Due to the donkey cart breaking down, Cheng Jiao-niang arrived at Jiang-zhou City just as the city gates were about to close. Ban Qin mentioned the Cheng family name, and although the guards were somewhat doubtful, they let them pass.
Within Jiang-zhou City, there was a river that runs through it. This river was dug by the Cheng family during a severe flood many years ago, using the collective efforts of the entire clan. Since then, the annual floods that once plagued the city had been split by this river, preventing further catastrophic floods. In appreciation of the Cheng family’s righteous deed, the imperial court not only erected a monument and granted them a ceremonial archway but also allocated one-third of the western bank of the river to the Cheng family. Hence, the Cheng family became commonly known as the “Western River Cheng.”
The Cheng clan members live in this area, divided by a three-arched stone bridge. The area south of the bridge is called “South Cheng,” and the area north of the bridge is called “North Cheng.” The blood relation between the two branches now extended beyond three generations. The North Cheng branch followed their ancestral teachings, keeping their family and property undivided to this day, while South Cheng had become a mixed settlement of various Cheng family members. North Cheng was wealthy and prosperous, while South Cheng had become dependent on the North.
Cheng Jiao-niang’s father was currently the second master of the eldest branch of the North Cheng family.
Thus, at the city gate, Ban Qin specifically mentioned that they were from the North Cheng family, which made the guards more willing to let them pass. If they had been from the South Cheng family, it likely wouldn’t have been so easy.
The river water was no longer as fierce and overflowing as it had been in the past. Even in the summer, the river remained shallow, not even navigable by boat. At this moment, in the night, the willow trees by the river swayed gently in the breeze, creating a pleasant scene.
Standing on the opposite bank of the river and looking at a tall cyan courtyard wall, Ban Qin had excitedly pointed.
“Miss, that’s our home,” she had said.
Cheng Jiao-niang had looked at the cyan walls and white tiles, and the black-tiled roofs extending far behind them, estimating that the complex was at least five courtyards deep.
From there, she could see a tall ceremonial archway, though the words on it were indistinguishable in the dark.
“That over there is the main gate,” Ban Qin said excitedly, guiding her across the bridge. “I’ve been here twice with Old Madam. You lived here until you were three…”
Even if she had stayed until she was thirteen, what could a foolish child remember?
Cheng Jiao-niang slowly crossed the bridge, holding onto Ban Qin’s hand. Since this was Cheng family territory, there were no strangers wandering about. Everyone sitting along the riverbank was a member of the Cheng family—men and women, young and old. Children played, women washed clothes by the river, chatting and laughing, making for a lively scene.
As they walked by, especially with a female figure completely veiled from head to toe, everyone looked at them curiously.
“These people are from South Cheng; most of them depend on the family’s support,” Ban Qin whispered.
The two of them continued walking, heading towards North Cheng after crossing the bridge.
What could two women be doing out in the middle of the night? Cheng family ladies? Unlikely. Visitors? Two female visitors at this hour?
The people resting and cooling off quickly began to gossip.
The main gate of the Cheng family residence was, of course, closed, with large red lanterns casting a striking light on the “House of Accumulated Goodness” plaque, a gift from the imperial court. This gate was rarely used.
Ban Qin led Cheng Jiao-niang to the second gate on the west side, the usual entrance for the Cheng family members.
“Miss,” Ban Qin said, raising her hand and looking back at Cheng Jiao-niang.
The night breeze blew, causing Cheng Jiao-niang’s clothes to flutter as she stood in the lantern light.
“Knock,” Cheng Jiao-niang instructed.
Ban Qin nodded, and with a hint of excitement, knocked on the Cheng family’s door.
First Madam Cheng had not yet gone to sleep because she was going out the next day and was currently watching the maids select clothes.
“These clothes are too flashy. Go and fetch the one in the purplish sauce color,” she said.
The maid near the large wardrobe immediately picked it out upon hearing her command, but First Madam Cheng found it too dull.
In the end, she settled for a sandalwood-colored one selected by the hairdressing maid Guihai, who was standing nearby.
“This one is better. It’s not too bright, doesn’t steal the spotlight, and isn’t too dull,” First Madam Cheng remarked.
A maid hurriedly entered from outside.
“Madam, the steward is here,” she said.
The steward?
First Madam Cheng was puzzled. It was so late, and there was usually a clear division between internal and external affairs. Why would the steward come to her at this late hour?
“Has the master retired for the night?” she asked.
First Master Cheng had retired to his concubine’s quarters for the day.
“The steward said there’s something that requires your immediate decision,” the maid replied.
With First Madam Cheng being in her forties and mostly handling household affairs due to her mother-in-law’s advanced age, she saw no reason to evade such matters.
“Let him in,” First Madam Cheng said.
