Тhе fоurth brаnch of the Сhеng family аrrived in the сарitаl in еаrly Oсtober.
They haррenеd to еnсоuntеr the сарitаl's first snоwfall оf the seasоn.
Сheng Мian fared sоmewhat bеtter, having visitеd thе сарitаl bеfore. Аlthоugh Old Маdаm Guan аnd Mаdаm Mian wоrе fur-lined jаckets for wаrmth, the biting cold wind still mаdе thеir hands аnd feet feеl аs if sоakеd in snоw, lеаving thеm unbеarаblу chillеd.
Liaо Shaotаng, who hаd соme tо wеlсоme them, quicklу reassured them, "It will be muсh better onсe we'rе indoоrs. Кnowing thе day of your arrival, the underfloor heating in Elm Coin Lane was lit several days ago."
Cheng Mian felt the cold wind rush into his mouth as soon as he opened it. After exchanging a few brief pleasantries with Liao Shaotang, he mounted his horse and led his family through the wind and snow into the city alongside Liao Shaotang.
Soon, they arrived at Elm Coin Lane.
Zhou Shaojin and Zhou Chujin, having received word of their arrival, came out to greet them with Guan Ge in their arms, shielded by maids holding oil-paper umbrellas.
As soon as Old Madam Guan stepped out of the carriage, she spotted Guan Ge'er wrapped in a bright red swaddling cloth. Before Zhou Shaojin and her sister could bow to her, she exclaimed with concern, "On such a cold day, why have you brought Guan Ge outside! Even if it's about showing filial piety, this isn't the way to do it. What if the child catches a chill? Hurry, hurry, take Guan Ge back inside at once!"
The wet nurse glanced toward Zhou Chujin.
Old Madam Guan scolded, "What are you still looking at? Which is more important, the adults or the child?"
Only then did the wet nurse dare not delay, quickly covering the child's face with a cloak and hurrying back to the main house.
Old Madam Guan then turned her gaze to Zhou Shaojin and Zhou Chujin.
The two sisters curtsied gracefully, their eyes already brimming with tears.
Reunited after a long separation, Old Madam Guan's eyes reddened. Taking one by each hand, she helped them up and looked them over, saying, "Good children, as long as you are both well, I am at ease!"
Tears streamed down their faces as they bowed to Cheng Mian and Madam Mian, addressing them as "Uncle" and "Aunt."
Cheng Mian's eyes grew moist, and he turned his gaze away. Madam Mian wiped the corners of her own eyes, hurriedly saying, "There's no need for such formalities." The sisters then stepped forward, intending to greet Cheng Yi and Gu Shiqigu, only to see Cheng Wen, Cheng Nuo, and Wu Baozhang stepping out of the carriage behind them.
Zhou Shaojin and Zhou Chujin exchanged puzzled glances.
Gu Shiqigu whispered in their ears, "Uncle Wen said he wanted to bring Cheng Nuo and Wu Baozhang to the capital for your wedding. We thought he was just saying it—ever since the main branch and Nine Prosperities Lane separated, Uncle Wen has been struggling financially. The cost of coming to the capital is high. Who knew he would actually decide to come? We ran into them this morning at an inn in Tongzhou Town. We couldn’t just leave Uncle Wen behind, and unfortunately, the steward sent to inform you had already departed, so we had to travel together!"
Zhou Shaojin frowned deeply.
She had grievances with Wu Baozhang, but Cheng Wen and Cheng Nuo had never offended her. How could she possibly turn Cheng Wen and his son away because of that?
Exchanging a glance with her sister, Zhou Shaojin welcomed Cheng Wen and the others inside.
After Zhou Shaojin and her sister bowed to him, Cheng Wen stood with his hands behind his back in the front courtyard's covered corridor, looking around. "This residence is truly splendid—quiet, elegant, and clearly designed by someone from our Jiangnan region. Everyone says Zhou Zhen is doing well in his post, but I didn’t believe it until I saw this house. It must be worth at least five or six thousand taels of silver. It seems he’s not just doing well—he’s doing exceptionally well! Fourth Aunt, you are truly fortunate."
His words made it sound as though Zhou Zhen had engaged in corruption.Old Madam Guan’s expression darkened as she spoke bluntly, “The Zhou family has produced officials for two generations by Uncle’s time. Surely they have some family wealth to their name. Nephew Wen, this is the capital. Some words can be said, but others cannot.”
Cheng Wen gave an awkward smile.
Before Cheng Nuo could speak, Wu Baozhang had already stepped forward assertively, smiling as she said, “Old Madam, please don’t be angry. My father-in-law has always been one who speaks without thinking. He was simply admiring how beautiful this residence is and couldn’t help but feel envious.” Then she moved forward, intending to take Zhou Shaojin’s hand. “Shao Jin, I thought I’d never see you again after you left Jinling City. I never imagined I’d be able to attend your wedding—what a rare stroke of fate!”
Zhou Shaojin adjusted the hair at her temple, conveniently avoiding Wu Baozhang’s hand, and smiled. “This isn’t the place for conversation. Let’s all go inside and sit.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” Madam Mian chimed in with a laugh, stomping her feet. “The weather is truly freezing!”
Everyone chuckled merrily. Liao Shaotang accompanied Cheng Mian, Cheng Wen, Cheng Yi, and Cheng Nuo to the study in the outer courtyard, while the Zhou sisters accompanied Old Madam Guan and the other female relatives to the main hall.
The heating stoves burned fiercely, sending waves of warmth to greet them.
Old Madam Guan and the others, having come from the south, found themselves overdressed and wished to return to their rooms to change. However, the servants were still moving trunks and boxes, so Old Madam Guan simply called for their personal maids and matrons to assist them in changing and freshening up. “At Shaojin’s place, there are no outsiders. No need for such formality.”
Everyone responded with cheerful smiles. For a moment, the room was filled with lively chatter and laughter.
Wu Baozhang, however, was in no hurry. After removing her fur coat and padded long-sleeved jacket, she stood to the side, examining the room’s furnishings.
Large panes of glass were set into the window frames, allowing the snow from the courtyard to reflect inside, brightening the room. A celadon Ge-ware flower vase with crackled glaze stood on the windowsill, filled with a large bouquet of pink, purple, and red hibiscus flowers. The furniture was uniformly finished in dark lacquer, neat and elegant. On the kang table sat a set of famille rose tea ware decorated with plum blossoms braving the cold. The floor screen was draped with misty pink silk curtains, and ginkgo leaf-shaped hooks held deep purple tassels. In the corner, a large cloisonné flowerpot held yellow wintersweet, some buds just beginning to bloom, others already in full splendor, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
Wu Baozhang’s lips twitched slightly.
Zhou Shaojin truly had a fortunate life!
Escaping from Cheng Xu’s grasp, she had ended up marrying Cheng Chi.
That handsome, dignified Cheng Chi… who left Cheng Xu and Cheng Lu far behind—had become Cheng Xu’s aunt by marriage!
Wu Baozhang’s hands clenched tightly into fists.
Back then, Cheng Xu, in his desire to possess Zhou Shaojin, had knowingly stepped into a trap, clinging to a sliver of hope. She wondered what expression Cheng Xu would wear upon hearing this news.
And what about that outwardly humble and cautious, yet inwardly arrogant and self-proclaimed dashing Cheng Lu? What would he think upon learning that Zhou Shaojin had married Cheng Chi?
Wu Baozhang suddenly felt a surge of excitement.
If only she could see the expressions on Cheng Xu’s and Cheng Lu’s faces.
One had lost the person he loved, the other had lost the career he regarded as his life’s purpose… all because of the woman before her. They must have plenty of thoughts on the matter, no?
Wu Baozhang couldn’t help but smile.
She had nearly gone mad in Nine Prosperities Lane. Originally, she had only intended to use Zhou Shaojin’s wedding as an excuse to visit the capital for some fun. But now, she had discovered something even more entertaining.Both the fourth and fifth branches of Nine Prosperities Lane had come to attend Zhou Shaojin's wedding, and with so many people around, tongues might wag. Could they inadvertently let slip about Zhou Shaojin's past affairs?
Wu Baozhang narrowed her eyes, her gaze appearing somewhat obscure and inscrutable.
Zhou Chujin observed coldly from the sidelines and decided to have Wu Baozhang removed.
Once Old Madam Guan and the others had settled in, the wet nurse brought Guan Ge'er in to pay his respects to the old lady. While everyone was amusing themselves with the child, Zhou Chujin quietly slipped out. She instructed Nanny Shang, "Has Fifth Master Wen said anything? Our residence here is too small to accommodate so many people. Have Steward Xiang look around nearby to see if there are any houses available for rent—rent one for Fifth Master Wen and his family to stay in."
Nanny Shang acknowledged and left.
Zhou Shaojin brought in some frozen pears for Old Madam Guan and the others to taste. "These are a specialty from the north. They taste even better after they freeze over in a few days. Please try this one first. If you like it, I'll have them freeze more later."
Old Madam Guan, being advanced in years, only sampled a piece. After praising it with a smile, she inquired about Old Madam Guo: "I heard she's staying at Si Lang's place near Chaoyang Gate... Send someone to ask exactly where she is staying. I'd like to visit her tomorrow."
Zhou Shaojin respectfully replied, "Yes."
Madam Mian, watching her demure, newlywed demeanor, smiled and pulled Zhou Shaojin to her side. She said to Old Madam Guan with a laugh, "Mother, what should we do? How should we address Shaojin now?"
Zhou Shaojin blushed.
Old Madam Guan chuckled, "What's so difficult about that? The eldest branch has separated from our lineage, so we each follow our own conventions. Before Shaojin married, she was addressed according to the Zhou family; after marrying, she naturally follows the Cheng family's conventions. Have you ever seen a daughter continue to receive ancestral offerings from her natal family after her death?"
Madam Mian then teased Zhou Shaojin, "I can only call you 'niece' for a few more days. I must make the most of this opportunity and order you around as much as I can."
Zhou Shaojin flushed, unsure how to respond.
Gu Shiqigu chimed in playfully, "Grandmother, we're at a big loss here. When Shaojin got married, we were the elders on this side and had to give her wedding gifts. After Shaojin marries into the Cheng family, she becomes the elder. By convention, she should give us meeting gifts. But since you came here to see Shaojin off for her wedding, we can't attend the family introductions at Chaoyang Gate, so we miss out on those gifts..."
Old Madam Guan clearly doted on Gu Shiqigu. Hearing this, she laughed, "You and your meticulous calculations. So it's about the meeting gifts? Later, go pick two pieces of jewelry from my jewelry box to wear."
Gu Shiqigu giggled and thanked Old Madam Guan.
A young maid entered and reported that the trunks and cases had been moved to their respective rooms.
Zhou Shaojin invited Wu Baozhang to wait in the resting room for a while. Then, with her sister on either side, she escorted Old Madam Guan to the east wing room prepared for her. Seeing that Old Madam Guan already looked weary, she informed her of the lunchtime and took her leave.
Madam Mian stayed inside to attend to Old Madam Guan, while Gu Shiqigu saw them out.
Only then did Zhou Shaojin and Gu Shiqigu have a chance to excitedly link arms.
One said, "After dinner, once I've helped Grandmother settle for the night, I'll come find you to chat."
The other replied, "I'll brew some Da Hong Pao tea and wait for you to come over for a cup."
Both looked forward eagerly to their upcoming meeting.Nanny Shang hurried over and said, "Second Miss, the servant boy who came with Master Wen said that Master Wen is only here to visit and will stay at Chaoyang Gate tonight, so there's no need to unload the luggage. I sent some hot tea and water to those serving Master Wen."
That's even better!
If Wu Baozhang has any other intentions, let Old Madam Guo or Cheng Zheng deal with her.
"That's excellent!" Zhou Shaojin smiled and instructed Nanny Shang to "take good care of those who came with Uncle Mian and Master Wen," then went with Zhou Chujin to the main room.
Wu Baozhang was standing in front of the carved wooden partition admiring the wintersweet. Hearing the commotion, she turned around and smiled, "This wintersweet is truly well cultivated! It’s blooming in this season—did Shaojin plant it?"
※
Dear readers, today’s extra update!
The next update will be around nine o’clock tomorrow, so I can take time to proofread and reduce typos.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel