But if because of this she knew nothing at all, Madam Yuan probably wouldn’t be pleased.
That Pozi couldn’t say too much and hinted meaningfully, “A daughter-in-law being able to stand on her own naturally pleases a mother-in-law, but if the son takes his wife’s side…”
So it turned out that Master Xu had agreed to sending that person away.
Fan Liushi nodded, understanding somewhat what the Pozi meant.
However, these were all household matters of Xingling Alley. They were all servants—saying a few words privately in secret was human nature, but discussing it privately beyond that would be improper.
Neither continued on this topic. After discussing New Year matters, they each returned to report.
Zhou Shaojin’s side didn’t take to heart the lateness of the New Year gifts from Xingling Alley, so she wouldn’t know what had happened at Xingling Alley. Over at Xingling Alley, Madam Yuan had already been lying in bed for nearly a month, listless and without any energy. When doctors were summoned to examine her, they only said her spirits had been damaged and she needed rest. She wanted to take this opportunity to have Min Jia return to attend to her illness, but then thought that Cheng Xu and Min Jia didn’t have children yet, and offspring was a major matter—no matter what, she had to endure until she bore a eldest son. But understanding was one thing, knowing was another—this resentment was hard to swallow.
Madam Yuan pondered that she had to find some way to know how Cheng Xu was truly doing in Mianzhu.
After leaving the office, Cheng Jing came to discuss with her matters regarding Old Madam Guo returning to celebrate the New Year. “…How is Mother’s room being prepared? Last Mid-Autumn Festival was spent at Chaoyang Gate, and I saw they had many new dishes. Do we have servants who can make them? If not, send someone to copy a menu of the dishes Mother commonly uses, and speak properly with Fourth Brother’s wife to have her send several kitchen staff to serve. Also regarding Yun Ge’er—Mother treats him like the apple of her eye. Mother will be returning to stay for over a month. With no other small children in the household, her lap will surely feel empty. Go ask Fourth Brother’s wife if Yun Ge’er could also be brought over to stay for a while—Mother would certainly be pleased. Speaking of this matter, you should really learn from Qiu Shi. Look at her—not only does she help Second Uncle care for Abao and Aren, but normally when there’s nothing else, she brings Rang Ge’er and his wife to visit Mother. Mother is getting on in years and likes the household to be happy and lively. You’re the eldest daughter-in-law, the primary wife of the Cheng family. You should do even better than them…” This and that, all trivial matters, yet he explained everything in meticulous detail, serious and thorough.
Madam Yuan felt pain in her chest.
Back when she was alone in Jinling with the children serving Old Madam Guo, why didn’t he appreciate how difficult things were for her? When they met, it was nothing more than a few words of “you’ve worked hard.” Not a single extra word besides that. Now he was comparing her with Qiu Shi, saying she wasn’t as good as Qiu Shi…
Unable to release this pent-up breath, Madam Yuan’s expression became very unpleasant. She said impolitely, “Being filial to my mother-in-law is my duty, but to also bring Yun Ge’er over to care for him—aren’t you being excessive? Just as you said, Yun Ge’er is the apple of Mother’s eye. If he comes over and falls somewhere or bumps into something, how would I explain to Mother and Fourth Sister-in-law? Aren’t you just creating trouble out of nothing?”
Cheng Jing was displeased.
At his age, he could have a grandson as old as Yun Ge’er.
In his heart, this nephew Yun Ge’er was as lovable as a grandson.
Madam Yuan had given birth to and raised three children, and hadn’t each grown up well? Even when they worshipped the Pox Goddess, not a single scar remained on them. Now that the Cheng sisters had married and Cheng Xu and his wife had gone to their post, with nothing but three meals a day to occupy the household, how could she not even care for a healthy child properly?
She clearly just didn’t want to care for Yun Ge’er!
She clearly didn’t like his brother’s child!
Cheng Jing’s expression gradually turned cold. Thinking of her several inexplicable illnesses during this period, he felt increasingly disinclined. “Fine then! You haven’t been feeling well these days, so it wouldn’t be good to make you labor over these matters. You rest and recuperate. I’ll go sit at Fourth Brother’s place and see Mother.”
Madam Yuan quickly called a young maid in to help Cheng Jing change clothes.
Cheng Jing refused. “It’s getting late, and I still have early court tomorrow. I’ll just change clothes at Fourth Brother’s place.” Then thinking it over, he added, “I’ll also have the evening meal there.”
Madam Yuan frowned, feeling that Cheng Jing’s manner made her somewhat uneasy. She wanted to say something, but Cheng Jing had already brushed past the attending servants and left.
She could only suppress these thoughts in her heart, planning to discuss it carefully with Cheng Jing after he returned.
Cheng Jing hurried the sedan bearers all the way to Chaoyang Gate.
Cheng Chi had also just left the office.
However, his afternoon had been spent teaching the Crown Prince’s heir mathematics before returning.
Zhou Shaojin helped him change clothes.
The two spoke in low voices in the side room. “…The Crown Prince’s heir asked me today if I was familiar with the Fourth Prince. I told him about the interactions between our two families. The Crown Prince’s heir said nothing. I’m thinking that perhaps some words reached his ears.”
Zhou Shaojin listened with great worry. “Will the Crown Prince’s heir think you’re the Fourth Prince’s man?”
“Probably not,” Cheng Chi smiled. “The Crown Prince’s heir lives in the Eastern Palace, and he’s still young—he can’t go out casually. Why would he suddenly ask about the Fourth Prince? The person passing information to him behind the scenes would certainly also help him gather the intelligence he wants to know. There must be a reason the Crown Prince’s heir chose to ask me about the Fourth Prince. However, those of us who have dealings with the Fourth Prince are not few. If the Crown Prince’s heir learns of the Fourth Prince’s actions, he’ll certainly become guarded against him. It’s a good chance to observe the Crown Prince’s heir’s reaction.”
If he was worth betting on, then place a bet. If not, just stand aside and watch.
In any case, no matter what, Cheng Chi was determined not to let the Fourth Prince ascend the throne.
Zhou Shaojin cautioned him several times to be careful, and then Cheng Jing arrived.
The two brothers went together to pay respects to Old Madam Guo.
Yun Ge’er could already run. Hearing the announcement, before Old Madam Guo could speak, he had already pattered out, lifted the curtain, and said with a smile to Cheng Jing and Cheng Chi, “Come in quickly, come in quickly, it’s cold outside.”
When the children were small, Cheng Jing had been busy, and the Cheng sisters’ children were grandchildren from the maternal side, only seen during festivals. Cheng Xu had no children, so he lacked experience dealing with children. Seeing this, he couldn’t help but laugh aloud with a “pfft,” bent down to pick up Yun Ge’er in his arms, and said with a smile, “Our Yun Ge’er is truly filial!”
Yun Ge’er loved hearing others praise him and revealed a mouthful of small white teeth.
Cheng Chi, however, frowned.
The child had already begun learning to speak, walk, and mimic others’ behavior from those around him. Everyone around Old Madam Guo were servants attending to her, and Yun Ge’er had also learned from these servants to hold up curtains for people.
Originally planning to move the child out after he turned three, he hadn’t expected Yun Ge’er to be much cleverer than anticipated. It seemed he needed to bring the child to his side earlier.
Suppressing his displeasure, Cheng Chi walked in with a smile. After paying respects to Old Madam Guo, he sat down beside her.
Having received praise, Yun Ge’er was feeling pleased. When the maids served tea and refreshments, he insisted on serving tea to Cheng Jing.
Cheng Jing was overjoyed, and Old Madam Guo didn’t stop him. The maid attending closely to Yun Ge’er carefully supported his hands from the side, allowing Yun Ge’er to serve tea to Cheng Jing. Cheng Jing felt around in his clothes and gave Yun Ge’er a small seal he carried with him.
Old Madam Guo looked at her eldest son with a smiling nod and told Yun Ge’er to “quickly thank your eldest uncle.”
This small seal was one Cheng Jing had carved himself after passing the imperial examination that year. Though the carving was still somewhat immature, it had good fortune.
Yun Ge’er performed a salute to Cheng Jing with a clear voice and expressed thanks.
Cheng Jing laughed heartily and held Yun Ge’er on his lap, letting him play with the small seal. After inquiring about Old Madam Guo’s daily life, he spoke of New Year matters. “…What do you think—when should you move over? I’ll also request leave and come fetch you.”
Old Madam Guo didn’t want to go at all.
First, she was accustomed to living here—even small items, if moved over, couldn’t possibly be placed in their original locations and would be inconvenient. Second, Cheng Jing had truly guessed correctly—she couldn’t bear to part with Yun Ge’er. But if she brought Yun Ge’er along, his toys would fill an entire cart, and the child was still young—what if he became frightened of the unfamiliar environment?
Old Madam Guo’s expression showed some hesitation.
Zhou Shaojin brought in cut fruit and personally presented it to Old Madam Guo.
Watching her, Old Madam Guo made up her mind. “I think we needn’t go to such trouble. Jiashan and his wife are both away, and Madam Yuan is ill. You have official duties to attend to daily. If I were to go over, you’d probably be overwhelmed. It would be better if you all came here to celebrate the New Year with me. I’ll also speak with Qiu Shi and have them come over too. Everyone can have the New Year’s Eve dinner here, which will also spare your wife from laboring. All these years, she hasn’t had a moment’s rest. This year, let her rest properly.”
“How could that be appropriate?” Cheng Jing, thinking of himself as the eldest son, said urgently, “This is originally her duty…”
Listening, Cheng Chi felt something stir in his heart.
By rights, it should have been Cheng Jing and his wife coming together to fetch Old Madam Guo, yet now only Cheng Jing had come…
He sneered inwardly but maintained a gentle expression on his face, smiling as he said, “Elder Brother, this time just listen to Mother. Sister-in-law has worked hard all these years—this year let her rest. Next year we can go to your place to celebrate the New Year just the same. Speaking of which, Sister-in-law isn’t young anymore either. If Jiashan’s wife were in the capital, we wouldn’t say anything, but now with only Sister-in-law alone in the household, she must worry about everything inside and out. Young couples become companions in old age—you should feel some tenderness toward her too.”
Hearing this, Old Madam Guo spoke decisively. “This matter is settled then. Elder Son, don’t be stubborn—listen to me.”
Cheng Jing thought of Madam Yuan’s coldness before he left, and hearing his mother say this, anger immediately rose in his heart.
Even if Mother was in the wrong, she was still an elder. When Mother heard she was ill, she still showed pity and consideration for her, yet she didn’t think about how old Mother was, still lying ill at home…
His heart grew somewhat cold, and he hardened his resolve. “If that’s the case, and if Second Sister-in-law has no objections, we’ll celebrate the New Year at Fourth Brother’s place.”
Zhou Shaojin’s face lit up with joy.
She loved liveliness most of all, and she and Xie Shi could talk freely together. Having everyone come to celebrate the New Year at her place couldn’t be better.
Before Old Madam Guo could speak, Zhou Shaojin said joyfully, “Mother, then I’ll send someone to tell Second Sister-in-law. When the young mistresses return for their visit, they can also come here, right? I’ll reserve a theatrical troupe early so the young mistresses can enjoy themselves properly.”
That heartfelt joy was worlds apart from mere social courtesy. Cheng Jing was a Grand Secretary—how could he not see the difference?
He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.