Chapter 24: Is That What You Really Want?

Chapter 24: Is That What You Really Want?

Jiang Ruomei and Cheng Yiqian in the inner room immediately looked crestfallen, on the verge of tears. The matriarch quickly waved her hand at them, signaling them to calm down.

After the two sisters had gone far away, Jiang Ruomei, with tears welling up in her eyes, gently tugged at the matriarch's sleeve, "Grandmother, Second Cousin wouldn't really do that, would she?"

The matriarch really couldn't say for sure. "You wouldn't let her do that, right?"

The matriarch remained silent.

She was highly respected in the Cheng family, and nine out of ten matters were within her control, but there was still one matter she couldn't decide.

The true decision-maker in the Cheng family was Cheng Mingyu. Cheng Mingyu was good in every way, but he had one flaw: he doted excessively on his four children. The children had lost their mother at a young age, and Cheng Mingyu felt guilty. He played both the roles of father and mother, indulging them more than usual, never letting them suffer any grievances.

If Cheng Yiqiao really had such an intention, Cheng Mingyu would indeed comply with his daughter's wishes.

Seeing her granddaughter in tears, the matriarch's heart ached too. After all, both were her flesh and blood.

She patted Jiang Ruomei's back, "Good child, listen to your grandmother. What is yours will not escape you, and what is not yours, you must not overstep. Understand?"

The matriarch almost pointed it out directly—after all, she was a guest and needed to know her place.

Jiang Ruomei was not foolish and understood the implication. She nodded slowly.

The Cheng family's storeroom was located in the northeast corner of the Cheng estate, surrounded by high walls. Inside, there were many warehouses, neatly categorized with rents and goods collected from various places. There was a small door leading to the forest behind the mountain, where the live animals sent over were kept.

Before long, Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yian arrived at the south gate of the storeroom. When they saw the second and third young ladies of the estate approaching, the servants and stewards didn't question them at all and simply let them in.

The steward in charge of the fur goods respectfully led the two into a passageway. After passing through the passageway, they arrived at a spacious courtyard. The main building was a two-story warehouse, where servants were already waiting inside with lanterns. The two sisters walked in together, and inside was a large storeroom filled with hundreds of various fur goods hanging on three walls. There were stone-blue squirrel furs, gray squirrel furs, white fox, black fox, brown fox, and all kinds of marten furs. Even the rare peacock feathers, which were hard to come by outside, were abundant here. Cheng Yian was dazzled and amazed.

The Cheng family had a dedicated estate for raising these animals. Every year, the finest furs were collected and sent to the Cheng family's weaving workshop in the south of the Yangtze River. The embroiderers there would weave them into various fur goods, which were then sent back to the estate for the seamstresses to tailor clothes for the young ladies.

Cheng Yiqiao, clearly accustomed to such sights, pushed her forward, "You pick first, sister."

Cheng Yian quickly shook her head, "No, you go first."

Cheng Yiqiao gave her a reproachful look, tightened the strap under her chin, and pouted, "Do you think I don't want to pick first? But the Cheng family has rules—the younger ones go first. I've been picking first for over a decade, and now it's your turn."

Cheng Yian understood and smiled softly. She then turned and walked toward the shelves. Cheng Yiqiao, holding a hand warmer, couldn't help but glance at the few furs she had her eye on. But after a few steps, Cheng Yian suddenly turned around, startling her.

"What are you doing?"

Cheng Yian tilted her head and smiled, "I'm seeing what you like."

Cheng Yiqiao quickly covered her face, "Don't look, don't look!"

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Cheng Yian holding a peacock feather fur. Indeed, her sister had chosen that one. This peacock feather fur was the most stunning among all the furs, made from the most vibrant feathers of kingfishers. It took several years to collect enough feathers for just one piece, and then the best embroiderers spent half a year weaving it. This item was extremely rare throughout the entire Great Jin Dynasty.

Cheng Yiqiao smiled, "This one is very good, it suits your complexion."

