Chapter Eight: My Dear Brother-in-law, Let's Speak of This Another Day!

It took three to five breaths before everyone recovered from the shock of the word "marriage by joining the wife's family." Zhou Xinyi hurriedly said, "We will obey His Majesty's command, but..." He feigned difficulty and continued, "To join the Zhou family concerns one's dignity. I believe we must ask Han Fu if he is willing."

So this is how he wishes to maneuver... Han Fu saw through Zhou Xinyi's intentions and replied loudly, "Duke of Pei, you need not worry. I am willing." "Ah..." Zhou Xinyi looked at Han Fu in surprise and awkwardness. To abandon one's dignity so decisively—did he not feel even a hint of shame?

If Han Fu could hear his thoughts, he would surely laugh and say: A true man bends when necessary; what does it matter to be a son-in-law for a time? Wang De also smiled, casting a glance at Han Fu. "You know what's wise," he said. Han Fu responded with a respectful gesture.

Wang De then looked to Zhou Xinyi, his eyes indifferent, and said, "His Majesty's gift of marriage is a great honor. Who does the Duke of Pei think could refuse it?" "I obey," Zhou Xinyi answered with resignation, forced to agree despite his reluctance.

"Enough," Wang De said leisurely, utterly composed. "I have delivered His Majesty's command. According to custom, the Duke of Pei should let the young man move into the household today."

Compared to a traditional wedding, the process of joining the wife's family was simpler: the groom would live in the bride's home in advance, while the bride would stay outside for two days. When the wedding day arrived, the bridal procession would depart from the bride's house, carry her back in a flower-adorned sedan chair, and all the complicated rituals could be omitted.

Of course, if the bride wished for a grand celebration, it could be as lively as drums beating, firecrackers exploding, banners fluttering, and crowds gathering. Everything depended on the bride's wishes; the groom had no say.

Wang De left with four young eunuchs, and the day's tournament came to its end. Han Fu, unsurprisingly, claimed the champion's title. The only point of criticism from the crowd was the emperor's sudden decree to change the marriage from a traditional union to one where the groom joined the wife's family.

But since it concerned the emperor, no one dared to discuss it privately.

"Brother Zhou, I'll take my leave," Qin Ping said, his purpose unfulfilled and his mood soured by Han Fu's presence. "I'll see you out," Zhou Xinyi replied, sensing more to be said. He turned and gave instructions: "Go and bring our future son-in-law into the mansion, settle him well."

The steward, Zhou Hai, a slender man in his fifties with a grizzled beard, nodded. "Yes, sir."

"No need, leave it to me..." Baili Mingda ran from the house, scrambling onto the stage and laughing as he rushed toward Han Fu. "Haha... my dear brother-in-law!"

A heavy embrace left Han Fu somewhat at a loss. Compared to Zhou Xinyi, this man was... excessively enthusiastic.

Han Fu guessed his identity but still asked, "And you are?" Attempting to escape Baili Mingda's arms, he only found himself held tighter; Baili Mingda thought he was uncomfortable and changed his hold to make it even firmer.

"I'm Ming Su's brother, and from now on, yours as well. No need to be formal—we're family," Baili Mingda laughed, giving Han Fu a hearty slap on the back before releasing him. He placed his hands on Han Fu's shoulders, examining him closely and muttering, "Indeed, I was right. Haha... a fine brother-in-law!"

With that, he gave another bear hug. "If anyone bullies you, just give them my name. I’ll protect you."

At that moment, Baili Mingda was overjoyed. He had thought his sister was sacrificing her happiness for the Zhou family's future, but unexpectedly, she had found a treasure.

Zhou Xinyi and Qin Ping had not gone far; seeing the scene, Qin Ping remarked gloomily, "He certainly wasn't so enthusiastic when he met Weiren."

Not only these two, but the crowd still lingered, their expressions strangely complicated.

Zhou Xinyi's beard bristled with anger. "Back to the mansion, now!"

"Yes, yes..." Faced with his uncle, who raised him, Baili Mingda dared not argue. He quickly dragged Han Fu off the stage, chattering excitedly as they walked.

"I heard His Majesty wants you to join our family. My sister just left by the back gate; she’ll stay in the other house for a few days."

"But don’t be impatient, brother-in-law. You’ll meet her on the wedding day."

"Let me tell you, Ming Su is stunningly beautiful."

"I’ll be with you these days. If you need anything, just ask. We’re family, don’t be shy."

"Brother-in-law, though His Majesty asked you to join our family, I won’t look down on you. Don’t take it to heart—it’s His Majesty’s will, nothing to do with me or my sister."

"After the wedding, you and my sister need not worry about anything—just have a healthy baby boy."

"And don’t be discouraged by the status of son-in-law. As they say... heroes are not defined by their origins, nor does ambition depend on age. I have faith in you..."

From the stage to the Zhou mansion, Baili Mingda was endlessly talkative. Han Fu found it tiresome, but responded with a smile.

When he heard this last remark, Han Fu was startled, feeling there was a hidden meaning. Could this man read faces, and see my ambition to seize the world...? Han Fu dared not be sure, and replied with a laugh, "I entered the tournament today just for food and clothing. Now I’m to be a son-in-law, looked down upon by all. What ambition could I have? Brother, you must be joking."

"We’ll talk about it later," Baili Mingda raised his eyebrows, looking slightly mischievous.

Han Fu didn’t know how to respond, nor what “later” meant in Baili Mingda’s mouth.

Following Baili Mingda through twists and turns, Han Fu was surprised to find that every servant they met in the Zhou mansion looked at them in disbelief, as if unable to trust their own eyes.

What was the meaning of this?

Han Fu was puzzled. By logic, news of his victory and marriage to Baili Ming Su should have reached the mansion, so their expressions shouldn’t be so odd. Thus, the root cause must be Baili Mingda’s excessive enthusiasm.

What Han Fu didn’t know was that Baili Mingda usually acted like a lofty recluse in the mansion, aloof and above worldly affairs, never mingling with ordinary folk... His current warmth was so unusual that no one could help but be astonished, some even mistaking Han Fu for a Daoist friend of Baili Mingda’s.

The Zhou mansion was vast. The front courtyard housed the servants; the family lived in the rear.

According to Baili Mingda, there were seven courtyards in the rear. Zhou Xinyi and his wife occupied the central one; three were on each side. Zhou Xinyi’s two sons, Zhou Yuanshan and Zhou Yuantou, lived in the east, with one vacant courtyard there.

Baili Mingda and Baili Ming Su lived in the west, with one vacant courtyard. Now, that courtyard belonged to Han Fu.

There were three rooms in the courtyard.

The main room’s door was open, and a petite figure inside busied herself with cleaning.

"Ping’er, Ming Su’s personal maid, grew up with her, and will now be your maid as well. If Ming Su is ever unwell, you can sleep in her room," Baili Mingda said, pointing to Ping’er, though his words were a little... much.

Ping’er’s oval face instantly turned crimson.

Such an uninhibited brother-in-law—Han Fu had never met one like him in either life. He sighed, "I am a son-in-law."

A son-in-law may not take concubines nor stray...

"So what if you’re a son-in-law?" Baili Mingda reacted strongly, glaring. "You may be a son-in-law, but you’re not like the others. I’ll tell Ming Su—you're my brother-in-law, having three or four wives is perfectly normal."

He paused, then chuckled, "Just remember, Ming Su is your first wife. Have a healthy son with her soon. Remember: first with Ming Su, then with Ping’er."

Unable to bear it any longer, Ping’er fled with her bedding, her face bright red.