Zhou Shaojin threw herself into Cheng Chi’s arms, saying: “Come back to the inner chamber to sleep!”

Acting coquettishly.

Cheng Chi regretted drinking so much today.

But everyone had congratulated him on becoming a father, and he was truly happy in his heart, so he had drunk a few extra cups.

Seeing him still somewhat hesitant, Zhou Shaojin pouted: “I’m not afraid of the alcohol smell on you. The bed is so big—I just need to know you’re beside me.”

Cheng Chi smiled and scraped her nose, then went to rest on the bed in the inner chamber.

Zhou Shaojin hugged his arm and leaned on his shoulder, telling him about today’s banquet: “…Mother was very happy. She said when there’s another opportunity, she’ll invite A’Zheng and the others over to visit again. I used to think Mother liked peace and quiet, but now I’ve discovered she simply dislikes eating with a large group of people she may or may not know, having to make insincere small talk with this person and that. Mother really enjoys family banquets like this. I was thinking—in a few days it’s Second Aunt’s birthday. Should I remind Second Sister-in-law to hold a banquet and invite Mother over for some liveliness?”

For Old Madam Guo’s birthday, her sons and grandsons were indispensable, but if Qiu Shi celebrated her birthday, she would only need to invite the female family members.

Cheng Chi smiled: “Just discuss it with Second Sister-in-law and arrange it! Just don’t tire yourself out. If you feel uncomfortable, you absolutely mustn’t force yourself.”

“I know, I know.” Zhou Shaojin turned on her side, wrapping her arms and legs around Cheng Chi, “Mother also said that if I safely and smoothly give birth to the child, that would be honoring her. I want to have a midwife live in the house—not only would she be bolder during the delivery, but on ordinary days she could remind me what I should pay attention to.”

This was also Old Madam Guo’s idea.

The old lady felt that though the nannies around her were all experienced, they were getting on in years after all, and since Cheng Chi’s birth, they hadn’t cared for any pregnant women. She thought it better to find a reputable midwife to live in the house as soon as possible.

Seeing her clinging to him tightly, Cheng Chi smiled and turned over to hold her in his arms, saying: “It’s getting late—sleep quickly! I’ve already instructed Nanny Shang to find A’Xiao for this matter. Don’t worry about it.”

The warm embrace made Zhou Shaojin’s spirits completely relax. She yawned lazily, said a few more words, then fell deeply asleep.

Cheng Chi smiled helplessly.

He kissed her cheek and closed his eyes.

※

After the ancestral rites on the first day of the tenth month, Zhou Shaojin’s pregnancy stabilized. A midwife surnamed Cai whom Cheng Zheng had recommended moved into the Cheng household. Winter clothes were also distributed. The atmosphere at Chaoyangmen became tense, everyone’s faces bore smiles, and their steps were much lighter. Watching Zhou Shaojin in her loose jacket, Old Madam Guo couldn’t stop the smile overflowing from her eyes.

Cheng Chi wanted to marry Chun Wan to Qin Ziji, the cousin of Qin Ziji.

For the Cheng family, the Qin family’s younger generation were not ordinary servants. Being able to marry Qin Ziji’s cousin Qin Ziji was already an honor for Chun Wan.

Zhou Shaojin found an excuse to call the person over and took a look through the curtain.

Not only was his appearance dignified, but his gaze was clear and bright. He looked to be a rather upright person. Combined with her trust in Cheng Chi’s judgment, she immediately called Chun Wan over to discuss the matter.

Chun Wan blushed and lowered her head, not daring to say a word.

Zhou Shaojin seemed to see her former self.

She said in a low voice: “You’ve grown up with me—now is not the time to be shy. Either way, at least give me an answer!”

Only then did Chun Wan murmur: “Whatever Madam arranges.”

Zhou Shaojin smiled with pursed lips.

Chun Wan’s face burned as she withdrew.

Within two days, everyone at Chaoyangmen knew.

Zhenzhu, Bitao, and others came to congratulate Chun Wan, their expressions showing more or less some envy.

Zhou Shaojin specially assigned a young maid to serve Chun Wan and help her prepare her dowry.

But Chun Wan didn’t want to marry so early. When she came to thank Zhou Shaojin, she said bashfully: “No matter what, Madam must let me see the young master born before sending me away, otherwise how can I feel at ease?”

Zhou Shaojin first had Chun Wan and Qin Ziji betrothed.

For this, Old Madam Guo even rewarded Chun Wan twenty taels of silver.

Zhou Shaojin came over to thank her on Chun Wan’s behalf.

Old Madam Guo smiled and told her: “We just moved from Jinling City and you opened your own household—it’s time to establish rules. For such loyal servants, when it’s time to reward, you should reward generously to set an example for the other servants so they know what they should do.”

Zhou Shaojin smiled and agreed.

Cheng Shao from Shuangyu Lane sent over a card saying that after leaving the office tomorrow, he wanted to visit Old Madam Guo.

Old Madam Guo held the card and said curiously: “I wonder what Second Uncle wants to see me about?”

But Zhou Shaojin didn’t dare be negligent. She instructed the tea room early to prepare the finest Dahongpao tea, and had the kitchen prepare wine and dishes. When Cheng Chi returned in the evening, she also told him to come home early: “Keep Second Uncle company for a couple drinks!”

Cheng Chi smiled and pinched her cheek, saying: “My little girl already knows how to manage household affairs!” His tone carried quite a bit of praise, making Zhou Shaojin’s eyes narrow into crescents.

When Cheng Xun arrived, she naturally couldn’t accompany them and did needlework in the inner chamber.

As it turned out, when Cheng Chi returned, he told her that Cheng Xun had decided to go to the charity hall to adopt a child to register under Cheng Xun’s name to continue the ancestral worship for Cheng Fen and Cheng Xun. But he was worried that being advanced in years, he might not raise the child well, and wanted Qiu Shi to help raise this child.

Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but smile: “I thought I was the only one who liked Second Sister-in-law, but it turns out Second Uncle’s eyes are sharp too. What did Mother say?”

Cheng Chi said: “Mother said she needs to discuss it with Second Sister-in-law. After all, raising and educating a child is no small matter—she needs to deliberate carefully with Second Sister-in-law.”

The Old Madam Guo that Zhou Shaojin knew was not the type to act arbitrarily. For such a major matter, she would definitely seek Qiu Shi’s opinion.

The next day when Qiu Shi came over, Zhou Shaojin specifically stayed nearby to listen.

After learning about it, Qiu Shi was quite surprised and somewhat excited, but she quickly calmed down, her expression showing some worry as she said: “I’m just afraid I won’t teach him well… Mother, please make the decision for me! If you tell me to raise him, I’ll raise him. If you think it’s not suitable, have Second Uncle choose someone else.”

Old Madam Guo smiled: “I think you’re suitable. I’m just worried that after Ge’er marries and you have grandchildren, you won’t have the energy.”

Upon hearing this, Qiu Shi quickly said: “No, no—having one more person in the family will make it livelier.”

The matter was thus settled.

Yuan Shi was very surprised to hear this and specifically came to tell Old Madam Guo: “After all, we don’t know his background. Who knows what his character will be like in the future? Why not adopt one from among relatives and friends?”

Old Madam Guo said: “This is your Second Uncle’s family matter. Your Second Uncle is someone with his own mind. Since he’s decided this way, he certainly has his reasons. We shouldn’t say more!”

Yuan Shi left in a sullen mood and went back to tell Cheng Jing.

Cheng Jing couldn’t hide his surprise and made a special trip to Shuangyu Lane but returned empty-handed.

Yuan Shi couldn’t help nagging: “He’s so advanced in years. Won’t this child ultimately be our responsibility later?”

Cheng Jing was slightly displeased: “Second Brother’s wife hasn’t said anything, yet you’re the one feeling uncomfortable.”

Yuan Shi was speechless with anger.

Cheng Shao took Cheng Chi to the charity hall several times, then chose an auspicious day and went with Cheng Chi to bring back two children from the charity hall.

Old Madam Guo, Zhou Shaojin, and the others waiting at Shuangyu Lane were all shocked.

“Didn’t you say you’d chosen one?” Old Madam Guo looked at the two little boys before her—one five years old, one three years old, thin and small but with alert gazes—and said dumbfounded, “How did it become two?”

Cheng Chi patted the heads of the two children holding hands and smiled: “Both children are very good. The older one is extremely clever, the younger one is of suitable age. Second Uncle couldn’t make up his mind. Later he thought one child would be too lonely—two children could keep each other company. So he simply brought both children back.”

Cheng Xun had been the only grandson, so after his death, Cheng Shao’s line had no heir… Everyone understood this in their hearts.

Old Madam Guo smiled: “This is good too!” Then she beckoned to the two children, grabbed a handful of candy to give them, and asked what their names were, how old they were, and whether they still remembered things about their families.

The older child didn’t talk much—answering only when asked. The younger one was livelier but couldn’t remember very clearly.

Cheng Shao then said: “The older one’s given name is Rong, the younger one’s is Meng.”

Old Madam Guo paused slightly, then said: “This is also good. They count as the eldest and second eldest grandsons of our generation.”

The two children of Cheng Shi from the second branch were named “Geng” and “Yun,” following the “plough” radical. But Cheng Xun gave his two great-grandsons names with the “grass” radical, clearly making a complete break from Jiuru Lane.

Seeing the atmosphere growing heavy, Qiu Shi quickly stepped forward with a smile: “Second Uncle, Rong Ge’er and Meng Ge’er have just arrived. Let me take them down to wash up! Later they still need to pay respects to the ancestors!”

Everyone smiled and urged the two small children to go wash up.

Then Cheng Jing hurried over. Cheng Chi accompanied Cheng Shao in taking the two children to the newly built ancestral hall of the Cheng family in Daxing to offer incense to the ancestors. Cheng Jing personally wrote the two children’s names under Cheng Xun’s name, and the group returned to Shuangyu Lane.

By this time, the sun was setting. After the two children recognized their relatives, Old Madam Guo, Zhou Shaojin, and the others gave the children meeting gifts. Everyone gathered at separate tables—men at one, women at another—for dinner, and then Qiu Shi took the two children home.

The next day, Old Madam Guo and Zhou Shaojin went to see the two children.

The two children were still sleeping. Qiu Shi quietly told them: “They probably suffered quite a bit at the charity hall. They still have some old injuries that aren’t obvious. After the two children arrived, they couldn’t sleep. They only closed their eyes at dawn. I specifically instructed the maids and servants around me not to disturb the two children and let them wake up naturally.”

Old Madam Guo nodded: “You must watch them carefully. Though everyone around you has served you and your husband for over twenty years, there might be confused ones. Don’t let the two children suffer any grievances.”

Qiu Shi quickly said: “Mother, rest assured. Since they’ve come to the Cheng family, they are the Cheng family’s descendants, Xun Ge’er’s sons. I will raise them well.”

“With you handling things, I’m at ease!” Old Madam Guo gently patted Qiu Shi’s hand.

A young maid ran in, saying: “Third Miss has returned!”

Qiu Shi smiled: “What is this child coming back for?”

The young maid, who was probably quite favored by Qiu Shi, smiled and said: “Third Miss came back specially to see the two young masters!”