"Аh!" Zhоu Shаоjin wаs stunnеd.
Оld Madаm Guо wаs сlеarly intending fоr hеr to seе Cheng Yi mаkе а fооl оf himself!
No wоnder Biyu had been winking аt hеr.
But whу would Оld Маdаm Guo dо suсh а thing?
Zhоu Shаojin сouldn't quite understаnd.
Shе wantеd to ask Old Мadam Guо, but the old lаdу, with а stеrn ехрression, tооk her bу thе hаnd and lеd her оut. Shе had no сhоicе but to set asidе her confusiоn fоr thе momеnt and follow Оld Маdam Guо tо Jiа Shu Наll.
Sеeing Оld Мadаm Guo аnd Zhou Shaоjin, Old Маdаm Guan wаs vеrу surрrised, espеcially at Zhou Shаojin's arrival. А flicker оf embаrrаssment flаshed in Old Madam Guan's eyes, and she turned her head away as if unable to look directly at Shaojin. She instructed the maids to serve tea and snacks, then turned back to ask Old Madam Guo, "What brings you here? Is there something the matter?"
Old Madam Guo smiled meaningfully and said, "As you know, Sheng Yatou's wedding is set for the twentieth day of the fifth month this year. I invited Shaojin to the mansion to draw a few embroidery patterns for Sheng Yatou, but when she heard that Yi Ge'er had been disciplined by the family, she couldn't sit still. So I accompanied her here. After she sees Yi Ge'er, she'll return with me—Sheng Yatou's patterns have only just been started." With that, she raised an eyebrow.
Old Madam Guan suddenly understood.
The reason she hadn't gone to fetch Zhou Shaojin was precisely because she was afraid Shaojin would learn of Yi Ge'er's foolishness and look down on him.
Who could have predicted that Old Madam Guo would coincidentally invite Zhou Shaojin to Cold Green Mountain House to draw patterns and hear about Yi Ge'er being disciplined? Old Madam Guo had guessed the intentions of the fourth branch. Seeing that Shaojin wanted to visit Yi Ge'er after hearing he was bedridden from the punishment, she feared Shaojin might overhear bits and pieces from the servants. That's why she accompanied Shaojin here and would later escort her out of the mansion, ensuring no gossip reached Shaojin's ears.
Old Madam Guo knew the fourth branch wanted to keep Zhou Shaojin in the family—she was helping them!
Old Madam Guan immediately shot a grateful glance at Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo then said, "This child Yi Ge'er is too mischievous. How did he manage to upset Nephew Mian again? I think Nephew Mian is too harsh on the children. Boys at this age who aren't mischievous or causing trouble are like wooden blocks—even if they study well, they're only destined to be seventh-rank county magistrates. Although it's said, 'When married, follow the husband; when the husband dies, follow the son,' you should still advise Nephew Mian. Rushing things never leads to success."
She was speaking up for Yi Ge'er in front of Zhou Shaojin!
Old Madam Guan couldn't help but feel secretly relieved, her heart as refreshed as if she had drunk a bowl of chilled mung bean soup on a hot June day. She hurriedly said, "What you say makes sense. This time, his father was truly furious and punished him rather severely."
Old Madam Guo then asked, "But why did Nephew Mian punish Yi Ge'er?"
Old Madam Guan replied somewhat sheepishly, "It's all trivial matters—his father told him to study, but he ran off to play instead."
Old Madam Guo laughed, "That's just how your family is—strict with the children. In other households, it would probably just be a few scoldings."
Old Madam Guan smiled, "Jade must be carved to become a vessel! Boys are meant to support the family and uphold the household's reputation, so it's better to be strict with them."
Old Madam Guo then asked with concern, "How are his injuries?"
"Just some flesh wounds," Old Madam Guan replied with a smile. "It's just to make him remember."Old Madam Guo let out a long sigh. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Si Lang has taken his maid Jiying to Algae Garden, and my place has become rather quiet... Shaojin. When is your stepmother leaving for Baoding? I heard from your grandmother that your father has agreed to let you continue staying in Nine Prosperities Lane. Coincidentally, I’ve hired over twenty skilled seamstresses to rush the dowry for Sheng Yatou, and I was hoping you could help oversee things. Why don’t you come keep me company? It wouldn’t be too late to move back to Jia Shu Hall after summer for the Mid-Autumn Festival." She added, "As for Yi Ge’er, don’t go see him for now. He’s a boy, and it might hurt his pride. Your intentions are enough."
Old Madam Guan had been worrying about this matter, and Old Madam Guo’s suggestion came as a timely relief. Moreover, Cold Green Mountain House was secluded and remote, with few visitors. If any rumors were to spread while Zhou Shaojin stayed there, given Old Madam Guo’s temperament, no one in Cold Green Mountain House would dare gossip or even utter an extra word without her approval.
"Shaojin, what do you think of this idea?" Before Zhou Shaojin could speak, Old Madam Guan continued, "Your sister is still young and needs her mother’s care. I’m afraid your stepmother is already eager to return."
By this point, Zhou Shaojin had more or less understood what the two old ladies were hinting at.
She couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
Was Old Madam Guo opposing her marriage to Cheng Yi? Or had she been entrusted by Uncle Chi to seize this opportunity and legitimately persuade her grandmother to let her move to the main branch?
The next day, accompanied by Madam Li, she packed her belongings and moved to Floating Emerald Pavilion in Cold Green Mountain House.
As soon as Zhou Shaojin entered, she noticed the pomegranate tree in the corner of the courtyard.
Immediately, she recalled the large crimson pomegranate trees she had seen during her first visit to Cold Green Mountain House.
So Floating Emerald Pavilion was right next to Old Madam Guo’s main courtyard!
That meant it wasn’t far from Uncle Chi either.
Zhou Shaojin looked at the three-bay wing rooms with side chambers, red pillars, and green gauze windows, the grape trellis in the middle of the courtyard, and the stone table and stools beneath it, and instantly took a liking to this residence.
Chunwan, however, remarked in confusion, "Miss, if we plant two magnolia trees by the entrance, it would look almost exactly like Fragrant Garden Residence where we used to live."
Zhou Shaojin took a closer look and realized there was indeed some resemblance.
She couldn’t help but smile and said, "It seems we share some fate with this Floating Emerald Pavilion."
Everyone laughed heartily.
The rooms had already been thoroughly cleaned. Chunwan directed the maids and servants to arrange Zhou Shaojin’s belongings according to her habits, while Zhou Shaojin accompanied Madam Li to the main hall of Cold Green Mountain House.
Old Madam Guan had arrived earlier and was chatting with Old Madam Guo. When Zhou Shaojin and Madam Li paid their respects, Old Madam Guan hurriedly said to Zhou Shaojin, "Your eldest aunt was supposed to come with me, but just as we were about to leave, a servant came with instructions, so she had to stay behind. I came ahead by myself."
Probably because she was too busy taking care of Cheng Yi to get away!
Madam Li quickly smiled and said, "No need to stand on ceremony," as a maid brought over embroidered stools.
Zhou Shaojin and Madam Li sat down.
Old Madam Guan apologized to Madam Li, "Originally, we should have taken Shaojin back to Fragrant Garden Residence. But we’re currently renovating the new room for Gao Ge’er, and it’s still not finished. With people coming and going in the inner courtyard, it’s a bit chaotic. So I’ve asked Old Madam Guo to let Shaojin stay here for a few days."Madam Li did not suspect anything and responded to Old Madam Guan with a smile, "With Second Miss in Nine Prosperities Lane, what do I have to worry about? I entrust Second Miss to your care."
"That is only natural!" Old Madam Guan exchanged pleasantries with Madam Li for quite a while before finally ending the conversation.
Old Madam Guo had originally intended to keep Madam Li for lunch, but Madam Li was eager to return to Baoding Prefecture early, thinking of seeing her precious daughter sooner. She politely declined with a smile, saying, "...I had already checked the almanac earlier, and we are set to depart the day after tomorrow. There are still many matters at home to settle... I will come to bid farewell to the Old Madam and Old Anren on the day of departure."
Seeing her determination to leave, Old Madam Guan did not press her to stay and had Nanny Lu escort Madam Li out.
Old Madam Guo seemed to remove a mask she had been wearing all along, not only did her expression become more affectionate, but her tone also softened considerably: "Fourth Sister-in-law, why don't you stay for lunch then."
Old Madam Guan did not stand on ceremony and had lunch at Cold Green Mountain House. She gave Zhou Shaojin some instructions, such as, "Fragrant Garden Residence will always be kept for you. If you truly miss your grandmother, you can come back and stay for a few days." Only then did she rise to take her leave.
However, as soon as Old Madam Guan left, Old Madam Guo also showed signs of weariness.
Zhou Shaojin urged Old Madam Guo to rest, adding, "I will come later to keep you company and chat."
Old Madam Guo nodded with a smile and, attended by Zhenzhu, entered the inner chamber.
Zhou Shaojin returned to Floating Emerald Pavilion.
Chunwan joyfully informed her, "Second Miss, the western side room is a small Buddhist chapel."
Hearing this, Zhou Shaojin liked it even more and said, "Let's go take a look!"
Chunwan accompanied Zhou Shaojin to the side room.
Although the small Buddhist chapel was not spacious, it was neatly arranged with offering basins, fruit plates, incense, candles, and curtains. However, the place where the Bodhisattva statue should be enshrined was empty, and beneath the long altar were several cushions woven from white cogongrass.
Chunwan said, "Second Miss, should we invite a Bodhisattva statue here?"
But Zhou Shaojin hesitated somewhat: "After all, this is the Cheng family... I should find an opportunity to ask the Old Madam first!"
Chunwan nodded.
Bitao walked in with a smile and said, "Second Miss, the room has been tidied up. Would you like to take a nap?"
Zhou Shaojin smiled and shook her head, saying, "I'll go to the Oriole Hall first to have a look!"
She had moved in but had not yet seen Uncle Chi.
Did Uncle Chi even know she had moved in?
Both Chunwan and Bitao thought Zhou Shaojin was going to see Jiying and said indignantly, "Second Miss, you should properly comfort Miss Jiying. Second Master Yi really shouldn't have acted this way."
Zhou Shaojin smiled in agreement and went to the Oriole Hall.
The Oriole Hall was quiet, with only Nanping present. She told Zhou Shaojin, "Fourth Master has gone to Huai'an, saying this year's salt certificates are about to be issued. Jiying followed him to Huai'an."
Zhou Shaojin was very disappointed.
So Old Madam Guo's words were not entirely an excuse.
What exactly was this Uncle Chi up to?
She forced herself to exchange a few words with Nanping before returning to Floating Emerald Pavilion.
Biyu was standing on the veranda chatting with Chunwan, with Xiao Tan standing nearby.
Hearing the commotion, Biyu stepped forward and performed a curtsy, while Xiao Tan performed a kowtow.
Zhou Shaojin was surprised.
Biyu pointed at Xiao Tan and said with a smile, "The Old Madam said that since Xiao Tan served you when you came before, she is still assigned to you. In a couple of days, when the agency sends people over, you can carefully pick a few who look clever.""Please convey my thanks to Old Madam Guo!" Zhou Shaojin thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "I'll accept Xiao Tan, but as for the others, please tell Old Madam Guo not to worry—I have brought enough people with me." She then invited them inside for tea.
Xiao Tan still hesitated a little, but Biyu entered the room as cheerfully as ever, just like before.
Zhou Shaojin nodded inwardly, thinking that Biyu truly deserved to be the head maid.
In the evening, Zhou Shaojin accompanied Old Madam Guo for dinner.
Although the two didn't speak much, having one more person at the table made the atmosphere feel much livelier.
※
Sisters, here's today's update.
o(n_n)o~
Starting tomorrow, I'll begin clearing my "external debts"...
※ (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to...)
!!
OpenNovel