Zhou Zhen first listened with a furrowed brow, but when Zhou Shaojin spoke of how Cheng Chi had pushed Ji Ying forward, his brow smoothed and he laughed, saying, “That strategy of removing the firewood from under the pot was well used!”
Zhou Shaojin couldn’t help but smile with curved eyes, saying, “Uncle Chi always has many ideas.”
Zhou Zhen sighed, “To merely manage household affairs at home is truly a waste of his talents.”
For a moment, Zhou Shaojin didn’t know what to say.
Fortunately, Zhou Zhen only sighed for a while before shifting the topic back to the matter of the mountain cave: “So when you came, they still hadn’t discovered who administered the drug?”
Zhou Shaojin defended Cheng Chi, saying, “How could such a matter be so easily investigated? At the time, everyone was only focused on pursuing the matter of Ji Ying striking Cheng Jiashan. By the time they came to their senses, whoever administered the drug had probably long since destroyed all evidence and cleaned up thoroughly. Moreover, it involves the second branch, and the second branch has Old Madam there—how could it be properly investigated?”
Zhou Zhen couldn’t help but look at Zhou Shaojin again, smiling, “You child are quite broad-minded, remaining unhurried even when matters concern yourself directly.”
Zhou Shaojin felt guilty and quickly said, “Though Cheng Jiashan harbors ill intentions toward me, Old Madam Guo and Uncle Chi treat me well. I cannot transfer my anger to the entire first branch, to all of Jiuru Lane, just because of Cheng Jiashan alone. Each person should bear responsibility for their own actions. If I’m to hate anyone, it should be Cheng Jiashan.”
Zhou Zhen’s eyes lit up as he listened, saying, “Our Shaojin has finally grown up.”
Zhou Shaojin’s face flushed red.
Zhou Zhen laughed heartily and said, “Since you’ve come to Baoding Prefecture, let your stepmother take you around to see everything and have a good time.”
After the new year, he would find Shaojin a good match, and then he would have nothing left to worry about.
Zhou Zhen said to Zhou Shaojin, “There’s no need to mention this matter to your stepmother, lest she think too much about it.”
And lest she feel that Shaojin had done something wrong or slighted her.
This wasn’t anything good after all!
Zhou Shaojin nodded, smiling, “Father, rest assured, I understand.”
Zhou Zhen naturally trusted Zhou Shaojin and asked about Zhou Chujin’s situation.
Zhou Shaojin answered everything.
Learning that Zhou Chujin was doing well in the Liao family, Zhou Zhen’s expression finally truly relaxed, and his demeanor became even gentler.
Father and daughter lingered in the study for nearly an hour until Zhou Shaojin’s stomach rumbled audibly from hunger. Only then did Zhou Zhen come to his senses and quickly called for a maid to serve the meal.
Li Shi personally helped them arrange their chopsticks.
Zhou Shaojin immediately stood up, saying, “Madam, please sit with us!”
Li Shi was about to decline when Zhou Zhen already smiled at her and said, “Sit together! There’s no need for such formality within the family. Shaojin will be staying here for some time.”
Only then did Li Shi sit down, saying, “I don’t know what Second Miss likes to eat. I asked Nanny Fan—some ingredients the kitchen has, some it doesn’t. Second Miss, please make do for now. I’ll slowly acquire the rest.”
Zhou Shaojin smiled, “Madam can just call me Shaojin. I’m quite accustomed to northern cuisine. My favorites are lamb spine soup and cabbage dumplings. I also love eating noodles.”
These were all very common northern dishes that the kitchen could prepare at any time.
“Oh my!” Li Shi said with pleasant surprise, “Why didn’t Second Miss say so earlier? I’ll have someone prepare them right away.”
“No need, no need.” Zhou Shaojin held Li Shi back, saying, “I see Madam had them make pork rib and yam soup today—I love that too. Whatever Madam wants to make, we can discuss tomorrow.”
“Very well.” Li Shi thought for a moment and smiled, “There’s plenty of time ahead. Since Second Miss enjoys both southern and northern flavors, we can vary the dishes each day—not limited to just a day or two.”
Zhou Zhen harbored no suspicions.
Old Madam Guo had lived in the capital for over ten years, and Cheng Chi had grown up in the capital from childhood. It was natural that Zhou Shaojin’s diet would have changed accordingly while living in the first branch.
He smiled faintly and said, “Let’s eat!”
Zhou Shaojin nodded sweetly and said no more.
Li Shi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Her kindness toward Zhou Shaojin had indeed made the master very happy.
Looking at the beautiful, gentle, and compliant Zhou Shaojin, she felt very pleased as well.
It was fortunate that it was her who came to live here. If it had been Zhou Chujin, she would probably be tormented daily.
Having lived two lifetimes, Zhou Shaojin had never sat in a carriage for such a long journey and had no real appetite. But seeing the full table of dishes Li Shi had prepared, she still forced herself to eat a few more bites, though she felt somewhat melancholy.
Unless Uncle Chi traveled by land, opportunities to pass through Baoding Prefecture would be extremely rare. And whenever Uncle Chi traveled by land, it was always urgent business. Even if he came to visit them, it could only be a hurried visit with no possibility of staying for a few days.
Coming to Baoding meant her connection with Uncle Chi was severed!
What would have happened if she had shamelessly stayed in Jiuru Lane as in her previous life?
The thought flashed through her mind, and Zhou Shaojin immediately suppressed it deep in her heart.
How could she be so spineless? She had said she wouldn’t think of Uncle Chi anymore—she must follow through. Going back on her word, how would she be any different from her previous life!
Zhou Shaojin secretly resolved that no matter what, she could never return to Jinling.
The three ate their evening meal peacefully and went to the rest chamber to drink tea.
The wet nurse brought over Zhou Youjin, who was only ten months old.
She clutched Li Shi’s sleeve while sneaking glances at Zhou Shaojin—utterly adorable.
Zhou Shaojin held her, and at first she kept looking at Li Shi and her wet nurse, but later began playing with Zhou Shaojin’s jewelry.
Li Shi quickly tapped her hand: “You mustn’t mess up Elder Sister’s hair.”
Zhou Shaojin quickly said, “It’s fine, it’s fine. Let her play.” Then she gave her the kingfisher-feather phoenix-tail auspicious-cloud hairpin from her head to play with.