About ten days before New Year’s Day, General Wan and the four Cheng sons along with their massive baggage train finally arrived at the capital. The two families divided up, with the Cheng family taking back seventy or eighty large carts of “luggage.” Shaoshang suddenly understood: no wonder four sons with their subordinate troops were needed to escort them.

According to Eldest Brother Cheng Yong, as soon as the great filial son Wan saw the capital gates, his tiger eyes filled with tears and he shouted loudly “Mother, I’m here!” Without even greeting anyone, he flew like the wind driving his carriage toward the new home. As the responsible Cheng family eldest son, Cheng Yong had no choice but to first escort the Wan family’s baggage over, then return home.

“Apologies for making Grand Mother wait so long.” Eldest Brother Cheng had a calm demeanor, square face and broad forehead, closely resembling Cheng Shi. His age was approaching eighteen.

“Not tired, not tired! Not tired at all!” Mother Cheng was so happy she spoke incoherently.

According to Second Brother Cheng Song, they were already the last batch of military officers returning to the capital to report on their duties. Originally some people were displeased and wanted to say a few words, but as soon as General Wan heard the rumor, he went to their door and, in front of them, hugged his leg crying in pain “Oh my leg, my leg, my leg, my leg! My poor suffering leg, my leg…” His voice was deep and resonant, carrying three miles through the camp – Cheng Song’s imitation was vivid and lifelike, making everyone roar with laughter. Even Madam Xiao couldn’t help smiling, not to mention Mother Cheng who laughed showing both rows of back molars.

“Is General Wan’s leg really injured that severely?” Second Uncle Cheng Cheng asked doubtfully.

“The leg tendons are injured. Walking, playing kickball, or slowly riding a horse are all fine. Galloping swiftly on horseback is impossible.” In battle formations, high-speed horseback riding requires gripping the horse’s belly tightly with both legs.

Cheng Cheng grasped the key point: “Can play kickball but can’t gallop on horseback?” Cheng Shi glared at his second son. Madam Xiao smiled bitterly and shook her head.

Cheng Song knew he had misspoken and quickly tried to remedy it with a serious tone: “It’s just for fun, moving about slowly. However…” He suddenly lowered his voice, speaking to Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao: “Just now Uncle Wan’s emotions surged for a moment and he was about to mount a horse. So many soldiers and officers at the city gate were all watching – fortunately I quickly shouted for the Wan family’s carriage to come over.”

Cheng Shi grunted in acknowledgment and said to Madam Xiao: “Later we’ll go speak with Old Madam about it.” Madam Xiao slowly nodded.

On the other side, preschool-age Little Friend Cheng Zhu slapped his small palm very imposingly on the table, dissatisfied and clamoring: “Second Brother really! I was still in that cart! He grabbed me and pulled me down from the cart, tossing me backward. If Third Brother hadn’t caught me and I’d fallen to the ground, several teeth would’ve been knocked out. How could I be eating now?!”

Cheng Song pointed at him, laughing: “You mean if I hadn’t tossed you, you wouldn’t lose teeth?! Were those two teeth on your left side knocked out by me tossing you?!” Little Cheng Zhu, who was in his tooth-changing period, immediately covered his mouth. His angry chubby face turned bright red, wishing he could use the ivory chopsticks in his hand as hidden weapons to throw over and poke four holes in him with dual knives!

Everyone burst into laughter. Even Second Uncle Cheng doubled over laughing at the table. Mother Cheng laughed so hard she dropped her chopsticks, pulling Little Friend Cheng Zhu into her embrace. Among Cheng Shi’s many children, only he was born outside. From the moment he was born, Mother Cheng had never seen him, so upon meeting she kissed and hugged him calling him her heart and liver meat, and even wanted him sitting at her side during meals.

Actually, Cheng Ou had been at her side since childhood and should have had better affection, but Ge Shi had difficulty bearing a son and protected her young child like he was under a glass cover. If others fed him a mouthful of food, there would be great alarm. If he went outside for a bit of fresh air, there would be wailing and crying for ages. This raised Cheng Ou to be both arrogant and petty. Mother Cheng truly disliked him – how could he compare to Cheng Zhu who was so tiger-headed and tiger-brained, easygoing and lively?

