Cheng Chi laughed heartily, caressing Zhou Shaojin’s flower-like face as he said, “How could I ever leave you behind!”
Zhou Shaojin breathed a sigh of relief.
Then there was nothing to worry about.
The two went to see off Old Madam Guo.
Old Madam Guo had a lilac-colored cut silk cloak with gray squirrel fur placed beside her. As if preparing for a long journey, she held Zhou Shaojin’s hand and instructed Cheng Chi: “Though socializing with colleagues is important, if you lose your composure from drinking, the losses will outweigh the gains. You should visit the several Grand Secretaries regularly. Don’t forget to send gifts to your mentor and fellow examination graduates either. Come over early on New Year’s Eve to keep your second uncle company and talk with him. On the second day of the new year, the sons-in-law from the Gu family, Yuan family, and Peng family will all come over. You should come too to help entertain the guests…”
Cheng Chi respectfully nodded in agreement.
A young maid reported through the curtain: “Old Madam, Second Master, Madam, and Second Madam have arrived.”
This time it was Cheng Wei who came to fetch Old Madam Guo.
Cheng Chi and Zhou Shaojin went out to welcome them.
The brothers had their reunion, and the three sisters-in-law politely exchanged greetings. Everyone then proceeded to the main hall of Tingxiang Courtyard.
After paying respects to Old Madam Guo and learning they had all eaten breakfast, Old Madam Guo stood up decisively and said, “Then let’s go!”
Cheng Chi and the others surrounded Old Madam Guo as they left. Yuan Shi helped Old Madam Guo into the carriage. Qiu Shi took the opportunity to give Zhou Shaojin a meaningful look and whispered, “Come with us!”
Zhou Shaojin was slightly startled.
Cheng Chi knew she had reservations and had already prepared an excuse to tell Old Madam Guo – that today he would escort Old Madam Guo there while she stayed home. But she also knew that Qiu Shi had always been kind to her, so if she said such things, there must be a reason.
After thinking for a moment, she nodded slightly. She quickly walked to Cheng Chi’s side and quietly told him about this.
Cheng Chi immediately said, “Then you should go. We’ll see Mother to the door.”
This way, wouldn’t Cheng Chi only be able to see Old Madam Guo to the door as well?
Old Madam Guo would surely be unhappy about this!
Thinking of this, Zhou Shaojin took a deep breath and said, “It’s fine. I’ll keep Mother company for a chat and then return with you.”
Since she was going, it probably wouldn’t be just a matter of chatting before she could leave. At the very least, she would have to stay for lunch.
Cheng Chi voiced his concern.
Zhou Shaojin suddenly felt something wasn’t right about her attitude.
It was Yuan Shi who had wronged her. Why should she be the one avoiding, and even dragging Cheng Chi into hiding with her?
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help straightening her back and said, “Silang, then let’s stay for lunch. The private dishes from Jiuru Lane are very delicious. Unfortunately, I never got to taste them many times back then. Since Xinglín Alley is the old estate of Jiuru Lane in the capital and frequented by official families, surely the kitchen there can also make the private dishes from Jiuru Lane. We can learn a few of our favorites to take back and serve to guests.”
Cheng Chi studied Zhou Shaojin’s expression. Though her manner was gentle, her eyes showed a certain resilience. Thinking of her quiet tenacity, he smiled and said softly, “Then we’ll follow Madam’s instructions and have lunch at Xinglín Alley!”
Some things Shaojin couldn’t avoid forever.
Facing them directly was the best way to forget.
Old Madam Guo and Yuan Shi rode in one carriage, while Cheng Chi personally helped Zhou Shaojin into Qiu Shi’s carriage.
Qiu Shi smiled slightly and had the accompanying servant lower the curtain.
Zhou Shaojin said, “Second Sister-in-law, thank you for reminding me.”
Seeing that she could follow her advice without hesitation, Qiu Shi was very pleased and felt even more affection for Zhou Shaojin. She said quietly, “These past few days, Elder Sister-in-law has been telling everyone that Mother is returning to Xinglín Alley today. I’m afraid when neighbors come to visit Mother, if you’re the only daughter-in-law absent among the several, others will notice and remember. First impressions are formed this way.” She added, “Don’t think I’m being too talkative – you’re even younger than Asheng!”
The implication being that at her age, she could have raised Zhou Shaojin herself.
Zhou Shaojin was grateful for Qiu Shi’s guidance. She hugged Qiu Shi’s arm and said, “I’m young and don’t understand anything. If I do something wrong, Second Sister-in-law, just tell me. If I hadn’t married Fourth Master by coincidence, I would be calling Asheng ‘cousin,’ wouldn’t I?”
Qiu Shi laughed softly, patted Zhou Shaojin’s hand, and accepted her explanation.
Zhou Shaojin then asked about Qiu Shi’s move: “Have you set a date? When the time comes, we should bring some firecrackers over to congratulate Second Uncle and Second Sister-in-law!”
Even though they would be living separately, visiting each other warmly was the proper upbringing and affection of a family that passed down scholarly traditions.
How could Qiu Shi refuse?
“It’s set for the twenty-second of the first month,” Qiu Shi said with a soft laugh. “Originally I thought it wouldn’t be good to move during the first month. But Jiashan’s wedding is set for the tenth of the second month. I was afraid everyone would be too busy then and wouldn’t have time when I invited them over, so I set the date for the twenty-second of the first month. This way we can vacate the rooms early so Elder Sister-in-law can arrange the guest rooms.”
Zhou Shaojin nodded, and the two chatted about household matters all the way.
When they arrived at Xinglín Alley and got out of the carriage, neighbors indeed came forward to greet them.
“Old Madam has returned!”
“Old Madam, are you here to spend the New Year? I heard your eldest grandson’s wedding is set for February. Are you staying to attend his wedding before going to your younger son’s home?”
“Old Madam, do you still recognize me? I’m from the Li family next door.”
Some people also looked toward Zhou Shaojin.
Qiu Shi introduced Zhou Shaojin to them: “This is my newly married younger sister-in-law. She specially came to escort Mother here.”
“She’s truly beautiful!” someone came forward to chat with Qiu Shi.
Old Madam Guo smiled and exchanged pleasantries with everyone.
One could tell that the surrounding residents were mostly ordinary common folk, yet the neighborly warmth was strong. They spoke with goodwill, and the Cheng family had good relations with their neighbors.
In her previous life, Zhou Shaojin had never been to Xinglín Alley.
She had thought it would be like Chaoyang Gate, where the residents were either noble or wealthy, surrounded by aristocratic ladies who never left their homes, living next door to each other yet seeing each other only twice a year.