It wаs асtuаllу Uncle Сhi's idеа tо hаve her staу in Ninе Prosрerities Lаnе аnd еvеn mоve to thе main branch!
Zhou Shaojin stаrеd blanklу at Сhеng Сhi, unаble tо rеgаin hеr сomрosure for а lоng while.
Сheng Chi was quitе surprised.
Нe hadn’t ехресtеd Zhоu Shaojin tо rеsist this arrаngеmеnt.
In his view, this wаs the bеst рossible аrrаngemеnt.
It could both sаve the Chеng fаmilу as Zhоu Shaojin hoреd аnd allоw hеr tо brеаk frеe frоm thе fourth brаnch, living аs she plеasеd.
Вut Zhоu Shaоjin сеrtаinly wasn’t afrаid of being implicatеd.
There wеre still elеven уеars bеfore the Cheng family’s downfall, and by then, Zhou Shaojin would have long been married. Married daughters were not held accountable for their family’s crimes. Since she had been reborn, she must know this.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have revealed her secret to him.
That left only one possibility.
She didn’t want to meet Cheng Xu.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Cheng Chi couldn’t help but purse his lips.
In her past life, what exactly had Cheng Xu done?
Should he uncover this scar in Zhou Shaojin’s heart?
The usually decisive Cheng Chi suddenly found himself wavering.
Zhou Shaojin, however, lowered her head and whispered, “Uncle Chi, I want to return to Baoding with my stepmother. If there’s anything you want to ask me, you can do so while I’m still in Jinling, or you can write to Baoding. I’ll tell you everything I know without holding back. Please rest assured!”
Her long, delicate eyelashes cast faint shadows on her eyelids, making her look as docile as a little lamb.
Cheng Chi suddenly felt a pang of reluctance.
This was the Cheng family’s affair. She had done what she should and even what she shouldn’t. Why should he drag her into it further?
As she had said, if he truly wanted to know something, he could simply write or send someone to ask her. There was no need for her to stay in the main branch.
He said softly, “Shao Jin, I didn’t consider this carefully enough. You’re right—you’ve lived in Nine Prosperities Lane with your sister for so many years, and you must miss home. Now that your sister is married, you should return to reunite with your father and spend more time with him and your stepmother!”
Zhou Shaojin looked up, stunned, at Cheng Chi.
She had thought it would take great effort to persuade Cheng Chi. She might even have to reveal some of her tragic experiences from her past life before Uncle Chi would allow her to return to Baoding with her stepmother.
But to her utter surprise, before she could even say anything, Uncle Chi had agreed to let her go to Baoding.
“You…” she gazed at Cheng Chi in confusion, as if she had no idea what had just happened.
Cheng Chi couldn’t help but laugh.
This little girl, what will become of her? She’s so naive—she might even help count the money after being sold.
He said, “I’ll have Nanny Shang accompany you back to Baoding!”
“What?” Zhou Shaojin blinked several times before understanding Cheng Chi’s meaning. She quickly waved her hands and said, “How can that be? If Nanny Shang leaves, who will take care of you?” As she spoke, she remembered something else and anxiously added, “Uncle Chi, the Old Lady must have already agreed to let me stay in Cold Green Mountain House, right? If I leave now, how will you explain it to her?”
Cheng Chi smiled. “You’re only worrying about this now? What were you doing earlier?”
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but feel guilty.
Uncle Chi had only been thinking of her best interests. It was her own unresolved feelings that made her unwilling to stay in the main branch.
She looked at Cheng Chi with embarrassment, her clear eyes filled with remorse.
This little girl, her eyes seem to speak for themselves.Cheng Chi smiled and said, "Alright, alright, don't be embarrassed. Didn't you say you trust Uncle Chi? Since I could make Mother agree to take you under her wing, I can also make Fourth Aunt give up the idea of bringing you into the residence. Just go back and wait for the news with peace of mind."
Exactly!
Uncle Chi is the best.
With just a few words, he managed to deceive the old madam. In her previous life, he even stormed the execution grounds. Naturally, he also has a way to make Grandmother retract her order.
