Сhеng Jia feаrеd nоthing undеr thе sun, but if one had tо nitрick and find sоmeonе shе trulу drеаdеd, it would undoubtеdly be Pan Qing! Pan Qing wаs thе samе agе аs Сhеng Jia, еvеn а mоnth уoungеr. In the fourteеnth уeаr of Zhide, when Рan Qing was tеn yeаrs оld, shе hаd rеturnеd tо Jinling with her mothеr, Сheng Хiаn, tо visit relаtives. Соmparеd tо Pаn Qing's quiet and well-bеhaved demеаnоr, the livеly and mischiеvоus Сheng Jiа sееmеd likе а mud-cоvеred mоnkeу, never аpреаring prореr in аny way. Аs for how much praisе Pan Qing reсeived frоm the еldеrs of thе Cheng family, Cheng Jia, serving as the unfortunate comparison, received just as much scolding.
From then on, Cheng Jia remembered Pan Qing, and for years afterward, she remained resentful, often grumbling about Pan Qing in front of Zhou Shaojin.
This time, when Cheng Jia and Pan Qing met again, their relationship became as incompatible as fire and water. The graceful and poised Pan Qing made Cheng Jia's mother, Madam Jiang, nag her daily: "Look at Qing'er, how obedient and sensible she is. You're the older one—can't you learn a thing or two?" Cheng Jia took every opportunity to trip Pan Qing up, but despite her gentle appearance, Pan Qing possessed a clever and perceptive mind. Not only did Cheng Jia fail to embarrass Pan Qing, but she also ended up making a fool of herself, nearly getting grounded by Madam Jiang.
In her previous life, Zhou Shaojin had also taken Cheng Jia's side. Fortunately, Pan Qing was broad-minded, considering her young age and not holding it against her. She treated her the same as always, which eventually made Zhou Shaojin feel somewhat guilty.
Because of this, Zhou Shaojin tried to persuade Cheng Jia several times, but Cheng Jia not only refused to listen but also felt betrayed, ignoring her for a long time. It wasn't until Cheng Xian took her two children and left the Cheng family to return to Pan Zhi's post that the two reconciled.
Today was the eleventh day of the fourth month. By her calculations, Pan Qing and her family should have arrived by now.
Cheng Jia would likely have little peace from now on!
However, in this life, Zhou Shaojin would definitely not side with Cheng Jia as unreasonably and without principle as she had in her previous life.
Seeing that Zhou Shaojin showed no surprise, Cheng Jia couldn't help but feel suspicious and asked, "How did you know about my aunt returning home to visit?"
Pan Zhi's promotion had been quite sudden, and Cheng Xian had decided last minute to return to her maiden home to celebrate the second branch's matriarch's birthday. The third branch of the Cheng family had only received the news last night. Because Pan Qing's reputation for virtue had grown among the relatives in recent years, and Cheng Jia was now of marriageable age, Madam Jiang feared her daughter would once again unwittingly become Pan Qing's foil, as she had that year. She called Cheng Jia over late at night to caution her, which was how Cheng Jia learned that Pan Qing was returning to Jinling for another short stay.
Zhou Shaojin couldn't very well tell Cheng Jia that she had lived two lives, so she vaguely replied, "I think I heard someone mention it, but I don't remember clearly... The matriarch of the second branch's birthday is tomorrow. If they don't make it back today, they'll miss the celebration. I figured they'd most likely return today." Cheng Jia accepted her explanation without a hint of doubt.
She said uneasily, "I wonder what Pan Qing is like now? I heard from my mother that she's not only skilled in needlework and cooking but also has excellent handwriting..."
Looking at Cheng Jia like this, Zhou Shaojin suddenly recalled the image of her crouching alone under the rose-covered wall, weeping softly...“She’s only visiting Nine Prosperities Lane, not staying for good. What’s there to worry about?” Words of comfort slipped from Zhou Shaojin’s lips. “Besides, we’re neither tailors nor cooks—what’s the point of learning needlework and cooking so well?”
Cheng Jia perked up like a watered flower, her whole spirit revived.