Unexpectedly, Cheng Yian handed it to Cheng Yiqiao, "This is for you, sister."

Cheng Yiqiao was stunned for a moment, then shook her head, "We agreed you would pick first. If you give it to me, Father will scold me for bullying you."

She thought to herself, this little girl was really cunning—she had actually figured it out.

Cheng Yian smiled, her eyes curving with joy, "I have one of those."

Cheng Yiqiao looked surprised, "Really? Where did you get it from?"

Cheng Yian replied, "There's one in my dowry chest."

Cheng Yiqiao suddenly remembered that when the furs were stored last year, she had her eye on two peacock feather furs, one more vibrant and the other less so. The next day, when she returned to make her choice, the finer one had vanished, leaving only the lesser one.

At that time, she asked the steward, who only said that father had taken it.

Little did she know, it had been given to Cheng Yian.

"It must have been given by father."

Cheng Yian also guessed as much.

Hearing this, Cheng Yiqiao felt a wave of relief, handed her hand warmer to a maid, and took the peacock feather.

"Then I won't look a gift horse in the mouth."

But then she thought, when had she ever yielded to anyone? Cheng Yian, with her gentle demeanor, had immediately stepped back in deference, making Cheng Yiqiao feel guilty. She resolved not to take it, handed the fur back to the maid, and took Cheng Yian forward.

"Come, let me personally select something special for you!"

Just then, the head seamstress arrived accompanied by several maids, calmly bowing to them.

"Second young lady, third young lady, the family head has ordered us to take your measurements for custom clothing."

Cheng Yiqiao selected an entire ensemble for Cheng Yian, from head to toe, while the seamstress took Cheng Yian's measurements. In a flash, the styles and fabrics were chosen, such as using a leopard fur for the lining and a peacock feather for the outer layer to make a thick fur coat, ideal for the chill of snowy days. Inside, a gray squirrel jacket for spring and autumn, two red feathered fur coats, and a black fox cloak. At last, the sisters stumbled upon two exceedingly rare, top-quality sea otter pelts.

Cheng Yiqiao, aware of their worth, was practically glowing with excitement. This material was even more scarce than peacock feathers, traded by the ounce rather than by the piece.

Needless to say, each claimed one, demanding the sewing room to work through the night.

"I want to be wearing this in five days!" Cheng Yiqiao instructed the seamstress.

Cheng Yian couldn't help but chuckle at her sister's fervor.

As they departed, Cheng Yiqiao was practically bouncing with joy, linking arms with Cheng Yian, "Well, with Cheng Yixin away, these treasures are ours for the taking, aren't they?"

"As the eldest sister, it's only fair she yields to us."

Cheng Yian detected a faint tremor of unease in Cheng Yiqiao's voice. Was there someone Cheng Yiqiao feared?

Cheng Yian couldn't fathom the scene that would unfold upon the eldest sister's return.

After nearly an hour of bustling activity, the sisters, weary from their efforts, retreated to their respective chambers to rest.

The steward promptly relayed their choices to the study located in the front courtyard. Cheng Mingyu, sitting behind his desk reading official reports, smiled rarely upon hearing this.

"As long as An An is happy."

His only concern was that the child might feel out of place.

Cheng Yian, initially worried about adjusting to a new bed, miraculously fell asleep as soon as she closed her eyes after a warm bath.

She was sleeping soundly, but Lu Xusheng, who returned home late at night, wasn't so fortunate.

After bathing and changing, he entered his room where Nanny Li poured him a cup of water. The wispy steam swayed like smoke in the air, making the room feel even more desolate.

Lu Xusheng silently finished the water, blew out the lamp, and lay down on the bed, falling asleep right away.

The familiar soft fragrance lingered at his nose, accompanied by a hint of the pear blossom scent she loved to burn.

The pillow and bedding were permeated with her scent.

Lu Xusheng took a deep breath, staring at the dark bed canopy for a long time, then silently went to the bathroom for a cold shower.

