The people in the flower hall exchanged glances with one another.

According to Chun Wan’s account, wouldn’t the matter in the cave have nothing to do with Zhou Shaojin at all?

Cheng Yi immediately became anxious.

They had finally caught this opportunity—how could they let Cheng Xu slip away right under their noses?

Unable to concern himself with anything else, Cheng Yi urgently asked Chun Wan, “Why was Ji Ying fighting with Cheng Xu?”

Following the words Nanny Shang had instructed her to say, Chun Wan replied, “Miss Jia had arranged to visit the newly married Madam Gao together with our Second Young Miss. Second Young Miss was worried Miss Jia would grow impatient waiting, so she wanted to take a shortcut through here. Who knew that the moment we stepped into the cave, we would discover Miss Ji Ying fighting with Young Master Xu… Young Miss tried to mediate several times but couldn’t stop them, and was nearly hit by Young Master Xu’s fist. I had no choice but to pull Second Young Miss behind me… Second Young Miss was just instructing me to go call for help when Madam Nuo arrived. Then came a burst of screaming that startled all the masters and young masters…”

This way, it had nothing to do with Zhou Shaojin at all!

The people from the fourth branch breathed a sigh of relief.

Cheng Yi, however, appeared somewhat uncomfortable.

He had been beaten by Ji Jian before.

Because he had lusted after her beauty.

Could it be that Cheng Xu had also…

Cheng Yi couldn’t help but purse his lips.

Yet a trace of shock flashed through Cheng Shi’s eyes.

Even now, he still hadn’t figured out how things had turned out this way.

But in his heart, he understood clearly—this time, Cheng Xu would probably have his case completely overturned. Taking Five Stone Powder or similar substances and then acting improperly toward a passing maid was one thing; acting improperly toward a relative’s ward staying in their home was quite another!

The former was merely confused judgment while mentally unclear; the latter was disgraceful debauchery and moral deficiency.

Before, he had only known that this Uncle Chi was formidable in business—he hadn’t expected his methods in handling affairs to be equally impressive.

He had underestimated him far too much before!

He quickly glanced at Cheng Chi, then lowered his head and stood there with hands hanging respectfully. He appeared as obedient as could be, as proper as could be.

It took Cheng Zheng quite a while to come to his senses.

No wonder Uncle Chi had offered such favorable terms earlier—without Uncle Chi’s approval, the second manager of the Thirteen Hongs wouldn’t have dared do business with him at all.

With such ability to manipulate situations at will, he was someone people wouldn’t dare offend casually wherever he went.

Had he known this, he should have planned more thoroughly.

However, he had arranged for people at the Four Delights Tower. If anything changed, he should know about it quickly. Yet he hadn’t known when Ji Ying had gone to the cave at all.

Cheng Zheng recalled what his grandfather had quietly told him before passing away, and his gaze couldn’t help but grow somber.

Before, he had truly underestimated this Uncle Chi.

After all, Ji Ying had beaten Cheng Yi before as well.

She was merely a little maid who served others—how could she dare be so bold? It was only because she was certain Uncle Chi would protect her.

So what Grandfather had worried about was true!

It appeared Cheng Chi had already gained control of that secret portion of the family property.

He immediately felt somewhat regretful.

Had he known this, he should have chosen to scheme against Cheng Xu when Cheng Chi wasn’t home.

But things had reached this point—now he could only think of ways to remedy the situation.

He wondered whether his smoothly “finding” evidence that Cheng Zheng had drugged Cheng Xu would be able to help Cheng Chi or not.

Cheng Zheng stood there with eyes observing his nose and nose observing his heart, looking even more honest and steady than Cheng Zheng, though his mind was racing rapidly.

Now was not the time to speak. The urgent matter was to figure out exactly what Cheng Chi intended to do.

Was he merely trying to restore Cheng Xu’s reputation? Or did he want to kill two birds with one stone and drag the second branch’s Cheng Shi down with him?

At the critical moment, he mustn’t misunderstand. That would be like flattering the wrong end of the horse.

