Old Mаdаm Guo turned аround and, thrоugh thе windоw frаmе inlаid with colоred glaze, could just seе Zhоu Shaоjin bidding farеwеll tо Вiyu.
Gаzing аt thе уоung girl's deliсate faсе and gеntle smile, she suddеnly felt а pang оf sоrrоw.
Nо mаttеr hоw good Ваoding might bе, hоw сould it сomраre to Jinling!
Nо mаtter hоw warm family аffection might bе, living undеr а steрmother’s cаrе wаs nevеr еаsу. Моreоvеr, the уoung girl wоuld turn fourteеn aftеr thе Nеw Yeаr, rеасhing the age fоr marriage discussions. Fоr a woman, mаrriage wаs like а sеcоnd rebirth—such a crucial matter, yet it was controlled by someone who shared no blood ties and little affection with her. The girl was not foolish; how could she appear as calm and content as she seemed?
Old Madam Guo couldn’t help but sigh softly. Only when Zhou Shaojin’s figure gradually faded into the distance did she call a young maid to summon Biyu inside and ask, “What did Shaojin say to all of you?”
“Nothing much!” Old Madam Guo was not the type to meddle in every little detail, so her sudden inquiry made Biyu a bit nervous. Defending Zhou Shaojin, she said, “The Second Miss said that she didn’t know when she’d be able to return after going home. A few days ago, while copying scriptures at Cold Green Mountain House, she received much care from us. She had nothing else to thank us with, so she made some rice cakes by hand and brought them for us to taste. She said that if we got hungry while on duty, we could steam them in the tea room—very convenient.”
Old Madam Guo nodded and dismissed her.
Biyu felt uneasy, worried that she might have said something wrong and caused trouble for Zhou Shaojin.
Unexpectedly, in the afternoon, Old Madam Guo sent her to invite Old Madam Guan over for a talk.
With trepidation, she went to Jia Shu Hall.
Zhou Shaojin and her sister were packing their belongings at Fragrant Garden Residence, so Biyu didn’t run into them.
Biyu had no choice but to keep these thoughts to herself and went to see Old Madam Guan with a smile.
Although Old Madam Guan couldn’t fathom why Old Madam Guo wanted to see her, she quickly dressed neatly and, supported by Yi Ge’er, went to Cold Green Mountain House.
Old Madam Guo personally greeted her at the door and ushered her inside. The two sat down according to their status, and after a young maid served tea and snacks and closed the door, Old Madam Guo said in a low voice, “Your eldest miss is about to be married. Has your uncle sent any word regarding whether the second miss will stay or leave?”
Old Madam Guan knew about Zhou Shaojin giving Old Madam Guo a vest. Thinking that Old Madaaaaaaaaam Guo had something to say to her and was using this as an opening, she hurriedly replied with a smile, “The family is busy with Chujin and Gao Ge’er’s matters right now, so Shaojin’s situation hasn’t been decided yet.”
“This child has always been thoughtful,” Old Madam Guo said. “You should have settled her future when discussing Chujin’s marriage.”
Madam Mian of the fourth branch was known to be a meticulous person, so why was this matter handled so carelessly?
Old Madam Guan sensed the dissatisfaction in Old Madam Guo’s words and quickly explained their plans as if defending themselves: “We’ve always treated her like our own granddaughter and never thought of sending her to Baoding. We planned to mention it to her uncle after Chujin and Gao Ge’er’s weddings were settled—to strengthen family ties by betrothing Shaojin to Yi Ge’er…”
Old Madam Guo couldn’t help but feel astonished.
Yi Ge’er?!
The second young master of the fourth branch!
She couldn’t even remember what he looked like, which showed how mediocre this child was.
How dare the fourth branch set their sights on Zhou Shaojin?
Wasn’t this like sticking a beautiful flower into a pile of cow dung?Old Madam Guo thought back to the first time she had seen Zhou Shaojin, how reserved and silent the girl had been. She couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
Then what was the point of having this child come help her copy scriptures?
Old Madam Guo said, "So you never once considered sending Shaojin away?"
"That's right!" Old Madam Guan, unaware of Old Madam Guo's thoughts, replied cheerfully. "Although we aren't related by blood, I still managed to raise her. She's about to be betrothed soon—how could I hand her over to someone else?"
But staying with you is just as worrying!
Old Madam Guo thought to herself, wrestling with her conscience for a long time before finally putting on a regretful expression. "I was actually planning to ask what arrangements you had for Shaojin. It seems you've already decided to keep her at home. I was thinking that since this child has served me for a while, I should at least show some concern for her marriage..." As she spoke, Old Madam Guo smiled gently. "But this is fine too. Everyone here is familiar with each other, and we know each other's backgrounds. When a woman marries, what she seeks is mostly stability."
So she wanted to arrange a match for Shaojin!
Old Madam Guan immediately felt conflicted.
If Old Madam Guo was involved, the match would undoubtedly be with someone wealthy or noble, of good character and conduct—perhaps even both wealthy and noble... She knew her own grandson's temperament all too well. He definitely couldn't compare to anyone Old Madam Guo might introduce... But if she simply gave Shaojin up, what would happen to Yi Ge'er? Shaojin wasn't just beautiful; she also had a gentle disposition and excelled at needlework and cooking—she was a good child for managing a household... Besides, Old Madam Guo was right. When a woman marries, isn't it all about seeking "stability"? She couldn't guarantee much else, but she dared to guarantee those two words: "stability"!
At this moment, even the upright Old Madam Guan couldn't remain impartial and selfless.
She began chatting amiably with Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo felt an indescribable disappointment, mixed with a touch of heartache.
This child Shaojin truly lived up to the saying "beautiful women often meet with misfortune"!
She listlessly saw Old Madam Guan off, and even when Cheng Chi came over for dinner that evening, her mood remained quite low.
Cheng Chi glanced at Biyu, who was serving nearby.
Biyu seized an opportunity when Old Madam Guo wasn't paying attention and whispered to Cheng Chi, "Today, Second Cousin Shaojin came to deliver a vest to the old madam. Afterward, the old madam called Old Madam Guan over to talk, and she's been like this ever since!"
Zhou Shaojin!
What had she done now!
Cheng Chi frowned almost imperceptibly.
He had instructed some time ago that no one should disturb him casually, and he hadn't seen Zhou Shaojin since then.
Had something happened to her?
Cheng Chi recalled the day he had seen Zhou Shaojin. She had barged into his study without a care, yet she had blushed and argued that she had just happened to pass by. Could it be that she had wanted to ask him for something even then but was too embarrassed to speak up, so she had spouted that nonsense?
He began to feel restless. He asked Old Madam Guo, "Mother, what's wrong with you today? You look unhappy. Should I return to the Listening Oriole Pavilion and come back after you've calmed down?"Even though Cheng Chi was trying to amuse Old Madam Guo like this, she did not cheer up. Instead, she shook her head. After dinner, she went with Cheng Chi to the resting room to talk and told her son what had happened that day: "...I really don’t have a suitable candidate on hand, otherwise I would have spoken up before your Fourth Aunt. Now it’s even worse—I can’t bring it up anymore." She then scolded Cheng Chi. "Didn’t I tell you to keep an eye on things? You didn’t take it to heart, and now I have to watch helplessly as that child gets married like this!"
Cheng Chi couldn’t hide his astonishment and didn’t even bother defending himself, saying, "How was I to know the Fourth House would arrange her marriage so early? Isn’t she only thirteen this year?"
"That’s right!" Old Madam Guo sighed. "I originally just wanted to ask about this child’s future, but who knew your Fourth Aunt would give me such news! I thought your Fourth Aunt would at least keep her until she came of age. However, upon further reflection, I can understand. This child has lost her birth mother, and her stepmother comes from a merchant family. If her marriage can be settled early, even if she goes to Baoding, her stepmother won’t be able to do much to her. It’s actually a kind gesture. But as for this Yi Ge’er... do you have any impression of him?"
Cheng Chi shook his head.
In the entire Nine Prosperities Lane, he only had an impression of Cheng Shi, Cheng Rang, and Cheng Xu.
Old Madam Guo said, "See, how can we let Shaojin marry someone like that?"
In Cheng Chi’s mind, Zhou Shaojin’s mischievous expression surfaced—her big eyes sparkling like stars, looking as smug as a kitten that had stolen a fish.
Marrying Cheng Yi... would indeed be a pity!
He comforted his mother, saying, "It’s not officially settled yet, is it? Don’t get so worked up. It’s the New Year—if you’re not feeling well, we won’t be able to celebrate properly. How about this: after the sixth day of the New Year, you visit the families, and I’ll do the same. You can also ask your old friends to keep an eye out. If we find a suitable family, there’s no need to inform Fourth Aunt or her stepmother. Just speak directly to Eldest Brother and propose to Zhou Dacheng. If Zhou Dacheng agrees, Fourth Aunt will have no choice but to keep her thoughts to herself. Then remind Eldest Brother—if he doesn’t say anything, you don’t say anything, and I don’t say anything, who else will know about this? That way, we won’t offend Fourth Aunt either."
"Cutting off the firewood from under the cauldron," Old Madam Guo praised. "That’s a good idea. It’s just that finding the right candidate is a bit difficult. You must look carefully and not push Shaojin into a pit of fire."
Neither mother nor son considered whether they should first look into Cheng Yi and understand his character before making a decision!
Cheng Chi said, "No matter how good the family is, she’ll have to live her own life. I can only say I’ll find someone with outstanding knowledge and a dignified appearance. As for the future, it depends on her own fortune."
Old Madam Guo nodded.
Biyu, listening outside the partition, broke into a cold sweat.
What was going on with Old Madam Guo and Fourth Master?
As the saying goes, it’s better to tear down a temple than to break up a marriage.The Fourth House's Second Master Yi truly cannot compare to the First House's Elder Xu, but Second Master Yi and Second Cousin grew up together since childhood as childhood sweethearts. Old Madam Guan and Madam Mian treat Second Cousin as if she were their own daughter. Moreover, Nine Prosperities Lane possesses wealth that rivals nations—how could they possibly lack daily provisions for Second Master Yi and Second Cousin? As Old Madam Guan said, they sought "stability"—what could be better than that?
If she were to marry someone else, even if he were exceptionally learned and handsome, with a house full of concubines and mistresses outside, even an official title and vast lands could drive one to death with anger. Wouldn't it be better to marry someone who can live honestly and steadfastly together?
And the Old Madam too—since she dotes so much on Second Cousin, why doesn't she ask for Second Cousin's opinion? Perhaps Second Cousin actually wishes to marry someone like Second Master Yi!
Biyu grew so anxious that she feigned a stomachache, asking Zhenzhu to cover her shift, then turned and hurried toward Fragrant Garden Residence.
Since Zhou Chujin would not return after leaving the estate this time, every item in the residence she had lived in for eighteen years was filled with memories, and she wished she could take everything with her. Thus, there were particularly many things to pack into trunks. The two of them worked all day before finally managing to pack nearly everything.
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Brothers and sisters, an extra chapter for Yaya Athena's spirit beast egg!
o(n_n)o~
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
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