So Mother Cheng secretly justified herself: not arguing with Madam Xiao wasn’t because she feared her eldest son, but rather for the sake of these grandchildren. After all, her skill at raising children was still quite good.

– This spacious main hall had no use whether for the Wan family or the previous Cheng family. Today everyone’s laughter was hearty, words and laughter flew freely, finally having somewhat the air of a prosperous family. On the hall walls hung beast-fat thick candles over a foot long, flames burning high. After three rounds at the banquet, aside from Little Cheng Ou who went to sleep early, everyone had tables placed before them that were a size larger than usual, with wine and dishes much more abundant than ordinary days.

Cheng Shaoshang lowered her head to examine – the black lacquered wooden table was directly crafted with straight upturned-edge lines, only at the table’s border painted in deep vermilion with exaggerated, bizarre beast patterns. Suddenly sensing a gaze sweeping over her, she raised her head looking to the right, only to see a fair and refined young man secretly sizing her up.

“Shaogong, why aren’t you speaking today?” Madam Xiao looked over with a smile. Cheng Shaogong spoke in a familiar tone: “Mother, I’m looking at Little Sister. We’re twins – how come Shaoshang doesn’t resemble me at all?”

The smile at the corners of Madam Xiao’s lips became somewhat stiff. Cheng Song quickly interjected: “Just now seeing Niaoniao gave quite a shock – she’s better looking than all of us brothers combined. Now after so many years apart, as elder brother I’ve brought you lots of delicious and fun things…”

Cheng Shaoshang noticed Madam Xiao’s discomfort, secretly scoffed, and sat up properly saying: “Recently Mother has been instructing Shaoshang daily to read more books and practice calligraphy, play and frolic less. I’m afraid I won’t be able to use what Elder Brothers brought.”

Who knew Cheng Yong would smile: “Don’t listen to your Second Brother – he only thinks about playing and fooling around. I brought you many excellent calligraphy samples and ink. Among them is a pine-scented ink stick…” Cheng Shaogong quickly interrupted, smiling: “This ink stick is a good thing. It was gifted when Eldest Brother took on a master that year. He’s treasured it for many years – on ordinary days he won’t even let me touch it.” Cheng Zhu quickly undermined him: “Third Brother, that’s touching? If Eldest Brother hadn’t guarded it closely, you would’ve just made off with it!”

Second Uncle Cheng had just taken a sip of wine and nearly sprayed it out. Amid everyone’s roaring laughter, Cheng Shaogong said resentfully: “Young brat with a yellow mouth, where’s your conscience! If I’d known today would come, I wouldn’t have caught you – should’ve let you fall face-first eating mud!” He turned again: “…Shaoshang, don’t listen to Ah Zhu. If I’d taken it, it would’ve been to save for you!”

Although the four brothers had different temperaments, the gazes they directed at her all held expectation and closeness. Cheng Shaoshang’s heart softened. She put away her joking manner, happily and joyfully thanked them in a gentle voice, then playfully said: “Actually, I’ve loved playing and frolicking since childhood. I only hope in future the elder brothers won’t mind if I stir up trouble.”

The girl’s appearance was very beautiful, combined with her sincere tone and clear eyes. When she said this, it had double the effect. Sure enough, from Cheng Shi above to Little Friend Cheng Zhu below, all smiled with hearts full of delight, feeling this little sister (Elder Sister) was beautiful like a white jade doll, so tiny and small, even her speaking voice sounded better than others’ (great misunderstanding).

Little Friend Cheng Zhu even considerately added a sentence: “Elder Sister, rest assured, no matter how much trouble you stir up, it won’t compare to mine. If you don’t believe me, ask Father.” Mother Cheng at his side really wanted to say ‘Dear grandson, you’ve misjudged that calamity,’ but the three brothers Yong, Song, and Shaogong had already nodded in unison. Cheng Shaogong even seemed quite resentful, saying in a delicate voice: “Father is the same – every time he punishes Ah Zhu, he makes the three of us share the punishment. After finishing the beating, he instructs us to be harmonious as brothers! We all wish we could strangle Ah Zhu – how can we be harmonious?!”

Madam Xiao couldn’t hold back anymore and laughed directly onto Cheng Shi who had nearly sprayed wine. Mother Cheng laughed until tears came out, hugging Cheng Zhu until she could barely catch her breath. The remaining several people were all immensely amused, each laughing while leaning forward and backward.

Cheng Shaoshang was laughing when she suddenly felt movement at her skirt’s edge. Looking down, she saw a plate full of candied fruit being gently nudged across the floor to her knee. Turning her head, she saw her own twin brother smiling at her.

It turned out Cheng Shaogong, taking advantage of everyone’s laughter, had pushed that plate over from under his wide sleeve. Cheng Shaoshang looked back at her own now-empty candied fruit plate, knowing Cheng Shaogong had seen she loved eating them and specially saved them for her. She picked up a large piece of candied fruit and tossed it into her mouth, puffing out her cheeks, smiling at Cheng Shaogong with curved eyebrows and bright crystalline pupils. Cheng Shaogong’s eyes blossomed with flowers, immediately feeling his little sister was indeed a hundred times better than his little brothers.

This series of movements went unseen by others, but Cheng Yang sitting opposite saw it clearly. She couldn’t help feeling envious admiration. Her spirit wandering in thought, she recalled the Ge family’s male cousins who had doted on and cherished her like this since childhood. Yet Cheng Shaoshang was only tasting this flavor today – this gave rise to pitying feelings toward her…

Cheng Yong was observant. Glimpsing Cheng Yang’s distracted appearance, he quickly suppressed his laughter saying: “Almost forgot… Yang, we didn’t know you’d already returned, so we weren’t prepared. We did receive the handmade shoes, socks, and congratulatory note. We brothers are quite ashamed. Later we’ll prepare fine things to send to you.”

Cheng Yang quickly returned to her senses, repeatedly waving her hands, clumsily saying: “It’s no matter, no matter at all. Just a small token of regard – Elder Brothers needn’t take it to heart.” Seeing this situation, Madam Xiao was satisfied in her heart.

After several more rounds of wine, Second Uncle Cheng, who had poor alcohol tolerance, was the first to collapse at his table. Madam Xiao then urged everyone to conclude the feast: “Can’t get drunk today – in a few days when Third Brother arrives, we’ll hold another grand family feast.” Hearing her beloved youngest son would arrive, Mother Cheng reluctantly put down her wine cup and, supported by Nanny Hu, returned to her room to rest. Cheng Yang quickly directed maidservants to carry and lift her father away.

Afterward, Madam Xiao helped the slightly tipsy Cheng Shi leave the banquet through the side corridor. Cheng Shaoshang should have followed along the side corridor, but suddenly feeling a certain object in her sleeve, her heart stirred. She turned to seek out her several elder brothers. She saw that because Mother Cheng had fed him some wine, Cheng Zhu was swaying east and west, unable to stand steady. Madam Qing Cong, touching the small boy’s burning hot cheeks, angrily called for people to bring sobering soup to each room. Cheng Yong skillfully scooped up his young brother in his arms, then called his two brothers to return to their respective quarters.

“Elder Brothers, please wait a moment.”

Cheng Shaoshang hurried forward a few steps, pulling from her sleeve a string of insects woven with hemp thread – there were small grasshoppers, small mantises, and small bats… The weaving wasn’t very refined, clearly the work of a beginner. Shaoshang stuffed it into the sleeping Cheng Zhu’s embrace, putting on a bashful expression she hadn’t shown since getting into key high school in her past life, saying: “I don’t know many characters and can’t do needlework embroidery either. I just learned this in the countryside recently. Later when I’ve achieved some mastery, I’ll make more for Elder Brothers.”

Hearing these words, Cheng Song and Cheng Shaogong felt both heartache and pain. For a moment they busily said “no need, no need,” “take your time, no rush,” “what formality between siblings,” and “don’t tire yourself out, your health is most important,” etc…

Though Cheng Yong didn’t speak, looking at the little sister who was nearly two heads shorter than him, her form still like a young girl’s, he prematurely developed an old-father feeling. He silently freed one hand to pat Shaoshang’s small round hair bun on her head, then smiled and bid farewell.

