Old Madam Zhu was assisted by her son as she alighted from the carriage. Looking up at the doorframe draped with funeral couplets, her eyes reddened instantly.
They were not merely in-laws; they had known each other since their maiden days. Though two years older, she had frequently encountered the other at various gatherings of young ladies. While not bosom friends, their bond ran deeper than most.
By coincidence, after marriage, their respective husbands' families turned out to be old friends. Frequent interactions between the two households fostered even closer ties. It was precisely because she understood what kind of family the Huas were that she dared marry her less capable daughter into their household.
Yet who could have imagined that someone two years her junior would depart so abruptly.
A sudden wail erupted nearby. Old Madam Zhu glanced sideways and saw Hua Jing.
Noticing the attention, Hua Jing performed a deep bow of filial piety toward her. The old lady made a faint gesture of acknowledgment but did not, as Hua Jing might have hoped, inquire why she was stationed outside.
Having lived to this age, Old Madam Zhu had witnessed countless affairs. She understood profoundly that anomalies signal mischief. Moreover, she had never liked Hua Jing.
Among the Hua children, she held the least regard for this domineering eldest daughter. Her own daughter had suffered few hardships at her mother-in-law's hands but had repeatedly been wronged by Hua Jing. Were it not for her son-in-law's steadfast protection, who knows how she might have been mistreated. Though she never voiced these grievances, they remained etched in her memory.
At that moment, Hua Zhi emerged with her younger brother to greet them. The siblings crossed the threshold and knelt to the ground.
Old Madam Zhu immediately forgot about Hua Jing, striding forward to lift them both up while exclaiming "my dear hearts" repeatedly, her affection overflowing.
Hua Zhi allowed the old lady to hold her hands and converse briefly before turning to greet Zhu Haodong. "Second Uncle."
"Please, no formalities." Though merely months had passed, the siblings had changed almost beyond recognition. While Berlin's transformation from impulsive to steady surprised him, Zhi Er's evolution astonished him even more.
The Zhi Er he remembered was quietly reserved, her speech and demeanor the very model of an accomplished lady. Though she maintained the same aristocratic bearing now, he could discern the difference - the determination and sharpness in her eyes were entirely new.
Perhaps they had all misjudged her before.
The siblings supported the old lady to the mourning hall where incense was offered. All younger generation members of the Hua family knelt in gratitude. Noticing vague figures behind the curtain, Zhu Haodong glanced twice.
The old lady wept genuine tears into her handkerchief for some time before allowing the siblings to escort them to the adjacent reception room where Madam Zhu awaited.
Seeing her mother, Madam Zhu flew into her embrace like a swallow returning to its nest, weeping as if her heart would break.
Hua Zhi curtsied. "Grandmother and Second Uncle, please rest here. Berlin and I must return to the mourning hall and cannot keep you company."
"Don't mind us, attend to your duties." The old lady didn't send her own people to assist. From the moment she entered, she had observed the Hua household functioning with perfect order and composure, requiring no external help.
"Enough weeping now." Old Madam Zhu signaled her son to close the door before guiding her daughter to a chair. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Tell me everything that's happened these past two days. Who's managing the household affairs now?"
"It's Zhi Er. Mother-in-law has entrusted everything to Zhi Er." Between sobs, Madam Zhu recounted recent events, particularly emphasizing Hua Jing's actions.Old Madam Zhu slammed the table in fury, "That beast! After Wan Niang treated her like her own eyeball, protecting her so dearly, this is how she repays her? No wonder Zhi Er wouldn't let her through the door. Serves her right! Xia'er, I'm telling you, don't speak up for her in front of Zhi Er—that would only make things difficult for the child. If she lacks the backbone to handle this, how will she ever manage the household or command respect?"
Zhu Xiuxia lowered her head in guilt, recalling her earlier actions.
Taking one look, Old Madam Zhu understood everything. Furious at her daughter's weakness yet unable to harshly scold her, she tapped Zhu Xiuxia's forehead and sighed, "Didn't I tell you not to interfere in Zhi Er's affairs? Whatever she says, you should follow. Did my words go in one ear and out the other?"
Tears instantly streamed down Zhu Xiuxia's face. "But she's Zhi Er's aunt! If she goes around speaking ill of Zhi Er, who wouldn't believe her? Wouldn't that ruin Zhi Er's reputation?"
Old Madam Zhu was momentarily speechless. Indeed, when an aunt criticizes her niece, people wouldn't think the aunt was deliberately tarnishing the niece's reputation—they'd assume the niece truly deserved it. Her daughter's concern wasn't unfounded.
Zhu Haodong, who had been listening quietly nearby, asked, "What does Zhi Er herself think?"
"Zhi Er said..." Zhu Xiuxia hung her head lower, her voice dropping. "Zhi Er said she cannot retreat. She said she can't let the Hua family end up like the He family."
That usually inconspicuous girl actually saw things clearer than anyone, Zhu Haodong thought with admiration, feeling he had misjudged her. "If she retreats, the Hua family might soon follow Hua Jing's lead and carry the Song surname."
"But what is left for anyone to covet from the Hua family now..."
Old Madam Zhu looked utterly helpless. That her daughter had turned out this way was entirely her fault as a mother—she had failed to raise her properly.
Zhu Haodong patiently explained to his younger sister, "The Hua family's reputation alone is enough to make people flock to it. You can't imagine the vast network of connections the Hua family has built over a century. Though it's not visible now, that's because there's no current need. No one would approach the Hua women at such a time—it wouldn't be help, but harm. Another reason is that people don't want to confirm the accusation that Old Master Hua formed cliques for personal gain."
Zhu Xiuxia still didn't understand. "But no other matriarchs have come forward to help us..."
One must ensure self-preservation before helping others, Zhu Haodong shook his head. He decided not to elaborate on these complicated social dynamics, making a mental note to discuss it with Zhi Er after this matter settled. The Hua family not only had old allies but also many political enemies. Moreover, because Old Master Hua valued talent and helped many scholars, he had also offended numerous people. With both factors combined, once public attention on the Hua family faded, someone was bound to make underhanded moves.
"Just listen to Zhi Er. Whatever decision she makes, stand by her side. Don't try to dissuade her, even if you think it's not good for her. She knows what she's doing. For your sake and Berlin's, she won't truly let herself suffer. Understand?"
Zhu Xiuxia nodded repeatedly. "I remember."
Old Madam Zhu was more concerned about the reactions of other Hua family members. "What do your sisters-in-law think about Zhi Er taking charge?""I can't be sure about the other two, but Fourth Sister-in-law should have no objections. She has always been on good terms with Zhi Er, and these past two days it's been Zhi Er making arrangements while Fourth Sister-in-law follows her lead."
Finally having someone to share the burden, Old Madam felt relieved for her granddaughter. "I shouldn't interfere with Hua family matters to avoid gossip. I've come to understand Zhi Er's character - she's strong-willed and resilient, not one to easily ask for help. Keep an eye on her. If she encounters difficulties, have Lin Shuang come find me. I'll do whatever I can to help within my means."
It was "I" who would help, not the Zhu Family - Old Madam had left herself room for maneuver. While Zhu Xiuxia failed to grasp this nuance, Zhu Haodong understood perfectly. Watching his youngest sister nod in trusting agreement, he averted his gaze.
Old Madam Zhu noticed her son's reaction and felt a pang of sorrow, yet this was how it had to be. She was first and foremost the matriarch of the Zhu Family, and only then could she be Xiuxia's mother.
PS: Much love to you girls.
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