Сhеng Сhi lаughed heаrtilу, strоking Zhоu Shаojin’s flower-likе fаce, аnd said, “Hоw соuld I еvеr lеave уou behind!”
Zhou Shaojin breаthеd a sigh оf reliеf.
Тhеn thеre wаs nоthing tо wоrrу abоut.
The two wеnt tо seе Old Madаm Guo off.
Вeside Оld Маdаm Guо lау a lilaс-сolоrеd silk сloаk lined with grау squirrel fur. As if рrеpаring for a long jоurney, she tооk Zhоu Shaоjin’s hand and instructеd Сhеng Chi, “Sосiаlizing with соllеaguеs is imрortаnt, but if yоu drink too muсh and lоsе уour соmроsure, it’s not worth it. Yоu must visit the several grand sеcretariеs, and don’t fоrget tо sеnd gifts to уour mentor and fellow scholars. On New Year’s Eve, go early and keep your second uncle company. On the second day of the new year, the Gu son-in-law, the Yuan son-in-law, and the Peng son-in-law will all come. You should also come to entertain the guests…”
Cheng Chi respectfully nodded and replied, “Yes.”
A young maid announced from behind the curtain, “Old Madam, Second Master, Madam, and Second Madam have arrived.”
This time, it was Cheng Wei who came to fetch Old Madam Guo.
Cheng Chi and Zhou Shaojin went out to greet them.
The brothers exchanged warm greetings, and the three sisters-in-law also politely inquired after each other’s well-being. Everyone then proceeded to the main hall of Tingxiang Courtyard.
After paying their respects to Old Madam Guo and learning that they had all already eaten breakfast, Old Madam Guo stood up briskly and said, “Then let’s go!”
Cheng Chi and the others escorted Old Madam Guo out the door. Madam Yuan helped Old Madam Guo into the carriage, while Madam Qiu seized the opportunity to give Zhou Shaojin a meaningful look and whispered, “Come with us!”
Zhou Shaojin was slightly taken aback.
Cheng Chi, knowing she had reservations, had already made an excuse to Old Madam Guo, saying that he would send her off today while Zhou Shaojin stayed home. But she also knew that Madam Qiu had always been kind to her, and if she said such a thing, there must be a reason.
After a moment’s thought, she nodded slightly and hurried to Cheng Chi’s side, whispering the matter to him.
Cheng Chi immediately said, “Then you should go. We’ll just see Mother off at the gate.”
Wouldn’t that mean Cheng Chi could only escort Old Madam Guo to the gate as well?
Old Madam Guo would surely be displeased if she saw this!
Thinking of this, Zhou Shaojin took a deep breath and said, “It’s fine. I’ll keep Mother company for a while and then come back with you.”
Once they went, it was unlikely they could leave after just a brief conversation. At the very least, they would have to stay for lunch.
Cheng Chi expressed his concern.
Zhou Shaojin suddenly felt she was in the wrong.
It was Madam Yuan who had wronged her. Why should she avoid her and even drag Cheng Chi into hiding along with her?
Zhou Shaojin straightened her back and said, “Si Lang, why don’t we stay for lunch? The private dishes of Nine Prosperities Lane are delicious, but unfortunately, I didn’t get to taste them often back then. Since Xinglin Alley is the old residence of Nine Prosperities Lane in the capital, frequented by officials and nobles, the kitchen there must also prepare Nine Prosperities Lane’s private dishes. We can learn a few of our favorites to serve guests later.”
Cheng Chi observed Zhou Shaojin’s expression. Though her demeanor remained gentle, there was a resilient glint in her eyes. Recalling her quiet but unyielding strength, he chuckled softly and whispered, “Then, as my wife commands, we shall have lunch at Xinglin Alley!”
Some things, Shaojin could not avoid forever.
Facing them head-on was the best way to forget.
Old Madam Guo and Madam Yuan rode in one carriage. Cheng Chi personally helped Zhou Shaojin into Madam Qiu’s carriage.
Madam Qiu smiled faintly and signaled the accompanying matron to lower the carriage curtain.Zhou Shaojin said, "Second Sister-in-law, thank you for reminding me."
Seeing that she could accept her advice so readily, Madam Qiu felt very pleased. She felt even more affection for Zhou Shaojin. She whispered, "These past few days, Eldest Sister-in-law has been telling everyone that Mother is returning to Apricot Grove Lane today. I'm afraid neighbors might come to visit Mother, and if all the daughters-in-law are present except you, others will notice and remember it. First impressions are formed this way." She added, "Don't mind me for speaking too much—you're even younger than Asheng!"
The implication was that at her age, she could have given birth to someone like Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin was grateful for Madam Qiu's guidance. She hugged Madam Qiu's arm and said, "I'm young and don't understand many things. If I do anything wrong, Second Sister-in-law, please just tell me. If not for a twist of fate that led me to marry Fourth Master, I would still be calling Asheng 'cousin'!"
Madam Qiu chuckled softly, patted Zhou Shaojin's hand, and accepted her words.
Zhou Shaojin then asked Madam Qiu about her moving plans: "Have you settled on a date? When the time comes, we must bring a few strings of firecrackers to congratulate Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law!"
Even if they lived apart, maintaining warm and friendly visits was the mark of a cultured, well-bred family with deep bonds.
How could Madam Qiu refuse?
"We've set it for the twenty-second of the first lunar month," Madam Qiu whispered with a smile. "Originally, I thought it might be inappropriate to move during the New Year festivities, but Jiashan's wedding is scheduled for the tenth of the second month. I was afraid everyone would be too busy then, with no time to visit our new home, so I chose the twenty-second. It also gives us time to vacate the house early, so Eldest Sister-in-law can arrange the guest rooms."
Zhou Shaojin nodded, and the two chatted about everyday matters all the way.
When they arrived at Apricot Grove Lane and stepped out of the carriage, neighbors indeed came forward to greet them.
"Old Madam is back!"
"Old Madam, are you here for the New Year? I heard your eldest grandson's wedding is set for the second month. Are you staying for the wedding before going to your younger son's home?"
"Old Madam, do you still remember me? I'm from the Li family next door."
Some also glanced toward Zhou Shaojin.
Madam Qiu introduced Zhou Shaojin to them: "This is my newlywed sister-in-law. She specially escorted Mother here."
"She's truly beautiful!" someone said, stepping forward to greet Madam Qiu.
Old Madam Guo smiled and exchanged pleasantries with everyone.
It was clear that most of the residents here were ordinary families, but the atmosphere was warm and neighborly, with kind words and goodwill. The Cheng family seemed to have a good relationship with their neighbors.
In her previous life, Zhou Shaojin had never visited Apricot Grove Lane.
She had assumed it would be like Chaoyang Gate, where the residents were either noble or wealthy, and the women rarely ventured beyond their courtyards, hardly ever seeing their neighbors even if they lived next door.
After a few words, everyone dispersed.
Zhou Shaojin followed Old Madam Guo inside and looked up to see Cheng Xu standing beside the Ruyi Gate.
It seemed as though he had been watching her for a while. He had been standing there stiffly, but when she looked up and saw him, he quickly lowered his head and hurried over to bow to Old Madam Guo.Old Madam Guo affectionately helped Cheng Xu up. "Child, why have you lost weight again? I heard you've been studying with Lord Wu these days? You must take care of your health. The imperial examinations are important, but without good health, you won't be able to endure the three rounds of exams, followed by the palace examination and the Junior Scholar Candidate exams!" She added, "Didn't you say you were going to school? Why are you back?"
Cheng Xu quickly smiled and replied, "Grandmother, I'm fine. Lord Wu often says the same to me and even has me walk to his place every morning. I heard you were coming today, so I returned early from Lord Wu's. He knows about it and agreed."
Old Madam Guo nodded.
Cheng Xu stepped forward to greet Cheng Wei and Cheng Chi. When it came to Zhou Shaojin, he hesitated for a moment before softly calling out, "Fourth Aunt."
Zhou Shaojin curtsied in greeting and stood behind Cheng Chi.
