Chapter 52: The Kiss

Cheng Zhao asked her mother about the old romance between Zhou Yuanshen and Huan Qingtang.

"The Huan family has an excellent reputation. When outsiders speak of their daughters, it is mostly with praise. As for the events of the past, it's no longer possible to find out the exact details; it's a mix of truth and falsehood," her mother said.

"Did Zhou Yuanshen admire her from a very early age?"

Her mother looked at her quietly. "Zhaozhao, of my three daughters, you are the most beautiful. But compared to your beauty, what you excel at even more is scheming."

Cheng Zhao: "I just asked you a little question, why are you scolding me?"

"'He who steals a hook is executed; he who steals a state becomes a feudal lord.' If you fail, you are deeply manipulative; if you succeed, you are far-sighted in strategy. I am saying that you are resourceful," her mother explained.

Cheng Zhao: "...What are you trying to say?"

"What does it matter what happened in the past between the Duke of Chen and the Huan woman, Zhaozhao? Will you lose?" her mother asked.

Cheng Zhao fell silent. "It's hard to say."

"Then let me tell you this. The Huan family has a pure and noble reputation. As long as your cousin-in-law defeats you, her past with the Duke of Chen will naturally be a beautiful legend. Even if it is false, it will become true.

"If you win, a noble lady from an aristocratic family in Wu Commandery, pure-hearted and intelligent, makes a perfect youthful match with the Duke of Chen. Then, even if the past is true, it will become false.

"Zhaozhao, you are already married to the Duke of Chen. If you have no intention of backing out, the truth or falsehood of the past is meaningless. Your persistence is nothing more than prying into privacy," her mother said.

Cheng Zhao was silent for a long time before she finally said, "I understand, Mother."

Her mother gave a slight nod. "If you really want to pry, when you visit Princess Qing'an's residence in the future, you can ask indirectly.

"It was Princess Qing'an who acted as the matchmaker back then, though she rarely mentions it now. She should know some of the inside story."

She added, "Of course, you could just ask the Duke of Chen directly. He knows best."

Cheng Zhao nodded.

Mid-afternoon, Cheng Zhao returned to the Duke of Chen's estate.

She first went to Shou'an Courtyard to pay her respects to the Dowager Madame, bringing back several tonics her mother had prepared.

Then she went to Jiangyun Courtyard. Besides the return gifts the Cheng family prepared for the Second Madam, there was also a set of the Four Treasures of the Study intended for Zhou Yuanqi.

It just so happened that Zhou Yuanqi had returned from the clan school.

Upon seeing the set of the Four Treasures of the Study, obvious surprise flashed in his eyes, but he held it back. "You didn't need to bring me a gift. I'm not a child."

The Second Madam could hardly bear to look at him.

Cheng Zhao smiled and said, "You guessed the lantern riddle right last time, and it was agreed that my grandfather would give you something. I even mentioned that riddle to my grandfather today."

"What did Chancellor Cheng say?" Zhou Yuanqi asked.

In just these few short days, Zhou Yuanqi had already gained some reputation.

His performance at the Lantern Festival had been astonishing, and given his young age, the students of Hengshan Academy praised him everywhere. His reputation for talent had finally caught the attention of the scholarly circles.

"He praised your quick thinking. When you study, you don't just read blindly. However, your thinking is a bit shallow and still needs my third sister's guidance. He suggested that when you are a few years older, you should go out on a study tour," Cheng Zhao said.

Zhou Yuanqi looked like he was humbly accepting the teaching, listening attentively and asking Cheng Zhao to tell him more.

But regarding the topic of Zhou Yuanqi, Cheng Zhao hadn't actually talked too much with her grandfather.

"In a few days, you can come visit my maiden home again. If you have any questions, you can ask my grandfather in person," Cheng Zhao said.

Zhou Yuanqi: "We'll see."

"He really appreciates you."

Zhou Yuanqi almost let his joy show on his face, but he forced himself to hold it in, though his eyebrows still lifted in delight.

The Second Madam was absolutely amused to death by him.

"How is your mother's health?" the Second Madam asked out of concern.

Cheng Zhao: "She is very well, just missing me a little. She had a nightmare, but it was nothing serious."

She smiled and added, "She also said she was sorry for disturbing you all and would like to come visit in a few days."

She quietly told the Second Madam, "It's mainly because she wants to invite a statue of the Child-Giving Guanyin for me."

The Second Madam was slightly surprised. "This... you don't need to rush. How old are you, anyway?"

"She has this intention, and I cannot disobey her. As children, obedience is filial piety," Cheng Zhao said.

For a moment, the Second Madam felt very envious.

If only she had a daughter.

Back when she was pregnant with Zhou Yuanqi, she had wholeheartedly hoped for a daughter. In the end, the one she gave birth to was as delicate as carved jade, even prettier than a girl, but unfortunately, he had the stuffy air of an old pedant—neither affectionate nor cute.

But it didn't matter. Now someone else's good daughter was her daughter-in-law. From now on, they would be mother and daughter for a lifetime.

"When is she coming? When she does, we will host the meal on our side," the Second Madam said.

"When she sends someone to let me know, I'll tell you," Cheng Zhao replied.

In the late part of the first lunar month, it actually snowed again in the capital.

A spring snow fell, and the weather that had finally warmed up a bit turned freezing once more.

Cheng Zhao's mother sent a letter, saying she was coming to the Duke of Chen's estate to visit her daughter.

Upon receiving the letter, Cheng Zhao routinely notified the Dowager Madame and Chengming Hall.

Then she told the Second Madam.

When her mother arrived, just like Cheng Zhao's eldest sister, she had prepared gifts for every part of the Duke of Chen's estate.

For the Dowager Madame, it was a string of precious Buddhist prayer beads. For the First Madam and Huan Qingtang, there were two sets of tourmaline and ruby hair ornaments. As for the Second Madam, she received tribute silk that had been awarded by the Empress.

The Second Madam liked it very much and sent Nanny Fan to quietly spread the word, letting the servants of the ducal estate know just how wealthy and generous her in-laws were.

When the First Madam and Huan Qingtang's maiden families came to visit, they only brought superficial, inexpensive, common gifts.

They were supposed to dine in Jiangyun Courtyard, but because the weather was cold, the Second Madam, being considerate of her in-law and daughter-in-law, had it arranged in Nonghua Courtyard.

"...It is all my fault. After the marriage was bestowed, I didn't inquire carefully and was full of resentment. Of course, I wasn't resenting you, but rather this marriage.

"Before the wedding, I didn't visit your esteemed residence, and it is only today that I finally meet my in-law. I have offended you greatly, and I will drink three cups of wine with you later as an apology," the Second Madam said.

Cheng Zhao's mother couldn't help but smile.

The Second Madam was truly straightforward, speaking whatever was on her mind with a heart full of sincerity.

"You are too polite. With you taking care of Zhaozhao, I am very much relieved," Madam Cheng said.

While they were talking, Nanny Li had already led the maids to settle the Child-Giving Guanyin statue in the warm pavilion on the east side.

Cheng Zhao sat down to converse.

There was some noise from the inner bedroom. Cheng Zhao heard it and glanced over curiously.

Nanny Li went in to check.

She quickly came out and whispered a few words to Cheng Zhao.

Cheng Zhao frowned slightly.

"You should go take a look quickly," Nanny Li said.

Cheng Zhao stood up and said to her mother and mother-in-law, "Excuse me for a moment."

Stepping out of the eastern secondary room, she then asked, "What is going on?"

"I don't know. The Duke's expression doesn't look quite right; it seems like he's drunk," Nanny Li said.

Cheng Zhao: "His mother-in-law and mother are both here, yet instead of coming to pay his respects, he's hiding in the inner bedroom?"

When did he even come to Nonghua Courtyard?

Filled with questions, she entered the bedroom.

She didn't see Zhou Yuanshen at first, but she heard his somewhat rapid breathing.

As she walked past the folding screen, she saw him leaning against the dressing table, his head slightly lowered.

Just as Cheng Zhao was about to step forward, he grabbed her and pulled her over.

She felt the scorching heat of Zhou Yuanshen's palm.

The snow outside hadn't completely melted yet, and the cold wind was biting, but the skin of his cheeks and neck was flushed red, like red-hot iron.

"My Lord Duke, you are..."

She was a bit frightened.

Before she could finish her sentence, Zhou Yuanshen pulled her hair loose.

Cheng Zhao looked at him in astonishment.

She was already pinned against the dressing table by him. He leaned down, and with scalding breath, he kissed her lips.

Cheng Zhao's eyes widened sharply.