Chapter 5

Mother had no choice but to lay down three conditions with the old madam.

If the heir fell in love with someone else, the betrothal was to be dissolved immediately.

If I didn’t wish to marry him after I came of age, it wouldn’t count either.

Father added, “He must never take a concubine. If he does, they’ll have to divorce.”

They were demanding conditions.

Yet the old madam nodded without a moment’s hesitation.

My parents exchanged a look and grew even less willing!

The old madam hurried to reassure them. “Please, don’t worry! There’s nothing secretly wrong with my grandson. He’s simply been solitary since childhood. He’s eighteen now and still hasn’t discussed marriage. I’ve worried for so long. Only when the old abbot told me Guagua was his destined bride could I rest easy.”

Zhou Shuyi said gently, “Don’t worry. I’ll look after my little sister.”

With matters put that way, my parents could only agree.

When it was time for them to leave,

Mother said softly, “Come, Guagua. See us out.”

I was still basking in the joy of having twenty taels a month to spend.

I happily went to see them home.

We’d barely left the old madam’s courtyard

when my howls went up.

“Aah! Mother, have mercy!”

“I know, I know! Know where to draw the line!”

“Not so hard! My ear! My bottom!”

Zhou Shuyi came out just in time to rescue me.

My parents looked at her as though they had a thousand things to say and no idea where to begin.

They looked at one another.

I took Zhou Shuyi’s hand and said earnestly, “Don’t worry, Mother, Father. I’ll look after my big sister.”

Mother turned aside and wiped her face. Then she tapped my forehead. “Go on. Listen to your sister when something happens. Don’t rush into things. I’ll fetch you in a fortnight.”

Father immediately said, “I’ll come too! If you miss home, come straight back.”

Looking at Zhou Shuyi, Mother said tenderly, “Come home with Guagua then. I’ve just asked Nanny Feng about your tastes. You like blue-green, don’t you? I’ll make you a set of bedding in that color. I’ll air it in the sun until it’s lovely and soft.”

Father added, “I hear you like quiet. I’ll clear a room for you when I get home. It may be small, but I’ll get the best wood I can for the table and chairs.”

Zhou Shuyi said nothing. She only bowed.

Still holding my hand, she turned and walked away.

Once we’d rounded the covered walkway,

I slipped off my own silver bracelet and put it on her wrist. “Mine isn’t as valuable as yours. But it’s one of a pair, so you can have one. Our parents got them for me at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, to keep me safe. Wear it back to Peach Blossom Lane and everyone will know you’re Chen Guagua’s sister. Nobody will dare bully you!”

Zhou Shuyi still hadn’t spoken.

I watched drops of water patter onto the back of my hand.

When I looked up,

her lips were pressed together and tears were streaming down her face.

I threw my arms around her, fumbling for words. “Don’t cry, Sister. Don’t cry. I’ll stay here and keep you company.”

“I thought I had no home left after Mother died,” she said very, very softly. “Thank you, Guagua.”

I said nothing. I only held her tighter.

She had come from Mother’s belly.

Mother had raised me.

We shared no blood, but we shared a mother. That made us the closest of sisters.

I knew my parents wanted me to protect Zhou Shuyi.

I understood every look Mother gave me.

But Mother hadn’t asked.

She was probably afraid I’d feel hurt.

After all, I’d grown up loved and indulged by everyone in the family.

But I wanted to help Mother love Zhou Shuyi.

Love doesn’t shrink when you share it. There’s only more of it.

Twenty taels of silver certainly mattered.

But keeping Zhou Shuyi company and looking after her for Mother mattered more.