The night was as dark as ink, with fine rain like silk threads, adding a touch of chill to this cold winter day.
When I first opened the door in the morning, I was greeted by a stretch of snowy whiteness covering the roof and the ground.
The twins were already prepared to go to school, while the younger ones were reluctant to get up because of the cold.
But upon hearing that it had snowed, each poked their heads out from their quilts, scrambling to get dressed first.
Winter clothes were too thick and they had to wear them one piece over another. Their little hands and feet couldn’t cope, so Sister Zhi could only patiently serve these little lords.
Having just put on their clothes and gotten off the bed, they scrambled to rush out the door.
Sixth Brother accidentally fell to the ground. Luckily the thick snow cushioned his fall instead of hurting him. On the contrary, he found it fun.
He secretly grabbed a snowball and pitifully called out to Fourth Brother, who was closest to him, “Fourth Brother, my butt hurts and I can’t get up.”
Pei Xiaosi disdainfully came over to pull him up, complaining, “You’re so clumsy. Don’t you know to be more careful?”
Little did he expect that the moment Little Six stood up, a snowball was tucked into Pei Chenan's collar, chilling him into shuddering violently.
“Pei Chenyou, you've got guts. Don’t run...”
By the time he shouted this out, Little Six had already scurried to hide behind Third Elder Brother, faster than a rabbit. When Fourth Brother caught up, he decisively pulled Third Elder Brother in front of him to hide.
Their noisy voices filled the yard, chirping noisily. The few children threw snowballs at each other.
Pei Chenyou was the youngest, so he was definitely at a disadvantage playing with them. But he had a sweet tongue, calling his brothers sweetly one moment and taking advantage of their mercy to cause trouble the next.
Fortunately the triplets acted quite like elder brothers. Even though he angered them to the point of jumping in anger, they were clearly still doting on him.
Sister Zhi stood at the doorway, smiling radiantly as she watched this scene.
After they had played enough, the originally flat snow ground was simply trampled as if ravaged by pigs.
Once breakfast was ready for them to eat, Sister Zhi picked up a shovel to shovel the yard of snow and piled it in the corner.
Mrs Zhou came over just as she finished.
“The old madam wanted me to come over and help you shovel snow, but you’ve already finished it all.” Mrs Zhou said with a smile.
Sister Zhi: “I’ve troubled you to come over specially for nothing. There wasn’t much to do and I handled it myself. Don’t listen to Grandma next time. She dotes on me too much and always worries that I can’t handle things.”
“You’re right. Sister Zhi is much more capable than we thought.” Over the past few years of raising a few children, it was not easy for anyone, yet she had taken good care of them and taught them to be well-behaved.
As Mrs Zhou turned to leave, already nearing the main gate, she suddenly recalled something and turned back. “Sister Zhi, let me ask you something. You don’t have to feel I'm prying.”
Sister Zhi: “Sister Zhou, it hasn’t just been a day since we met. We’ve never stood on ceremony before. Why start now?”
Hearing this, Mrs Zhou’s initial apprehension instantly disappeared. “I met Sister Zhang on the streets a few days ago. The daughter-in-law of the family she worked for accused her of having sticky fingers. Sister Zhang took care of Old Pei for so many years and nothing like this ever happened before. So I thought there might be some misunderstanding. Now that you have to raise several children alone, things aren’t watched as closely as before. Do you need someone to help out? I only suggested this because I know Sister Zhang is having a difficult time. If this isn’t your intention, just pretend I never brought it up.”
She shouldn’t have mentioned this as one shouldn’t falsely accuse others without reason.
But the more she thought about it, the more she felt that Sister Zhang wasn’t that sort of person. Otherwise when she served at the Pei family for so many years, Wang Yue wouldn’t have found no fault in her either.
Sister Zhi did not immediately agree, but instead asked her, “Sister Zhou, did Sister Zhang ask you to inquire my opinion?”
“No no, I brought this up myself,” Mrs Zhou quickly shook her head. “I even told her last time not to bother you. But she still refused to come to you, afraid that she would be imposing.”
“I understand. Thank Mrs Zhou for informing me. Please send my regards to Grandfather and Grandmother when you go back.” Sister Zhi answered non-committedly.
After the children finished their meals, Sister Zhi called them over. “Chen Ze, Mom is going out for a bit. Take your brothers to your maternal grandfather’s house to play. Don't run around unsupervised, understand?”
"Understood Mom, have a nice trip."
Having received his promise, Sister Zhi changed into loafers and took an umbrella before leaving the house.
She deliberately passed by the Old Master's house to inform him.
Sister Zhi knew where Sister Zhang lived but had never been there.
Sister Zhang's living environment in this tenement building was not the best. Pots and pans for cooking were piled on the walkway outside, forcing Sister Zhi to ask an elder sister for Sister Zhang’s exact address.
The door was not closed. Sister Zhi called out at the doorway, “Is anyone home?”
“Coming!” The familiar voice was not as cheerful and confident as before. Instead, it seemed weak and feeble.
Sister Zhang walked out and was shocked to see Sister Zhi. “Sister Zhi, why have you come here? Please, come in to talk.”
“Sister Zhang, I came specifically to see you,” Sister Zhi said as she walked inside. With one look she noticed the living room. Not big with a square table. One corner was sectioned off with curtains for sleeping. The house only had two bedrooms.
But Sister Zhi knew that Sister Zhang had three children, probably all in their teens now.
Although it seemed cramped, the house was spotless and tidy with items arranged properly. One look and you could tell the lady of the house was neat and efficient.
For a long time after she left the Pei family, Sister Zhang would often visit them. Having cared for the little ones for some time, parting would definitely be reluctant.
But over the past year or so, her visits dwindled. Sister Zhi was unclear about her circumstances but still willing to believe that Sister Zhang’s hands were clean.
Otherwise with Sister Zhang handling the shopping, cooking and chores under Old Pei who didn't care to manage household affairs, she could have pocketed a lot had she been so inclined.
There was also the excess fabric from making clothes and shoes for the children that she would sort and prepare for Sister Zhi to handle. This showed that she was not money grubbing.
Of course, Sister Zhi gave her things too which she accepted as rightfully earned through her labor.
“Sister Zhang, I heard from Sister Zhou that you don’t have work at the moment?”
“That Xiaozhou, I told her not to bother you but she refuses to listen.” Sister Zhang gave a bitter smile while trying to appear fine. “It’s true I don’t have work. Since Sister Zhou has told you about me, you should know what happened. Sister Zhi, I know you’re kind hearted but I can’t take advantage of you either. Given my circumstances now, I’m not suited to be a nanny anymore.”
She knew Sister Zhou meant well too, having dealt closely over the years when both family patriarchs were on good terms. Naturally there was some rapport.
But with her reputation now, she didn’t wish to embarrass the former employers she still held in high regard.
“Sister Zhang, I’ll just ask you directly. Did you really take their things?” Sister Zhi asked her.
“Of course not. I’ve been a nanny for years and took good care of Old Pei without incident or sticky fingers. I’ve never done anything inappropriate,” Sister Zhang said aggrievedly on the verge of tears. “Sister Zhi let me confess something without laughing at me. The daughter-in-law accused me of seducing their old patriarch. That old man's nearly eighty! Isn’t that insulting? If I didn’t admit to stealing, she threatened to spread rumors so I would truly have no face left.”
She really had no choice but to admit to something she didn't do while holding her nose.
This was because before this, the daughter-in-law had gifted her a silk handkerchief. She claimed it was purchased from Haicheng and considered it valuable enough to show her gratitude for Sister Zhang’s hard work caring for the old master.
As a nanny, not stealing is a matter of principles. But a reward from an employer for her labor she rightfully earned. Why refuse it?
The handkerchief looked quite nice, so she took it back and gave it to her eldest daughter. The girl loved showing off, so she wore it out and paraded around so that everyone would know. But then people started saying that she had stolen it.
Just because Sister Zhang served the old master well, he favored her. Yet she was almost wrongfully accused. Even working diligently can make one a target.
Up until now, her husband still believes that she was not being honest, which is why she lost her job.
If he knew the truth, who knows what he would think of her.
In this world, couples like Pei Jing and Zhi Xia who can unconditionally trust each other are rare, especially when it comes to situations that could lead to suspicion of infidelity.
And these past few days, he has been treating her badly over this, and their three children have had to hear gossip about their family. She feels even more upset.
The only person Sister Zhang can confide in is Zhi Xia, because she knows Zhi Xia is a good person and won't spread rumors.
