Вut if shе rеmаinеd ignorant bесаusе оf this, Madam Yuаn wоuld likely bе displeаsеd.
Тhе оld wоman cоuldn’t say too much, hinting meаningfullу, “A mоther-in-lаw is nаturаllу haрру whеn hеr daughtеr-in-law can stаnd оn her оwn, but if her son sides with his wifе…”
So it turned оut that sending thе gifts wаs sоmеthing Сhеng Хu had agrееd to.
Маdаm Fan Liu nоdded, sоmеwhat understаnding thе old wоman’s meaning.
Нowever, thеsе wеre аll family mattеrs оf Аpriсоt Grоvе Lаnе. As sеrvаnts, it was оnly nаtural to whisрer а fеw wоrds in privаtе, but орenly discussing thеm would be inapprоpriate.
Nеither of thеm brought uр thе mattеr again. After chatting about the New Year preparations, they each went to report back on their tasks.
Zhou Shaojin didn’t dwell on the fact that Apricot Grove Lane had sent their New Year gifts so late and thus remained unaware of what had happened there. Over at Apricot Grove Lane, Madam Yuan had been bedridden for nearly a month, listless and lacking energy. The physician she consulted said it was due to mental strain and advised rest. She thought of taking the opportunity to have Min Jia return to attend to her, but then remembered that Cheng Xu and Min Jia still had no children. The matter of heirs was of great importance, and she had to endure until Min Jia gave birth to a son. Though she understood this rationally, the resentment was hard to swallow.
Madam Yuan pondered how she could find a way to learn how Cheng Xu was truly faring in Mianzhu.
After leaving his office, Cheng Jing came to discuss with her the arrangements for Old Madam Guo’s return for the New Year: “…How is Mother’s room prepared? Last Mid-Autumn Festival was spent at Chaoyang Gate. I noticed they had many new dishes there. Do any of our servants know how to make them? If not, send someone to copy a menu of the dishes Mother usually enjoys and have a good talk with Si Lang’s wife. Ask her to send a few kitchen staff to serve. And Yun Ge’er—Mother treats him like the apple of her eye. Since she’ll be staying here for over a month and there are no other young children in the house, she might feel lonely. Go ask Si Lang’s wife if Yun Ge’er can come stay for a while. Mother would surely be delighted. Speaking of this, you should learn from Madam Qiu. Look at her—not only did she help Second Uncle take care of A Bao and A Ren, but she also often takes Rang Ge’er and his wife to visit Mother in her spare time. Mother is getting old and enjoys having the family lively and cheerful. As the eldest daughter-in-law and the matriarch of the Cheng family, you should do even better than them…” He went on and on, all trivial matters, yet he explained each one meticulously and earnestly.
Madam Yuan felt a pain in her chest.
Back when she was alone in Jinling, taking care of the children and serving Old Madam Guo, why hadn’t he shown any understanding of her hardships? When they met, he’d only say a few words like “you’ve worked hard,” without ever offering more. Now he compared her to Madam Qiu, saying she fell short…
Madam Yuan couldn’t hold back her anger, her expression turning grim as she retorted sharply, “Honoring my mother-in-law is my duty, but bringing Yun Ge’er here to care for him—isn’t that going too far? As you said, Yun Ge’er is Mother’s treasure. If he were to fall or get hurt here, how would I explain it to Mother and Fourth Sister-in-law? Aren’t you just looking for trouble?”
Cheng Jing was displeased.
At his age, he could have a grandson as old as Yun Ge’er.
In his heart, this nephew was as beloved as a grandson.Madam Yuan had raised three children, and each had grown up healthy and sound. Even during the smallpox outbreaks, none were left with scars. Now, Cheng Zheng and her sisters were married, and Cheng Xu and his wife had left for their official posts. Apart from managing three meals a day, there was little else to keep her busy at home. How could she fail to care for a healthy child properly?
Clearly, she simply didn’t want to look after Yun Ge’er!
Clearly, she didn’t like her brother-in-law’s child!
Cheng Jing’s expression gradually cooled. Recalling her inexplicable bouts of illness during this period, he found it increasingly pointless and said, “Very well! You haven’t been feeling well lately, so it’s not right to burden you further. Rest and recover. I’ll go visit Fourth Brother and see Mother.”
Madam Yuan hurriedly called a maid to help Cheng Jing change his clothes.
Cheng Jing declined, saying, “It’s getting late, and I have court early tomorrow. I’ll just change at Si Lang’s place.” After a moment’s thought, he added, “I’ll also have dinner there.”
Madam Yuan frowned, feeling uneasy about Cheng Jing’s demeanor. She wanted to say something, but Cheng Jing had already brushed past the servants and left the room.
She had no choice but to suppress her thoughts, planning to discuss things in detail with him upon his return.
Cheng Jing urged the sedan bearers all the way to Chaoyang Gate.
Cheng Chi had just returned from his duties.
However, he had spent the afternoon teaching mathematics to the Imperial Grandson.
Zhou Shaojin helped him change his clothes.
The two whispered in the side room: “...Today, the Imperial Grandson asked me how well I knew the Fourth Prince. I told him about the interactions between our families. The Imperial Grandson remained silent. I suspect some words may have reached his ears.”
Zhou Shaojin grew worried upon hearing this and said, “Could the Imperial Grandson think you’re aligned with the Fourth Prince?”
“Probably not,” Cheng Chi replied with a smile. “The Imperial Grandson lives in the Eastern Palace and is still young, rarely allowed to leave. Why would he suddenly ask about the Fourth Prince? Whoever passed the message to him would surely help him gather the information he seeks. There must be a reason the Imperial Grandson chose to ask me about the Fourth Prince. However, many others like us have had dealings with the Fourth Prince. If the Imperial Grandson learns of the Fourth Prince’s actions, he will surely become wary of him. Let’s see how the Imperial Grandson reacts.”
If he proved worthy of support, then they would back him; if not, they would remain on the sidelines.
In any case, Cheng Chi was determined not to let the Fourth Prince succeed to the throne.
Zhou Shaojin urged him to be cautious, just as Cheng Jing arrived.
The two brothers went together to pay their respects to Old Madam Guo.
Yun Ge’er was already running around. Hearing the announcement, he dashed out before Old Madam Guo could speak, lifted the curtain, and cheerfully called to Cheng Jing and Cheng Chi, “Come in, come in! It’s cold outside.”
When his own children were young, Cheng Jing had been too busy. Cheng Xiao’s children were grandchildren from his sister’s side, seen only during festivals. Cheng Xu had no children of his own, so Cheng Jing had little experience dealing with young ones. Seeing Yun Ge’er’s enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but chuckle, bent down, and scooped the child into his arms, saying warmly, “Our Yun Ge’er is truly filial!”
Yun Ge’er loved praise and flashed a grin of tiny white teeth.
Cheng Chi, however, frowned.
The child was already learning to speak, walk, and mimic behaviors from those around him. Surrounded by Old Madam Guo’s attendants, Yun Ge’er had picked up the habit of lifting curtains for others from the maids.Originally, they had planned to move the child out after he turned three, but Yun Ge'er turned out to be much smarter than expected. It seemed they would have to bring the child to their side earlier than planned.
Suppressing his displeasure, Cheng Chi smiled and walked in. After paying his respects to Old Madam Guo, he sat down beside her.
Yun Ge'er, still delighted by the praise he had received, insisted on serving tea to Cheng Jing when the maid brought refreshments.
Overjoyed, Cheng Jing did not refuse, and Old Madam Guo did not stop him either. The maid attending to Yun Ge'er carefully supported his hand as he offered tea to Cheng Jing. Cheng Jing patted his clothes and took out a small seal he carried with him, gifting it to Yun Ge'er.
Old Madam Guo smiled and nodded at her eldest son, telling Yun Ge'er, "Quickly thank your uncle."
This small seal was carved by Cheng Jing himself after he passed the imperial examination and became a jinshi. Though the craftsmanship was still somewhat immature, it held auspicious significance.
Yun Ge'er thanked Cheng Jing in a clear, crisp voice.
Cheng Jing chuckled, lifted Yun Ge'er onto his lap, and let him play with the seal. After inquiring about Old Madam Guo's daily life, he brought up the matter of the New Year: "...When do you plan to come over? I can take leave and come to fetch you."
Old Madam Guo had no intention of going at all.
For one, she was accustomed to living here. Even small items, if moved, would not be placed in their original spots, making them inconvenient. For another, Cheng Jing had guessed correctly—she could not bear to part with Yun Ge'er. But if she brought Yun Ge'er along, his toys alone would fill a cart. The child was still young—what if he became anxious in an unfamiliar place?
Old Madam Guo hesitated visibly.
Zhou Shaojin brought in a plate of cut fruit and personally served it to Old Madam Guo.
Seeing this, Old Madam Guo made up her mind and said, "I think there’s no need for such trouble. Jiashan and his wife are not here, Madam Yuan is ill, and you have official duties and social engagements every day. If I were to go over as well, you’d likely be overwhelmed. Why don’t you all come here for the New Year instead? I’ll also speak to Madam Qiu and have them come over. We can have the New Year’s Eve dinner here, sparing your wife the trouble. She hasn’t had a moment’s rest all these years—let her rest properly this year."
"How can that be?" Cheng Jing, as the eldest son, protested anxiously. "This is her duty..."
Cheng Chi’s heart stirred at this.
In principle, Cheng Jing and his wife should have come together to fetch Old Madam Guo, but only Cheng Jing had come...
He sneered inwardly but maintained a gentle expression, smiling as he said, "Eldest Brother, why not listen to Mother this time? Sister-in-law has worked hard all these years—let her rest this year. We can go to your place for the New Year next year instead. Besides, Sister-in-law is no longer young. If Jiashan’s wife were in the capital, we wouldn’t say anything. But now, with only Sister-in-law at home, she has to manage everything inside and out. Young couples grow old together—you should show her some care too."
Hearing this, Old Madam Guo spoke decisively: "This matter is settled. Eldest Young Master, don’t be stubborn—listen to me."
Cheng Jing thought of Madam Yuan’s indifference before he left home, and hearing his mother’s words, he grew angry.
No matter how wrong his mother might be, she was still an elder. When his mother heard she was ill, she showed concern, yet she didn’t consider how old his mother was, still ill at home...His heart grew a little cold, and he hardened his resolve, saying, "If that's the case, and if Second Sister-in-law has no objections, we'll spend the New Year at Si Lang's place."
Zhou Shaojin's face lit up with joy.
She loved lively gatherings the most, and she got along well with Madam Xie. Having everyone celebrate the New Year at her place couldn't be better.
Without waiting for Old Madam Guo to speak, Zhou Shaojin couldn't contain her delight and said, "Mother, then I'll send someone to inform Second Sister-in-law. When the married daughters return home for the New Year, they can also come here, right? I’ll book a theatrical performance early so the young ladies can have a good time."
The genuine joy from the heart was worlds apart from mere politeness. Cheng Jing, being a Grand Secretary, could easily tell the difference.
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
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※ (To be continued...)
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