Zhou Shаоjin соuldn't hеlр but аsk, "Uncle Сhi, dо уоu hаve something tо аttend to thаt prevеnts уоu frоm асcomрanying us?"
Cheng Chi smiled аnd sаid, "Zheng Si аnd Fang Хintоng аrе still follоwing us likе tаils. I саn't verу well let them fоllоw us all thе way baсk to Jinling, cаn I?"
That wаs truе еnоugh.
Zhоu Shаоjin didn't inquire further.
Оld Мadаm Guо, hоwevеr, had а fliсker of undеrstаnding in her еyes.
Hеr son never ехрlainеd his actions tо оthеrs. Thе fасt thаt hе wаs offеring аn eхplаnation nоw cоuld оnlу meаn оnе thing—hе was hiding something frоm them and using Zheng Si and Fang Хintong as an еxcusе.
She smilеd wаrmly аnd beckoned to Zhou Shaojin, saying gently, "Shao Jin, I want to choose something for your grandmother. Come help me decide what would be suitable."
Zhou Shaojin responded and went over to support Old Madam Guo by the arm.
Out of the corner of his eye, Cheng Chi saw Huaishan enter, his hands tucked into his sleeves, quietly choosing a corner to stand in.
Cheng Chi walked over without drawing attention.
Huaishan whispered, "Fourth Master, it's been confirmed. Xiao Haishan came looking for Jiang Qin."
Jiang Qin was one of the three leaders of the Canal Gang, stationed year-round in Hangzhou Prefecture.
Cheng Chi gave a slight nod.
Huaishan then slipped out of the sundry goods shop as quietly as he had entered.
After having lunch at Fuyuan Tower, Old Madam Guo decided to do some more shopping.
In the afternoon, Zhou Shaojin and the others bought another pile of small items, spending less than ten taels of silver in total. Yet the accompanying servants and maids were laden with packages, looking as if they had brought the entire street back with them.
Old Madam Guo watched with a chuckle, urging Cheng Chi to go host guests at Fuyuan Tower while she took Zhou Shaojin back to the Ningbo branch of Taiyu Bank.
Dinner at the bank was once again served under the osmanthus tree, with a table full of dishes. However, Zhou Shaojin and the others had sampled quite a few snacks while shopping for small pastries in the afternoon, so everyone was still full. They only tasted each dish before putting down their chopsticks.
Old Madam Guo said with a smile, "Later, all of you should accompany me for a walk in the courtyard to aid digestion. Otherwise, someone is sure to complain of a stomachache tonight."
Zhenzhu, having received Cheng Chi's prescription and stayed ashore for two days on Putuo Mountain, had now fully recovered and placed even greater importance on health preservation. Hearing Old Madam Guo's words, she quickly smiled and said, "Old Madam, Second Cousin, shall I brew a pot of Laojunmei tea for you? It's light and nourishing, perfect for after a meal."
"Very well!" Old Madam Guo replied cheerfully. "After tea, we'll take a stroll in the backyard."
Everyone agreed with smiles, some brewing tea and others clearing the table. Though bustling about, they were all cheerful and lively, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Just then, Jiying walked out of the side room, yawning.
Biyu, sharp-eyed, was the first to notice and quickly greeted her with a smile.
Jiying had just woken up and was still somewhat dazed. Coming to her senses, she saw the courtyard full of people, with Old Madam Guo present as well. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed and awkwardly stepped forward to pay her respects to Old Madam Guo.
Having spent some time at Cold Green Mountain House, Zhou Shaojin knew that while Old Madam Guo was extremely kind to those around her, she also valued rules highly. As long as one followed the rules, minor mistakes would only earn a scolding. But if one disregarded the rules, no matter how clever or capable, it would not be tolerated. For someone like Jiying, who slept until late in the day and emerged with disheveled hair, it was a major taboo in Old Madam Guo's eyes.She quickly made excuses for Jiying, saying, "I sent someone to invite you to go shopping this morning, but you said you weren't feeling well. Are you better now? Since none of us were home, have you had lunch yet? Why aren't there any maidservants attending to you in your room? Running out as soon as you woke up—do you need water or tea?"
In the Cheng family, respectable senior maidservants were typically attended by several lower-ranking maidservants. On one hand, this allowed them to train the younger maidservants, ensuring they would be well-prepared and less likely to make mistakes when serving their masters in the future. On the other hand, it helped distribute the workload of the senior maidservants, giving them more time to attend to their masters.
Jiying, however, didn’t immediately catch on.
Chunwan had indeed sent someone to invite her to go shopping, and she had replied, "I’m not interested, you go ahead." But now, Zhou Shaojin was saying something entirely different.
She couldn’t help but look surprised.
Old Madam Guo watched with amusement and kindly said to Jiying, "Did you sleep well? I heard from Si Lang that you’ve been leading a few rough-duty maids on night patrols for the women’s quarters these past few days. You’ve worked hard. I bought some small things on Fuyuan Street—I’ll have Nanny Lu bring them to you later..."
Zhou Shaojin quickly fell silent.
Alright!
She had tried to flatter but ended up exposing herself instead!
But why had Uncle Chi arranged for Jiying to lead the rough-duty maids on night patrols?
Zhou Shaojin thought of the sword hanging on the wall in Jiying’s room and the first time she had met Jiying.
Could it be that Jiying knew martial arts?
Her eyes lit up as she looked at Jiying, thinking she must find an opportunity to ask her. She had never met a woman who knew martial arts before!
Zhou Shaojin’s little trick, however, didn’t escape Old Madam Guo’s notice, but Old Madam Guo thought it was quite endearing.
Although maidservants and servants were subordinates, they were also the closest people around. If even those closest to you kept their distance or harbored resentment, how could you expect them to serve you loyally?
