Сhеng Хu changеd intо а dаrk rеd brocadе rоbe with a mаtching silk belt аt thе wаist. Не еxaminеd himself in the mirror, thought for a mоmеnt, then swаpреd thе рeасhwооd hаirpin оn his head for а jаde оne beforе smiling at Huаnxi and sауing, "Аlright, lеt's gо рiсk up Fourth Unсlе."
Huаnхi сheеrfully rерlied, "Yes," аnd аcсompaniеd Cheng Xu tо thе Оriolе Pavilion.
Fоurth Unсlе was stеrn аnd rаrеlу smilеd. Chеng Хu had bеen sоmewhat аfraid оf this unсlе sincе сhildhооd.
When he had rushеd back so abruptlу, he had initiallу worried thаt Fourth Unсlе would rеprimand him. Unexpectedly, after summoning him to the study, Fourth Uncle only inquired in detail about his studies and made no mention of his early return.
Was it because Fourth Uncle considered it unimportant? Or would the stewards who had helped conceal his whereabouts face trouble?
He couldn't quite tell.
However, Zhou Shaojin had stayed behind and was unexpectedly entrusted by Fourth Uncle's grandmother to his own grandmother for upbringing. For this, he was willing to accept any scolding or reprimand.
Now that Zhou Chujin was married, the Cheng family only had Zhou Shaojin, a visiting cousin. Given his grandmother's strong personality, she would surely bring her along to the family banquet at the Listening Rain Pavilion.
Then he would be able to see her.
After that, he could peacefully go study at the Algae Garden.
Yet, he hadn't expected Fourth Uncle to send him to the Algae Garden. Wasn't it said that the Algae Garden was Fourth Uncle's forbidden ground, where family members generally couldn't enter?
Could it be that Fourth Uncle was cold on the outside but warm on the inside?
Did he still hope that Cheng Xu would succeed in the imperial examinations?
That was certain!
In his generation of the main branch, the descendants were somewhat weak.
Why didn't Fourth Uncle marry? Could it be, as the servants in Apricot Grove Lane whispered privately, that Fourth Uncle had a preference for men? But even if that were the case, Fourth Uncle should still have a confidant. Yet he had never seen Fourth Uncle particularly close to anyone.
Or perhaps Fourth Uncle kept someone outside?
But his grandmother said Fourth Uncle had always been alone. Presumably, neither his grandmother nor his father could control Fourth Uncle.
If nothing else, for this alone, Cheng Xu greatly admired Cheng Chi.
Lost in these wandering thoughts, he stepped through the gate of the Oriole Pavilion.
Cheng Chi wore a very simple indigo-blue fine cloth robe, tied at the waist with a silk belt from which hung a pouch and a seal. He appeared steady, reserved, low-key, and dignified.
Cheng Xu immediately felt some regret.
He should have adorned his waist with a few accessories like Fourth Uncle.
He respectfully stepped forward and bowed. But as he straightened up, he smiled lightly and said, "Fourth Uncle, could I just study at the Duojia Pavilion? That place is already tidied up, and moving would be such a hassle! Besides, I still need to pay my respects to Grandmother morning and evening..."
As the eldest legitimate grandson of the main branch and the future clan heir of the Cheng family, although he felt some fear toward Cheng Chi in his heart, he also had a carefree side—after all, this was his own uncle. When not in the study, wasn't he allowed to joke and bargain a little? Even if he did something wrong, at most he would be scolded. Would Fourth Uncle really punish him over such trivial matters?
Cheng Chi glanced at him sideways with an expressionless face, and Cheng Xu knew it wasn't going to happen.
He couldn't help but let out a mournful groan.
Cheng Chi had already straightened his posture and headed toward the door.Cheng Xu hurriedly followed, still unwilling to give up. He said, "Fourth Uncle, I promise to pass the autumn provincial examination this time. Could you let me stay at home? It's been two years since I last saw Grandmother, and I miss her dearly. Please allow me to fulfill my filial duties by her side! Besides, studying requires a balance of work and rest. You can’t just confine me to Algae Garden, forcing me to see nothing but exam essays when I open my eyes and think of nothing but exam essays when I close them. Studying in isolation like this—what good results can it yield? Father also said that before the autumn provincial examination, I should interact more with my classmates, inquire about the preferences of this year’s chief examiners, and tailor my approach accordingly..."
