Chapter 8: The Death of the Wei Clan

Su Yunxi lowered her head. "Daughter is still young; marriage can wait another two years."

Madam Wei shook her head with a bitter smile. "What a silly child. A girl's youth is her most precious asset; how can it be squandered like this? After I pass, you and Yuan-ge'er only need to observe mourning for one year, as your father is still with us."

Su Yunxi was extremely surprised. "Mother?" She did not understand.

Madam Wei smiled; some things truly did not need to be spelled out too clearly. She knew Su Chengxun’s temperament all too well. Having them come to the capital in the autumn was clearly his plan to settle Yunxi’s marriage within the next two years. Perhaps he had already set his sights on a family, just not yet finalized. If she were to observe three years of mourning, Yunxi would be considered too old by then, and it would be difficult to arrange a marriage.

Madam Wei sighed inwardly. She only blamed herself; after finishing the mourning for the old master, she should have gone to the capital with Su Chengxun. But because her health could not withstand the arduous journey, she had remained in their ancestral home in Suzhou. Yet, this one stay meant she would never have the chance to return to the capital. If she were in the capital, even if it meant shortening her life by a year or two, she would have finalized Yunxi’s marriage before she died, found good tutors for Yuan-ge'er, selected his study companions, and ruthlessly disciplined the concubines, maids, and illegitimate children in the courtyard to lay the most solid foundation for Yunxi and Yuan-ge'er. She wouldn't be in this position now, unable to do anything, feeling powerless in every regard.

Madam Wei looked at Su Yunxi. This was her daughter, the daughter she loved like a jewel. Her daughter might not be a peerless beauty, but she was vibrant with youth. Their family status might not be the highest, but she was the daughter of an official, taught by famous masters since childhood, with a character and bearing that were impeccable. Madam Wei could proudly say that among all the girls in the Su family, none could compare to her Yunxi. It was just a pity that she, as a mother, was useless and could no longer accompany her child on her journey.

Su Yunxi whispered to Madam Wei, "Mother, is Father planning to arrange a marriage for me?"

"Yunxi is indeed clever." Madam Wei smiled, a heartfelt smile. It was better for a child to be clever than foolish. Great households had no room for the foolish.

"What exactly is Father thinking? Mother’s health is like this, yet instead of caring for Mother, he is concerned with Daughter’s future. Daughter feels pained in her heart." Su Yunxi could not bring herself to say the word "hate." In this era, such a word regarding one's father was absolutely unfilial.

Madam Wei sighed faintly. "Yunxi, you are so clever; I know you understand. You only ask because you cannot accept it, right?"

Su Yunxi nodded. "Yes, Daughter cannot accept it. Daughter knows that everyone must face reality and put aside unnecessary emotions, but if a person loses their emotions, can they still be called human? Is facing reality blindly always good? People have emotions, and it is precisely because of emotions that there is the saying, 'Beyond the law, there is still reason.' Even officials judging cases cannot rely solely on the law; they must consider human reason. Daughter has no great ambitions; I only hope Mother’s health improves, and that Father, beyond chasing his career, could show more concern for his family and for Mother. But Father’s intentions make it clear that he is certain Mother is dying, so he is rushing to arrange what comes after. In every word and sentence, there is not a hint of concern. Reading it, Daughter only feels a chill in her heart."

"How many affectionate men are there in this world? Those who are overly affectionate are often heartless, and those who seem heartless may not truly be so. Silly child, you are still too young, you have experienced too little, and you cannot yet see through this world. Don't be foolish in the future. After I am gone, compose yourself and do what must be done; do not wallow in sorrow. You must know that Yuan-ge'er needs your care."

Su Yunxi wiped away her tears and nodded firmly. "Mother, rest assured. Daughter knows what to do. Father wants to take Daughter to the capital, and Daughter cannot resist. Once I am in the capital, I will certainly get along well with Father and be a filial daughter. I will also tell Father to hire a good teacher for Yuan-ge'er."

Madam Wei smiled with relief. "That is very good. Good daughter, Mother believes in you. Even without Mother, you will be able to handle everything."

"Yes!" Su Yunxi nodded solemnly.

Madam Wei fell into a deep sleep, but from this sleep, she never woke again.

Su Yunxi sat blankly before the bed. Although she had been mentally prepared, now that she was truly gone—having passed without even opening her eyes to look one last time—Su Yunxi felt a hollow emptiness in her heart, as if a piece of her once-full heart had been cruelly gouged out. It hurt, but she did not know how to react.

Nurse Wen stepped forward and pulled Su Yunxi into her arms. "Young Miss, the Mistress is gone. You must restrain your grief. The Seventh Young Master still needs you."

Su Yunxi’s expression was vacant, unresponsive. Nurse Wen wept secretly. "Young Miss, if the Mistress saw you like this, she would not be happy."

Su Yunxi lowered her head. "Mother is gone. From now on, no one will ever care for me or love me like Mother did. Nurse, what should I do?"

"Young Miss, what is urgent now is the Mistress’s funeral arrangements. The weather is so hot; the Mistress’s body cannot be left like this." Nurse Wen reminded her.

Su Yunxi nodded, her expression still vacant. "Nurse Wen, I have no strength to do anything right now. You first have people set up the mourning hall, send word to all places, and notify all relatives and friends. Also, send the news to the capital as quickly as possible. And invite monks to chant sutras for Mother’s soul. Bring out the funeral supplies, and get ice—we cannot let Mother’s body spoil."

"Very well." Having received her orders, Nurse Wen hurried out to attend to the matters.

Yuan-ge'er walked in timidly. Although he did not yet understand what life and death meant, he could feel the heavy atmosphere in the courtyard. "Sister, what is wrong with Mother? Has she not woken up yet?"

It was as if a switch had been flipped; Su Yunxi reacted. Looking at Yuan-ge'er, her expression was a mix of sorrow and anger. "Seventh Brother, come and see Mother. Let us send Mother off on her final journey together."

Yuan-ge'er walked over slowly, his hand gripped tightly by Su Yunxi. Seeing Madam Wei asleep, Yuan-ge'er reached out to touch her. Su Yunxi did not stop him, only watching the breathless Madam Wei with a look devoid of misery.

"Sister, Mother’s hand isn't as soft as it used to be," Yuan-ge'er said timidly.

Su Yunxi pulled him into a hug. "My silly brother. Mother will soon leave this place and go to the heavens."

"Is it fun in the heavens? I want to go to the heavens too."

"Only Mother can go. If Seventh Brother wants to go, you must wait until you are grown up and tall, until your beard and hair are all white."

"Then what about Sister? Will Sister also have white hair and a white beard one day?"

"Silly, Sister is a girl; I won't have a beard."

"Oh, then when my beard is white, I will go to the heavens with Sister to find Mother, okay?"

"Okay, Sister will go with you."