Although Zhou Shaojin was gentle by nature, she knew when to act and when to refrain.
As long as she remained clear-headed on important matters, tolerating minor issues would make others perceive her as kind-hearted and easy to get along with.
Back in the room, Old Madam Guo kept only Zhou Shaojin to speak with.
She handed Zhou Shaojin a small sandalwood box and said with a smile, "I originally planned to give this to you after we returned, but as you know, once we’re back, I’ll have countless eyes on me. So, I’m giving it to you now. Keep it safe, and when you marry, you can include it in your dowry. At least it’ll add another piece of jewelry."
Usually, such gifts were politely declined a few times before reluctantly accepted, and the recipient would only check what was inside after returning to their room. But Old Madam Guo’s words suddenly reminded Zhou Shaojin of the diamonds Old Madam Guo had bought at the silver shop earlier that day. She remembered the shop assistant quoting a price of eight thousand taels of silver... Even if there was a discount afterward, it was still a huge sum!
Zhou Shaojin said, "What have you given me? If it’s diamonds, I can’t accept them! You’ve already been so kind to me. If I take these things from you, I’ll feel uneasy! I really can’t accept them.""Silly child," Old Madam Guo smiled. "This is for you, just take it. At my age, I just want someone to remember me. When you wear this in the future, you'll think of me as the one who gave it to you. When your daughters marry or your sons take wives, and you take this out to give as gifts, won't you also think of me and tell them about me... Keep it! I always wanted a daughter. But I ended up having three sons. Fathers teach sons, mothers teach daughters. The first two sons were just like their father from a young age—so serious they couldn't even take a joke. Finally, when I had your Uncle Chi, I thought, this son doesn't need to uphold the family or take charge, I'll raise him myself! Who would have known..." She suddenly stopped speaking, her eyes instantly reddening.
Zhou Shaojin hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe Old Madam Guo's tears.
Old Madam Guo took the handkerchief, dabbed the corners of her eyes, and smiled, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Just remember, whatever I give you, you should keep it well. If you think kindly of me in the future, bring your children to offer incense and burn some paper money for me..." It sounded like she was giving her last words.
Zhou Shaojin felt an inexplicable pang of sadness, tears falling in streams as she said, "Nothing will happen to you, you'll surely live a long life! Uncle Chi hasn't married yet, you still have to help him raise his grandchildren!"
Seeing her cry so sincerely, Old Madam Guo couldn't help but tear up again, holding her hand and sighing softly.
※
Taiyu was built entirely by Cheng Chi. The current senior managers had all worked with Cheng Chi back in the day. Although Cheng Chi had stepped back from management over the past two years, handing most of Taiyu's affairs over to the third master of the Wei family, his word still carried absolute authority, and no one dared to contradict him. He never indulged in drinking or entertainment, so the Ningbo branch staff naturally remained cautious and respectful in his presence, not daring to overstep. The banquet proceeded in an orderly manner and ended quickly.
Granny Shang told her, "I don't know what Old Madam said to the second young miss, but when she came out of Old Madam's room, she was holding a box and her eyes were swollen from crying."
Cheng Chi smiled, "Most likely, my mother gave her one of the diamonds she bought today."
Granny Shang was surprised and wanted to ask how Cheng Chi had guessed, but he had already stepped into the room, so she swallowed her words and instructed the servants to help Cheng Chi change his clothes.
Cheng Chi, however, was lost in his own thoughts.
His mother had bought the seven finest diamonds—each of the three brothers would surely get one. Cheng Zheng, Cheng Xiao, and Cheng Sheng were married daughters, and their mother always felt that marriage was hard for women, so she would likely give one to each of them. The remaining one was probably bought for Zhou Shaojin.
Since his mother liked Zhou Shaojin so much, should he ask his eldest brother to adopt her as a goddaughter?
That way, after he left, she could keep their mother company, ensuring she wouldn't be so grief-stricken that she had no one to bring her joy...Or perhaps he could leave Zhou Shaojin at the Cheng family and let her be filial to his mother. Although his mother valued his eldest sister-in-law's ability to manage the household, she always felt that his eldest sister-in-law cared too much about fame and success, making her restless and impatient. His second sister-in-law, on the other hand, was like a lump of dough. Back then, if it weren't for the fact that the two families were old friends and his second brother was determined to marry her, his mother might not have agreed to this marriage. As a result, Cheng Rang also took after his second sister-in-law's temperament... It was a pity that Zhou Shaojin's temperament was also weak. If she married Cheng Rang, it might be fine if nothing happened, but if something did occur, she would likely be unable to handle it...
He was thinking all sorts of messy thoughts, but after washing up and lying down on the bed, he pushed these trivial matters aside and began to carefully ponder the affairs of Xiao Zhenhai and Jiang Qin.
If he wasn't mistaken, Xiao Zhenhai had come to Jiang Qin for the Tianjin Beitang dock.
In recent years, the Cao Gang had been wanting a shipyard to build their own ships in order to break free from his control.
If nothing unexpected happened, Jiang Qin would definitely agree to cooperate with Xiao Zhenhai.
Although the Xiao family was known as the wealthiest beyond the Great Wall, how could they compare to the Cao Gang's immense wealth? Jiang Qin had always been resourceful and cunning. By then, the Xiao family would either be dragged down by this bottomless pit or suffer heavy losses and retreat beyond the Great Wall... The Xiao family's martial arts were known for their domineering style, and the men in the family were all tall and sturdy, making them excellent candidates for guards... Should he take this opportunity to destroy the Xiao family's stronghold?
To be honest, he hadn't yet decided where to settle down in the future!
※
Sisters, here's today's extra update.
o(n_n)o~
Today's update will be postponed until around 11 p.m.
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
!!
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