Аunt Сhаng rеturnеd the greеting tо Zhоu Shаоjin and the othеrs with rеspeсtful yet dignifiеd соmроsurе.
The уoung eunuch accоmрanуing her hаndеd оvеr a sаррhirе-bluе printеd cloth bundle.
Wаs this аll of Аunt Chang’s belоngings?!
Zhou Shaоjin and Mаdаm Qiu ехсhаngеd a glanсе. Mаdаm Qiu sаid, "Thе housеhоld affairs аrе usuallу managed bу Nanny Zeng, whо оnсe sеrved Secоnd Аunt. Wе’ve оnlу just аrrivеd, аnd Sеcоnd Unсle hаs fallеn ill... Aunt Chаng, why nоt соme with us tо thе drаwing rоom? Oncе I summon Nanny Zeng to сlarify mattеrs, we cаn arrаngе yоur accommodation."
Aunt Chang performed a curtsy and said, "I trouble you, Second Madam."
Only wives of officials ranked third or higher were entitled to be addressed as "Madam." Although such formalities were less strictly observed outside the capital, in Beijing, where even a falling plaque might hit a vice minister or a junior minister, ranks and titles were taken very seriously.
Cheng Wei had only recently been appointed to a provincial post, and like Zhou Shaojin, Madam Qiu’s honorary title had not yet been conferred.
She quickly replied, "You are too polite, Aunt. My maiden name is Qiu. If you don’t mind, you may simply address me as Madam Qiu."
Aunt Chang readily complied, calling her "Madam Qiu" with a tone of delight that only those who had served in the palace could convey.
To have risen to the position of senior maid in the Qianqing Palace and remained in service at such an age without being released was no simple feat.
Though she was courteous, Zhou Shaojin and Madam Qiu dared not treat her lightly. Madam Qiu accompanied Aunt Chang to the drawing room, while Zhou Shaojin took A Bao, A Ren, and Cheng Xiao to the inner courtyard.
Cheng Shao’s residence was not large, but it was filled with various types of bamboo. When the wind blew, they rustled softly, exuding an air of cool serenity.
No one felt like speaking, and the two children clung tightly to Zhou Shaojin’s hands.
They were greeted at the door by two young attendants, about eight or nine years old, with delicate features and clear, pleasant voices. They bowed and said, "Second Elder Master says it’s merely old age and lack of energy, so the ladies and young mistresses need not worry. To avoid passing on any illness, there’s no need to enter and pay respects. I will take Young Masters A Bao and A Ren in for a brief visit instead."
Originally, the women would have had to keep their distance, offering greetings only from behind a screen. Since Cheng Shao had given these instructions, they naturally did not wish to go against his wishes. After curtsying at the door, they went to the side chamber, while the young attendant led A Bao and A Ren into Cheng Shao’s bedroom.
Shortly after, Cheng Chi, who had seen off the eunuch, arrived.
After Cheng Xiao and the others stepped forward to pay their respects, Zhou Shaojin and her husband stood beside a cluster of mottled bamboo in the courtyard and began to talk. "What does His Majesty mean by this? Second Uncle is ill, and His Majesty sends him an aunt who served in the palace. Isn’t this just adding trouble to Yuqian Lane? Do you know the background of this Aunt Chang?"
Cheng Chi, however, was unconcerned. "It’s fine. This Aunt Chang was originally a maid in His Majesty’s residence before he ascended the throne. After His Majesty’s accession, she served in the Qianqing Palace, attending to writing and ink. She’s a sensible person. I was also surprised when His Majesty bestowed her upon Second Uncle. Second Uncle often accompanies His Majesty in playing chess in the Qianqing Palace, so they were already acquainted. We just need to treat her well and respectfully. As for the rest, we can discuss it after Second Uncle recovers. We’ll have to enter the palace to express gratitude anyway."
"It’s good that she’s sensible," Zhou Shaojin said with relief. "She’ll know what can and cannot be done."Cheng Chi nodded and smiled, saying, "Even if she doesn't understand, it doesn't matter. Now that she has been bestowed upon Second Uncle, she belongs to him. Someone will naturally teach her."
But wouldn't it be better if everyone could get along harmoniously?!
Zhou Shaojin muttered to herself.
Cheng Chi asked about Yun Ge'er: "You left him alone at home when you came over. Is he fussing? Has he been crying?"
"Guan Ge and Zhong Ge'er are keeping him company," Zhou Shaojin replied. Recalling how she had kissed her son's little cheek to say goodbye when leaving, only for him to ignore her completely, completely absorbed in watching Guan Ge and Zhong Ge'er, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. "As long as he has his older brothers to play with, he doesn't need me at all."
"That's good," Cheng Chi said with a smile. "The two of us will likely have to stay here these next few days to attend to the patient. We'll have to trouble his aunt to look after Yun Ge'er for a few more days."
"My sister mentioned it too when I left," Zhou Shaojin said. "If we're too busy here, she'll help take care of Yun Ge'er for a few days."
Cheng Chi nodded in acknowledgment just as Old Madam Guo, Cheng Jing, and Madam Yuan arrived.
The two of them stepped forward to greet them.
Both Old Madam Guo and Madam Yuan were dressed in full formal attire according to their rank, their phoenix crowns adorned with various gemstones. Having borne the weight on their heads all day while also mourning, they both looked weary.
Cheng Jing appeared in good spirits, though not as neat and tidy as usual.
Old Madam Guo immediately asked about Yun Ge'er. Upon learning that Zhou Chujin was taking care of him at home, she breathed a long sigh of relief.
Cheng Jing, however, asked Cheng Chi with an anxious expression, "How could Second Uncle suddenly collapse? Is he really alright?"
Sometimes, imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital would "appropriately" conceal illnesses to avoid angering the Emperor.
Cheng Chi said, "I checked Second Uncle's pulse. There's nothing wrong."
The group proceeded toward the main residence.
Cheng Chi informed them that the Emperor had gifted a palace maid from the Qianqing Palace to take care of Cheng Shao.
The three of them were stunned.
Madam Yuan quickly asked, "Where is she?" Not seeing Madam Qiu, she added, "Is she being accompanied by Second Sister-in-law?"
Zhou Shaojin replied, "Second Sister-in-law is with her in the flower hall."
"How can that be?" Madam Yuan said. "After all, she was bestowed by the Emperor..."
Old Madam Guo cut her off: "Let's go see your Second Uncle first. He's not a child. He will arrange matters concerning his own people."
Madam Yuan respectfully assented, and everyone entered the main residence.
Zhou Shaojin and Madam Yuan accompanied Old Madam Guo to sit on the large kang by the window outside the inner chamber, while Cheng Chi accompanied Cheng Jing inside.
Soon after, Zhou Shaojin and the others heard A Bao and A Ren greeting Cheng Jing, followed by Cheng Jing's surprised voice saying, "Second Uncle... you, you are..."
The hearts of Zhou Shaojin and the others tightened, only to hear Cheng Shao say calmly, "I'm just a bit tired, nothing else. When you enter the palace tomorrow, take Si Lang with you. Let him thank the Emperor on my behalf."
Cheng Jing remained silent for a moment before softly replying, "Yes."
Cheng Shao then said, "I'm fine now. Go attend to your own matters. You've already visited me. The imperial physician advised me to rest quietly these days." He then mentioned Aunt Chang: "Since she was bestowed by the Emperor, let her serve me. We must not let down.Old Madam Guo and the others moved to the east wing to rest. She said to Nanny Zeng, who had come to pay her respects: "I'm afraid there will still be people coming to visit the patient these next two days. Go ask that Aunt Chang whether we should prepare a continuous banquet at Yuqian Lane to keep relatives and friends who come to visit for a meal."
Nanny Zeng was originally the dowry maid of Cheng Shao's wife, who later married Cheng Shao's attendant. She became the stewardess of the inner courtyard. After Cheng Shao's wife passed away, she continued to manage the affairs of the inner courtyard.
She respectfully acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Zhou Shaojin hurriedly said to Old Madam Guo: "Mother, you still have to go to the palace tomorrow to mourn. Leave matters here to Second Sister-in-law and me. You should go back early to rest. Yun Ge'er will also need your help to look after him tonight!"
Old Madam Guo had someone bring the prescription prescribed by the imperial physician to look over. After discovering it was indeed medicine to calm the nerves and replenish qi, she then felt at ease.
