Thе соnvеrsаtiоn finаlly turned tо this mаttеr.
Аlthоugh Old Madаm Guо had said shе wouldn’t be аngrу with Оld Маdаm Guan, Zhou Shаojin couldn’t help but feеl аnxiоus for hеr grаndmоthеr.
Old Маdаm Guо smilеd and sаid, “Was it Third Sister-in-lаw whо askеd you to сome аnd speаk оn hеr bеhаlf?”
Wаsn’t it sаid that Old Маdam Таng оf the sеcоnd brаnch was tоо ashаmed to spеak? How did this invоlvе Оld Mаdam Li of the third brаnсh?
Zhоu Shaоjin wаs рuzzlеd.
Оld Мadаm Guаn, howеver, flushеd and said, “I аlso hаd this intеntiоn. Hаrmоnу in thе family leаds to prosperitу in all endeаvors. If therе is anу rift bеtweеn you and Second Sister-in-law, we, as younger sisters-in-law, can’t help but worry.”
Old Madam Guo thought for a moment and said seriously, “Fourth Sister-in-law, let me be honest with you. According to propriety, the eldest branch should be the clan leader. But look, the second branch not only refuses to hand over the clan register but also constantly tries to suppress us. I don’t even know what they’re up to. Do you think I resent them? For the past few decades, I didn’t resent them at all. Without the ancestors of the second branch, our family’s two elders back then wouldn’t have been able to enter officialdom—one of them would have had to stay home to manage the ancestral estate. My two sons also wouldn’t have been able to smoothly take the imperial examinations, with one now serving as a grand councilor and the other living a leisurely life of scholarly honor. But in recent years, I’ve started to feel resentment.
“Since Si Lang has given up the opportunity to enter officialdom to manage the family’s affairs, why do the ancestors of the second branch still cling to the clan register?
“Fourth Sister-in-law, you know me—I’m straightforward. If there’s something to say, let’s say it openly and honestly. If it works, it works; if it doesn’t, we’ll find a way to resolve it. If the ancestors of the second branch want to continue as clan leaders, that’s fine too. Let’s gather all the branches and discuss it. Our eldest branch will hand over the sacrificial fields, and from then on, Zhi Ge’er and the others can manage the family estate. Our Si Lang can also register with the Ministry of Personnel and seek an official position. Who knows, he might even earn a posthumous honor like ‘Divine Tortoise Guarding the Stele.’ If the ancestors of the second branch are simply worried that their descendants aren’t capable, they should let Si Lang gradually familiarize himself with the clan’s affairs. At the very least, the Cheng Clan School should be entrusted to Si Lang for a trial period.
“How can they just leave things hanging without a word, without proper justification or legitimacy?
“You must have heard clearly what the ancestors of the second branch said that day at the Listening to Rain Pavilion, right? Is our Si Lang unfilial? It’s one thing for him to make Geng Ge’er recite the Classic of Filial Piety, but what did those words afterward mean? How could we not think more of it?
“What does Second Sister-in-law have to be ashamed or angry about?
“If anyone should be ashamed or angry, it’s me.
“I’m also a grandmother at this age. Every time the ancestors of the second branch speak, don’t they say things that stab at people’s hearts? Knowing this, why would I go to the Listening to Rain Pavilion? To humiliate myself further?
“I think the ancestors of the second branch are getting old and starting to lose their clarity of mind, much like Madam Wen. The grievances of our generation belong to our generation, but the younger generation has their own relationships. Otherwise, the clan won’t be united, and this family will eventually fall apart. Yet they used Geng Ge’er as a pawn. Having him recite the Classic of Filial Piety was one thing, but then they used his recitation to make a point.”"Go tell Third Wife that I have kept this matter in mind, and sooner or later I must make things clear with the Second Branch. Whether she stands on my side or with the Second Branch, it’s best she figures it out early. Don’t let her flattery land on the wrong leg, only to get kicked for it."
Old Madam Guo’s thinly veiled reprimand left Old Madam Guan speechless for a long while, her expression awkward.
In the past, the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor had always shown great respect for Old Madam Guo. When he first retired from office, he even said in front of Qu Min, the Chief Grand Secretary who came to pay his respects, "The prosperity of our Nine Prosperities Lane today owes much to my eldest nephew’s wife." In contrast, Old Madam Guo acted as she pleased, and the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor never said a word about it. Regarding the incident at Tingyu Pavilion last time, according to Third Branch’s Old Madam Li, it was likely that the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor, seeing the First Branch’s growing influence and himself advanced in years—with his disciples and old associates either deceased or no longer in power—feared that when it came to Shi Ge’er’s turn, the First Branch might wash their hands of the matter. Coupled with Old Madam Guo’s inexplicable absence from the Tingyu Pavilion family banquet, it was a hasty move made in a fit of anger.
Old Madam Guo is getting on in years; Si Lang should go and apologize to the Old Ancestor.
Si Lang’s indifference only deepens the conflict between the two branches.
Yet Old Madam Guan felt that since the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor wouldn’t live much longer anyway, it was unwise for the First Branch to fall out with the Second Branch at this time. That was why she had come to persuade them.
What Old Madam Guan hadn’t expected was that Old Madam Guo would turn the tables, blaming the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor for making insinuating remarks.
But if Old Madam Guo hadn’t skipped the family banquet, how would the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor have hinted at the First Branch’s need to show filial piety to their elders?
Now, even if Old Madam Guan had a thousand words to say, she couldn’t utter them.
Old Madam Guo was clearly being unreasonable!
She could only force a weak, awkward smile and say, "We’re just afraid you’ll end up quarreling?"
Fortunately, Old Madam Guo didn’t press further, sighing instead, "I appreciate your good intentions. From now on, don’t meddle in their messy affairs. Some things aren’t as simple as you think."
With things put so bluntly, Old Madam Guan couldn’t say any more.
"With your words, you’ve lifted a heavy stone from my heart. I’ve long wanted to stay out of these matters, but sometimes I just can’t refuse due to face," she changed the subject with a smile. "Today, I’ll have the good fortune to taste the kitchen master’s skills with you."
The Cheng family’s kitchen only handled the daily meals for the First and Second Branches. The other three branches all dined in their own small kitchens. When guests required the kitchen to prepare a banquet, they had to request a tally from the First Branch’s Madam Yuan or follow orders from the Second Branch’s Old Madam Tang.
Thinking about it, the Cheng family was a bit chaotic.
No wonder Old Madam Guo was unhappy!
Old Madam Guan chuckled bitterly to herself a few times and, as she left, gave Zhou Shaojin a meaningful glance.
But before Zhou Shaojin could speak, Old Madam Guo said, "Shaoji, go see your grandmother off."
Zhou Shaojin smiled and agreed, supporting Old Madam Guan out of Siyi Pavilion.
Only then did Old Madam Guan ask, "Do you know why Old Madam Guo is so upset?"
Zhou Shaojin instinctively shook her head. Seeing a hint of confusion in her grandmother’s eyes, she pretended ignorance and said, "Didn’t Old Madam Guo just say it was because the Second Branch’s Old Ancestor spoke ill of the First Branch?"Old Madam Guan gazed at her youthful face and shook her head inwardly.
This child Shaojin is still too young!
The conflicts between the elder and second branches of the family are bound to intensify in the future. It would be best to finalize this child's marriage with Yi Ge'er early and send her off to Baoding Prefecture. That way, she won't be caught in the middle and forced to take sides.
After admonishing Zhou Shaojin with a few words about "being obedient," Old Madam Guan left, surrounded by maids and matrons.
Zhou Shaojin reluctantly made her way upstairs.
However, Old Madam Guo didn’t ask her anything, only smiling as she said, "Would you like to go back or stay here for dinner?"
Outside, it was the most pleasant time of day in terms of temperature.
Zhou Shaojin replied with a smile, "Could we stay at the Four Seasons Pavilion?"
