Zhou Shaojin didn't knоw whаt to saу.
The rеаsоn Unсlе Сhi believеd her words was that he misunderstооd her аs having оvеrhеаrd fragmеnts оf соnvеrsatiоn somewherе. Вut she trulу hadn't recеived guidanсe from аnуоnе—hоw соuld she fabriсаte а реrson оut of thin аir?
"Тhat shouldn't hарpеn," she stammerеd, forced tо аssurе him, "If anуthing really hаррens, I will dеfinitеlу tеll Unсlе Chi."
Сhеng Chi wаs somеwhat skeрticаl.
Givеn Zhоu Shaоjin's tеmреrament, she рrobably wouldn't ask fоr help unless рushed to thе brink.
Hе wаsn't worriеd that Zhou Shaojin had accidentally overheard something; he was concerned that someone might have deliberately let her hear something.
If it were Zhou Zhen, he wouldn't harm his own daughter.
But if it were someone else, what would their purpose be?
Cheng Chi thought for a moment and asked, "Does Miss Zhu from the Liangguo Duke's residence still keep in touch with you often?"
"Before I came to Hangzhou, I wrote her a letter," Zhou Shaojin replied honestly. "I promised to bring her a few combs back."
"Have you bought the combs?"
"Yes," Zhou Shaojin said. "I bought them that day when I went to Qinghefang. I bought two sets—one with a 'Full Pond Beauty' pattern and the other with a 'Flowers Blooming in Prosperity' pattern."
The "Full Pond Beauty" pattern often featured mandarin ducks playing in water.
She felt a bit embarrassed as she mentioned it.
Cheng Chi didn't notice at all, pondering as he asked, "Do you know when the Liangguo Duke will return to Jinling?"
"Yes," Zhou Shaojin said, recalling that Zhu Zhu had mentioned this. "He said he would return before the Double Ninth Festival."
It likely wasn't the Liangguo Duke's residence.
The Liangguo Duke had already returned to Jinling City on the tenth day of the eighth month.
When Zhang Junhua retired from office, the Liangguo Duke had already set off on his journey, so he couldn't have received the news.
Cheng Chi remembered he had promised Zhou Shaojin not to press her further. He decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding this matter.
He stood up and said, "It's getting late. You should rest early. Tomorrow we'll go to the Qiantang River to watch the tidal bore."
Zhou Shaojin obediently agreed and saw Cheng Chi to the door.
As Cheng Chi reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped, pondered for a moment, and said, "If the eldest Miss Zhu invites you to her home to play, remember to tell me."
Zhou Shaojin meekly replied, "Alright."
Cheng Chi couldn't help but smile. Looking at her gentle and submissive appearance under the lamplight, he remarked, "You're quite something. You agree to everything I say, aren't you afraid of being deceived by someone?"
Zhou Shaojin smiled faintly and said, "I know Uncle Chi is looking out for me."
So certain!
Even he himself didn't know if he would always act in her best interests.
Cheng Chi raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing flashing in his eyes.
Uncle Chi must think I'm just being polite with him.
Zhou Shaojin hurriedly added, "I know you're worried that after the Liangguo Duke's heir returns, he might bring up the marriage proposal with Cousin Jia again, and I might unwittingly get caught up in it..."
Cheng Chi's heart trembled.
She actually understood his thoughts!
She usually seemed a bit foolish, but at critical moments, she was surprisingly clear-headed.
His gaze flickered slightly. Although he still wore a smile on his face, the teasing expression gradually faded, replaced by a solemn and thoughtful demeanor.
Zhou Shaojin suddenly sensed that Cheng Chi had changed.Though he usually appeared refined and scholarly, modest as a gentleman, with a warm and gentle smile, his expression calm and composed, his temperament peaceful and tolerant, she always felt there was an invisible distance between her and Uncle Chi. Like stars in the distant sky—you see them twinkling brightly, you know they are luminous and brilliant, yet they are millions of miles away, making you want to draw closer only to realize with frustration that you have no idea where to find the ladder to the heavens.
But at this moment, Uncle Chi was serious, stern, profound, aloof, even carrying a hint of disdain that seemed to look down upon the world.
Was this the real Uncle Chi?
Otherwise, how could he have made Fang Xintong, the wealthiest man in Jiaxing, chase after him? Otherwise, how could he have founded Yutai Bank? Otherwise, how could he have dared to raid an execution ground?
It was like seeing the unknown hidden behind layers of mist.
And it turned out not to be frightening at all.
Zhou Shaojin’s heart suddenly relaxed. Feeling more at ease, she looked at Cheng Chi again, and her awe diminished slightly.
She explained, "The Emperor has summoned the feudal lords and nobles guarding various regions to the capital for an audience. The fact that the Liangguo Duke’s estate wants you to accompany them shows that the Liangguo Duke doesn’t have much face before the Emperor either. The Cheng family is a century-old aristocratic clan in Jinling. If the Liangguo Duke’s estate could form a marriage alliance with the Cheng family, most scholars would treat them more leniently out of respect for the Cheng family. As long as no censors impeach them and they keep a low profile, even if something happens, the Liangguo Duke’s estate wouldn’t be the first to bear the brunt.
"Cousin Jia has become the best candidate for such an alliance.
"But this matter offers no benefit to the Cheng family. Not only does it offer no benefit, but allying with the Liangguo Duke’s estate would make some scholars think the Cheng family is groveling, lacking the proud backbone of a family that upholds poetry, books, and propriety, thus damaging the Cheng family’s reputation. The Cheng family would certainly not agree.
"Yet the Liangguo Duke’s estate won’t give up so easily.
"Last time, the Liangguo Duke’s heir used Ah Zhu to deliver things to us. Who knows what he might do this time.
"And Cousin Jia belongs to the third branch.
"Aunt Lu has always wanted to find a good match for Cousin Jia. Although the Liangguo Duke isn’t a good choice for the Cheng family, he could elevate Cousin Jia’s status. Aunt Lu would likely be ambiguous and evasive about this matter.
"Little does she know that the Liangguo Duke’s estate intends to use the Cheng family as a shield this time.
"If Aunt Lu firmly rejects it, that’s fine. But if she tries to use the Liangguo Duke’s estate to raise Cousin Jia’s status, she might accidentally make things worse.
"Uncle Chi, are you worried that I might be used by the Liangguo Duke’s heir?" She gazed at Cheng Chi with her dark, bright eyes. "Don’t worry, I won’t be used by them—if they try to use me, it’s either to drag the eldest branch into trouble or to embarrass the fourth branch. I won’t do anything to betray you."
Cheng Chi felt a slight ache in his teeth.
Just moments ago, he thought this little girl wasn’t confused in critical moments, but before that thought could fade, she started talking foolishly again.
Whether it was the eldest branch or the fourth branch, both were far more astute than this girl. Instead of worrying about being deceived and even helping others count the money, she was worrying about others being deceived!
Cheng Chi rubbed his forehead, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness he hadn’t even noticed himself. "Just remember to tell me when the time comes."
Zhou Shaojin repeatedly agreed, "Yes," and escorted Cheng Chi out.
Chunwan came in to tidy up the teacups and whispered to her, "What did Fourth Master say?"
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.Ever since Cheng Chi paid for a large pile of glass ornaments for Zhou Shaojin to take back and give as gifts, the people around Zhou Shaojin had started looking at Cheng Chi as if he were the God of Wealth.
Zhou Shaojin couldn't help but laugh and teased her, saying, "Don't get your hopes up! Fourth Master came this time to scold me. He told us not to buy everything we see, like country bumpkins who've never been to the city—it's too embarrassing!"
Chunwan widened her eyes and said, "It must be because Second Young Lady sent someone to carry bricks from Leifeng Pagoda, which Fourth Master found too shameful!" She muttered quietly, "You didn't see the look the gatekeeper gave us when Nanny Shang brought those two bricks over. She probably thought one of us was praying for a child..."
Zhou Shaojin pursed her lips, smiling.
It wasn’t her who sent someone to carry bricks from Leifeng Pagoda—it was clearly Uncle Chi who did.
So how could he possibly scold her?
※
The Qiantang River is the largest river in Zhejiang, with its northern source at the Xin'an River and its southern source at the Majin Stream. It flows through Hangzhou, Quzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing, and Lishui, eventually emptying into the East Sea via Hangzhou Bay. However, the true tidal bore can only be seen along the short stretch of Hangzhou Bay.
The place Zhou Shaojin and the others went to was not far from the Zong family’s villa. It was quite remote, but standing on the embankment, they could clearly see the Qiantang River’s tidal bore surging forward, then retreating exhausted, washing the sandy shore clean and smooth.
Zhou Shaojin, having just stepped out of the carriage, stared in amazement and said, "Is this the Qiantang tidal bore?"
The river water didn’t look much different from the waves at Mount Putuo. In fact, it wasn’t even as clean and clear as the water at Mount Putuo.
Jiying also looked puzzled.
Qin Ziping, who was directing the servants to move their belongings, smiled and said, "The reason the Qiantang tidal bore is famous is that it’s quite different from other places—its timing and size vary depending on the weather and water flow. Fourth Master calculated it. The stretch near the Zong family’s villa will have the largest tidal bore today, right at the hour of Si (10 a.m.). After watching the Qiantang tidal bore, we can return for lunch. If you still want to see the tidal bore, we’ll have to go to Xiaoshan, where the bore occurs at the hour of Shen (3 p.m.)."
Zhou Shaojin and the others were greatly astonished: "You can actually chase after the tidal bore to watch it?"
"Otherwise, why is it called one of the world’s wonders?" Cheng Chi, who had gotten out of the carriage at some point and walked over to them, said while gazing at the vast Qiantang River. "If you find it boring, take a walk along the shore. If I can calculate the timing of the Qiantang tidal bore, others should be able to as well. People will likely arrive soon. When they do, you can sit in the carriage and have some tea. It won’t be too late to come out when the tidal bore arrives."
No wonder they had changed carriages before setting out today.
Zhou Shaojin and the others nodded repeatedly.
Jiying pulled her to go take a look at the sandy shore.
Zhou Shaojin was someone who preferred quiet over activity, so she smiled and shook her head, saying, "I’ll wait until the tidal bore arrives to go take a look."
Old Madam Guo, however, encouraged her: "Just go and take a look! Since we’re here, you should enjoy yourself properly. I have Nanny Lu here with me, so don’t worry."
Zhou Shaojin was still a bit hesitant.
Chunwan and the others looked at her eagerly, afraid she might refuse—if Zhou Shaojin didn’t go, how could they, as servants, go?
Zhou Shaojin chuckled and agreed to take a walk on the sandy shore with Jiying.
Chunwan and the others couldn’t hide their delight.Several young girls chattered away as they headed to the sandy shore.
Old Madam Guo watched their skipping figures with a tender smile and said to Cheng Chi, who was accompanying her, "Seeing them so happy makes my own mood lift as well."
Cheng Chi smiled without saying a word.
Sometimes, joy can be contagious.
The sun gradually rose, casting golden light across the lake surface.
The girls' laughter rang out like clear silver bells.
Cheng Chi saw Zhou Shaojin holding up her skirt, cheerfully stomping on the sand and leaving a trail of footprints behind, like a happy little bird.
It showed just how much she had been holding back in her daily life!
Cheng Chi shook his head with a smile.
A carriage approached swiftly, its horses galloping.
Cheng Chi’s eyes flickered slightly as he supported his mother and said, "Mother, let’s go sit in the carriage. Someone is coming!"
Old Madam Guo pointed toward the shore. "Shao Jin…"
"I’ll have Nanny Shang call them back," Cheng Chi replied with a smile, waving over Granny Shang.
※
Sisters, here’s today’s bonus update.
o(n_n)o~
※ (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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