Qiu Shi returned and relayed these words to Cheng Wei, who burst into hearty laughter upon hearing them.

An incident had occurred in Jining, and his younger brother was serving at the Office of the River Conservancy Director-General. After so many years in the Hanlin Academy, he had kept a low profile, conducted himself with restraint, never competing or striving, and had gradually made a few friends. Although Grand Secretary Song had suppressed the news, the court had always followed the principle of concealing matters from superiors but not subordinates—naturally, friends had secretly passed word to him. On the contrary, his elder brother, occupying a high position, had no one who dared speak of such things in his presence, and likely still didn’t know what had happened in Jining.

By the time he had wanted to inform his younger brother first, Grand Secretary Song had already dispatched someone to Baoding Prefecture.

Whatever Grand Secretary Song had said to his younger brother, the latter had neither consulted their elder brother nor mentioned anything to him, but had gone directly to Jining.

At this critical moment, it was Grand Secretary Song rather than their elder brother who had sent word to his younger brother…

Although Yang Shoushan was Grand Secretary Song’s man, if one dwelt too much on such matters, nine times out of ten, brotherly affection would grow thin.

Cheng Wei felt that in the future, being caught between his elder and younger brothers would make life equally difficult for him!

He said, “Never mind all that. Since Mother has spoken the words about dividing the family, our household will inevitably divide no matter what. You needn’t worry about future matters—just get our residence settled first. Once we talk about dividing the family, we can leave immediately, avoiding getting entangled in the affairs between those two families and ending up pleasing neither side.”

These words struck right at Qiu Shi’s heart.

She nodded repeatedly. The next morning, after paying her respects to Old Madam Guo, she quietly followed a property agent to view two or three residences. Finally, she took a fancy to a mansion not far outside Chaoyangmen—three courtyards with five rooms, priced at over six thousand taels. It had belonged to a former Vice Minister of Justice and was being sold due to unequal division of the estate. All furniture and utensils were included. Qiu Shi was extremely satisfied and said to Cheng Wei, “I was thinking that Mother will most likely live near Chaoyangmen in the future. This mansion is close to Chaoyangmen, so it’ll be convenient for us to pay our respects later. However, they’re eager to sell, so we’ll probably need to complete the transaction quickly.”

There was one more thing she didn’t mention to her husband.

Cheng Xu from eldest uncle’s family was studious and had distinguished looks. Compared to him, their family’s Cheng Rang had not a single quality that could compare. Fourth uncle had just married and had no children yet. Even if he had children in the future, and even if the child was as studious as Cheng Xu, their family’s Cheng Rang had the advantage of age. He could certainly fulfill the role of a loyal and magnanimous elder brother. She neither wanted her child to always feel inferior before Cheng Xu, nor did she want to always appear before her sister-in-law as someone who had failed to educate her child properly, as if she had done something wrong.

Cheng Wei didn’t overthink it. He simply felt it would be difficult to complete the transaction immediately.

“We don’t have that much silver on hand…” He had never acquired private property, and his salary wasn’t substantial. Qiu Shi had only brought a dowry of two or three thousand taels. “It wouldn’t be appropriate to tell Mother we’ve found a mansion…” It would seem as if they were waiting for the family division.

Qiu Shi was equally troubled.

The couple sat facing each other for a moment before Cheng Wei said, “Why don’t you speak with Third Sister-in-law? Have her mention it to Mother… I see Mother dotes on her like a child—even if she says something wrong, Mother surely won’t take it to heart.”

“How could that work!” Qiu Shi said. “Mother isn’t someone easily fooled. Rather than having Fourth Sister-in-law help sound things out with Mother, we’d be better off having A’Sheng do it.”

“A’Sheng?!” Cheng Wei was astonished.

Seeing his reaction, Qiu Shi laughed and said, “Don’t meddle in these inner chamber matters—just watch me!”

Cheng Wei chuckled and indeed asked no more questions.

Qiu Shi summoned Cheng Sheng back and explained the whole situation from beginning to end.

Cheng Sheng was utterly shocked. “Grandmother truly said the family should divide?”

“Why would I lie to you!” Qiu Shi said, patting her daughter’s hand and sighing. “Fortunately, your in-laws are honest people, and your father-in-law is a true friend to your father. Whether your uncle holds office or what position he holds has little bearing on you—otherwise, how would I dare agree with your grandmother?”

Cheng Jia felt somewhat saddened.

Qiu Shi consoled her, “Sometimes when close brothers settle accounts clearly, they actually become closer.”

Cheng Jia nodded. Two days later, she accompanied her mother to pay respects to Old Madam Guo.

Zhou Shaojin personally welcomed the mother and daughter at the Hanging Flower Gate.

When Cheng Sheng saw Zhou Shaojin with her raven-black hair casually twisted into a bun, adorned with a twin lotus silk flower in indigo petals with yellow stamens, her small face appearing white as frost and snow, and her movements having shed some restraint while gaining more ease—her whole person like a budding flower gradually revealing a touch of charm—she couldn’t help but step forward to take Zhou Shaojin’s hand. “Little Aunt, I haven’t seen you in days, and you’ve become even more beautiful.” She added, “Where did you buy this silk flower? It’s so novel and unique.”

Zhou Shaojin smiled bashfully. “You think it’s pretty? I made them these past few days when I had nothing to do, working with the little maids. If you like them, I have a rose-colored one, a pink one, and a tender yellow one at my place—go pick one!”

“Oh my!” Cheng Sheng laughed. “Little Aunt can even make these! You didn’t really play with us much before—who knew you’d been hiding such talents!”

Hearing such familiarity in her words, Qiu Shi quickly scolded her, “If you’re calling her ‘Aunt,’ then call her ‘Aunt’—why must you add ‘Little’? Don’t be so disrespectful in the future.”

Cheng Sheng stuck her tongue out at Zhou Shaojin.

Zhou Shaojin very much wanted to say, “Just call me Shaojin like before,” but remembering that she was now Cheng Chi’s wife and Cheng Jia’s true aunt, she managed not to utter these words and make a fool of herself.

Cheng Sheng, harboring no resentment, linked arms with Zhou Shaojin. “I heard Fourth Uncle has official duties and went directly from Baoding Prefecture to Jining. What have you been doing at home these days? I’m planning to visit A’Jia tomorrow—would you like to come with us?”

Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help feeling eager.

“Weren’t there still guests at home when we left?” she said. “All my dowry items were stuffed into the storeroom, and I haven’t had time to organize many small things. These past few days I’ve been organizing things at home. Are you going to see A’Jia tomorrow? Didn’t I bring back some Daci Pavilion preserved vegetables from Baoding Prefecture? I sent some to Xinglin Alley and also sent some to A’Jia, but I haven’t visited her yet.” As she spoke, a hesitant expression appeared on her face.

Now that she was someone else’s daughter-in-law, how could she freely go out visiting as she pleased? If she went out to enjoy herself, what about her mother-in-law?

Cheng Sheng immediately realized she had misspoken and hurriedly said, “I was just thinking about it—I don’t even know if I can go tomorrow. I just wanted to see when Aunt would have time.”

Qiu Shi shot her daughter a fierce glare, then turned to Zhou Shaojin with a smile. “She’s still childish at heart, always thinking about playing. She could use this time to come keep the old madam company instead. Sister-in-law shouldn’t indulge her—if she wants to wear flowers, let her make them herself.”

Seeing the mother and daughter coaxing her this way, Zhou Shaojin felt warmth flow through her heart.

She quickly said, “Second Sister-in-law, you’re too kind. A’Sheng and I grew up together. Back then, A’Sheng looked after me like an older sister. Even now, she often confides in me—I only hope she’ll visit more often!”

“As long as you don’t mind her speaking without thinking,” Qiu Shi said with a smile. The group soon arrived at Tingxiang Court.

The maid on duty attentively held up the curtain for them.

The room, warmed by underfloor heating, was as warm as spring, with heat rushing toward them.

Old Madam Guo wore only a lined garment, her cat’s-eye earrings the size of lotus seeds glowing emerald green and flashing brilliantly. Ruddy-faced and in excellent spirits, she was playing leaf cards with Biyu, Nanny Lü, and others.

Qiu Shi couldn’t help but secretly marvel.

Could it be because of living near Chaoyangmen?

She couldn’t help glancing at Zhou Shaojin.

Zhou Shaojin was smiling as she instructed the maids to serve tea and refreshments, her gentle, water-like eyes appearing pleasing no matter how one looked at them.

Seeing that one side of the square table was empty with half a deck of cards still face-down, Qiu Shi realized that Zhou Shaojin had also been keeping Old Madam Guo company playing cards earlier, and had only set down her cards to welcome them when they arrived.

“It seems A’Sheng and I have come at an inopportune time!” Qiu Shi said, and she and Cheng Sheng curtsied with smiling faces to Old Madam Guo.

Old Madam Guo laughingly asked the two to rise. “A’Sheng has come at just the right time. Nanny Lü’s eyesight isn’t what it used to be—she either misses cards or plays wrong cards. Give your seat to A’Sheng.” These last words were directed at Nanny Lü.

Before Old Madam Guo had finished speaking, Nanny Lü had already vacated her spot, smiling. “Third Young Madam, quickly remove your shoes and come up.”

Cheng Sheng had come today specifically to pass a message to her grandmother. Even if there were no opportunity, she would have to create one to speak with her grandmother—let alone when encountering such an ideal situation for conversation.

She removed her shoes with a smile and climbed onto the heated platform.

Zhou Shaojin yielded her place to Qiu Shi.

Qiu Shi declined, laughing. “How can a mother and daughter be at the same table?”

Zhou Shaojin smiled. “I’m making flavored squab in the kitchen. By the time calculation, it needs to go into the marinade—I should check on it. Second Sister-in-law, please keep Mother company for a while. After lunch, we’ll properly keep Mother company together.”

Qiu Shi hadn’t expected Zhou Shaojin could also cook. She was about to say she would accompany her to the kitchen, but seeing Old Madam Guo gazing at Zhou Shaojin with a slight smile, looking very satisfied and pleased, her heart stirred. She decided it would be better to remain a bystander, and responded with a beaming smile, keeping Old Madam Guo company playing leaf cards.

After playing cards for a while, Old Madam Guo brought up Zhou Shaojin: “…She suddenly became a daughter-in-law, and with Fourth Son away from home, I didn’t know quite what to do for a time. Unexpectedly, this child is truly filial. She’s just the same with me as before—she tells me about everything, big or small. With the slightest reminder from me, she understands. The household affairs haven’t fallen into disorder.”

Her tone conveyed great satisfaction.

Qiu Shi felt puzzled.

Hadn’t her mother-in-law always been most impatient with those who lacked initiative? How was it that with her youngest daughter-in-law, everything had changed completely?

No wonder elder sister-in-law always said mother-in-law played favorites…

She laughed inwardly, but Cheng Sheng picked up on something.

So it turned out that Grandmother, being advanced in years, neither wanted others to treat her as someone living off leisure nor wanted others to treat her as having nothing to do. Zhou Shaojin had somehow hit upon Grandmother’s preferred approach—telling her about everything big and small, asking the old lady to make decisions, yet handling all the minutiae herself. This let Grandmother know she was being consulted on all matters while sparing her from worrying about trivial details.

Had she truly understood Grandmother’s mindset? Or had she stumbled upon winning Grandmother’s favor by accident?

If it was the former, she would simply smile and move on. But if it was the latter… then Zhou Shaojin truly was destined to be with both Grandmother and Fourth Uncle!