Returning to the bed, he felt slightly better, but still couldn't sleep.

It felt as though something was missing.

In the past, he never noticed, and many years had passed like this, but now it was different. Indeed, as the saying goes, a home feels like a home only when there's a woman in it.

This Cheng Yiyan, does he always have to oppose him?

He tossed and turned until late into the night before finally falling asleep.

The next morning, before dawn, when Nanny Li entered to clean up, he was already gone.

On the first day of the eleventh lunar month, before dawn, the Cheng family servants were already bustling around the mansion. The curtains in the meeting hall were raised, the stoves were burning brightly, and steam rose from the tea room. The kitchen was especially lively.

Today was the Winter Solstice, and the court was on a three-day holiday.

Today was also the Cheng family's grand feast. Clan members arrived one after another at the main branch of the Cheng family, more than during the Matriarch's birthday celebration. Fifty tables inside and fifty outside, with even the corridors packed with people. The women in the backyard were even livelier, seizing this chance to present treasures to the Matriarch, hoping for greater benefits when the annual allowances were handed out.

With the large crowd today and it being the annual Winter Solstice feast, Cheng Mingyu, lacking a wife, required the Matriarch, the former clan leader's wife, to oversee the event. Thus, they moved to the flower hall inside the Chuihua Gate. This flower hall was in a three-sided layout, with the main hall facing south and long corridors connecting on both sides, enclosing a central courtyard. A stage was set up in the courtyard, and thick scarlet felt curtains surrounded the entire flower hall, making it snug. Over fifty tables were arranged around, each with a charcoal stove beneath. The place was bustling and packed, and not at all cold.

In the center of the north side stood a twelve-panel sandalwood screen with bird and flower motifs, beneath which was a sandalwood couch covered with a thick leopard skin blanket. Throughout the day, the Matriarch deliberately kept Cheng Yian by her side, indicating to everyone in the clan that Cheng Yian was now the youngest daughter of the main branch.

The sixth branch's old lady was skilled at belittling others. Today, she deliberately took a detour to accompany the fourth branch's old lady, remarking along the way,

"We've been sisters-in-law for so many years, yet I never knew you had such influence and abilities, fourth sister-in-law. Seventeen years, depending on Xia Shi and An An to gain so many benefits from the main branch. It's almost like 'using the emperor to control the nobles'..."

"In the past, you received the highest dividends every year. Now that An An is gone, I wonder how you'll dare to ask Mingyu for money?"

The fourth branch's old lady, having experienced much recently, was unmoved by her sarcasm. "I can't compare to you, sixth sister-in-law, with your talented descendants. My unfilial sons are incompetent, so I have no choice but to depend on An An for some advantages. But now I see, depending on this or that is not as good as relying on oneself..."

The sixth branch's old lady thought her old sister-in-law would get angry and argue, but instead, she conceded first.

The fourth branch's old lady continued, "I did hope to rely on An An's marriage to elevate our fourth branch, but as you can see, we're now disliked by everyone, inside and out. You're better off; your fourteenth grandson is capable, taught by Mingyu, and will surely pass the imperial exams soon."

Mentioning her grandson, the sixth branch's old lady's pride, known as a child prodigy and highly regarded by Cheng Mingyu, she started chattering endlessly. The fourth branch's old lady skillfully deflected the criticism, reflecting that one must indeed follow the right path to walk steadily.

Cheng Yian naturally saw her fourth branch grandmother in the flower hall. After not seeing her for a while, she had become emaciated and visibly aged. Cheng Yian's expression was complex. While there was no deep affection, after all, they had lived together for over a decade, it was the only familial bond she had experienced. Yet, thinking of the ulterior motives behind this affection, Cheng Yian felt a pang in her heart.

The Matriarch observed the expressions of the grandmother and granddaughter, and in front of everyone, instructed Cheng Yian,

"Go and help your aunt-grandmother to her seat."

Regardless of the underlying issues, after over a decade of care, appearances must be maintained to avoid people saying Cheng Yian forgot her roots after returning to the main branch. The Matriarch was a magnanimous figure, understanding the importance of not making things too awkward.

Cheng Yian complied. The fourth branch's old lady held her soft hand, tears falling, reluctant to let go,

"An An..."

Returning to the main branch has made a difference; she looks more delicate, and her demeanor has become more composed and graceful.

Cheng Yian gently pressed her hand down, took the initiative to pour her a cup of tea, and then returned to the Matriarch's side.

Shortly after, the steward came to announce that the banquet outside had started. The Matriarch smiled and said, "Alright, let's get the dishes served and pick out some opera scripts."

At her command, a variety of delicacies were served one after another. Everyone ate and watched the opera, the noise never ceasing.

Compared to the bustling inner residence, the outer courtyard was much quieter.

On the first day of the banquet, Cheng Mingyu, dressed in a black and white wide robe, sat solemnly in the main hall of the meeting hall. Clan members from inside and outside all stood up to pay their respects to the clan leader. Cheng Mingyu then stood to return the gesture to the elders. The distribution of the first day's shares began only after everyone was seated.

In front of Cheng Mingyu was a long table with neatly arranged account books. Two page boys served with ink and brushes, and four stewards stood on either side. Whenever he was present, no one dared to speak during the banquet. His wide sleeves swayed as if moved by an unseen breeze, his posture perfectly upright. Even in silence, he exuded a commanding presence.

In the vast meeting hall, with hundreds or even thousands of people, not a single sound was made. Everyone stared intently, waiting for his actions.

"Food is the people's paramount necessity." On the first day, rations were distributed.

According to the number of people in each household, regardless of age or gender, each person received one dan (a unit of measure) of grain. There was no room for doubt. Starting with the second household, all the way to the affiliated branches tied to the Cheng family, the heads of fifty families came forward one by one to receive vouchers in front of him. They first verified the amount, signed off, and then took the vouchers to the Cheng family granary to claim their grain.

The Cheng family had two granaries, one in the Cheng family garden in the capital and one in the Cheng family fort in Hongnong. The one in the capital was smaller, meant for daily use, while the one in Hongnong served as the main warehouse. Those living in the capital collected from the Cheng family garden, and those living in the old residence in Hongnong collected from the Cheng family fort after receiving the vouchers. Both locations were highly accessible.

In the past, the Cheng family's Yasui banquet was not as prosperous. Since Cheng Mingyu took the helm, the family has flourished and expanded. He managed both the family business and the education of the younger generation with equal vigor. The Cheng family's enterprises spanned across all four regions, and many family members passed the imperial examinations. Additionally, he restructured the disciplinary committee to regulate and penalize the conduct of family members. Under his leadership, the Cheng family reached its zenith, and as a result, no one dared to defy him.

He was the cornerstone of the Cheng family's faith.

By the time the grain distribution concluded, it was well past noon. The Matriarch had nearly finished watching the opera and took a break, resuming in the evening. Cheng Yian had just finished her meal and was enjoying a cup of salted milk tea when a maid from outside suddenly came in and whispered a few words in her ear.

Cheng Yian blinked.

The Matriarch overheard and couldn't help but smile, deliberately raising her voice, "What are you waiting for? Go quickly..."

"Ah, Matriarch, can't you speak softer..." Cheng Yian's face turned red.

The Matriarch laughed heartily, "Young couples, that's how it should be..."

Embarrassed by the teasing looks, Cheng Yian left the banquet and stepped out of the warm pavilion. Ru Lan assisted her into a silver-gray squirrel fur coat and guided her as they walked out. "The news from Qiu Qing seems to be quite open."

"Which gate?"

"The main gate."

Cheng Yian facepalmed, truly ostentatious!

When they reached the main gate of the Cheng family, sure enough, they saw the Lu family's carriage boldly parked in the middle of Cheng family alley.

Cheng family alley never allowed carriages to stop; they either had to go to the side alleys or get off early and walk to the main gate.

Clearly, Lu Xusheng was also challenging Cheng Yiyan.

"The rules of your Cheng family don't bind me, Lu Xusheng."

Seeing the third young lady come out, the Cheng family servants respectfully lowered their eyes, pretending not to see. Cheng Yian quietly lifted the curtain and got into the carriage.

The man was wearing a sky-blue robe today, sitting motionless on the carriage seat reading a book. A small food box was placed on the small table, emitting a chestnut fragrance.

"Why did you come?" Cheng Yian sat down opposite him.

Lu Xusheng didn't look at her, just pushed the food box towards her.

"I passed by this newly opened shop and brought some for you." His voice still held a trace of resentment.

Was it really just a coincidence, or did he come on purpose?

The Cheng and Lu families are on opposite sides of town, so it's not exactly on the way.

Cheng Yian asked, "Didn’t you say you weren’t coming?"

Lu Xusheng hesitated, at a loss for words.

Cheng Yian opened the food box to find a plate of warm chestnuts inside. She picked one and popped it into her mouth.

"They’re quite fragrant, and the texture is tender."

Seeing her savor the chestnuts, Lu Xusheng set his book aside and asked, "How much longer are you staying?"

Cheng Yian replied casually, "A few more days, until the fifth, when the dividends come in."

Lu Xusheng frowned, "Can’t you just come during the day? Why do you have to stay here?"

Cheng Yian’s eyes twinkled as she smiled at him, "Why don’t you stay as well?"

"No way," Lu Xusheng scoffed, "I’m not doing Cheng Yiyan any favors."

"True, my second brother didn’t invite you either."

Lu Xusheng let out a frustrated laugh.

Cheng Yian continued peeling and eating the chestnuts, "Well, you’ll just have to wait a few more days."

Lu Xusheng’s gaze lingered on her. Though it hadn’t been long since they last met, she seemed different. Her small face resembled a steamed fruit, pale with a blush of pink, her snow-white neck disappearing into her collar. The warm yellow light bathed her skin, leaving it fragrant, as if she’d just stepped out of a warm bath.

For the first time, the phrase "radiant and fragrant" came to mind.

Completely inappropriate.

He let out a soft scoff and averted his gaze.

After eating a few chestnuts, Cheng Yian stopped, asked Ru Lan for a damp towel to wipe her hands, then repacked the food box and handed it back.

"Then I’ll leave."

It wouldn’t do to linger away from the gathering for too long, with everyone watching.

Lu Xusheng frowned, "What’s the hurry? Stay a little longer."

"Wait for what, exactly?"

Without a word, Lu Xusheng suddenly pushed the small table aside, his figure looming over her. Cheng Yian was backed into the corner, her breath catching as his handsome face drew closer, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth.

Though they’d been intimate before, Lu Xusheng had never kissed her on the lips.

It wasn’t something he was accustomed to.

Not in this life, nor the last.

Not one to back down, Cheng Yian lifted her sparkling eyes and met his gaze head-on.

"Is that really what you want?"

Of course, she knew this man’s habits; except for the days of her menstrual period, he never rested at night.

Her leaving must have been tough for him.

Lu Xusheng’s gaze fell on the corner of her lips, where some chestnut crumbs still stuck. His lips slowly moved closer, and Cheng Yian almost shivered. Lu Xusheng decisively grabbed her waist, holding her tightly in his grasp.

A deliberate light cough sounded from outside.

Clearly, someone was reminding them, as Cheng Yian had been in the carriage for too long.

No doubt, it was Cheng Yiyan.

The man’s inherent rebelliousness was provoked, and he deliberately tightened his grip, “I wonder, will you let me have my way?”

Cheng Yian scoffed at Lu Xusheng’s heavy breathing, “In your dreams.”

Lu Xusheng looked down at her, softly nestled in his arms, her skin as white as snow, her almond-shaped eyes watery, like an innocent little fox, unintentionally revealing a seductive charm.

