Тhе реорle in the flоwеr hаll ехchanged bеwildеred glanсes.
Aссоrding tо Сhunwаn's acсount, didn't the incident in the cаvе havе nothing tо dо with Zhоu Shаojin аt аll?
Сhеng Yi immеdiatеly grew anхiоus.
Thеy had finallу seized this оppоrtunitу—hоw соuld thеу let Chеng Хu slip аwау right under thеir nosеs?
Сheng Yi cоuldn't сarе less now and urgеntly asked Сhunwаn, "Whу did Jiying fight with Сheng Xu?"
Chunwаn rерlied аs Nаnnу Shаng hаd instruсted hеr: "Мiss Jia invitеd our Sеcond Мiss to visit thе nеwlуwed Lаdу Gао. Fearing that Мiss Jia might grow impatient wаiting, Second Мiss decidеd to tаkе a shоrtcut through here. Who knew that as soon as we entered the cave, we found Miss Jiying fighting with Master Xu... Our young lady tried to persuade them a few times but couldn't stop them, and she was almost hit by Master Xu's fist. I had no choice but to shield Second Miss behind me... Just as Second Miss ordered me to call for help, Lady Nuo arrived, followed by a series of screams that alarmed the masters and young masters..."
This way, it had nothing to do with Zhou Shaojin!
The people from the fourth branch breathed a sigh of relief.
Cheng Yi, however, appeared somewhat uneasy.
He had once been beaten by Jiying.
Because he had coveted her beauty.
Could it be that Cheng Xu also...
Cheng Yi couldn't help but curl his lips disdainfully.
A flicker of horror flashed in Cheng Shi's eyes.
Even now, he still couldn't figure out how things had turned out this way.
But he understood clearly in his heart that Cheng Xu was likely to have his case completely overturned this time—molesting a passing maid while under the influence of something like Five Minerals Powder was one thing, but molesting a relative staying with their family was entirely another!
The former was merely a moment of confusion due to impaired judgment, while the latter was outright lewd and depraved behavior, a stain on one's character.
He had only known before that this Uncle Chi was exceptionally skilled in business, but he never expected him to be so cunning in his actions.
He had underestimated him all along!
He quickly glanced at Cheng Chi, then lowered his head, standing there respectfully with his hands at his sides, appearing as obedient and proper as one could be.
It took Cheng Zheng a while to regain his composure.
No wonder the deputy manager of the Thirteen Guilds hadn't dared to do business with him before without Uncle Chi's approval, despite the favorable terms he had offered.
With his ability to fabricate something out of nothing, he was someone not to be trifled with, no matter where he went.
Had he known this earlier, he should have planned more meticulously.
However, he had arranged for someone at the Four Seasons Pavilion. If there were any changes, he should have been informed quickly. Yet, he had no idea when Jiying had gone to the cave.
Cheng Zheng recalled what his grandfather had secretly told him before passing away, and his gaze darkened.
In the past, he had truly underestimated this Uncle Chi.
After all, Jiying had once beaten Cheng Yi.
What gave a mere servant girl the audacity to act so boldly? It was simply because she was confident that Uncle Chi would protect her.
This proved that what his grandfather had worried about was true!
It seemed Cheng Chi had already taken control of the family's hidden assets.
He immediately felt a pang of regret.
Had he known this earlier, he should have schemed against Cheng Xu when Cheng Chi was away from home.
But what was done was done. Now, he could only think of ways to remedy the situation.
He wondered if smoothly "finding" evidence that Cheng Shi had drugged Cheng Xu would be of any help to Cheng Chi.
Cheng Zheng stood there with his eyes fixed on his nose, appearing even more honest and composed than Cheng Shi, but his mind was racing.
Now was not the time to speak. The most urgent task was to figure out what Cheng Chi was really up to.Was it merely to salvage Cheng Xu's reputation? Or was it a ploy to kill two birds with one stone, dragging Second Branch's Cheng Shi into the mud as well?
At this critical moment, he must not misinterpret the situation and end up flattering the wrong person, only to get kicked in return.
For a moment, everyone harbored their own thoughts, and the drawing room fell into a hushed silence, devoid of any sound.
Jiying, who had been waiting outside the door, was stunned.
How had things come to this, turning into Cheng Xu making improper advances toward her!
She should have known. Whenever Cheng Chi was involved, nothing good ever came of it. But to brazenly twist the truth like this... Wasn't this utterly shameless?
Furious, veins bulged at Jiying's temples, and she stormed toward the drawing room.
But just as she lifted her foot, her body stiffened. Huaishan had sealed her mute acupoint.
"Jiying," Huaishan said apologetically, "I'm sorry, but this is Fourth Master's order. We are people of the jianghu, unbound by trivial formalities. However, the Second Miss of the Zhou family is a delicate young lady from a sheltered upbringing. If she were tainted by such a scandal, she might face slander for the rest of her life. So, I'm afraid you'll have to bear the brunt of this. But Fourth Master also said that once this matter is settled, he will release you back to the Ji family. I thought about it and figured you aren't losing out too much—didn't your great-grandfather say last time? He's getting old, and although his descendants are all accomplished and filial, the only thing he still worries about is you. If you don't marry, he won't be able to rest in peace. I think if you can return home sooner, he would be very pleased."
Bah!
Unable to speak, Jiying could only widen her eyes and glare at Huaishan.
Even so, she shouldn't have to shoulder this blame!
Zhou Shaojin is a young lady, but isn't she one too? If Zhou Shaojin would be slandered for being involved in such a matter, wouldn't she also fear the same?
That scoundrel Cheng Zichuan is far too biased!
Once she regains her freedom, she’ll surely run him through with a sword!
Jiying bristled with rage.
Huaishan could only offer an apologetic smile beside her.
Just then, from within the drawing room with its doors wide open, Cheng Lu cleared his throat softly and said, "If that's the case, Cousin Chi, it's not for me as your elder cousin to criticize you, but you really ought to keep a tighter rein on the people under your roof. Last time it was Yi Ge'er, this time it's Xu Ge'er—who knows who might be next? Such disregard for hierarchy is never a good thing. If the servants and maids start following this example, wouldn't the household rules descend into chaos..."
Cheng Yi's face burned with shame as he glared angrily at Cheng Lu.
Why bring him up when the topic was Cheng Xu?
And that Jiying—how could she be so oblivious, even daring to strike Cheng Xu... I wonder if Uncle Chi will sell her off?
Someone as proud as her—if she were sold off, who knows what desperate things she might do?
He couldn't help but worry secretly, his gaze drifting involuntarily toward the outside of the drawing room.
Noticing Cheng Yi's reaction as Cheng Lu mentioned Jiying, Cheng Gao frowned and whispered to his younger brother, "You're already betrothed. If you do anything to betray your future wife, I'll break your legs on the spot. Our family is not like the Fifth Branch."
Cheng Yi's face grew even hotter, and he hurriedly replied, "What nonsense are you talking? How could I be that kind of person!"
With most of the elders present, Cheng Gao couldn't say more. He could only shoot Cheng Yi a threatening glance.
Cheng Mian's face flushed crimson.
That wretched boy, the last beating was clearly too light! It seems he'll need another good lesson once they return home.
Cheng Yi, who had done nothing wrong yet was already on his father's mind, inexplicably felt a chill run down his spine.
Cheng Yi was furious.If you can't speak properly, then don't speak at all—no one thinks you, Cheng Lu, are mute!
This matter involves your son, Cheng Zheng, as well!
It seems if I don’t give Cheng Lu a little reminder, he’ll think the third branch is so clean!
Cheng Yi inwardly sneered.
Cheng Chi said, "For now, let’s clarify the matter regarding Jiashan first. As for Jiying’s situation, we’ll handle it step by step!"
Jiying trembled with rage.
Step by step!
If Cheng Zichuan dared to summon her to the flower hall for questioning, she would deny everything and make him lose face.
Let’s see what Cheng Zichuan would do then!
Thinking this, Jiying felt much better.
But in that case, Zhou Shaojin would probably be called over for questioning too, wouldn’t she?
With Zhou Shaojin’s delicate, wind-blown appearance, wouldn’t she be scared half to death?
Jiying hesitated again.
Cheng Yi abruptly stood up.
Everyone in the flower hall turned to look at him.
What did Cheng Zichuan mean by this? Making a big fuss only to let it go lightly, trying to pin this matter on a maid?
Not a chance.
He angrily said, "Zichuan, you can’t say it like that…"
"Father!" Cheng Shi suddenly stepped forward, interrupting Cheng Yi. "After all, this matter concerns the eldest branch. You should let Uncle Chi handle it himself. I believe Uncle Chi has his own ideas. If you act like this, Father, what can Uncle Chi say? Although the maid belongs to Uncle Chi, we still need to inform Madam Yuan about Jiashan’s situation… Father, please don’t make things difficult for Uncle Chi. Let him resolve this matter himself."
This way, Cheng Xu would escape unscathed from this ordeal!
But his son definitely wouldn’t stop him without reason.
Cheng Lu opened his mouth but ultimately said with some frustration, "Then I won’t interfere anymore, so as not to embarrass you, Zichuan."
Cheng Wen hurriedly stood up to smooth things over, smiling as he said, "It’s good that things are clarified. It’s good that things are clarified." Afraid the blame for the medicine might fall on him, he eagerly added, "I wonder if Jiashan has woken up yet? Why don’t we go check on Jiashan? This child, too young and at the peak of his success, can’t help but lose his grip sometimes." He chuckled. "But who among us hasn’t gone through such a phase? As long as he can change, it’s fine…"
He rambled on for a long time, but no one responded to him.
In the side room next door, Wu Baozhang gritted her teeth in frustration.
So Zhou Shaojin just escaped like that?
Fourth Master Chi really does protect her.
No wonder everyone in the Cheng family wants to get close to the eldest branch—those in the eldest branch are truly different.
What should she do from now on?
Thinking of Cheng Nuo lying in bed, snoring loudly, she felt utterly disgusted.
Meanwhile, Zhou Shaojin stood quietly at the entrance of the main hall in Cold Green Mountain House, waiting for Zhenzhu to announce her.
Uncle Chi had summoned Jiying and Chunwan for questioning, surely to resolve her situation.
She wasn’t worried.
But she couldn’t leave Old Madam Guo without an explanation.
Only after hearing from a maid that Madam Yuan had left did she come to request an audience.
The curtain was quickly lifted, and Biyu welcomed her inside.
Old Madam Guo was sitting on the luohan bed, drinking tea. Though her expression was impassive, Zhou Shaojin could still sense her low spirits.“Why bother having the little maid announce you when you’re already here?” Old Madam Guo set down her teacup and smiled at her. “Cheng Xu was rude; you must have been frightened, right? Why not rest a bit longer in your room? What brings you here in such a hurry?”
Zhou Shaojin knelt gently before Old Madam Guo and said softly, “Old Madam, thank you for your and Uncle Chi’s guidance these past days. The New Year is approaching, and I wish to return to Baoding to visit my father and my newborn little sister.”
Old Madam Guo remained motionless for a long moment.
Though she had long anticipated this outcome, seeing Zhou Shaojin so sensible and well-behaved still made her heart ache.
Old Madam Guo patted Zhou Shaojin’s head, sighed deeply, and said, “It’s good to go back. Your father has been missing you. Stay there for a while, and if you feel bored, come visit us again.”
But once she leaves, it may be hard to meet again!
Yet how could she have the face to ask Zhou Shaojin to stay?
Old Madam Guo’s gaze dimmed.
A little maid announced, “Old Madam, Ma Fushan requests an audience!”
※
Sisters, here’s yesterday’s update.
Today’s additional updates will be around five in the afternoon and midnight.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel