Маdаm Qiu rеturnеd and relауеd this tо Сheng Wei, who burst intо lаughter upоn hearing it.
Аn inсidеnt hаd осcurred in Jining. Нis younger brother servеd in thе River Gоvernоr's Оffiсе, and оvеr his mаnу уeаrs in the Hanlin Асadеmy, Cheng Wеi had keрt a low рrоfilе, rеfrаining frоm сontentiоn аnd cоmреtition, grаduallу mаking a few friеnds. Аlthough Grаnd Secretаry Song had suррrеssed thе news, in the impеriаl сourt, mаttеrs wеrе оftеn cоnсeаled frоm superiоrs but not frоm subоrdinаtes. Nаturаllу, friеnds secretlу passed him informatiоn. In contrast, his еlder brothеr, holding а high рositiоn, had no one daring to speak in front of him. He likely still had no idea what had happened in Jining.
By the time Cheng Wei thought of warning his younger brother first, Grand Secretary Song had already sent someone to Baoding Prefecture.
No one knew what Grand Secretary Song had said to his younger brother, but without consulting their elder brother or even informing Cheng Wei, the younger brother went straight to Jining.
At the critical moment, it was Grand Secretary Song, not their elder brother, who had passed the message to their younger brother...
Although Yang Shoushan was Grand Secretary Song's man, dwelling too much on such matters would likely strain the bond between brothers.
Cheng Wei felt that in the future, he would find himself in an awkward position caught between his elder and younger brothers!
He said, "Let's not worry about these things. Since Mother has spoken of dividing the family, our household will inevitably separate. Don't concern yourself with future matters for now. First, secure our residence. Once the division is settled, we can leave promptly, avoiding entanglement in the affairs of the other two households and ending up displeasing both sides."
These words resonated deeply with Madam Qiu.
She nodded repeatedly. Early the next morning, after paying respects to Old Madam Guo, she discreetly followed a property agent to view two or three residences. In the end, she took a liking to a house not far outside the Chaoyang Gate—three courtyards with five rooms, priced at over six thousand taels. It originally belonged to a former Vice Minister of Justice and was sold due to an uneven division of assets, with all furniture and utensils included. Madam Qiu was utterly delighted and told Cheng Wei, "I think Mother will likely live near the Chaoyang Gate in the future. This house is close by, making it convenient for us to pay our respects. However, the sale is urgent, so we must act quickly."
There was another point she didn't mention to her husband.
Their eldest brother's son, Cheng Xu, excelled in studies and was exceptionally handsome. Her own son, Cheng Rang, couldn't compare to Cheng Xu in any aspect. Their fourth uncle had just married and had no children yet. If children were born in the future, even if they turned out to be as studious as Cheng Xu, her own Cheng Rang, being older, could still serve as a loyal, kind, and tolerant elder brother. She didn't want her child to always feel inferior in front of Cheng Xu, nor did she wish to appear as if she had failed in raising her child in front of her elder sister-in-law, as if she had done something wrong.
Cheng Wei didn't overthink it but felt troubled by the need for an immediate transaction.
"We don't have that much silver on hand..." He had never acquired private property before, and his salary was modest. Madam Qiu's dowry amounted to only two or three thousand taels. "It also wouldn't be appropriate to tell Mother that we've already found a house..." as if they were eagerly awaiting the family division.
Madam Qiu was also worried.
The couple sat facing each other in silence for a moment. Cheng Wei said, "Why don't you speak to our third sister-in-law? Have her mention it to Mother... I've noticed Mother dotes on her like a child. Even if she says something wrong, Mother likely won't take it to heart."
"How could that work!" Madam Qiu replied. "Mother isn't someone so easily fooled. Rather than having our fourth sister-in-law help us sound out Mother, it would be better to send Asheng."
"Asheng?!" Cheng Wei was astonished.Seeing this, Madam Qiu smiled and said, "Don't interfere with these inner household matters. Leave it to me!"
