These two really couldn’t stand the sight of each other!
Zhou Shaojin secretly laughed to herself.
In her previous life, Gu Jiunie not only had a smooth official career but also rose to fame as a renowned capable official in the court. Becoming friends with such a person would make Cheng Chi’s career path smoother, wouldn’t it?
She gently nudged Cheng Chi, who had already closed his eyes to sleep, and said in a low voice: “Fourth Lang, I remember the Gu family doesn’t have a ready-made residence in the capital? Should we help them find a place? Setting aside the relationship between the Gu and Cheng families, even as fellow townsmen, since he told you he’s coming to the capital, we should at least ask about it.”
Cheng Chi smiled and opened his eyes, saying: “Steward Qin Ziji will handle this matter. You don’t need to worry about it.”
But Zhou Shaojin wanted to help Cheng Chi.
She said: “There must be some difference between me reaching out and Steward Qin reaching out, right? Miss Seventeen of the Gu family is still my sister-in-law by marriage, and I’ve met Sixth Madam Gu too. When she first arrives, there will surely be many inconveniences. I’d also like to have another place to visit.”
In any case, the relationship between the two families couldn’t be severed.
Zhou Shaojin truly didn’t have many friends she could talk to.
Cheng Chi smiled: “Then I’ll inform Steward Qin Ziji. When the time comes, we’ll go welcome the couple together.”
Zhou Shaojin nodded with a smile, hugged Cheng Chi’s arm, and went to sleep peacefully. Early the next morning, after seeing Cheng Chi off and feeding Yun Ge’er breakfast, she was preparing to pay her respects to Old Madam Guo and then visit Nan Ping when, unexpectedly, Ji Ying arrived.
Perfect timing. She left the child with Old Madam Guo and discussed the matter of Nan Ping and Qin Zi’an with Ji Ying: “…I’ll go take a look. If it doesn’t work out, you can pass a message to Qin Ziping to inform the family. Qin Zi’an isn’t young anymore—don’t let this delay him.”
Though Steward Qin didn’t say it aloud, he must be quite anxious in his heart.
Ji Ying breathed a sigh of relief and said: “I was just worried you’d drag me along… I really can’t talk to her. I don’t know what she’s thinking!”
Zhou Shaojin smiled with pursed lips: “This is a private matter—how could I drag you into it?”
Ji Ying nodded repeatedly and said: “Then I’ll go keep Yun Ge’er company while you handle your business. The weather is lovely today—I’ll take him swimming again this afternoon.”
The Cheng family’s lake was beautiful, with several large trees along the shore extending over the water’s surface. The green shade covered everything overhead—perfect for learning to swim underneath.
Zhou Shaojin thanked her and went to Nan Ping’s quarters.
Nan Ping had started eating vegetarian food these past few years, so a small kitchen had been set up separately for her in the courtyard.
Seeing Zhou Shaojin arrive, she smiled and brewed a pot of Laojun Eyebrow tea for her. Zhou Shaojin noticed she was wearing a smoke-gray vest over a moon-white plain fine cotton inner robe, looking as plain as a lay Buddhist at home. For a moment, she didn’t know how to begin.
Nan Ping thought she had come about the autumn clothing for the household and smiled: “I’m keeping an eye on this for you. Don’t worry! There won’t be any mistakes.” Then she brought out several exquisitely made small garments and handed them to Zhou Shaojin. “I made these for Young Master Yun. See if they’re suitable? Is there anything that needs to be altered? If they meet your approval, I’ll start making winter jackets, cloaks, and mantles for Young Master Yun.”
Zhou Shaojin thought for a moment, then told Nan Ping about Steward Qin’s letter and how Qin Zi’an had come to ask Cheng Chi for help.
Nan Ping smiled bitterly and said to Zhou Shaojin: “If the person I was betrothed to wasn’t Zining, I would have married after three to five years.”
Zhou Shaojin still wanted to persuade her: “Perhaps after you step out, you’ll discover that being outside is actually quite comfortable.”
Nan Ping understood her meaning and said: “If I’m thinking of Zining, then I even more shouldn’t marry into their family.”
Zhou Shaojin knew this matter would only disappoint Qin Zi’an.
“I understand,” she respected Nan Ping’s choice and smiled, “Then from now on, I’ll entrust all the needlework matters to you.” Having said this, she stood up.
Nan Ping rose respectfully and said: “Rest assured, I’ll keep watch over it.”
Zhou Shaojin left the sewing room with a hidden sigh.
She ran into Ji Ying coming toward her.
Ji Ying was teaching Yun Ge’er to jump rope in the pavilion along Zhou Shaojin’s route.
Seeing Zhou Shaojin, she immediately walked over and asked quietly: “What did Nan Ping say?”
“I’m afraid this matter won’t work out.” Zhou Shaojin recounted what had happened.
Ji Ying also sighed: “This must be fate without destiny. I’ll go back and tell Ziping, have him make a trip to the Western Hills Camp. As for Grandfather’s side, you can help write a letter.” She added, “If there’s anyone suitable, help Qin Zi’an arrange a match. He’s not young anymore either.”
Zhou Shaojin nodded.
Yun Ge’er was unhappy.
He felt that both the pretty auntie and gentle mother had abandoned him to play by themselves.
He grabbed the jump rope and ran over, squeezing between Ji Ying and Zhou Shaojin, calling out to Zhou Shaojin for “hugs.”
Zhou Shaojin laughingly picked up her son.
Yun Ge’er stuffed the jump rope into Ji Ying’s hands, sweetly calling “Auntie” and saying “play.”
Ji Ying laughed helplessly and said to Zhou Shaojin: “He must take after Cheng Zichuan in this—so domineering.”
Zhou Shaojin barely restrained herself from covering her face.
Whenever Ji Ying thought Yun Ge’er had some fault, she would definitely say it was Cheng Zichuan’s doing.
Everyone played happily all afternoon. Yun Ge’er could already kick a few times in the water. According to Ji Ying, in at most three to five more days, Yun Ge’er would be able to swim by himself.
“So fast!” Zhou Shaojin was very surprised and asked hesitantly: “Could I learn it too?”
“As long as you have the will, it’s never too late.” Ji Ying encouraged her. “After I’ve taught Yun Ge’er, I’ll teach you. I’m afraid I can’t manage if you both go in the water together. Yun Ge’er is too active.”
That was true.
Zhou Shaojin smiled and couldn’t help but be tempted.
That evening, seeing Cheng Chi contentedly put away the test papers prepared for the Crown Prince, she carried over a tea cup, placed it by Cheng Chi’s hand with a smile, and asked gently: “All finished?”
“Yes!” Cheng Chi smiled and took a sip from the tea cup. “You came in twice just now. I wanted to call you, but you left. Did you have something to tell me?”