“What do you want to eat tomorrow night?” he asked hoarsely, his broad hand lingering on her slender waist, reluctant to let go.

Cheng Yian knew he would come again tomorrow night, her eyebrows raised mischievously, “Lotus leaf wrapped chicken...”

“Fine...” Lu Xusheng reluctantly released her.

In his previous life, Lu Xusheng’s stubborn temper never allowed him to bow to anyone. In this life, forcing him to this point was rare, and Cheng Yian enjoyed seeing him at a loss.

Outside, Cheng Yiyan had already coughed several times. Cheng Yian had no choice but to push Lu Xusheng away, quickly fix her clothes, and step out of the carriage.

Under her brother’s intense stare, she lifted her skirt and stepped onto the stairs. Hearing the sound of the curtain being half-opened, she glanced back. Lu Xusheng half-opened the carriage curtain, his handsome face half-hidden in the shadows, his eyes fixed on her. Cheng Yian felt her face flush inexplicably. Having experienced two men in her past life, what situation hadn’t she seen? What was this about?

Cheng Yian bashfully entered the door.

Cheng Yiyan shook his head at his sister’s innocent appearance.

Then he bowed toward Lu Xusheng’s carriage, “Shen Zhi, safe journey, no need to see you off.”

Lu Xusheng irritably dropped the curtain and ordered the guards to turn the horses around and leave.

She was his lawfully wedded wife, yet it felt like they were acting like they were hiding something.

Having sent Lu Xusheng away, Cheng Yiyan headed inside. The steward beside him was puzzled and asked,

“Second Master, why didn’t you invite the brother-in-law to stay? After all, they are a young couple.”

Cheng Yiyan walked ahead with his hands behind his back, smiling, “What do you know? My sister is too gentle, no match for Lu Xusheng. If we don’t rein him in, he might think she has no one to back her up and bully her in private.”

Cheng Yiyan caught up to Cheng Yian at the Chuihua Gate, who was heading to the backyard, “An An.”

Hearing her name, Cheng Yian turned around and stood on the corridor waiting for him, “Second Brother...”

Cheng Yiyan dismissed the servants and approached her, saying gravely, “An An, you need to be stronger, don’t always yield to Lu Xusheng in matters of the heart. Keep the initiative in your own hands, don’t revolve around the other person... Being too eager isn’t a good thing...”

Cheng Yian nodded in agreement, “Don’t worry, Second Brother, I know what I’m doing.”

Seeing the determination in his sister’s eyes, Cheng Yiyan felt reassured and let her go.

After busying himself in the front yard for a while, he returned only after the guests had left. Back in his own courtyard, he saw his wife Lu Shi looking at the account books behind the desk. He quickly lifted the curtain, handed his cloak to the maid, washed his hands, and came in alone.

"Why aren't you resting yet?"

Lu Shi looked up at him, rubbing her waist, "What needs to be done today should be finished today. There's a banquet tomorrow, and I need to review the guest list to make sure the kitchen doesn’t mess up."

Speaking of the mistress of the main branch, Lu Shi, she is the most capable and dignified woman. Cheng Mingyu is unmarried, so many duties that would typically fall to the clan leader's wife are her responsibility. Of course, it’s exhausting, as she oversees every little thing in the clan. The upside is that she’s already secured her place and authority in the clan at a young age, which will make things easier when Cheng Yiyan becomes clan leader.

Seeing her tired expression, Cheng Yiyan felt heartbroken.

"Here, let me pour you some tea...."

Lu Shi, proper in public, could also be playful when it was just the two of them. She peeked at Cheng Yiyan,

"I’ve had plenty of tea, but my back is killing me...."

Cheng Yiyan, catching her drift, quickly scooted behind her, "Let me rub it for you...."

"How’s that? Too hard?"

"It’s okay?"

"I’ll ease up a little..."

"Do my shoulders too...."

"You’ll love it!"