Hua Zhi had been running around outside all morning, and it was already approaching noon. Old Madam Wu quickly ordered additional vegetarian dishes to be prepared and sent Zhu Shan to summon her second uncle. The household bustled with activity.
Hua Zhi simply watched with a smile, not interfering.
When elders fuss over you like this, it comes from affection. All she needed to do was accept their care to make them happy.
"You, child," her grandmother said, "I know you never visit without a reason. I'll send word to your grandfather soon, asking him to return early after finishing his work."
"There is a small matter, but it's not urgent. Since we're alone now, may I ask your opinion about my cousin and Berlin?"
"I couldn't be more supportive. The Zhu family has no objections—we're only waiting for your approval." Old Madam Zhu gazed fondly at her granddaughter, who seemed perfect in every way. "Do you have any thoughts on this?"
"I'm grateful the Zhu family doesn't mind. Those two have always gotten along well, and I'd be happy to strengthen our family ties. However, marriage is a lifelong commitment. I'd like to first discuss it with Berlin. We shouldn't deceive my cousin either—while uniting our families would be wonderful, I'd never wish for an unhappy marriage."
"Your concern is reasonable, though I suspect you're mainly worried about your eldest aunt." Old Madam Zhu sighed inwardly. Her daughter-in-law was generally good-natured but somewhat shortsighted. While the Hua family might not currently match the Zhu family's status, just look at Zhi Er and the other promising, diligent young members of the Hua family! When they grew up, the Hua family would surely regain its former glory.
Never underestimate the young—the Hua family now consisted mostly of promising youth. Take Berlin, for example: exceptionally clever, he could satisfy his teachers even when uninterested in classical texts. Now that he applied himself seriously, how could he not succeed?
Moreover, the Hua household was harmonious, free from petty conflicts. Her aunt would be the mother-in-law, and although Hua Zhi was capable, she was reasonable and clearly not someone who clung desperately to domestic authority. Besides, given the Zhu family's status, who wouldn't respect Shan Er if she married into the Hua family? And when the Hua family eventually rose again, wouldn't Shan Er benefit?
Despite these obvious advantages, she'd had to painstakingly explain them to her daughter-in-law. How could she confidently pass household leadership to someone so limited?
Though these thoughts swirled in her mind, Old Madam Zhu responded without delay: "She came around long ago—she just felt too embarrassed to discuss it with you. Let's forget that earlier misunderstanding and move forward. We're all family; there's no need for lingering awkwardness."
"You're right. I was being inconsiderate."
"Who dares call you inconsiderate? I won't allow it." Old Madam Zhu gently patted her granddaughter's hand, her eyes and face radiating warmth. "Let's consider this matter settled between us. We'll formalize it when the time is right."
Hua Zhi stroked her grandmother's still-soft hand and murmured, "I'd still prefer to consult the young ones first. After all, they're the ones who'll be spending their lives together."
The old lady sighed in mock exasperation. "Very well, have it your way. I've never seen anyone spoil a brother as you do. In most families, elders arrange marriages—if we left it to the youngsters, there'd be chaos!"
Hua Zhi readily accepted this "accusation" without further explanation. Different perspectives, upbringings, and environments made mutual persuasion impossible through mere discussion.Footsteps sounded, and both thought it was Zhu Haodong arriving. Unexpectedly, it was the Zhu Family’s First Madam who appeared.
Hua Zhi rose to greet her, "Eldest Aunt."
The First Madam helped her up, glancing sideways at her mother-in-law. Seeing the satisfied expression on the older woman’s face, she felt slightly relieved. Due to the strained relationship with Hua Zhi, she had been having a difficult time at home lately—even her husband had been visiting her chambers less frequently.
"It’s rare to see you willing to go out. You look a bit thinner. Although you’re in mourning, you still need to eat more."
"Yes," Hua Zhi replied obediently. Sensing her aunt’s discomfort, she brought up a topic, "Today, I originally accepted an invitation from the Wu Family to attend what felt like a trap. After it was over, since there was still time, I came here."
Old Madam immediately chimed in, "The Wu Family related by marriage to the Hua family?"
"Yes."
"What do they want? Now that the elders are gone, they’re bullying the young?" As she spoke, Old Madam Zhu grew angry. Wu Zhen had often relied on the Hua family’s influence—how could he become restless so soon?
"It’s just the Yang Family stirring up trouble. Why get upset? It’s not like I’d let myself be taken advantage of." Hua Zhi first invited her aunt to sit before settling back down beside her grandmother.
Old Madam wasn’t about to be fooled. Even when her son entered, she only gave him a glance and continued probing, "Is it because of your aunt’s matter? Could the rumors from a few days ago have some truth to them?"
Hua Zhi first paid her respects to her second uncle before replying, "I did use some tricks to obtain the divorce agreement. The Yang Family wanted to use my aunt as a pretext to get their hands on what little remains of the Hua family’s fortune. I couldn’t just let them have their way."
Only then did the old lady realize the rumors might indeed hold some credibility. She tapped Hua Zhi’s forehead lightly but didn’t press further, turning away to instruct the old maidservant, "Hurry and see why the meal isn’t ready yet. By the way, where is Shan? I sent you to fetch her, but now she’s disappeared."
"She said she made something for Zhi Er and took it over," Zhu Haodong said with a smile, looking at his niece. "The other day, your second aunt’s niece came by and kept asking about you. She seemed eager to visit you at the Hua residence."
"Some might say I’m corrupting all the young ladies in the capital."
"Only a fool would say such a thing, Zhi Er. You underestimate yourself. Families like ours may appear wealthy, but no one knows what tomorrow may bring. Who wouldn’t hope to have someone like you in their household—someone who can steer the ship in critical moments? With someone like that, the family won’t sink completely. I’ve noticed that many families are paying more attention to their daughters lately."
"This can be considered Zhi Er’s great merit," Old Madam Zhu said with a laugh before sighing. "This world is too harsh on women. If things could ease up a bit, it would be a blessing for women. I just worry that some might use Zhi Er as an excuse to spread ugly rumors."
"Why bother with them? Those with foresight know what to do."
Hua Zhi sat to the side, listening with a faint smile as if they weren’t talking about her. The old lady caught on and pointed at her, laughing heartily.
Zhu Shan entered carrying a bundle. Seeing everyone looking at her, she felt even more self-conscious, already guilty. But thinking of her cousin’s character and actions, she didn’t turn and flee. Pretending nonchalance, she stepped forward and presented the bundle with both hands, "I made clothes for Auntie, Cousin, and Cousin. They’re all from this spring’s new fabrics. Don’t worry, Cousin—the colors are all muted, so they’re suitable to wear."Hua Zhi studied her expression and understood—this one must already have someone in mind.
"You're very thoughtful, cousin. It was rude of me to come empty-handed. I'll take you to Vegetarian Delights for a meal later."
Zhu Shan's face lit up with delight. "You must keep your word, cousin."
The grandmother laughed. "Your cousin's word is as good as a promise carved in bronze."
The whole room burst into laughter.
After accompanying her grandmother through a harmonious and joyful lunch, Hua Zhi escorted the elderly lady back to her room. The two shared some private words alone until she noticed her grandmother growing weary, then took her leave.
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