After that game of Go, Zhu Haocheng had already gained a preliminary understanding of his niece and was not surprised by her sharpness in identifying the problem. Nodding, he said, "You're right. Berlin will be their target. Compared to those few, the identities of the other two are actually more convenient."
"Chen Zhi and Yu Zhengyao?"
"Correct." Zhu Haocheng couldn't hide his admiration for his niece. "If they only wanted to seek some benefits for themselves, that would be manageable—they wouldn't dare make major moves. What I fear is that they might be swayed by those few. The Hua family cannot withstand any more turbulence."
Hua Zhi had considered this as well. She suddenly turned and instructed, "Go and invite Berlin here."
Liu Xiang moved with light, graceful steps but exited the room with remarkable speed.
"These matters are closely related to Berlin; he should be aware of them." Zhu Haocheng took a sip of tea. "Earlier, your grandmother mentioned Berlin's marriage prospects to me. He's already ten years old—it's time to start considering suitable families."
"Berlin still has a year of mourning to observe, and he's still very young. Given the Hua family's current situation, now isn't the right time to discuss marriage." The thought of arranging a wife for a ten-year-old, even though Hua Zhi had seen it often, was something she couldn't accept happening to Berlin.
"Not another family—it's Shan'er."
Hua Zhi was taken aback. Zhu Shan? The youngest daughter of her eldest uncle? Setting aside the issue of consanguinity—which was all too common here—she simply asked, "Does Aunt know about this?"
"Before I came, your grandmother said you would certainly use your aunt as an excuse to avoid this matter. She was absolutely right." Zhu Haocheng laughed. "Don't worry about her. There are things I don't pursue, but that doesn't mean I'm unaware. For the sake of your thorough consideration, I must accommodate, but this matter isn't for her to oppose."
"Aunt's love for her family isn't wrong. It's just that Berlin and I aren't fortunate enough to be considered family in her heart. I don't blame her. Marriage is no small matter—it's best if everyone agrees, especially Cousin Shan'er. Uncle, perhaps you should also ask for her opinion."
"Parents' orders and matchmakers' words—that's how it is in every family."
"That's why there are so many unhappy couples and so much discontent in the world." Hua Zhi understood her uncle's good intentions and didn't outright refuse. After a moment's thought, she suggested, "How about this: let them spend more time together first. If they develop feelings for each other, I won't object. If neither has any interest, then there's no need to force it. Fortunately, they're both still young—Cousin Shan'er is only twelve. Delaying a year or two won't affect her chances of finding a good match. What do you think, Uncle?"
"As you wish. The daughters of the Hua family are fortunate."
With such a head of household, they needn't worry about being married off as bargaining chips or being hastily betrothed. They were much luckier than many women. With such an elder sister and Berlin being so sensible, Zhu Haocheng suddenly felt that Shan'er would be much happier marrying into the Hua family than into any other household. His resolve on the matter grew even stronger than before.
"Elder Sister... Uncle, you're here!" Hua Bolin noticed his uncle a moment late and hurriedly bowed in greeting.
Zhu Haocheng looked at Hua Bolin with the eyes of a father-in-law appraising a prospective son-in-law, growing more and more satisfied the longer he looked. Smiling, he said, "Young Master Berlin is doing quite well."
Hua Bolin blushed, stealing a glance at his elder sister. Seeing her smile as well put him at ease.
Hua Zhi pointed to the spot beside her. "Come, sit here. Listen carefully and remember well.""Yes." Hua Bolin sat down, looking eagerly at his uncle. He had no idea what his uncle was about to say, nor did he know that his uncle was currently scheming to make him a son-in-law.
"Chen Zhi is the eldest disciple of the old master and has been with him the longest. Many people recognize his face, so if he wants to do something, plenty would oblige him. Yu Zhengyao is the second disciple. In terms of status, he isn't as advantaged as Chen Zhi, but he has one advantage that Chen Zhi lacks."
Zhu Haocheng looked at the siblings. "Not only is he a disciple of Old Master Hua, but he is also the son-in-law of Liang Jinshan, the former academy head. Although Headmaster Liang has passed away, his former associates and disciples are spread far and wide. If Yu Zhengyao manages to grasp these resources, Chen Zhi may not necessarily win against him."
Hua Zhi glanced at her younger brother, and Zhu Haocheng, noticing this, also looked over.
Hua Bolin pursed his lips. "No matter what other identities they hold, one of their identities is as Grandfather's disciple. It might be acceptable for others to stand by and do nothing, but not for them. In this matter, they have no ground to stand on."
Zhu Haocheng nodded. "And then?"
Hua Bolin instinctively looked at his elder sister. Meeting her encouraging gaze, he felt a surge of courage. "A disciple is like a half-son. Their behavior is, first and foremost, unfilial and a great loss of scholarly integrity. Moreover, their excessive concern for their own reputation will breed dissatisfaction among other scholars. If they sought nothing, it would be one thing—no one could hold it against them. But if they try to leverage Grandfather's influence, the scholars of the world will not stand for it."
"It's remarkable that you can think of this at such a young age." Zhu Haocheng grew even more determined to secure this boy early. "But it's not enough. The issues you mentioned can all be resolved. Chen Zhi and Yu Zhengyao have been absent all this time. They could claim they weren't home, or that they were gravely ill and barely survived. They have all sorts of excuses to justify themselves. If they do a few things to win people over, the matter will be forgotten. People are quick to forget—don't expect them to remember the Hua family's grievances forever."
"What if we solidify their guilt now?" Hua Zhi's lips curved slightly. "Given time, they will forget, but right now, their hearts are still burning. They may not be able to clear Grandfather's name, but they can cleanse his household for him."
"Elder Sister, how should we do it?"
"After the forty-nine-day mourning period, go personally to Uncle Chen Dayi's house and kowtow outside his gate to thank him for his loyalty and righteousness."
Hua Bolin looked puzzled. "Is that enough?"
"There's no need to do more. Others will fill in the rest." Hua Zhi looked at her brother, her expression serious. "Berlin, you must remember: strategies used openly are called 'open schemes.' If the other party is still constrained by you, it only means they lack ability. But if you use underhanded tricks to scheme against others, that is a low move. If others catch you in a misstep, even if it wasn't your fault, it becomes your fault, and you must bear all the consequences."
"Yes, Elder Sister, I will remember."
"From now on, I will not intervene in this matter. You will take over and handle it."
"Yes."
Zhu Haocheng nodded inwardly. He had finally figured it out: this boy's ability to expound on the Analects had nothing to do with Hua Pingyu, and likely nothing to do with Old Master Hua either. It was entirely Zhi Er's teaching. One could imagine what kind of refined gentleman Berlin would grow into under such an education."A scholar who has lost their reputation and standing no longer holds any value. Even if the Hua family's signboard were placed right before them, they would never be able to lay a hand on it. That eliminates two threats."
Hua Zhi spoke with such nonchalance that Zhu Haocheng almost mistook it for a trivial matter. Yet for a scholar, reputation is more important than life itself. Zhi Er had pinpointed the vital spot with uncanny precision.
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