For a moment, each harbored their own thoughts, and the flower hall fell completely silent without a sound.

Standing outside the door waiting, Ji Ying was utterly stunned.

How had things turned around at the last moment to become Cheng Xu taking liberties with her!

She had known it—whenever matters involved Cheng Chi, nothing good came of it. But to so blatantly reverse black and white like this… wasn’t this too shameless?

Ji Ying was so angry that veins bulged at her temples, and she lifted her foot to head toward the flower hall.

Who knew that just as she raised her foot, her body stiffened—Huai Shan had sealed her mute acupoint.

“Ji Ying,” Huai Shan said apologetically, “I’m sorry, but this is Fourth Master’s instruction. We are people of the jianghu, unconstrained by convention. But Second Young Miss Zhou is a delicate lady from a proper family. Being tainted by such matters might subject her to criticism for her entire life, so we can only trouble you for now. However, Fourth Master also said that once this matter is resolved, he’ll let you return to the Ji family. I thought about it and feel you’re not really at a loss—didn’t your great-grandfather say last time that he’s getting old, and though his children and grandchildren have all made something of themselves and are filial, the only thing he can’t rest easy about is you? If you don’t marry, the old man has no way to close his eyes. I think if you can return sooner, the old man will definitely be very happy.”

Bah!

Unable to speak, Ji Ying could only glare at Huai Shan with wide eyes.

Even so, they couldn’t make her take this blame!

Zhou Shaojin was a girl, but wasn’t she a girl too? Zhou Shaojin feared being criticized if tainted by such matters, but didn’t she fear criticism?

That bastard Cheng Zichuan was far too biased!

When she could move freely again, she would definitely stab Cheng Zichuan with one sword thrust!

Ji Ying was incensed.

Huai Shan could only smile apologetically at her side.

Then from the flower hall with its four doors thrown open came the sound of Cheng Lu clearing his throat lightly before saying, “Since that’s how it is, Cousin Chi, it’s not that I as your cousin am criticizing you, but you really should manage the people in your household properly. Last time it was Brother Yi, this time it’s Brother Xu—who knows who will be next? Being so lacking in proper hierarchy is ultimately not good. If those servant women follow such examples, won’t the household rules fall into complete chaos…”

Cheng Yi’s face burned hot, and he glared at Cheng Lu angrily.

If you’re talking about Cheng Xu, talk about Cheng Xu—why drag him into it?

That Ji Ying too—how could she be so lacking in judgment, even daring to hit Cheng Xu… He wondered if Uncle Chi would have her sold off.

She was such a proud person—if she were sold off, who knew what unfortunate things she might do?

He couldn’t help but worry secretly, and his gaze involuntarily drifted toward outside the flower hall.

Cheng Gao, who had been using the corner of his eye to watch Cheng Yi ever since Cheng Lu brought up Ji Ying, frowned at this and whispered to his brother, “You’re already an engaged man. If you do anything to let down your future wife, I’ll break your legs immediately. Our family is not the fifth branch.”

Cheng Yi’s face grew even hotter, and he hurriedly said, “What are you talking about? How am I that kind of person!”

With the elders mostly present, Cheng Gao couldn’t say much more and could only shoot Cheng Yi a threatening glance.

Cheng Mian’s face flushed completely red.

That bastard—he’d been beaten too lightly last time! It seemed he still needed a good lesson.

Having done nothing yet already being worried over by his father, Cheng Yi inexplicably felt somewhat cold.

Cheng Yi was furious.

If you can’t speak properly, then don’t speak—no one thinks you’re mute, Cheng Lu!

In this matter, your son Cheng Zheng was also involved!

It seemed that if he didn’t remind Cheng Lu a bit, he’d think the third branch was so clean!

Cheng Yi sneered inwardly.

Cheng Chi said, “Let’s first clarify Jiashan’s matter. Ji Ying’s situation will be handled step by step!”

Ji Ying trembled all over with rage.

Step by step!

If Cheng Zichuan dared to call her into the flower hall for questioning, she would deny everything and make Cheng Zichuan unable to save face.

Let’s see what Cheng Zichuan would do then!

Thinking this, Ji Ying felt much better.

But if that happened, Zhou Shaojin would probably be called in for questioning, wouldn’t she?

With Zhou Shaojin’s appearance of being so delicate she could be blown away by a breeze, wouldn’t she be scared half to death?

Ji Ying hesitated again.

Cheng Yi shot to his feet with a start.

Everyone in the flower hall looked toward him.

What did Cheng Zichuan mean by this? Raising the hammer high only to let it fall gently, wanting to push this entire matter onto a maid?

Not a chance.

He said indignantly, “Zichuan, you can’t say it like that…”

“Father!” Cheng Shi suddenly stepped forward several paces, interrupting Cheng Yi’s words. “This matter involves the first branch after all. You should let Uncle Chi resolve it himself. I trust Uncle Chi has his own judgment. If you act this way, Father, what can Uncle Chi say? Though the maid belongs to Uncle Chi, we still need to inform Madam Yuan about Jiashan’s side… Father, don’t make things difficult for Uncle Chi. Just let Uncle Chi handle this matter himself.”

This way, Cheng Xu would escape this disaster completely unharmed!

But his son definitely wouldn’t be stopping him without reason.

Cheng Lu opened and closed his mouth, finally saying somewhat sullenly, “Then I won’t interfere. So as not to make things awkward for you, Zichuan.”

Cheng Wen quickly stood up to smooth things over, laughing, “As long as it’s clarified, as long as it’s clarified.” Worried the drug matter might fall on his own head, he said warmly, “I wonder if Jiashan has woken up yet? Why don’t we go check on Jiashan? The child is also—too young, and at the height of his pride, inevitably has trouble controlling himself.” He chuckled, “But then, which of us didn’t go through the same thing? As long as he can change, that’s good…”

He rambled on by himself for quite a while without anyone responding.

Waiting in the adjacent side room, Wu Baozhang’s teeth were nearly ground to dust.

Zhou Shaojin had escaped just like that?

Fourth Master Chi truly protected her.

No wonder everyone in the Cheng family wanted to run to the first branch—people in the first branch were just different.

What should she do in the future?

Thinking of how Cheng Nuo would start snoring the moment he lay in bed, she felt utterly disgusted.

At this moment, Zhou Shaojin stood quietly at the door of the main hall in the Hanbi Mountain House, waiting for Zhenzhu to announce her.

Uncle Chi had summoned Ji Ying and Chun Wan for questioning—it must be to resolve her matter.

She wasn’t worried about that.

But she couldn’t fail to give Old Madam Guo an explanation.

Hearing that the little maid said Madam Yuan had left, she had come to request an audience.

The curtain was quickly lifted, and Biyu welcomed her in.

Old Madam Guo was sitting on the luohan bed drinking tea. Though her expression was blank, Zhou Shaojin still sensed her emotions were very low.

“If you’re coming, just come—why have a little maid announce you?” Old Madam Guo set down her teacup and smiled at her. “Cheng Xu was discourteous, and you were frightened, weren’t you? Why didn’t you go back to rest more? What matter brings you rushing over so urgently?”

Zhou Shaojin knelt gently before Old Madam Guo and said softly, “Old Madam, thank you and Uncle Chi for your teachings these past days. With New Year approaching, I would like to return to Baoding Prefecture to see my father and my newborn little sister.”

Old Madam Guo remained motionless for quite a while.

Though she had long known this would be the outcome, seeing Zhou Shaojin so sensible and well-behaved still made her heart ache somewhat.

Old Madam Guo stroked Zhou Shaojin’s head and let out a long sigh. “Going back is also good. Your father has always been thinking of you. Go stay for some days, and if you feel bored, come visit us again.”

She feared that once Zhou left, it would be difficult to see each other again!

But how could she have the face to ask Zhou Shaojin to stay?

Old Madam Guo’s gaze darkened.

A little maid announced, “Old Madam, Ma Fushan requests an audience!”