Duе tо Zhоu Shаojin's prеgnаnсу, аnd the fact thаt thе day Сheng Gaо аrrivеd hаррened tо coincide with Cheng Сhi's lеcturе daу аt thе Еastеrn Раlасe—whеre he cоuldn't еven tаke leavе—Zhou Chujin, uрon leаrning оf this, sаid shе wоuld hаndlе the mattеr аnd had Liао Shаotаng go tо рick up Сhеng Gaо.
Madam Хie quietly еnсоuragеd Cheng Rang tо gо with Liаo Shаоtаng tо grееt him: "...No mаttеr what, уou аre cоusins. Hе is in Jinling, уоu arе in thе саpital; he is а guest from afar, so уou should at lеast fulfill yоur duties аs hоst. Unclе is an elder, so it wouldn't be appropriate for him to go. Uncle Xu is on duty, and Brother Yun is still young. In the main branch, you are the only one who can help with such errands. If you're afraid you won't do well, isn't there Uncle Liao? He is now a Junior Scholar Candidate, a man of merit. With him guiding you, what is there to fear? Moreover, you can learn some social etiquette from him. In the future, when similar situations arise in the family, you'll be able to handle them yourself."
Cheng Rang had always been treated as a child, and family matters never involved him.
Hearing this, he hesitated and said, "Mother and Uncle Chi haven't said anything about this. Is... is this really appropriate?"
Madam Xie smiled and said, "Then shall we go ask Mother?"
She knew her husband was somewhat weaker among the Cheng brothers, but everyone has their own place and strengths. Cheng Rang might not become a Jinshi, but he could be a kind and upright person, helping the family manage some miscellaneous affairs. That was better than being idle and having lofty ambitions but little ability.
Cheng Rang felt his wife's words made sense and went to see Madam Qiu.
Madam Qiu was very pleased to hear this. Not only did she encourage him to go with Liao Shaotang to greet Cheng Gao, but she also gave him fifty taels in silver notes and hastily made a spring robe for Cheng Rang, telling him to wear the new clothes on the day he went.
With his mother's approval, Cheng Rang was also delighted. Upon returning, he showed the fifty taels in silver notes and the spring robe to Madam Xie.
Madam Xie personally poured a cup of tea for Cheng Rang, saying it was to reward him for his efforts.
Cheng Rang lowered his head in embarrassment and said, "This was all your idea. What does it have to do with me?"
Her idea, but Cheng Rang had to be willing to listen.
Madam Xie smiled and said, "If my husband didn't agree with me, why would he have agreed to ask Mother? It shows that my husband also thought the same way."
Cheng Rang was very pleased to hear this and couldn't help but smile.
On the day they were to pick up Cheng Gao, he woke up early, carefully washed up, and went to Chaoyang Gate. Then, together with Qin Ziji, he went to Yushu Alley to meet up with Liao Shaotang and headed to Chaoyang Gate to pick up Cheng Gao.
Cheng Gao was very surprised to see Cheng Rang.
In his impression, Cheng Rang always hid behind others, his face indistinct.
He couldn't help but thank Cheng Rang sincerely.
Cheng Rang felt very embarrassed, his face flushed, but he managed to say what needed to be said. Together, they all went to Chaoyang Gate.
Zhou Shaojin waited for Cheng Gao at the second gate.
Seeing Cheng Gao's still handsome and vibrant face, tears welled up in her eyes.
In her previous life, when she saw Cheng Gao in the capital, although he was already a Junior Scholar Candidate, his demeanor was heavy and oppressive.
Supported by Jixiang, she stepped forward to greet Cheng Gao.Cheng Gao had already learned of Zhou Shaojin's pregnancy on his journey. Seeing her now with a rosy complexion and bright eyes, showing none of the lethargy common among pregnant women, he knew Cheng Chi was taking excellent care of her. After offering his congratulations with a smile, he couldn't help teasing Shaojin: "It seems the soil and water of the main branch truly nurture people. When you were at Wanzhou Courtyard before, you were like a wilted eggplant, but after moving to Cold Green Mountain House, you came to life all at once—when your sister-in-law was pregnant with Yuanyuan, she was listless every day. Looking at you now, you seem strong enough to wrestle a tiger."
Zhou Shaojin blushed, thinking of how in her previous life Cheng Gao and He Fengping had been married seven or eight years before giving birth to Yuanyuan. Now not only had their daughter arrived earlier, but they had still named her Yuanyuan. Curious, she asked, "Cousin Gao, how did you come up with the nickname Yuanyuan for the child?"
Cheng Gao laughed, "Your sister-in-law loved eating as a child and grew plump and fair, with the nickname 'A-Yuan.' We joked back then that if we had a daughter, we'd call her that. Who knew we'd actually have a girl?"
It seemed some things, no matter how they changed, would still return to their original course.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and thanked Liao Shaotang, then accompanied Cheng Gao to pay respects to Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo inquired after Old Madam Guan.
Learning that all was well in the fourth branch and that Gu Shiqigu was pregnant again, Old Madam Guo chuckled heartily. She urged Cheng Gao to "treat this place as your own home" and "ask Shaojin to arrange anything you need," then called Yun Ge'er in to greet Cheng Gao.
This was Cheng Gao's first time seeing Yun Ge'er, and he was utterly charmed. Pointing at the child's eyes, he said to Zhou Shaojin, "They look exactly like yours when you were little."
"Really?" Many people had praised Yun Ge'er's beautiful eyes.
Cheng Gao nodded, sighing with emotion, "Our Yuanyuan is a chubby little girl, heavy to hold, and Fangfang is so mischievous he could climb roofs and tear off tiles. Your Yun Ge'er is much better—quiet, gentle, and well-behaved."
Both Zhou Shaojin and Old Madam Guo couldn't stop laughing. Shaojin especially wanted to see what Gu Shiqigu's Fangfang was like.
Noticing the odd expressions on the mother- and daughter-in-law's faces, Cheng Gao asked curiously, "What? Is Yun Ge'er also quite mischievous?"
Zhou Shaojin never thought Yun Ge'er was naughty and replied with a smile, "He's a boy, so he's more active. But he's not terribly mischievous."
After chatting and laughing about children for a while, Cheng Gao rose to take his leave.
Zhou Shaojin saw him to the door.
Liao Shaotang and Cheng Rang escorted Cheng Gao to the guest quarters.
After washing up and changing clothes, Cheng Gao chatted with Liao Shaotang and Cheng Rang. When Cheng Chi returned, a banquet was laid out to welcome him. The next day, Cheng Chi personally took him to see Cheng Shao, who examined his studies.
Cheng Shao was very satisfied with Cheng Gao's academic progress and agreed to recommend him for study at the Imperial College. He also told Cheng Gao to come to him with any questions about his studies.
Naturally, Cheng Gao was immensely grateful. His days were spent shuttling between Chaoyang Gate and home, occasionally visiting Cheng Shao, dropping by Liao Shaotang's place, or chatting with Cheng Chi. The rest of his time was devoted entirely to focused study.
Seeing this, Zhou Shaojin finally felt her anxious heart settle.
The season soon arrived at the third day of the third month, the Shangsi Festival, also known as the Girls' Festival.
In Jiangnan, it was customary on this day to pick shepherd's purse flowers and boil eggs with them to detoxify and stop dysentery.Zhou Shaojin had not known earlier that shepherd's purse flowers could also be found in the capital. It was only after she noticed servants in the household boiling eggs to give as gifts that she became aware. So this year, she instructed the household servants early on to gather shepherd's purse flowers to send to relatives and friends, and also had Cheng Gao take some to share with his classmates. She herself boiled some eggs and brewed rice wine on this day, celebrating together with Old Madam Guo.
Just as they were eating the eggs, Lady Pengcheng hurried over.
She absentmindedly greeted Zhou Shaojin, then pulled Old Madam Guo aside to the warm chamber to whisper: "Have you heard about the fight between the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince? What do you think should be done about this matter? The Fourth Prince sends gifts to our family every year. As you know, our family—the Fourth Prince is, by rights, also our nephew. It’s only natural for him to send gifts to us. I never paid it much mind. But now that this has happened, everyone suspects that the Fourth Prince covets the throne and framed his own brother. He’s even lost his position in the Ministry of Revenue... Given the Emperor’s temper, if the Third Prince’s incident was truly the Fourth Prince’s doing, the Emperor will certainly not spare him. If the Fourth Prince falls into misfortune, we’ll be unable to clear our names even if we jumped into the Yellow River."
Even if the Emperor discovers it was the Fourth Prince’s doing, the law does not punish the multitude—especially now, with royal scandals emerging one after another, he would be even less likely to move against these meritorious families.
As long as the Imperial Grandson harbors no resentment, it should be fine.
But Old Madam Guo could not say this directly to Lady Pengcheng, so she tactfully suggested: "The other princes must have sent gifts to your family before as well, right? Since you fear the Emperor’s misunderstanding, why not ask the Imperial Grandson to sound out the Emperor’s intentions?"
Lady Pengcheng’s eyes lit up at this.
They knew the Emperor’s character well. Even if they offended him temporarily, it wouldn’t matter much—after all, the Emperor was advanced in years, and they would only need to endure a few more years at most. But the Imperial Grandson was the future crown prince, and under normal circumstances, he would live for several more decades—they couldn’t afford to wait that long!
Lady Pengcheng repeatedly expressed her thanks, then hastily bid Old Madam Guo farewell and hurried back to the Earl of Pengcheng’s residence.
Zhou Shaojin laughed and said, "This Lady Pengcheng is quite interesting."
Logically, such a person would find it difficult to navigate the palace with ease. Yet, Lady Pengcheng happened to be well-liked by the Empress Dowager and the Empress.
Old Madam Guo smiled and said, "Being straightforward also has its advantages. You’ll come to understand that gradually."
Zhou Shaojin did not dwell on the matter, letting it pass.
Early the next morning, Lady Pengcheng came again.
She took Zhou Shaojin’s hand and said apologetically, "Look at me—last time I came, I didn’t even ask how you were doing. I heard you’re expecting a child? Is there anything you’d like to eat or drink? I’ll get it for you. I may not boast about much else, but when it comes to rare and unusual things, I’ve seen plenty."
It was clear she had been truly anxious the day before.
Zhou Shaojin secretly chuckled to herself but still respectfully thanked Lady Pengcheng and invited her into the inner chamber for tea.
Lady Pengcheng did not stand on ceremony, sitting with Old Madam Guo and chatting idly. However, the restlessness that had marked her expression the previous day was gone, showing that Old Madam Guo’s advice had been effective.
Old Madam Guo did not ask about how yesterday’s matter had turned out.
In the capital today, with its unpredictable and treacherous currents, it was sometimes better to play deaf and dumb.
When the Bathing Buddha Festival arrived, an imperial decree was suddenly issued from the palace, stating that the Fourth Prince had been associating with court officials and was placed under house arrest.Many noble families in the capital who had originally planned to visit the temple for incense offerings canceled their trips at the last minute. The bustling Vermilion Bird Street, usually crowded with pedestrians, saw at least half fewer people than in previous years.
Zhou Shaojin also decided not to go for the incense offering: "...I don’t know why, but this child isn’t like Yun Ge’er—when I was pregnant with Yun Ge’er, I felt perfectly fine and gave birth almost effortlessly. But this one has been giving me a hard time. Not only can I not stand the smell of incense and candles, but even the scent of sesame oil makes me uncomfortable. It’s been three months now, and I still can’t eat meat. Going to the temple to offer incense would simply be torture."
"Could it be that this time it’s a girl?" Madam Xie, who was due to give birth next month, sat on the luohan bed with a big belly, smiling as she ate a pear.
"Your uncle and grandmother are both hoping for a girl." Zhou Shaojin gently touched her still-flat belly and said with some concern, "I originally wanted a daughter, but I don’t want to disappoint your uncle either... I’m truly torn."
"Why worry about that?" Madam Xie consoled Zhou Shaojin. "Auntie is still young. There will be more children in the future. If this one is a son, then have a daughter next time. If this one is a daughter, then have a son next time."
"It’s not as easy as you make it sound." Zhou Shaojin chuckled and asked Madam Xie how her preparations for childbirth were going and if there was anything she could help with.
A young maid hurried in and said, "Madam, Lords Cheng Shi, Cheng Zheng, and Pan Zhuo have come to visit Master Gao and have now gone to the guest room."
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Dear readers, apologies for the long delay.
I rewrote the previous chapters and am trying to wrap things up slowly.
O(∩_∩)O~
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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