Zhоu Сhujin smilеd аnd sаid, "Оf coursе. Не is оur unсle after аll."
Тhe impliсation wаs thаt hе wаs fаmilу on their mоther's side.
In her past life, bесausе of hеr оwn асtions, hеr sistеr hаd сut tiеs with the Сheng family, аnd whеnevеr anything haрpenеd, she would disсuss it with hеr brоthеr-in-lаw... Вut nоw, with her safе аnd sound, hеr sistеr wоuld rathеr talk tо Unсle Chi thаn hеr brothеr-in-law...
Zhou Shaоjin broke into а swеаt.
She hоped her sistеr аnd brоther-in-lаw wоuldn’t grоw distаnt bесausе оf this!
She sаid, "But Sistеr, you shоuld still discuss this with Вrоthеr-in-law. I dоn’t think hе’s thе kind оf person whо would feel burdened оr blame his wife just bеcausе somеthing hаpрened in her family. Husband and wife should treat each other with honesty. Otherwise, if you have to hide things or act cautiously all the time, how uncomfortable would that be!"
Zhou Chujin burst into laughter, tapping Zhou Shaojin’s forehead. "What does a child like you know? Teaching me about marriage..." she said, her eyes sparkling with a charming glow. "But you’re right. Your brother-in-law’s family has all sorts of messy affairs, and ever since the incident with Father-in-law borrowing money, he hasn’t dared to look me in the eye. He must feel terrible inside. If our family also had some less-than-perfect matters, your brother-in-law wouldn’t have to be so restrained."
"Exactly, exactly," Zhou Shaojin nodded repeatedly with a smile, like a little chick pecking at rice.
Zhou Chujin laughed at the sight and began chatting with Zhou Shaojin about household matters. "...Your brother-in-law suggested you stay in the west wing. But we southerners always believe that south-facing rooms are the best, so I arranged for you to stay in the back annex. I even set aside these three rooms on the east side to make a small courtyard. It’s a pity your sister and brother-in-law aren’t well-off, otherwise we could add another floor to the back annex and set up an embroidery tower for you."
Zhou Shaojin quickly replied, "This is already very good. Sister, you’re about to give birth soon, so don’t trouble yourself too much. Once I have a niece, you can add another floor to the back annex."
Zhou Chujin blushed slightly and said, "Your brother-in-law says it would be best if this child is a girl."
Girls are thoughtful, obedient, and a mother’s little treasure. Later, if a son is born, she could help her mother take care of her younger brother.
Zhou Shaojin smiled quietly.
Zhou Chujin continued, "Madam is taking care of me, so she’s staying in the east wing. If anything happens, I can call out and she’ll hear. The servants in the inner residence are the ones we brought from the south. Since they’re unfamiliar with this place, they can stay peacefully in the house. You’ve already met the gatekeeper—it’s the Yang family, locals of the capital who know every corner of the city. If you need to go out, have them accompany you." Then she took out a pouch and handed it to her, saying, "There are twenty taels of broken silver inside for your pocket money. If it’s not enough, just come and tell your sister."
Zhou Shaojin accepted it without hesitation.
Zhou Chujin stood up with a smile and said, "It’s getting late. Rest for a while. Later, we’ll have dinner together in the hall. As for Uncle Chi, we’ll find a time to go together and thank him."
"Uncle Chi" as an elder?
Thinking of Cheng Chi’s appearance, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but laugh as she saw her sister off.Madam Fan Liu was speaking with Mama Yang under the corridor: "...Almost every household in this alleyway grows elm trees, so the names of the alleys all contain the character 'elm.' Look at the alley to the east—it's called Double Elm Alley. A little further on is Elm Coin Alley, and our Locust Tree Alley is the main one."
Zhou Shaojin felt a surge of delight.
She had been worried about not knowing how to get to Uncle Chi's residence!
Upon hearing the commotion, Madam Fan Liu and Mama Yang immediately stopped their conversation, turned around, and curtsied to the Zhou Shaojin sisters. Mama Yang eagerly stepped forward to support Zhou Chujin, saying, "This is my first day meeting the mistress and the second young lady, and I was just thinking of coming over to introduce myself. That way, if the matrons or young ladies have any tasks, I won’t mistake anyone!"
Zhou Chujin smiled and said, "You’re very thoughtful. Work diligently, and I won’t treat those around me poorly. You can ask the people around me if you don’t believe me."
"Oh, what you say is too kind, mistress," Mama Yang hurriedly expressed her loyalty. "The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were a kind person. When I heard I could come work in your household, I was so overjoyed I couldn’t sleep all night..."
Zhou Chujin smiled and interrupted her, saying, "Alright, alright, no need for such flattery. Whether you’re good or not, I’ll be watching!"
Mama Yang swore another round of oaths, which even made Madam Fan Liu laugh.
Zhou Shaojin thought for a moment and decided to go see Madam Li.
Zhou Chujin was puzzled.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and said, "No matter what, we are her daughters. If we treat each other politely, our days will be more pleasant."
Zhou Chujin neither agreed nor disagreed but did not stop Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and took Zhou Chujin’s hand, heading together to the main courtyard.
Zhou Youjin, accompanied by her wet nurse, was sound asleep on the kang, her little face flushed and utterly adorable. Madam Li was directing maids and matrons to arrange the room, occasionally frowning when one of them moved too heavily, saying, "Gently now, be careful not to wake the third young lady."
Zhou Shaojin smiled at Zhou Chujin.
Zhou Chujin pinched Zhou Shaojin playfully and walked in with her sister, smiling as she said, "Madam, you should let those around you handle such matters. After such a long journey and having to care for the three of us sisters, you must be very tired. You should rest a bit—be careful not to overexert yourself!"
Madam Li was very surprised, her eyes instantly reddening as she smiled and said, "Look at what you’re saying, eldest young lady. I’m not made of paper—these little tasks won’t tire me out. It’s you, eldest young lady, who should be careful. I can tell this little master will be blessed when he’s born. He’s traveled such a long way with you and your husband without ever fussing or crying—he’s a good child."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chujin couldn’t help but touch her belly, a gentle glow appearing on her face as her voice softened. "Thank you for your kind words, madam."
Zhou Shaojin smiled contentedly.
How wonderful this was!
Everyone living together affectionately, discussing matters and supporting one another.
She returned to her room and began preparing clothes for her visit to Elm Coin Alley.
But before she could go, Cheng Chi came to visit them first.
Liao Shaotang dared not be negligent and invited Cheng Chi to sit in the hall.
Cheng Chi asked about their situation at home and, learning that everything was settled, said, "I’ll be away for a couple of days and won’t return until after the Double Third Festival. If you have any matters, just let my steward know. I won’t be home these days."
Liao Shaotang respectfully replied, "Yes."
Cheng Chi stood up to take his leave.Liao Shaotang returned to the inner courtyard. Puzzled, he said to the Zhou sisters, "Why did Uncle Chi make a special trip here just to tell me he's going out? Even if I had any matters, I would only seek help from the Second Elder, so how could I possibly trouble Uncle Chi?" Then he asked curiously, "Tell me, why does Uncle Chi refuse to live in the Cheng family's old residence at Apricot Grove Lane, or in the Shao Elder's Double Elm Lane, but instead spends a fortune buying a house near the Shao Elder and moves in alone... The Shao Elder lives all by himself in Double Elm Lane, in such a large house. Wouldn't it be better if Uncle Chi went to keep him company? Even if he has money, there's no need to spend it so extravagantly!"
Was Uncle Chi saying this for my benefit?
I wonder where he's going?
I should find time to send someone over to ask.
Zhou Shaojin pondered in her heart.
Zhou Chujin, however, asked, "Are houses around here expensive?"
"Houses in our area aren't expensive," Liao Shaotang replied. "Most are long-time local residents. The houses in Double Elm Lane and Elm Coin Lane are the expensive ones, mostly occupied by officials from the south."
Zhou Chujin seemed thoughtful and privately asked Zhou Shaojin, "Does Uncle Chi have some rift with his family?"
Zhou Shaojin didn't want anyone criticizing Cheng Chi. She smiled and said, "Perhaps he finds it troublesome to live with elders and brothers? Uncle Chi has always been used to his freedom."
Zhou Chujin thought Zhou Shaojin's words made sense. The next day, she sent a visiting card to Double Elm Lane to pay respects to Cheng Xun.
Cheng Xun had accompanied the Emperor to the Western Park for a short stay and said he wouldn't return for a few days. He also informed them that Cheng Jing had gone along as well.
Zhou Shaojin disliked Apricot Grove Lane, so she breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
Zhou Chujin then asked Liao Shaotang to take Madam Li and the Zhou sisters, Shaojin and Youjin, to visit the Great Xiangguo Temple during his day off: "I'm too far along in my pregnancy to go, but since Madam and my sisters have come all the way to the capital, they should go out and see the sights."
Madam Li smiled and said, "We can go after you've safely given birth to your son. There's no hurry."
Zhou Shaojin also said, "The weather is so cold. Let's wait a few more days before going."
Liao Shaotang was worried about his wife and child, so Madam Li and Zhou Shaojin's words suited him perfectly. He also advised Zhou Chujin.
Zhou Chujin chuckled and said to Liao Shaotang, "You just don't want to go out, do you?"
Liao Shaotang smiled without answering.
A few days later, a letter arrived from Madam Liao at the old residence in Zhenjiang, saying the debt matter was completely unfounded and they needn't worry. If Master Liao Sr. ever needed money for anything in the future, they were not to pay any attention but simply inform her, and she would handle it with Master Liao Sr. herself. She also advised them not to get too close to the Liao family's old residence but to socialize more with the relatives of Madam Liao's maternal family, the Fangs, in the capital. Finally, she asked how Liao Shaotang's compilation of "Records of the Capital" was progressing, whether a midwife had been arranged, and to thank Madam Li on her behalf for coming from Baoding Prefecture to take care of Zhou Chujin. Only then did Zhou Chujin's heart settle. Thinking that the weather would gradually warm up during her postpartum confinement and she wouldn't have time to look after Zhou Shaojin, she discussed with Madam Li and called a tailor to the house to make clothes.
Zhou Shaojin, Zhou Youjin, and Madam Li each received four sets.
Madam Li hadn't expected to receive any herself and was somewhat moved. Returning to her room, she confided in Mama Li, "Only now do I feel I've truly married into the Zhou family."
Mama Li was also happy for Madam Li and urged her to write to her parents: "So that Madam and the Master won't keep worrying."Madam Li smiled and nodded.
The household instantly became as lively as during the New Year celebrations.
Neighbors from the surrounding streets also began visiting Zhou Chujin one after another.
Zhou Chujin had the kitchen prepare some pastries to serve as return gifts.
That day, while the two sisters and Madam Li were sampling the newly made pastries from the kitchen, Mama Yang rushed in, sweating profusely, looking both flustered and unable to conceal her delight. She said, "Madam, a maidservant from the household of Lord Song—that is, Grand Secretary Song, the one in charge of the Ministry of Revenue—has delivered an invitation for you. She says Madam Song wishes to visit you the day after tomorrow. What should we do about this?"
Zhou Chujin was surprised and asked, "How did Madam Song know we’ve come to the capital?"
Zhou Shaojin shook her head.
She thought of that mischievous Song Sen.
※
Dear readers, here is today’s bonus update.
For the next update, please check back tomorrow morning!
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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