Chapter Eighty-Four: A Deathbed Plea for Marriage

“Brother.”

Lost in melancholy before the snow-laden plum tree, Du Shiyi heard this voice and quickly turned around—only to find it was Du Thirteenth Sister. In the half year since their last meeting, she had grown noticeably taller, now standing there with a graceful poise, her every movement showing marked change. No sooner had he noticed this than he saw her eyes redden with tears. She hurried toward him as if to throw herself into his arms, but stopped abruptly at the final step, biting her lip hard.

“Be careful, or you’ll bite your lip until it bleeds.”

Hearing this teasing remark, so reminiscent of old times, she finally relaxed her bite, lowered her head to fight back tears, and then looked up, saying each word with careful deliberation, “Brother, I missed you very much.”

“Silly girl.” Du Shiyi couldn’t help but reach out, intending to ruffle her hair as he had in days past, but at the sight of her slightly reproachful gaze, he unconsciously withdrew his hand and sighed. “You wrote to me not long ago that everyone in the Cui family treated you well. I never imagined that after only a short stay, something like this would happen… Tell me, when did the Lady Dowager fall ill?”

“It’s an old ailment.” Du Thirteenth Sister seemed to forget his earlier warning, lightly nipping her lips with pearl-like teeth before lowering her voice. “Lady Dowager has always been kind to me. She often says that her maternal relatives rarely visit now, and with me by her side, she recalls her childhood days in Fanchuan. She’d share stories of the old Cui family estate and ask about the various branches of the Du family… That day, as we were talking about such things, she suddenly fainted. Though she regained consciousness, several doctors were of no use—even the elder physicians from the Imperial Medical Office were summoned. At first, Lady Dowager would not allow anyone to disturb the Eleventh Young Master or send word to Chang’an. It was only after she fainted again three days ago that Lady Fifth ordered a messenger sent to Chang’an. When Lady Dowager awoke, they persuaded her to consent to a letter being sent to Mount Song, as her greatest concern was for the Eleventh Young Master’s studies—she feared interrupting him.”

Upon hearing this, remembering how the Lady Dowager had spoken dreamily in the bedchamber of past Cui family affairs, he couldn’t help but feel a deep admiration for this nearly eighty-year-old matron. From the early years of Emperor Gaozong through the reigns of Empress Wu, Empress Wei, Emperor Ruizong, and now Li Longji, she had weathered countless storms. Yet, even in her final hours, her thoughts lingered on her younger brother, Du Twelfth, who had been exiled to the southern frontier, never to return. The guilt she bore for not saving him all those years ago was something that neither rank nor wealth could ever alleviate.

“Brother…” Du Thirteenth Sister suddenly asked softly, “If you were in Lady Dowager’s place, what would you have done?”

“You mean if you or your future husband ever found yourselves in Du Twelfth’s situation?”

Seeing her cheeks flush bright red, Du Shiyi laughed. He reached out to smooth a stray lock of hair from behind her ear, then said earnestly, “In my view, it’s right not to act rashly at first—you can’t help others by sacrificing yourself. But once in Lingnan, there’s always a way. Take, for instance, Pei Zhousian, the nephew of Chancellor Pei—did he not escape from Lingnan and later achieve great things at the Protectorate of the Northern Regions? Even if Du Twelfth couldn’t accept it at the time, as the saying goes, persistence moves stone, sincerity wins hearts; would a younger brother truly resent his sister for a lifetime? Even if he did, arrangements could be made to quietly relocate him elsewhere, ensuring he lived in peace and comfort. Whether he ever learned the truth, whether he felt gratitude or not, the duty of a sibling would have been fulfilled. When the times changed, then the matter could be redressed, and the old wrongs set right!”

Faced with such an answer—so different from what she expected—Du Thirteenth Sister’s eyes shimmered. She wanted to praise or agree, but emotion choked her voice. After a while, as she lowered her head to hide her tears, she felt a gentle hand press her shoulder.

“Don’t let your mind wander. The Lady Dowager is the Lady Dowager; your brother is your brother!”

At that moment, Bamboo Shadow, who had been quietly standing guard at the courtyard gate, hurried forward, knelt, and said anxiously, “Young Master, Young Lady, Minister Cui and Chamberlain Cui have returned!”

The imperial entourage had returned from the Eastern Capital to Chang’an at the end of the eleventh month. Minister Cui Taizhi, recently transferred from Minister of Works to Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and Chief Chamberlain Cui Ezh, naturally accompanied the court westward. On hearing of their mother’s illness, both brothers immediately petitioned for leave. Fortunately, Song Jing, known for his decisiveness, brought their request before the emperor, who granted it at once. The two brothers rode through the night. Now, the pillars of the Cui clan, powerful and respected, rushed into the house; as they reached the steps of the bedchamber, Cui Ezh stumbled so badly he nearly fell. Although Cui Taizhi caught him, both were exhausted from their journey, and the pair collapsed together, servants hurrying to help.