“That’s right!” She clapped her hands. “Why didn’t I think of that? We’re not tailors or cooks—what’s the use of learning so well?” She ran over and sat beside Zhou Shaojin, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, smiling as she looked her up and down. “I’ve noticed you’ve become much cleverer lately. Tell me quickly, is there some secret?”
Zhou Shaojin inwardly regretted it.
Didn’t she know Cheng Jia’s temperament? Why did she trouble herself by meddling in her affairs?
“I need to practice calligraphy!” She broke free from Cheng Jia and moved the armchair aside. “I’ve decided to practice three large sheets every morning. Don’t distract me.”
Cheng Jia giggled and reached to pat her head. “I said you used to be a bit foolish—did that make you angry?”
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t be bothered with her.
These days, Zhou Shaojin had hardly paid her any attention. Having finally found this opportunity, Cheng Jia naturally clung to her without letting go.
Just as Zhou Shaojin was about to lose her patience and storm off, Madam Shen’s cough sounded at the door.
Cheng Jia hurried back to her seat, and only then did Zhou Shaojin free herself from Cheng Jia, quietly beginning her calligraphy practice.
When class ended, she rushed out of Jing’an Study in quick strides, ignoring Cheng Jia’s loud calls behind her.
Just as in her previous life, when Zhou Shaojin returned to Jia Shu Hall, Cheng Xian had brought local gifts and was leading her son Pan Zhuo and daughter Pan Qing to pay respects to Old Madam Guan.
Madam Mian, Zhou Chujin, Cheng Gao, and Cheng Yi were all present.
After this occasion, Zhou Shaojin never saw Cheng Xian or the Pan siblings again, so her memory of the mother and her children remained fixed at this moment.
Though meeting them again after a lifetime, she felt no sense of dissonance.
Zhou Shaojin stepped forward to greet everyone.
Cheng Xian was tall and slender, wearing a bright red robe woven with yellow peonies and blue treasure vases, adorned with a gold-inlaid mutton-fat jade Guanyin hairpin. She had an oval face, large eyes, and a high nose bridge. Though the passage of time had left faint wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and her fair, delicate skin had lost some of its firmness, the years had also made her more elegant, composed, confident, and mature.
Beside her, Pan Qing wore a scallion-green Hangzhou silk robe with a subtle pattern of floral branches, her hair styled in double spiral buns, adorned with flawless mutton-fat jade bracelets. She was of medium height, with long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, exuding an elegant and refined aura. Pan Zhuo was tall and slender, dressed in a violet Hangzhou silk robe with a subtle round floral pattern, his hair neatly trimmed, his features handsome and his expression serene. The siblings resembled each other closely in both appearance and temperament. In contrast, Cheng Jia actually looked more like Cheng Xian.
Cheng Xian personally helped Zhou Shaojin to her feet, smiling as she said to Old Madam Guan, “It’s been years since I last saw Shaojin, and she’s grown even more beautiful. If I saw her elsewhere, I’d hardly dare recognize her.”
Old Madam Guan had always cherished her two granddaughters. Though unable to conceal her delight at the praise, she forced herself to adopt a modest tone and replied, “You flatter them. Both children are obedient and sensible, truly endearing.”
“That’s a blessing for you as well,” Cheng Xian said with a smile, turning to family matters. “...I heard that Uncle Yuan has been promoted to magistrate of Pingyin County. Congratulations.”The Second Master of the Fourth Branch, Cheng Yuan, was in the same imperial examination cohort as Zhou Shaojin's father, Zhou Zhen. However, Zhou Zhen was a second-tier jinshi, while Cheng Yuan was a third-tier tongjinshi.
At that time, the Second Branch's patriarch, Cheng Xu, had already retired from office. The Fourth Branch leveraged the influence of the First Branch's eldest master, Cheng Jing, securing the position of magistrate of Pucheng County in Fujian for Zhou Zhen's father and the post of deputy magistrate of Yixing County in Jiangxi for Cheng Yuan.
For Cheng Yuan to rise from a tongjinshi to a county magistrate was akin to a concubine being elevated to the status of a principal wife—a crucial step in his official career. With Cheng Jing's support, his path forward would be much smoother.
"Congratulations to you as well," Old Madam Guan said with a smile. "Your husband has now been appointed as a provincial surveillance commissioner. When he returns to the capital, a ministerial position in one of the Six Ministries is practically assured. Your son-in-law's future is truly bright!"
The leap from fourth rank to third rank is also a significant hurdle. Pan Zhi had served as a fourth-rank prefect for nearly ten years.
Since Old Madam Guan was a senior family member and known for her discretion, Cheng Xian did not hide her joy. She smiled and said, "At the critical moment, it was thanks to my brother-in-law speaking up for my husband. Otherwise, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly..."
"Brother-in-law" likely referred to Cheng Jing, right?
Zhou Shaojin pondered this but did not curiously observe Pan Qing and Pan Zhuo as she had in her previous life. Instead, she stood behind her sister with her eyes downcast, listening half-heartedly to the pleasantries exchanged between Old Madam Guan and Cheng Xian.
The tree may desire stillness, but the wind refuses to cease.
Unexpectedly, a gaze swept over her briefly before shifting away.
Zhou Shaojin paid it no mind.
But moments later, the gaze returned to her, lingered briefly, and shifted away again... then returned once more.
Unable to resist, Zhou Shaojin looked up.
She met Pan Zhuo's clear, bright eyes.
Zhou Shaojin was taken aback.
In her previous life, she had interacted with Pan Zhuo a few times, but only due to family gatherings or chance encounters involving Pan Qing. Whether in the presence of elders or by coincidence, Pan Zhuo had always been impeccably polite, never letting his gaze wander.
Why was he secretly watching her in this life?
Zhou Shaojin widened her eyes.
Pan Zhuo quickly turned his face away, his fair complexion flushing bright red.
Pan Qing shot a swift glance at Zhou Shaojin.
Standing beside Old Madam Guan, Cheng Gao stood tall and straight, dressed in a sapphire-blue robe with cloud and floral patterns. With his sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his expression was solemn and somewhat stern.
He glanced thoughtfully at Pan Zhuo, then suddenly stepped forward, shielding Zhou Shaojin behind him.
Old Madam Guan and Cheng Xian, who had been conversing, paused and turned their attention to Cheng Gao.
Cheng Gao remained composed and said unhurriedly, "Grandmother, it's getting late. Shall we have lunch first so you and Aunt can catch up properly? We wouldn't want Aunt, Cousin Zhuo, and Cousin Qing to go hungry."
"Look at me, chatting away and forgetting all about it," Old Madam Guan said apologetically, taking Cheng Xian's hand. "You must stay for lunch. It's been so many years since I last saw Zhuo and Qing. Who knows if we'll have another chance to meet?"
"Don't say such things," Cheng Xian quickly replied. "You're in such good health. I plan to bring my grandchildren back to see you someday and ask for red envelopes from you. You mustn't speak so pessimistically."
"Good, good, good!" Old Madam Guan chuckled. "I'll prepare big red envelopes in advance, waiting for Zhuo to bring his wife and children to visit me."Pan Zhuo appeared somewhat uncomfortable upon hearing this, but before anyone could ponder further, Cheng Xian said, "I'm afraid we won't be able to stay for lunch today—firstly, we haven’t yet paid our respects to the Fifth Household, and secondly, I promised Mother on the way here that we’d return to the Third Household for lunch." As she spoke, she subtly gestured toward the southwest, where the Fifth Household resided, and lowered her voice, "You know how she is—always competing over such matters. If I stayed here for lunch, who knows how she’d criticize us?"
Old Madam Guan sighed and said, "Then I won’t keep you—come over in the evening, and I’ll prepare a welcome feast for you."
"Let’s wait until after the Old Ancestor’s birthday banquet!" Cheng Xian replied with a sincere laugh. "When the time comes, even if you don’t invite me, I’ll come begging for a drink."
Tomorrow was Cheng Xu’s birthday, so it really wasn’t convenient to make other arrangements.
Old Madam Guan smiled and nodded, personally escorting Cheng Xian and her two children out of Jia Shu Hall.
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Sisters, it’s Double Eleven today—I wonder what everyone has bought?
Seems like I haven’t had time to browse these past couple of days… sob…
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