When Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Zheng arrived at Elm Tree Lane, Cheng Xiao and Cheng Sheng had already been waiting there for them.

Seeing Zhou Shaojin and Cheng Zheng descend from the carriage one after the other, Cheng Sheng couldn’t help but widen her eyes and say, “Eldest Sister, how did you two end up coming together?”

Cheng Zheng watched as the servant women carried the two children down from the carriage before smiling and replying, “We didn’t run into each other by chance. I saw that it was still early, so I went to Elm Money Lane and invited Shaojin to come along with me.” Then she smiled and asked, “When did you all arrive? Have you been waiting long? Have you all had breakfast yet?”

However, Cheng Xiao glanced at the carriage Zhou Shaojin had arrived in.

It was a black-lacquered, flat-topped carriage with flush sides. Apart from a five-colored tassel curtain made of Hunan bamboo hanging in front of the carriage door, there were no other decorations. Yet the jujube-red horse pulling the carriage had a slender build—tall and robust, with glossy black eyes that were gentle and docile. At first glance, it was clearly a rare fine steed. The coachman wasn’t tall, but his movements were agile and nimble. The whole appearance seemed low-key and simple, yet the essence exuded dignity and luxury. It made Cheng Xiao’s carriage beside it pale in comparison.

Such a carriage—you couldn’t find even ten of them in all of the capital.

This… must have been arranged for her by Uncle Chi, right?

Or perhaps, this was Uncle Chi’s own carriage?

Cheng Xiao’s brows furrowed ever so slightly.

Was Uncle Cheng being a bit too good to this Second Miss of the Zhou family?

She always felt that her sister was hiding something from her.

Because Zhou Chujin’s child was still small, she didn’t go with them to Fengtai. After meeting Cheng Zheng’s two children and giving them greeting gifts, everyone exchanged a few pleasantries before taking their leave.

Zhou Chujin saw them off to the main gate.

The Peng family didn’t have the same depth of foundation as the Gu and Yuan families. When Cheng Sheng went out, she usually took a sedan chair. Cheng Xiao hadn’t expected that Elm Money Lane would have its own carriage. Thinking that her elder sister would be bringing two nephews along, she had used a carriage to pick up Cheng Sheng and come together. She had planned to let Cheng Sheng ride in Eldest Sister Cheng Zheng’s carriage while she herself would take the Zhou sisters. Now that Zhou Shaojin had also brought a carriage, things suddenly became more spacious. Cheng Xiao discussed with Zhou Shaojin: “Why don’t you ride in my carriage instead? We can chat along the way.”

Zhou Shaojin’s carriage had been prepared by Steward Xiang.

She had told Steward Xiang that she was going to Fengtai to buy some flowers and bring them back, and asked Steward Xiang to help make arrangements.

Zhou Shaojin had originally thought that Steward Xiang would go hire a carriage. Who knew that when she walked out through the hanging flower gate, she would see such a beautiful carriage.

She was greatly surprised.

Chief Steward Xiang explained to her with a smile: “This was something Fourth Master instructed before he returned to Jinling. He said that if you needed to use a carriage, just let the household at Chaofu Yang Gate know—that place is larger. They keep five or six horses there.”

Zhou Shaojin saw that inside the carriage, walnut wood had been carved and laid down, depicting patterns like the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea and the Longevity Goddess Paying Respects. Thick floor coverings had been laid, and soft, plush welcoming pillows were placed about. Although the teacups and teapot were made of purple clay, they could attach to the tea tray. There was even a go board with pieces that could attach to the board.

She loved it at first sight.

So she didn’t stand on ceremony with Cheng Chi.

Riding in her own carriage would be so much more comfortable and free.

Besides, she and Cheng Xiao didn’t really have anything to talk about anyway!

Zhou Shaojin smiled and said, “I’m just worried that when we need to transport the flowers later, it would be better to take three carriages!”

Cheng Zheng heard this reasoning and smiled, saying, “Then let’s take three carriages! Third Sister, are you going with Second Sister, going with me, or you could also go with Shaojin.”

Cheng Sheng smiled and said, “I’ll continue riding with Second Sister then.”

The group boarded their carriages and headed to Fengtai.

Zhou Shaojin felt somewhat the lightness of “proud spring wind making the horse’s hooves swift,” and lifted the window curtain all along the way to observe the scenery.

Chun Wan, who had come out with her, couldn’t help but sigh: “Miss, I truly never imagined that following you, I would not only make a trip to Mount Putuo but also go to Baoding. Now that we’re in the capital…” There was a feeling that life would just keep getting better.

Zhou Shaojin had the same feeling.

She smiled with pursed lips, chatting and laughing with Chun Wan. Very soon they arrived at Fengtai.

Every household in Fengtai had green willows and red flowers, with bees buzzing and butterflies dancing—spring colors filling the gardens, making one’s mood become as bright as the weather just by looking at it.

Looking at the carriages coming and going along the road, the merchants discussing flower prices by the roadside, and the crowds buying flowers, Chun Wan worried: “Don’t tell me we’ll also have to ask at each household one by one like this?”

In her previous life, Zhou Shaojin had come to Fengtai several times. She would sit in the carriage slowly looking around, and when she saw flowers or plants that interested her, she would have someone stop the carriage so she could go up and take a look…

“If we don’t ask household by household, what else—stand in the middle of the street and shout about what flowers we want?” Zhou Shaojin smiled, and then saw the carriage stop in front of a household with purple wisteria blooming on the fence.

Cheng Zheng’s senior maid ran over, respectfully inviting Zhou Shaojin to descend from the carriage, saying: “This is the Wang family’s flower nursery. Our household has always had them deliver flowers and plants. The eldest young mistress sent someone to give them advance notice a few days ago. Second Miss just needs to follow the eldest young mistress inside.”

Due to climate reasons, southerners during the New Year would either display a few stalks of narcissus or wintersweet in their homes, or place some kumquat trees or plum blossom trees for good fortune. Unable to forget their homeland, those officials from the Jiangnan region still liked to follow their hometown customs and place some flowers and trees in their homes during the New Year. Therefore, the quick-witted flower farmers of Fengtai built hothouses and began growing southern flowers and trees. Families like the Cheng family and the Gu family became their important customers.

Before Zhou Shaojin had time to descend from the carriage, she saw a matron leading a maiden in the bloom of youth and a young married woman in her prime hurrying out.

Perhaps because of frequent dealings with the Wang family, the maid smiled and introduced them to Zhou Shaojin: “The one in front wearing the lilac-colored vest is Wang Daniang. The other two are her eldest daughter-in-law and her daughter. Sometimes they also accompany Wang Daniang to our household to deliver flowers.”

Zhou Shaojin nodded. Seeing Cheng Zheng being helped down from the carriage by a matron, she then followed suit and descended.

Wang Daniang had already come forward diligently to pay respects to Cheng Zheng, saying: “When I received word from your household’s steward the other day, I’ve been looking forward to Eldest Young Mistress coming! How is Eldest Young Mistress? How are the Elder Master and everyone in the family?” She also paid respects to Gu Ning and Gu Zhong: “The two young masters—though it’s only been a few months since I last saw them, they’ve become even more composed.”

Cheng Zheng smiled and nodded, exchanging greetings with Wang Daniang, then introduced the people beside her to Wang Daniang.

When Wang Daniang saw Zhou Shaojin, she couldn’t help but pause for a moment before smiling: “No wonder people all say that Jiangnan produces beautiful women. This cousin miss of your family is truly lovely!”

Zhou Shaojin modestly demurred a few times.

Wang Daniang lowered her head and led them toward her family’s hothouse.

However, that Miss Wang’s gaze kept glancing over from time to time.

Zhou Shaojin could only pretend not to notice.

Cheng Zheng then introduced them to the Wang family’s nursery: “…Not to mention these out-of-season flowers, Old Master Wang once cultivated dual-colored peonies in winter, and black lotus in summer! Whatever flowers you want, you can speak directly with Wang Daniang.”

Zhou Shaojin had heard of black chrysanthemums and black orchids—she had even cultivated them herself—but she had never heard of anyone cultivating black lotus.

And the north was also dry and lacked water. For the Wang family to cultivate black lotus, they must have expended considerable effort.

Beyond her surprise, she couldn’t help but be filled with anticipation for the Wang family’s flower nursery.

Cheng Zheng watched with a slight smile.

This young girl was also quite innocent—just a few flowers and plants made her happy. No wonder Uncle Chi regarded her with special favor.

When they entered the hothouse, they were immediately captivated by the riot of purple and red colors inside.

Cheng Sheng asked Wang Daniang: “Where is your family’s black lotus? Let us broaden our horizons too!”

“You’re too kind, honored guest.” Wang Daniang smiled cautiously. “They’re just some flowers and plants, that’s all! You’ve crossed more bridges than the roads we’ve walked. How can it be called broadening your horizons? You’re being too modest.” As she spoke, she made a welcoming gesture and led them to the middle of the hothouse.

In a large blue-and-white porcelain vat floated green leaves shaped like round platters. Several water lilies about the size of rice bowls, which were called black but were actually dark red, dotted among them.

“How beautiful!” Cheng Sheng circled around looking at the water lilies and asked, “How much does this water lily cost?”

Wang Daniang replied apologetically: “This water lily is difficult to cultivate. Some people have bought them before, but within three to five days they died. After that, no one bought them anymore.”

This was probably the Wang family’s prized treasure used to attract customers.

Cheng Sheng smiled and didn’t ask further.

Zhou Shaojin felt that this black lotus wasn’t as attractive as white or red lotus, but being able to cultivate such a variety was still very intriguing.

She asked: “Was this cultivated from red lotus? I wonder what variety of red lotus was used to cultivate it?”

Zhou Shaojin had never cultivated lotus flowers, but she had cultivated chrysanthemums.

Black chrysanthemums were obtained through generation after generation of improving green chrysanthemums.

When Miss Wang heard Zhou Shaojin asking knowledgeable questions, her expression couldn’t help but become more guarded.

Wang Daniang was also somewhat reserved. She said: “Matters concerning flower cultivation still need to be discussed with our family’s old master. I only have a glib tongue, that’s all!”

Zhou Shaojin knew that the Wang family was being protective of their trade secrets. Thinking that the Wang family relied on this for their livelihood, she wouldn’t make things difficult for them. She smiled and changed the subject: “I wonder what other rare flowers and unusual plants your family has?”

Wang Daniang was just about to speak when a maid-like young girl ran in and reported: “Daniang, the Sixth Miss of the Fang family has brought a relative and come over. She says she wants to buy several precious flowers and plants to take back and cultivate…”

“The Sixth Miss of the Fang family?” Before Wang Daniang could speak, Cheng Sheng had already asked: “Is it the Sixth Miss of the Shucheng Fang family?”

The young maid nodded repeatedly, saying: “Last time she bought two of our Eighteen Scholars plants.”

“I didn’t expect to run into relatives here!” Cheng Sheng smiled at the young maid and said, “You tell her I’m here and ask them to wait!”

The young maid looked somewhat anxiously at Wang Daniang.

Wang Daniang smiled and said: “It’s fine. Mrs. Peng and Miss Fang are relatives. You just go and relay the message.”

Cheng Zheng then smiled at Zhou Shaojin and said: “Grand Mrs. Liao is a daughter of the Shucheng Fang family. You should recognize people from the Fang family. They’re all our own people!”

Zhou Shaojin smiled and said: “I only met a few people from the Fang family at Guan Ge’er’s third-day ceremony last time. I may not necessarily recognize this Sixth Miss of the Fang family.”

Just as she finished speaking, she heard a clear voice say: “I wondered who was so impressive as to make me wait—so I’ve found my match now!”

Zhou Shaojin turned around and saw two young women.

The older one appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen, the younger about fifteen or sixteen. One wore a rose-purple vest, with skin like congealed cream and a face like the bright moon, exuding an elegant bearing. The other wore a bright red vest, with eyebrows like distant mountains and lively, sparkling eyes—playful and adorable.