Аs sооn as Nannу Shаng finishеd sреaking, movemеnt сame frоm the main rооm.
Вiуu liftеd thе curtain with а smile, escorting a womаn whо aрpеаrеd tо be аrоund thirtу-fоur оr thirty-fivе years оld оut.
Thе woman was оf medium height, with а plump figurе аnd fаir skin. Shе wоrе а blue fine-сlоth robе, hеr fеaturеs gentlе аnd her eхрressiоn kindly as she urgеd Biyu not tо trоublе hersеlf further.
Zhou Shaоjin guеssеd she must bе thе Ninth Маdаm оf the Gu fаmilу.
Biуu reрeatеdly sаid, "I dаrе not," but аs shе lооked up, she сaught sight of Zhou Shaojin.
Shе smiled at Zhou Shаojin.
Ninth Mаdam Gu, quiсk tо notiсe, followed Biyu’s gaze.
Perhaps somewhat surprised, her eyes revealed a hint of astonishment and admiration as she looked at Zhou Shaojin. After a brief pause, she nodded toward Zhou Shaojin before being accompanied by Biyu out of Cold Green Mountain House.
Zhou Shaojin entered the main room.
Old Madam Guo looked somewhat weary, her eyes closed as Manao massaged her temples.
Zhou Shaojin quickly said, "Let me do it!"
Manao hesitated and glanced at Old Madam Guo, but to her surprise, Old Madam Guo replied without opening her eyes, "Let Shaojin do it for me."
Zhou Shaojin smiled and took over from Manao.
She kept no long nails, and her fingers, though slender, were not bony but rather soft and supple. Her massage brought Old Madam Guo great comfort, and after a while, the old lady opened her eyes and smiled, "When did you arrive?"
Zhou Shaojin sat properly on the brocade stool and replied, "I’ve been here for a while. Seeing Ninth Madam Gu speaking with you, I went to the tea room for some tea. There, I met Uncle Chi and chatted with him for a bit."
Old Madam Guo smiled, "No wonder I faintly smell the fragrance of 'Thus Have I Heard' on you."
Zhou Shaojin looked puzzled for a moment before her face flushed red.
It must have been from when she threw herself into Uncle Chi’s embrace earlier.
She stole a glance at Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo was holding a hand mirror, tidying her hair, and didn’t notice her unusual reaction.
Zhou Shaojin breathed a sigh of relief, unsure of what to say, and simply asked Old Madam Guo, "Would you like my help?"
"No need!" Old Madam Guo placed the hand mirror on the small table beside her and sighed, "I just feel a bit upset. Someone like Master Qinghong—for his descendants to squabble over fame and fortune... Thinking about it, I feel it’s unworthy of Master Qinghong."
On the boat, Old Madam Guo had told Zhou Shaojin many stories of wealthy families’ disputes, so she could now somewhat understand the old lady’s words.
Handing the tea brought by a maid to Old Madam Guo, she smiled and said, "Don’t the female storytellers say that all things under heaven, after long unity, must divide, and after long division, must unite? Over time, which family can avoid branching off? Even if they don’t, with so much property, it’s likely to attract the attention of the authorities. As long as the main branch maintains a clean reputation and doesn’t tarnish the ancestors’ honor, that’s already quite good!"
Old Madam Guo nodded and said, "How could I not know? It’s just that I feel a bit uncomfortable inside."
Zhou Shaojin then smiled and suggested, "How about I accompany you for a walk outside? The flowers in the garden have all bloomed—they’re very beautiful."
Old Madam Guo hesitated slightly.
Zhou Shaojin took Old Madam Guo’s hand and said, "Come and see! They’re truly lovely."
Her tone carried a hint of coquettishness.
This reminded Old Madam Guo of Cheng Sheng, who had grown up under her care since childhood.
But Zhou Shaojin was different from Cheng Sheng.
When Cheng Sheng acted coquettish, there was a touch of willfulness, while Zhou Shaojin’s manner held a gentle grace.
Old Madam Guo’s mood inexplicably brightened.She took Zhou Shaojin's hand and stood up, smiling, "Alright then, let's go have tea in the garden!"
Zhou Shaojin smiled with her lips pressed together.
Nanny Lu quickly lowered her head.
She was afraid someone might notice her astonished expression.
How many years had it been since Old Madam Guo had allowed herself to relax like this?
Who would have thought that a young cousin could make Old Madam Guo change her mind?
It seemed she had underestimated the Zhou family's second young lady before.
She hurriedly instructed the young maids to bring handkerchiefs, copper kettles, cushions, folding stools, and other items, then followed Old Madam Guo and Zhou Shaojin to the garden.
Old Madam Guo and Zhou Shaojin sat in the Water Pavilion, enjoying the breeze, drinking tea, and eating snacks. She began speaking about the Gu family's affairs: "...Because private savings aren't allowed, all earnings belong to the family. Those with scholars in the family naturally have no objections, but those without scholars feel it's unfair. What can I say if they ask me? After all, this isn't their Gu family's business."
Zhou Shaojin understood that Old Madam Guo was simply troubled by the Gu family's matters and wanted someone to talk to, not seeking her advice. She listened obediently, occasionally asking "why" out of curiosity. This way, she neither made Old Madam Guo feel neglected nor overly enthusiastic.
The two of them talked in the Water Pavilion all afternoon.
Nanny Shang came by twice and, seeing Zhou Shaojin and Old Madam Guo chatting and laughing happily, couldn't help but sigh in relief.
If the second cousin had gone to the Listening Oriole Pavilion and discovered the fourth master wasn't home, she would surely have been upset. In that case, it would only be troublesome for those of them serving nearby.
When would Jiying return?
The second cousin had always enjoyed playing with Jiying. If Jiying were here, even if the fourth master went out on business, the second cousin could spend time with Jiying, and they wouldn't have to interact with her as much.
But recently, not only had the fourth master been causing havoc in the martial world, he had also visited those martial arts giants and prominent families he hadn't contacted for years, giving off the impression of returning to the jianghu. Jiying's tasks were most likely related to this...
Nanny Shang pondered silently until dusk, when Cheng Chi finally returned from outside.
He looked pleased, and Huaishan followed behind him, carrying a rosewood box.
Nanny Shang hurried forward to greet him.
Cheng Chi asked her, "When did the second cousin leave? What did she do after I left?"
"The second cousin left at Shen hour (Note: 4 p.m.)!" Nanny Shang replied with a smile. "After you left, she spent the whole time accompanying the old madam!"
Cheng Chi was somewhat surprised. "She didn't come to the Listening Oriole Pavilion?"
"She sent Miss Chunwan over to ask once," Nanny Shang said with a smile. "When she heard you weren't here, she didn't come again."
Hearing this, Cheng Chi's expression softened even more.
He knew it. That little girl wouldn't just let it go.
Cheng Chi dismissed Nanny Shang and opened the rosewood box he had brought back on his desk.
On the red Zhang velvet lay a serene white jade statue of Guanyin in a meditative pose.
With its rounded face, peaceful expression, and compassionate demeanor—Shao Jin was sure to love it!
He thought for a moment and went to see Old Madam Guo.
But halfway there, he paused briefly before turning back.
It was still too early to discuss with his mother where Zhou Shaojin would stay when she came...
※
Back at Flat Bridge Street, Zhou Shaojin was fuming with anger.Uncle Chi had just promised her that she could find him anytime, yet he disappeared the moment she turned around.
Moreover, she had forgotten to ask Uncle Chi what he had been doing these past few days.
She recalled what Cheng Chi had said to her.
Uncle Chi seemed very busy!
Zhou Shaojin sat by the window for a long time, resting her chin in her hand, until the sky grew completely dark. Only then did she sigh and call Chunwan to help her freshen up.
Madam Li came to ask if she wanted a late-night snack and casually inquired about her visit to Cold Green Mountain House: "...Why did you return so late?"
Zhou Shaojin sensed something in her tone and asked, "Is there something you need from me, Madam?"
Madam Li seemed somewhat downcast. "Your father has written, saying it’s better not to bring up the marriage proposal for my niece."
Father must be afraid of forming a marital alliance with the second branch, right?
Zhou Shaojin could only reply, "Perhaps Father has other plans? When you return to Baoding, you can discuss it properly with him."
"That seems to be the only way," Madam Li sighed. "If you meet any suitable candidates while staying with the eldest branch, please keep an eye out for me."
Zhou Shaojin felt a little awkward but agreed nonetheless.
Only then did Madam Li’s face brighten with a smile. "Then you should rest soon! In two days, the eldest young lady will return for her home visit, and I’ve been wondering what to do on Bathing the Buddha Day."
"If you wish to go to the temple to offer incense, go ahead!" Zhou Shaojin said. "I’ll stay home and watch over things."
Madam Li thought it over and ultimately decided not to go.
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion.
If it were her birth mother, not only would she not go for Bathing the Buddha Day, but she probably wouldn’t even go on the Ninth Day of the New Year!
In the end, the one who truly cherished her was still her sister, with whom she had relied on each other for survival.
Zhou Shaojin meticulously prepared a feast. On the day of her sister’s home visit, she rose early and changed into a festive yet not overly ostentatious peach-colored robe. Her jet-black hair was styled into twin buns, adorned with the southern pearl hairpin Cheng Chi had given her, as she waited at the inner gate.
Since Zhou Zhen was not home, the Zhou household only had Madam Li and Zhou Shaojin, two women. Madam Li invited the fourth branch of the Cheng family to help entertain the guests.
Madam Mian, who hadn’t seen Zhou Shaojin for several days, smiled as she looked her over, her eyes filled with unmistakable satisfaction. She said, "Chujin’s home visit is a significant occasion, so I’ve also called your Cousin Yi to help. Today, he’ll be outside with your Uncle Mian and Cousin Gao to receive guests."
Zhou Shaojin immediately felt somewhat uneasy.
She murmured her thanks just as Zhou Chujin’s sedan chair arrived.
Zhou Shaojin stood on her tiptoes and saw Madam Ma Fushan, along with four or five maids and elderly women, escorting a young woman in a bright red robe toward them.
"Sister!" Zhou Shaojin rushed over.
"Shaoji!" Zhou Chujin was equally overjoyed and grabbed Zhou Shaojin’s hand.
The two sisters wept together.
"What’s all this?" Madam Mian chided with a smile. "On such a joyous day, why the tears? Stop crying now and come with me to the main hall. You sisters can have a good chat."
Zhou Chujin and Zhou Shaojin wiped their eyes sheepishly.
Zhou Shaojin asked Zhou Chujin, "Where’s brother-in-law?"
Zhou Chujin was surprised.
Given the distinction between inner and outer quarters, even as sisters, Zhou Shaojin shouldn’t have asked about Liao Shaotang.
Nevertheless, she replied, "Uncle Mian is accompanying your brother-in-law for tea in the outer courtyard’s flower hall."
Only then did Zhou Shaojin realize her impropriety.In her previous life, her sister and brother-in-law treated her like their own younger sister and didn't avoid much formality, but she never expected such a significant change in this lifetime.
Perhaps this is what they call "you win some, you lose some"?
After all, in this life, she did meet Uncle Chi.
But Zhou Shaojin quickly shook off this regret and happily linked arms with her sister as they headed to the main hall.
After the maids served tea and snacks, Madam Mian and Madam Li asked about Zhou Chujin's life after marriage. It was then that Zhou Shaojin learned that Chujin's mother-in-law, Madam Fang, had decided that regardless of whether Liao Shaotang achieved success in the autumn imperial examinations, she would send the young couple to the capital.
※
Dear readers, here is today's update.
※(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to...)
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