Chapter 362: Frank Admission
Although Hua Qin was willing to assist with this matter, Hua Zhi couldn't truly entrust the marriage arrangements of all the young ladies in the family to her alone. After the midday rest, she settled household affairs and went to the Zhu residence.
Old Madam Zhu was discussing matters with her daughter-in-law when the announcement came, surprising her. "Why has she come at this hour?"
The elder daughter-in-law, Zheng Shi, had always been somewhat intimidated by the eldest young lady since the previous incident. Not daring to answer carelessly, she rose and said, "Then this daughter-in-law will go make arrangements first..."
"Why avoid her? She's burdened with managing both internal and external affairs—how would she have time to dwell on such trivial matters? It's long past. Just behave naturally as her aunt, but remember this lesson. If you acted like this with others, you'd surely make enemies."
Zheng Shi of the Zhu family felt deeply ashamed and bowed her head in acknowledgment.
Old Madam Zhu secretly shook her head. Her two daughters-in-law: the elder could only see what was right before her eyes, while the younger was overly calculating. Since the second son took charge of that vast business, the younger had even become more assertive in speech. Upon reflection, neither of the daughters-in-law she had so carefully selected possessed the capability to manage a household.
The doorway darkened as her granddaughter entered, prompting her to dismiss these thoughts. She stepped forward to stop the girl from bowing and teased cheerfully, "You never visit without a reason. Whenever I see you, my first thought is to ask if there's something urgent."
"I've come to pay respects to both elders and also discuss some matters." While Hua Zhi cared little about formalities with close relatives, she maintained full etiquette toward Zheng Shi. Zheng Shi gestured vaguely to support her, smiling before speaking. "The old madam is always delighted when the eldest young lady visits. Please stay for dinner tonight—the men have been returning late recently."
"Don't laugh at me, Aunt, but I actually came hoping for a meal."
Relieved by this response, Zheng Shi's smile became more natural as she stood. "This aunt will go make arrangements. Keep Mother company for a good chat."
"Certainly. Thank you for the trouble, Aunt."
The old madam waited until now to interject, "Zhi Er is still in mourning—prepare more vegetarian dishes."
"Yes, this daughter-in-law remembers!"
Once Zheng Shi left, the old madam laughed. "She still feels awkward about that previous incident. Our eldest young lady isn't so petty, right?"
"Since you say so, it must be as you say."
The old madam pinched her cheek, truly fond of this perceptive child. "Do you need your grandfather urgently? He's been returning late these past two days. I'll send someone to inform him."
Hua Zhi didn't decline.
After the old madam made arrangements and they exchanged some casual conversation, Hua Zhi brought up another serious matter concerning the Zhu family. "There are many marriageable young ladies in the Hua family. One Hua Yan acting extremely is enough—we can't have another situation like that. Today, Hua Qin came to me, voluntarily offering to share the family's burdens. But we can't place all these young ladies' futures solely on her shoulders. I wondered if you, Grandmother, could help identify suitable families. I'm not particular about social status, but I am selective about character."
"I had intended to remind you about this earlier, but you've been as busy as a spinning top without rest. I truly couldn't bear to add more to your burdens." The old madam sighed. Hua Yan was indeed a pity—if she hadn't been so impatient and had settled peacefully in the Hua family, she might not have reached the desperate situation she feared."The Cai family has extensive connections, so it would be wonderful if they're willing to help. As for my side, rest assured, I'll treat this as my own family's matter."
"I knew you'd be the most helpful person to turn to for such matters." Hua Zhi smiled with an innocent expression, refraining from formal thanks. The old lady appreciated this attitude—true family members didn't need such superficial politeness.
"And you? What are your plans?"
"Hmm?" Hua Zhi blinked.
"Your marriage." The old lady spoke earnestly. "A family like the Shen Family is rare, but not impossible to find. Zhi Er, you're different from the other Hua family girls—you have more choices than they do."
Hua Zhi didn't quite understand. "Why do I have more choices? Because I'm good at business? But isn't appearing in public exactly what prominent families avoid?"
"That depends on how you appear in public. You do go out more than most women, but not everyone knows you went to Yinshan Pass. In the eyes of those who matter, your outings aren't actually frequent. Distinguished families don't just look at social status—they also consider the person. You're intelligent, capable, and reliable. In their eyes, you're the ideal candidate for a daughter-in-law. Serving the emperor is like riding a tiger—no one dares claim they'll remain prosperous forever. If a family ever faces disaster, with you at home, it won't collapse. So don't underestimate yourself. If you truly wish to marry, plenty of families would want you."
"..." She felt like a piece of pork—customers would pick and choose, decide she was acceptable, and then buy her...
Hua Zhi shuddered. If that were the case, it would have been better not to break off the engagement and just become a Shen family daughter-in-law.
"Grandmother, please don't worry about this for me."
The old lady glared. "I'm concerned about those several degrees removed—how could I not be concerned about you?"
"I already have... someone I care for."
The old lady was so startled she instinctively glanced toward the door, signaling her stewardess to guard outside. She pulled her granddaughter closer and fired off questions: "Which family is he from? Where have you met him? Does he know about you? Have you had any contact?"
"Don't worry, you've met him too—it's that Lu Xiansheng."
The old lady immediately recalled—the man with a scar on his face, hard to forget once seen. But knowing it was him made her even more anxious. A disfigured face couldn't enter official service—even if the Zhu and Hua families tried to promote him, it would be useless.
The old lady strongly disapproved, but she didn't immediately state her position. Instead, she asked, "Is he still working as Wu Xiansheng for the Hua family? How did you and he..."
Hua Zhi was the type to repay tenfold any kindness received. The Zhu family had treated her well, so she was willing to be open with them. Thus, she shared something she hadn't even told her mother: "He has another identity. The person currently serving as Wu Xiansheng in the Hua family is one of his subordinates. We've had private contact—he accompanied me on both trips north and helped me greatly. Grandfather and the others have all met him, and I've also explained everything to Grandfather during this visit."
The old lady was stunned. This... had it already been brought into the open?
"Then the formal matchmaking and betrothal..."
"It's not time yet." Hua Zhi grasped her grandmother's hand. "Don't worry, I have everything under control. He isn't deceiving me in any way. You think highly of me, but truthfully, there's nothing left for anyone to take advantage of."There were too many things to consider. The old lady sighed, patted her hand, and stopped pressing further. Looking at her like this, she didn’t seem to have lost her head over anyone. She probably truly knew what she was doing.
PS: Chapter 1 is updated first. Don’t wait for Chapter 2—the earlier plot threads haven’t been tied up neatly, and most of it will need to be rewritten. On top of that, I need to lay the groundwork for the upcoming plot. It’s really annoying not having any drafts saved.
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