The breakfast at Fushou Hall was indeed all Zhao Changting’s favorites. After all these years, Old Madam still remembered.
But those were the preferences of the twelve-year-old Zhao Changting. By nineteen, his tastes had long since changed. The red date cakes and pea-flour cakes he once couldn’t wait to sneak away from the adults to eat now tasted overly sweet and cloying to him.
Still, he didn’t dislike them. During the wars in Mobei, sleeping rough and eating simply was the norm, and sometimes there wasn’t even food to be had. So having something to eat was already good enough—no matter how sweet or rich, he could fill his stomach with it.
Watching him, Old Madam’s heart ached again.
During those years her grandson spent in Mobei, even such ordinary foods were probably hard to come by, weren’t they?
So she set aside her own meal and kept serving Zhao Changting dishes and pastries.
After three red date cakes and four pea-flour cakes, Zhao Changting finally felt overwhelmed by the sweetness. He reached out to stop Old Madam and said, “Grandmother, I can serve myself. Please, eat as well.”
Old Madam smiled. “I’m old and can’t eat much. I just enjoy watching you young ones eat.”
Since she put it that way, Zhao Changting had no choice but to let go of her hand.
Old Madam wasn’t lying. Elderly people truly did enjoy seeing the younger generation eat heartily.
She watched Zhao Changting eat with satisfaction and couldn’t help but bring up Zhao Jingzhi. “When she was little, getting her to eat was such a struggle. No matter what was made or how it was prepared, she’d only take two bites. Not only was she thin and frail, but she’d also fall ill every few days. I was worried sick.”
Zhao Changting vaguely remembered that his younger sister A Zhi had indeed been like that as a child—eating little and having a weak constitution.
But back then, their mother had taken care of such matters.
So what Grandmother was referring to must have been after their mother passed away and after he had left for Mobei, right?
Old Madam was indeed talking about that time. “Later, Ah Hui came. Ah Hui had a hearty appetite. At nine years old, she was tall and sturdy, yet her face was exceptionally pretty. A Zhi took to her right away.”
“But it’s no wonder she liked her. She was the only girl in the family, surrounded only by maids, with no playmates in her daily life. It was inevitably lonely. When Ah Hui arrived, she not only gained a playmate but also an older sister.”
“She adored Ah Hui, and seeing how heartily Ah Hui ate, she became willing to eat more too. That child Ah Hui was thoughtful as well. Later, she suggested having eating competitions with her. Those two little girls, each trying to out-eat the other!”
Old Madam chuckled as she spoke. “Gradually, A Zhi gained weight and grew healthier, but she turned into a little chubby girl. Once, she was teased while visiting another family and came home so upset she refused to eat for a whole day.”
Thinking of the sister he had seen yesterday, her face was indeed round and plump, but a little chubby girl?
Zhao Changting thought, it wasn’t quite that extreme.
Old Madam continued, “So later, Ah Hui started something called ‘weight loss’ with her. They still ate, but they focused on eating healthily—more meat and vegetables, and less of things like steamed buns and mantou.”
“She even told me, since I’m old, I should eat less of those things in the evenings, saying they’re hard to dige…” As she spoke, Old Madam finally remembered that Zhuang Hui was the stepdaughter brought into the household by Zhuang Mingxiang. Zhao Changting probably didn’t like hearing about her, so she abruptly stopped.
Zhao Changting actually didn’t mind. He didn’t even care about his stepmother or Zhao Changrui, let alone a young girl.
But he truly didn’t want to talk about unrelated people either.
Therefore, when Old Madam fell silent, he took the opportunity to respond and changed the subject: “Yes, you are getting older, so you really should pay attention to your diet. By the way, it’s already this late, and A Zhi still hasn’t come to pay her respects?”
In wealthy households, it is customary for younger generations to pay their respects morning and evening. Zhao Changting had arrived early and was certain Zhao Jingzhi had not yet come. But for her to be this late was highly improper.
Old Madam, however, did not mind these rules much and smiled, saying, “Children need more sleep. I told the servants attending to her not to wake her, to let her sleep a little longer. She’s still growing, after all.”
Zhao Changting frowned, clearly disapproving.
Old Madam quickly added, “She should be here soon. She wouldn’t sleep too late.”
Seeing that he even minded his own younger sister being late to pay her respects, Old Madam thought for a moment and then explained on behalf of Zhuang Mingxiang: “She is already over five months pregnant, her body is heavy, and she has to manage the household. I told her not to come unless necessary.”
Regarding Zhuang Mingxiang, Zhao Changting only gave a faint “Hmm.”
