Оld Маdаm Guo did not bеliеvе suсh аn excusе.
Shе privatеly said tо Zhоu Shаоjin with а lаugh, “I think it’s probаbly because Li Jing wants tо mаrry thе bride hоmе sооner tо аvоid аnу uneхpectеd сomрlications.”
Zhоu Shaojin smilеd slightly but was sоmеwhаt wоrriеd аbоut whether Сhеng Jia соuld shоulder thе resроnsibility of mаnаging housеhold affairs аfter marrying оvеr.
Сheng Jiа, however, wаs соmplеtеlу unсоnсernеd, sаying, “Тheу’re not mу prореr in-laws, sо whаt dо I hаve to feаr? Besides, Li Jing also sаid that he’ll handlе everуthing! I just neеd tо maintаin appearances and fulfill social courtesies.”
Zhou Shaojin thought back to her previous life, where Lin Shisheng’s support had allowed her to remain as Mrs. Lin for over a decade despite the Lin family’s dissatisfaction with her. She felt Cheng Jia’s words made sense.
Cheng Jia then asked Zhou Shaojin to come and help: “My mother is angry with me and is still lying in bed pretending to be ill. My grandmother is elderly and lacks energy, and I don’t even have anyone around to remind me of things.”
Zhou Shaojin hesitated, saying, “I don’t understand these matters either. How about I ask Mama Fan to come and help you?”
In her previous life, when she had appeared, all these trivial matters had been handled by Madam Fan Liu, so she was likely knowledgeable about them.
“Even if she’s the one doing the work, you’ll still have to take on the responsibility in name,” Cheng Jia whispered. “For my wedding, I can’t have a servant from the household overseeing everything, can I?”
Zhou Shaojin felt a stir in her heart.
Perhaps there would be another chance to eavesdrop on Cheng Lu. Even if not, she might still uncover some clues, sparing Uncle Chi from having to help with every little detail, as he was actually quite busy.
She recalled that day when she was counting gold beans on the luohan bed while Uncle Chi was busy reviewing account books and doing calculations...
“Alright!” Zhou Shaojin readily agreed. “But if I do anything poorly, you’ll have to be understanding.”
“I’m just glad you’re willing to help me,” Cheng Jia said, a hint of melancholy showing on her face. “Luoyang is too far from here. After I marry, I don’t know if we’ll ever have the chance to meet again or become in-laws for our children.”
Zhou Shaojin felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Why don’t you try to return to your maiden home every few years?”
Cheng Jia smiled bitterly.
Her mother probably wouldn’t be pleased to see her disobedient daughter.
Zhou Shaojin quickly changed the subject and began discussing Cheng Jia’s wedding with her.
Biyu came in to report, “Second Young Miss, Madam Gu from the Gu family has brought the seventeenth and eighteenth young ladies of the Gu family for a visit. The Old Madam asks you to go and greet them.”
Cheng Jia hurriedly stood up to take her leave.
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t very well keep her, so she escorted her out of Floating Emerald Pavilion and went to see Old Madam Guo.
Madam Gu was wearing a lilac-colored vest, while Gu Shiqigu and Gu Shibagu wore a pink vest and a spring-green vest, respectively.
Only then did Zhou Shaojin remember that Gu Shiqigu and Gu Shibagu, being great-grandchildren, were already out of mourning.
Every time the Gu family came to see Old Madam Guo, it was for a reason, and this time was likely no exception.
Zhou Shaojin helped Old Madam Guo entertain Gu Shiqigu and Gu Shibagu, accompanying them to the flower hall for tea.
Gu Shiqigu chatted idly with Zhou Shaojin, while Gu Shibagu seemed somewhat distracted.
Zhou Shaojin signaled to Gu Shiqigu with her eyes.
Soon after, Gu Shiqigu stood up to excuse herself to the washroom.
Zhou Shaojin accompanied her.On the way, Gu Shiqigu smiled and said, "You're not an outsider anyway. Even if I don't tell you, Old Madam will inform you when you see her later—Madam brought us sisters here to ask Old Madam to help find us good marriages. From Madam's tone, it seems she wants to form a marriage alliance with the Guo family."
Zhou Shaojin was somewhat surprised by Gu Shiqigu's calmness.
Gu Shiqigu smiled and said, "I've long been mentally prepared. Someone like me may not find an exceptionally good family, but I certainly won't marry too poorly either. As long as the man isn't foolish or stupid, I'm sure I can find ways to make life gradually better."
Zhou Shaojin most admired Gu Shiqigu's optimism and open-mindedness.
She comforted Gu Shiqigu, saying, "Don't worry, Old Madam is someone who enjoys helping others. Besides, the Gu family's relationship with the Cheng and Guo families is different—nothing will go wrong."
"That's what I think too, but Eighteenth Sister is very worried," Gu Shiqigu said with a smile, returning to the flower hall with Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin only discussed needlework with Gu Shibagu, and gradually, Gu Shibagu's mood brightened. By the time Madam Gu took the two of them back home, they had already arranged to visit the Gu family together next time to admire the lotus flowers.
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Guo smiled and said, "Our Water Pavilion is unused all year round. Since you young ladies have made plans, why not come to Nine Prosperities Lane? I'll have the servants prepare small boats for you to row or a painted pleasure boat for a poetry gathering."
The Gu family's communal funds were not easy to use, and each household's private savings couldn't be readily spent. Coming to the Cheng family to admire the lotus flowers, with Old Madam Guo's invitation, would be much more convenient.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and agreed, then wrote a letter to Gu Shiqigu.
Both Gu Shiqigu and Gu Shibagu happily accepted the invitation, so Zhou Shaojin simply sent invitations to Zhu Zhu and others as well.
Old Madam Guo intended to mentor Zhou Shaojin and, stepping back herself, assigned Nanny Lu to assist her in organizing the flower-viewing party.
Recalling how her sister hosted banquets, Zhou Shaojin managed everything in an orderly manner without any mishaps.
Nanny Lu was secretly surprised and reported this to Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo remained silent for a moment before saying, "After all, she's a motherless child. Even gold buried underground for too long can be mistaken for brass."
Nanny Lu dared not speak.
Old Madam Guo then said, "Go and inform the stewards that I will cover the expenses for Shaojin's gathering. Tell them to perform their duties diligently and ensure the flower-viewing party is beautifully organized."
Nanny Lu smiled and agreed.
Cheng Chi also sent Nanny Shang to inquire. Upon learning that everything was going smoothly for Zhou Shaojin, he left word for her to speak directly with Nanny Shang if anything came up.
Madam Mian, who was busy decorating Cheng Gao's new room, heard about it and came specifically to take a look.
However, she had barely stood there for three quarters of an hour when Da Ya, Old Madam Guan's senior maid, rushed over, saying that the purchased mottled bamboo blinds had arrived and asking Madam Mian to come and inspect them.
Madam Mian had no choice but to give Zhou Shaojin a few instructions before hurrying back to the Fourth House.
Unexpectedly, the purchaser was nowhere to be seen, but Si'er led her to Jia Shu Hall instead: "Old Madam said she has urgent business with you."
Madam Mian rushed into the inner chamber in great haste.
Old Madam Guan was leaning against the luohan bed with her eyes closed, continuously twisting the prayer beads in her hand.
Hearing the commotion, she opened her eyes, frowned, and said, "You're here," before adding, "Si'er, guard the door. Don't let anyone in, no matter who comes. I have something to discuss with Madam."Si'er hurriedly retreated.
Madam Mian asked gently, "Mother, what matter is so urgent?" As she spoke, she replaced Old Madam Guan's cup of tea and sat on the embroidered stool beside the luohan bed.
Old Madam Guan pondered for a long while before carefully saying, "The elder master just came in and told me he received a letter from Elder Master Jing. He wants to arrange a marriage proposal for Yi Ge'er..."
Madam Mian's expression changed drastically. "What is the elder master's intention?"
"The elder master still thinks Shaojin is best," Old Madam Guan said word by word. "But I think Elder Master Jing wouldn't propose a match for Yi Ge'er without reason. Besides, I've already made it clear to Old Madam Guo that I plan to keep Shaojin at home..." She rubbed her temples. "This matter seems quite suspicious no matter how you look at it. My thought is for you to go ask Old Madam Guo..."
Madam Mian was completely stunned, no longer displaying her usual quick-wittedness. She murmured, "How should I ask? Which family's young lady did Elder Master Jing propose for Yi Ge'er? Why would he think of Yi Ge'er? Could that young girl have some hidden ailment? Or perhaps Elder Master Jing needs a favor from someone and is using our Yi Ge'er as a bargaining chip..."
"Nonsense!" Old Madam Guan scolded in a low voice. "Elder Master Jing wrote in his letter that he was entrusted by the Gu family. The old matriarch of the Gu family has passed away, delaying the marriages of several great-granddaughters. So they wrote to old acquaintances in the court, asking them to inquire about suitable young men. It just happens that the Gu family's Seventeenth Miss is about the same age as our Yi Ge'er, which is why Elder Master Jing had this idea. You've seen that girl before. Although her appearance can't compare to Shaojin's, she carries herself with dignity, knows proper etiquette, and is socially adept. Originally, this wouldn't be a problem. We could just explain the situation clearly to Elder Master Jing. The difficulty is that Elder Master Jing has already mentioned this marriage proposal to the Gu family."
"This is terrible!" Madam Mian anxiously paced around. "We live in the same Jinling city as the Gu family—we see them constantly. If we reject the Gu family's marriage proposal, what will I say when I meet members of the Gu family in the future!"
"Exactly!" Old Madam Guan was troubled by precisely this matter. "I had someone inquire. They said that just a few days ago, Madam Gu brought Seventeenth Miss Gu and Eighteenth Miss Gu to pay respects to Old Madam Guo. How could Elder Master Jing propose this marriage so soon afterward..."
What was Old Madam Guo's intention?
What benefit would she gain from ruining the marriage between Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Yi?
That child Shaojin has been beautiful since she was young—perhaps someone has taken a fancy to her?
But that doesn't make sense either.
Zhou Zhen has the final say in Shaojin's marriage. Even if Old Madam Guo had such intentions, she would still need Zhou Zhen's agreement.
Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law worried themselves sick in the room. Before dinner, Madam Mian found an excuse to visit Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo was astonished. "When did this happen? How come I didn't know? Madam Gu asked me to arrange a match for the two children, but I said I'm old now, don't go out much, and don't know the children of old acquaintances, so I declined the matter. How did something like this come up? Don't worry yet—let me make some inquiries."
Only then did Madam Mian's heart settle. "Please don't mention this to Shaojin."
She feared that if Zhou Shaojin learned Elder Master Jing intended to match Seventeenth Miss Gu with Cheng Yi, it might create resentment in her heart.Old Madam Guo nodded and went to Cheng Chi, asking, "Was this your doing?"
Cheng Chi made no attempt to conceal it, replying, "This is the most straightforward method. They must choose between their future prospects and Shaojin!"
But I fear Shaojin alone may not be enough to make them abandon their prospects!
Old Madam Guo fell silent.
Cheng Chi sneered.
Old Madam Guan lay awake all night.
The eldest branch likely considered Cheng Yi and Zhou Shaojin's marriage an insignificant matter, which is why they allowed Elder Master Cheng Jing to take it upon himself to arrange Cheng Yi's betrothal to the Gu family's seventeenth daughter.
Although Cheng Jing was considerate toward his clan members, he was not one to meddle unnecessarily.
Marriage is meant to unite two families.
Could something have happened that made Cheng Jing need to form an alliance with the Gu family?
She sent someone to inquire about the Gu family's affairs.
※
Dear readers, here is today's update.
PS: I have meetings tomorrow, so there will only be one update, likely around 10 p.m.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel