Nаnnу Zhong smiled as shе оffered Мadam Fаng а suggеstiоn: "Тhis isn't diffiсult at all! Wе can simply ask somеоne fоr somе Zhоngling Sрring wаter tо tаkе bасk. Who wоuld know whether this sрring wаter сame from thе Zhou familу's secоnd уоung lаdу оr frоm someоnе elsе? Аftеr all, it's truе that thе Сheng familу's Fоurth Mаster drew Zhongling Sрring water by Jinshаn, isn't it?"
Маdam Fаng immediatelу grаsрed thе triсk.
Shе nоddеd slightlу.
Nannу Zhоng knew thе mattеr was settlеd and sаid, "I'll sеnd sоmeоnе tо Мountain Spring Rеsidence right awaу to request sоme."
Mоuntain Sрring Rеsidenсe was Zhenjiang's largest teahouse, which sent people daily to draw water from the river, relying precisely on the water from Zhongling Spring.
Madam Fang felt somewhat uneasy and, after a moment's thought, said, "When the time comes, my sedan chair can wait outside Mountain Spring Residence."
This would let the head manager of Mountain Spring Residence understand the importance of the matter and ensure he didn’t speak carelessly.
Nanny Zhong happily agreed and then asked about the visit to Old Madam Guo: "...Did the old madam agree?"
A hint of joy appeared at the corners of Madam Fang’s eyes as she replied, "She agreed!"
"Amitabha!" Nanny Zhong couldn’t help but sigh in relief, clasping her hands together as she uttered the prayer.
After some thought, Madam Fang said, "I think what you said makes sense. The Zhou sisters are likely highly favored in the Cheng family—Old Madam Guo initially seemed hesitant, but later agreed quite readily. When I invited the old madam to visit our home, she said, 'Since we are one family, there will be plenty of interactions in the future, so there’s no need for such formalities.' At first, I thought she was referring to my relationship with Madam Yuan as cousins, and I was happy for Madam Yuan, thinking her mother-in-law had finally warmed to her. But now it seems she was likely referring to the Zhou sisters."
As Madam Fang’s most trusted confidante, Nanny Zhong naturally knew that Madam Yuan did not enjoy the respect in front of Old Madam Guo that was rumored outside. When the Liao and Zhou families formed their marriage alliance, Madam Fang felt she had been wronged and once visited Old Madam Guo. To her surprise, Old Madam Guo’s words carried the tone of "this was a decision made by you two sisters, it has nothing to do with me." Otherwise, Madam Fang wouldn’t have been so disappointed.
Pondering this, Nanny Zhong carefully said, "Madam, could it be the Zhou family’s second young lady? At that time, the Zhou family’s eldest young lady was already fourteen, while the second young lady would have been only seven or eight. If the favored one was the eldest young lady, Old Madam Guo shouldn’t have spoken that way back then."
Madam Fang’s face flushed slightly. "That matter wasn’t the old madam’s fault. I was dissatisfied with the marriage arrangement at the time, and she likely sensed it, which is why she spoke so bluntly. Still, what you say makes sense. In a few months, the Zhou family’s eldest young lady will be marrying into our family. Regardless of who is favored, if they are willing to help our Liao family in such a significant way for the sake of the sisters, it will benefit our family. We should nurture this marital connection carefully. Besides, the father-in-law has already been promoted to Prefect of Baoding. I only hope he continues to rise steadily and can assist our Shaotang in the future. As for my husband, I’ve already given up on him. He has no son who can endure hardship, so how could the title of a two-list imperial scholar fall from the sky? Let this matter stay between us—don’t breathe a word of it to anyone. My husband forced me to beg the old madam for this favor. Since I’ve already managed to give him an answer, let’s not complicate things further."
Nanny Zhong promptly replied respectfully, "Yes."The Liao family appeared prosperous and flourishing, and the main branch seemed to enjoy boundless prestige. However, in reality, after the old lady passed away, the incompetent First Master, having lost his mother's protection, dared only to criticize Madam Fang. This had already made Madam Fang and their family's position within the Liao clan extremely difficult.
Madam Fang instructed Nanny Zhong, "After you return, go and relay a message to the chief steward: after the young master gets married, he will take his new bride to live in the capital permanently. We only need a place to store belongings; there’s no need to connect the neighboring residence. If anyone asks, tell them that this was proposed by Old Madam Guo of the Cheng family when I visited her this time. She suggested that our young master study under the Cheng family’s First Master. How could I possibly refuse such a wonderful opportunity? I agreed immediately. Then, go to the second accountant in charge of the accounts and tell him to head to the capital right away to help the young master acquire a residence. The residence must be of good quality, preferably close to the Cheng family. I will cover the expenses. This property will be registered under the young master’s name from now on, as part of the assets I’m preparing for his marriage."
Nanny Zhong was taken aback and said, "Can the young master really accompany First Master to the capital? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for the new bride to serve both the young master and First Master alone? Perhaps it would be better to gift the young master a residence but still have him and First Master stay in the Liao family’s residence in the capital..."
"No need for such complications," Madam Fang said coldly. "They only agreed to have Second Master Wei offer some guidance on his essays when First Master goes to the capital for the examinations. It was my idea to have the young master move to the capital. Staying at home like this, enduring grievances day after day with his useless father—what’s the point? As for studying under First Master Jing, I didn’t expect Old Madam Guo to agree so readily. My mind went blank for a moment, and I didn’t react in time. Tomorrow, go and see the Zhou family’s second young lady. Give her a hint about the mess at home. If the Cheng family takes the initiative to propose having the young master study under First Master Jing without me having to plead, I’ll entrust the affairs in the capital to the Zhou family’s eldest young lady. That way, I’ll have an assistant! If not, I’ll swallow my pride and make a trip to Jinling myself. At worst, I’ll ask my maternal family to intervene and plead with Old Madam Guo. I won’t let First Master bear an empty reputation and become a laughingstock."
Nanny Zhong repeatedly agreed.
Zhou Shaojin had no idea that, because of Lang Yue’s bucket of Zhongling Spring water, her sister and brother-in-law had unexpectedly gained a residence compared to their previous life. Moreover, her sister wouldn’t have to endure months of hardship in the Liao family before getting the chance to go to the capital to serve Liao Shaotang, as she had in the past. During that period, Zhou Chujin and Liao Shaotang lived apart from their mother-in-law, avoiding direct conflict. It was also during this time that, free from outside influences, their feelings for each other deepened rapidly. Ultimately, Liao Shaotang was willing to relinquish his position as the clan heir to protect his wife and children.
Happily carrying the Zhongling Spring water, she went to Old Madam Guo’s room.
Upon hearing that what Zhou Shaojin held was the Zhongling Spring, renowned as the "number one spring under heaven," Old Madam Guo became very interested.
Zhou Shaojin said enthusiastically, "Shall I brew a pot of tea for you?"
Old Madam Guo repeatedly said, "Excellent."
Nanny Lu, perceptive as ever, personally went to fetch the tea set.Zhou Shaojin naturally sat cross-legged before the tea table on the luohan bed, boiling water, warming cups, dividing tea leaves, rinsing tea, brewing... Her movements flowed seamlessly, as graceful and confident as drifting clouds, like a fine southern pearl radiating a soft, lustrous glow. Old Madam Guo couldn’t help but sigh to Nanny Lu, “Such beauty and such fragrant tea—today I am truly blessed.” The praise made Zhou Shaojin blush, and she hurriedly invited Old Madam Guo to taste the tea.
Old Madam Guo inhaled the tea’s aroma, sipped slowly, and nodded repeatedly. “The Zhongling Spring water truly lives up to its reputation. Yesterday we also drank Taiping Houkui, but without comparison, one wouldn’t notice the difference. Tea brewed with Zhongling Spring water has an added crispness compared to other waters. However, Shaojin’s choice of tea is also excellent. Taiping Houkui yields a clear green liquor with a rich orchid fragrance. The crispness of the brewing water complements it perfectly. If we had chosen the Lu’an Guapian we drank the other day, it wouldn’t have tasted as good—Lu’an Guapian is mild, with a roasted chestnut aroma and a bright apricot-yellow liquor. Using Zhongling Spring water to brew it might suppress its flavor and fragrance, making it inferior. As for the brewing technique, it’s even better. The movements are clean and precise, without a hint of delay, yet gentle and graceful, soft yet firm—this is the essence of the tea ceremony, the essence of moderation... Excellent! Excellent!”
Zhou Shaojin hadn’t expected such high praise from Old Madam Guo. Her face flushed crimson, and she was about to offer a modest reply when Cheng Chi’s voice suddenly sounded beside her ear: “What’s so excellent? Mother, share it so I can be happy too!”
“Uncle Chi!” Zhou Shaojin jumped up and saw Cheng Chi walking in with a smile.
Old Madam Guo chuckled and said, “Perfect timing! Shaojin just brewed some tea. You should try it too.”
“Oh!” Cheng Chi entered and, taking in the scene, had already guessed most of it. Intrigued, he sat opposite his mother. Zhou Shaojin quickly fetched a small cup and brewed a fresh pot for Cheng Chi.
Cheng Chi took a sip.
Old Madam Guo asked with a smile, “Well?”
Cheng Chi nodded. “Zhongling Spring water truly deserves its title as the ‘Number One Spring Under Heaven’!”
Old Madam Guo laughed. “Even the finest vessel depends on who uses it. Zhongling Spring water achieves this effect only because Shaojin used it to brew Taiping Houkui. With other teas, it might not taste as good.”
Cheng Chi glanced at Zhou Shaojin, who stood nearby with ears so red they seemed about to drip blood, and thought, No wonder this little girl has won Mother’s affection. When he fetched a bucket of Zhongling Spring water, aside from his own fondness for brewing tea with it, he had partly intended to surprise his mother. But spring water isn’t like other things—it spoils if stored too long—so he instructed Lang Yue to deliver small amounts to others while personally bringing his mother’s portion. Unexpectedly, this little girl hadn’t hoarded the water but immediately shared it with his mother to taste... It was no wonder his mother doted on her.
He playfully teased his mother with a smile: “You’re too biased! I hadn’t even finished speaking, and you already scolded me. Couldn’t you wait until I finished? If you still found it displeasing, then you could scold me!”"Who taught you to speak so glibly?" Old Madam Guo couldn't help but laugh. "You don't even restrain yourself in front of your mother. Be careful not to frighten Shaojin!"
Cheng Chi chuckled, "With you protecting her, why would she be afraid of me?"
Zhou Shaojin, teased by the mother and son, felt her face burn as if on fire, keeping her head lowered and not daring to look up.
Old Madam Guo found this quite amusing, yet her heart also swelled with affection. She scolded Cheng Chi, "What kind of uncle are you? Shaojin, come over here. Pay him no mind."
Zhou Shaojin, like a startled little rabbit, darted behind Old Madam Guo.
Cheng Chi couldn't hold back his laughter.
Old Madam Guo then took Zhou Shaojin's hand and comforted her gently, "You don't need to be afraid of him. I'm here!"
Zhou Shaojin murmured her agreement.
Old Madam Guo pushed the teacup in front of her toward Cheng Chi and ordered, "Go brew a pot of tea!"
※
Sisters, today's bonus update!
PS: Last night, my father fell ill and went to the hospital. Fortunately, it was just stomach trouble due to old age. He'll be discharged after a day of observation. I didn't have time to correct the typos that were proofread, and it's the same for this chapter. I can't set a specific time for tonight's update, so please check back tomorrow morning. I'll correct the typos all at once then.
Apologies for any inconvenience!
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
!!
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