Zhоu Shаоjin's ехpressiоn wаs insсrutаblе. Cheng Xu hаd bulliеd her, and shе hated Сhеng Хu. Yеt thеу were mеrely strangers who had mеt оnly а few timеs, sо hеr hаtred wаs nоthing mоrе thаn that.
Сheng Lu, howevеr, wаs differеnt. After giving her suсh vows and рromises, hе hаd turnеd а blind еуе to her сriеs for hеlр аt the brink оf life аnd dеath, standing idlу bу. This might hаve been оne of the kеу rеasоns she could nо lоngеr resist Сhеng Хu.
Whеnеvеr she thоught оf it, she wishеd she сould drink his bloоd and dеvоur his flеsh... It was аn еmоtiоn even morе intense than hatred. Тhere was аlso regrеt for hеr оwn blindness, susрicion about the broken engagement back then... all of it far surpassing the events themselves.
In this life, nothing had happened yet. With Madam Yuan's example as a cautionary tale, she thought she could face the events of her past life calmly. But when she stood face-to-face with Cheng Xu, she realized she was far from as composed as she had imagined.
If she were to encounter Cheng Lu, could she control her emotions?
Or would she still find a pair of scissors to stab him?
This time, she would never use scissors again. No matter what, she would find a dagger...
Zhou Shaojin’s thoughts wandered wildly as she walked silently toward Jia Shu Hall, unaware of Shi Xiang’s several attempts to speak to her along the way. When she arrived at Jia Shu Hall, Old Madam Guan was indeed waiting for her.
"Tell me quickly about your scripture-copying," the old lady said, holding Zhou Shaojin’s hand with concern. "Did Old Madam Guo say anything?"
"No," Zhou Shaojin replied with a sweet smile in front of her grandmother. "Everyone treated me very well..."
She recounted everything that had happened in the main household to Old Madam Guan, including getting lost in the bamboo grove and even encountering Cheng Xu.
Cheng Xu was right—if he knew she had been in the bamboo grove, others would surely know too. Rather than arousing suspicion later, it was better to speak up early, at least to avoid further threats from Cheng Xu. However, she was cautious and omitted the part about Cheng Xu threatening her—not because she wanted to keep the main household’s secrets, but because she felt that in her past life, she had known nothing about these matters, and nothing bad had happened to the fourth household. So why stir up trouble and disturb the peace of the fourth household in this life?
Old Madam Guan didn’t dwell much on her getting lost in the bamboo grove but instead seemed curious about how she had encountered Cheng Xu there: "Why was he wandering around in the bamboo grove too?"
Yes, why was he wandering around in the bamboo grove too!
Zhou Shaojin hadn’t considered this question before, but now, as Old Madam Guan mentioned it, she suddenly realized. Clearly, he had been eavesdropping on Old Madam Guo and Chief Steward Qin Da in the bamboo grove, yet he had turned the tables and accused her of eavesdropping, threatening her not to reveal the matter... It showed that Cheng Xu, like Cheng Lu, was full of lies and no good person either.
Old Madam Guan also advised her: "Be careful in the future. If you want to go somewhere for a stroll or to relax, ask the little maid Xiao Tan, whom the main household assigned, to accompany you. Don’t wander off on your own."
It seemed the bamboo grove wasn’t particularly important after all!
Zhou Shaojin humbly accepted the advice, mentally despising Cheng Xu once again.
When she returned to Fragrant Garden Residence, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
If Cheng Xu blocked her path every day on her way to the main household, what should she do?
Perhaps she should stop going to the main household to copy scriptures?
But what excuse could she use?Ill? She had just recovered, and Madam Zhou's medical skills were superb. She didn't have the same means as her sister... Claim she couldn't handle it physically? But copying the sutras was something she had agreed to earlier, and this excuse would easily worry her grandmother...
She tossed and turned for most of the night without falling asleep. When she woke up the next morning, dark circles had appeared under her eyes.
Zhou Chujin thought she was overly worried about copying the sutras and comforted her, "It's fine. You're still young. Even if you don't copy them perfectly, someone like Old Madam Guo won't blame you. Just do your best. Besides, there's no deadline for submitting the sutras!"
Zhou Shaojin's eyes lit up.
Why not say she was afraid of falling behind in her studies and set a deadline with the eldest branch for submitting the Buddhist sutras? At worst, she could copy more at night and finish the sutras earlier.
She thought this was a good idea. During Madam Shen's lesson, she carefully pondered the matter, zoning out several times. Each time, Madam Shen called on her to answer questions. Fortunately, she had studied diligently in her past life and answered quite well. Madam Shen had no choice but to tactfully ask her to practice calligraphy while teaching Cheng Jia separately, which made Cheng Jia glare at Zhou Shaojin repeatedly in anger.
Zhou Shaojin could only pretend not to see it.
As soon as class ended, Cheng Jia immediately rushed over and pointed at her, saying, "Shaoji, what do you mean by this? How could you leave me alone to deal with Madam Shen?"
"I've already learned all this!" This lifetime, Zhou Shaojin decided not to indulge Cheng Jia's temper anymore and spoke frankly, "Why don't you do the same as me and study these lessons on your own after class?"
That way, Cheng Jia wouldn't have time to pester her to play anymore.
Cheng Jia stomped away angrily.
Cui Huan apologized on Cheng Jia's behalf, full of remorse, "Second Miss, please don't take it to heart. Our young lady is just straightforward, but she has the best heart."
Zhou Shaojin smiled and nodded.
Cui Huan hurriedly chased after her.
Zhou Shaojin slowly packed her things, preparing to return to Fragrant Garden Residence.
Madam Shen, who had left after class, had returned at some point without her noticing.