Cheng Wei chuckled and indeed stopped asking further.
Madam Qiu called Cheng Sheng back and explained the whole situation to her.
Cheng Sheng was utterly shocked, asking, "Did Grandmother really say she wants to divide the family property?"
"Why would I lie to you?" Madam Qiu said, patting her daughter's hand and sighing. "Fortunately, your in-laws are sincere people and close friends with your father. Whether your eldest uncle holds an official position or what position he holds doesn't affect you much. Otherwise, how would I dare agree to your grandmother?"
Cheng Jia felt somewhat sad.
Madam Qiu comforted her, saying, "Sometimes, keeping clear accounts between brothers actually brings them closer."
Cheng Jia nodded and went with her mother two days later to pay respects to Old Madam Guo.
Zhou Shaojin personally greeted the mother and daughter at the moon gate.
Cheng Sheng noticed that Zhou Shaojin's jet-black hair was casually tied up in a bun, adorned with a pair of indigo-blue petals and yellow-stamened twin lotus silk gauze flowers. They accentuated her small face, which was as fair as frost and snow. Her movements seemed less restrained and more relaxed, making her entire being resemble a flower about to bloom, gradually revealing a touch of charm. She couldn't help but step forward and take Zhou Shaojin's hand, saying, "Little Aunt, it's only been a few days, but you've become even more beautiful." She added, "Where did you buy these silk flowers? They're so novel and exquisite."
Zhou Shaojin smiled sheepishly and said, "You think they're pretty? I made them with the maids these past few days when I had nothing to do. If you like them, I still have a rose-red one, a pink one, and a pale yellow one. You can go pick one!"
"Ah!" Cheng Sheng laughed. "Little Aunt can make these too! You didn't used to play much with us before. I never knew you were hiding your skills!"
Hearing this disrespectful remark, Madam Qiu quickly scolded, "Call her 'Aunt' if you're going to call her 'Aunt.' Why add 'little'? Don't speak so disrespectfully in the future."
Cheng Sheng stuck out her tongue at Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin really wanted to say, "You can still call me Shaojin like before," but remembering she was now Cheng Chi's wife and Cheng Jia's proper aunt, she held back from saying it to avoid making a joke of herself.
Cheng Sheng, however, harbored no reservations. She linked arms with Zhou Shaojin and said, "I heard Fourth Uncle has official duties and went directly from Baoding Prefecture to Jining. What have you been doing at home these days? I plan to visit A-Jia tomorrow. Do you want to come with us?"
Zhou Shaojin couldn't help but feel eager.
"Weren't there still guests at home when we left?" she said. "All my dowry items were stuffed into the storeroom, and I haven't had time to sort out the small things. I've been tidying up at home these past few days. Are you going to visit A-Jia tomorrow? Didn't I bring back some Dacige pickles from Baoding Prefecture? I sent some to Xinglin Hutong and also gave some to A-Jia, but I haven't visited her yet." As she spoke, she showed hesitation.
She was now someone else's daughter-in-law. How could she go visiting as she pleased? If she went out to have fun, what about her mother-in-law?
Cheng Sheng immediately realized she had said the wrong thing and hurriedly said, "I was just thinking out loud. I don't even know if I can go tomorrow. I just wanted to see when Aunt might have time."Madam Qiu shot her daughter a sharp glare before turning to Zhou Shaojin with a smile. "She's still so childish, always thinking about playing. Instead of spending her time keeping Old Madam company, she's here bothering you. Don't indulge her, sister-in-law. If she wants to wear flowers, let her make them herself."
Seeing how this mother and daughter were trying to cheer her up, Zhou Shaojin felt a warm current flow through her heart.
She quickly replied, "Second sister-in-law, you're too kind. Ah Sheng and I grew up together. Back then, she took care of me like an older sister. Even now, she often confides in me whenever something happens. I only wish she would visit more often!"
"As long as you don't mind her speaking without thinking," Madam Qiu said with a laugh. The group soon arrived at the Fragrant Waters Courtyard.
A maid on duty eagerly lifted the curtain for them.
Inside, the room heated by underfloor heating was as warm as spring, with hot air rushing to meet them.
Old Madam Guo wore only a lined jacket, her ears adorned with pea-sized green cat's eye stones that sparkled brilliantly. Her face was radiant as she played leaf cards with Biyu and Nanny Lu, looking in excellent spirits.
Madam Qiu couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
Could it be because they were living on the Chaoyang Gate side?
She couldn't resist glancing at Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin was smiling as she instructed the maids to serve tea and snacks. Her gentle, serene features were a comfort to behold.
Noticing one side of the square table was empty, with half a deck of cards still face down, Madam Qiu realized Zhou Shaojin had been playing cards with Old Madam Guo earlier but had set them aside to greet their arrival.
"It seems Ah Sheng and I have come at an inconvenient time!" Madam Qiu said, smiling as she and Cheng Sheng curtsied respectfully to Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo smiled and invited them to rise. "Ah Sheng has come at just the right time. Nanny Lu's eyesight isn't what it used to be—she keeps missing or misplaying cards. Give your seat to Ah Sheng." This last remark was directed at Nanny Lu.
Before Old Madam Guo could finish speaking, Nanny Lu had already vacated her spot, saying cheerfully, "Third Young Miss, quickly take off your shoes and come up."
Cheng Sheng had come today precisely to deliver a message to her grandmother. She would have sought an opportunity to speak with her even if none presented itself, let alone now when the chance arose so naturally.
She smiled, removed her shoes, and climbed onto the kang.
Zhou Shaojin offered her own seat to Madam Qiu.
Madam Qiu declined with a laugh. "How can a mother and daughter play at the same table?"
Zhou Shaojin replied warmly, "I'm preparing braised pigeon in the kitchen. It's time to add the marinade, so I need to check on it. Second sister-in-law, please keep Mother company for a while. After lunch, we can all spend more time with her together."
Madam Qiu hadn't expected Zhou Shaojin to know her way around the kitchen. She was about to offer to accompany her when she noticed Old Madam Guo gazing at Zhou Shaojin with a slight, contented smile, looking thoroughly pleased. This gave Madam Qiu pause, and she decided it was better to stay out of it. With a cheerful nod, she joined Old Madam Guo for a game of leaf cards.
After playing for a while, Old Madam Guo began speaking of Zhou Shaojin: "...She suddenly became my daughter-in-law, and with Si Lang away from home, I wasn't sure how to handle it at first. Who would have thought this child is genuinely filial? Around me, she's just as she always was—consulting me on matters big and small. With just a slight reminder from me, she understands everything. Thankfully, nothing has gone awry in managing the household."
Her tone conveyed deep satisfaction.
Madam Qiu found this puzzling.
Hadn't her mother-in-law always been most impatient with those who lacked initiative? Why, when it came to her youngest daughter-in-law, had everything changed?No wonder my sister-in-law always says Mother-in-law is biased...
She chuckled inwardly, but Cheng Sheng caught on to something.
It seemed that as Grandmother grew older, she neither wanted others to treat her as someone idly supported, nor did she want to be ordered around for trivial matters. Somehow, Zhou Shaojin had managed to strike just the right chord with Grandmother—she informed her of both major and minor matters, seeking her guidance, yet handled all the nitty-gritty details herself. This way, Grandmother knew she was consulted on everything, yet was spared the burden of trivial concerns.
Was this because Shaojin had accurately discerned Grandmother’s thoughts? Or was it simply a stroke of luck that pleased Grandmother?
If it were the former, she would simply smile and let it pass. But if it were the latter... then Zhou Shaojin truly had a special connection with Grandmother and Fourth Uncle!
※
Dear readers, here is today’s update.
The extra chapter will still be posted around nine in the morning.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel