The steward stepped into the South Cheng area and immediately sensed a distinct change.
Although the transformation had been underway for some time—evident in the rapidly rising estates that seemed to alter daily and the bustling crowds shuttling back and forth with laughter and chatter—today felt different. The area was now packed with even more people, and fine carriages jammed the narrow alleyways, creating a scene reminiscent of “carriages flowing like water, horses soaring like dragons.”
Shouldn’t such a vibrant atmosphere only be felt at their own North Cheng’s entrance?
“Quite a crowd here,” remarked a woman’s voice behind him.
The steward quickly turned and saw Madam Wang approaching, surrounded by her attendants. In the distance, more carriages had come to a halt, adding to the lively and bustling ambiance.
“Madam, are you truly going?” the steward couldn’t help asking again. “Would it not be better to go to the residence first and have someone summon Lady Cheng to see you?”
Madam Wang looked at him with a faint, ambiguous smile.
“I’m afraid that might not be convenient,” she said.
Her words struck a nerve in the steward.
Whether she would summon her was one thing; whether the young lady would come if summoned was another.
Madam Wang smiled slightly and walked past him.
So this was what had happened—and on such a scale, no wonder the Old Madam had fallen ill, followed by First Master Cheng. If Shi’qi hadn’t returned and mentioned seeing Cheng Jiao-niang, arousing her suspicion enough to make inquiries, she might never have known.
“What ruthless tactics!” exclaimed Master Wang, slapping his thigh in admiration upon hearing the news—even forgetting for a moment that those targeted by such ruthlessness were his own sister and family.
“It rather recalls our grandfather’s fierceness when he set fire to all seven ships,” he mused, a trace of nostalgia in his voice.
“Seven ships—his entire fortune. Who else would have the heart to do such a thing? But without sacrifice, there can be no gain.”
Madam Wang had also heard stories of the relentless determination of the Wang family’s patriarch. But now was not the time to dwell on the past.
“What shall we do now? Has Shi’qi offended her?” she asked.
Her son had returned excitedly claiming that Lady Cheng had willingly agreed to break off the engagement. But Madam Wang saw through his tricks—after questioning his servants and maids, she had pieced together the truth.
That reckless boy had dared to threaten the young lady!
“Still,” she remarked, “it also shows how deeply fond she must be of our Shi’qi, to have actually consented.”
Master Wang let out a dismissive snort.
“Fond of him? More like he’s flattering himself. In that young lady’s eyes, it’s principles that matter, not people,” he said. “Someone like her has greater ambitions. She welcomes those who align with her ways and lets go of those who don’t. She would never force anything.”
Madam Wang curled her lip. “Greater ambitions,” indeed—what greater ambitions could a woman have beyond supporting her husband and raising children?
“So, should we call off the engagement?” she asked.
Master Wang sighed, his face full of regret.
“At this point, we have no choice but to end it,” he replied. “Shi’qi simply isn’t destined for such fortune.”
“After all the chaos and suffering she brought upon the Cheng family—I’d say that’s a rather harsh ‘fortune’ to endure,” Madam Wang remarked.
“They brought it upon themselves by provoking her,” retorted Master Wang with a cold hum. “That brother-in-law of mine has always been too arrogant. He rushed in without even gathering proper information—so full of himself. Even a louse can bring down a mighty beast if given the chance, and she was no louse—she was a lion.”
Speaking of incomplete intelligence, the Wang family itself was not entirely blameless. They had deliberately concealed news from the capital out of their own desire to secure the marriage—otherwise, First Master Cheng would never have been so poorly informed.
Madam Wang felt a twinge of guilt.
“So even if the marriage alliance falls through, we must still extend our sincerity and show proper respect,” said Master Wang. “You should go in person to see if the young lady has returned and offer our apologies.”
A burst of lively chatter interrupted Madam Wang’s reflections. Several women had just emerged from the compound.
When Madam Wang saw them, she was surprised—and the steward was downright startled.
“Aren’t those from the Qin family, affiliated with the Princess’s estate in the capital?” he murmured.
What were they doing here? Had they come with Second Madam Cheng?
The women did not board their carriage immediately but paused beside it, followed by attendants from the Zhou family.
“…With fears of snow as the year ends making roads difficult, our madam decided to send the New Year’s gifts early…”
“…She knows the young lady lacks nothing, but it’s the thought that counts…”
“…This one was specially sent by our Thirteenth Young Master—for the young lady to enjoy, if she pleases…”
Watching the constant flow of large parcels and small boxes being unloaded from the carriage, accompanied by occasional laughter and chatter, both the steward and Madam Wang came to a halt, staring in astonishment.
Her madam… wouldn’t that be Madam Qin herself?
Had Madam Qin personally ordered New Year’s gifts to be delivered to this young lady?
Madam Wang and the others silently emphasized the word “specially” in their minds.
If this were merely out of respect for the Zhou family, there would be no need to go out of their way like this—unless it was truly for Lady Cheng’s own sake…
The steward couldn’t help but raise a hand to wipe the fine sweat from his nose.
Beside him, Madam Wang nodded with dawning understanding. She had been somewhat reluctant to come earlier, but now she saw how wise her husband had been.
A figure of such influence—even if they couldn’t form a marriage alliance, they must absolutely avoid making an enemy of her.
With this thought, Madam Wang stepped forward, moving ahead of the Cheng family’s steward.
“I wonder if your young lady is available at the moment?”
Facing the Zhou family attendants, the Wang family’s maid respectfully presented a name card as she inquired.
A name card! They were actually presenting a name card—this was hardly the attitude of an elder meeting a junior!
The Cheng family steward, standing further back, widened his eyes once again in disbelief.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Second Madam Cheng, who had been seated for some time, was also looking astonished as she watched Cheng Jiao-niang push back a stack of invitations.
“Jiao-niang, this is the Qin family—the Qin family from the Princess’s estate. They’re not just any ordinary folks,” she said urgently.
Cheng Jiao-niang nodded.
“Precisely because it is the Qin family, there’s no need for discussion,” she replied. “Just deliver the message directly. The Qin family will understand my meaning.”
The Qin family… understands?
Could it be that she actually had dealings with the Qin family back in the capital?
Second Madam Cheng thought of the respectful tone and manner of the Qin family servants earlier, and the New Year’s gifts they mentioned. Such treatment couldn’t possibly be due to the Zhou family alone.
“Well… if not the Qin family, what about these other families…” she hurriedly added.
Cheng Jiao-niang shook her head.
“I have no intention of discussing marriage for now. We can speak of it later,” she said.
Later?
“Jiao-niang, you mustn’t marry into the Wang family…” Second Madam Cheng urged anxiously.
“I know,” Cheng Jiao-niang interrupted her, bowing slightly. “Thank you for your concern, madam, but let’s not speak of these matters for the time being.”
Just as Second Madam Cheng was about to say more, Ban Qin, who had been standing by the door, rose and spoke.
“Madam, please return for now. My lady only arrived last night and has not yet had proper rest,” she said.
Hearing the maid speak, Second Madam Cheng swallowed back the words she had been ready to say. She had no desire to be thrown out again. Besides, this simple-minded girl had even dared to take First Master Cheng to court—so having a maid dismiss guests probably didn’t strike her as improper in the least.
“Then rest well. If there’s anything you need, just let me know. Though your father isn’t home, I can still make decisions,” she said with a hurried smile. “As long as our family stands united, we have nothing to fear.”
Cheng Jiao-niang nodded slightly, bowed, and rose to her feet.
“Please, don’t trouble yourself to see me out. Get some rest,” Second Madam Cheng said warmly as she made her way out.
“My lady, Madam Wang is here,” an attendant in the courtyard announced only then.
The Wang family? Startled, Second Madam Cheng looked up and out—and indeed, there stood Madam Wang.
“Please invite her in,” said Cheng Jiao-niang.
“Jiao-niang…” Second Madam Cheng turned back anxiously, intending to return.
But Ban Qin stepped forward and gently blocked her path.
“This way, madam,” she said, extending her hand.
Not daring to argue further with the young maid, Second Madam Cheng stepped out. Words she could handle—what she feared were those silent, rough types who only acted without speaking. Once outside, she spotted the steward and found it even harder to simply walk away.
“Be careful there—don’t damage any of the items,” she said, raising a hand pointedly toward the servants unloading gift boxes from the carriage, while smoothing a strand of hair at her temple.
The Qin family maids and Zhou family attendants glanced at her but continued working without a word.
After a moment’s hesitation, the steward stepped forward, bowed, and addressed her: “Second Madam.”
Second Madam Cheng didn’t even look his way.
“Are the return gifts prepared?” she asked the Zhou family attendants.
Though no one answered or paid her much mind, she didn’t seem bothered.
“The return gifts must not be taken lightly—this is the Qin family of the Princess’s estate, after all.”
She brushed her hands lightly and turned to her own maids with instructions, “We must consider this carefully and choose appropriately.”
Her maids nodded in unison, replying, “Yes, madam.” A few even made to step forward and help with the unloading, but a sharp look from the Zhou family attendants made them shrink back nervously.
Just as she was speaking, Madam Wang, who had only just gone inside, emerged again.
So soon?
Had she actually been rejected?
Second Madam Cheng quickly looked over and saw that Madam Wang appeared relaxed, even somewhat pleased.
“…Perhaps we should also send New Year’s gifts…” she murmured quietly to her attendant beside her.
New Year’s gifts? She too intended to send gifts?
She looked so cheerful, as if she had just scored a great bargain—nothing like the frustration one would expect after a rejection. But if the marriage arrangement were still on, why would an elder send New Year’s gifts to a junior?
Could it be that the Wang family hadn’t truly wanted this match in the first place? Had they only agreed out of obligation to First Madam Cheng?
“Madam Wang,” she called out directly.
Madam Wang stopped and glanced at her. The cheerful expression vanished instantly, replaced by cool detachment.
“Let’s hurry. We need to get home early—there’s much to attend to,” she said, and without waiting for a response from Second Madam Cheng, she walked away.
Second Madam Cheng let out two angry huffs, flicked her sleeve, and strode swiftly away with her maids in tow.
Only then did the steward finally have a chance to step forward. He stated his purpose, to which Ban Qin responded with clear displeasure.
“As expected—no peace since returning…” she muttered under her breath before going inside to relay the message. She returned shortly after.
“My lady says if you’ve come about the dowry, there’s no need to discuss it. Let’s wait for the official judgment,” she said.
“Miss, please,” the steward said urgently. Glancing around, he lowered his voice. “My master said that since the young lady cares so much about the dowry, she may simply have it.”
Ban Qin shook her head.
“How would that be proper? It would seem as though my lady were making an unreasonable fuss, and the master had no choice but to give in. Where is the justice in that?” she replied. “Better to let the authorities decide.”
Seem? It is your lady making an unreasonable fuss!
“Miss, please… you can’t be so absolute about this—we are still family after all…” the steward urged anxiously.
Ban Qin turned and cut him off.
“My lady says that being absolute is the only way to maintain order. Otherwise, going back on one’s word would only lead to chaos,” she replied, offering a slight bow to the steward. “Please return, steward. There’s no more to discuss. My lady has said from the beginning that this isn’t about the dowry—it’s about principle.”
Not about the dowry? Only about principle?
Was she actually serious?
The steward stared at the maid in astonishment.
“Have you heard the story of the Passing Immortal from the capital?” Ban Qin asked with a faint smile.
The steward shook his head blankly.
“Once, a man saw someone else benefiting from the Passing Immortal. He learned the method and claimed it as his own, then grew wealthy. He began to believe the Passing Immortal belonged to him. So when he met the person who had originally shown him the way, he felt not gratitude, but suspicion and defensiveness. He even tried to threaten that person. But the original user said the Passing Immortal wasn’t hers to begin with—so even if he offered money, she wouldn’t take it.”
“What happened after?” the steward asked, still dazed.
“Afterward, the Passing Immortal that asked for no payment could be found everywhere on the streets,” Ban Qin said. She smiled slightly, then turned and went inside.
The Passing Immortal that asked for no payment could be found everywhere?
What does that even mean?
The steward was more confused than ever.