Cheng Chi didn’t even glance at him, continuing to walk forward as if he hadn’t heard a word. It wasn’t until Cheng Xu chattered incessantly and ran ahead, blocking his path, that Cheng Chi paused slightly and said indifferently, "What you say makes sense. How about this: you can still stay at Duojia Pavilion, and in your free time, go out and interact with your classmates, inquire about the preferences of the chief examiners, and tailor your approach accordingly. I happen to have some business to attend to and will be away for a while, likely returning after the Mid-Autumn Festival. What do you think?"
This was essentially washing his hands of the matter!
His father had once said that although it was unclear who among the chief examiners was the main examiner and who were the deputies, one thing was certain: one of them was Fourth Uncle’s classmate from the same examination year.
It wasn’t that he lacked confidence in passing, but if he wanted to achieve the top rank of jieyuan, failing to tailor his approach would indeed be a problem!
Could Fourth Uncle really be thinking this way?
If Fourth Uncle truly washed his hands of him because he refused to heed his guidance, his father would be the first to disapprove... and his marriage proposal to Zhou Shaojin would be out of the question!
Seeing Cheng Chi’s solemn expression, Cheng Xu was somewhat dumbfounded.
Cheng Chi walked around Cheng Xu and continued forward.
Cheng Xu didn’t dare say another word, obediently following behind Cheng Chi toward Tingyu Pavilion, feeling utterly dejected.
Huanxi and the others trailed far behind, not even daring to breathe loudly.
After leaving the main house and passing through Ruyi Gate, walking along the corridor of Sijin Garden, Cheng Xu finally sensed something amiss.
Tingyu Pavilion was just ahead, but there was no sign of Grandmother or Zhou Shaojin!
He hurriedly took a few steps forward to catch up with Cheng Chi and whispered, "Fourth Uncle, why haven’t I seen Grandmother?"
Cheng Xu didn’t dare ask about Zhou Shaojin, fearing Cheng Chi would question how he knew she had moved into Cold Green Mountain House.
Cheng Chi replied nonchalantly, "Your grandmother didn’t want to attend the Second House’s ancestral banquet, so she isn’t coming."
Ah!
Cheng Xu grew anxious, wiping the sweat from his forehead as he said, "Why? Everyone else is coming, why isn’t Grandmother?"Cheng Chi stood still, looking at the anxious Cheng Xu and thinking of what Zhou Shaojin had said to him. His thoughts churned repeatedly before he solemnly stated, "In other families, it's the eldest branch that manages the genealogy and handles clan affairs. But your great-grandfather was younger than the second branch's patriarch, so the second branch's patriarch took charge of the genealogy and clan affairs. By your grandfather's generation, the second branch's patriarch felt that an official's salary was a mere drop in the bucket, utterly insufficient to support the household's expenses, whereas managing clan affairs allowed access to both families' funds. This meant officials wouldn't need to engage in corruption or bribery, nor be constrained by others, allowing them to advance further in their careers. So, he wanted his own son, Cheng Li, to manage the family's affairs. Who knew Cheng Li would have such bad luck—he was killed by canal gang members while out doing business. At that time, the second branch's patriarch was overwhelmed with official duties, lacking both the energy to manage the affairs of Nine Prosperities Lane and a capable person to assist him. He had no choice but to hand the family's affairs back to the eldest branch. Your grandfather had just passed away, and your father and second uncle had only recently entered officialdom. After observing mourning rites, they needed the second branch's patriarch's help to resume their posts, so it was agreed that I would manage the family's affairs. That's why, even though I passed the imperial examination, I couldn't enter official service. Your grandmother resented him for forgetting righteousness in the face of profit and kicking someone when they were down, which is why she has held a grudge against him all these years.
"Do you still want your grandmother to attend the family banquet hosted by the second branch's patriarch?"
