The Old Madam, though she found some sense in the explanation, couldn’t help but feel anger towards Ji Lan, and by extension, Ji Cheng, who shared the same surname.

“If she knew about such matters, why didn’t she come to tell me? From what your Third Aunt said, she knew long ago. How did she find out?” the Old Madam inquired.

“You’ve hit the nail on the head. I investigated, and it turns out that before the Laba Festival, it was Ji Cheng who took A’cui to Changchun Hall for a pulse check. She probably knew before Third Aunt did. A’cui must have told Ji Cheng first, and only when she couldn’t hide it anymore did Third Aunt find out,” Shen Che explained.

“You know your Third Aunt’s temperament, don’t you? Even if Ji Cheng had nothing to do with it, since this matter has arisen, she would blame Ji Cheng. The third Aunt went to Qi Zheng, and he demanded fifty thousand taels of silver. Third Aunt forced Ji Cheng to pay,” Shen Che continued.

The Old Madam looked at Shen Che incredulously, “What kind of misfortune is this? Such an unfortunate daughter-in-law in the family.”

“Ji Cheng is probably here to bid farewell. To put it bluntly, she’s caught in the middle. But you’re right; she doesn’t see things. She only helped A’cui and her aunt conceal the matter, without actually helping A’cui. The Ji family’s people are only out for profit; it’s best to have less contact with them,” Shen Che said.

The Old Madam fell silent, her compassionate heart softened by her Buddhist beliefs. “If we drive her away now, what will people think of her? She’s also pitiable. How could she dare to bypass her aunt to tell me about this? Naturally, she could only try her best to cover for A’cui. The New Year is approaching; let her stay for now. We’ll discuss it after the New Year.”

In the conversation between the Old Madam and Shen Che, Qi Zheng was not mentioned at all.

Third Master Shen Ying sat in his room, sighing deeply. Although Ji Lan was foolish, they had shared a deep bond, and he had gone to great lengths to marry her. How could there be no feelings? As for Shen Cui, she was his flesh and blood, and he cared for her more than anyone.

Now, Qi Zheng was kneeling at the main gate, giving face to both sides. Although Shen Cui was indiscreet, if the two families were to marry, it would become a matter of youthful indiscretion, something that could be resolved.

Shen Ying pondered for a long time before going to kneel before the Old Madam at Ruiying Hall.

After a while, Shen Jing, who had received the news at Dongshan Academy, also rushed back and knelt with Shen Ying in the courtyard. Unfortunately, the weather was unkind, and soon a fierce snowstorm began, with large snowflakes falling like goose feathers.

No matter how much the Old Madam resented Ji Lan, could she not feel for her son and grandson?

Shen Che, who had been by the Old Madam’s side, timely remarked, “Third Uncle’s knees have been bad for a while. If he keeps kneeling like this, he might not be able to get out of bed when he’s older.”

The Old Madam said nothing, picking up her dragon-headed cane and striking Shen Che with it. Shen Che didn’t dodge, letting her hit him, and even said, “Be careful, don’t strain your back. Maybe let Nanny Cao help you hit me?”

“You rascal, now you’re even toying with your grandmother?” The Old Madam stopped, panting after she was tired from hitting him.

Shen Che helped the Old Madam sit on the couch, “How about it, do you feel better now? Is your heart more at ease?”

The Old Madam didn’t respond, turning her back to Shen Che like a sulking child.

Shen Che smiled helplessly, “I had no choice. Since I knew about this, I couldn’t rest easy without telling you. I gave Third Aunt a chance, but she handled it poorly. A’cui did such a thing, and she only knew how to cover it up. If this continues, who knows what trouble A’cui will cause in the future.”

Seeing the Old Madam still silent, Shen Che continued, “I know your nature; you would handle it like this today. But as people age, they fear separation the most. You have always loved your granddaughter. You’re angry now, but in a year or so, if A’cui ends her life with white silk, won’t you regret it and feel heartbroken?”

“Third Uncle is a filial son. He’ll comply with you now, but in a few years, when he thinks of A’cui, how will he feel? Besides, with A’cui like this, both Aunt and Third Uncle are at fault, and we, as her siblings, didn’t look after her well. It’s not an unforgivable crime. So I went to see Qi Zheng.”

Hearing this, the Old Madam twisted Shen Che’s arm, “You little rascal, you’ve manipulated everyone.”

Shen Che laughed and repeatedly apologized, “I just hope Third Aunt and A’cui learn from this lesson. When A’cui raises her children in the future, she can remember today’s events.”

In truth, the Old Madam, having aged, was no longer as decisive as she once was. As people grow old, they fear separation. She had dealt with Shen Cui, but her heart ached at the time. Now, with Shen Che offering her a way out, she hesitated before saying, “A’cui’s matter can be handled your way. But your Third Aunt must stay in the family temple for a few years.”

“Of course,” Shen Che agreed.

“Go call your Third Uncle and Shen Jing in,” the Old Madam instructed.

Shen Che immediately complied.

In the end, the matter was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. The Shen family agreed to the Qi family’s proposal. Although the formalities were not yet complete, the date was set for a month after Shen Yuan’s wedding. Although Shen Xun’s wedding was in between, the Old Madam’s wisdom from the past became evident.

After the old Duke’s death, the Old Madam insisted on dividing the family. Now that the third branch had separated, although Shen Xun was the elder sister, their marriages were not significantly related.

Shen Cui was brought back to the Shen residence but was confined to the side room in the Old Madam’s courtyard, with two nannies personally invited by the Old Madam to instruct her.

Ji Lan was sent to the family temple, and for now, the Third Master’s affairs were managed by Concubine Fang from his household.

Yuqian sat in Ji Cheng’s room, sighing, “This is truly one drama after another, more astonishing than the plays. Miss, why did Young Master Qi suddenly kneel at our gate?”

“Because someone wanted to resolve this matter. Otherwise, if A’cui became a nun, the Qi family would be ruined,” Ji Cheng replied.

Qi Zheng had initially taken advantage of Ji Lan, knowing she wanted to cover up the matter and wouldn’t dare make it public. The Old Madam’s handling was decisive, cutting off the infected limb to save the body, intending to deal with both Shen Cui and Qi Zheng.

The Shen family lost a granddaughter, but Shen Cui’s role in the family couldn’t compare to Qi Zheng’s position in the Qi family. Qi Zheng didn’t dare gamble and had to obediently propose, creating the most sensational love story in the capital that year.

Just like when the Third Master fasted for three days to marry Ji Lan, now Young Master Qi knelt in the snow for three days and nights to marry the Shen family’s Fifth Miss.

Now, both Ji Lan and Shen Cui, mother, and daughter, became legendary figures. But the true situation was only known to those involved.

Some questioned the truth behind it, but now that the Shen and Qi families were engaged, even if someone found some clues, without solid evidence, it was just idle gossip.

Ji Cheng went to pay respects to the Old Madam daily, but she wasn’t allowed to see her. She wasn’t discouraged and continued to stand in punishment every day.

Although Shen Yuan had some misunderstandings about Ji Cheng, like the Old Madam, seeing Ji Cheng’s sincerity and her pitiful state after being driven away, she couldn’t help but comfort her, “Sister Cheng, the Old Madam will calm down in a few days. Don’t be sad.”

Ji Cheng nodded. The Old Madam didn’t see her, and she didn’t insist on staying at the door, as that would be forcing others to forgive her.

“Honestly, when did A’cui’s matter happen? How come we didn’t know at all?” Shen Yuan asked Ji Cheng.

Ji Cheng smiled bitterly, “I only found out later. It was during the autumn hunt at the Southern Garden.”

Shen Yuan was shocked, frowning as she thought for a while. Ji Cheng’s mention brought back many clues she hadn’t considered.

At that time, Shen Cui was often missing, and Ji Cheng had fallen from a horse. She thought Shen Cui was taking care of Ji Cheng, but she wasn’t in Ji Cheng’s tent, and Ji Cheng probably thought Shen Cui was with them.

Shen Yuan had been puzzled about not seeing Shen Cui, but she hadn’t thought the worst. Could it be that A’cui and Qi Zheng had been intimate in the wild?

Shen Yuan was mortified at the thought. She realized she was partly responsible. Ji Cheng was bedridden and seriously ill, unable to look after Shen Cui, and she, as the elder sister, hadn’t fulfilled her duty to supervise.

With this realization, the next day, when Ji Cheng went to pay respects to the Old Madam, Shen Yuan couldn’t help but tell her everything.

The Old Madam sighed, “I know she’s usually good. A’cui’s situation is both hateful and pitiable. She surely didn’t want this. I shouldn’t have doubted her, but A’cui’s temperament is truly unacceptable.”

Ji Cheng managed to see the Old Madam before New Year’s Eve, naturally leading to a tearful confession, which need not be detailed.

However, Ji Cheng felt she couldn’t stay with the Shen family any longer. After the twentieth of the twelfth month, Ji Yuan returned from Dongshan Academy to stay with the Shen family. Ji Cheng discussed with him about bringing her sister-in-law over in the spring, so she could rightfully return to live in Lanhua Lane.

Ji Cheng felt stifled, having prided herself on being clever, yet finding herself in such a predicament, far from her expectations before coming to the capital. Some things are beyond one’s control. Shen Che seemed born to counter her; nothing went well when he was involved.

But ultimately, Ji Cheng made a mistake. Because of Ji Lan’s treatment of her, she never considered Ji Lan and Shen Cui as family, so she didn’t intervene in matters she could have stopped. But who can be a saint and help when faced with such people?

Now that Shen Cui was confined, Ji Cheng felt obliged to visit her.

Ji Cheng asked Yuqian to bring a red-glazed olive vase to the garden. The white plum blossoms of “Snow Fragrance” were blooming, and Ji Cheng wanted to pick a branch to give to Shen Cui.

However, the branch Ji Cheng chose was too high. Yuqian jumped several times but couldn’t reach it. “Miss, wait here. I’ll find a stool to stand on.” Yuqian handed the vase to Ji Cheng and quickly ran to find a stool.

Ji Cheng stood there, tiptoeing with one hand holding the vase and the other reaching for the plum branch. She was just a little short of reaching it. She jumped a few times, but the branch was sturdy and wouldn’t break. Just as she was about to jump again, a hand reached out above her, and with a crisp “crack,” the branch fell into the newcomer’s hand.

“Are you performing a monkey show?” Shen Che asked Ji Cheng.

After that day of drunkenness, Ji Cheng hadn’t seen Shen Che for many days, and now that she saw him, she felt like kicking him.

Shen Che placed the plum branch into the vase Ji Cheng was holding. “You picked a nice one.”

“Thank you,” Ji Cheng stepped back with a smile. “I should also thank Cousin Che for saving me fifty thousand taels of silver. Those who needed a lesson got one, and it’s worth more than the silver.”

Shen Che’s smile faded. “Everyone’s position is different, so the decisions they make are different. I couldn’t help A’cui cover-up; indulging her would only harm her.”

Ji Cheng nodded, understanding the reasoning. If she were in his position, she might have done the same. However, being in the situation herself, she felt Shen Che had caused her a lot of trouble, and she couldn’t remain as calm as an outsider.

“Are you blaming me for the Old Ancestor’s matter?” Shen Che asked.

Ji Cheng shook her head. “On the contrary, if no one had spoken for me, the Old Ancestor probably wouldn’t have seen me by now.”

Shen Che said nothing, which was as good as an acknowledgment.

Ji Cheng adjusted her hair and looked up. “But I still don’t have the face to stay here any longer. In the spring, I plan to write to my father and ask my sister-in-law to come and stay.”

Ji Cheng paused, suppressing the words she wanted to say, and nodded to Shen Che in farewell.

Ji Cheng had wanted to say that Shen Che should be satisfied now. If she stayed with the Shen family, and the Old Madam or Ji Lan arranged a marriage for her, once she was married off, Shen Che wouldn’t have as much control over her. Now, in her current predicament, the Old Madam wouldn’t help her, and Ji Lan was in the family temple. Ji Cheng was completely in Shen Che’s grasp.

Feeling dejected, Ji Cheng walked away, while Shen Che watched her back for a moment.

Su Jun stood quietly under the plum tree on the hillside, watching the scene unfold. Shen Che had broken a plum branch for Ji Cheng and placed it in the vase for her. Ji Cheng lowered her head, and Shen Che looked at her with a slight nod. Occasionally, the wind blew down a few white plum blossoms, swirling above their heads, making Su Jun’s eyes sting.

After such an incident, she hadn’t expected Shen Che to still be willing to be close to Ji Cheng.

Although Shen Cui’s matter was kept from Su Jun and Lu Yuan, anyone with a keen sense, especially someone living in the residence like Su Jun, couldn’t help but hear the rumors.

Su Jun didn’t know the specifics of Shen Cui’s situation, but for Third Madam to enter the family temple for quiet reflection, and for Shen Cui to be sent away and then brought back, with an engagement soon after, Su Jun could only think of one possibility. She hadn’t guessed Shen Cui was pregnant, but she was certain Shen Cui had been involved with Young Master Qi and was discovered.

The Old Madam’s anger at Ji Cheng was surely because she had covered for Shen Cui.

Su Jun bit her lip, unable to understand what Ji Cheng had caught Shen Che’s eye.

When Ji Cheng arrived at the Old Madam’s courtyard, she first paid her respects and stated her purpose. Yun Jin then led her directly to the side room.

Ji Cheng expected to see a haggard and gloomy Shen Cui, but instead, Shen Cui was humming a tune while grooming herself in front of the mirror. Seeing Ji Cheng, she beamed with joy.

“Sister Cheng,” Shen Cui greeted, “Oh, what beautiful plum blossoms.”

Ji Cheng handed the vase to Shen Cui. “I’m glad you like them.”

Shen Cui played with the plum branch, smiling sheepishly at Ji Cheng. “Sister Cheng, you’re not mad at me, are you? I had no choice. My mother nearly beat me to death, so I had to push the blame onto you.”

Ji Cheng remained silent. Her only lesson from dealing with Shen Cui was to stay as far away as possible.

Seeing Ji Cheng’s silence, Shen Cui knew there was still a grudge, but having already apologized, she quickly forgot her embarrassment.

“Sister Cheng, after I was sent away, did Brother Qi kneel at the gate for three days and nights?” Shen Cui asked, feigning ignorance.

Ji Cheng nodded.

Shen Cui smiled. “I knew I hadn’t misjudged him. My mother insisted Brother Qi wanted fifty thousand taels of silver, but you see, as soon as I was in trouble, he came right away. Given their family’s situation, and with the New Year approaching, it’s understandable they couldn’t come up with the money immediately. Sister Cheng, could you check on Brother Qi for me? If there’s any difficulty at their residence, could you help them out?”

Shen Cui was only worried about one thing now: that Qi Zheng’s mother wouldn’t pass away within the next six months, or they’d have to wait three years to marry.

“Sister Cheng, Qi Hua told me that Changchun Hall has a thousand-year-old ginseng that can prolong life. Could you, for my sake, give it to Brother Qi’s mother?” Shen Cui asked Ji Cheng.

Ji Cheng replied, “That’s the treasure of Changchun Hall. Even if I wanted to take it, I’d need my father’s approval. How about this: you write a letter to my father and see if he agrees.”

Shen Cui was embarrassed. “Sister Cheng, you were so straightforward with Qi Hua before. Why are you hesitating now?”

Ji Cheng smiled. “You know the Ji family is a merchant family. Everything must be about profit. If the Qi family could come up with the silver, I could persuade my father. Just like today, if A’cui could provide fifty thousand taels, I’d cover the other half for you.”

Shen Cui said nothing. Before she and her mother were sent away, Shen Cui had blamed Ji Lan for not agreeing to Qi Zheng’s demand for fifty thousand taels. If Qi Zheng had proposed, none of the subsequent events would have happened.

It was then that Shen Cui learned the shop’s profits had been poor in recent years. With over a hundred mouths to feed, her father’s salary couldn’t support them, so Ji Lan’s silver was nearly depleted.

“Sister is so short-sighted,” Shen Cui sneered. Ji Cheng only cared about immediate benefits. If she ever needed Shen Cui’s help in the future, it wouldn’t be so easy.

Ji Cheng found Shen Cui tiresome. Her visit was merely for appearances; after all, they were cousins. It wouldn’t look good if she didn’t visit Shen Cui during her confinement.

“Rest well. I’ll be going now,” Ji Cheng said.

Shen Cui suddenly remembered something else she wanted to ask Ji Cheng. “Sister Cheng, how is my mother?”

Finally, she remembered. After worrying about her future mother-in-law’s health, she turned her attention to Ji Lan.

“The Old Ancestor doesn’t allow anyone to visit Aunt, but I’ve heard she’s in good spirits. Don’t worry too much. As long as you’re well, Aunt will be too,” Ji Cheng replied.

The Shen family’s temple was in the corner of Qingyuan’s north corner, having been vacant for many years. It was only cleaned up when Ji Lan moved in. Ji Cheng had just learned that those punished in the family temple weren’t just there to eat vegetarian and recite scriptures. Although rice and vegetables were delivered daily, there was no one to serve them, and everything had to be done by themselves. This was more exhausting than chanting scriptures.

Ji Cheng clicked her tongue in surprise. This method was quite effective. If she married in the future, she’d have to establish this rule for those who came after her.

As Ji Cheng was about to leave, Yuqian came running in. “Miss, I’ve finally found you. I brought a stool to the garden and couldn’t find you anywhere. You scared me to death.”

“Did you return the stool?” Ji Cheng asked casually.

Yuqian immediately started jumping up and down, and Ji Cheng had to follow her back to the garden. As they reached the plum grove, they saw Shen Jing coming down the path.

“Sister Cheng,” Shen Jing called out loudly when he saw Ji Cheng, quickly crossing over to her.

“Cousin Jing,” Ji Cheng greeted him.

Shen Jing looked a bit awkward, glancing at Yuqian. “Sister Cheng, I have something to say to you.”

Ji Cheng nodded and walked a few steps away, signaling Yuqian with her eyes not to move.

Shen Jing followed and spoke softly, “Sister Cheng, I heard from Cousin Che that you’re moving to Lanhua Lane after the New Year, is that true?”

Ji Cheng nodded.

Shen Jing became anxious. “Is it because of A’cui?”

Ji Cheng shook her head. “No, it’s for my brother. My sister-in-law will eventually come to the capital to take care of him.”

Shen Jing said, “Sister Cheng, no matter what others think, I know your heart is always kind.” He was aware of the Old Madam not seeing Ji Cheng. “Don’t be upset. Time will reveal your true nature. Even if you move to Lanhua Lane, I won’t forget you.”

Ji Cheng could hardly bear the deep affection in Shen Jing’s eyes.

“Sister Cheng, after the autumn exams, I’ll tell my mother that I want to marry you,” Shen Jing said, mustering his courage.

Ji Cheng didn’t know what had prompted Shen Jing to say such things suddenly.

Shen Jing felt wronged by Ji Cheng. The trouble was caused by Shen Cui’s indiscretion, yet the Old Madam and his mother blamed Ji Cheng. Shen Jing felt sorry for her.

“Marriage requires parental consent and a matchmaker’s words. Cousin Jing, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear what you just said,” Ji Cheng replied, turning and walking away quickly.