Hearing Fan Liushi mention returning to Baoding Prefecture, Zhou Shaojin stopped crying and sat up.

Seeing this, Fan Liushi’s heart leaped with joy. She had just called out “Second Young Miss” when she abruptly stopped.

Zhou Shaojin wiped away her tears and sat there properly, her expression grave. Though her features remained as gentle as before, there was now a resolute composure between her brows—like someone who had made a solemn vow and would wade through whatever difficulties and dangers lay ahead without hesitation.

This Zhou Shaojin suddenly reminded Fan Liushi of Madam Zhuang.

When Madam Zhuang was alive, she would often sit in the small accounting room giving instructions to the household servants.

Back then, Fan Liushi had never questioned whether Madam Zhuang’s words were right or wrong. She only thought this woman was truly steady—whatever matter came into her hands became effortless and was arranged perfectly and properly. She only needed to follow instructions. Even if something went wrong, the tall Madam Zhuang would handle it.

In just a few sentences’ time, Zhou Shaojin had transformed.

She suddenly bore a faint resemblance to Madam Zhuang.

For a moment, Fan Liushi’s expression became dazed.

Zhou Shaojin said nothing, but called out loudly for Xiao Tan to come in and attend to her face-washing.

Instead, Fan Liushi’s heart grew uneasy. She said in a low voice: “Second Young Miss, what I said…”

Zhou Shaojin laughed and said: “You absolutely mustn’t say such things again. If someone overheard, there would be trouble. I’m young and a junior—others would only think Fourth Master had ulterior motives… If Fourth Master gets saddled with such a reputation, he’ll never be able to hold his head up again!”

In her previous life, she had suffered such pain.

In this life, how could she bear to let Cheng Chi suffer what she had suffered?

Unable to control one’s emotions… If someone didn’t even care about their own reputation anymore, what right did she have to question whether they valued her appearance or her person?

So what if they valued her appearance?

For the first time in her life, Zhou Shaojin felt such peace of mind.

She continued advising Fan Liushi: “No matter what thoughts Uncle Chi may have, you cannot turn a blind eye to how good he’s been to us. If not for Uncle Chi, how could I have escaped from Cheng Xu’s clutches? For that alone, I’ll be grateful to him for the rest of my life. Didn’t you just say so yourself? I’ll come of age at year’s end, time to marry. Uncle Chi is merely a relative by marriage to our family. I can only call him ‘Uncle’ because of my sister. I’m with Father now—can he really control my marriage prospects? Don’t worry about this matter. I have my own sense of propriety.”

Fan Liushi couldn’t deny how good Cheng Chi had been to them.

His own blood nephew had been dealt with so harshly by Zhou Shaojin, yet he said nothing and personally went to apologize to the master.

She trusted her own eyes.

Before they went to Baoding Prefecture, Fourth Master absolutely had no improper thoughts toward Second Young Miss.

Otherwise, Old Madam Guo would definitely have known.

She thought of the scene she had just witnessed.

Skin like fresh snow, a face delicate as a flower, a slender waist, a pert bottom. Viewed from behind, like a jade-carved pipa… These changes had only occurred this year. Even she herself marveled at the sight.

Fourth Master was also a man!

Perhaps he was just momentarily bewitched…

Fan Liushi thought.

No matter what, he had to consider his reputation, didn’t he?

Moreover, he belonged to the main branch of Jiuru Lane. If she really made a fuss, only the main branch would be punished. If he became truly resentful, even the master would likely suffer.

As long as she kept a closer watch on Second Young Miss from now on, would Fourth Master really dare force himself on her?

Having made up her mind, Fan Liushi felt slightly reassured and said to Zhou Shaojin: “Second Young Miss, rest assured. I won’t speak carelessly.”

Zhou Shaojin nodded and smiled: “You’re my wet nurse. I know you do everything for my sake. Before, I was still young and matters didn’t concern me directly. Now it’s different—we’ve moved into Elm Coin Lane, almost like establishing our own household. We need to be more careful about some things. If Madam found out, it would only make us a laughingstock. If Sister found out, she would only worry secretly. As for Father, we can’t have him ruin his own prospects over my affairs, can we?”

Fan Liushi nodded repeatedly, feeling somewhat guilty.

Seeing her relax, Zhou Shaojin continued to caution her: “Who hasn’t had an awkward moment? If Uncle Chi can act as if nothing happened, we shouldn’t create unnecessary complications. You’ve lived in Jiuru Lane—in great households, if people questioned everything to the last detail, how could anyone carry on? If word of such matters got out, would I gain any honor from it?”

“I understand.” Fan Liushi said hurriedly. “Second Young Miss, rest assured. I know what to do now.”

Zhou Shaojin nodded with a smile, and the gentle softness returned to her features.

Fan Liushi watched in secret amazement.

Xiao Tan had already brought in a young maid to help Zhou Shaojin with her hair.

Zhou Shaojin sat before the mirror examining her pretty face and discussing with Xiao Tan: “…Just do a simple bun? Won’t that be too plain? Should we do a different style?”

Unmarried young ladies had very few hairstyle options!

Xiao Tan asked curiously: “Is Second Young Miss going out today? What hairstyle would you like? Second Young Miss has a small face—if you don’t want a simple bun, then let’s do a double-bun style. Perfect for wearing that pair of ginkgo leaf pearl hairpins the eldest young madam gave you the other day.”

Why did they always want her to wear double buns?

By year’s end she’d come of age—she’d be a grown young lady!

Zhou Shaojin huffed inwardly and said: “Can’t I do a double-ring style or double-spiral style?”

They were all hairstyles for young girls anyway.

Xiao Tan smiled: “So what hairstyle do you actually want?”

Zhou Shaojin deflated: “Then let’s just do the double buns.”

This hairstyle suited her best after all.

Xiao Tan smiled with pursed lips, styled her hair, and pinned on the pair of ginkgo pearl hairpins Zhou Chujin had given her.

Zhou Shaojin selected a plain lotus-pink vest, a pink twelve-panel skirt embroidered with auspicious flower patterns, dabbed on some rose water, and only then called Ji Xiang in to ask: “Go see if Fourth Master is awake yet?”

Earlier while she was bathing, Chun Wan had Ji Xiang inform her that Cheng Chi already knew she had awakened and had gone to his room to sleep.

Ji Xiang responded and left.

Zhou Shaojin looked at herself repeatedly in the mirror, selected a pair of delicate gold bracelets carved with peony flowers from her jewelry box and put them on. Only then did she feel properly dressed. She took a gauze fan painted with orchid grass and went to the kitchen.

The kitchen had rich stock.

Zhou Shaojin instructed them to make winter melon soup.

The kitchen quickly became busy.

Shortly after, Ji Xiang returned to report: “Fourth Master has gotten out of bed.”

He’d only slept such a short while!

Zhou Shaojin asked: “Did Fourth Master say he was going to do anything?”

Ji Xiang shook her head with a bitter face.

How would an insignificant little maid like her dare ask about Fourth Master’s whereabouts!

Zhou Shaojin grew anxious.

If Uncle Chi had business and went out soon, wouldn’t she be too late if she went—her heart felt as if it had hoisted a sail, restless and eager. She just wanted to see Uncle Chi once.

Just one glance would be enough.

She fanned herself in the kitchen.

Outside, the sun blazed brightly.

If Uncle Chi didn’t go out… how wonderful it would be if they could have lunch together!

Fortunately, the winter melon soup didn’t take very long.

She carried the winter melon soup to Cheng Chi’s quarters.

When Cheng Chi saw Zhou Shaojin begin to perspire that morning, he knew she was out of danger.

Not wanting to remain in the inner chamber when the awakened Zhou Shaojin might become wary, he had left early.

But after returning, though he clearly knew she was fine, his heart still felt as if something was missing, leaving him uneasy.

This was like an old house catching fire!

Previously, when he had decided to marry her off properly, he could still suppress his feelings somewhat. Now that he’d decided to keep her by his side, he was becoming increasingly greedy—all sorts of thoughts running wild like horses escaped from their reins.

When Chun Wan came to report, he forced himself to sleep for a while. He only woke up close to noon.

Upon waking, his thoughts were still on that little girl.

Had she gotten better?

If he went to see her, would she be both delighted and anxious?

He hoped she would be happy, but not troubled or filled with uncertainty because of him…

Years of habit still had Cheng Chi rise from bed after sleeping only briefly.

He was just preparing to eat when Zhou Shaojin burst in.

Her little face was flushed pink, her eyes sparkled like polished gems, brilliant and shining. Happiness overflowed from the depths of her heart.

Cheng Chi smiled: “What has you so happy?”

Zhou Shaojin looked at him and smiled, gazing at him sideways with playful willfulness: “I’m not telling you!”

Cheng Chi smiled gently: “Have you eaten? Would you like to join me for a little something?”

“Yes! Yes!” The little girl said this and sat down across from him without ceremony, beckoning to her maid: “Just put it on the kang table.”

Only then did Cheng Chi notice that the little maid’s tray held a stewing pot.

He smiled: “What’s this?”

“Winter melon soup,” Zhou Shaojin smiled. “It reduces internal heat.”

Ji Xiang placed the tray on the tea table trembling with trepidation, then quickly retreated.

Cheng Chi felt displeased.

Shaojin’s maids were too senseless.

They couldn’t even handle such a small matter properly.

He glanced at the stewing pot and smiled: “For me?”

Zhou Shaojin nodded with a beaming smile: “You took care of me all night yesterday. I had the kitchen make some winter melon soup—light and nourishing, perfect for someone who stayed up all night.”

The little girl knew how to care for people now!

Cheng Chi smiled as he lifted the lid.

Zhou Shaojin pointed at the winter melon with its skin still on: “I read in some book that winter melon with the skin on has better nourishing effects. But I’ve tried it—the skin really doesn’t taste good. Just drink the broth.”

Cheng Chi smiled and ruffled her hair, obligingly drinking only the broth.

Zhou Shaojin smiled cheerfully as she handed him a handkerchief to wipe his hands: “It was so rushed today. Fortunately, the kitchen had rich stock simmering, so the winter melon soup was at least passable. Next time I’ll make you winter melon, barley, and spare rib soup. Barley removes dampness—if you soak it overnight and stew it until it’s soft, it’s delicious.”

When she said this, her chin lifted slightly with a simple, beautiful joy.

As if even this could make her happy.

Cheng Chi loved seeing her this happy.

It was a carefree happiness, the happiness of being cherished.

He wanted to make her always this happy.

Cheng Chi continued the conversation with her, smiling: “I didn’t know you could cook!”

Zhou Shaojin said proudly: “Of course!”

Cheng Chi smiled: “Can I request a dish then?”

Zhou Shaojin’s face immediately lit up: “What do you like to eat? I’ll make it for you!”

Cheng Chi said: “Could you make water chestnut cake?”

Something she loved to eat most—she was sure to make it well.

Zhou Shaojin seemed quite surprised: “You like eating that too?”

“It’s nice to eat when the weather is hot.”

“Yes, yes!” Zhou Shaojin immediately said excitedly, as if she’d found a kindred spirit: “If you chill it in the well first, it’s even better…”

Cheng Chi gazed at her quietly, listening with a smile as she chattered on. His mood was peaceful and content, yet he also found it curious—Shaojin seemed to have changed a little!