As long as his grandmother didn’t mind, whether his stepmother paid her respects or not was none of his concern.
But his sister would marry in the future. As the legitimate daughter of a marquis’s household, she would naturally not marry beneath her station. However, she had lost her birth mother, and if her manners were not proper, she might face difficulties in her future in-laws’ home.
But since he had just returned, he would wait before bringing this up.
Just as Zhao Changting was thinking this, Mama Qiao, who attended Old Madam, came in smiling and announced, “Second Miss is here!”
Second Miss?
Zhao Changting lifted his eyes and saw his younger sister, Zhao Jingzhi.
Zhao Jingzhi came to pay her respects to Old Madam at this time every day and would have breakfast with her. Today, she was not late at all, but upon arriving, she heard Mama Qiao say that her grandmother had already started her meal!
Wondering why her grandmother was eating so early today, she entered and saw her elder brother.
The young girl had been pampered and raised with a simple and straightforward nature. A night had passed, and she had already forgotten the reason she hurriedly left Jingyuan the day before. Her eyes lit up, and she joyfully called out “Elder Brother,” quickly stepping forward.
Zhao Changting had decided not to mention it for now, so he nodded with a gentle expression.
Zhao Jingzhi’s breakfast had naturally been prepared long ago. As soon as she arrived, without Old Madam needing to give orders, Mama Qiao instructed the servants to bring her portion, which had been kept warm in the pot.
Even while eating, Zhao Jingzhi couldn’t stay idle. She asked a few questions about Zhao Changting’s tastes, but since her elder brother was truly a man of few words, she soon ran out of things to say. To avoid an awkward silence, she turned to Old Madam and asked, “Grandmother, didn’t Sister Hui come today?”
Before Zhuang Mingxiang became pregnant, Zhuang Hui would come to Fushou Hall every morning with her to pay her respects.
But after Zhuang Mingxiang became pregnant, Old Madam, concerned for the child, excused her from coming daily. Zhuang Hui, however, felt she should not skip the visits, so she would go to Zhao Jingzhi first every day and then come with her. Sometimes, she would also stay for breakfast.
Today, Zhao Jingzhi had finished getting ready but had not waited for Zhuang Hui, which was why she asked now.
The reason Zhuang Hui could not come had already been explained by Zhuang Mingxiang, who sent Liu Mama over last night.
But this reason…
Old Madam instinctively glanced at Zhao Changting, just as he looked up upon hearing Zhao Jingzhi mention Zhuang Hui.
Their gazes met in mid-air. Old Madam felt troubled, while Zhao Changting’s expression was difficult to read.
But Old Madam felt she understood—her grandson was displeased.
The girl had her monthly courses, which naturally couldn’t be mentioned to her grandson. So Old Madam quickly said, “Well, she’s feeling somewhat unwell. Your… madam sent someone to inform us last night.”
She nearly said “your mother” but caught herself just in time. In front of Zhao Changting, Old Madam felt her heart nearly leap out of her chest in fright.
Zhao Jingzhi, however, didn’t notice this. Hearing that Zhuang Hui was unwell, and being a young girl who hadn’t yet experienced her monthly courses, she didn’t think of that possibility and assumed Zhuang Hui had fallen ill.
She immediately lost her appetite and stood up worriedly, saying, “Is Sister Hui ill? I’ll go see her!”
Before Old Madam could speak, Zhao Changting already said, “Sit down. Finish your meal before going.”
His tone wasn’t particularly stern, but he was frowning, and his words were a firm command. As Zhuang Mingxiang had said, a military commander with numerous battle achievements carried an aura of authority that could easily intimidate a young girl. After one glance at his expression, Zhao Jingzhi instinctively sat back down almost immediately.
Zhao Changting didn’t realize he had frightened his sister. Seeing her obey, he lowered his head and continued eating.
Old Madam, however, noticed. She had initially worried that her pampered granddaughter might argue with her brother, but instead, the girl had been scared into submission.
Old Madam felt sorry for her, but she didn’t dare say anything.
Although her fear of this grandson stemmed from guilt, fear was still fear. She didn’t dare upset him.
So she only softly comforted Zhao Jingzhi, “Your elder brother is right. Finish your meal first. Ah Hui is fine. It won’t be too late to visit her after you’ve eaten.”
Although Zhao Jingzhi didn’t dare disobey and insist on going, she was very unhappy inside.
What’s wrong with Elder Brother? Sister Hui is so wonderful—what harm is there in me visiting her?
How could a meal be more important than Sister Hui?
Besides, if I went to Sister Hui’s place, would she let me go hungry?
Hmph, this elder brother—I’m starting to dislike him!
Zhao Changting, unaware of his sister’s inner thoughts, thought of Zhuang Hui. She had seemed perfectly fine during the day yesterday, yet she fell ill by evening. She truly was delicate and frail.
Having spent seven years in Mobei, he had grown accustomed to the climate and environment there and couldn’t help but look down on the delicate young ladies of Jingcheng. If they were placed in Mobei, could they even survive?
He glanced sideways at Zhao Jingzhi, who was angrily biting into a steamed bun, and thought, thankfully A Zhi isn’t like that.
Zhao Jingzhi hurriedly finished her breakfast, not even bothering to say a word to Zhao Changting. She scrambled up, tossed out a “Grandmother, I’m going to Sister Hui’s,” and then lifted her skirt and dashed away in a flash.
Zhao Changting’s brow furrowed again. Although he had been away from Jingcheng for seven years, his sister’s manners… were truly lacking!
Old Madam was carefully watching his expression. Seeing him frown again, she quickly said, “She and Ah Hui grew up together. The two sisters are very close. She’s just worried…”
Noticing that Zhao Changting’s brow remained furrowed, Old Madam fell silent, wondering if she had said something wrong.
Because of Zhao Jingzhi, Zhao Changting felt some resentment toward Old Madam. Neglecting him was one thing, but A Zhi was right here—a young lady of the marquis household. How could she be allowed to behave so rashly?
Ah, that’s right. Grandmother is old, and as the saying goes, grandparents dote on their grandchildren. She probably pampers and pities A Zhi, never having the heart to discipline her strictly.
Fortunately, he had returned, and A Zhi was only eleven. There was still time.
Regarding matters that concern his sister’s entire life, Zhao Changting could no longer worry about whether he might hurt the Old Madam’s feelings. Putting down his bowl and chopsticks, he spoke frankly, “Grandmother, A Zhi is already eleven. In just two more years, she will be of marriageable age. I would like to hire an Instruction Matron to properly teach her etiquette.”
The topic shifted too abruptly, and the Old Madam was momentarily stunned before responding, “Oh, yes, yes.”
Zhao Changting continued, “But as for household management, Grandmother, I must trouble you to take more care.”
His mother had passed away, and his maternal grandmother had died even earlier. The only person he could trust now was his aunt, but she was far away in Mobei—he couldn’t possibly send A Zhi all the way to Mobei.
The Old Madam: “…”
It was only then that she belatedly realized Zhao Changting was dissatisfied with how she had raised A Zhi.
The Old Madam was immediately angered. This rascal, what was wrong with A Zhi?
She was lively and adorable, clever and generous, warm-hearted and kind—simply the best girl in the world!
Fuming inwardly, the Old Madam managed to say, “Rest assured, I will.”
…
When Zhao Jingzhi arrived at Lanyuan, Zhuang Hui was still asleep.
Upon asking Yingtáo and Grape, the two senior maids merely smiled and refused to say what was wrong with Zhuang Hui. Realizing that Zhuang Hui was likely not seriously ill and driven by curiosity, Zhao Jingzhi went into the inner room and woke Zhuang Hui up.
Zhuang Hui had switched to another storybook last night and stayed up reading it hastily until around two in the morning before finally falling asleep. Now, awakened, it was already Chenzheng, approximately eight o’clock, so she had slept reasonably well. Moreover, it was the adorable Zhao Jingzhi who woke her, so she felt no morning grumpiness.
“A Zhi,” she called lazily to Zhao Jingzhi, then shifted her legs slightly and immediately stiffened.
Zhao Jingzhi asked, “Sister Hui, what’s wrong? I didn’t see you at Grandmother’s place to pay respects today. Grandmother said you weren’t feeling well—are you sick? Where does it hurt?”
She then complained, “I asked Yingtáo and Grape, but neither of them would tell me!”
“No, I’m not sick,” Zhuang Hui laughed, then carefully and quickly got up. Since there were no outsiders in the room, she simply ran to the washroom in her inner garments. “Wait for me, I’ll tell you in a moment.”
After spending quite some time in the washroom and changing into a clean menstrual cloth, Zhuang Hui finally emerged.
This was one of the inconveniences of ancient times compared to the modern era—no convenient sanitary pads!
But never mind, things couldn’t always go exactly as one wished. In ancient times, she had a large house to live in, a carriage (like a BMW) to ride, and endless money to spend without having to work. Gains came with losses, and since the gains far outweighed the losses, she was already quite satisfied!
“Sister Hui!” Zhao Jingzhi hurried over and linked arms with Zhuang Hui.
Zhuang Hui first called for water to wash up, then, while freshening up, explained to Zhao Jingzhi, “I’m not sick. It’s just that my monthly period has come, and my stomach hurts a bit, so I asked Grandmother for a few days off.”
Although Zhao Jingzhi hadn’t yet experienced her monthly period, she was already eleven years old. Through her maids and elderly servants, as well as knowing about Zhuang Hui’s previous periods, she understood. She only exclaimed in surprise, “Stomach pain? Why haven’t I heard you mention it before?”
Zhuang Hui replied, “Well, perhaps it’s because I indulged in too many cold drinks and fruits last month, trying to beat the heat.”
Zhao Jingzhi, ever the curious child, asked, “Does having your period always cause stomach pain?”
It probably did. Although she hadn’t experienced it herself, Zhuang Mingxiang had specifically warned her during her first period not to touch cold water, eat fruits, or indulge in cold drinks, no matter how hot it was.
Zhao Jingzhi was already eleven and had been well-nourished since childhood. It was likely she would experience it within the next year or two.
Although there was Old Madam and Nanny Tong to take care of Zhao Jingzhi, the little girl had lost her mother since childhood and was so well-behaved and sensible that she evoked affection. Zhuang Hui also felt pity for her, so she carefully explained to Zhao Jingzhi what Zhuang Mingxiang had taught her.
Finally, she added, “You also need to eat more meat and vegetables. If your body is healthy, you probably won’t feel pain.”
Zhao Jingzhi nodded in agreement. Seeing that Zhuang Hui had already washed up, she worried that her stomach might be uncomfortable, so she urged her to get into bed. Then she went to instruct Yingtáo to bring the kang table and serve breakfast, allowing Zhuang Hui to eat her morning meal in bed.
The little girl was so thoughtful that Zhuang Hui couldn’t help but hug her and plant a kiss on her plump, tender cheek. “Our A Zhi is truly too good. I’m so touched. Would you like some milk tea?”
Zhao Jingzhi’s eyes sparkled like stars. “Can I have some?”
Zhuang Hui counted the days and nodded. “Yes, it’s been a full seven days since you last had any. You can have a cup today, but if you drink milk tea, you’ll have to eat less for dinner.”
Zhao Jingzhi nodded eagerly like a pecking chick. “Okay!”
In the past two years, Zhao Jingzhi had indeed become a little chubby. After being laughed at outside, she felt embarrassed, so she mustered the determination to have Zhuang Hui help her lose some weight.
But having grown accustomed to delicious food, suddenly cutting it out was too difficult to endure. So, from time to time, Zhuang Hui would reward her—satisfaction made it easier to continue!
Thus, when Yingtáo and Grape came to set up breakfast, Zhuang Hui asked Grape to go to the kitchen to request milk tea.
This milk tea was, of course, taught by Zhuang Hui to the manor’s cooks. Milk, tea broth, and sugar made up the most basic version. Later, she also taught the cooks to add homemade taro balls, fruits, raisins, red dates, and other toppings.
Since her menstrual period had just arrived yesterday, she ordered the basic version for herself, but with brown sugar instead of regular sugar.
Zhao Jingzhi was young, so her tea broth was halved, and she could add other toppings as she liked.
As a marquis’s household, fresh milk was supplied daily. The cooks were already accustomed to making milk tea, knowing that the Marquess’s wife, Fourth Madame, the two young ladies of the main branch, and the two young masters of the fourth branch all loved it. Thus, many ingredients were always prepared, and two large bowls of hot milk tea were quickly delivered.
Zhao Jingzhi held the sweet milk tea, taking a sip that seemed to sweeten her heart.
Then she remembered her eldest brother’s unreasonable behavior and couldn’t help but complain, “Sister Hui, you don’t know about my eldest brother—he’s really, really too much!”
Zhao Changting?
Too much?
Zhuang Hui couldn’t help but grip her bowl tighter. “What did he do?”
Zhao Jingzhi said, “Grandmother said you weren’t feeling well, and I wanted to come see you, but he actually wouldn’t allow it!”
“Ah?” Zhuang Hui’s expression instantly changed.
Zhao Jingzhi continued, “He insisted I finish breakfast before coming. Hmph, as if I’d go hungry if I came to see you?”
Zhuang Hui: “…”
Little sister, could you please not phrase your sentences like that?
You scared me half to death!