Pei Jin and Fu Chengyi hadn't seen each other for many days. Even though they had exchanged letters, for the lovesick young man and woman, no amount of correspondence could truly satisfy their longing.
Pei Jin raised her eyes and stared at him. Her look was as tender as water. When Fu Chengyi saw it, he felt as happy as if he had downed three big bowls of sweet cream, unable to contain his joy.
He endured for a long time. Seeing that the small courtyard was quiet and there was no one around, he finally stepped forward, took Pei Jin's fair hand, and gently stroked it. Unable to resist, he leaned over and hugged her.
Fu Chengyi pressed his forehead against hers and said with a beaming smile, "I've been longing for this day so much. Finally, I've waited for Jin'er's coming-of-age ceremony. We're one step closer to getting married. I'm so happy."
Under his eager gaze, Pei Jin blushed instantly. She withdrew her hand and took a half-step back. There was a hint of concern in her starry eyes. "How did you come here all the way?"
Fu Chengyi grabbed her hand again and muttered discontentedly, "I came here on horseback. That damned saddle was so hard. I had to change my pants three times on the way."
Pei Jin couldn't help rolling her eyes. He was such a dolt. Who would talk like that?
Despite her teasing, Pei Jin understood how heavy the burden on Fu Chengyi's shoulders was.
She wasn't heartless. How could she not know how good Fu Chengyi was?
It would take at least a day and a night to ride from the prefectural city to Lingle County without rest.
Although he looked dapper, there were bloodshot eyes in his eyes. Presumably, he had changed his clothes right after arriving in Lingle County and hadn't had time to rest.
Pei Jin glanced behind Fu Chengyi. Before he could react, she quickly stepped forward and kissed him.
Even though Fu Chengyi had a thick skin, he was now floating on cloud nine, teased by the young lady. A blush crept up from his ears, and he even forgot what he was going to say next.
Pei Jin couldn't help but smile and lifted her skirt to walk outside.
When she reached the courtyard gate, Tang Guiniang, dressed in bright clothes, was urging anxiously, "Hurry up, hurry up. Don't miss the auspicious time for the coming-of-age ceremony."
Pei Jin said, "Don't be impatient, Mother. I'm coming."
Then she turned back to call Fu Chengyi. "Seventh Brother, come quickly."
Fu Chengyi quickly followed up. He courteously helped Tang Guiniang and Pei Jin into the carriage without any airs.
The more Tang Guiniang looked at her future son-in-law, the more she liked him.
**
Pei Jin's coming-of-age ceremony was held in the Sunflower Garden in the south of the city.
The Sunflower Garden was a property of the Shu family and was usually not open to the public. This time, for Pei Jin's coming-of-age ceremony, the eldest mistress, Mrs. Fu, had specially sent maids and servants to make preparations. She had given detailed instructions to show her respect for Pei Jin, her future sister-in-law.
When everyone arrived at the Sunflower Garden, they saw green pines and bamboos in the distance and colorful red leaves on the branches nearby.
In autumn, the sweet-scented osmanthus was in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance.
The lake shimmered in the sunlight, and there were countless delicate flowers along the shore, so that the fragrance permeated their hair and clothes.
The coming-of-age ceremony was arranged in the main hall of the Sunflower Garden. There were double white marble steps beside the main hall. Inside the house, there was a winding stream. The whole setting was simple yet solemn.
Only the trusted friends and relatives of the Pei, Fu, and Shu families were invited. There were no unnecessary outsiders to disturb them. All they had were the good wishes for Pei Jin's coming of age and a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Pei Jin was already fifteen years old and was Fu Chengyi's fiancée. She couldn't act as casually as before.
Qi Jiao had bought two little maids for her, and the Fu family had also sent four etiquette nuns and two senior maids for Pei Jin to order around.
Now, Pei Jin, with a rosy face and red lips, walked gracefully. Her hair was neatly arranged. She was wearing a slightly worn-out everyday dress and was supported by two close maids as she went to greet the two senior ladies at the top seat.
Tang Guiniang wore a kind smile on her face, but inside, she was filled with mixed feelings. Her beloved daughter had come of age and would soon get married.
She gave Pei Jin two handkerchiefs embroidered by herself and a pair of gold armbands.
The dignified Mrs. Fu personally helped Pei Jin up and said with a smile, "The Pei family has a young lady who has just grown up. Our Seventh Brother is really lucky."
Saying this, she inserted a flawless white jade hairpin into Pei Jin's hair.
Pei Jin bowed to thank her and then turned around to continue the unfinished ceremony.
Qi Jiao had specially invited Fang Yunxin to be the main guest for Pei Jin's coming-of-age ceremony.
The main guest for the coming-of-age ceremony was usually a virtuous and talented woman. Apart from Fang Yunxin, there was no more suitable or respected person for this role.
The attendant was Qing Nian, the second young lady of the Shu family, who was responsible for holding the tray.
The supporter was usually a friend or sister of the young lady. Pei Jin had invited A Lian, Chen Molian, to be her supporter.
After receiving the greetings from the two senior ladies, Pei Jin turned around and went to the back hall to change into a plain muslin dress with a simple cloth belt and no decoration at all.
After the first addition, Fang Yunxin, the main guest, came to the main hall. A solemn and elegant music played around.
Pei Jin curtsied to her. Fang Yunxin walked to Pei Jin's side and recited loudly, "On this auspicious day, you are now adorned with the first hairpin. Abandon your childish thoughts and follow your virtuous nature. May you have a long and happy life and enjoy great blessings."
The attendant, Shu Qingnian, presented the handkerchief and hairpin. Fang Yunxin inserted the hairpin for Pei Jin. Then Pei Jin changed into a more solemn long robe for the second addition.
For the last step, the supporter removed the white jade hairpin. After washing her hands, Fang Yunxin inserted a seven-jeweled red gold and jade hairpin for Pei Jin and put a pearl and gold crown on her head. The supporter, A Lian, supported Pei Jin into the room to change into the last set of gorgeous brocade dress with a belt decorated with hundreds of shining jewels. It was extremely luxurious.
Pei Jin showed herself to all the guests in this outfit and bowed to them in order of seniority.
After the three additions and three bows, Fang Yunxin, the main guest, bestowed a courtesy name on Pei Jin. "On this auspicious day, I hereby announce your courtesy name. Your name is beautiful and suitable for a noble person. May you always be protected. Your courtesy name is Maoyi."
Pei Jin pressed her hand against her brow and replied, "I, Maoyi, am dull-witted. I will surely serve diligently day and night." The two bowed to each other to express their gratitude.
After that, Pei Jin's mother, Tang Guiniang, gave her some more advice.
Pei Jin agreed one by one. The supporter announced the completion of the ceremony, and everyone left.
——————————————
After Pei Jin's coming-of-age ceremony, the Fu family quickly sent a respected elder to discuss the wedding arrangements.
Since Tang Guiniang and the others were reluctant to part with Pei Jin, although they privately hoped to keep her at home for a few more years, they couldn't.
Fu Chengyi had shown his greatest sincerity. So the two families set the wedding date for next February.
The spring breeze in February was as sharp as scissors. It was the idle time after the New Year. This time was neither too early nor too late, giving the two families enough time to prepare.
In the last few months of the year, many important things came one after another. Who was the busiest person during this period? Of course, it was Qi Jiao.
Xia Jiao and A Hu were growing up day by day, looking like two white glutinous rice balls, melting people's hearts.
Qi Jiao loved them dearly. However, she was busy with many things and could only spare some time to accompany her children.
Fortunately, there were reliable wet nurses and her two mothers at home. Tang Guiniang and Aunt Ye took turns to help take care of the children. And Pei Xia would also take good care of the children wholeheartedly after work, so that Qi Jiao had no worries.
If she was even busier, she could just pick one or two people from the store to take care of the children.
Only then did Qi Jiao focus all her attention on the operation and decoration of the Tang Han Weaving store.
Since the down products were just introduced and the cost was not low, Qi Jiao only planned to open a store in Lingle County to test the waters.
As for the branch stores, she planned to expand to at least the prefectural city.
Fortunately, having connections in the court made things easier. She went to the prefectural city in person to find Mrs. Fei and asked her to help find a prosperous store with good feng shui.
Mrs. Fei was also one of the shareholders. Naturally, she hoped that Qi Jiao's business would do better and better so that she could make more money. Therefore, she readily agreed and also signed a contract with Qi Jiao to obtain the operating right of the Tang Han Weaving store in the prefectural city.
Let professionals handle professional matters. Qi Jiao was happy to see this happen.
She trusted Mrs. Fei's vision and ability, and her good character was also obvious to all.
At the same time, Qi Jiao wrote a letter to Guo Lingyi in the capital, asking her to keep an eye out for stores in the capital for future use.
Everything was ready. All they needed was for the embroidery workshop to produce at full capacity.