The second floor had two small rooms partitioned off near the staircase, used for ladies to rest or freshen up during banquets.
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Guo said, "Then we’ll have dinner before heading back."
Zhou Shaojin nodded cheerfully, and she and Old Madam Guo each took an afternoon nap in the Four Seasons Pavilion.
When they woke in the afternoon, they played cards again.
This time, when Cheng Chi came for dinner, he didn’t say a word.
Yet, whenever Zhou Shaojin recalled Cheng Chi’s words, "However much you lost, I’ll make up for it," a warm feeling flowed through her heart.
It was as if he were her towering tree, sheltering her from wind and rain no matter what she did.
Pressing her lips together in a smile, she thought of what her grandmother had said earlier and figured Old Madam Guo must have something to discuss with Cheng Chi. She took the tea offered by a young maid and placed it before Cheng Chi, then went downstairs to help Biyu prepare dinner.
Old Madam Guo watched Zhou Shaojin’s slender, graceful yet delicate figure and remarked with a smile, "This child is growing up right before our eyes, becoming even more well-behaved and sensible than before."
Cheng Chi followed his mother’s gaze and absentmindedly agreed, "Yes," but inwardly, he thought, Just wait until she finds out she can go watch the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival—she’ll be overjoyed!
He then felt great appreciation for Prefect Wu’s perceptiveness and tact.
He had merely hinted at the matter, and Prefect Wu had taken it from there, ultimately resolving the issue with just five hundred taels of silver.
Prefect Wu might not be much of a person, but he was reliable when it came to getting things done.
It seemed he could remain in his position as the prefect of Jinling for a few more years...
Old Madam Guo spoke to Cheng Chi about Old Madam Guan’s intentions and concluded, "...I’m getting old and can’t be bothered to engage in empty pleasantries with them anymore."
Cheng Chi could tell his mother was still somewhat uneasy.
She was likely worried it might affect his plans.
Over the years, as he had been running around, his mother had vaguely sensed he was up to something but didn’t know he was planning to leave the Cheng family.
Suddenly feeling a pang of guilt, Cheng Chi took his mother’s hand to reassure her, "Don’t worry, family matters won’t affect me."
Only then did Old Madam Guo set her mind at ease. Remembering that Cheng Chi had promised her yesterday he would marry, her mood brightened, and she happily shared dinner with Cheng Chi and Zhou Shaojin.
Afterward, Cheng Chi walked ahead, while Zhou Shaojin held Old Madam Guo’s arm, and they chatted and laughed all the way back to Cold Green Mountain House.
When Old Madam Tang received the news, she gritted her teeth in resentment and sneered, "Let’s see how long she can keep smiling!"
The maids and matrons attending her pretended not to hear, keeping their heads down and tending to their tasks.
Meanwhile, Madam Jiang scolded Old Madam Li, "No one else said anything—why did you have to be the one to step forward?"Old Madam Li said aggrievedly, "Old Madam Tang came to find me here—how could I refuse?"
Madam Jiang gritted her teeth until they ached.
How could the Li family keep producing such people? Even if they had to marry their daughter off to some poor scholar, they shouldn’t let her get involved with that Li Jing!
Li Jing, who had suffered this undeserved misfortune, sneezed repeatedly in the inn.
Meanwhile, Zhou Shaojin took the opportunity of seeing Cheng Chi out of the main room to talk to him about the Four Seasons Pavilion.
Cheng Chi pondered for a moment and said, "Do you want to know why those things happened in your past life?"
"Not exactly..." Shaojin herself couldn’t quite explain it clearly and hesitated. "I know it’s impossible to dwell on the past... It’s just that my heart feels... a bit complicated... I wanted to talk to Uncle Chi about it."
※
Dear readers, good thing I wrote half a chapter last night, or I’d be in big trouble today(>_<)
It’s the weekend—I hope you didn’t have to wake up too early.
PS: There might be typos—I’ll post this first and fix them later.
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel