Jiуing grаbbеd Маdаm Yuаn's hand with a firm griр, hеr vоiсе crisp and сlеar: "Mаdam, let's sреаk рrорerly. Аs an elder, isn't it inapprорriatе for уоu tо rеsort tо рhуsiсаl aсtions?"
"What kind of thing аrе yоu?" Madam Yuаn, stopрed by а mаid—аnd оnе whо wаs her brothеr-in-lаw's heаd mаid аt that—wаs instantlу оvercоmе with shamе and anger. Shе shouted loudlу, "Ноw darе you interfеrе in mу affаirs! Sinсе whеn hаs thе Chеng fаmily hаd such lаck of disсiplinе?" Аs shе spоkе, shе sеarched fоr Cheng Chi with her eуes.
Meаnwhile, Old Мadаm Guо, who hаd been seething with rage, gradually smoothed her raised eyebrows upon seeing Jiying.
Before Madam Yuan could speak further, Old Madam Guo said sternly, "Madam Yuan, now is not the time to dwell on such matters. Quickly call a physician to examine Jiashan. Though it isn't freezing cold, if he continues lying on the stone floor like this and cold seeps into his bones, what if it leaves lasting ailments?"
Madam Yuan immediately panicked and hurriedly instructed her attendants: "Quick, go fetch a physician!" She then knelt on the ground, half-cradling Cheng Xu, her voice urgent: "Jiashan, Jiashan, how are you?"
Cheng Xu's gaze was vacant, as if he couldn't clearly perceive his surroundings. After Madam Yuan called out to him anxiously several times, he mumbled a few incoherent words.
Unable to make out what he said, Madam Yuan pressed urgently, "What did you say? Who hit you? Tell Mother quickly, and I'll avenge you!"
Old Madam Guo walked over, displeasure growing in her heart.
Cheng Xu then shouted loudly, "Shao Jin!" followed by a string of incomprehensible muttering.
Everyone in the cave turned their eyes toward Zhou Shaojin.
Madam Yuan wished she could stuff something into Cheng Xu's mouth, but seeing his face, now swollen beyond recognition, grief welled up in her heart. She felt that Zhou Shaojin was truly a calamity—if not for her, how could her son have become so estranged and end up in such a state?
Cheng Shi, however, glanced toward Cheng Zheng.
Cheng Zheng seemed oblivious to Cheng Shi's gaze, intently watching Zhou Shaojin.
Cheng Shi sneered inwardly.
It was Cheng Zheng who had leaked the information to him and helped summon Zhou Shaojin here. Now that things hadn't gone as planned, Cheng Zheng was afraid of being implicated and had washed his hands of the matter.
What a petty man!
No wonder his great-grandfather had always warned him that the third branch of the family was cunning and untrustworthy. He had previously thought it was a matter of the older generation and that his great-grandfather was making too much of it. Now, it seemed he had misjudged people and been played by Cheng Zheng.
But things had come to this point. Even if he backed out now, the main branch likely wouldn't let it go.
Did that fool Cheng Zheng not realize how rare this opportunity was?
By seizing Cheng Xu's weakness, even if Cheng Xu became the clan head in the future, he would never command respect or control the family's resources like previous Cheng clan heads. In that case, the position of clan head would exist in name only. Even if the main branch produced several more imperial scholars, they wouldn't be able to completely suppress the second branch.
For their second branch, this was a plan of lasting significance!
Only in this way could future generations of the second branch have a chance to rise!
His heart sank as he glanced at his father.
Cheng Yi gave an almost imperceptible nod.
Under the scrutiny of so many eyes, Zhou Shaojin initially hunched her shoulders. But soon, she straightened her posture, standing tall like a pine tree on a cliff facing the wind. A hint of determination slowly colored her brow.
Cheng Chi's lips curved slightly upward.
Cheng Lu's gaze sharpened.
Since when had Zhou Shaojin become so bold?What gives her the right?
Cheng Lu's gaze lingered on Cheng Chi for a moment, a shadow flickering in his eyes.
As if oblivious to the peculiar atmosphere among the crowd, Old Madam Guo walked up to Cheng Xu, crouched down, and took his hand, saying, "Who could it be? To be so cruel, beating Jiashan to this state, even leaving him confused and disoriented..." She then looked up and asked Shaojin, "Are you all right?"
Shao Jin's face flushed crimson instantly, her lips trembling as she struggled to find words.
Old Madam Guo continued, "With your Cousin Xu in this condition, I can't rest easy sending him back to Duojia Pavilion. These days, with your Aunt Jing away, you've been managing affairs in my quarters, and no one is more familiar with them than you. The physician will take a while to arrive, and we can't just leave your Cousin Xu lying here. Hurry back to Cold Green Mountain House and clear out the green gauze cabinet in my room. Let your Cousin Xu recuperate there!"
Truly worthy of being the mother who raised someone as cunning and sly as Fourth Master!
Jiying nearly applauded Old Madam Guo.
With just a few words, she had turned Cheng Xu's improper advances into concern for Zhou Shaojin. Especially that last line—"Shao Jin, are you all right?"—those unaware of the truth would surely think Cheng Xu had been heroically rescuing a beauty... No wonder her family could never outmaneuver Fourth Master. Fourth Master truly inherited his skills from his upbringing!
She gazed admiringly at Old Madam Guo, wondering if she should serve her and learn a few tricks to deal with Fourth Master...
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shaojin felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
Whether she had beaten Cheng Xu or Old Madam Guo intended to punish her, these were matters between them. She didn’t want the scheming Second and Third Branches to watch the spectacle, nor did she want Wu Baozhang and Cheng Lu to witness it.
She murmured her assent and, supporting Chunwan, turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Yi's sharp voice rang out from behind: "Niece Zhou, please stay for a moment!"
Zhou Shaojin couldn't help but frown, considering whether she should simply leave. After all, with Uncle Chi and Old Madam Guo here, any trouble wouldn't fall on her to handle... Yet, the slight hesitation in her step seemed to betray her thoughts to Cheng Yi.
Cheng Yi strode forward in three quick steps and declared loudly, "Niece Zhou, Jiashan is the first top scholar in our family, and he is only nineteen this year, with immeasurable prospects ahead. In this secluded inner courtyard, while I dare not speak of other things, it is certain that no ruffians or scoundrels could enter. Although Jiashan is a scholar, he has also trained in self-defense with masters at home. How could he be beaten so thoroughly without being able to fight back? There were only three of you in this cave. Please, dear niece, tell me what truly happened. We cannot let Jiashan suffer such a beating unjustly, nor can we wrong you, niece."
His words sounded righteous and principled, yet they concealed a hidden edge. If Zhou Shaojin revealed the truth, Cheng Xu's reputation for immorality and frivolity would likely haunt him for life. If she covered for Cheng Xu, Cheng Yi could then point the finger at Zhou Shaojin, accusing her of meeting someone here in secret, only to be discovered by Cheng Xu, who then suffered undeserved harm.
Such malicious intent even made Cheng Wen feel somewhat uneasy upon hearing it, let alone Cheng Chi.He narrowed his eyes, leisurely stepped forward, and said indifferently, "Since Brother Yi insists that no outsider could have entered, I think we should wait until Jiashan wakes up before discussing anything further? With all this commotion, we won’t be able to sort things out clearly anyway." Then, turning to Zhou Shaojin, he added, "You should return to Cold Green Mountain House for now."
Zhou Shaojin, barely containing her inner joy, tugged at Chunwan’s sleeve and exchanged a meaningful glance with Jiying before heading out.
Cheng Yi, of course, disagreed.
He called out loudly, "Niece Zhou!"
Madam Yuan trembled with rage.
What did Fourth Uncle mean by this?
How could he let Zhou Shaojin leave just like that?
What if something happened to Jiashan?
Upon hearing this, she made to stand up.
But the moment she moved, Old Madam Guo grabbed her arm firmly.
Puzzled, she turned and met Old Madam Guo’s stern gaze, filled with suppressed fury.
"Have you lost your mind?" Old Madam Guo whispered sharply. "Do you still not understand what has happened? Shaojin not pressing the matter is already a sign of her kindness and generosity. What more do you want? Are you trying to make Jiashan even more of a disgrace?"
Madam Yuan argued quietly, "Our Jiashan is about to be engaged. How could he possibly have any involvement with Zhou Shaojin? Clearly, it’s Zhou Shaojin who—"
Under Old Madam Guo’s razor-sharp glare, she lowered her head, her voice fading until it was almost inaudible.
Zhou Shaojin paid no heed to Cheng Yi’s words.
Not only did she not stop, but she quickened her pace and left the cave.
Outside, the autumn air was crisp and refreshing. Golden ginkgo leaves carpeted the ground, adding a touch of warmth to the chilly atmosphere.
Zhou Shaojin took a deep breath.
Emerging unscathed from that dark, damp cave and feeling the dappled sunlight filtering through the branches and leaves fall upon her, she felt as though she had been reborn.
Compared to the day of her rebirth, this moment felt even more like a true revival.
Smiling, she linked arms with Chunwan and said, "Come on. Let’s go tidy up the green gauze cabinet for Cousin Xu!"
Zhou Shaojin’s heartfelt smile was brighter than the autumn sun.
Chunwan stared, momentarily dazed.
But Jiying complained discontentedly, "You’re still going to tidy up his room? Can’t you show a little more backbone?"
Zhou Shaojin pursed her lips into a smile, her curved eyes resembling a crescent moon, serene and graceful. "Forgive others when you can. I’ve already vented my anger, so there’s no need to dwell on the rest." Then, she playfully winked at Jiying. "Besides, I’m not going to tidy up his room—I’m going to tidy up the green gauze cabinet for Old Madam!"
Jiying burst into laughter and exclaimed happily, "Great! Let’s go tidy up the green gauze cabinet for that scoundrel!"
She took Zhou Shaojin’s hand and headed toward Cold Green Mountain House.
Was this really okay?
Chunwan followed behind them, filled with worry.
When Old Madam Guo and Fourth Master Chi returned to Cold Green Mountain House, would they still be in for trouble?
Why hadn’t Steward Ma arrived yet!
Lagging behind, Chunwan walked slowly, and it took Zhou Shaojin a moment to notice she wasn’t keeping up. Turning around with a smile, she called out to Chunwan, "Hurry up!"
Chunwan replied with an "Oh" and quickened her pace to catch up.
Meanwhile, inside the cave, Cheng Yi was livid, his face ashen.
He said to Cheng Chi, "Brother Chi, I’m doing this for your own good! Jiashan is the legitimate grandson of your eldest branch! How can you just let him lie here without a clear explanation? If Brother Jing were to see this, who knows how heartbroken he would be!"
Cheng Yi glanced toward Madam Yuan.Madam Yuan bit her lip, her expression appearing uncertain.
Old Madam Guo, on the other hand, remained completely calm.
A faint, fleeting gleam flickered in Cheng Chi's eyes.
He did not answer Cheng Yi's question. Instead, his gaze swept over the faces of Cheng Lu and the others as he said indifferently, "Is that what you all think as well?"
With elders present, the younger generation like Cheng Gao all lowered their heads.
Cheng Shi, however, couldn't help but glance sideways at Cheng Zheng.
Cheng Zheng kept his eyes downcast, appearing as cautious and proper as could be.
Cheng Shi couldn't help but curl his lip slightly.
Cheng Lu then spoke up, "It was indeed somewhat improper of you to let the Zhou family's niece leave like that. However, the Zhou family's niece is a delicate young woman with a gentle temperament—it's impossible that she could have done anything. We can wait until Jiashan wakes up and ask him what happened!"
He spoke with great sincerity.
※
Dear readers, here is today's update!
There was a typo in yesterday's chapter: "Cheng Yi" from the second branch was mistakenly written as "Cheng Hu." It has been corrected today, and I apologize for the error. If anything is unclear, please refresh the page and take another look.
PS: My paperwork finally sees a glimmer of hope—it should be completed this week!
Tomorrow's update will continue around 8 PM as usual.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel