Whаt thеу said abоut lоsing it wаs mоst likеly a cоvеr for selling it оff! Everуоnе knеw thе truth.
Оld Madаm Guan couldn't help but shakе hеr heаd and sigh, sауing, "Тhеn cоmе аlоng with us!"
Мadаm Dong smiled awkwаrdlу and rеplied, "Yes," fоllowing them аs they wаlkеd оut.
Вut Zhоu Shаоjin grew warу.
In hеr prеviоus lifе, Mаster Wеn аnd Madаm Wеn from thе fifth branch had indеed been thе lаst tо arrivе, but she hadn't heаrd оf аnything bеing lоst. Моrеоver, Маdam Dоng and Мadam Yаng, the wifе оf thе cоllаtеrаl branch surnamеd Yu from the fifth branch, had аrrived at the Fоur Seasоns Pаviliоn togеther with Madam Wen.
Yet now, things had changed!
In her previous life, when Zhou Shaojin encountered trouble, Madam Dong, who had always been as warm and attentive as a close elder, never showed up. It was then that she understood a truth: a mother is a mother. No matter how kind and generous she may seem in daily life, when forced to make a choice, she would unhesitatingly side with her son, standing firmly on his side.
In this life, since her rebirth, she had consistently ignored Cheng Lu.
Could Madam Dong be here for her son?
In her previous life, Madam Dong had often hinted, both directly and indirectly, that the Cheng family intended to propose a marriage between Cheng Lu and her. This became especially clear after her father was promoted to Prefect of Baoding—their desire to form an alliance with the Zhou family grew unmistakable. Otherwise, why would her grandmother and eldest aunt have misunderstood? Zhou Shaojin remained quietly vigilant.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with her eldest aunt, Madam Dong indeed turned to her warmly and said, "Shao Jin, I heard you were ill some time ago and wanted to visit you, but then I heard you had recovered and were helping Old Madam Guo copy scriptures... What exactly happened? Why did you suddenly go to Cold Green Mountain House to help Old Madam Guo copy scriptures? Is your health holding up?"
Madam Dong's particular warmth toward Zhou Shaojin was nothing new. Old Madam Guan had originally thought that since the children were still young and a desirable girl attracts many suitors, it might not be a bad thing if Zhou Shaojin won the favor of elders. But now, Zhou Shaojin was no longer as timid and reserved as before. Not only did she often visit and keep her company, but she also knew how to amuse her and had even gained Old Madam Guo's favor. Her prospects for marriage would surely be much better than before.
The Cheng Bai family had already been somewhat lacking in the past, and now... they likely fell even shorter.
But Cheng Lu was a good child, and Madam Dong had a pleasant temperament. Moreover, the two children had grown up together. Although marriages were arranged by parents and matchmakers, what parent didn't wish for their children's marriages to be happy, peaceful, and smooth?
A childhood sweetheart was always better than a blind or forced marriage.
As for how things would ultimately turn out, it would still depend on Shaojin's own feelings. Old Madam Guan pondered this as she glanced toward Zhou Shaojin.
Madam Mian, sharing her mother-in-law's thoughts, also turned her gaze toward Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Chujin, who was always attentive to her sister, also looked at her.
For a moment, Zhou Shaojin became the center of everyone's attention.
Despite having lived two lives, Zhou Shaojin still wasn't accustomed to such scrutiny.
At first, she felt slightly uneasy, but she quickly overcame this discomfort and smiled gracefully, saying, "It was just a cold from the chilly wind. I took two doses of medicine prescribed by Madam Zhou and recovered. Coincidentally, Old Madam Guo came to visit Grandmother and saw me copying scriptures for her. She asked me to copy a scripture for her as well, and I haven’t felt tired at all!""That's good, that's good." Upon hearing this, Madam Dong put on a delighted expression and said, "As long as your health can manage it—I was just telling Mother Dong yesterday to stew some blood bird's nest for you to nourish your body!"
"No need," Zhou Shaojin refused with tactful words but a firm tone. "At my young age, I don't require blood bird's nest yet." As she spoke, she turned her gaze toward Old Madam Guan. "It's better to follow Grandmother's usual advice: walk more when you have time—that can strengthen the body just as well!"
Old Madam Guan loved hearing this and nodded repeatedly. "All medicine carries some toxicity. Young children should use fewer tonics and move around more—that's the proper way."
Madam Dong felt awkward, her smile turning somewhat strained. "The old lady is right! It's just that I, as an aunt, care too much for the child—look at Shaojin, she seems like she’d be blown away by a strong wind. Every time I see her, I can’t help but want to nourish her."
If one didn’t think too deeply about it, this remark was harmless. But upon closer consideration, wasn’t it implying that Old Madam Guan and Madam Mian hadn’t taken good care of her?
Both Zhou Chujin and Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but frown inwardly. Shaojin, breaking from her usual silence, spoke up before Chujin could, smiling as she said, "It’s just that everyone’s constitution is different. Look at me—though I’m thin, I’ve rarely fallen ill growing up. On the other hand, Madam Wen takes tonics every day, yet she’s either sick today or was sick yesterday. This shows that health has little to do with what one eats or drinks; it depends on each individual."
If someone else had said this, it might have sounded like a jab at Madam Wen. But she was still young, and neither Old Madam Guan nor Madam Mian were the type to criticize elders in front of juniors. With her innocent and guileless demeanor, they simply assumed she was unaware of the affairs of the fifth branch, and no one took it as a slight against Madam Wen.
Before Madam Dong could respond, Zhou Shaojin added, "I heard recently that you had two hundred Ten Complete Great Tonic Pills made at the Zhou Family Clinic. Have you been feeling better lately?"
The implication was clear: you, Madam Dong, may appear radiant and healthy, but you still rely on tonics.
Everyone’s eyes involuntarily fell upon Madam Dong’s somewhat plump figure.
Madam Dong’s face flushed bright red. She wanted to say something to Zhou Chujin, but when she looked up and saw her sincere expression, she swallowed the words that had already reached her lips. Instead, she forced a dry laugh and said, "Those tonic pills were ordered for your cousin Lu. As you know, he’ll be taking the imperial examinations in June. I’m just worried about him!" She let out a long sigh.
Old Madam Guan comforted her, "Lu’s studies are excellent—that’s widely acknowledged in the clan school. If even he can’t pass, no one else stands a chance. You needn’t worry too much."
The two of them began discussing the prefectural examinations in June, thus moving past the earlier topic.
Madam Mian, however, hadn’t forgotten. She smiled at Zhou Shaojin.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chujin quietly praised her sister, "Well done! Don’t forget—the fourth branch is our closest kin. Even if bones are broken, the sinews remain connected. Outsiders have no right to criticize."
Zhou Shaojin nodded, unable to help thinking of the past.
She wondered if she had done anything foolish in her previous life that might have hurt her grandmother, aunt, or sister.The Four Seasons Tower stood along the central axis of Nine Prosperities Lane. At the forefront was the Cheng family's main hall, named "Hall of Prudent Virtue." It was rarely opened except for occasions such as New Year's Eve, the first day of the Lunar New Year, the reception of imperial edicts, celebrations for family members achieving top honors in imperial examinations or receiving promotions, visits by officials of provincial governor rank or higher, or the wedding of the eldest legitimate grandson of the main branch. To the left of the Hall of Prudent Virtue was the "Spring Dew Pavilion," used for receiving guests on ordinary days. Diagonally opposite the Spring Dew Pavilion was a flower hall called "Fragrance of Osmanthus," also a place for entertaining guests, though reserved for close friends, relatives, or old acquaintances. Further back lay a small garden with emerald peaks resembling mountains, clear streams cascading down, green vines draping gracefully, and lush flowers and trees. Passing through the winding vermilion-railed corridor of the garden, one would encounter a grove of banana trees. Beside the grove stood the "Rain Listening Pavilion," which served as the outer study.
To the left of the Rain Listening Pavilion, crossing a Taihu rockery, was the "Hall of Gathered Blessings." Further ahead lay a flower bed, and beside it stood the exquisitely carved "Paulownia Blossom Tower." The small outer courtyard study, "Listening to Pine Winds," was located behind the Hall of Gathered Blessings and the Paulownia Blossom Tower, separated by a pine forest. To the right of the Rain Listening Pavilion, exiting through a door led to a north-south corridor named "Four Seasons Brocade." Walking northward, about an arrow's distance to the east, stood a moon gate. Behind it was the outer courtyard's kitchen, the birthplace of the renowned "Cheng Family Private Cuisine."
A few steps further ahead was a Ruyi gate, leading to the inner courtyard's "Peony Terrace" and the Four Seasons Tower.
For the eightieth birthday celebration of the second branch's matriarch, the Cheng family of Nine Prosperities Lane would undoubtedly open its central gate wide.
Zhou Shaojin had not yet reached the Four Seasons Tower when she faintly heard a clamor of noise.
The Four Seasons Tower and the Hall of Gathered Blessings were separated by a floral wall.
Madam Mian smiled and said, "How lively it is today!"
Old Madam Guan replied with a smile, "The Cheng family also needs some liveliness. It’s usually too quiet around here."
With several masters serving as officials in the capital, even joyful news only meant opening the central gate and setting off a few rounds of firecrackers, which still lacked the warmth of human presence.
As they spoke, they encountered members of the main branch.
Old Madam Guo wore an autumn-fragrance-colored robe embroidered with cranes carrying celestial herbs. The pigeon-egg-sized ruby on her longevity hairpin shimmered brilliantly. Standing tall and straight with a solemn expression, surrounded by a crowd of maids and matrons, her imposing presence was overwhelming. Like red flowers against green leaves, she effortlessly overshadowed Madam Yuan beside her, who wore a rose-purple robe woven with gold and four-petal patterns and adorned with kingfisher feather jewelry, exuding an air of dignified grace.
Zhou Shaojin suddenly felt great admiration for Old Madam Guo—every time she appeared, she made others seem like mere accessories. In both her lifetimes, this was the first time Shaojin had witnessed such presence. Even when she had entered the palace in her previous life to pay respects to noble ladies, none had possessed Old Madam Guo’s commanding aura.
She and her sister stepped forward to greet Old Madam Guo and Madam Yuan.
Old Madam Guo, however, scrutinized the sisters from head to toe before smiling at Old Madam Guan and saying, "Truly like pearls bathed in morning dew, equally radiant. Your fourth branch has produced two lovely young ladies."
"You flatter us, you flatter us," Old Madam Guan replied modestly, though unable to conceal her delight.
Madam Yuan smiled without speaking but appeared very amiable.
For some reason, Zhou Shaojin recalled her former self in her past life—always meekly following behind her elder sister, letting her decide everything, big or small.
At this moment, Madam Yuan seemed so much like her former self!
She followed her sister into the Four Seasons Tower.
The second branch's matriarch, Madam Tang, immediately approached with a beaming smile. After exchanging greetings, she hurriedly introduced the other ladies in the Four Seasons Tower to Old Madam Guo and Old Madam Guan.Some were close family friends, speaking casually with an air of intimacy; some were acquaintances, greeting each other warmly; some had met a few times before, exchanging polite pleasantries; and others were meeting for the first time, introducing themselves and tracing connections through distant relatives.
Zhou Shaojin’s gaze had just swept past Wu Baozhang, who was quietly following behind Madam Wu, and settled on Madam Zheng, the eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch, standing beside Madam Tang and wearing a treasure-blue robe embroidered with floral branches.
Her hair was styled in a peony bun, adorned with a hairpin set with yellow jade. Her skin was snow-white, and though her figure was somewhat plump, she exuded a round, jade-like elegance and an air of prosperity.
In her previous life, Zhou Shaojin had not formed a deep impression of her and could not determine whether this was due to pregnancy or if she had remained this way after giving birth.
Madam Zheng sensed someone watching her and turned around with a smile, nodding slightly at Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin responded with a graceful yet sweet smile.
Madam Zheng was momentarily taken aback.
The third branch had arrived.
Cheng Xian was dressed in a bright red robe embroidered with symbols of wealth and prosperity, supporting her mother, the elderly and kindly Li, who was adorned with pearls and jade. Madam Jiang, Cheng Jia’s mother, and Cheng Jia herself followed behind them, with Pan Zhuo bringing up the rear.
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Sisters, this is a transitional chapter.
But doesn’t it feel a bit like a gathering of heroes… oo~
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