Cui Taizhi’s wife and children were in Chang’an; he had come ahead alone, having arranged affairs in the capital before following. Now, as he steadied himself with a servant’s help, he saw Fifth Lady Cui come out at the commotion. Before she could speak, he asked urgently, “How is Mother?”

“Fourth Uncle, Father.” After greeting them, Fifth Lady Cui avoided the question, lifted the curtain herself, and said, “Please, both of you go in and see Grandmother.”

Her words and manner made both brothers’ hearts sink into an abyss. Entering the eastern room together, they found the old matron on the low couch, being helped to sit. They hurried to her side—one supporting her shoulder, the other grasping her hand. Regaining his composure, Cui Taizhi said in a low, steady voice, “Mother, Ezh and I have returned—we’re back!”

She had watched her husband die young, lost her second son early, yet had seen her remaining sons seize every chance to restore the family’s honor, earning title after title. Du De felt that her life held no regrets. Now, clutching Ezh’s hand, looking at Taizhi—whose hair had turned silver since his early exile—she spoke in a hoarse voice, “Taizhi, you’ve only just become Gentleman Attendant of the Yellow Gate, and now I burden you.”

“Mother, please don’t say that!” Cui Taizhi drew a deep breath, forcing a smile. “If you truly care for me, you must recover quickly, so I may return to my duties. Isn’t that right, Ezh?”

“Yes, yes, Fourth Brother is right.” Cui Ezh nodded vigorously, matching his brother’s forced smile. “It’s nothing but a minor illness—Mother, please rest and recover. Lie down, won’t you?”

“After all these years, you still comfort me with a child’s words?” Du De gave a bitter smile, but did not lie down. Instead, she spoke with grave clarity, “I have said all that needs saying. The two of you are more than capable now; I need say no more. There is only one thing you must promise me.”

The brothers exchanged a glance and replied in unison, “Please command us, Mother.”

“The Cui clan has many sons, but you two, the only full brothers, are getting old. Among the next generation, none match you in talent or courage. Do not be deceived by these peaceful times—if the family continues without strong alliances, decline may follow. Du Nineteenth and Du Thirteenth Sister are orphans, their household seemingly fallen, yet Du Nineteenth is of sterling character—what’s more, he is a close friend of the Eleventh Young Master, talented and honorable. Du Thirteenth Sister is intelligent and capable, quick to learn all that Fifth Lady teaches. Thus, arrange a marriage alliance. Whether we bring Du Thirteenth Sister into the Cui family, or send a daughter to marry Du Nineteenth, either way, they will be pillars of support in future days!”

She trusted her judgment. Though only distantly related, the two families had old ties. Compared to her own kin, who only sought favors when seeking office and otherwise kept their distance for fear of gossip, Du Shiyi’s dignified and modest conduct was far superior.

“Mother…” After his initial shock, Cui Ezh nodded heavily. “I understand. I’ll send a messenger to Youzhou soon, to discuss the matter with their uncle, Du Fu.”

Du Shiyi’s branch had clearly declined, and they were not her direct kin. Cui Taizhi felt some reluctance, but seeing Ezh agree so readily—willing to marry his own children into this alliance—he fell silent, tacitly consenting. He and his wife had already arranged suitable marriages for their three children back in Chang’an; he had nothing more to say.

Having gained her youngest son’s promise, Du De breathed a long sigh of relief and finally lay back. Though her heart brimmed with unspoken words, in the presence of her sons, she closed her eyes, a faint smile on her lips. In a haze, she saw again the grand scene of her wedding day: the illustrious Cui clan of Qinghe, the noble Du family of Guanzhong, their union celebrated by a throng of guests. Her husband had been learned and ambitious; she had managed the household, taught her children well, and kept peace among sisters-in-law. But for the tempests that beset them, they might have grown old together. Now, after so many years, she would soon join him in the afterlife.

She no longer worried for her sons, only hoped her grandchildren would live up to their ancestors and honor the family legacy.

As he held his mother’s hand, feeling it grow cold, Cui Ezh suddenly trembled, then cried out for help. Two physicians rushed in and fussed about the couch, finally turning to the brothers with faces full of dread to deliver the words he could scarcely believe. Cui Ezh’s vision went black, a bitter taste rising in his throat. Around him, exclamations and cries rang out—and then, he knew nothing more.