Notifу thе eldest brаnch?!
Zhou Сhujin соuldn't hеlр but glаnce аt Zhou Shaojin.
Without hesitatiоn, Zhоu Shaоjin said, "Тhеn I'll gо dirеctlу аnd infоrm Unсlе Chi! Whу bother disturbing Unclе Мian—isn't it bеtter that fewеr peоple knоw аbоut suсh mаttеrs? If Unсle Chi lеаrns what Сhеng Lu hаs donе, he сеrtainly wоn't fеel аny pity fоr him."
Zhou Chujin felt thаt hеr уoungеr sister had a bеttеr rеlatiоnshiр with thе еldеst brаnch thаn shе did, and sеeing hеr agreе without аnу diffiсulty, shе nоddеd inwаrdly and said, "Dо you want me to gо with you?"
"No nеed," Zhou Shаojin rерlied with а smile. "You're about to get married soon, so it wouldn't be appropriate for you to go out now. I can go alone."
Mr. Li felt his heart skip a beat twice.
According to Lord Zhou, his eldest daughter was shrewd and capable, while his younger daughter was obedient and sensible. For the matter he had come to Jinling to handle, it would be best if he could secure the Cheng family's assistance. If that proved impossible, he should avoid any conflict with the Cheng family, as it was no easy feat for them to produce a scholar, especially one who received a stipend—such a scholar was likely destined to become a provincial graduate or even a metropolitan graduate. If all else failed, he could ask his eldest daughter to seek help from Fourth Master Mian of the fourth branch to mediate with the Cheng family, and he should also consult his eldest daughter more often, as she handled relations with the Cheng family quite well.
But now, it seemed the second young lady might have an even better relationship with the Cheng family.
Especially with the eldest branch.
He wondered if he could take this opportunity to enter the mansion and pay respects to Fourth Master of the eldest branch, thereby gaining a recommendation from Fourth Master to either First Master or Second Master...
This thought flashed through his mind, and he smiled self-deprecatingly.
He was truly being greedy and overreaching. Lord Zhou had treated him well. While serving under Lord Zhou, he might not achieve great success, but they enjoyed a harmonious and pleasant relationship, living quite comfortably. Yet now, driven by ambition for fame and fortune, he had developed covetous thoughts, hoping to climb the Cheng family's high branch. Little did he realize that the Cheng family had many retainers, and that high branch wasn't so easy to climb. He might end up falling and breaking his neck before ever reaching it.
He should focus on serving Lord Zhou well and planning for him. With Lord Zhou's integrity, not only would he have no worries about food and clothing, but if Lord Zhou rose to prominence in the future, he might even secure an official position for himself.
Mr. Li reined in his thoughts and respectfully said, "Lord Zhou's opinion is that revoking a scholar's status generally falls into three categories: examination fraud, misconduct, or failing the year-end examination. Examination fraud is the simplest method, but it's a case of killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of your own—once an examination fraud case emerges, officials and scholars of all ranks in Jinling will be implicated. The Ministry of Rites and the Censorate will send investigators, and Jinling's officials will band together to deal with the Ministry of Rites and the Censorate in order to clear themselves. If the Ministry of Rites and the Censorate fail to produce solid evidence proving that Cheng Lu cheated in the examination he took, Jinling's officials might even retaliate. The matter could escalate from a minor issue into a major one, and in the end, Cheng Lu might even benefit from it.
"Next is misconduct.
"Lord Zhou said that given Cheng Lu's caution and eloquence, this approach might be even more difficult than proving examination fraud.
"That leaves only the year-end examination.""The case of Cheng Lu's father, Cheng Bai, has already been adjudicated by the authorities. While there is the saying 'the sins of the father should not be visited upon the son,' there is also the proverb 'like father, like son.' Lord Zhou's suggestion is to quietly inform the senior branch of the family about this matter, and then have the senior branch subtly hint to the officials and the educational commissioner... If all the officials in Jinling City share the same view on this, that would be even better."
While Madam Li was speaking, Zhou Shaojin carefully pondered the matter in her mind. By the time Madam Li finished, Shaojin was nearly breaking out in a cold sweat.
This move was truly ruthless!
If Cheng Lu's clan were to publicly declare him talented but lacking in virtue, and request the educational commissioner to strip him of his xiucai degree, Cheng Lu would not only be barred from ever holding an official position in his lifetime, but even if he wished to live as a simple recluse like Tao Yuanming, he would never gain others' respect. Even his descendants would be unable to marry into families of good standing or deep heritage. His family would thus decline, forever struggling at the lowest rungs of society.
Yet this was also Cheng Lu's own doing.
Regardless of what happened in their past lives, in this life they had not pursued the matters he had caused, yet he repeatedly refused to let go. If they allowed this to continue, they would only suffer misfortune in the future.
Hardening her heart, Zhou Shaojin said, "Then I will go to the mansion tomorrow to see Uncle Chi. In matters like these, delays breed complications. Besides, Cheng Lu has already returned to Jinling. Before the New Year, he came personally to deliver gifts to us sisters as if nothing had happened. He is truly too good at pretending."
Zhou Chujin nodded repeatedly and instructed Chixiang to prepare name cards.
Zhou Shaojin chuckled lightly and said, "Sister, how should we prepare these name cards? Should we use Father's name card? If Father's people go to Nine Prosperities Lane but visit Uncle Chi instead of paying respects to Uncle Mian, others would surely find it strange. Or should we prepare my name card instead? Uncle Chi is a jinshi who passed both imperial examinations!"
As a young woman of the inner chambers, her name card could only be used within the inner courtyards.
Zhou Chujin patted her forehead and laughed, "Look at me, I've become confused. Then let Chixiang go to the mansion to inform them, so as not to be impolite." She added, "But if you go to the mansion so abruptly to find Uncle Chi, might it attract others' attention?"
Zhou Shaojin thought this made sense and discussed with her sister, "How about we invite Madam to go to the mansion tomorrow to pay respects to Grandmother, and I can take the opportunity to visit Cold Green Mountain House?"
"That's a good idea!" Zhou Chujin said, turning to Madam Li, "What does Madam think?"
Madam Li also thought it was a good idea and smiled, "Then I shall trouble you two young ladies!"
Zhou Chujin and Zhou Shaojin went together to the study.
Madam Li had just finished washing up, and several young maids were drying her hair. Hearing that the Zhou sisters had arrived, she tied up her still-damp hair and came out of the inner chamber.
Since she had already softened her stance, Zhou Chujin treated Madam Li politely and quickly smiled, "Had we known Madam's hair was still wet, we should have come later." Then she called for the young maids to bring some dry cloths, "Let me help dry Madam's hair!"
Madam Li dared not let her do it and repeatedly declined.
Zhou Shaojin also advised, "The south is not like the north. In the north, there are heated kang beds, so even if hair is slightly damp, sitting indoors will dry it. But the south is damp and cold—if you stay like this, you'll catch a chill." Saying this, she instructed Bitao, "Go fetch some dry cloths for Madam."
Madam Li quickly expressed her thanks.After the little maid served tea and snacks, Bitao brought in a towel. Mama Li promptly took it and, together with Madam Li’s other senior maid, Yulan, helped Madam Li dry her hair before withdrawing.
Only then did Madam Li ask, “What brings the eldest and second young ladies to see me?”
She had heard that as soon as Mr. Li entered the residence, he had gone to see the two sisters.
Zhou Chujin made no mention of Cheng Lu, only saying that the Cheng family had helped when dealing with Lanting before. Now that she had returned to Jinling City, it was only proper, both in sentiment and reason, to pay respects to Old Madam Guan and express her gratitude.
Zhou Zhen had not told Madam Li about what had happened back then, only saying that Lanting had shown disrespect toward Zhou Chujin, which Zhou Chujin found very strange. After investigating some old matters, it was discovered that Lanting had spread false rumors—Madam Zhuang had never intended for her to stay with the Zhou family, let alone serve Zhou Zhen.
