now, and Minglian knows you're her sister-in-law."
"Just let it be. Consider it a debt I owe you—I'll pay you back later."
Song Hemei gave him no chance to argue further. Taking a deep breath, she walked forward. The maids stationed at the door saw them and bowed slightly. One of them went in to announce them, and Song Hemei stepped through the open door into the room.
The moment she saw Minglian on the daybed, she was slightly stunned. Minglian should have just turned fifteen this year. She had indeed grown taller than three years ago. Though her features hadn't changed much, they had shed their childishness. The book she had been holding was set aside at their arrival. Even back then, her striking appearance had been hard to ignore, and now she was even more captivating.
And then this sickly beauty looked at her with bright eyes and called her with a smile: "Sister-in-law."
The awkwardness that clung to Song Hemei pricked at her, but it didn't stop her from returning the smile.
When she had first met Minglian three years ago, she had already had some entanglement with Yu Yeqing, but at that time she hadn't wanted to continue. Now, however, seeing her again after she had successfully "captured" her brother—it was truly embarrassing. The nervousness other brides felt meeting their in-laws had, in her case, been entirely transferred to Minglian.
Still, she retained some rationality. Her own awkwardness and discomfort didn't matter—she'd get used to it in a couple of days. But if she didn't respond properly to Minglian's address, it might make Yu Yeqing brood again.
She stepped forward slowly: "Yes. I'm your sister-in-law now."
Song Hemei approached the bed and sat down on the round stool beside it, just as before, smiling at the young girl: "Do you want me to be your sister-in-law?"
Minglian nodded, her eyes curving into crescents. She glanced at her brother before turning back to Song Hemei: "Of course I do. What my brother likes, I like too. Even if my brother didn't like you, I would still like you, sister-in-law."
"Is that so? I was worried you might not remember me." Song Hemei teased her. "You have such a sweet tongue. You're nothing like your brother—he never says things that make me happy."
Minglian laughed. Her cheeks, which had gained a little more color than in her younger years, now flushed a faint pink, making her look even less sickly.
Thinking of it, Song Hemei quickly asked: "How have you been feeling lately? It's my fault for delaying things—I made your brother come back late. He told me you're doing better than before. That's wonderful news, but you still must be careful and rest properly."
Minglian shook her head gently: "I rarely leave the house. At most, I open the window to get some sunlight. I've always been like this. But actually, it's fine. The doctor said some people look healthy, but a simple cold can kill them. Others are frail, yet they manage to drag on year after year, living to a ripe old age. You never know. I want to be the latter."
Song Hemei reached out and gently stroked her head. The girl's hair was soft—both siblings were the same. When their heads were patted, they both dipped their chins slightly, looking obedient and docile.
Yu Yeqing had been sitting nearby, listening to them talk, chiming in with a word or two occasionally.
When the subject of their marriage came up, Minglian said softly: "My brother got what he wanted. When I received his letter, I was happy for him for a long time. I could hardly sleep that night. I think my brother must have felt the same."
Song Hemei was a little surprised. Had he spoken of his feelings for her to Minglian over these three years?
She turned to look at Yu Yeqing instinctively. He was holding a small knife, carefully peeling a pear. He didn't look up when she glanced at him, and his expression remained unchanged.
That made her curious, so she asked Minglian: "Did you know he had feelings for me? When did you find out?"
Minglian's eyes brightened for a moment, then she winked at her: "I guessed. Before, my brother always talked about you. I just thought he was very grateful to you—and I was too. But later, he talked about you a little too much. Sister-in-law, you know my brother isn't a talkative person. But he was afraid I'd be bored, so he always found time to chat with me. And most of what he said was about the Song residence—and most of that was about you."
The young girl, having known the secret in advance, perked up: "I was too young before to understand what it meant. But these past few years in the capital, he still thought of you. When he came to keep me company, he'd stare at the sachet and hairpin you gave me, lost in thought. That's when I finally realized."
Song Hemei was somewhat taken aback. Though this was unexpected, hearing it warmed her heart. No one disliked hearing that the person they loved cared about them. She was very pleased, and the smile on her lips deepened.
Minglian took her hand and her tone lifted slightly: "Later, I tested him and asked if he wanted the sachet and hairpin. He refused at first, but in the end, he took them without any hesitation."
Song Hemei looked over at Yu Yeqing. He had peeled both pears, cut them into pieces, and placed them on a plate between her and Minglian. With his eyes lowered, his expression seemed unchanged, but when he felt her gaze, he subtly turned away, avoiding meeting her eyes.
She didn't intend to question him in front of Minglian. Instead, she promised: "I'll give you more then. Things from three years ago are out of style. I have better ones now."
With that, she called for someone to bring in the prepared gifts.
A servant carried in a small chest. Encouraged by Song Hemei's gaze, Minglian opened it. Inside were interesting trinkets they had collected along the way, as well as little things she had liked when she was younger.
As Minglian looked through them, she reached out to touch each one, unable to hide the joy in her eyes: "Thank you, sister-in-law. I'm so happy."
Song Hemei only then breathed a small sigh of relief. She explained the novelty of each item she had brought. When she finished, Minglian's gaze fell on the older items, and she seemed to remember something. She turned to her brother: "Brother, what about the wine Father prepared for us? Did you and sister-in-law drink it at your wedding?"
At that, Yu Yeqing's expression finally shifted. He looked up at his younger sister and nodded: "We did. I brought back your jar too."
Minglian didn't notice his discomfort at all. She simply let out a small sigh of relief: "Good that you brought it back. I was thinking it would be a shame to leave those two jars at the old house."
Then she turned to Song Hemei with a bright smile: "Sister-in-law, did you like the wine? Father is an excellent brewer. I heard he once worked at a distillery, and because he was clever, he secretly learned the master's craft. He never told anyone about it, and since he didn't care much for drinking himself, he only used his skill on the 'daughter's wine' he prepared for me and my brother."
She paused and asked again: "Sister-in-law, did you like it?"
Song Hemei was momentarily struck dumb. She could only answer stiffly: "I did. It was very good wine."
The young girl was still young at heart, innocent and clear-minded. But Song Hemei was different now—especially after that night when Yu Yeqing had been so unrestrained, she could no longer view that wine with the same ordinary attitude.
She quickly steered the conversation elsewhere, chatting with Minglian about how she had been doing these past months, whether any servants had been negligent, or if anyone had come to see her. When Minglian mentioned that even today, Lord Lu hadn't come to see her, Yu Yeqing visibly relaxed.
Minglian's constitution was too weak. After talking for a while, she exhausted what little energy she had. Song Hemei, afraid she would force herself to stay awake out of happiness, took the lead in leaving with Yu Yeqing, urging the girl to rest and saying they would come back at dinner.
Once Yu Yeqing had pulled her back to his room, Song Hemei said: "You're really not very particular, are you? Taking your sister's things? A sachet is one thing, but why take her hairpin? Could you even wear it?"
He had his back to her as she half-teased, half-scolded him. He didn't turn around for a long time.
He knew he shouldn't have done it, but at the time, he felt utterly wretched, as if something were gnawing at the very depths of his bones, making every day unbearable. It had consumed his reason and left him drowning in regret. In the end, he took his sister's belongings to his own side, hoping to ease that bone-deep craving.
Yu Yeqing swallowed hard: "But at that time... it was really hard for me to bear."
He had struggled and agonized, believing she had abandoned him, even hated him and wished him dead. Yet he couldn't control himself—his heart had never listened to him.
Song Hemei stared at his back. She reached out, her fingertips brushing against his broad, tense spine, her tone lifting slightly: "Why didn't you say this to me face-to-face? Young Master Yu is so devoted—it makes my heart flutter."
She paused thoughtfully, then said with a smile: "What reward should I give to my faithful Young Master Yu?"
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