China by Edward Rutherfurd (latest novels to read TXT) 📗

“Should I leave him word that I spoke to you?”

“What for? I shall speak to him myself. Whereas if you try to contact him again when he has asked you to be patient, he might feel a little insulted. He’ll know how to reach you in Jingdezhen, as will the estimable Mr. Peng, no doubt. Travel back there as soon as you like.”

So he did. The very next day.

◦

As the wedding drew near, Mr. Yao’s family were all delighted with Bright Moon. His elderly mother, his sisters, his aunt, his nieces and nephews and cousins. The needlework she had sent was exquisite. The women had all met her face-to-face and declared that she was beautiful, and charming, and respectful, and good. And even if some of them found her accomplishments a bit too far above their own, they all agreed that, since Mr. Yao was about to become a gentleman, this was the girl they needed.

The only person of consequence in Jingdezhen who had not met the bride was the bridegroom. Nor would he, until they were married. That was tradition, and everything was being done correctly.

For Shi-Rong, these were happy days. He enjoyed having this beautiful young woman in his house. And the fact that Mr. Yao had circulated the rumor that Bright Moon might be more than his adopted daughter added to his local reputation in an agreeable way. The beauty of the girl’s mother, who was known as his former concubine, was taken as further proof that the prefect of Jingdezhen was a man whose taste matched his rank.

Since the bridal party should include another male relation, Mei-Ling had brought California Brother with her. Though his manners were somewhat rustic compared with those of his mother and sister, he was quiet and friendly. And if asked, he was happy to give an account of the strange wonders of America.

Only one thing irked Shi-Rong. Mei-Ling and her daughter shared a room, and the mother insisted that she should remain with her daughter every night. He had secretly hoped that Mei-Ling would make herself more available to him. But as she did not offer, he said nothing.

—

The wedding was a great success. Of course, Bright Moon wept as she was carried to the bridegroom’s house. A girl was supposed to show grief at being parted from her loving parents. She didn’t look overjoyed when she met her husband. But no doubt with a little time, and her husband’s careful attention, she’d be happy enough.

The toasts were made, the presents given. Bright Moon served the guests. Both her husband and, equally important, his family were well satisfied.

It had cost him money, Shi-Rong reflected, but it was the right thing to do. He was glad he’d done it. All was right with his world.

Almost all. But not quite.

He was surprised the next day when Mei-Ling came to him, looking rather concerned. “May I sit down?” she asked. “There is something I need to discuss with you.” He nodded. She sat opposite him. “I have come to ask a favor,” she said.

“Another?”

“I had a bad dream last night.” She paused for a moment. “Many years ago, Nio gave me some money. It was the only money I ever had in my life. I kept it hidden. And it helped me through difficult times.”

He frowned. “Your family is not so poor now, though.”

“That is true. My bad dream was about Bright Moon.”

“Bright Moon?” What could she be talking about? “I have just found her a rich husband,” he pointed out. “She’ll never want for anything in her life.”

“I know.” She hesitated. “But in my dream, something had gone wrong. Her husband had divorced her. Sent her home.”

“Why?”

“My dream did not explain. But she had nothing.”

“If she does something bad, if she were unfaithful, her husband could throw her out and keep her dowry. But not otherwise. You’re surely not suggesting she would do that?”

“No. Of course not. But that’s how it was in my dream.”

“This was a foolish dream. If it happened, she would be greatly to blame. She would be disgraced. Though her family might look after her, I suppose.”

“We spent so much giving her the education and all that she would need to make such a marriage, I do not think her brothers would want to help her.”

“I would not blame them.”

“And I could not help her, because I have no money at all. You gave me money before, but I have spent it by now. But if you could just give me a little, as Nio did, I would keep it secretly, so that if I ever had to, I could help her.”

Shi-Rong stared at her. Was she trying to extract something for herself? No, he thought, that was not her way. She was telling the truth, however foolish her fear might be. He felt angry, given all the expense he’d just incurred; but he was touched as well. She was in distress and she’d come to him for help.

And the truth was, he could afford it. Indeed, the moment he heard the good news from Beijing, his fortune would be so assured that he’d hardly even notice any amount of money he was likely to give her.

So he smiled. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said. “There’ll be something.”

“Thank you.” She bowed her head. “This means a great deal to me.”

It was the custom on the third day for the bride and bridegroom to visit her parents’ house. They were welcomed with warm smiles and celebrations. With a big smile, Mr. Yao presented Shi-Rong and Mei-Ling with the customary gifts and addressed them as Father and Mother. Everybody seemed happy. The ritual of wedding was now complete.

—

The messenger from Beijing arrived at the prefect’s house at noon the following day. Along with various packages and official dispatches, he brought a personal letter from Lacquer Nail. Eagerly, before even opening the business documents, Shi-Rong went into his study to read