Cheng Xu walked aimlessly along the tree-shaded corridor.

Huanxi couldn’t help but ask, “Young Master, where are we going?”

Cheng Xu thought for a moment and said despondently, “Let’s return to Duojia Pavilion! I’ll practice a few pages of calligraphy when we get back, then take them to Fourth Uncle for guidance.”

Cheng Chi’s calligraphy had quite a reputation among the scholars of Jinling City.

That would also give him another opportunity to visit Fourth Uncle.

Huanxi breathed a sigh of relief.

If the Young Master didn’t study properly, Madam would definitely think it was he who had encouraged the Young Master to play around.

He said attentively, “I heard that cherries and plums are now in season. Shall this humble one go buy some for you to taste, Young Master?”

Huanxi’s words reminded Cheng Xu of something.

He loved eating cherries, so everyone in the household always kept this in mind. The servants would find ways to buy them from outside as tribute to him, Mother would specially instruct Steward Qin to collect the freshest ones from fruit farmers, and even Grandmother, when cherry season arrived, would specifically buy them for him.

Catering to someone’s preferences was how to please them.

“Huanxi,” Cheng Xu said thoughtfully, “tell me—if I help her deal with the person she hates most, do you think she’ll stop being angry with me and see me in a new light?”

Huanxi’s mind turned before he realized the “her” Cheng Xu mentioned was Zhou Shaojin.

He smiled and said, “Of course! Don’t the books say ‘sending charcoal in snow is difficult, adding flowers to brocade is easy’? What you’re doing counts as sending charcoal in snow!”

These words delighted Cheng Xu. He patted Huanxi’s shoulder and said, “Didn’t you take a liking to a pair of gold bracelets at Yongfu Sheng last time? Go get twenty taels of silver from Biyu later—consider it my reward to you.”

“Really!” Huanxi was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly.

Atop the small mountain made of Taihu rocks at Xiaoshan Conggui Courtyard, beside the beauty’s rest surrounded by red-lacquered railings, stood the gaunt figure of Huai Shan. Only after watching Cheng Xu and Huanxi’s silhouettes slowly disappear into the grove of trees did he turn around and walk into the flower hall bearing the plaque “Qingyin Pavilion,” reporting in a low voice, “Master, Young Master Xu has left.”

The three-bay-wide flower hall had plum blossom hexagonal window frames fitted with transparent glass, making it spacious and bright. Sunlight streamed directly in, falling upon the man dressed in an indigo blue fine cloth Daoist robe before the large writing desk. His fair skin resembled the finest flawless jade—lustrous and radiant, emanating an air of elegant nobility, yet also revealing cold detachment.

“Is that so?” He set down his brush and examined the rice paper spread on the writing desk, saying indifferently, “Didn’t you say Wende Pavilion made a batch of fine ink this time? Have their shopkeeper send a few ink cakes over for me to see.”

Huai Shan responded “Yes,” appearing to have more to say.

Cheng Chi stood quietly before the writing desk, raising his wrist to wield the brush.

In Qingyin Pavilion, only the rustling sound of brush on rice paper and the swishing sound of wind through leaves could be heard.

Huai Shan stood silently for a long while before quietly withdrawing.

In Jiashu Hall, Zhou Chujin was telling Old Madam Guan about the incident at Sanzhi Pavilion: “…Fortunately we encountered Uncle Chi from the First Branch, otherwise the situation would have been difficult to resolve.”

“This eldest boy—I never expected him to be so reckless,” Old Madam Guan said with some disbelief, furrowing her brows. “However, although Fourth Master of the First Branch is rather aloof, his actions are very reassuring. When he chooses not to intervene, he doesn’t—but when he does intervene, nothing goes unresolved. Especially these past few years managing the household affairs, he’s become increasingly capable. Since he’s involved, you can rest assured he absolutely won’t speak of it. As for expressing thanks, if you encounter him, probe with a word or two. If he shows no interest in discussing it further, don’t bring it up again. If you don’t encounter him, there’s no need to make a special trip to thank him. This person—to put it nicely, he looks down upon worldly dust and possesses the demeanor of the Jin and Wei dynasties; to put it bluntly, he has a peculiar temperament, is arrogant and unruly, and doesn’t regard ordinary people at all. If he exchanges a few words with you, it’s because he thinks well of you. Those he looks down upon—even if you approach him warmly, he won’t acknowledge you. Yet he manages the household affairs, so ignoring him won’t do either. Just look at Fifth Branch’s Master Wen and you’ll understand. Everyone in the household maintains a respectful distance from him. You haven’t dealt with him before, but once you do, you’ll know.”

This was the first time Grandmother had evaluated someone this way.

Zhou Chujin was somewhat surprised, but having always trusted Grandmother’s judgment, she smiled and responded “Yes,” asking curiously, “Didn’t the First Branch separate from the Second and Third Branches? Even if one must deal with Uncle Chi, that would be the First Branch’s affair—what does it have to do with the Fifth Branch?”

Old Madam Guan smiled and said, “You don’t know. Fourth Master Chi is also a god of wealth. Years ago, after the First, Second, and Third Branches divided the family, the Third Branch established its own household, while the First and Second Branches remained together. Initially, the Second Branch’s Old Master Li managed the household affairs for both families. Later, when the Second Branch’s Old Master Li passed away and your Uncle Yi was still young, the household affairs for these two branches were taken over by the First Branch’s Old Master Xun.

“But Old Master Xun was serving as an official in the capital—how could he manage household affairs? So he pushed it to the Second Branch. At that time, the Second Branch’s old ancestor was at the height of his official career and had no wish to take it on. The household affairs for the two branches went back and forth between them. Later, with no other option, Madam Guo managed it for several years.

“Although Madam Guo was a woman who yielded to no man, she was ultimately still a woman, which limited certain matters. In just three to five years, the Third Branch stood alone as the most prosperous, while the First and Second Branches barely managed to preserve their ancestral estate. It wasn’t until Fourth Master Chi took over that the fortunes of the First and Second Branches reversed dramatically, flourishing like fire cooking oil. Not only did they add several qing of ancestral land, they also entered the draft note business with people from Anhui.

“The saying ‘Li Wei in the north, Yutai in the south’—this Li Wei refers to the Wei character draft note house of the Li family of She County, while Yutai refers to our Cheng family’s Yutai draft note house.

“Since the Wei character house is a partnership among several Li family brothers from She County, Fourth Master Chi suggested we several families also form a partnership. The Cheng family clan school can focus solely on learning without worrying about money, the various masters can advance steadily in their official careers with peace of mind, and we several branches can live increasingly prosperous lives—all because we receive dividends from the Yutai draft note house. Even if Fourth Master Chi’s temperament is peculiar, who would dare not endure it?” By the end of this speech, Old Madam Guan laughed heartily.

Zhou Chujin had never heard of these matters before and couldn’t help showing surprise.

“These are all internal Cheng family affairs,” Old Madam Guan smiled. “You’re juniors—unless something comes up, who would tell you about these things?”

This meant the power of decision had fallen to the Cheng family’s First Branch.

Thinking of the Third Branch’s awkwardness these past years, Zhou Chujin asked doubtfully, “Did the Third Branch also join the partnership?”

“Who would have trouble with money?” Old Madam Guan smiled. “Originally the First and Second Branches held the major shares, while the Third Branch, our Fourth Branch, and the Fifth Branch held minor shares. But the Third Branch said that since we were relatives, forming a business partnership might create discord for no reason, so they didn’t join.

“At that time, your eldest uncle Mian was still focused on his studies, and I hoped he would bring glory to the family. Your second uncle Yuan was a hothead who understood nothing, so all household matters fell on my shoulders. I thought your eldest uncle Mian needed to go to the capital for the examinations, and your second uncle Yuan still needed to apprentice under famous teachers—it was do or die, just this once. So I took out money to buy the Third Branch’s share. Unexpectedly, the Fourth Branch prospered this way… Later the Third Branch regretted it and shamelessly begged Old Madam Yuan and Master Jing. When Fifth Branch’s Master Wen caused trouble and wanted to convert his draft note shares to silver, the Third Branch finally had an opportunity to buy in. Even so, the First Branch only let them buy half a share.” Old Madam Guan’s smile gradually faded as she spoke with emotion.

Zhou Chujin hadn’t expected Cheng Chi to be so capable.

Perhaps no one in the Cheng family took pride in him because he engaged in merchant affairs?

Zhou Chujin felt somewhat sorry for him, saying, “If Uncle Chi had become an official, he would certainly have been a brilliant minister of finance!”

Among civil officials, few were skilled at calculations. Anyone who was would be treasured by the Ministry of Finance. Putting other things aside, reaching the rank of vice minister would be within reach.

Old Madam Guan smiled and said, “Who says otherwise! But Fourth Master Chi said that since the Ministry of Finance already has Song Jingran, he wouldn’t join the commotion. He’d rather stay home and manage his own accounts.”

Song Jingran, Song Xu—Minister of Finance, Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, Scholarly Attendant of the Hanlin Academy, the nation’s renowned minister of finance.

Zhou Chujin clicked her tongue and said, “His boast is truly grand!”

Old Madam Guan chuckled twice and said, “Young people with ability—how could their boasts not be grand…”

Before the old lady could finish speaking, a young maid announced that Nanny Wang had returned. The topic shifted from Cheng Chi to Hanbei Mountain Manor: “…Young Master Xu knelt for the duration of a morning meal. When he came out, his legs weren’t functioning properly. Madam Yuan stood to the side not daring to make a sound, and even exempted Young Master Xu from morning and evening attendance.”

Old Madam Guan couldn’t help but let out a long sigh, saying, “After all, she’s someone who’s been out in the world—decisive in her actions. Chujin, quietly tell Shaojin about this matter so she needn’t worry. Old Madam Guo has a clear mirror in her heart—Young Master Xu won’t dare act rashly. Also… regarding Young Master Xu’s matter… she did very well… As for Madam Yuan, she’s probably had plans for Young Master Xu’s marriage for some time, otherwise she wouldn’t have waited until now without arranging a match for him. Young Master Xu is already seventeen this year… As for Shaojin’s marriage, don’t rush—I’ll carefully look into it for her!”

Zhou Chujin understood Grandmother’s meaning and took the opportunity to mention Cheng Lu’s matter as well.

Old Madam Guan was so angry she nearly fainted, her face turning iron-blue as she had Nanny Wang fetch Cheng Mian: “…So we’ve raised an ungrateful wretch in our household. If we don’t take advantage of discovering this early to send him away, won’t we just be waiting to be bitten back!”

Nanny Wang also felt this matter was grave and hurried to the outer courtyard.

Who knew that Cheng Mian had been summoned by the Second Branch’s old ancestor to Wenmuxi Pavilion to accompany guests?

Old Madam Guan had no choice but to set this matter aside for now, saying to Zhou Chujin, “In any case, I won’t let you sisters suffer any losses.”

Zhou Chujin naturally understood and thanked Old Madam Guan. When Zhou Shaojin came to pay respects to Old Madam Guan, Zhou Chujin escorted Zhou Shaojin to school.

On the way, she quietly conveyed to Zhou Shaojin what Old Madam Guan had instructed her to say.

Only then did the large stone in Zhou Shaojin’s heart finally settle.

Now that things were out in the open, no one would believe whatever tricks Cheng Lu tried to play in the future, would they?

Speaking of this matter, she still had to thank Cheng Xu.

If Cheng Xu hadn’t told her, she would probably have remained in the dark.

One good turn deserves another.

The events of her previous life hadn’t yet occurred, so between her and Cheng Xu, they could consider themselves even, couldn’t they!

Zhou Shaojin smiled cheerfully as she parted with her sister at the entrance to Jing’an Studio.

Turning around, she was pulled into an embrace by Cheng Jia: “Why did you come so late? What did you say to Pan Qing yesterday? How is it that Pan Qing ran to Grandmother first thing this morning, saying something about how we sisters haven’t seen each other in a long time, and she wants to attend classes with us at Jing’an Studio like we did when we were little…”