Rесаlling these mаttеrs, Zhоu Shаоjin felt a suffoсаting tightness in her сhest, taking quitе а whilе tо саlm down. Aftеr Madam Wu had establishеd сonnеctiоns with hеr mаtеrnal grаndmоthеr, shе оften visitеd the fourth branсh оf the Сheng family. Аt this point, аs long as shе sеnt sоmеоnе tо inquire at hеr grаndmothеr’s rеsidеncе, she shоuld bе able tо find оut whethеr she and her еlder sister had асtuаlly rеceived guеsts.
Shе аsked Shi Хiаng, "Наs Маdam Ма Fushan сomе to the rеsidenсе tоdaу?"
Ма Fushаn, his wife, and their sоn Ma Sheng lived in the Zhоu family’s old rеsidencе, but Mаdаm Mа Fushan would come to the main residence every day to see if the Zhou sisters had any instructions, so she could relay them to Ma Fushan for execution.
Shi Xiang smiled and replied, "Nanny Ma followed the eldest young lady to the temple. They said she won’t return until Shenzheng (around 4 p.m.)."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but frown and leaned listlessly against the headboard.
Madam Ma Fushan was clever and resourceful. Having moved in and out of the Cheng family for so many years, she had established some rapport with people from all branches of the Cheng household. Sending her to inquire about matters in her grandmother’s courtyard would be the most appropriate.
Unexpectedly, she had actually followed her elder sister to the temple.
If she waited until her sister returned and then ordered Madam Ma Fushan to run errands, especially to investigate matters in her grandmother’s courtyard, her sister would surely become suspicious and question her about the reasons.
It seemed she would have to find another way!
Who could she send to inquire?
Zhou Shaojin pondered. Seeing her unsettled expression, Shi Xiang grew secretly worried. She cautiously stepped forward and said softly, "Second Young Lady, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should I go and summon a physician to examine you?"
"No need," Zhou Shaojin snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze falling on Shi Xiang.
Send Shi Xiang to investigate Wu Baozhang’s affairs?
Zhou Shaojin gently shook her head.
Matters concerning Fragrant Garden Residence were always handled by her elder sister’s chief maid, Chixiang. If Shi Xiang rashly went to her grandmother’s courtyard, she might even alert her grandmother, who would think something had happened on her end, making matters worse.
Send Chunwan?
That might be even more unsuitable!
Her elder sister always said Chunwan was careless and impulsive, not steady enough in her actions, and couldn’t keep secrets well. To this day, she was still receiving the monthly allowance of a junior maid.
Who should she send?
Zhou Shaojin mulled it over in her mind.
Shi Xiang, however, watched with growing anxiety.
Although Fragrant Garden Residence appeared no different from usual, the fact that the second young lady seemed somewhat off couldn’t be hidden from those serving the eldest and second young ladies. Now that the eldest young lady was not at home, she hoped the second young lady wouldn’t encounter any trouble at this time!
She urgently called out, "Second Young Lady," and raised her voice, "That assorted tofu stew won’t taste good if it gets cold. I’ll have a junior maid bring it in for you right away." With that, she turned to open the tall cabinet. "What would you like to wear today? How about that newly made white embroidered skirt from a few days ago? The weather is gradually warming up, and white looks fresh and cool..."
"Don’t bother," Zhou Shaojin replied somewhat absentmindedly, languidly saying, "I don’t feel like getting up yet. You may leave first. I’d like to be alone for a while."
Shi Xiang didn’t dare ask more questions. Trembling with fear, she withdrew and hurried straight to Madam Fan Liu’s room...
Zhou Shaojin felt restless and agitated.
This one wouldn’t do, that one wasn’t suitable either. Could it be that she had to go and investigate the matter herself?
As the thought flashed through her mind, Zhou Shaojin was startled.
She had never done such a thing before.
What if she slipped up and ended up embarrassing herself in front of her grandmother!
How could she face anyone after that!
Zhou Shaojin immediately dismissed the idea.Then... who else could help her?
She pondered back and forth but couldn't think of a suitable candidate.
