Hearing that Cheng Jia had returned, Zhou Shaojin breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that this was the Li Jing she had in mind—someone who didn’t use force to pressure others and always placed Cheng Jia in the most important position.

However, Chun Wan laughed and said, “Second Young Miss, Miss Jia is peering around outside the gate. The old woman guarding the door asked her to come in, but she wouldn’t. She’s probably afraid that Old Madam won’t be pleased. You should go see her!”

Zhou Shaojin said in surprise, “Why is she running around as soon as she gets back?”

Xiao Tan walked in carrying a large bouquet of hollyhock flowers, laughing as she interjected, “It’s what Old Madam Li said—that the Li family doesn’t have so many rules, and Miss Jia should just focus on taking good care of her health and happily marry into the family.

“Because of this remark, Great Madam Lu is now bedridden. However, Old Madam Li sent Nanny Li from her own staff to assist Great Madam Lu in managing the household. In a fit of anger, Great Madam Lu simply stopped managing anything at all.

“Today Old Madam Li buys Miss Jia a canopy bed, tomorrow she buys her a set of rosewood chairs. According to people from Ruyi Pavilion, there are already five sets of furniture alone. But judging from Old Madam Li’s tone, for a wedding, everything should ideally come in pairs—she needs to complete another set to make it proper. She sent the steward to Hangzhou, saying she wants to purchase some nanmu wood there.

“Even Great Master Lu couldn’t stand it anymore and tried to advise Old Madam Li a few times. Old Madam Li became displeased and said that everything she bought for Miss Jia came from her own personal savings, without touching a single coin from the Third Branch. If anyone couldn’t stand it, if anyone felt unhappy about it, they should say it to her face instead of whispering behind her back like petty people. She also said that her dowry was hers to do with as she pleased. When did the Cheng family become so poor that they needed to scheme over a daughter-in-law’s dowry?

“The implication was that Great Master Lu had been instigated by Great Madam Lu to争her personal wealth.

“Great Master Lu could only nod submissively, not daring to say another word. Great Madam Lu was so angry she hasn’t eaten for several days. Even Master Zheng can only pretend to know nothing about it.

“Who would dare to control Miss Jia now!”

This was the first time Zhou Shaojin had heard about this matter.

She couldn’t help but exclaim “Oh!” and laughed, “Xiao Tan, I didn’t realize your information network was so well-informed!”

Xiao Tan’s face turned slightly red as she said, “It’s only because I grew up in the mansion and know a few more people than others.”

Knowing a few more people was also an advantage!

Zhou Shaojin smiled sweetly and went to see Cheng Jia.

Cheng Jia was indeed afraid of being scolded by Old Madam Guo. She pulled Zhou Shaojin to the stone bench by the lake near Hanbi Mountain House to talk: “…You have no idea—ever since you fell ill last time, Old Madam Guo has been blaming it on me. I really don’t want to provoke her again.”

Zhou Shaojin looked Cheng Jia up and down, seeing her radiant spirits—compared to a few days ago, she seemed like a completely different person. Only then did she truly feel relieved. She smiled and said, “Old Madam has a cold exterior but a warm heart. If you go apologize to her and say a few nice words, her anger will dissipate.”

Cheng Jia stuck out her tongue and said, “I wouldn’t dare. If you want to go, you go!”

People needed to have affinity with each other.

Zhou Shaojin didn’t force her and said, “You really are something! Even if you wanted to find Li Jing, you should have planned it properly. How could you just rashly run off like that? We were so worried at the time, afraid something might have happened to you…”

Cheng Jia blushed and interrupted Zhou Shaojin’s words, saying, “Don’t say anymore! Li Jing has been saying these things in my ear every day for the past few days—my ears are about to grow calluses. Please don’t nag me too. I was wrong, isn’t that enough? I’ve already sworn to Li Jing that I’ll never again do anything that makes my loved ones worry. Please spare me!”

It seemed Li Jing hadn’t been swept off her feet by Cheng Jia.

Cheng Jia needed someone like this to keep her in check!

Zhou Shaojin smiled with pursed lips.

Cheng Jia then produced a palm-sized red sandalwood box carved with peony flowers and said, “This is a thank-you gift from Li Jing!”

Zhou Shaojin was quite surprised but happily accepted it.

Cheng Jia smiled and said, “Open it and see. Li Jing and I picked it out together.”

Zhou Shaojin opened the box.

Inside the box lined with date-red velvet lay five emerald gemstones, each the size of a pigeon’s egg, their crystal-clear, brilliant green making even the spring scenery pale in comparison.

“This…” Zhou Shaojin’s eyes widened.

This was the first time she had seen emerald gemstones of such fine quality.

“They’re for you!” Cheng Jia said proudly. “Beautiful, right? I said you’d like them—Li Jing was even planning to give you rubies!”

“They’re very beautiful!” Zhou Shaojin said sincerely. After thinking for a moment, she accepted them graciously. “I really like them!”

At worst, when Cheng Jia married, she could find her a fine item when adding to her trousseau.

Seeing that Zhou Shaojin liked what she had chosen, Cheng Jia was also very happy and chattered on about Li Jing for a long while.

However, Zhou Shaojin’s thoughts turned to Cheng Chi.

When Great Uncle Lu had asked Old Madam to send word to Cheng Chi, Old Madam hadn’t bothered.

Uncle Chi would certainly still return at the predetermined time.

She just didn’t know when he would be able to come back.

When he returned home and learned that Li Jing and Cheng Jia were engaged, he would surely be surprised.

Thinking of Cheng Chi, who never showed the seven emotions and six desires on his face, displaying a surprised expression, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but smile.

Cheng Jia pushed her: “What are you grinning about? Was what I just said that funny?”

Zhou Shaojin had no idea what Cheng Jia had been saying and vaguely replied, “I found it a bit amusing.”

Cheng Jia’s face flushed red as she leaned close to Zhou Shaojin’s ear and said, “Then I’ll take that as your agreement!”

What had she agreed to?

Zhou Shaojin looked somewhat bewildered.

Cheng Jia said unhappily, “Why are you like this now? Going back on your word! You promised to help embroider two undergarments…”

So it was about this matter.

No problem, no problem.

Zhou Shaojin felt a bit guilty and quickly agreed.

Cheng Jia’s mood brightened, and she left cheerfully.

Zhou Shaojin let out a breath and returned to the main room.

Old Madam Guo asked her what Cheng Jia had come to see her about, and she told her frankly. Old Madam Guo thought for a moment and smiled, saying, “After you discuss the patterns with her, come back. Don’t linger at Ruyi Pavilion. I suspect that Jiang Shi will make a fuss before Miss Jia’s wedding.”

Zhou Shaojin naturally believed Old Madam Guo’s words without doubt.

She nodded repeatedly, drew seven or eight undergarment patterns for Cheng Jia, and after breakfast the next day, went to Cheng Jia’s quarters.

Because Zhou Shaojin had done needlework for both Old Madam Guan and Old Madam Guo, though the items weren’t many, they were exquisite and novel, elegant yet lively, earning everyone’s praise. Therefore, when Old Madam Li learned of her purpose, she not only rewarded her with a mutton-fat jade lotus flower brush washer but also kept her for lunch.

Remembering Old Madam Guo’s words, Zhou Shaojin couldn’t decline lunch, but after the meal, regardless of how Old Madam Li and Cheng Jia tried to detain her, she insisted on returning to Hanbi Mountain House: “…Cousin Jia and I grew up together. This needlework she asked me to do—I’m also embroidering two handkerchiefs for Cousin Jia. Though the items are small, they represent my sincere feelings. It’s better to finish them earlier.”

Old Madam Li found this very appropriate. She stopped Cheng Jia from continuing to detain her and personally escorted Zhou Shaojin out of the main room.

Only then did Zhou Shaojin feel more at ease.

Chun Wan also said, “If Old Madam is always this polite, I won’t dare go to the Third Branch anymore.”

Since they hadn’t yet left the Third Branch’s territory and were discussing Old Madam Li, Zhou Shaojin remained somewhat vigilant. Although she wanted to laugh at Chun Wan’s words, before laughing, she habitually glanced around.

It was just past noon. Most of the household servants were taking their midday rest, and with green trees surrounding them everywhere, it was quiet and peaceful.

A corner of a sky-blue robe suddenly entered Zhou Shaojin’s field of vision without warning.

She was greatly startled and quickly swallowed her laughter. She focused on examining that corner of the sky-blue robe.

The fabric was fine Hangzhou silk, delicate and smooth. Below the robe’s hem was a pair of sky-blue shoes with black trim and plump toes. The socks were moon-white Songjiang triple-shuttle fine cloth, neat and fresh.

Zhou Shaojin immediately thought of someone.

Cheng Lu!

This was Cheng Lu’s habitual attire from her previous life.

Her heart immediately became flustered.

This was the inner courtyard of the Third Branch. By rights, Cheng Lu shouldn’t appear here.

But Cheng Lu was a member of the Cheng family—if he had business, it wasn’t impossible for him to enter the courtyard.

Without overthinking, Zhou Shaojin shot a glance at Chun Wan, then lifted her skirt and tiptoed to hide behind a large locust tree beside them that was thick enough to embrace, holding her breath and hoping the other party would leave without noticing them.

Chun Wan hadn’t seen that corner of the robe, but she was loyal and followed Zhou Shaojin’s lead. Without asking anything, she moved even more nimbly than Zhou Shaojin to hide behind another large locust tree nearby.

Before long, voices could be heard faintly drifting over: “…Cousin Zheng, I’ve thought and thought but can’t figure out who I’ve offended. If it were Second Uncle Yi from the Second Branch, then why would he send me to study at Yuelu Academy? Great Uncle Lu goes without saying—he’s always been generous and kind to us nephews and is wholly devoted to learning. It couldn’t possibly be him.

“Fourth Uncle Mian from the Fourth Branch wouldn’t stoop to directing Magistrate Wu and Instructor Lin. Fifth Uncle Wen from the Fifth Branch is busy with Cousin Nuo’s marriage and couldn’t possibly do such a thankless task.

“I’ve racked my brain but really can’t figure it out. I had no choice but to come quietly to consult with Cousin Zheng!

“Cousin Zheng, tell me, is it possible that it’s…”

The voice stopped abruptly.

It really was Cheng Lu!

Zhou Shaojin felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest.

From the other side came Cheng Zheng’s “pfft” of laughter as he said, “Are you suspecting Uncle Chi? Or are you testing my response? Brother Xiangqing, our Third Branch can’t afford to offend the First Branch, and I especially can’t afford to offend Uncle Chi. If you’re looking for someone to intercede for you, I’m afraid you’ve found the wrong person!”

Upon hearing this, Cheng Lu sneered coldly, “No wonder when people outside mention Nine-As Lane, they only know that the First Branch produced a Cheng Jiashan and the Second Branch produced a Cheng Youyi… Compared to these two cousins, Brother Baoming is indeed somewhat inferior. Excuse me for misjudging you! Brother Baoming, take care. I’ll take my leave!”

Baoming was Cheng Zheng’s courtesy name.

Zhou Shaojin’s heart sank slightly.

Cheng Lu and Cheng Zheng addressed each other by their courtesy names, placing each other on equal footing.

Though their conversation was discordant, in their hearts they recognized each other.

Sure enough, after several “creak, creak” sounds of feet treading on tree branches, Cheng Zheng suddenly said, “Xiangqing, please wait!”

Silence fell behind the tree.

After a long while, Cheng Zheng said in a low voice, “Xiangqing, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but our Third Branch truly cannot afford to offend the First Branch. I’ll be frank with you—I studied hard in my cold chamber, but why did I stop taking the examinations after passing the xiucai level? It’s because our former ancestor once offended the First and Second Branches, and for all these years, the First and Second Branches have held grudges, suppressing our Third Branch so we can’t advance in official careers and can only compete with merchants. This is also why my aunt married that poor scholar Pan Zhi, and why my mother insists that my sister find a scholarly family. It’s not that I don’t want to help you—I truly can’t protect myself and have no way to help you!”