She could follow her stepmother to Baoding Prefecture.
She could also escape the fate of her previous life.
Zhou Shaojin joyfully thanked Cheng Chi, her delicate brows and eyes curving into crescents.
Was she really this happy?
Cheng Chi's heart sank.
Merely letting her go back made her as cheerful as a bird released from its cage.
The situation was probably even worse than he had imagined.
And if she didn't speak of it, who could have imagined she had endured such suffering?
He couldn't help but ask, "Shao Jin, do you hate?"
Zhou Shaojin didn't understand.
Cheng Chi said, "When you see those who once hurt you, have you ever hated them?"
Zhou Shaojin silently lowered her eyelids and whispered softly, "Of course I hate! Sometimes when I see them, I wish they would stumble and fall into the lake during a banquet, becoming a spectacle for everyone; or that they would make a mistake in quoting a classic while showing off in front of others, losing face and gaining a reputation for being unlearned... But they haven't bullied me in this life, so how can I seek revenge based on memories from my previous life? Sometimes when I think about it, I feel so wronged and filled with resentment..." As she spoke, she remembered that all these things were in the past. She had also managed to repay Lin Shisheng as she wished and had even shifted the burden of the Cheng family onto Uncle Chi... She slowly raised her eyelids and revealed a faint smile.
For the first time in his life, Cheng Chi understood why people described heartache as "feeling as if a knife were cutting through the heart."
How could Cheng Xu be so cruel as to hurt Zhou Shaojin?
He sneered inwardly.
It seemed he should pay more attention to this nephew of his.
A shadow flickered in Cheng Chi's eyes.
But Zhou Shaojin didn't notice. She smiled brightly and asked Cheng Chi, "Uncle Chi, is there anything you want to ask me?"
Cheng Chi didn't understand.
Zhou Shaojin then looked somewhat smug and said, "Uncle Chi, didn't you say you would ask me if there was anything? If you have any questions now, you can ask me. I'll answer them right in front of you—it will surely be clearer and more detailed than writing letters or sending someone to ask!"
Seeing her smug little expression, Cheng Chi suppressed a smile and said seriously, "Then can you tell me why the Cheng family was raided?"
Zhou Shaojin's face instantly flushed crimson, and she mumbled, "This... this doesn't count..."
"Didn't you say you'd answer more clearly and in detail if I asked you in person?" Cheng Chi said solemnly.
"I... I, I..." Zhou Shaojin stammered, her face as red as a sunset glow.
"I was just teasing you!" Cheng Chi laughed. "My mind is still a bit muddled right now, so I don't have anything to ask you for the time being."
Zhou Shaojin breathed a sigh of relief and smiled sheepishly at Cheng Chi.
This silly girl!
Cheng Chi couldn't help but laugh along.
His smile was warm, yet restrained, appearing gentle and modest.
Uncle Chi really looks handsome when he smiles!Zhou Shaojin thought in a daze and asked Cheng Chi, "Uncle Chi, will you visit our home when you pass through Baoding Prefecture?" Before the words fully left her mouth, she felt it was poorly phrased and hurriedly added, "When you pass through Baoding Prefecture, you must visit our home. By then, I'll have learned to make many pastries, and I'll make them for you when you come!"
Cheng Chi nodded and smiled. "I'll definitely visit your home then!"
Hearing this, Zhou Shaojin's eyes curved into happy crescents.
She could be so easily delighted.
Cheng Chi shook his head in amusement.
Suddenly, Zhou Shaojin jumped up in alarm. "Oh no, oh no! I haven't paid my respects to the Old Madam yet!"
It was nearly noon, and visiting Old Madam Guo now might seem like she was angling for an invitation to lunch.
Cheng Chi chuckled. "Perfect timing to stay for the midday meal!"
"Uncle Chi!" Zhou Shaojin widened her eyes and stared at him.
Cheng Chi laughed heartily.
Zhou Shaojin fumed in frustration.
Cheng Chi smiled and urged, "Hurry along! If you dawdle any longer, you might as well just take a seat at the table."