Shaoshang also bowed in salutation to take leave. The sweet smile on her face maintained all the way until she reached her own quarters without fading. Lian Fang removed her hairpins while smiling: “Young Lady is so happy today.”

Shaoshang smiled: “Having met several Elder Brothers, how could I not be happy?” She turned to glance at A’Zhu who was using a charcoal pot to warm her bed quilts, adding: “Foster Mother, the Elder Brothers all treat me very well.” A’Zhu straightened her waist, smiling slightly: “Indeed.”

She’d smiled for too long, so when Shaoshang sat at the bedside she felt her cheeks aching terribly. Rubbing her face, she wished she could let Vice President Baoyu, who never thought much of her acting, come see – what it meant to smile while carrying sorrow, what it meant to transform three parts fragility into five parts unspoken grievance. Vice President Baoyu always felt she could be the female lead only because President Xianyu was bewitched (actually she herself had thought so at first, secretly pleased for a while that with her meager looks she could still take the beauty-advancement route). Now it seemed she just hadn’t unleashed her potential yet.

Her efforts truly weren’t wasted. Before she’d even finished her sobering soup, the gifts promised by several Elder Brothers were carried over that very night – boxes half the height of a person, three or four of them. Opening them revealed truly dazzling colors, all varieties present – several pairs of lustrous, flawless jade discs, seven or eight boxes of incomplete sets but very precious hairpins, rings, pendants and bracelets (straight men don’t understand matching jewelry sets), over ten bolts of exquisite soft brocade, various writing brushes, ink, and calligraphy samples in precious sandalwood boxes, plus many children’s toys – tops, board games, marble games, slingshots… incredibly there were even various gambling implements.

The small servant boy who came along also said: “There are still large items all tied to the big carts. Once unpacked, they’ll be sent over.”

Hearing this, A’Zhu rarely showed a smile, leading people over to organize and box things.

Shaoshang held a gold silk jade stone pendant in her hand examining it closely. The jade stone’s color was semi-transparent, glittering brilliantly under candlelight, reflecting against half her face with an unclear expression, not knowing what she was thinking.

Lian Fang knelt on the floor removing Shaoshang’s thick socks preparing to wash her feet, carefully raising her head to steal a glance above.

Whenever the Young Lady showed this expression, she always felt a sense of respectful fear. Before coming here, whether from Madam Qing Cong or hearing from others’ words, the implication was always that the Cheng family’s Fourth Daughter feared the strong while bullying the weak, outwardly domineering but actually having no firm opinions.

But after these days, Lian Fang felt not a single one of these rumors was true – first of all, why did no one mention the Young Lady’s jade-snow beauty, all uniformly spreading word of her bad temper? Just now when looking up, Lian Fang felt the jade pendant’s quality didn’t compare to the Young Lady’s complexion.

Shaoshang looked at that jade pendant for a long while, the corners of her mouth showing a peculiar smile – both sweet and lovely, yet seemingly mocking. Lian Fang carefully smiled gently: “I wonder what Young Lady is smiling about.”

Shaoshang smiled innocently: “I was born into a good womb.” Childishly tossing the jade pendant and gold chain high into the air.

“Loving parents, doting elder brothers, harmonious family.” Shaoshang smiled happily, both hands joining together to steadily catch the jade pendant falling from the air – did she not know Madam Xiao’s opinion of her? Though she didn’t know the reason why.

She had known since childhood that those who already had prejudices against her truly weren’t worth selling one’s strength to please – laborious with little achievement.

Saving that effort, holding in that breath, she got into key high school, got into a prestigious university. Then no one in the entire town nagged or looked askance anymore. Instead they had to say wasteful talk like “I always knew this child was different.” However, being able to let the once-disgraced Uncle Yu the town mayor hold his head high, while simultaneously becoming a nightmare for those children whose parents constantly nagged “she doesn’t even have parents, how did she test better than you” – those who had looked coldly at her – she was still quite happy about that.

The current problem was: how should girls in this world strive? Can’t advance through examinations. Should she go into commerce? She didn’t know if her callous old father had inherited her any profiteering merchant talent. Or learn from the Qiu family’s eldest daughter to become a countryside boss, fighting her way to glory? When there’s opportunity, she’d have to thoroughly investigate.