The next morning, as Ying Chun drew back the bed curtains as usual, she was startled to see the young lady's swollen eyes. She hurriedly leaned closer and asked, "What happened to your eyes? Are you unwell? Is there anywhere else that hurts? Bao Xia, Bao Xia, go fetch Doctor Chu—no, go fetch Miss Shaoyao, quickly!"
Bao Xia, who had just entered carrying water, quickened her pace upon hearing this. She set the water aside and rushed over to look. After one glance, she turned to run out, but Hua Zhi called out to stop her, "It's nothing. I woke up early from a dream. Prepare my clothes."
As she spoke, Hua Zhi pushed back the covers and got out of bed. She hadn't just woken up a little early—she had been awake for quite some time. Perhaps crying had released the pent-up pressure in her heart, leaving her body feeling somewhat light and floaty.
"Young lady, are you really not unwell anywhere?"
"If I were unwell, would I force myself to endure it? It's fine. If you're still worried, have Shaoyao examine me when she comes today. By the way, is the room prepared? That child will be arriving today."
"It's ready." Ying Chun shot a meaningful glance at Bao Xia, who was about to say more. Bao Xia pressed her lips together and went to fetch the clothes.
After helping the young lady dress, Bao Xia followed to assist with washing up, while Ying Chun went to tidy the bed. When she folded the quilt and went to arrange the pillow, her hand paused. She glanced back at the young lady, then felt the entire pillow—it was half-soaked.
Had the young lady... been crying?
At this thought, Ying Chun's nose tingled with emotion, and she wished she could cry along. She rubbed her nose vigorously and continued making the bed.
Only after the young lady had gone to the front courtyard to attend to her duties did Ying Chun return to the room to change the pillow. She secretly shared her discovery with her sisters, and they all exchanged uneasy glances, unsure what had troubled their young lady.
Nian Qiu said softly, "Let's pretend we don't know. If the young lady hasn't told us, she must not want us to know."
"I think so too. That's why I acted as if I noticed nothing in front of her." Ying Chun exhaled and patted her cheeks. "Nian Qiu, take the account books for the young lady to review. If there are no issues, last month's ledgers need to be sealed and stored."
"Alright."
When Nian Qiu entered the study with the account books, she saw the young lady handing her name card to Steward Xu. "There's no need to say anything extra. Just return as soon as you receive the reply."
"Yes."
Nian Qiu curtsied slightly to the old steward as he left, stepping aside respectfully.
The old steward smiled and nodded. After his illness, it seemed he had crossed a hurdle—his health had recovered robustly, and he now walked with vigor. Although he had delegated some tasks to Li De, he still personally handled matters assigned by the young lady.
"Young lady, do you have a moment now? Here are the account books for your review."
Hua Zhi glanced at the casually jotted list of tasks for the day, then flipped the paper over and weighted it down with a paperweight. She took the account books and began reviewing them.
Green Moss Alley's business was thriving, with a trend of growing popularity. It had now become a renowned specialty in the capital, much like Quanjude's roast duck—a must-try for visitors from out of town. Unlike Quanjude, which had only one signature dish, Green Moss Alley's twenty-four shops offered dozens of different snacks, ensuring everyone could find something to their taste. Though it appeared to be small-scale business, incomparable in refinement to high-end restaurants, it was currently the most profitable venture in her hands.The thought of the substantial increase in earnings once Laili Lane also opened for business filled Hua Zhi with joy. Well, probably no one would be unhappy about that.
"Now that each household is financially strained, send one thousand taels of silver to each branch." After a pause, Hua Zhi added, "Give a share to the two concubines as well, consider it my filial piety. There's no need for my aunt; she wouldn't accept it."
Nian Qiu acknowledged with a smile. Although nothing was given to the aunt, wasn't giving to the third concubine essentially the same? The third concubine only had this one daughter—would she stand by and watch her struggle?
Just as they were speaking, Liu Xiang came in to report, "Miss, Miss Qin and her husband have arrived."
Hua Zhi had anticipated their visit and had previously instructed the servants to usher them in directly if they came. They were now waiting behind Liu Xiang.
"Please come in." Hua Zhi whispered a few more words to Nian Qiu, who acknowledged and withdrew respectfully, not forgetting to bow properly as she passed by Hua Qin and her husband.
Cai Zhiming was somewhat excited. Countless scions of prominent families in the capital sought entry to this place without success, yet he had gained access easily because of his wife. Although he harbored no ulterior motives, he felt a bit lightheaded.
But when he actually saw the person, observed this study that could only be considered modest even by ordinary standards, looked at the dossiers piled high on the desk, and witnessed the composed demeanor of the mistress and her maid, he inexplicably settled down.
Following his wife's lead in paying respects, Cai Zhiming watched as the young lady emerged from behind the desk and guided them to sit. Suddenly, he understood why, among so many renowned young ladies in the capital, she alone—despite her unconventional actions—did not incur the disdain of the elite.
"I assume my cousin has already explained the purpose of inviting you here, brother-in-law."
"Yes." Cai Zhiming set aside his thoughts and composed his expression. "I've long heard of the young lady's prowess in business. This proposal feels more like a favor to my Cai Family than a mere business partnership. If it's for that minor matter, there's truly no need to go to such lengths."
After a pause, Cai Zhiming added with a bitter smile, "But I must admit, young lady, your proposal is very tempting. Even though I feel I shouldn't, I still came."
"Yet for me, sharing some benefits to ensure my married cousin lives comfortably and to maintain the Cai Family's goodwill toward the Hua family is a worthwhile trade."
Cai Zhiming opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. He couldn't help but glance at his wife. Did the young lady always speak so... so bluntly?
Hua Qin covered her mouth and chuckled but wisely refrained from rescuing him. As a married woman eager to support her natal family, she naturally desired closer ties between her husband's family and her own. Moreover, her cousin had stated plainly that sharing benefits to ensure her well-being was worthwhile—few other families would go to such lengths for a married daughter.
Seeing the harmony between the couple, Hua Zhi's face brightened with a smile. "You needn't feel too pressured. Since you're gaining advantages, there will inevitably be times when I'll need your assistance. If this venture can enjoy the Cai Family's protection, I'll feel more at ease."
Cai Zhiming still seemed conflicted. "Even without benefits, offering some protection should be expected..."
Seeing Cai Zhiming's internal struggle—tempted yet resisting—Hua Zhi's regard for the Cai Family grew. Integrity came first, and they did not forget righteousness for the sake of profit—such qualities were truly rare among prominent families."I am someone who would rather give more than receive favors without reciprocation. The Cai Family's willingness to support the Hua family under current circumstances, and especially their care in arranging marriages for the Hua daughters, has already filled Hua Zhi with immense gratitude. If I cannot repay this kindness in some measure, I would worry about my cousin's standing in her marital home—it is unreasonable to constantly draw benefits from her natal family without giving back. So please accept this, brother-in-law, consider it for the sake of your beloved wife. Moreover, this is not a gift without compensation—the Cai Family will need to provide silver."
Cai Zhiming looked toward his wife, and Hua Qin gave a slight nod. Already deeply tempted, Cai Zhiming surrendered completely, and thus the matter was settled.
PS: The term "slave" came into widespread use during the Qing Dynasty. "Servant" could be used as a self-reference by both male and female attendants across many dynasties. In numerous historical periods, servants could actually refer to themselves as "I" and were not necessarily required to use terms like "old slave" or "slave." There is some controversy regarding this aspect, so in this book, servants use "small one" as self-reference.
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