Transmigrating to the Qi Family - Chapter 57

After dealing with matters at home, Jiang Miao breathes a sigh of relief. He discusses it with his second uncle and aunt and agrees to pick them up two days in advance. The Duke of Zhongguo’s Mansion will send someone to teach them etiquette.

On the way back, Jiang Miao asks Pei Che, “What do you need to prepare for the betrothal gifts at your place?”

Pei Che frowns slightly, thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. “I’m not sure. However, I remember that my cousin Tinghan once hunted a pair of wild geese.”

“Wild geese? What are those for? Are they kept or eaten?” Jiang Miao is startled. Aren’t wild geese protected animals?

Pei Che chuckles. “Wild geese symbolize loyalty and harmonious union. It’s customary to give a pair of wild geese as a betrothal gift to show sincerity. As for whether they are kept or eaten, I don’t know. But I don’t think they would be eaten.” He is also unsure about the fate of the wild geese.

“It’s OK as long as they’re not eaten. But wild geese are social birds; capturing just two might not keep them alive. It would be bad if they died. Let’s not give wild geese,” Jiang Miao says. How could sending birds guarantee a good relationship? Since they aren’t for eating, why harm them?

Pei Che is surprised by Jiang Miao’s compassion and, after agreeing, feels a bit troubled. “But if we don’t send wild geese, what should we send?” Besides wild geese, mandarin ducks also symbolize marital harmony and seem easier to keep. Should he send a pair of mandarin ducks?

“How about sending a domesticated goose? They can guard the house when grown, lay eggs, and can be eaten—very practical!” Jiang Miao licks his lips, recalling the taste of stewed goose, though he has never seen domesticated geese for sale on Yifeng Street.

“Domesticated goose…?” Pei Che hesitates.

Jiang Miao decides firmly, “Domesticated geese it is! Aren’t these gifts for me? I should have a say, right?” A gift should touch the recipient’s heart.

“Then I’ll listen to you.” Pei Che agrees.

Jiang Miao becomes happy and asks, “Will you be coming on the day of the betrothal gift ceremony?”

Pei Che replies, “I should be there, right?”

Jiang Miao has never been married, nor has he attended a wedding banquet in ancient times, so he isn’t clear about the wedding process. He hadn’t expected that Pei Che does not know it either.

“I’ll find out all the details when I get back.” Stimulated by Jiang Miao’s expression, Pei Che decides to thoroughly learn all the procedures once he returns.

The next day, when Pei Che comes back, he looks particularly confident, with an expression that seems to say, ‘Ask me anything; if I don’t know, I lose.’

Jiang Miao does not keep him waiting and asks again about the things he did not find out yesterday.

Pei Che explains, “The essential items for the betrothal gifts are the eight traditional items: a redwood box, a round mirror, a comb, three pieces of gold, a copper basin, an abacus, scissors, and a rice measure. Additionally, depending on the man’s family status, other items may be added.”

Jiang Miao thinks about it and feels that the items are quite reliable and usable. It seems that people in ancient times were still very pragmatic.

As for whether the groom’s family should come on the day of the betrothal gifts, Pei Che also has an answer: “At that time, my uncle and second uncle will come with the matchmaker to propose.”

“Matchmaker?” This ill-fated engagement was arranged by the emperor on a whim; he should count as the matchmaker, right?

“The emperor will send someone to witness the ceremony, and that person will act as the matchmaker.”

Jiang Miao nods, indicating he understands. It seems that getting married in ancient times isn’t easy. He wonders if common people’s weddings involve the same procedures.

Meanwhile, Emperor Liangping in the palace is also selecting the person to witness the ceremony. The person, firstly, must be someone who doesn’t get along well with both the Feng and Pei families, and secondly, must be eloquent so that the stories spread afterward will be more interesting.

Recently, Pei Che has taken leave from the Imperial Academy and hasn’t been there. Except for occasionally staying at home for a couple of days, he spends most of his time at that peddler’s house. Emperor Liangping is very curious and wishes he could have someone eavesdrop on their conversations.

Seeing Emperor Liangping’s indecision, Xu Hai recommends someone: “Your Majesty, what do you think of Lord Gao?”

“Gao Shichang? He does have a sharp tongue,” Emperor Liangping says. “But does he have any grievances with either family?”

Xu Hai smiles slightly: “Your Majesty, have you forgotten? Last year, Elder Feng goes on a tour on your behalf and executes a batch of corrupt officials, among whom is a member of the Gao family. It is said that Lord Gao, upon learning of this, sends someone on horseback to plead for mercy, promising to keep the Gao family members in line and prevent any further wrongdoing. However, Elder Feng shows no mercy and still executes that person. The enmity between the two families starts then.”

Emperor Liangping frowns. Gao Shichang is still useful to him, so at that time, he turns a blind eye to the plea and lets the two deal with it on their own.

“Master Feng is too proud and aloof, making it inevitable that he offends people. However, he does it for the sake of our Daliang. If I send Gao Shichang to witness the ceremony, would it be inappropriate?”

Xu Hai accurately picks up on Emperor Liangping’s need for a way out and immediately says, “How could Your Majesty know about the private matters of your subjects? You only think Lord Gao is capable and are sending him to witness the ceremony. What could be inappropriate about that?”

Emperor Liangping laughs, “Yes, how would I know about their quarrels? Draft an edict and have Gao Shichang attend the ceremony.”

“Your servant obeys your order.”

…

On the second day of the third month, the date Jiang Miao has arranged with his second uncle and second aunt, his carriage has just reached the intersection when he sees them already there. From their appearance, it seems they have been waiting for a while.

Seeing such a large and beautiful carriage, the couple feels a bit uneasy and doesn’t dare to step on the pedal to get on the carriage.

“I’m dirty; let your second aunt sit inside. I’ll sit outside with this young man,” Second Uncle Jiang says. His clothes are actually clean, but they are patched up, making him feel a bit inferior in front of these people.

“I’ll sit outside too!” Second Aunt Jiang quickly says. She is also afraid of damaging the carriage.

“It’s fine, it’s just me today, so there’s plenty of space inside,” Jiang Miao insists, gently urging them into the carriage.

The two sit stiffly, not knowing where to place their hands. The cushions are made of fine silk, and their hands, rough from farm work, might snag the fabric. In their rural home, anyone who owns a piece of clothing made of fine silk is considered wealthy.

“Second Uncle, Second Aunt, have some tea,” Jiang Miao says, pouring two cups of tea. The exquisite cups make them even more uncomfortable. They hold the cups tightly while drinking, afraid they might drop and break them. Second Uncle Jiang remembers that the clan leader has similar cups, which he only uses when tax collectors come every year.

Jiang Miao feels a bit helpless, unsure how to make them feel more at ease. In ancient times, the hierarchical class system is deeply ingrained in everyone’s hearts. Ordinary people naturally feel inferior when facing the nobility. The most frightening part is that this feeling comes from the heart, not just superficial submission.

The carriage travels quickly and returns before noon. Jiang Miao has the driver take them directly to the Jiang residence, where Pei Che should have already brought people from the Duke’s mansion.

From boarding the luxurious carriage to arriving at the grand mansion, Second Uncle Jiang and his wife have their worldview constantly challenged. At this moment, they finally feel some reality in Jiang Miao “marrying” into a wealthy family. Stories can be fabricated, but the mansion is undeniably real!

“Pei Che greets the two elders. You must be hungry after your long journey. I’ve arranged a light meal to welcome you,” Pei Che says. He considers Jiang Miao his benefactor, so naturally, he needs to show respect to his benefactor’s elders.

Second Uncle Jiang and his wife are stunned by Pei Che’s appearance and stand dumbfounded, unable to speak. When they finally regain their composure, they are confused by his words.

Jiang Miao quietly reminds them, “This is the person I’m engaged to, Pei Che. He says he’s prepared some food and wine for you.”

“Oh, oh,” Second Uncle Jiang quickly nods, repeatedly expressing their thanks, saying they will be fine with anything. They follow Pei Che into the main hall, where a table full of sumptuous dishes awaits them. The aroma makes their mouths water uncontrollably.

“Please take the seats of honor,” Pei Che courteously offers the seats to them, then sits beside Jiang Miao. Despite the abundance of food, only Jiang Miao eats heartily, while the other three eat sparingly, especially the couple sandwiched between the two.

Pei Che, mindful of the fact that they are Jiang Miao’s elders, tries to display his best manners. Every move he makes while eating is elegant, hoping to impress them.

But he doesn’t know that the more gracefully he acts, the more self-conscious they become. They also try to eat gracefully, fearing they might embarrass Jiang Miao.

Jiang Miao quickly finishes eating and calls Pei Che out. Pei Che, a bit puzzled, feels it is improper to leave while the elders are still at the table. But since Jiang Miao seems to be in a hurry, he excuses himself and follows Jiang Miao outside.

“Ah Miao, why did you call me out?”

Facing his question, Jiang Miao rolls his eyes. “If you keep sitting there, my second uncle and aunt won’t be able to eat. You don’t usually eat like this at my house, so why are you acting like this today?” If he didn’t know Pei Che’s character, Jiang Miao would think he is intentionally trying to show off.

Pei Che replies, “In front of elders, how can I be so casual? Of course, I must behave properly so they think well of me.”

“Is this how you usually fool your family? We’re just an ordinary family without such strict rules. If you act too formal, they’ll think you’re too reserved and hard to get along with,” Jiang Miao says.

Pei Che is a little surprised: “Is that so? Then wasn’t I very rude just now?”

“It’s not that you were rude, it’s just that they’re not used to it. Big families and us common folk have different customs. But this reminds me, I should learn from you so your family doesn’t think I’m uncouth,” Jiang Miao sighs. With such a large mansion backing him, he feels he has to be more diligent.

“At my house, unless it’s a festival or an elder calls for us, we usually eat on our own. You don’t need to change your nature; I think the way you eat is just fine,” Pei Che says sincerely, finding it hard to imagine Jiang Miao, who is usually so carefree, eating in a rigid manner.

Jiang Miao smiles without saying anything, feeling quite pleased with Pei Che’s sincere words.

The two chat outside for a while, and inside, Jiang’s second uncle and aunt have already finished eating. Looking at the empty dishes, they feel a bit embarrassed; the city folks’ plates are so exquisite that each dish is finished in just a few bites.

Jiang Miao and Pei Che, being considerate, pretend not to notice. After clearing the dishes, they sit and chat for a while. Then, Jiang Miao asks Pei Che to bring in the person who will explain the etiquette.

This person is a servant born in the Duke’s mansion, who is responsible for these matters. He has welcomed many newcomers and sent off many distinguished guests for the Duke’s mansion, so he is very skilled in wedding etiquette.

Under his explanation, Jiang’s second uncle and aunt feel much more at ease. They had been very anxious about making mistakes and embarrassing Jiang Miao. But now, it seems quite simple.

After the explanation, the servant spends the next two days practicing with them. Once everything is prepared, they just have to quietly wait for the next day to arrive.