Just as Zhou Shaojin was feeling restless and troubled, Shi Xiang entered with a tense expression, saying, "Second Miss, Madam Mian has come."
The fourth branch of the Cheng family's elderly master, Cheng Quan, was an only son who passed away from illness thirty years ago. He had three children: the eldest son Cheng Mian, the eldest daughter Cheng He, and the second son Cheng Yuan. Madam Mian was Cheng Mian's wife, Madam He, while Cheng He was Zhou Chujin's birth mother.
Zhou Shaojin hurriedly instructed Shi Xiang to welcome Madam Mian to the west wing study for tea and had Chunwan come in to attend to her as she freshened up.
Unexpectedly, just after she had rinsed her mouth and washed her face, Shi Xiang returned, saying, "Madam said that since Second Miss is ill, you mustn't strain yourself just because an elder is coming to visit. She told me to inform you to simply stay in bed—she'll just take a look at you and then leave." As she spoke, there was already movement outside the room.
Zhou Shaojin complied with the instruction but didn't actually lie in bed—she stood waiting inside the room.
Shi Xiang went to invite Madam Mian in.
Madam Mian had just celebrated her fortieth birthday on the second day of the second lunar month. She was a plump woman with a full-moon face. She wore a honey-colored robe with a four-petal pattern, her hair styled in a round bun adorned only with three gold hairpins inlaid with southern pearls—simple yet elegant, without losing its splendor.
Zhou Shaojin stepped forward to pay her respects.
Before Zhou Shaojin could even bend her knees, Madam Mian quickly approached and took her hand, saying, "Your grandmother was afraid you'd overexert yourself. She's been worried about your condition but didn't dare come to see you. Seeing how anxious your grandmother truly was, I mustered the courage to come myself. If you still refuse to listen to your elders' instructions, I won't dare come again."
Here she was, feigning illness, yet causing her elders to worry. Zhou Shaojin felt ashamed and murmured, "I'm sorry to trouble Grandmother and Aunt with concern. I'm already much better. Madam Zhou said that after taking this dose of medicine, I'll be fine. My sister was afraid I might pass the illness to Grandmother and you, which is why she confined me to my room, telling me to rest a few more days before going out."
The Cheng family always consulted Dr. Zhou from the "Zhou Medical Clinic" for illnesses. Madam Zhou's maternal family ran a pharmacy, and after marrying into the Zhou family, she learned the skills of pulse diagnosis and medical consultation from Dr. Zhou. When women from prominent families in Jinling fell ill, they would invite her into their homes for examination. Over time, the name "Madam Zhou" became even more renowned than her husband, Dr. Zhou.
"That's good to hear!" Madam Mian led Zhou Shaojin to sit on an embroidered stool beside the round red-lacquered table in the center of the room. She studied her carefully for a while and, seeing that her complexion looked decent, let out a long sigh of relief. Accepting the tea offered by Shi Xiang, she took a sip and asked Zhou Shaojin whether she was still taking the prescription from a few days ago, how well she was sleeping, whether she had an appetite, and what she did at home while unable to go out... all sorts of trivial yet specific questions.
Zhou Shaojin answered respectfully, but having slept poorly these past few days, she couldn't help but show signs of weariness as time passed.
Seeing this, Madam Mian offered a few words of advice, such as "rest well and recover," before rising to take her leave.
Zhou Shaojin escorted Madam Mian to the door.
A young maid was waiting outside. Upon seeing Madam Mian emerge, she stepped forward to pay her respects and said with a smile, "The Old Madam asked me to inform you that guests will be arriving at the house in a couple of days. She requests that you come over after leaving Second Miss's place."
Zhou Shaojin's heart immediately felt as if scratched by a cat.
Her grandmother, being a widow, rarely received guests. Whenever she did, they were either relatives or distinguished visitors.Who could it be?
Should she send someone to inquire?
At the thought, Zhou Shaojin felt her spirits sink again.
Who did she have to use now?
Unlike before, when any matter could be resolved with just a word from her—if Mama Zheng couldn’t manage it, Lin Shisheng would help her accomplish it. Nothing like the present situation...
Zhou Shaojin grew lost in thought.
The matter wasn’t yet clear, but she was constantly influenced by memories from the past. If this continued, she feared she might no longer distinguish what was real from what was merely her own imagination!
Feeling low, Zhou Shaojin curled up under the quilt, drifting in and out of sleep. In her mind, images flickered—her sister’s swollen, red eyes, Cheng Lu’s ferocious face... In a daze, she lost track of time. When Shi Xiang shook her awake, she realized it was already late, and the room had grown dim.
"Second Miss," said Shi Xiang, who had been waiting outside the door all day with Madam Fan Liu, unable to conceal her excitement, "Eldest Miss has returned."
Zhou Shaojin was taken aback, but Shi Xiang had already swiftly begun helping her comb her hair and change clothes.
Zhou Chujin walked in, her face radiant with joy, clearly having had a fruitful trip.
Both sisters resembled Zhou Zhen, with delicate and graceful features, fair and smooth jade-like skin, sparkling eyes, and slender figures. The difference lay in their demeanors: Zhou Chujin exuded resilience from the corners of her eyes and brows, while Zhou Shaojin carried more gentleness and compliance. Moreover, with a seven-year age gap between them, Zhou Chujin had already blossomed into maturity, whereas Zhou Shaojin was still an unadorned young girl. Zhou Chujin was gentle and dignified, while Zhou Shaojin was delicate and timid. Those who had seen the two sisters did not find them particularly alike.
Zhou Chujin’s jet-black hair was simply tied up in a bun, with only a pair of pearl earrings the size of lotus seeds dangling from her ears. Her snow-blue robe embroidered with orchids was wrinkled at the sleeves and hem, clearly indicating she had come to see her directly from the carriage without even returning to her room.
"Shao Jin, how are you feeling?" She sat by the bed, took her younger sister’s hand, and said, "Father’s birthday is approaching. I went to the temple to offer incense for him and for us." Joy was evident between her brows as she took out a golden pouch embroidered with night-blooming cereus from her bosom. "I also prayed for protective talismans for all of us." She handed the pouch to Zhou Shaojin. "This one is yours. Keep it safe and hang it at your waist. It will protect you, ensuring peace and smooth sailing this year, free from disasters and misfortunes."
Was this specially prayed for her?
Father’s birthday was in June, still nearly three months away!
Zhou Shaojin silently accepted the pouch and murmured her thanks to her sister.
"No need to be so formal with your sister," Zhou Chujin said with a smile, patting her head. "What did you eat today? Is there anything you particularly crave? I’ll have the small kitchen prepare it for you tomorrow."
Shi Xiang’s expression tightened slightly.
The Second Miss hadn’t eaten all day, but they truly didn’t dare force her...
Only now did Zhou Shaojin feel hungry.
She said, "I’d like a few pieces of crystal cake."
Shi Xiang hurriedly replied, "They’re still steaming in the kitchen. I’ll go fetch them right away."
"Better to make them fresh," Zhou Chujin said with slight displeasure. "Tell the kitchen to add a braised duck with osmanthus and a sweet and sour squirrel fish."
Both dishes were Zhou Shaojin’s favorites.
Shi Xiang curtsied and withdrew.
Zhou Chujin also stood up, smiling. "I’ll go change my clothes. After paying respects to Grandmother, I’ll join you for dinner."Zhou Shaojin saw her sister off, then washed up and dressed, sitting by the table to wait for her return for dinner. But it wasn't until the large red lanterns in the Cheng family's inner courtyard lit up one by one that Zhou Chujin finally returned from Old Madam Guan's place.
"Were you waiting anxiously?" Zhou Chujin smiled as she let Chixiang assist her in washing her hands, while instructing her little maid Dongwan to serve the meal.
Perhaps because she had something on her mind, or perhaps due to her irregular diet these past few days, Zhou Shaojin felt full after just two pieces of crystal cake and a few bites of squirrel fish.
Zhou Chujin was quite surprised but didn't press her. Instead, she gave Chixiang a meaningful glance.
Chixiang nodded slightly and immediately brought in a bowl of soup.
"This is something I specifically had stewed for you," Zhou Chujin said vaguely. "Drink it while it's hot! It nourishes the blood and qi."
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