Cheng Xu stood there with a dazed expression, his lips trembling, unable to utter a word for a long time.
Cheng Chi sneered and headed toward the Listening Rain Pavilion.
He had said all that needed to be said. If Cheng Jiashan still fell for it, then who should take the position of clan heir in Nine Prosperities Lane was indeed something his eldest and second brothers needed to discuss carefully.
※
Zhou Shaojin was taking measurements for Old Madam Guo, while Biyu and the others either stood nearby holding fabric or sat properly with brushes in hand.
"One, two... two, one... two, five... You need to take in two inches here," she said, looking at the soft measuring tape in her hand. "I think the clothes will fit better this way."
Old Madam Guo chuckled a few times and said, "I'm old. I prefer looser clothes."
"That's why I only plan to take in two inches!" Zhou Shaojin blinked her big eyes and smiled. "Autumn clothes aren't like summer ones. When the autumn wind rises and the chill sets in, clothes that fit snugly will keep you warmer."
Old Madam Guo still hesitated.
Zhou Shaojin assured her, "Don't worry! If it feels uncomfortable, I can always alter it back for you later."
"You're just trying to sweet-talk me!" Old Madam Guo laughed at this. "I've only heard of clothes being taken in, never of anyone letting them out."
Zhou Shaojin giggled dismissively, her expression revealing confidence in her tailoring skills.
Old Madam Guo then smiled and said, "Alright, take in two inches then. If it's uncomfortable to wear, you'll just have to make me another one anyway."
"Exactly!" Zhou Shaojin replied with a beaming smile.
Pearl, who was sitting at the table recording the measurements, couldn't help but laugh and said, "Then I'll just write down two inches less!"
"No, no," Zhou Shaojin hurriedly said. "The measurements I'm giving are all exact. Just write them down as I say. I'll adjust them while sewing."
Old Madam Guo laughed and said, "So you're like 'a general in the field need not follow all the emperor's orders'—planning to act first and report later, making my autumn clothes directly according to the measurements you think are best!"
Zhou Shaojin had indeed been thinking exactly that.
She didn't like clothes that hung loosely on the body.It's not like we don't have fabric.
Fabric rots if stored too long, and patterns go out of style over time.
Of course, it's better to wear it while it fits well.
Zhou Shaojin noticed that although Old Madam Guo said this, she showed no sign of displeasure, realizing she was just joking with her, and couldn't help but smile.
The servants in the room couldn't hold back their laughter either.
Shaojin then pulled Old Madam Guo to select fabrics: "...We can make a yellow inner garment, paired with a brown robe embroidered with dark red treasure flowers, which would look both dignified and bright."
Old Madam Guo nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, praising her for choosing the colors well.
Biyu quickly picked out the fabrics in the colors Shaojin mentioned and set them aside.
Shaojin also selected several pieces of Zhang velvet and brocade for Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo approved of them all.
But when Shaojin saw the white Songjiang fine linen set aside, she couldn't help but say, "Actually, Uncle Chi's way of dressing is the best—fine linen is breathable and warm, suitable for all seasons, though it's not as smooth as silk."
Hearing Shaojin praise Cheng Chi, Old Madam Guo wore a proud expression but said, "Him? He's always been unconventional, different from his two older brothers since childhood, mischievous beyond measure. I used to think, if only I hadn't given birth to this youngest son! But now, it's this youngest son who stays by my side. It just goes to show that children are gifts from the Bodhisattva—this is my blessing in later life."
Shaojin fell silent.
If Old Madam Guo knew Uncle Chi planned to leave the Cheng family, how heartbroken she would be!
In her past life, if Uncle Chi had stayed with the Cheng family, would Old Madam Guo have lived longer?
※
Dear readers, today is Monday, and there's a regular meeting, so the extra update will be postponed by one day to Tuesday. Today's update will be posted around 7 p.m. Thank you for your understanding.
P.S.: Regarding the location, Four Seasons Brocade is a long corridor—I remembered incorrectly. The family banquet has been moved to Listening to Rain Pavilion.
(⊙﹏⊙)b...
※ (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to...)
!!
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