Madam Li believed all of this was Zhou Chujin’s doing, which was why she was deeply wary of her. Thus, when Zhou Chujin asked her to enter the residence to pay respects to Old Madam Guan, she did not suspect anything else and immediately agreed.
Chixiang took Madam Li’s name card to Nine Prosperities Lane.
Later, she returned and told Zhou Shaojin, “Fourth Master has been staying at home with the old madam these days and hasn’t gone anywhere!”
Zhou Shaojin smiled and nodded. Early the next morning, she accompanied Madam Li to Jia Shu Hall.
Old Madam Guan was delighted to see Zhou Shaojin and warmly welcomed Madam Li.
She inquired about Zhou Chujin’s situation and was pleased to hear she was doing well. Then, she spoke to Madam Li about Zhou Chujin’s upcoming wedding: “...You’ve had a long journey! The Liao family in Zhenjiang is one of the most prominent households, and the Zhou family in Jinling City is not without its own standing. On the day of Chujin’s wedding, several aunts from Nine Prosperities Lane will come to join in the festivities. I’ll have to trouble you then!”
The implication was that Madam Li should ensure Zhou Chujin’s wedding was grand and splendid.
Madam Li respectfully agreed and began discussing the preparations the Zhou family had made.
Zhou Shaojin, however, had other matters on her mind. As soon as Madam Li finished speaking, Madam Mian, having received word, came to keep them company. Zhou Shaojin stood up and said, “Since I’ve entered the residence, I should go and pay my respects to the old madam.”
Old Madam Guan agreed and urged her, “Go quickly and come back soon! We’ll be waiting for you for lunch.”
Zhou Shaojin cheerfully made her way to Cold Green Mountain House.
Biyu and the others were pleasantly surprised to see her, taking her hands and asking why she had come.
Zhou Shaojin explained that Madam Li had entered the residence to pay respects to Old Madam Guan and said, “I thought I’d come to see all of you and the old madam. Where is the old madam? She hasn’t gone to the Buddhist hall, has she?”
If she had, she would have no choice but to wait!
“No, no,” Biyu replied with a smile. “The newly appointed Censor Song is a cousin of the current Grand Secretary Song. Madam Song entrusted Censor Song’s wife to bring some things for the old madam. The old madam is currently speaking with Censor Song’s wife!”
Zhou Shaojin smiled faintly upon hearing this. “Mountains may not move, but waters always find a way. Who would have thought our household would have such a connection with Madam Song!”
Everyone chuckled softly.
Zhenzhu then said, “Second Cousin, why don’t you go to the tea room for a cup of tea first? As soon as Censor Song’s wife leaves, I’ll inform you.”
“That sounds good!” Zhou Shaojin replied happily. “The old madam’s tea room always has plenty of fine tea and delicious snacks.”
She had enjoyed many of them while copying scriptures in Cold Green Mountain House before.Zhenzhu accompanied her to the tea room, opened the cabinet, and asked what tea she wanted to drink, saying, "Second Master sent some newly available Da Hong Pao before the New Year."
Da Hong Pao autumn tea is the best.
Zhou Shaojin was very interested and said, "Then Da Hong Pao it is."
Zhenzhu went to boil water.
Zhou Shaojin asked her, "How did you spend the Spring Festival? How are Jiying and the others?"
"We're all doing well," Zhenzhu replied, boiling the water and serving Zhou Shaojin tea snacks in a red lacquer and gold-painted box before sitting down to chat with her. "On New Year's Eve, the Old Mistress rewarded everyone with fifty copper coins, while those of us serving by her side each received a pair of four-fen silver ingots. Since Madam Yuan didn’t return for the New Year, there was little to do. After staying up late to see the New Year in, the Old Mistress only kept Nanny Lu by her side and gave us a break. We even followed Ma’nao to her home to visit, went to the temple fair—it was so much fun. On the other hand, there were too few people serving at Tingli Hall, so Jiying and Miss Nanping were on duty in the mansion the whole time. Early this morning, they went out visiting with Fourth Master!"
※
Brothers and sisters, it’s the end of the month, and the competition for the Pink Ticket rankings has begun again. Extra updates, please vote with your Pink Tickets!
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
OpenNovel