Zhulan, hearing footsteps, saw Chang Zhi rushing into the hall. Fearing he might fall, she hurriedly said, "Walk slowly, watch your step."
Chang Zhi, upon hearing his mother’s tender voice, slowed his pace and looked carefully at her. A smile appeared on his face; it was truly good to see his mother safe. He felt very apologetic, "Mother, I remembered you were due to give birth, and I had counted the days, but I was delayed on the way. I’m sorry I couldn’t come back to be with you."
There was kindness in Zhulan’s eyes. This child might not be adept at handling worldly affairs, but he still thought of his family. She beckoned him, "Come here, let your mother have a good look at you."
Chang Zhi’s face turned a bit red; he was really not good at expressing himself, "Mother."
Zhulan held Chang Zhi’s arm, "You’ve lost weight and grown taller. In the blink of an eye, Chang Zhi has grown up."
Chang Zhi’s face grew even redder, recalling his master’s teasing that it was time for him to be betrothed, "Mother."
Zhulan seldom saw Chang Zhi looking embarrassed; it sure seemed like the right age to be betrothed. "It seems indeed that it’s time for you to get engaged."
Chang Zhi didn’t know where to put his hands or feet, the teasing from his master was one thing, but his mother was in charge; he quickly gestured with his hands, "Mother, I am still young."
Zhulan patted Chang Zhi’s hair; the boy had indeed grown considerably in over a year, almost as tall as Zhou Shuren, "My son, now that you’re back, don’t even think about running away."
If they do not settle this now, it would be more troublesome later on. It would be better to decide early.
Chang Zhi, "...How about I leave again?"
Chang Zhi closed his mouth, feeling that anything he might say could lead to a scolding.
Zhulan looked at Chang Zhi, who was not in a sorry state this time but rather perplexed, "Did you come back by yourself?"
Chang Zhi had some trouble following his mother’s words but honestly replied, "Mm."
Zhulan stood up and went around Chang Zhi twice; his clothes were clean, not at all like someone who had been traveling. "I think I should increase Qi Mo’s monthly allowance."
Chang Zhi realized what she meant, looking somewhat unnatural, "Mother, I brought you a gift."
Zhulan was interested; this was the first time the boy had brought a gift home, "Let me see it."
Chang Zhi called for Qi Mo, who came in carrying a box. Chang Zhi proudly placed it on the table, "Mother, I bought you a fan. Do you like it?"
Zhulan liked it. The round fan had embroidery on both sides, and even the handle was made of jade, cool to the touch. She looked at Chang Zhi with curiosity, "Did you really choose this yourself?"
It didn’t seem likely at all. It was strange enough he had brought a gift, let alone one that was so thoughtful.
Chang Zhi made an awkward sound, his expression a bit unnatural, "Mother, let’s not ask questions, I’m tired. I’m going to wash up."
This time, Zhulan was stunned and watched Chang Zhi run off. By the time she came to her senses, Qi Mo had followed him out.
Zhulan turned back to Nanny Song, "What’s wrong with this child?"
She was just asking; why did he run off as if she stepped on his tail?
Nanny Song, with pursed lips and a smile, said, "Perhaps the young master has taken a liking to a lady?"
Zhulan’s eyes widened in surprise; she was genuinely shocked. She found it hard to believe that the boy could take initiative with a girl.
However, considering how Chang Zhi had blushed at the mention of betrothal, Zhulan rubbed her chin, thinking about which girl was so impressive to take such initiative!
Zhulan needed a moment to collect her thoughts. Though the customs of the time were casual, it was still rare for a lady to take the lead so boldly, to leave a mark in Chang Zhi’s heart. Whoever she was had guts and judging by the fan she helped choose, it was clear she had taste, and likely her family background was not bad either.
Zhulan’s lips curved into a smile. She had been worried, but now she felt much relieved. She had a good impression of Miss Ran from the Ran family, although it was a pity that the Ran family was heavily involved with the Third Prince. For the sake of the Zhou family, even with some approval for Mother Qi Clan, she wouldn’t make that choice.
She had even thought of lowering her standards to arrange a marriage for Chang Zhi. The Zhou family was not in the same situation it was during Chang Lian’s marriage. The current Zhou family had the power to refuse. Even though it might be a hassle, Zhulan still hoped each of her children would find someone to accompany them for a lifetime.
The news of Chang Zhi’s return immediately spread, along with portraits of him. Chang Zhi wasn’t too bad a catch; tall for those times, a young Scholar with a notable teacher, and a powerful father. Though he had his flaws, he was still considered a decent son-in-law candidate.
While some were happy about Chang Zhi’s return, others felt like crying. Ming Teng and Ming Rui sniffled, daring not to act up for fear of being caught by Chang Zhi.
That evening, the entire family had dinner together with Chang Zhi’s return.
Chang Lian, sitting beside Chang Zhi, boasted proudly, "You’re going to be an uncle."
Chang Zhi, "....Big brother, I’ve been an uncle for many years now."
Chang Lian, grinning, "I misspoke; what I mean is, I’m going to be a father, and you’re going to be an uncle again."
Chang Lian still hadn’t gotten over the joy of becoming a father himself, and now he was showing off again.
Chang Zhi blushed, took a sip of wine, and choked on it, "Cough, cough."
Chang Lian looked at Chang Zhi with surprise. Had his foolish brother wised up? He had always thought if their mother didn’t arrange a marriage for him, he would end up alone. Chang Lian lowered his voice, "Have you been gallivanting around because you’ve taken a fancy to some girl?"
Chang Zhi bristled, "What are you saying? I don’t understand."
Elder brother Chang Li was in high spirits, seeing little brother—or rather, fourth brother—with so many expressions for the first time, "Is it that you don’t understand, or are you pretending not to?"
Zhulan was seated next to Zhou Shuren this time. The two exchanged a glance and watched Chang Zhi with interest.
Chang Zhi pursed his lips, "Big brother would do well to spend more time caring for his own son. In the days I wasn’t here, Ming Teng hasn’t progressed at all. Big brother, you’re really lackluster as a father. It’s no wonder Ming Teng is not afraid of you. You wouldn’t want Ming Teng to turn out like you, would you?"
It hurt; that was harsh!