Zhоu Сhujin аnd Сhеng Sheng werе thе sаmе аge, both grew uр in Ninе Prosрerities Lаnе, аnd wеrе еxcеptionally intelligent wоmеn. Thеy gоt аlоng vеry wеll whilе in Ninе Рrоspеrities Lane, sо nаturallу, their reunion nоw felt morе intimate thаn with оthеrs. Сhеng Zhеng, аs the eldеst dаughter оf thе Сheng fаmily’s сurrеnt generаtiоn, was dignifiеd, generous, аnd possessеd аn еlegаnt demeanоr. Моreоvеr, sinсе hеr husbаnd was а sсholаr of thе Hanlin Аcаdеmу and а juniоr suреrvisor in the Offiсe of the Heir Аpparеnt, she held thе rank оf а fourth-grаde Gongren.
If Cheng Sheng and the others were like children just beginning their education, Cheng Zheng was already a youth starting to learn the art of composition.
In speech and action, Cheng Zheng naturally took the lead.
Zhou Chujin linked arms with Cheng Sheng and chatted cheerfully with Cheng Zheng as they headed toward the reception room.
Cheng Xiao was left behind.
Fortunately, Zhou Shaojin was there to accompany her.
It wasn’t considered impolite.
Compared to Cheng Zheng’s natural beauty and Cheng Sheng’s lively cheerfulness, Cheng Xiao appeared much more reserved.
But with her fair skin, gentle smile, and composed demeanor, she seemed even more approachable than Cheng Zheng and Cheng Sheng.
She said to Zhou Shaojin with a smile, “I see Chujin has become more cheerful since getting married, which shows she’s living happily. I was worried about her before—my aunt has a rather strong personality and isn’t the easiest to get along with.”
Cheng Xiao had married her cousin, the fifth young master of the Yuan family, Yuan Ming.
The Yuan and Fang families were also connected by marriage, with intermarriage spanning several generations. Whether in her past life or this one, Zhou Shaojin had never fully understood the relationship between the Cheng and Fang families.
She replied with a smile, “Last year, when I went to Baoding to visit my father, I passed through Zhenjiang and paid a visit to the in-laws. The lady of the house was very kind, and my sister has won her favor. I didn’t notice her having a particularly strong personality.”
Hearing this, Cheng Xiao laughed, her gaze toward Zhou Shaojin tinged with amusement.
Zhou Shaojin felt slightly embarrassed.
This was essentially speaking untruthfully with open eyes.
But Uncle Chi had said this was just social talk, not meant to be taken seriously. Anyone who took it seriously would be a fool… she wondered where Uncle Chi had gone now? Was he eating and sleeping on time?
She drifted off for a moment, then confidently continued her conversation with Cheng Xiao: “Cousin Xiao, did you bring your little one to the capital this time? When I was in Nine Prosperities Lane, I occasionally saw Cousin Shi’s son, Yun Ge’er—he’s already walking and running around, absolutely adorable.”
Mentioning her son, Cheng Xiao couldn’t help but smile, saying, “I originally wanted to bring him along, but my mother-in-law couldn’t bear to part with him and absolutely refused to let him go. I had no choice but to come ahead with your brother-in-law. I plan to settle things here first, then bring Rong Ge’er over.”
Rong Ge’er was the childhood name of Cheng Xiao’s son.
Her tone carried a hint of regret.
Zhou Shaojin quickly added, “When my sister first arrived in the capital, she was also overwhelmed. It’s better for you to get things in order before bringing Rong Ge’er over. By then, you’ll know where to buy snacks and such. I just feel the capital is too big—it’s inconvenient to buy anything.”
Hearing this, Cheng Sheng, who was walking ahead, turned her head and said cheerfully, “Elder Sister, see? I’m not the only one saying this! Shaojin, I’ve asked Elder Sister to take us around the capital. We might not need to know about opera houses or general goods stores, but we definitely should know where to buy needles and thread. Shaojin, why don’t you join us? Second Sister isn’t familiar with the capital either!”
In her past life, they had no interaction at all.
In this life, they were still separated by Cheng Xu.Zhou Shaojin instinctively wanted to refuse, saying, "I've already made arrangements to visit Fengtai in a few days to see the flowers and plants..."
Cheng Sheng laughed at her words. "I thought you had changed, but you're still so timid! With us and Eldest Sister around, who would dare bully you? Your second cousin-in-law will be attending the Imperial College in a few days and might even become classmates with your husband. As for our family, we haven't decided yet whether to enter Shuanghe Academy or the Imperial College. We need to discuss it with the elders... It's rare for us sisters to all be in the capital—how can we not visit each other? You're being too reserved!"
The Zhou family had few members and greatly needed the support of marital relatives.
Now that the three Cheng sisters were taking the initiative to show goodwill, coupled with their past friendship and the favor they owed Cheng Chi, Zhou Chujin also felt inclined to socialize with the Cheng family. Hearing this, she smiled at Cheng Sheng and said, "You know our Shaojin—she's afraid of stepping on ants when she walks. Seeing you like this, clearly urging Eldest Sister to take you out for fun, how could she dare agree? I think you'd better invite her to visit a temple instead—she'd prefer that."
Cheng Zheng, who had hardly spoken to Zhou Shaojin until now, suddenly smiled and said, "Shao Jin, do you enjoy gardening? I often go to Fengtai to buy flowers too. Once you decide when to go, let me know. Spring comes later in the north than in the south. In the south, weather like this would be the season of lush grass, singing orioles, and misty willows along the embankments. I’ll bring both my children along—to meet their relatives and let them play outside. Zhong Ge'er was confined for days recently after receiving the smallpox blessing—he must be itching to get out."
Cheng Zheng's two sons were the elder Gu Ning and the younger Gu Zhong.
Her obvious hint caught everyone off guard, and the room fell into a sudden silence.
Zhou Shaojin wanted to ask Cheng Zheng: Does Madam Yuan know you're treating me this way?
Fortunately, everyone present was quick-witted.
Zhou Chujin hurriedly responded with a smile, "That sounds wonderful," and chided playfully, "What a pity I've just left confinement, or I could have joined you!"
With someone speaking, the atmosphere lightened again.
Cheng Xiao laughed and said, "There will be plenty of time in the future. When the child is a bit older, I'll go with you to climb Xiangshan. I hear the scenery there is lovely too. Let them wander the streets looking for needles and thread—they don’t even know where the theaters or general stores are, yet they’re only searching for places selling needles and thread. I refuse to believe a few needles and threads could trouble you so much! I think you just want to explore the capital, right? But don’t drag me into it!" The last few words were teasing Cheng Sheng.
Cheng Sheng said, "Second Sister, you really don’t spare me any face!"
Indirectly admitting the truth of Cheng Xiao's words.
Zhou Chujin and the others burst into laughter.
Zhou Shaojin also smiled faintly, but in her heart, she wished Cheng Chi would return soon.
What exactly were Cheng Zheng and the others planning?
The group sat down in the lounge, where maids served tea and snacks. Cheng Zheng then asked about Guan Ge's hundred-day celebration, adding, "We sisters will surely come to join the festivities then."
Whether in Xinglin Alley or Shuangyu Alley, there were no women managing the household affairs. Events like birth celebrations, full-month ceremonies, and hundred-day ceremonies were occasions for women to socialize. Having the three Cheng sisters attend would greatly enhance Zhou Chujin's standing among the Liao family's marital relatives.
Zhou Chujin smiled gratefully.
Yet Zhou Shaojin felt even more uneasy.The three Cheng sisters stayed at Elm Tree Lane for lunch, made plans to go for a spring outing in Fengtai in two days, and then go shopping at Dashilan two days later before heading home.
Cheng Sheng's marital family was not as well-established as those of Cheng Zheng and Cheng Xiao. She did not live with the Peng family but resided with her husband, Peng Zao, in a house from her dowry, not far from Apricot Grove Lane. Cheng Xiao and Cheng Zheng each lived in their husbands' ancestral homes in the capital, both located near Chaoyang Gate. The two sisters first escorted Cheng Sheng home before heading toward Chaoyang Gate.
Cheng Xiao frowned and said, "Elder Sister, what does Uncle Chi mean? Why does he want us to socialize with the Zhou sisters? Uncle Chi never used to meddle in such matters! Is there something I don’t know?"
They were sisters born of the same mother, so they spoke without reservation.
Cheng Zheng felt a knot of anxiety upon hearing this.
A doting mother often spoils the child.
Their mother had always been fair and impartial toward them as sisters, but when it came to their younger brother, she only knew how to indulge and pamper him. Now that such a major incident had occurred, instead of seizing the opportunity to correct their brother’s minor flaws and properly discipline him, she had defensively blamed Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Zheng, among others. If this continued, their brother would either become a spoiled playboy or an uneducated good-for-nothing!
But how could she speak of such an embarrassing matter to her sister?
In this world, there are no secrets that can truly be kept.
It was better to say as little as possible.
Cheng Zheng let out a long sigh, feeling slightly better, and then said gently, "It must be at Grandmother’s request. After Sister Sheng came to the capital, Mother followed closely behind. It was Shaojin who attended to Grandmother with filial piety and even accompanied her on a trip to Mount Putuo. She lost her mother at a young age, and as you’ve seen, she is gentle, quiet, obedient, and well-behaved. She likely eased much of Grandmother’s loneliness. Now that the Zhou sisters are in the capital, it is only right and proper for us to look after them a little, both in reason and in sentiment. Consider it a way to repay her for bringing joy to Grandmother on our behalf."
Cheng Xiao thought of Zhou Shaojin sitting there with her head slightly bowed, listening quietly and obediently to their conversation, and couldn’t help but smile, saying, "Shaojin truly has a gentle temperament. I like her very much too."
After some thought, Cheng Zheng decided to tell Cheng Xiao that the house Zhou Shaojin now lived in at Elm Coin Lane was a gift from Cheng Chi.
Cheng Xiao was utterly astonished.
Cheng Zheng laughed and said, "Now you understand how much Grandmother and Uncle Chi value her! From now on, just treat her like a younger sister and socialize with her accordingly."
Cheng Xiao nodded and couldn’t help but laugh, saying, "Uncle Chi is too biased. When I got married, he only gave me five thousand taels of silver as a dowry gift. No way! When Uncle Chi returns, I’ll have to ask him for a house too. I heard from Third Uncle that Uncle Chi is a god of wealth—last year, even without doing much business, he earned at least a hundred thousand taels of silver. I absolutely must take advantage of this opportunity!"
When she mentioned Third Uncle, she was referring to Yuan Weichang’s third son, Yuan Bieyun.
During the eightieth birthday celebration of the second branch’s ancestor, Cheng Xu, Zhou Shaojin, relying on her past life’s experience, mistakenly believed Yuan Bieyun was Yuan Weichang’s eldest son.
Yuan Bieyun and Cheng Chi shared similar temperaments and were very close friends.
Cheng Zheng couldn’t help but laugh heartily, saying, "If others didn’t know better, they’d think you married into a poor family! Are you really that short on money?""I'm not short on silver, but who would ever complain about having too much?" Cheng Xiao laughed. "You know the Yuan family—so many people, so many opinions. No matter how close sisters-in-law are, there's always competition over clothes, jewelry, and the prospects of their brothers. I'm still young and haven't yet cultivated the detachment of Grandmother or you, so just let me keep rolling around in the dust of the mundane world!"
Her words made Cheng Zheng laugh so hard she couldn't close her mouth.
But after the laughter, a trace of inexplicable worry crept into her heart.
Brothers' prospects...
If Cheng Xu continues like this, can he have a bright future?
If Cheng Xu can't support the family, will the main branch... have to go back to depending on the second branch's favor?
Perhaps what we sisters can rely on isn't our brothers, but our own sons!
Cheng Zheng rubbed her forehead.
※
Dear readers, here's today's bonus update!
It will be posted around midnight tonight, which is quite late, so you can read it tomorrow morning!
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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