In this season of flourishing spring, the sun carried warmth without being overly scorching. The tranquil Hua family estate saw maids and elderly servants dressed in lighter attire, their skirts swaying gently as they moved.
On the covered corridor, sunlight bathed Hua Ling and her sisters, their youthful faces adorned with relaxed smiles as they gathered to discuss something before departing hand in hand.
The Hua family seemed to have returned to its former stability, yet there was now an added dimension—most notably, the reduced formality and increased closeness among the siblings. Unconsciously, the bonds between different branches of the family had grown this strong.
Inside the room, Hua Xian paced restlessly, too anxious to sit or stand still. Third Aunt watched her helplessly without offering consolation, knowing it would be futile.
"Mother, do you think I’m too impatient? Should I have waited until Sui’an’s day off?"
"His decision to live with you at the Hua family already speaks volumes. You shouldn’t always rely on him to back you up or make decisions for you. You’re his mother, not his daughter—it would be laughable if word got out."
Hua Xian flushed with embarrassment, but in her mother’s presence, she couldn’t help being somewhat willful. "But Sister-in-law is well protected by Zhi Er and Berlin too—what’s wrong with that?"
Third Aunt was both exasperated and amused. At least her daughter had the self-awareness to use Madam Zhu as a comparison.
Fortunately, Madam Zhu, as the eldest daughter-in-law, had such a temperament. Had she been the type to resent a married sister-in-law, others in the household would have followed her lead and treated Xian less kindly.
Seeing her daughter shed much of her timidity, Third Aunt had no further desires—only that her daughter and grandson could remain with the Hua family. Even if the family no longer held its past glory, with the capable eldest young lady at the helm, things wouldn’t falter.
Moreover, the eldest young lady valued family deeply. Even if Third Aunt passed away someday, she needn’t worry about her daughter’s well-being in her maiden home. As for Sui’an, he lacked nothing that Berlin had—clear evidence of the eldest young lady’s stance.
This was more than enough.
"Aunt, the eldest young lady is heading this way."
No sooner had Hua Xian sat down than she sprang up again, instinctively looking at her mother with a pitiable expression.
Third Aunt glared at her. "Why so nervous? Hasn’t the eldest young lady treated you well enough?"
"It’s not that... I just don’t know how to face her." As an elder relying on a junior to champion her and plan on her behalf, she felt deeply ashamed.
"Just act naturally. We’re family—there’s no need for formalities, and the eldest young lady wouldn’t appreciate it." Though she managed the household, the eldest young lady left internal affairs entirely to Wu Shi, never interfering. This demonstrated trust, but more so, it reflected her impatience with domestic matters—her focus lay beyond, on weightier issues.
That she involved herself in Xian’s affairs, which ultimately fell under internal management, showed her protectiveness toward family. They all owed her gratitude.
Hua Zhi entered without her maid, stepping over the threshold to bow to the two women. "Third Aunt, Aunt, my apologies for the delay."
They wouldn’t dream of accepting her courtesy. Hua Xian hurried forward to assist her up. "It’s I who have troubled you. Had I known the shop was opening today, I wouldn’t have dared disturb you."Hua Zhi found herself helpless when it came to her mother, and by extension, she showed more patience toward her aunt who shared similar traits. She turned and guided the guilt-ridden woman to sit, speaking gently, "Not at all. I don’t need to be personally involved in the shop’s opening—just checking in is enough."
Hua Xian smiled shyly, and though she was a woman in her thirties, the expression suited her perfectly without any hint of awkwardness.
Whenever Hua Zhi thought of her aunt’s experiences, she couldn’t help but wonder: if her own mother hadn’t married her father, what would have become of her? Her father, though somewhat idealistic and aloof, surprisingly had a clear grasp of matters within the inner household.
Thinking of her father inevitably led her thoughts to her relatives far in the northern lands. It was already April; by July, she would need to set off for the north.
Pulling her thoughts back, Hua Zhi looked at her aunt, who seemed hesitant to speak, and then at her third grand-aunt, who showed no intention of speaking up. She smiled and said, "Aunt, if you have something to say, just say it. In this family, there’s nothing that can’t be spoken aloud."
Hua Xian glanced pleadingly at her mother, but seeing her mother avoid her gaze, she bit her lip and mustered all the courage she had to voice the words she had long rehearsed in her heart. "I... I want a divorce."
As if afraid of burdening Hua Zhi, she quickly added, "If it’s not possible, that’s alright too. I just don’t want to return to the Yang family."
"Why wouldn’t it be possible? No one seeks a divorce unless they can’t go on."
Hua Xian’s heart felt as if it had suddenly landed safely. She unconsciously clutched her chest, taking several deep breaths to ease the sensation of weightlessness. Hua Zhi brought a cup of tea to her aunt’s lips and helped her take a few sips, her movements so practiced they seemed performed countless times—and indeed they had been, as she often did the same for her mother whenever she cried, to replenish her fluids.
Third Grand-aunt watched, her gaze momentarily dazed, then relieved. Though their branch of the family lacked influential figures, they still had three members. From now on, whatever the eldest young lady undertook, they would stand by her side. If Sui’an ever achieved success, they would ensure he never forgot the many times Hua Zhi had protected them.
"Does Sui’an know?"
"He does. He once said I should ask you to decide for me, but I wasn’t ready then..." Hua Xian tucked her hair behind her ear sheepishly, glancing at her niece before lowering her head again. "I just don’t want to go back to the Yang family. Though the Hua family may not be as wealthy as the Yangs, I feel everything here is better. I don’t have to live in constant fear. I’m not afraid to admit it—while in the Yang household, I often wished Yang Qi would never step into my room. I didn’t care whom he favored or granted status to, as long as he stayed away from me."
Hua Xian covered her face. "I’m afraid of him, terribly afraid. I hope never to see him again in this lifetime."
"Then you never have to see him again."
Hua Zhi spoke as if it were a simple matter, as though wanting a divorce meant it could easily be granted. But Hua Xian was merely timid and soft-hearted; as a daughter of the Hua family, she wasn’t ignorant. She knew how difficult it was to obtain a divorce in the Daqing Dynasty. That was why, despite desperately wanting one, she had waited until now to speak up—fearing the turmoil it might cause.
Yet Sui’an had reminded her that the Hua family wasn’t entirely without resources now. Yang Qi still used his status as a son-in-law of the Hua family to make connections. Fearful that Yang Qi might harm the Hua family, she had resolved to bring this matter to Zhi Er.But when Zhi Er truly agreed, she became unsettled again—there was joy, there was relief, but the rest was all unease. She worried this might damage Zhi Er's reputation.
That inner conflict and hesitation were written all over her face. How could Hua Zhi not understand? Her eyes softened with tenderness. No matter how weak or burdensome she was, she would feel uneasy about causing trouble for others. Compared to those overly shrewd people, Hua Zhi preferred this kind of person. Perhaps they weren't capable and required you to worry on their behalf, but they never hesitated to offer their care.
I truly lack love, Hua Zhi couldn't help but mock herself.
OpenNovel