Chapter 12.1: GNU Ch.12 Part 1 - Longevity Feast (I)

Cheng Yujin couldn't help but feel angry. Do as she like? Cheng Yuanjing told her in front of everyone that old Master Cheng was calling. What could she do except for obeying?

When Cheng Yuanjing took her out of old Madam's room a few days ago, he used the same excuse. At that time, Cheng Yujin was grateful for his kindness. But now her cousins were gathered here. It was her chance to spend an afternoon getting closer to Xu Zhixian. Such an excellent opportunity, and now he was going to take her away?

Cheng Yujin was very unwilling, but in front of everyone, how could she disobey her uncle? Cheng Yujin smiled at Cheng Yuanjing and curtsied a bit. She then asked, "Do I need to go now?"

Cheng Yuanjing simply threw her a light glance before opened the curtain and walked out. Cheng Yujin had no choice but to turn around and nodded at her cousins: "I need to go now. Excuse me, everyone." Then she hurried off.

Those who were left behind in the porch standing blankly and looked at each other. Xu Nianchun went to the window to look outside and saw Cheng Yujin walked quickly until she caught up with Cheng Yuanjing. Then they walked side by side towards old Master Cheng's courtyard.

Xu Nianchun murmured: "Elder sister Jin really had a good relationship with the ninth uncle. When maternal grandfather wants to see her, he let ninth uncle pass the message."

At this time, Cheng Yujin had caught up with Cheng Yuanjing. Suppressing her anger, she asked, "Ninth uncle, why do you call me out? What exactly do you want to do?"

Cheng Yuanjing glanced at Cheng Yujin. He saw her seething with anger yet pretended to be calm and couldn't help but laugh: "You overthink. The Marquis really called you. I simply help bring his message on my way."

Cheng Yujin was surprised and stared at him with a half-doubt: "Really?"

"If you don't believe me, go back."

Cheng Yujin frowned and quietly pondered. Putting aside the matter of believing him or not, it wouldn't be wrong to visit old Master Cheng first. On the way to the old Master's courtyard, Cheng Yuanjing didn't take the initiative to make a conversation. Cheng Yujin gradually felt relieved. This man looked alienated and indifferent, didn't seem to be making fun of herself, so it was probably true that old Master Cheng was calling her.

Cheng Yujin entered the old Master's courtyard with a skeptical attitude. The old Master properly dressed and was sitting in front of an eight immortals table. After seeing their coming, he quickly beckoned: "Ninth boy, eldest girl, you are here."

Cheng Yujin was utterly surprised. So old Master Cheng was really calling for her! She glanced at Cheng Yuanjing quietly, and by a coincidental timing, met the other party's eyes. Cheng Yujin quickly withdrew her gaze and pretended to salute the old Master, "Granddaughter greets grandfather and wishes you peace."

Old Master Cheng didn't care about these superficial courtesies and quickly waved his hands to let them sit down. Cheng Yuanjing didn't pretend to be polite, he really took a chair and sat down. Cheng Yujin's eyes swiftly scanned the room. After judging the situation, she carefully sat on the lower position right after Cheng Yuanjing.

Old Master Cheng was looking at calligraphy on the table. Cheng Yujin's sharp eyes instantly noticed it and carefully taking a look. She soon guessed that it might be her grandfather's collection. Calligraphy was one of Cheng Yujin's expertise, so she commented: "Whose calligraphy is grandfather looks at? This person's penmanship had a strong core, each stroke is so orderly and cohesive, neat and smooth, having its own unique style. At one glance, I can see that the calligrapher's skill is extremely profound. Should it be the work of a hidden expert?"

Cheng Yujin noticed Cheng Yuanjing's eyes swept over her. Did he dislike seeing her fawning over the old Master? Was this his business? But immediately afterward, her grandfather replied with a broad smile, "This is the ninth boy's writing."

The smile was on Cheng Yujin's face almost frozen. Next to her, Cheng Yuanjing chuckled in a low voice. His laugh was clear and low, if not for their close proximity, Cheng Yujin wouldn't be able to hear it.

Fortunately, this was merely a small event. Cheng Yujin quickly adjusted her mood and smiled: "It turned out to be ninth uncle's work. Really make this niece open my eyes. If I knew early, I would have pestered grandfather, asking you to teach me to write, so my calligraphy would also be as good as ninth uncle's."

Old Master Cheng laughed, but Cheng Yuanjing fell into deep thought. This Cheng Yujin was too capable. In each and any situation, she always managed to coax her superiors pleasantly. In one sentence, she praised two people. Moreover, she did it very naturally and reflexively, showing off a little girl's charm and curiosity. Even the imperial eunuchs who earned a living by using their boot-licking skills weren't as good as her.

What kind of environment would develop such a character?

Old Master Cheng obviously didn't think so much. He stroked his beard and smiled, "Eldest girl is right. Ninth boy is indeed very good." The old Master suddenly paused a bit before continued: "Soon, it will be the emperor's longevity feast. Although His Majesty said to not celebrate it grandly, as courtiers, our regard shouldn't be lack. But His Majesty didn't lack any good things either, so we can only offer our sincere feeling. Ninth boy's calligraphy is excellent. Let's present his writing for his majesty. Ninth boy, what is your opinion?"

That previous strange feeling came again. Old Master Cheng was the father, why did he need to ask for his son's opinion? Even more, old Master Cheng was going to present a gift to the palace in the name of Yichun marquis manor. Such an opportunity was given to Cheng Yuanjing, normally it should be an honor. Why did the old Master use such a cautious tone?

Cheng Yujin's gaze stayed at the two people. Cheng Yuanjing didn't answer and kept silent for a long time. During the time, old Master Cheng almost stopped breathing in nervousness. Fortunately, Cheng Yuanjing finally nodded very slightly: "Alright."

Old Master Cheng was relieved and immediately smiled. Cheng Yuanjing's one word obviously made him happier than Cheng Yujin's long praise. "Then we should do this properly."

Cheng Yujin was still in thought when unexpectedly, her grandfather called her again: "Eldest girl."

Cheng Yujin stood up subconsciously: "Yes, grandfather?"

"It is too sloppy to send the calligraphy as it and may attract some people's animosity. It won't be good for the ninth boy. Eldest girl, I heard your grandmother praised your embroidery, she said it is so excellent. Are you willing to turn ninth boy's writing into an embroidery?"

Cheng Yujin stunned. After a moment, she immediately responded: "It's granddaughter's honor to be able to help grandfather."