But at this moment, Nanny Zeng turned back and said: "That Aunt Chang said, the Emperor sent her to take care of Second Old Master's daily life. Household matters are naturally for you and the several madams to decide." As she spoke, she lowered her voice. "Aunt Chang knows you have come and said she wants to come pay her respects to you. What do you think..."
"Then let's meet her," Old Madam Guo said straightforwardly. "She is now considered a member of the Cheng family. We'll talk about future matters later. For now, she is here by imperial decree to take care of Second Old Master. Our Cheng family should all feel grateful."
Everyone uniformly responded "yes."
Nanny Zeng invited Aunt Chang in.
After everyone exchanged greetings, Old Madam Guo chatted with Aunt Chang for a long while. Seeing that it was getting late, she had someone set out a meal. Only after having dinner at Yuqian Lane did she return.
Cheng Chi, Zhou Shaojin, Madam Qiu, Cheng Xu, Cheng Rang, A Bao, and A Ren stayed behind.
Cheng Chi took Cheng Xu and Cheng Rang to receive relatives, friends, and colleagues who came to visit the patient. Zhou Shaojin led the household maids and servant women to assist Aunt Chang, serving Cheng Shao with medicine, meals, and laundry. A Bao and A Ren were still too young, and fearing they might be frightened, Madam Qiu stayed behind to care for them. If women from families with close ties came to visit, Madam Qiu could also handle the social interactions.
Min Jia, who had been following behind Madam Yuan without speaking, saw this and hurriedly said loudly to Old Madam Guo: "Grandmother, may I also stay to attend to the patient? Mother has to go to the palace to mourn; we can't leave all these matters to the two aunts. May I also stay to help?"
Old Madam Guo glanced at Cheng Xu and agreed: "Then you may stay."
Min Jia curtsied to Old Madam Guo. Yuan Ming and Peng Zao, who had arrived later, escorted Old Madam Guo back to the residence.
Zhou Shaojin helped Cheng Chi change his clothes.
Cheng Chi noticed she seemed to struggle when raising her arms and whispered in her ear: "Are your breasts painfully engorged?"
Zhou Shaojin blushed and did not answer, saying: "I'll have Mama Fan come in later to help me apply a compress; it'll be fine."
Cheng Chi then took her hand and pressed her to sit in the nearby armchair, saying: "I'll dress myself. You rest and don't move around."
He enjoyed the feeling of Zhou Shaojin bustling around him.
But if Zhou Shaojin was uncomfortable, how could he bear to order her about?
Zhou Shaojin whispered bashfully: "It's fine; it'll be better in a moment."
Cheng Chi said while dressing: "How about weaning Yun Ge'er? Doesn't he have a wet nurse?"
Zhou Shaojin hesitated: "Let him nurse a while longer? He likes mine."
Cheng Chi thought for a moment and said: "Then let me help you apply the compress!""No, there's no need." How could Zhou Shaojin possibly let him do such a thing? She was too embarrassed to lift her head, murmuring, "I can manage it myself..."
But Cheng Chi wouldn't listen to her, fetching hot water to help her.
Though she felt deeply uneasy, she couldn't suppress the sweetness in her heart.
Cheng Chi, however, grew increasingly greedy.
Thinking of Cheng Shao still being ill, Zhou Shaojin grew restless and grabbed his hand, pleading, "Once Second Uncle recovers, I'll do whatever you want!"
"Silly girl!" Cheng Chi chuckled softly against Zhou Shaojin's ear. "If Second Uncle were truly ill, how could I possibly be in the mood for this?"
Zhou Shaojin looked at Cheng Chi in surprise. "Second Uncle... Second Uncle is pretending to be sick?"
※
Dear readers, here is today's update.
Thank you all. Despite the fierce competition for rankings, Jinling Spring managed to secure third place in the August monthly votes for the Fengyun List, all thanks to your efforts. Thank you!
PS: As you know, since July, I've been experiencing occasional health issues and kept pushing through, thinking I could handle it. Now, while I've managed to endure, the doctor has advised me to rest properly and maintain a regular schedule. I also feel quite exhausted. Additionally, as the story is nearing its conclusion, I need to wrap it up slowly and break my old writing habits. Therefore, I've decided to take a month's rest. In September, there will be single updates, scheduled around 8 PM daily.
I hope for your understanding.
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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