Zhou Chujin smiled: “That’s only natural. He is our uncle after all.”
The implication was that he was their maternal family.
In her previous life, because of herself, her sister had cut off contact with the Cheng family and would discuss everything with her brother-in-law… Now, with her well and healthy, when her sister had matters to attend to, she would rather discuss them with Uncle Chi than with her brother-in-law…
Zhou Shaojin broke out in a cold sweat.
Sister and brother-in-law must not become estranged because of this reason!
She said: “But sister should also discuss this matter with brother-in-law. I think brother-in-law isn’t the type of person who would only feel implicated when something happens to his wife’s family and complain about his wife. Between husband and wife, they should also treat each other honestly. Otherwise, having to hide and conceal everything they say or do—how uncomfortable would that be!”
Zhou Chujin burst out laughing upon hearing this, tapping Zhou Shaojin’s forehead: “Such a young child—what do you know? Teaching me about the way of husband and wife…” As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with charm, looking very alluring. “However, what you say is right. Your brother-in-law’s family has a heap of messy affairs. Ever since his father’s borrowing money incident, he hasn’t dared to look me straight in the eye. He must feel terrible inside. If our family also has some embarrassing matters, your brother-in-law wouldn’t be so restrained.”
“Exactly, exactly.” Zhou Shaojin smiled broadly and nodded repeatedly, like a little chick pecking at grain.
Zhou Chujin watched with amusement and began chatting about family matters with Zhou Shaojin: “…Your brother-in-law’s intention was to have you stay in the west wing room. But we southern people always feel that facing south and backing north are the best rooms, so we arranged for you to stay in the back screen room instead. We specifically partitioned off these three rooms on the east side to make a small courtyard. It’s a pity that sister and brother-in-law’s finances aren’t abundant, otherwise we could add another floor to this back screen room and set up an embroidery tower for you.”
Zhou Shaojin hurriedly said: “This is already very good. Sister is about to give birth soon. Don’t exhaust yourself so much. When I have a niece, then you can add another floor to this back screen room.”
Zhou Chujin’s face reddened slightly as she said: “Your brother-in-law says it would be best if this child is a girl.”
A girl would be meticulous, obedient, and would be mother’s little cotton-padded jacket. If sons were added later, she could help her mother care for her younger brothers.
Zhou Shaojin smiled with pursed lips.
Zhou Chujin continued: “Madam needs to take care of me, so she’s been settled in the east wing room. If anything happens, she can hear with just a call. The inner residence staff are all people we brought from the south. They’re unfamiliar with the place, so they can stay peacefully in the residence. You’ve already met the gatekeeper—the Yang family. They’re capital natives who know every place. If you want to go out, have her accompany you.” Then she took out a purse and handed it to her, saying: “Inside are twenty taels of silver pieces. Keep it for pocket money. If it’s not enough, come ask sister for more.”
Zhou Shaojin accepted it without ceremony.
Zhou Chujin then stood up with a smile and said: “It’s getting late. Rest for a while, and later we’ll have dinner together in the hall. As for Uncle Chi’s side, we’ll find time to go thank the old gentleman together.”
Old gentleman?
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but laugh thinking of Cheng Chi’s appearance. She saw her sister out.
Fan Liushi was talking with Mama Yang in the corridor: “…Almost every household in this alley has elm trees, so the alley names all contain the character ‘elm.’ Look at that alley to the east—it’s called Twin Elm Alley. Further on is Elm Money Alley. Our Locust Tree Alley is the real original.”
Zhou Shaojin’s heart leaped with joy.
She was just worrying about not knowing how to get to Uncle Chi’s residence!
When Fan Liushi and Mama Yang heard the movement, they immediately stopped their conversation, turned around, and curtsied to the Zhou sisters. Mama Yang eagerly stepped forward to support Zhou Chujin, saying: “You see, this is still my first day meeting Madam and Second Miss. I was thinking I should come over to get to know everyone, so that in the future when the nannies and young ladies have any orders, I won’t mistake anyone!”
Zhou Chujin smiled: “You’re thoughtful. Serve well, and I won’t treat those around me poorly. Just ask the people around me and you’ll know.”
“Look at what First Madam says—you’re too kind.” Mama Yang hurriedly expressed her loyalty. “The moment I saw First Madam, I knew she was a kind person. When I heard I could serve in First Madam’s household, I was so happy I didn’t sleep all night…”
Zhou Chujin laughingly interrupted her: “All right, all right. Stop being so glib. Whether you’re good or not, I’ll be watching!”
Mama Yang went through another round of solemn vows and oaths, making even Fan Liushi laugh.
Zhou Shaojin thought for a moment and decided to go check on Li Shi.
Zhou Chujin didn’t understand.
Zhou Shaojin smiled: “No matter what, we are still daughters. Being polite and courteous to each other makes life more pleasant.”
Zhou Chujin neither agreed nor disagreed, but she didn’t stop Zhou Shaojin either.
Zhou Shaojin smiled gracefully and pulled Zhou Chujin to go to the main courtyard together.
Zhou Youjin was accompanied by her wet nurse, fast asleep on the heated platform, her little face rosy and red, extremely adorable. Li Shi was directing the maids and servants in arranging the room. Occasionally when a maid or servant moved too heavily, Li Shi would frown and say “lighter, be careful not to wake Third Miss.”
Zhou Shaojin smiled at Zhou Chujin.
Zhou Chujin pinched Zhou Shaojin and walked in with her sister, smiling: “Madam, if there’s anything to do, just have people around you do it. Such a long journey, and having to care for us three sisters—you must be very tired. You should rest instead. Be careful not to exhaust yourself!”
Li Shi was very surprised. Her eyes immediately reddened as she smiled: “Look at what First Young Madam says. I’m not some paper person—these small tasks won’t tire me out. It’s First Young Madam who needs to be more careful. I can tell that when this little young master is born, he’ll definitely be blessed. Following First Young Madam and First Young Master on such a long journey, yet never crying or fussing—he’s a good child.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Chujin couldn’t help but touch her belly. A soft glow appeared on her face, and her voice lowered a bit: “I accept Madam’s auspicious words.”
Zhou Shaojin smiled with narrowed eyes.
This was so good!
Everyone living together warmly, discussing matters with each other, helping each other out.
She returned to her room and began preparing clothes to go to Elm Money Alley.
But before she could visit, Cheng Chi came to visit them first.
Liao Shaotang didn’t dare be negligent and invited Cheng Chi to sit in the hall.
Cheng Chi asked about the household situation, and knowing everyone was settled, said: “I need to go away for a few days. I won’t return until after the third day of the third month. If you have any matters, just tell my steward. I won’t be home these days.”
Liao Shaotang respectfully replied “Yes.”
Cheng Chi stood up to take his leave.
Liao Shaotang returned to the back courtyard and said to the Zhou sisters with puzzlement: “Why would Uncle Chi specifically come here to tell me he’s going away? Even if I had matters, I would only seek help from Second Grand Master. How would I go seeking Uncle Chi?” He asked curiously: “Tell me, why doesn’t Uncle Chi live in the Cheng family’s old residence in Apricot Forest Alley, or in Shao Grand Master’s Twin Elm Alley? Instead, he spends a fortune to buy a residence not far from Shao Grand Master to live in alone… Shao Grand Master is living all alone in Twin Elm Alley. Such a large residence—Uncle Chi could go keep him company… Even if you have money, you don’t need to squander it like this!”
Uncle Chi said those words for me to hear, right?
I wonder where he’s going?
I should find time to send someone over to ask.
Zhou Shaojin pondered in her heart.
Zhou Chujin asked: “Are the residences around here very expensive?”
“The residences on our side aren’t expensive.” Liao Shaotang said. “Mostly they belong to some old local residents. The residences in Twin Elm Alley and Elm Money Alley are expensive. Mostly they belong to officials and gentry who came from the south.”
Zhou Chujin looked thoughtful and privately asked Zhou Shaojin: “Does Uncle Chi have some rift with the family?”
Zhou Shaojin didn’t want anyone to criticize Cheng Chi, so she smiled: “Probably he finds it troublesome to live with elders and brothers. Uncle Chi has always been accustomed to freedom.”
Zhou Chujin felt Zhou Shaojin’s words made sense. The next day she sent a calling card to Twin Elm Alley to pay respects to Cheng Xun.
Cheng Xun had accompanied the Emperor to stay briefly at West Garden. They said he would return in a few days, and also told them that Cheng Jing had gone along too.
Zhou Shaojin was very resistant to Apricot Forest Alley and breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
Zhou Chujin then had Liao Shaotang take Li Shi and the Zhou Shaojin and Zhou Youjin sisters to visit Great State Minister Temple on his rest day: “My pregnancy is too advanced for me to go, but Madam and my sisters have finally come to the capital—they should get out and about.”
Li Shi smiled: “After you safely give birth to your precious son, it won’t be too late for us to go then.”
Zhou Shaojin also said: “The weather is so cold. It would be better to go after some time.”
Liao Shaotang was worried about his wife and child, and Li Shi and Zhou Shaojin’s words were exactly what he wanted. He also tried to persuade Zhou Chujin.
Zhou Chujin smiled mockingly and said to Liao Shaotang: “You just don’t want to go out, do you?”
Liao Shaotang only smiled without speaking.
After a few days, a letter came from Grand Madam Liao at the Zhenjiang old residence. She said the debt matter was completely fabricated and they needn’t worry. If Grand Master Liao ever needed silver for anything in the future, they should ignore it entirely and just tell her—she would deal with Grand Master Liao herself. Then she told them not to associate too closely with the Liao family’s old residence, that they should frequently visit the capital relatives of Grand Madam Liao’s maiden family, the Fang clan. Finally, she asked how Liao Shaotang’s “Records of the Capital” was progressing, whether a midwife had been found, and asked them to convey her thanks to Li Shi for coming from Baoding Prefecture to care for Zhou Chujin. Only then did Zhou Chujin’s heart settle down. Thinking that by the time she was in confinement the weather would gradually warm up and she wouldn’t have time to worry about Zhou Shaojin, she consulted with Li Shi and called a tailor to the house to make clothes.
Four sets each for Zhou Shaojin, Zhou Youjin, and Li Shi.
Li Shi hadn’t expected to have any for herself. Somewhat moved, she went back to speak privately with Nanny Li: “Only now do I truly feel I’ve married into the Zhou family.”
Nanny Li was also happy for Li Shi and had her write a letter home to tell her parents: “So that Madam and Master won’t keep worrying.”
Li Shi nodded with a smile.
The household suddenly became as lively as during New Year’s.
Neighbors also came one after another to visit Zhou Chujin.
Zhou Chujin had the kitchen make some pastries as return gifts.
That day, the two sisters and Li Shi were tasting new pastries the kitchen had made when Mama Yang rushed in, sweating profusely, somewhat flustered yet unable to hide her joy: “First Madam, a mama from Minister Song’s household—that’s the Song Grand Secretary who manages the Ministry of Finance—has submitted a calling card, saying that Madam Song wishes to visit you the day after tomorrow. What should we do about this?”
Zhou Chujin was astonished: “How does Madam Song know we’ve come to the capital?”
Zhou Shaojin, however, thought of that mischievous Song Sen.