She stood at the door and coughed lightly.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and stepped forward to greet her.
Madam Shen asked, "Who have you been studying with during your illness?"
Zhou Shaojin knew Madam Shen was becoming suspicious of her. In her past life, she would have nervously made excuses to explain herself to Madam Shen. But her experience of living two lifetimes had taught her that many times, there were no answers to many questions—it all depended on whether you could remain composed.
She smiled and said, "It was my sister."
Madam Shen's gaze gradually sharpened as she looked at her.
Zhou Shaojin tried her best to appear as she usually did.
Madam Shen watched her for a long while. Seeing that she showed no signs of abnormality, she secretly marveled but couldn't press further.
After all, how could she tell Old Madam Guo that the Zhou family's second young miss already knew everything and didn't need to attend classes anymore?
What would be the point of the Cheng family hiring her then?
But Zhou Shaojin's behavior greatly affected Cheng Jia.
She quickly made a decision and said, "From now on, when I teach Miss Jia, you can practice calligraphy on the side!"
In other words, she and Cheng Jia would be taught separately.
Zhou Shaojin was overjoyed and thanked Madam Shen with a bright smile.
Madam Shen smiled faintly and turned to leave.Zhou Shaojin returned to Fragrant Garden Residence with light steps, told Zhou Chujin about Madam Shen's decision, and asked her sister, "If I copy scriptures for Old Madam Guo during class, do you think Madam Shen will be angry?"
Zhou Chujin gave her younger sister a firm flick on the forehead and said, "Copying scriptures is a pious matter—don’t mess around!"
Zhou Shaojin knew that well enough; otherwise, she would have simply copied the scriptures for Old Madam Guo during class without consulting her sister.
She merely wanted to finish copying the scriptures for Old Madam Guo sooner, so she could draw a clear line with the eldest branch of the family!
But with this faint glimmer of hope, her good mood lasted until she saw Old Madam Guo that afternoon.
Perhaps good emotions are contagious. Though Old Madam Guo had looked slightly displeased earlier, seeing Zhou Shaojin’s bright little face made the clouds disperse, and she revealed a faint smile, asking gently, "Are you tired? Would you like some tea and snacks before you start copying the scriptures?"
"No need!" Zhou Shaojin replied with a smile, her eyes curved, radiating serene gentleness. "I drank tea before leaving."
Old Madam Guo nodded with a smile, her expression full of affection.
Zhou Shaojin felt a stir in her heart and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yesterday, I got lost in the bamboo grove, but fortunately, I met Cousin Xu, who gave me directions... I was so frightened at the time that I only remembered I hadn’t thanked him after telling Grandmother about it later..."
As she spoke, she lowered her head slightly, appearing somewhat shy.
Old Madam Guo was quite surprised, but instead of getting angry, she laughed and said, "That Xu boy, always darting around like a monkey! I’ll have to teach him a proper lesson."
Seeing that her words had taken effect, Zhou Shaojin nearly laughed aloud with delight.
Afraid that Old Madam Guo might see through her act, she quickly stood up and said with her head bowed, "I didn’t mean to complain about Cousin Xu..."
Old Madam Guo burst into laughter.
It had been years since she’d heard such straightforward words.
"It’s fine, it’s fine," she said dismissively. "You’d be right to complain about him. Who told him to wander around the inner courtyard? Don’t worry, I’ll discipline him."
Zhou Shaojin flushed with embarrassment.
Even after two lifetimes, Old Madam Guo had seen right through her... It seemed not everyone was skilled in scheming. She’d better just be honest and straightforward.
She returned to the Buddhist hall with a smile and happily continued copying the scriptures.
When Shi Xiang quietly told her, "Old Madam Guo sent someone to fetch Young Master Xu," her mood grew even brighter.
Unexpectedly, she ran into Cheng Xu again on her way back to the fourth branch.
"You’re so uninteresting!" he grumbled, looking somewhat dejected as soon as he saw Zhou Shaojin. "I helped you out, and not only are you ungrateful, you even complained about me to Grandmother. Now I’ve already spoken up, so I can’t even expose your lies..."
So you’re under someone’s control too!
Zhou Shaojin didn’t even bother to glance at him and returned to Jia Shu Hall without a word.
Cheng Xu couldn’t very well follow her to the fourth branch.
How would he explain that to the elders?
He stomped around in frustration.
Da Su whispered a reminder, "Nanny Shi is coming."
Cheng Xu stamped his foot and said to Da Su, "Let’s go," then turned and hurried away from the corridor leading to the fourth branch.
Zhou Shaojin was quite satisfied with this outcome, and the next day, when she saw Cheng Jia, her expression was noticeably kinder.Cheng Jia, however, looked listless as she leaned on the table and asked Zhou Shaojin, "Do you still remember Pan Qing?"
Zhou Shaojin certainly remembered Pan Qing.
She was the daughter of Cheng Jia's paternal aunt, Cheng Xian. Pan Qing was elegant and graceful in appearance. When the second branch's matriarch celebrated her eightieth birthday, her father, Pan Zhi, was promoted to the Surveillance Commissioner of Shandong. Unable to leave his post, Pan Zhi sent Cheng Xian back to Jinling with their two children to pay respects to Cheng Xu for his birthday and to visit relatives. They stayed in Nine Prosperities Lane for a while.
Zhou Shaojin let out a surprised "Oh" and asked, "Is Pan Qing coming?"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Jia's face turned slightly pale. "Mother said they'll arrive this afternoon!"
Zhou Shaojin felt that the Bodhisattva must have been watching over her these days.
She struggled to hold back a smile.
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A Monday that brings tears to the eyes... There’s an organized study session tonight, so posting early...
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