Escorted by the maids, they arrived in the living room, where the steward busily paid his respects, wearing a worried expression.
“What’s the matter?” First Madam Cheng asked.
“There is a lady outside,” the steward replied in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, First Madam Cheng subtly reacted, using her folding fan as a cover. Sensing the situation, a nearby maid promptly gestured for a few maids to leave, leaving only the closest attendants.
“She’s looking for the second master,” the steward continued.
First Madam Cheng breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. Fortunately, it wasn’t someone from their household. Even though the second master was part of their family, it still felt different.
“The second master has only been back for less than half a year,” she said, slowly lowering her folding fan.
“They say she’s from Bing-zhou,” the steward quickly added.
With a loud thud, First Madam Cheng slammed her folding fan onto the table.
Shortly after, First Master Cheng was summoned. Initially entering with a hint of displeasure, he seemed to suspect his wife of jealousy, assuming she was purposefully hindering his time with his concubine. However, upon noticing the steward’s presence, his demeanor softened somewhat. Upon hearing the steward’s report, his expression shifted dramatically.
“Nonsense!” he exclaimed. “Drive her away!”
“Since she has traveled all the way from Bing-zhou, it’d be best for us to ask our brother first,” First Madam Cheng said.
“Ask about what? He has no authority to entertain such absurd matters!” First Master Cheng, as the eldest brother and head of the clan, spoke with authority.
First Madam Cheng shook her head, trying to calm the situation while instructing someone to summon the second master.
“Keep Second Madam out of sight,” she reminded.
However, the messenger returned promptly, revealing that the second master was absent; he was out drinking with colleagues and had yet to return.
“If it’s urgent, Second Madam mentioned she’d send for him,” the servant explained.
First Master Cheng expressed frustration at this news.
“Drinking all day, what kind of behavior is this?” he exclaimed. “Tell him to return!”
Meanwhile, First Madam Cheng had different concerns.
“Where is that lady now?” she inquired.
“She’s still waiting at the door,” the steward replied.
“Keeping her waiting there will only draw attention. Bring her inside for now, but keep a close watch,” First Madam Cheng suggested.
“No, she’s not entering the house. Take her away and keep an eye on her,” First Master Cheng insisted.
Caught in the middle, the steward was uncertain whose instructions to follow.
Outside, the maids were heard exchanging words.
“Second Madam has arrived.”
Inside the room, everyone was startled. First Madam Cheng instinctively rose to her feet as the door curtain was lifted, revealing a woman in her mid-twenties. She possessed delicate features and sharp eyes, bowing first to both of them.
“The court has been lenient; he’s just gathering with a few classmates,” Second Madam Cheng said with a smile.
She had come to help resolve the situation with her husband. However, First Master Cheng grew even more irritated upon hearing her explanation. It baffled him why with a virtuous and dignified wife at home, his brother would still be involved in such absurd matters outside.
“Yes, everything is fine,” First Madam Cheng quickly responded with a smile. “You came all this way. Please return now. Little Xi must be asleep now. You should rest soon.”
Second Madam Cheng had recently given birth to her firstborn son before the New Year, bringing a sense of relief to the second household.
Second Madam Cheng smiled faintly, neither responding nor taking her leave.
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat strange.
“Since the person’s already here, you might as well just tell me. Everyone knows and I’m the only one left in the dark. It’s even more embarrassing for me like this,” Second Madam Cheng suddenly spoke up, her voice choked with emotion as she reached for a handkerchief.
In a household like theirs, any slightest change couldn’t escape anyone’s notice. First Madam Cheng and Master Cheng both wore complicated expressions.
“Qing-niang, don’t worry. We haven’t clarified things yet. Don’t overthink,” First Madam Cheng could only console her, speaking softly as she held her hand.
While they conversed, they heard the sound of Second Master Cheng’s arrival outside the door.
“Brother, you are looking for me?”
The voice echoed in before the person entered the room.
Second Master Cheng, clad in a deep cyan robe and with a hint of alcohol on his breath, entered the room with a cheerful smile, only to be taken aback by the sight of everyone gathered.
“You’re all here,” he remarked. “What’s the occasion?”
Before he could finish speaking, his wife rushed towards him.
“What occasion? Cheng Dong, look at what you’ve done!” Second Madam Cheng seized his arm.
Caught off guard, Second Master Cheng couldn’t avoid her grasp in time, resulting in a reddened nail mark on his face.
No one expected Second Madam Cheng, known for her gentleness, to act so assertively. First Madam Cheng quickly intervened to pull her away, while First Master Cheng stood up.
The room descended into chaos.
Outside, the maids hurriedly directed the young maids away.
Indeed, nothing good ever came from a late-night knock at the door.
Years later, some of the maids still recalled the disturbance caused by Cheng Jiao-niang’s knocking, unaware that it was only the beginning.
