Chapter 378: The Impoverished Family?
Over there, Wei Chengxi had already emerged from the coffin with the help of servants. Relying on his grandmother—his greatest backer—being present, he didn't even lift his head before shouting, "I don't admire her at all. Isn't she just from an impoverished family? Even if she were brought in as my concubine, it would depend on whether I'm pleased or not."
The entire scene fell silent.
Impoverished family? Was he referring to the Hua family?
Those who dared to come and watch the spectacle were either servants sent by various families, or individuals with considerable courage or some form of backing. Among them were also scholars, many of whom had followed Hua Zhi after someone pointed her out.
At this moment, they were all outraged. How could the Hua family be considered impoverished?
Before anyone could react, Hua Zhi laughed, though her smile was chillingly cold. "Even an impoverished family has its dignity. Rest assured, Young Master Wei, even if the Hua family were to run out of a single grain of rice, we would never beg at your Wei family's doorstep. Please also be aware that when the Hua family chooses a son-in-law, we seek either profound scholarship, noble character, or at the very least, a respectable background. May I ask, Young Master Wei, which of these qualities do you possess?"
"Pfft..." Someone chuckled, and like a switch had been flipped, laughter erupted one after another.
Wei Chengxi's face flushed crimson with humiliation. In a fit of rage, he shook off his grandmother's grasp and charged toward Hua Zhi. Since he was only a few steps away, and the guards were occupied with the coffins, it was too late to stop him. Zhu Ziwen dismounted swiftly but couldn't reach them in time. Just as everyone thought Hua Zhi was about to suffer, twenty-three children simultaneously assumed the stances they had learned from Wu Xiansheng, baring their teeth at Wei Chengxi like protective young animals. Even Zeng Han puffed out his small chest and took a step forward. Hua Zhi, who had been standing at the front, now positioned herself at the back, shielded by her younger brothers.
The scene was heartbreaking to witness.
Once, the Hua family had been immensely prosperous. Yet now, even the youngest children understood they must rely on themselves for protection and had taken on the responsibility of safeguarding their elder sister.
To call the Hua family impoverished? Precisely because of this, the Hua family would never truly fall. The longevity of a family does not depend on its elders but on its younger generation!
At this moment, Wei Chenze promptly intervened, "Enough of this nonsense! Go kneel in the ancestral hall at once!"
Hua Zhi forcibly suppressed the ache in her heart. She glanced at Wei Chengxi, who, though unable to advance further, still refused to retreat, and remarked coolly, "The Wei family's upbringing is truly remarkable. I have learned much today."
Wei Chenze wished the ground would swallow him whole. Glaring fiercely at his son, he was about to smooth things over when he saw Hua Zhi curtsy gracefully and say, "My grandfather taught me not to act on impulse alone. Sometimes, stepping back can lead to broader horizons. I shall not leave these coffins here."
"..." Zhu Ziwen twitched the corner of his mouth nearby. If not for Old Master Hua's teachings, would she have actually considered dumping the coffins at their doorstep?!
Wei Chenze naturally understood the implication. However, the Wei family was at fault first, and Hua Zhi, a young woman, possessed an inexplicably formidable presence that somehow overwhelmed him. He truly believed this girl might very well be capable of dumping all the coffins at his family's entrance!
If such a scene were to unfold, the Wei family would become the laughingstock of the entire capital. A squabble among the younger generation was one thing, but being blockaded by coffins would be a direct slap to the Wei family's face—something that absolutely must not happen, especially at such a critical juncture.He softened his tone, his face even wearing a gentle smile. "My son has been unruly. I apologize on his behalf to my niece."
With that, Wei Chenze truly bent at the waist to bow.
Hua Zhi inwardly sneered. If she accepted this courtesy, even her justified position would become unjustified. What a clever scheme.
She sidestepped to avoid the gesture and returned a bow of her own. "Lord Wei also has daughters. Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. Please forgive this young woman for acting too hastily and without proper measure. I also hope such incidents will not repeat. If it happens again, I cannot predict what I might do."
After another bow, Hua Zhi signaled her maid to help Hua Ling into the carriage before boarding herself. Standing on the carriage step, she instructed, "Take the coffin to the Hua family ancestral grave. Baiyu, bring your younger brothers and follow the carriage. We're going home."
Baiyu, called by name, jolted to attention and responded crisply.
"My father sends his regards to Lord Wei and wishes to seek your guidance another day." Zhu Ziwen cupped his hands in salute toward Wei Chenze, then mounted his horse to escort the carriage away.
This was the Zhu family's stance. Wei Chenze understood clearly that the Zhu family had never concealed their support for the Hua family from the beginning. Logically, the Emperor should have been displeased, yet strangely, His Majesty still held Zhu Bowen in high regard. Not long ago, he had even promoted him from second rank to first rank—a leap some officials might not achieve even after ten years of service.
Glaring fiercely at his son, Wei Chenze turned and entered the house. Wei Chengxi, however, remained unperturbed. To him, his father was merely a paper tiger; with his grandmother present, he feared nothing.
Still seething with resentment, Wei Chengxi pondered how to reclaim the face he had lost today, determined to make the Hua family pay.
As the main gate slammed shut behind him, Wei Chengxi inadvertently looked up—just in time for a slap that seemed to have been waiting there to land sharply on his face. He cried out in pain, covering his cheek as he stared at his father in disbelief. Hearing the commotion, the Old Madam, who had walked ahead, turned back and immediately approached with a stern expression, striking her son's shin with her cane. "How dare you hit my eldest grandson! How dare you hit my eldest grandson!"
Wei Chenze struggled to contain his anger but finally burst out, "Mother, are you aware that the Wei family intends to host a Pure Conversation Gathering?"
The Old Madam, though often unreasonable regarding her eldest grandson, remained informed about other matters. Her defiance instantly deflated. Sensing trouble, Wei Chengxi turned teary-eyed toward his grandmother, feigning grievance. "Grandmother, what have I done wrong? The Wei family hosting a Pure Conversation Gathering is a slap to the Hua family's face. Wasn't my action today also meant to shame the Hua family? I was trying to help our household!"
The Old Madam considered this and found it reasonable, immediately regaining her confidence. She shouted at her son, "My grandson is right! Though his method may be somewhat harsh, isn't his goal the same as yours? Why can you do such things, but my grandson cannot?""Did he succeed? He didn't strike at the Hua family's pride—he struck at our Wei Family's face!" Wei Chenze had lost all traces of his usual refined demeanor, pointing at his eldest son's nose as he scolded, "What timing is this? This is when scholars from all over are gathering in the capital! The Hua family has been on that pedestal for so many years—do you think sentencing them to exile would knock them down from it? Let me tell you, no! When the Hua family's matriarch died, scholars filled the city to pay their respects. They still acknowledge the Hua family. For our Wei Family to replace them isn't a matter of a year or two—it must be done gradually, step by step. Yet you foolishly chose this moment to trample on the Hua family. What would others perceive us as? Kicking them when they're down, bullying the Hua family when they're vulnerable. With such a reputation, do you still dream of winning the scholars' support? Dream on!"
Wei Chengxi was a scoundrel, but not entirely witless. Jolted to his senses by his father's words, he forgot the sting on his face and hurriedly pointed upward, asking, "Haven't you gained that person's support?"
"That still depends on whether our Wei Family can shoulder the burden. Go kneel in the ancestral hall!" Wei Chenze flicked his sleeve and strode quickly toward the study. He needed to discuss countermeasures with his father.
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