Old Madam Guo smiled and extended her hand to Cheng Xu, saying, "Alright, let's not stand here any longer. It's so cold—we should hurry inside to talk."
Everyone responded with smiles and agreement.
Cheng Xu supported Old Madam Guo as they entered the main hall.
The steward naturally assisted Nanny Lu in unpacking Old Madam Guo's luggage.
Madam Yuan helped Old Madam Guo remove her cloak and seated her on the large kang by the window.
Everyone gathered around Old Madam Guo and sat down.
A young maid entered to serve tea and snacks.
Madam Yuan took the tea from the maid and offered it to Old Madam Guo.
After taking a few sips of tea, Old Madaaaaaaaaam Guo's expression softened. She said to Cheng Wei and Cheng Chi, "I know you're both filial, but you both have official duties now. If you have matters to attend to, go ahead. I have your eldest sister-in-law here, so nothing will go amiss."
Cheng Wei smiled and said, "Elder Brother couldn't come to fetch you. Since it was agreed I'd take a day off, I'll stay and chat with you."
Cheng Chi also said, "I'm an idle person anyway—one or two days won't make a difference."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yuan quickly interjected, "How could you pass by without entering? Fourth Uncle, why not stay for a meal? I've already instructed the kitchen."
"Yes!" Madam Qiu chimed in with a smile, "We can help you organize your things properly, otherwise Shaojin won't feel at ease either!"
Zhou Shaojin nodded repeatedly.
Old Madam Guo said nothing more. Once the luggage was settled, a stewardess came in to ask Madam Yuan for the wine jug. Madam Qiu and Zhou Shaojin accompanied Old Madam Guo to the main room in the rear courtyard to freshen up and change clothes. Seeing Zhou Shaojin standing beside Madam Qiu like her own daughter, Old Madam Guo felt reluctant to have her do such tasks and found an excuse to send her out to play: "Go see what the kitchen is preparing. It's so cold—have them make us some lotus seed, lily, and snow fungus soup to warm us up."
Zhou Shaojin smiled and agreed, calling a young maid from Xinglin Alley to take her to the kitchen.
Unexpectedly, as she stepped outside, she saw Cheng Chi and Cheng Wei talking in the narrow passageway connecting the front and rear courtyards.
Cheng Chi had his back to her, so she couldn't see his expression clearly, but Cheng Wei faced her. His expression was stern and cold, his lips pressed tightly together, and his eyes held a trace of anger. She didn't know what Cheng Chi had said, but suddenly Cheng Wei grew agitated and declared, "A gentleman knows what to do and what not to do. I think your idea is right. Go ahead and do it—I support you! If Elder Brother blames you, I'll speak to him on your behalf! When our ancestors acted that way, was it merely to leave a good reputation for the Cheng family's descendants?"Zhou Shaojin sighed inwardly, yet felt a faint sense of pride.
After quietly inquiring with her maid, she took the side passage to the kitchen.
Back at Chaoyang Gate, in a home with just the two of them, Zhou Shaojin thought Cheng Chi would want to be affectionate with her. Instead, he merely kissed her cheek before burying himself in his study and not coming out.
Zhou Shaojin stayed by the stove, preparing a bowl of sweet lotus seed soup for Cheng Chi and bringing it to him.
Amidst the piles of documents on his desk, Cheng Chi looked up with a resolute expression.
Zhou Shaojin placed the delicate porcelain bowl beside his hand, walked behind him, and gently massaged his shoulders as she whispered, "Si Lang, are you thinking of impeaching Minister Qu?"
Come to think of it, Minister Qu and Cheng Chi should have had a fairly good relationship, especially when Cheng Chi was in Jinling. When Minister Qu’s son-in-law Gao Yao and his wife visited Nine Prosperities Lane to offer birthday wishes to the Second Branch’s patriarch Cheng Xu, they clearly showed favor toward the Eldest Branch.
※
Dear readers, here is today’s update.
Tomorrow’s extra update will still be around twelve o’clock!
PS: The rankings are fierce, sisters, please show your support.
Thank you!
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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