Chapter 37: You’re Mine

The young woman possessed striking features—an exquisite face graced with a tear-shaped mole at the corner of her eye and a nose tip flushed red from the cold, lending her a delicate, enchanting allure. Yet she remained oblivious to her own beauty, her bright eyes reflecting a pure, untainted innocence that would have stirred guilt or pity in most. But not in Wei Zhao. His heart was like stone. He barely spared her a glance before turning away.

Yu Tingwan spoke with quiet determination, “I know you don’t want to burden or hold me back. But this path is my choice—even if I stumble and fall, I’ll accept the consequences. You needn’t try to dissuade me.”

Wei Zhao’s eyes grew distant. Not a single word was what he wanted to hear. He staggered past Yu Tingwan without response.

Yu Tingwan: ???

Wei Zhao stepped into his room, about to close the door, when he found himself followed by a persistent shadow.

“Don’t follow me.”

Yu Tingwan tried to reason with him gently, “Can I look inside? After all, I’ll be living here soon.”

Compared to the dilapidated old house, Wei Zhao’s room was far superior. It contained wooden chairs and tables crafted by Wei Shouzhong himself, their quality matching any store-bought furniture. The bed, though not large, could comfortably accommodate two. Yu Tingwan, who despised the cold, already imagined sharing the quilt’s warmth with Wei Shen.

Wei Zhao had never encountered someone so brazenly presumptuous. But exhaustion had drained his will to argue. He stumbled toward the bed, intending to lie down.

It was then that Hui Niang entered carrying a bowl. Finding Yu Tingwan in Wei Zhao’s room was unexpected, but given their impending marriage and the countryside’s relaxed customs—especially considering Wei Zhao’s poor health—such formalities seemed unnecessary.

“Wan’er, come eat something,” Hui Niang said warmly. “Since you’re so close now, there’s no need to cook separately. Just join us for meals.”

Understanding they would soon be family, Yu Tingwan didn’t stand on ceremony. “Then I’ll come help with the cooking fire, Aunt.”

“Perfect!” Hui Niang directed Yu Tingwan to sit on one of the stools.

Wei Zhao lay there, almost lifeless, staring blankly at nothing.

Hui Niang explained, “Your uncle and I have been taking turns watching over him at night. The floor’s too cold for sleeping, so we brought that small couch from Xiao Niang’s room. It makes things cramped, but once you’re properly married, we can move it out.”

Yu Tingwan sipped the sweet potato porridge, savoring its perfect consistency and warmth. The sweetness spread through her body, bringing comfort she’d never known—neither in the old house nor even at the Hu family home. Despite Hu Dazhu and Hu Dalang being skilled farmers, their household had always been tight with money, stretching every coin to support their scholar son.

She listened intently as Hui Niang continued with slight embarrassment, “One tael of silver as a betrothal gift seems inadequate for a daughter-in-law like you. But we truly can’t afford more.”

“I understand,” Yu Tingwan replied softly.

She didn’t refuse the betrothal gift—it was her due. Whether the Wei family gave it was one matter; whether she might use it later to help the family through difficult times was another. Besides, the elderly couple was too honest to accept a daughter-in-law without offering something in return.

“Still, we must provide what you need,” Hui Niang insisted. “Your uncle went to the mountains early this morning to cut wood. He’s planning to make two chests for you. You and Ah lang should look around and tell us what else the room needs—we’ll get everything together.”

Warmth bloomed in Yu Tingwan’s heart. “Alright.”

Before Hui Niang could ask further, the seemingly lifeless figure on the bed suddenly spoke, “I want a dagger.”

Hui Niang: …

She smiled at Yu Tingwan, “Why ask him? Men don’t understand these things. We’ll decide.”

Wei Zhao weakly added, “…a sharp one.”

Hui Niang ignored him and continued, “We have plenty of cotton at home. I’ve noticed your padded clothes are too thin and ill-fitting. Once the roads clear, we’ll go to the county town to buy fabric and make you proper clothes.”

Yu Tingwan immediately caught the hidden implication. Wouldn’t they have to wait until after the New Year for the roads to clear?

“Then when will I move in?”

“Once everything is properly prepared, we’ll choose an auspicious date,” Hui Niang replied. “Your uncle and I don’t want to shortchange you.”

The young woman fidgeted anxiously with her clothes.

“What’s wrong?” Hui Niang asked.

“Nothing…” Yu Tingwan pressed her lips together. “I’m just… eager.”

She truly was anxious. Delays meant risk. Once the roads cleared and Hu Dazhu and Hu Yaozhu returned, who knew what complications might arise? And if someone caused trouble during the wedding itself, wouldn’t that bring bad luck?

Moreover…

Yu Tingwan worried about Wei Shen’s health. If she didn’t marry into the family soon and he died early, what would become of her?

She glanced at the figure on the bed, speaking without a trace of embarrassment: “I’ve already looked into it—there are several auspicious dates before the New Year.”

Hui Niang looked startled. “That’s far too rushed.”

Yu Tingwan gazed at her pleadingly.

“We haven’t even prepared wedding clothes,” Hui Niang protested.

“Those aren’t necessary,” Yu Tingwan countered.

Xilin Village was poor, with every household living frugally. Some village girls married without wedding clothes, simply bidding farewell to their parents with a bundle before leaving with their groom.

She spoke earnestly, “Rather than spend money on wedding clothes that’ll never be worn again, Aunt might as well make me everyday clothes I can actually use. As long as Wei Shen and I are here, we can have a simple ceremony—that’s enough.”

Hui Niang hesitated. “We’re already asking so much of you, I…”

“I don’t feel shortchanged at all.”

If Hui Niang agreed, Yu Tingwan would happily move her belongings from the old house right now and perform the ceremony immediately.

Seeing the young woman’s determination, Hui Niang—being practical by nature—made her decision. “Very well, we’ll hold it before the New Year. Our family can celebrate the holiday together properly. Your uncle and I will discuss the specific date and let you know. We’ll have much to prepare, including the wedding feast.”

“Who do you plan to invite?” Yu Tingwan asked.

Hui Niang explained, “From the Wei family side, we won’t invite the elder branch to avoid complications. The village chief and several elderly uncles who helped us separate the household must be invited, of course. I’ll need to visit my maiden family to share the news…”

She glanced at Yu Tingwan. “As for the Hu family…”

“No need to invite them,” Yu Tingwan said firmly.

Hui Niang accepted this without question. “As you wish.”

Seeing Yu Tingwan had finished her porridge, Hui Niang began clearing up. “Don’t wash anything—keep your hands dry and well-cared for. Stay here and talk with Ah lang.”

Hui Niang left hurriedly.

Only the not-yet-familiar engaged couple remained.

Wei Zhao felt no discomfort, as he paid no mind to the marriage itself. Yu Tingwan, equally at ease, followed Hui Niang’s suggestion and approached the bed.

Under Wei Zhao’s weary gaze, she reached out without hesitation to touch the thick quilt, treasuring its quality. She could hardly imagine how comfortable it would be to sleep under.

“That’s my quilt,” Wei Zhao muttered slowly.

Yu Tingwan replied innocently, “Soon it will be mine too.”

Still innocent in matters of love, she even boldly poked Wei Zhao.

“You’ll be mine too.”