Zhou Shaojin stamped her foot and dashed off to the main hall of Cold Green Mountain House.
Old Madam Guo had already heard that Zhou Shaojin had arrived at the estate. Since she hadn't seen her all this time, she assumed Zhou Shaojin had been invited to stay for lunch by Old Madam Guan. Thus, she was somewhat surprised to see Zhou Shaojin and asked, "Have you eaten lunch yet?"
Zhou Shaojin had no choice but to brazen it out. "I was craving the fried bell pastries from your private kitchen."
Old Madam Guo was especially pleased and instructed Biyu, "Quickly tell the kitchen to make some fried bell pastries for Second Cousin." Then she asked Zhou Shaojin, "What else would you like to eat?"
How could Zhou Shaojin have the nerve to order more dishes? She cooed sweetly, "I just love this dish from your private kitchen."
Old Madam Guo chuckled and sat with her on the luohan bed to chat. "What have you been doing at home these days? What brings you suddenly to Nine Prosperities Lane? Is your mother well at home? Do you think she'd be free if I invited her to dine tomorrow?"
Uncle Chi had already said he would handle this matter, so she just needed to play dumb.
Zhou Shaojin smiled. "I originally planned to do needlework at home, but I couldn't settle my mind, so I came to see you and Grandmother. We didn't invite many guests for the festivities at home, and after tidying up these past few days, Mother has some free time now. I'll ask her for you when I return and see if she has any plans tomorrow!"
Old Madam Guo nodded repeatedly. "Have you seen your Uncle Chi yet?"
Zhou Shaojin felt quite guilty but didn't want to lie to Old Madam Guo. "I heard Uncle Chi has a guest—the Celestial Master Zhang from Dragon Tiger Mountain!"
Old Madam Guo smiled. "Celestial Master Zhang is named Zhang Chengyu, a good friend of your uncle's. He hasn't visited for years; he's probably about to complete his apprenticeship and start his cultivation journey, so he came to see your Uncle Chi. Chengyu enjoys divination, and your Uncle Chi is fond of astrology. Sometimes when the two of them start talking, they can go on endlessly, not sleeping for a full day and night."
Zhou Shaojin was astonished.
Had Celestial Master Zhang not left yet?
Then how had Uncle Chi appeared at Jiying's place?
Hesitantly, Zhou Shaojin asked Old Madam Guo, "When will Celestial Master Zhang leave?"
She wanted to see Cheng Chi.
Even if she said nothing, at least he would know she appreciated his kindness!
"He'll probably stay until after the Bathing the Buddha Festival?" Old Madam Guo guessed with a smile. "That year, he stayed with us until after the Dragon Boat Festival before leaving."Zhou Shaojin's lips moved slightly, but in the end, she said nothing, supporting Old Madam Guo as they went to the resting room where the meal was laid out.
Who would have thought that as soon as they were seated, Zhenzhu came in to report: "The Zhang Celestial Master has come to bid you farewell!"
Old Madam Guo was greatly startled and hurriedly asked, "Why is he leaving at this time? Has he had lunch yet?"
Zhenzhu smiled and replied, "He said that this time, the Zhang Celestial Master is going out to gain experience with his martial uncle. It will take at least three years, or as many as five, before he returns. That’s why he specifically came to visit the manor before leaving. Fourth Master has already arranged for the Zhang Celestial Master to have lunch."
Old Madam Guo felt relieved and instructed Biyu to invite the Zhang Celestial Master in.
But Zhou Shaojin was lost in thought, thinking to herself: Once she goes to Baoding, wouldn’t it also be several years before she sees Uncle Chi again!
※
Sisters, here is today’s update.
PS: Thank you to Jinling Chun Bar and Yaya Athena for the spirit beast eggs! But I’ll be traveling in a couple of days, so I need to save up chapters these next few days. The extra updates for Jinling Chun Bar and Yaya Athena’s spirit beast eggs will have to wait until next Monday, and the originally scheduled weekend extra updates will also be postponed.
This month has just been too busy.
I apologize for any inconvenience!
(>_<)
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
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