Hua Bolin and Yang Suian split into two groups. Yang Suian took a shortcut through the back gate to return home and prepare for his mother's departure from the Yang family. If the Yang family tried to stop him, he would coordinate with his cousin from inside and out.
Meanwhile, Hua Bolin rode on horseback, leading forty imposing household guards along the main road. Among them was a soft sedan chair, ostentatiously drawing everyone's attention. Many households even sent their own servants to follow behind, curious about what the long-quiet Hua family was up to this time.
Seeing this display, the Yang family panicked and quickly shut their gates tight, with one person guarding inside and another rushing to deliver the message.
Hua Bolin dismounted and declared loudly, "Hua Bolin of the Hua family is here to bring the Hua daughter home."
His words immediately caused an uproar. With the Hua family in such a state, they still wanted to take back a married daughter? Were they jealous that their married daughter was living too well? And led by a mere child—did the Hua family really have no one else left!
Ignoring the reactions, Hua Bolin's still-youthful voice rang out again, "Hua Bolin of the Hua family is here to bring the Hua daughter home!"
The Hua family guards shouted in unison, "Hah!" amplifying their imposing presence.
Now everyone could see that the Hua family had no intention of resolving this peacefully.
Faced with such a public confrontation, if the Yang family closed their gates and avoided the issue, they would lose all face in the capital. Coincidentally, it was a rest day, and all the Yang men were at home.
Soon, the Yang family's main gate swung open. Old Master Yang Zheng, a fourth-rank official, emerged dressed in brand new formal attire, hands clasped behind his back. He was followed by a group of Yang male family members, all with grim expressions, their gazes unfriendly as they looked at Hua Bolin.
"I wonder why the young master of the Hua family has come to force his way to our door," Yang Zheng began, attempting to frame the situation. He assumed that no matter how mature Hua Bolin seemed, he was still just a child who could be easily manipulated. Little did he know that Hua Bolin had been personally taught by Hua Zhi.
Hua Zhi had always taught him one principle: in the face of true strength, all tricks are paper tigers. She also taught him that a man should be upright and honorable—even when scheming, he should walk the path of open strategy. The stories she told him were the essence of five thousand years of Chinese history. Even a person of average intelligence would have learned self-preservation from them, let alone Hua Bolin, who was exceptionally gifted.
Hua Bolin performed a scholar's bow, neither humble nor arrogant. "Lord Yang, I dare not accept your accusation of 'forcing my way to your door.' I merely heard that my aunt has been observing mourning for my grandmother for many days and has fallen ill from exhaustion. My great-aunt, worried about my aunt's health, has been weeping at home. Thus, I thought to bring my aunt home to recuperate for a period. However, since my aunt is a daughter-in-law of the Yang family, I did not want the Yang family to say our Hua family lacked sincerity. That is why I brought these people—to show Lord Yang our utmost sincerity. I hope Lord Yang will grant my sincere request."
What was this if not brazen lying?
But could Yang Zheng refute it? No! Hua Bolin presented his case with logic and evidence, every word carefully chosen to convey one thing: the Hua family wanted to take home their married daughter who had fallen ill from observing mourning. He spoke no ill of the Yang family and even displayed what he called "sincerity."
Yang Zheng had no grounds to refuse. He also thought it harmless to let his daughter-in-law stay with her maternal family for a few days. From any perspective, he had no intention of openly breaking with the Hua family at this time. Giving in here might even earn him a reputation for being gracious to the weaker party. Why not agree?
Just as he was about to nod, his eldest son Yang Qi suddenly whispered from behind, "Father, you cannot agree."
Yang Zheng turned to look at him, his eyes questioning.Unexpectedly, Yang Qi merely shook his head without saying a word. Yang Zheng began to grasp the situation—likely, Yang Qi had done something that the Hua family had discovered, and they had come to demand her return after learning Hua Xian had been wronged.
Glaring fiercely at his eldest son, Yang Zheng felt deeply disappointed. Such short-sightedness! Though the Hua family had fallen from power, their in-laws, the Zhu Family, remained influential! Countless scholars still stood behind the Hua family! Had everyone in the capital forgotten the spectacle at the old lady’s funeral?
Fool!
Yet, no matter how disappointed he was, he had to assist now. Forcing a smile, Yang Zheng said gently, "Young Master Hua, I understand your meaning. However, as you said, Hua Xian is after all the daughter-in-law of the Yang family. Even if she is unwell, she should recuperate here, not return to her maiden home. If word got out, people might think the Yang family mistreats their daughter-in-law."
Hua Bolin pretended to ponder for a moment. "Then, may Berlin visit my aunt?"
Not allowing her to be taken away was one thing, but refusing a visit would raise suspicions. Yang Zheng had no choice but to agree. "Of course, that is permissible."
"Father..."
"Silence!" Yang Zheng hissed under his breath. He stepped aside first, gesturing for Hua Bolin to enter, appearing exceedingly courteous while subtly setting a trap.
Hua Bolin ascended the steps with Su Momo, four sturdy matrons, and four servants. Stopping one step away from Yang Zheng, he made a polite gesture to proceed, careful not to overstep.
Yang Zheng regarded Hua Bolin with appreciation, mentally comparing him to his own juniors and finding some comfort—at least Su’an had always performed well and wouldn’t be completely overshadowed.
Naturally, Yang Zheng couldn’t accompany a junior indefinitely. He departed once they entered the main gate. Yang Qi shot a meaningful glance at his attendant, who understood and slipped away quietly.
Su Momo noticed this and subtly tugged at the sixth young master’s sleeve.
Understanding her hint, Hua Bolin declined Yang Qi’s invitation to view rare books in the study. "Uncle, please forgive me. Berlin is truly worried about my aunt. May I accompany you after I’ve seen her?"
Yang Qi was unwilling to let them in just yet and hurriedly insisted, "But this rare book is truly exceptional—authored by the venerable Mr. Sun. I spent a fortune to acquire it. I wouldn’t be so impatient if I weren’t uncertain and hoping to benefit from your discerning eye."
The late Mr. Sun, a scholar of unparalleled integrity from the previous dynasty, had been executed and his clan exterminated by the former emperor. His great works were burned to ashes. If this rare book was genuinely his, it would be extraordinary.
Under normal circumstances, Hua Bolin would have been eager to see it, but today was different.
Hua Bolin smiled. "I’ve been entrusted by my grand-aunt to see my aunt first. If you’re truly in a hurry, Uncle, why not bring the rare book to my aunt’s room? I’ve seen Mr. Sun’s authentic works at my grandfather’s place and should be able to recognize it."
To be precise, he had seen it at his elder sister’s—the true rare book by Mr. Sun, which their grandfather had given to her.
Hua Bolin bowed slightly and led Su Momo and the four matrons into the inner quarters, leaving the four servants at the second gate. Before departing, he glanced back at them, and they all nodded in acknowledgment.
The maidservant leading the way seemed to have received a hint and attempted to lead Hua Bolin on a detour. Hua Bolin flashed a bright smile. "I still remember where my aunt’s courtyard is. There’s no need to trouble you, sister."The maid was so frightened that she immediately lowered her head and dared not make any further moves. As soon as the person left, she scurried out of the inner gate. Yang Qi was pacing back and forth there, and his expression changed when he saw her. He pulled her further away and asked in a low voice, "Why so quickly?"
The maid also felt wronged. "Young Master Hua said he knows the way and dismissed me."
Yang Qi frowned deeply. That young man had only visited several years ago, and he was so young back then—could he really remember?
"Hurry, go to Old Madam and tell her she must find a way to keep him here."
"Yes."
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