Uроn hеаring thе littlе maid's words, nоt оnlу Маdam Qiu, but even Оld Мadam Guо was greаtlу рlеаsеd.
Since Сheng Rong and Cheng Mеng wоuld now bе living in the Sесоnd Вranсh оf thе fаmilу, it would nаturally be muсh bеtter fоr the two childrеn if everуone in thе Sесоnd Вrаnсh treatеd thеm kindly.
Веfоre Мadаm Qiu сould spеаk, Old Мadam Guo еagerly smilеd аnd sаid, "Quicklу invite them in, quicklу!"
Маdam Qiu аnd Zhоu Shаоjin shаrеd the sаmе thought, аnd both wоre smiles in thеir eуеs аs Old Маdаm Guо spoke.
Shоrtly after, Cheng Shеng entered.
Рerhaрs due tо thе eхcellent care from her in-laws, even though Rui-ge'er was nearly half a year old, Cheng Sheng had not only failed to regain her former slender and graceful figure but seemed even slightly plumper than before her pregnancy. Fortunately, with her outstanding appearance, this plumpness did not make her look bloated. Instead, her radiant, snow-white skin lent her a rounded, dignified elegance.
She stepped forward with a smile, greeted everyone, and then had a maid bring over a large bundle, saying, "I only heard about this from Mother a couple of days ago and didn’t have time to prepare anything special for my two nephews. So, I had a tailor shop make some clothes, shoes, and socks. When I have some free time later, I’ll make a few more outfits for them."
Old Madam Guo nodded with satisfaction.
Madam Qiu, wanting to uphold her daughter’s reputation in front of Old Madam Guo, smiled and said, "I was just worried about not having enough clothes. Now that you’ve brought these, I won’t have to worry about it anymore." She then instructed a maid to fetch A Bao and A Ren, who had now been renamed Cheng Rong and Cheng Meng.
A Bao was older and sensible enough to understand that A Ren was now his younger brother. Though still not very talkative, he knew to look after A Ren, helping him with meals and dressing, and always holding his hand wherever they went.
A Ren was still at an innocent age, eating and sleeping with little care, only aware that this home was much better than where they had lived before. With A Bao, the older brother who had always looked after him at the orphanage, by his side, he remained cheerful every day.
A Bao respectfully kowtowed to Cheng Sheng and expressed his thanks.
A Ren followed suit, imitating his brother.
Everyone in the room couldn’t help but smile. Cheng Sheng then placed a pair of jade pendants she had prepared beforehand around the necks of the two children, urging them to visit her home sometime soon, where there was also a younger cousin even smaller than them.
A Ren giggled and nodded, looking up at A Bao with hopeful eyes to ask if they could go.
A Bao nodded calmly, though his slightly moist eyes betrayed the emotions stirring within him.
Old Madam Guo and Zhou Shaojin both felt a pang of emotion as they watched, and they pulled A Bao and A Ren aside to chat with them.
A Ren’s childish chatter made everyone in the room burst into laughter.
Another maid entered to announce that Cheng Zheng and Cheng Xiao had sent servants to pay their respects to the two young masters, bringing along snacks, toys, and stationery supplies.
Madam Qiu invited them in to greet A Bao and A Ren.
Cheng Sheng then pulled Zhou Shaojin aside and whispered, "Are A Bao and A Ren their old names? Why are they still using their previous names?"
Zhou Shaojin whispered back, "It was Second Uncle’s idea. He said that although they are carrying on the Cheng family line, there’s no need for the two children to forget where they came from. Rather than letting them hear nonsense from others when they grow up, it’s better to let them know from the start. As for how the two children turn out in the future, we’ll just do our best."
Cheng Sheng couldn’t help but remark, "Second Uncle’s heart is truly broad. For these two children to come to the Cheng family is also their good fortune."Zhou Shaojin also felt this way and couldn't help but wonder: if Cheng Chi's speculations were all correct, what matter could make Cheng Shao willing to offend the Fourth Prince, who was already the crown prince?
Returning home, she told Cheng Chi about this matter.
Cheng Chi remained silent but secretly began weighing the situation in his mind.
A few days later, Madam Song Jingran suddenly came to visit Zhou Shaojin.
Zhou Shaojin was greatly surprised.
Madam Song wasn't visiting Old Madam Guo but rather her... this made her somewhat uneasy. She carefully recalled recent events but couldn't think of any reason why Madam Song would seek her out. After hurriedly dressing up, she went to the reception hall to meet the guest.
Madam Song took her hand, smiling as she looked her up and down, and said gently, "They say it's been over three months, almost four, yet it doesn't show at all. Are you eating well? Has this child been giving you trouble?"
Zhou Shaojin exchanged pleasantries with her, and after everyone chatted for a while, they went to Tingxiang Courtyard to pay respects to Old Madam Guo.
As it was already mid-October, preparations for the New Year had to begin. Several women from the greenhouse were gathered around Old Madam Guo discussing floral arrangements—planning which flowers to place where during the New Year, what new varieties had appeared in Fengtai, which flowers their own greenhouse could cultivate, and which ones needed to be supplemented from Fengtai.
Knowing Madam Song had come to see Zhou Shaojin, Old Madam Guo waved her hand with a smile and said, "I'm not one of those harsh mothers-in-law. You two go find a place to have your private talk. I still have my own matters to attend to."
Madam Song laughed and said, "Everyone in the capital knows you're a mother-in-law who truly cares for her daughters-in-law. Although the family has divided, look at how the Cheng brothers frequently visit each other—their closeness far surpasses those who live together on the surface but secretly scheme against one another. There's just one thing that takes getting used to: the one in Xinglin Alley is Master Cheng, Second Master living nearby is also Master Cheng, and the one at Chaoyang Gate is Master Cheng too. It makes it hard for others to know which Master Cheng they're referring to."
Cheng Jing, as a Grand Secretary, was respectfully addressed as "Grand Secretary Cheng" when outside. But as for Cheng Wei and Cheng Chi, both living in the Chaoyang Gate area, it was indeed difficult to distinguish.
Madam Song wasn't one skilled in social niceties, making these words sound particularly sincere.
Old Madam Guo couldn't help but feel pleased and insisted Madam Song stay for lunch: "I know you're busy, but today you must stay and eat before returning!"
Madam Song agreed with a smile but instead of going to whisper with Zhou Shaojin, she said, "Although I came today to see Shaojin, I also wanted to take this opportunity to have a few private words with her. If you could help offer some advice, Madam, that would be even better." She then told Zhou Shaojin and Old Madam Guo that Grand Secretary Song intended for Cheng Chi to go to Kaifeng as a censor from the Censorate to dredge the Yellow River alongside Zhang Hui, the Ministry of Works Vice Minister currently serving as River Governor, but Cheng Chi had repeatedly refused: "...Our master suspects that Master Cheng is mostly concerned about leaving you and Shaojin behind, but our master also said this is truly a rare opportunity.""Due to Minister Qu's matter, His Majesty now wishes to redredge the Yellow River. The newly appointed Minister of Works, Huang Li, is famously at odds with Grand Secretary Cheng. Having just taken office, even if he wished to make things difficult for Lord Cheng, with everyone watching closely at this time, he would not only refrain from doing so but would instead assist Lord Cheng at every turn to ensure the Yellow River dredging proceeds smoothly.
"The Ministry of Revenue would not dare to withhold funds for the river channel either.
"Moreover, with Minister Zhang—a man both tactful and capable of achieving real results—overseeing matters, this Yellow River dredging project is certain to succeed.
"Once this accomplishment is secured, it will serve Lord Cheng well whenever he is promoted.
"With such an excellent opportunity at hand, Old Madam and Shaojin must persuade Lord Cheng."
Zhou Shaojin and Old Madam Guo exchanged glances.
Neither of them had heard of this matter.
Madam Song noticed their reaction.
Knowing they needed time to digest this information, she did not press them. Instead, she skillfully shifted the conversation to Song Mu's marriage: "He is engaged to the eldest daughter of the fourth branch of the Lujiang Li family... His maternal uncle's family resents me terribly for this. They imply everywhere that I look down on their family's decline and thus refuse to let their daughter marry into ours... I truly cannot clear my name even if I jumped into the Yellow River..."
Every family has its own difficulties.
Old Madam Guo and Zhou Shaojin comforted Madam Song, and the conversation naturally drifted far from its original topic.
But after seeing Madam Song off, Old Madam Guo asked Zhou Shaojin, "What are your thoughts on this matter? Although it is a good opportunity, this is your first time giving birth... You and your husband should discuss it and decide together. In this world, fortune often follows misfortune, and misfortune often follows fortune. Do not take it too seriously."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Shaojin resolved to let Cheng Chi go.
She was pregnant, not ill.
Even if she were ill, Si Lang was not a physician. Would staying by her side cure her illness?
What others could endure, she could endure as well.
She would certainly take good care of herself, safely and smoothly give birth to this child, and be a virtuous helpmate to Si Lang.
Just thinking about it filled Zhou Shaojin with courage.
Cheng Chi was very surprised when he heard her decision. He gently embraced her and, stroking her slightly protruding belly, smiled, "If I leave, will you be able to sleep?"
Zhou Shaojin flushed crimson.
How could she admit that she wanted to act spoiled with him? That whenever she saw him, she wanted to cling to him?
"Just tell me, if you go to Kaifeng, will it be disadvantageous for you?" she said shyly. "If not, then go. I can take care of myself. I can also take care of our child and Mother."
Of course, going would not be disadvantageous.
However, he felt things might not proceed as smoothly as Song Jingran claimed.
Thinking of Old Master Song, who came to his office every day, Cheng Chi smiled and asked, "Do you know why Grand Secretary Song is so keen on pushing this matter forward?"
Zhou Shaojin thought for a moment and said, "To fulfill Old Master Song's wish? But I think, since these matters do not affect you, why concern yourself with their motives? If the Yellow River can be dredged, the people along its banks should benefit as well, right? We should simply do what we believe is right."
Cheng Chi was momentarily taken aback, then burst into laughter.
Regardless of what others say, do what I believe should be done, and do it well... Perhaps this was why he loved Zhou Shaojin—because of this simple, earnest quality of hers.Cheng Chi cupped her face and gave her a loud kiss, gazing at her with smiling eyes as he said gently, "Alright! I'll listen to my wife. If my wife says I should go dredge the river channels, I'll go. If my wife says I shouldn't go, then I won't!"
"Nonsense!" Zhou Shaojin chided playfully. Even though she knew he was just saying this to please her, she couldn't help but feel overjoyed. "I'll go tell Mother, so she can be happy too!"
Cheng Chi smiled and said, "Let's go tell Mother together!"
Although Mother was broad-minded, if she found out that Shaojin was interfering in his official affairs, she might feel a little displeased. He didn't want Zhou Shaojin to act as his shield, nor did he want her to suffer such grievances.
※
Dear readers, today's bonus update.
The regular update will still be around 10 p.m.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
OpenNovel