Сheng Chi rеturnеd tо his hоmе at Chaоуang Gatе, where Оld Маdаm Guо wаs entertаining a guest. Nanny Lu exрlаined with а pоlitе smilе, "It's Мadаm Fаng frоm thе Fаng familу. She's returning to Shuсhеng the dаy after tоmorrow аnd camе tоdау sресificallу tо bid farеwеll tо the оld madаm."
Тhat meаnt hе would hаve to wait а bit before рауing his resрects to his mоthеr.
Сheng Сhi nоddеd аnd rеturnеd to his оwn quаrters.
Нeаring the cоmmotiоn, Оld Мadаm Guо аskеd, "Who just arrived?"
Nаnny Lu replied resрectfully, "It wаs Fourth Mаster whо rеturned. Нearing you had a guest, he went back first!"
He must have come back from Yuqian Hutong, right?
Old Madam Guo pondered this silently, but Madam Fang smiled and said, "Uncle Chi? I haven't seen him in years. How is he doing now?"
"Good, good, good!" Thinking of her youngest son, Old Madam Guo's smile deepened.
Madam Fang continued, "Which family's daughter is Uncle Chi's wife? Why didn't you send us an invitation when he got married?"
Even though they were far apart, they would have at least sent someone to offer congratulations.
At the mention of this, Old Madam Guo felt somewhat awkward and said, "He hasn't married yet..."
At his age and with his achievements, remaining unmarried likely had reasons not easily spoken of. Naturally, Madam Fang didn't press further and said, "Good things take time. Don't worry too much about it." Then she changed the subject, "I should head back now! If you need anything, just write to Shucheng."
Old Madam Guo thanked her and instructed Second Madam Wei to see the guest out.
After some polite exchanges, Madam Fang was escorted out of the main courtyard by Second Madam Wei.
She couldn't help but remark, "Why hasn't Uncle Chi married yet?"
Second Madam Wei was reluctant to discuss her brother-in-law's private matters and replied vaguely, "Fourth Uncle is excellent in character, learning, and ability. It's just that when it comes to marriage, he and the old madam are at odds—those the old madam approves of, Fourth Uncle doesn't like; those Fourth Uncle approves of, the old madam doesn't like. Back and forth, the matter has been delayed."
Madam Fang listened thoughtfully.
A few days later, Madam Liao visited Old Madam Guo and pointedly brought up Fang Xuan: "...Her parents are afraid she'll be mistreated and want to find someone steady and reliable. If he's a few years older and his family elders are reasonable, that would be even better. They've asked me several times. You know, in a small place like Zhenjiang, who do I know? A few days ago, my sister-in-law returned to Shucheng and mentioned this again, asking me to keep an eye out. I thought about it, and since you lived in the capital for over a decade, you know more people than I've eaten grains of salt. So, taking advantage of the nice weather today, I came specifically to ask for your help. If you know anyone suitable, please keep A-Xuan in mind."
With such an obvious hint, if Old Madam Guo didn't understand, she would be wasting her reputation for shrewdness.
She just hadn't expected Madam Fang to take an interest in Cheng Chi.
Fang Xuan was over ten years younger than Cheng Chi.
But then, Zhou Shaojin was also over ten years younger than Cheng Chi...
Old Madam Guo couldn't help but sigh inwardly with some resignation.
That day, after seeing off Madam Fang, Cheng Chi came to pay his respects and mentioned having Zhou Shaojin come to keep her company.She hadn't even spoken yet, but that silly girl Cheng Sheng was already clapping her hands in approval, saying, "...Shaojin has the gentlest temperament. Now that all three of us sisters are married, we can't keep Grandmother company like we used to. It's perfect to bring Shaojin over to accompany Grandmother." Then she giggled and added, "It would be even better if she could embroider something like a 'Playing Infants' scene for me."
That girl's heart was too sincere. She actually went ahead and prepared to embroider a "Playing Infants" scene for Cheng Sheng.
Thinking of this, Old Madam Guo asked her attendant Zhenzhu, "What is Second Cousin doing? Has she finished copying the scriptures yet? Since Madam Liao is here, have her come pay her respects to Madam Liao!"
Madam Liao was somewhat surprised and said, "I didn't expect Second Miss Zhou to be here today!"
She had heard from Zhou Chujin that Zhou Shaojin had been coming to the Chaoyang Gate residence these days to keep Old Madam Guo company. She thought it was just for conversation and companionship, but she hadn't expected her to be copying scriptures as well.
Old Madam Guo then said, "She once accompanied me to Putuo Mountain to worship Buddha and is well-versed in Buddhist teachings. I often have her copy some sutras for me."
Madam Liao smiled and said, "I didn't know Second Miss Zhou was also skilled at copying scriptures."
Old Madam Guo replied with a smile, "Her handwriting is excellent as well—dignified and elegant, with natural brushwork. She has quite a foundation."
Hearing Old Madam Guo's tone, which seemed to indicate she was quite fond of Zhou Shaojin, Madam Liao flattered, "Since she's someone the Old Madam values, she must be a remarkable person." She brought up Fang Xuan again, "...her handwriting is also excellent. Why not have her come keep Shaojin company?"
Old Madam Guo politely declined, "I'm afraid Second Madam Fang would be heartbroken and reluctant to let her suffer like this."
Fang Xuan's father was the second son of the Fang family.
But Madam Liao was determined to make this happen.
Others might not know, but the Fang family was well aware that when the main branch and the second branch separated, they had taken out 1.2 million taels of silver.
All this money had been earned by Cheng Chi.
A man of such capability, who was also a Jinshi graduate—looking across the entire court, aside from Minister of Revenue Song Jingran, there probably wasn't a second person like him.
She quickly smiled and said, "The Fang family's household rules are quite strict. Unmarried young ladies not only copy scriptures for their elders but also make shoes and socks, often working late into the night and rising before dawn!"
Old Madam Guo still politely refused, "...Shaojin has almost finished copying the scriptures for the Ghost Festival. It wouldn't be appropriate to offer two different sets of scriptures to the Bodhisattva. Let's wait for another opportunity in the future."
Madam Liao had no choice but to temporarily retreat. After leaving the Cheng residence, she went to the Fang family.
Upon hearing this, Second Madam Fang said, "If that's the case, let's forget about this matter. Ah Xuan was also raised in the palm of my hand—how could I let her suffer such grievances? If it weren't for Madam personally bringing this up, I wouldn't have agreed either. Besides, the age difference between the two is too great.""You're truly muddle-headed!" Madam Liao had been close friends with Second Madam Fang since their maiden days, so she spoke without beating around the bush. "Which girl isn't treasured like a jewel by her parents? But how many can remain so cherished in the eyes of their in-laws? You're heartbroken now seeing A-Xuan having to watch others' expressions, and you spoil and indulge her like this—what will happen after she marries? I fear there will be even more heartache for you then! Think this through carefully. If even a family like the Chengs doesn't meet your standards, and you're dissatisfied with a mother-in-law like Old Madam Guo, what kind of family do you think you can find? Don't come to regret it later!"
Second Madam Fang hesitated.
Madam Liao's words, though unpleasant to hear, were quite reasonable.
Old Madam Guo had always been lenient toward her daughters-in-law, and the Cheng family was a century-old prestigious clan in Jiangnan, a family that passed down rituals and scholarly traditions through generations. Several families she had considered for Fang Xuan fell far short of the Chengs, and she couldn't guarantee that her daughter wouldn't suffer under a mother-in-law's harsh treatment or face rivalry among sisters-in-law after marriage.
Moreover, Cheng Chi was the youngest son. Given Cheng Jing's age, he could have fathered a son as old as Cheng Chi. Madam Yuan, as the eldest daughter-in-law, naturally wouldn't stoop to bickering with a girl younger than her own daughter... Upon careful consideration, aside from the age difference, if this match could be arranged, it would be an excellent marriage. With Madam Liao urging her on the side, saying, "After all, it's just a visit to the Chaoyang Gate residence. Whether it works out or not depends on A-Xuan's fate," she finally agreed.
The next day, she sent someone to deliver an invitation to the Chaoyang Gate residence.
Old Madam Guo held the invitation and smiled. Just then, Zhou Shaojin happened to arrive. Noticing that Zhou Shaojin seemed less tense than when she had seen her a few days earlier, with a faint, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of her lips, Old Madam Guo couldn't help but wonder if Cheng Chi had said something to her again.
Before she could ask, Zhou Shaojin volunteered, "My father has written, saying he wants me to stay in the capital a while longer to keep you company."
Old Madam Guo fell silent for a moment.
Despite what had happened with Cheng Xu, Zhou Zhen was still willing to let his daughter accompany her... This showed that Zhou Dacheng's character was rather commendable. Whether he would be a strong ally as an in-law was another matter, but at the very least, he wouldn't cause trouble or bring harm to the Cheng family.
She then asked, "Has Madam decided when she will return?"
Zhou Shaojin replied with a smile, "Madam will leave tomorrow—she won't make it in time for Father's birthday, but she said she hopes to return early to make it up to him!"
Old Madam Guo nodded with a smile and handed the Fang family's invitation to Zhou Shaojin, saying, "Second Madam's health isn't strong. She can occasionally help serve tea and chat, but she isn't up to hosting guests. I'm old and lack the energy as well. Please assist Second Madam with this matter."
Zhou Shaojin instinctively wanted to decline, but then she remembered her resolve to earn Old Madam Guo's favor and respectfully agreed.
Old Madam Guo nodded in satisfaction and called Second Madam Wei in to give her some instructions.
Second Madam Wei had been struggling these past days. If not for Cheng Sheng's concern for her, finding excuses to linger at the Chaoyang Gate residence for a few days, she would likely have collapsed long ago. Upon hearing that Zhou Shaojin would help manage the household affairs during this time, she was overjoyed. As soon as she stepped out of Old Madam Guo's room, she took Zhou Shaojin's hand and said, "Actually, managing household affairs is quite simple. Everything in the residence follows rules—just act according to them."Zhou Shaojin had never handled such matters before and felt somewhat nervous inside.
When the day arrived for Second Madam Fang and Madam Liao to bring Fang Xuan over, she mustered her courage and went with Madam Wei to the Chuihua Gate to welcome the three guests.
Upon seeing Zhou Shaojin, all three were momentarily taken aback.
Madam Wei smiled and explained, "My health isn't the best, so Old Madam had Shaojin assist me on the side."
Second Madam Fang and the others laughed, stepping forward to exchange greetings with Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin returned the courtesy with neither arrogance nor humility, then accompanied Madam Wei in welcoming the guests to the resting chamber.
However, Second Madam Fang held onto Zhou Shaojin's hand and said to Old Madam Guo with a smile, "Look at Second Miss, how sensible she is. Not like our Ah Xuan, who only knows how to play. If our Ah Xuan could receive your guidance and become as composed as Second Miss, I would be at ease!"
Comparing herself to Zhou Shaojin...
Fang Xuan clung to Second Madam Fang's arm, coquettishly protesting, "Mother, why must you belittle me like this?"
Everyone in the room laughed.
Seizing the opportunity, Second Madam Fang added, "Last time when our Ah Xuan returned home, she couldn't stop talking about how wonderfully you treated her. If she could receive your guidance and marry into a good family when she grows up, her father and I would have no other wishes in this life."
※
Dear readers, today's update.
O(∩_∩)O~
PS: Tomorrow's extra update will still be around three in the afternoon...
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel