Chapter Thirteen: The Ancestral Hall of the Yu Family

The next morning, the rain had cleared and the sky was bright. Fish Youwei betrayed none of the anxiety or shyness expected of a bride-to-be; instead, she leaned against the veranda pillar, laughing carelessly as she watched her cousin bathe the little white bear. Women, regardless of age, adored small, furry animals, and her cousin’s fondness for them was particularly acute—this little bear would surely endure much these days.

It was the first time the little white bear had ever been bathed, and it was thoroughly unwilling. Yet, under the unscrupulous threats and temptations of its mistress, it had no choice but to submit. At least Mu Yuyan, that silly girl, had soft hands; as she rubbed and scrubbed, the experience became rather pleasant.

“Sister Wei, the water seems cold. The bear might get sick, right?” Mu Yuyan asked, tilting her pretty face upward.

“Ha! You could soak this cub in ice water for ten days or half a month, it still wouldn’t get sick.” Ignoring the bear’s resentful stare, Fish Youwei glanced at the maid, Qiaomei, who had just come in from the courtyard, and said leisurely, “Take your time, it’s fine.”

Qiaomei had originally gone to fetch hot water, but returned empty-handed, her expression odd.

“The second young master sent word—he requests that miss go to the ancestral hall now to honor the ancestors,” she murmured.

Hearing this, Fish Youwei’s expression became as strange as Qiaomei’s. A woman entered the ancestral hall only twice in her life, and only in her husband’s family: once when marrying, and once after death. An unmarried girl could not enter. What were the men of the Fish family planning? Genuinely curious, she adopted a “go with the flow” attitude and followed Qiaomei to the ancestral hall.

The road leading directly to the ancestral hall was paved with carved blue bricks, flanked by ancient pines and cypresses, lending an air of profound tranquility. Before the hall lay a white stone square, making the gate tower seem even grander and more imposing. By the time Fish Youwei arrived, several people were already standing on the stone.

Four of the family’s senior men were present. Among the younger brothers, all were there save Fish Shiyu; the aunts and sisters had not come.

Qiaomei quietly explained the identities of the four men standing at the center. The eldest uncle, whom she’d met yesterday, stood in the middle; to his left was the eighth uncle, Fish Tianzuo, and to his right was the fifth uncle, Fish Tianming. Next to Fish Tianming stood the seventh uncle, Fish Tianyou. Apart from the eighth uncle, whose kindly smile was most welcoming, the others wore quite stern expressions—it was unclear whether this was their natural demeanor or if they disapproved of her.

The eldest uncle gazed at her with an air of authority, almost as if scrutinizing her. When Fish Youwei ascended the steps before the ancestral hall, he said, “Youwei, daughters are not permitted to enter the ancestral hall. Today, you are called here because you were raised outside. At the door, kneel and pay respects to the ancestors and your father, so they know you have returned home.”

Was this their way of showing that the Fish family still valued her as an illegitimate daughter? Fish Youwei wanted to laugh, but instead she performed the ceremony calmly. Since she could not sever ties with the family, she might as well comply. After her bow at the door, Fish Shixiang entered the hall to offer incense on her behalf. Suddenly, she felt an urge to cry.

In her previous life, she had no father or brothers to protect her, drifting like duckweed in the wind. In this life, she clung to her widowed mother. Thankfully, her late father was born into a distinguished family; over the years, the Fish family must have protected them, allowing the orphaned mother and daughter to live in peace. At this thought, she felt a measure of gratitude toward the Fish family, despite lacking any sense of belonging—she still hoped for their prosperity.

While Fish Youwei was lost in thought, the eighth uncle smiled and said, “Alright, your father knows you have returned home, and must be pleased. Tomorrow is your joyous day. Though I can do little for you, your eighth aunt has cooked several homely dishes for you today, so you’ll have something to remember. Whenever you crave them, you’ll think of returning.”

“Thank you, eighth uncle and eighth aunt.” Fish Youwei smiled faintly, with less aloofness and more warmth.

Fish Shiyu appeared then, grinning as he chimed in, “Then I’ll benefit from Ninth Sister’s occasion. Eighth Aunt’s cooking is unrivaled in East Ling City; it’s a rare treat.”

“Very well—your eighth uncle will host a welcome luncheon for you, and your eldest uncle will host another in the evening.” After a pause, the eldest uncle looked at Fish Youwei with meaningful eyes. “Youwei, you are a clever child. Remember: a married daughter is not like water thrown away. Whether your life in your husband’s family is pleasant or not is closely tied to your natal family.”

“Yes, I understand.” Fish Youwei replied coolly, her tone more distant than before, her deep eyes betraying no emotion.

Seeing her indifference, the eldest uncle felt unsettled and waved everyone away.

Fish Shiyu sent Qiaomei to fetch Mu Yuyan, then accompanied Fish Youwei and the eighth uncle. Lanwei Residence was in the western wing of the Fish estate, while the eighth uncle’s Emerald Lotus Garden was in the east. When they arrived, Mu Yuyan was already there, chatting with the eighth uncle’s daughters.

“Yuyan arrived first,” Fish Shiyu greeted with a smile. Mu Yuyan glanced at him, her face suddenly crimson, and she leapt to Fish Youwei’s side like a startled rabbit, nestling into her arms.

After the sisters exchanged greetings, Fish Youwei tried to go pay respects to the eighth aunt, but was stopped. The eighth uncle told her to stay in the hall and play, as he went to help in the kitchen. Seeing her surprise, Fish Shiyu laughed, “Eighth uncle and eighth aunt are close; whenever she cooks, he always assists. We’ll just sit and wait.”

The eighth uncle’s eldest daughter, Fish Cuiwei, smiled warmly, “Ninth Sister, just sit down—even we don’t go help.”

“That’s right. Sixth Sister, take Yuyan outside to get acquainted with the surroundings. She’ll be living here now; she needs to know her way,” Fish Shiyu said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Fish Cuiwei.

Fish Cuiwei quickly rose, gathering her sisters and leading Mu Yuyan outside.

Without preamble, Fish Youwei said, “The Fish family is in a turbulent time. If you can’t protect Yuyan, send her back to Mu Manor.”

“Is Mu Manor truly safer than the Fish family?” Fish Shiyu countered, then continued, “Eighth uncle’s household is simple—just three sisters, and eighth aunt is a compassionate woman. Yuyan won’t fare worse here than at Mu Manor. Besides, if she really were sent back, given your grandfather’s muddled ways, would she have a good life? You’re still a lady of the Fish family; the Fish family has never neglected you financially. They gave Mu Manor the same allowance as the legitimate sisters, even paid your maids and wet nurses extra each month. Over these years, how has your grandfather treated you?”

Fish Youwei was silent. She knew well her grandfather’s coldness. She’d once thought she and her mother depended on Mu Manor, unaware the Fish family provided for them. Now, she realized those funds had been pocketed by her grandfather, forcing her mother to take jobs to support her, and she herself had never been regarded as a proper granddaughter.

“You’re bound to marry someday, and marrying a fool is less trouble than marrying a clever man. I’ll also have to marry eventually—high-born girls, humble-born wives. Yuyan’s family background is lacking, but she’s blessed and has a good temperament; marrying her will not bring trouble.”

He flashed a grin at Fish Youwei and lowered his voice, “Most importantly, you care for her. If I need help in the future, I can count on you.”