Cheng Yumo and Cheng Min had both returned to their parents' home. Coincidentally, Cheng Yuanjing had also returned today. It was rare for the Cheng Family to gather so many people, and it was even livelier than New Year's Eve. Old Lady Cheng was very happy to see the house full of people. Everyone had a lively reunion dinner.
After eating and drinking to their heart's content, the warmth and sleepiness made everyone feel lazy. Old Lady Cheng went to sleep in the inner room. Xu Nianchun was also sent to sleep by Cheng Min. Cheng Min placed Xu Nianchun in the jade screen cabinet and personally closed the door for her daughter. Only then did she walk out quietly.
There were a few people sitting in the main room. Now that there were no elders or children to disturb them, they were relaxed and chatted more. Second Master Xu, Cheng Yuanhan, and Huo Changyuan sat in the main hall and talked about the matters of the imperial court. Cheng Yumo was pulled by the Nguyễn Clan to sit on the kang bed in the secondary room and talked about the trivial matters of the past few days.
Cheng Min walked around the five main rooms and found that there were many people missing. Cheng Yumo saw that Cheng Min was walking around as if she was looking for someone. He asked, "Auntie, are you looking for Second Older Brother?"
Cheng Min shook her head and sat on the kang bed as well. She said, "That's not it. He's already an adult. What's there to worry about? I'm looking for Yujin. She came back when it was time to eat. I went to the jade screen cabinet to lay out the bedding for Nianchun. I wasn't paying attention for a while and she disappeared again. "
Cheng Yumo's smile faded. He said, "So Auntie is looking for Da Jiejie. Just now, Ninth Uncle came back. Jiejie must be with the Ninth Uncle right now."
"Oh, really?" Cheng Min hesitated. "When did Sister Jin become so familiar with the Ninth Masters?"
The maid who followed her said, "Madam, you may not know this, but this year, First Miss and the Ninth Masters hit it off very well. When the Old Master was still alive, he asked First Miss to embroider a calligraphy of the Ninth Masters. Madam, you should know that it is the one sent to the palace."
Cheng Min nodded. "I know."
"That's right. For this embroidery, First Young Lady learned calligraphy from the Ninth Masters for a month or two. After the screen was embroidered, First Young Lady often went to the Ninth Masters' courtyard to borrow books and ask about calligraphy. He must be here now."
Cheng Min exclaimed. She only returned to her maternal home a few times a year, so she didn't know much about the Marquis of Yichun's recent situation. In the past, Cheng Yujin was always by the Old Lady Cheng's side. She didn't see her this time, so she knew that Cheng Yujin and Cheng Yuanjing had become close.
Cheng Yumo thought of something and raised his hand to cover his mouth with a handkerchief. He said casually, "Not only that, when we were talking today, we suddenly couldn't find Da Jiejie. It was the Ninth Uncle who went out to look for her. Ever since the Ninth Uncle came back, Da Jiejie rarely stayed with other people. She basically only followed the Ninth Uncle. They always go in and out together. I rarely go back to my maternal home, but I haven't talked to Da Jiejie in a long time. Maybe it's because the Ninth Uncle is very knowledgeable, so Da Jiejie doesn't want to pay attention to us. "
The Nguyễn Clan agreed. "That's right. Even when everyone is gossiping, the two of them sit alone outside and never gather with others. Those who don't know better would think that the two of them are one. "
Cheng Min glanced at Cheng Yumo. Cheng Yumo's eyes were lowered, and there was no visible change in his expression on his fair and delicate face. Cheng Min didn't say anything in the end. She smiled and said, "When children grow up, they will always have their own ideas. Besides, Da Jiejie has matured early since she was young. Nian Chun is still like a naughty monkey. She already knows how to help Da Jiejie manage the house. If we let her and Nian Chun sit together, I don't think they have anything in common to talk about. The things we talk about aren't suitable for a girl like her to listen to. If it weren't for the Ninth Masters, I'm afraid she wouldn't even have someone to talk to. Fortunately, the Ninth Masters came back. The Ninth Masters is close to her age, but he has more experience than her. I'm afraid the two of them will have something to talk about. I'm old and can't keep up with the preferences of young people. I might as well let them talk among themselves. "
Cheng Yumo's expression was flat. The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. He smiled stiffly and said, "Aunt is right. I didn't pay attention to Da Jiejie's situation. "
Cheng Min smiled amiably and said some nice things to change the topic. Cheng Yumo and the Nguyễn Clan talked about the Huo family. Cheng Min sighed deeply in her heart when she saw that her once innocent and delicate niece kept talking about the Huo family.
The children were all growing up. Cheng Yumo, who used to timidly hide behind the adults, also knew how to beat around the bush and criticize his sister. Cheng Min sighed. She wasn't saying that Cheng Yumo's approach was wrong. It was just that she didn't feel good about it.
The two of them were twins. One was adopted, and the other stayed with the Nguyễn Clan. For various reasons, people would always compare them when they talked about them. For the first 15 years, Cheng Yujin occupied everyone's attention with her absolute advantage. Cheng Min pitied Cheng Yujin because she was adopted. She couldn't help but favor her more. Moreover, Cheng Yujin did indeed do well.
Cheng Min originally thought that the twins' growth was very ideal. The older sister was quiet and dignified, and the younger sister was innocent and lively. They also loved each other and didn't fight openly or covertly like other families.
However, the truth gave Cheng Min a painful blow. She thought that the sisters looked out for each other was just her imagination. The fate of the twins diverged at the age of 14. In the end, it could be said that Cheng Yumo married into a rich family. On the other hand, Cheng Yujin, who everyone had high hopes for, broke off the engagement. She couldn't find a good husband for a long time. Cheng Yumo married into the Huo family for only four months. She secretly gave pointers to her eldest sister, trying to gain a sense of superiority from her sister. She stole the family's recognition for her sister.
It was common for children to compete for the family's resources and attention. However, Cheng Min felt a little complicated when these things happened in her own family. This was only four months ago. In the future, when Cheng Yumo gained a firm foothold in the Huo family and gave birth to her eldest son, Cheng Yujin couldn't find a good husband because she broke off the engagement. In fact, she didn't even get engaged. The gap between the two sisters would grow bigger and bigger.
Cheng Min sighed indescribably. She couldn't bear to let Cheng Yujin face these things. However, when she thought of the devil incarnate in her own family, she still didn't say anything.
Xu Zhixian didn't know what was wrong with him. Some time ago, he was in a daze. As his mother, Cheng Min could roughly guess what was going on in his son's mind. She had originally thought that there would be a turning point in the marriage that she had previously put down. In the end, not long after, Xu Zhixian went out for a trip. When he returned home, his face was gloomy. When Cheng Min mentioned Cheng Yujin again, Xu Zhixian only shook his head and said nothing.
Cheng Min could see that Xu Zhixian really refused this time. However, no matter how she asked, Xu Zhixian refused to tell her the reason. Cheng Min could only sigh. There was nothing she could do to persuade him.
Her children had all grown up.
Cheng Min sighed in her heart. Suddenly, she heard Cheng Yumo call her. Cheng Min came back to her senses. She saw Cheng Yumo wearing a beautiful embroidered dress. She looked like a common young mistress in the capital. She smiled nobly and elegantly. "Gu Gu, what are you thinking about? You're so engrossed. I called you several times, but you didn't respond."
When Cheng Min saw Cheng Yumo's expression, the inexplicable sense of loss in her heart became heavier. However, she was still the Second Madam of the Duke Fu. She adjusted her expression in an instant. She smiled and said, "I was thinking about your Second Cousin, that devil incarnate. I didn't notice what was happening outside. Mo'er, what did you say just now? "
Cheng Yumo pursed her lips. A delicate little dimple appeared on her cheeks. "Niangqin and I were talking about the Lantern Festival Lantern Festival. The capital doesn't have a curfew for the three days of the Lantern Festival. Marquis rarely had a day off, so he said he wanted to take me to the streets. But Marquis Jingyong doesn't have many people. Mother-in-law was too lazy to go out, so I went to see the lanterns alone. It's boring to have fewer people, so I thought, why don't I go with Gu Gu? There are many young masters and young ladies in the Duke House of Chang. After I married into the Huo family, I realized how lively it is to have many young people. Marquis also likes the Duke House of Chang. So let's go together. Gu Gu, what do you think? "
Cheng Min was surprised at first. Then, she was overjoyed. Huo Changyuan was now very popular. The Duke House of Chang had been neither rising nor falling these years. It was all because of the Imperial Concubines in the palace. The Duke House of Chang also wanted to establish a relationship with Marquis Jingyong, but they couldn't find the right time. To have this opportunity, the Xu family couldn't ask for more.
Of course, Cheng Min agreed. Cheng Yumo was her niece. If Cheng Min brought this to Old Madam Xu, it would undoubtedly give Cheng Min a lot of face.
Cheng Min vaguely sensed that Cheng Yumo did it deliberately. After all, Cheng Min had always preferred the proper and sensible Cheng Yujin. This kind of thing couldn't be concealed. Cheng Yumo said this now to compete with Cheng Yujin. She wanted to tell Cheng Min that she had been wrong all these years.
Cheng Min really hoped that she was wrong. She wanted to measure the heart of a gentleman with her own yardstick and misunderstand Cheng Yumo. But who let facts be stronger than people? Cheng Yumo's status was rising. It was an indisputable fact that a wife's status depended on her husband.
Cheng Min had to lower her head to her second niece. She looked at the Nguyễn Clan and asked, "Of course we're happy to be able to watch the lanterns with the Marquis Household. However, Mo 'er, it's rare for you to see Second Sister-in-law. Won't you go with her? "
The Nguyễn Clan sighed and said, "I originally thought so too. But mother said earlier that she has her own plans for the lantern festival. She told us not to casually agree. Mo 'er is now a member of the Huo family. I can't go against mother's wishes. I can only ask Great Aunt to take care of Mo' er. "
Cheng Min naturally agreed. Speaking of the Lantern Festival, the women's interest was piqued. They started to talk about it. Not only Cheng Min and Cheng Yumo's wives, but all the women in the capital, whether unmarried or married, noble ladies or commoners, were looking forward to the Lantern Festival.
There was no curfew for the three days of the Lantern Festival. The Emperor and the commoners celebrated together. Everyone went to the streets to watch the lanterns. The usually strict rules between men and women were loosened at this moment. There were no curtains or barriers. The young ladies and gentlemen walked in groups of three to five. When they met on the road, their eyebrows moved and they were all smiling.
In other words, the Lantern Festival was Valentine's Day.
On the thirteenth day, the maidservants in the courtyard started to become restless. On the fifteenth day, the maidservants all changed into new clothes. They were very happy and lively. The Dugeaux and Lian Qiao worked hard to dress Cheng Yujin up like a fairy. Today was a rare day of the year when there were no restrictions. Their eldest daughter had to amaze everyone and capture the heart of the future son-in-law. It would be best if they could get married as soon as spring came.
Cheng Yujin, on the other hand, was not very enthusiastic. She had been secretly worrying about the Duke House of Cai for the past few days. Cheng Yuanjing said that he would take care of this matter. After that, there was no more movement. Cheng Yujin was very anxious. She really wanted to know what Cheng Yuanjing's so-called solution was.
Amidst the bustle, the sky slowly darkened. Marquis of Yichun had an early dinner. After that, Princess Qingfu and the Nguyễn Clan took their maidservants and juniors to go outside to watch the lanterns.
Although they were juniors, Cheng Yujin was the only unmarried woman left in the Cheng Family. When Cheng Yujin thought about how Princess Qingfu and the Nguyễn Clan would be staring at her, she felt that there was nothing left to live for.
However, that was not all. After she got off the carriage, she saw Princess Qingfu looking left and right. She then excitedly waved at a certain direction.
Cheng Yujin saw the symbol on the carriage and her face became cold.
It was the Duke House of Cai again. Needless to say, this was Old Lady Cheng's handiwork.
In reality, the second madam of the Zhai family had already seen the carriage of the Marquis of Yichun's fu, but she turned her face away and pretended not to see it. Now that Princess Qingfu directly waved at her, the second madam of the Zhai family could no longer avoid it. She could only brace herself and walk forward.
"Eldest Madame Cheng, Second Madame Cheng, what a coincidence to meet you here. There were too many people just now, so I didn't see you. "
Princess Qingfu did not think much of Madame Zhai's words and warmly went forward to greet them. When the Nguyễn Clan saw the Duke House of Cai, her eyes lit up and she immediately went forward to greet them.
Only Cheng Yujin remained standing in the same spot, coldly looking at the group of people in front of her.
Although Second Madam Zhai said that she was happy, she kept sighing in her heart. She casually raised her eyes and happened to see Cheng Yujin standing not too far away. Under the lights of the city, she was quietly staring at her.
Madame Zhai's heart suddenly jumped. She then remembered her mother-in-law's instructions before she left and became even more worried.
When she found out that her mother-in-law had taken a fancy to Marquis of Yichun's eldest daughter and wanted to marry her as her eldest brother-in-law's second wife, Madame Zhai was extremely unwilling. However, her mother-in-law and eldest brother-in-law were in charge of the Duke House of Cai. What right did Madame Zhai, as a sister-in-law, have to object? She could only put on a long face and listen to her mother-in-law and eldest brother-in-law discuss the marriage.
It was just a second wife, but listening to their arrangements, it was even grander than the first wife's! Madame Zhai was very angry. When she thought about how she would have to hand over the right to manage the household once the new Duke's wife married into the family, her heart ached even more. Madame Zhai privately asked around about Miss Cheng's reputation. When many of the madams mentioned her, they unanimously praised her. All of their comments were that she was generous, decent, smart, and capable.
When Madame Zhai heard this, her heart felt even more vexed.
Madame Zhai originally thought that having a little girl ride on top of her head was already troublesome enough. She did not expect that this was not the end.
One day, eldest brother-in-law came back from outside. His face suddenly became gloomy. All the women in the residence were shocked. Her mother-in-law hurriedly asked, but Zhai Yanlin only shook his head and did not say anything. Zhai Yanlin was the head of the Duke House of Cai. When his expression changed, all the women in the residence became anxious.
Madame Zhai did not know what happened after that. She only knew that Zhai Yanlin and her mother-in-law had a private conversation. When they came out, her mother-in-law's expression was extremely complicated. After that, her mother-in-law asked Second Madam Zhai to go out and politely reject the Cheng family's marriage proposal during the Spring Lantern Festival when there were too many people around.
Going out during the Spring Lantern Festival was not a problem. The Duke House of Cai had already made an appointment with the Cheng Family. However, it was understandable to reject the marriage, but what did it mean to be polite?
Madame Zhai tasted bitterness in her mouth, especially when Princess Qingfu enthusiastically pulled her along. Princess Qingfu's mouth was full of intimate words about becoming a family. This gave her a headache.
Madame Zhai followed Princess Qingfu to look at five or six lantern stalls. Princess Qingfu's heart was filled with excitement that her nominal daughter was going to climb into the Duke House of Cai. At this moment, she was in high spirits. Madame Zhai was thinking about something and was not in the mood to look at the lanterns. Madame Zhai was distracted. She hesitated for a while and suddenly made up her mind. She said, "Madam Cheng, I have something to say to you."
Princess Qingfu smiled. "Second Madam, you don't have to be so polite. If you have something to say, just say it."
Madame Zhai sighed faintly. She glanced at Cheng Yujin, who was following behind them. Although she did not say it explicitly, Princess Qingfu already understood. Qingfu cleared her throat and said to Cheng Yujin, "Miss, Madame Zhai and I have something to say. Can you go to the stall next door and look at the lanterns first?"
Cheng Yujin quietly glanced at Princess Qingfu and Madame Zhai. Being stared at like that, Madame Zhai inexplicably held her breath. Fortunately, Cheng Yujin did not ask any more questions. She nodded obediently and turned to walk away.
Madame Zhai finally breathed a sigh of relief. Madame Zhai steeled her heart and told Princess Qingfu about her mother-in-law's words.
At the same time, Cheng Yujin was standing in front of another lantern stall across the street. Although her eyes were fixed on the lanterns, there was no joy in her expression.
The stall owner was frightened by Cheng Yujin's stare. He laughed and went forward to ask, "Miss, which lantern do you like? Can I get it for you? "
Cheng Yujin was not looking at the lanterns. She understood the stall owner's intention and did not want to stand here and block his business. She took two steps forward with the Dugeaux and Lian Qiao. Suddenly, she heard a suspicious voice. "Miss Cheng?"
Cheng Yujin paused for a moment and turned around. The person saw Cheng Yujin's reaction and excitedly pushed through the crowd to squeeze over. "It really is you. I thought I was mistaken."
Cheng Yujin was stunned for a long time. She could not tell if this was fate or man-made.
"Editor … Lin?"
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