Hua Zhi took it and unwrapped the oiled paper, revealing two small jars inside. She opened both, exposing the fried noodles and dried pork. "I prepared these for the Autumn Examination. Cousin, please try them and see if this way of eating is acceptable."
Zhu Ziwen's eyes lit up. He had long heard how grueling the Autumn Examination could be—even with full preparation, one would be worn thin. His cousin had always been clever-minded; perhaps she truly had a solution.
Eagerly picking up a piece of dried meat, he put it in his mouth. Fragrant, slightly sweet—acceptable. Hmm, the saltiness was just right too. Delicious!
Then he picked up the other twisted white lump, turning it around but unsure how to eat it.
"You can bite it directly or break it into small pieces."
Being a refined scholar, Zhu Ziwen broke off a small piece and put it in his mouth. Crispy, fragrant—delicious!
But the flavor... "Noodles?"
"A variation of noodles. Do you think bringing this into the examination hall would work?"
"Absolutely! Of course it would!" Suddenly, an idea struck Zhu Ziwen. "You asked the scholars to come on the seventh because..."
Hua Zhi's smile carried a playful hint. "I simply don't want to fulfill certain people's wishes."
Having grown up in the Zhu family, Zhu Ziwen smiled wryly while considering the broader implications. "But drawing too much attention might be unwise."
"I'm not giving them away for free—I'm selling them. The fact that the Hua family is engaged in trade may not be known throughout the city, but those who should know are aware. Selling some goods can't be held against me."
Zhu Ziwen didn't press for details. He took the basket and sealed the jars. "This basket doesn't count—you'll need to prepare another one for me when the time comes."
"Fine, I'll prepare extra for you."
Satisfied, Zhu Ziwen left. He wouldn't take advantage—he'd make sure his cousin received full value in return.
Turning around, Hua Zhi met her grandmother's gaze and smiled. "You and mother should go inside to chat. I still need to tie up loose ends."
The Old Madam looked at her hardworking granddaughter, then glanced at her far more naive daughter, sighing heavily. How had she raised such a daughter back then?!
Meanwhile, the recovered Third Madam formally bowed to Old Madam Zhu. After exchanging pleasantries, the Old Madam left through the second gate accompanied by her daughter. The others turned their attention to the eldest young lady.
Were they seeking her instructions? Hua Zhi paused momentarily before understanding. "This matter is over. Third Sister's reputation remains untarnished. Everyone may return to your duties. Third Sister, stay awhile."
Everyone relaxed visibly. Though curious about the details, they knew now wasn't the time. They dispersed toward the second gate in small groups. The children had already left for the clan school, leaving only Third Madam standing by her daughter.
While others could restrain their curiosity, Hua Zhi needed to understand who was involved and who deserved gratitude. "Third Sister, do you have the energy to tell me what happened?"
Hua Ling nodded without hesitation.
Hua Zhi smiled. She was starting to like Hua Ling. If this ordeal could make her braver, it might be a blessing in disguise. "Third Aunt, please join us too."
Xia Shi tightly grasped her daughter's hand and followed closely.
In the study, Ying Chun served tea before retreating to guard the doorway.
Hua Ling's body trembled slightly. Her mother thought she was afraid, but it was actually excitement—uncontrollably accelerated heartbeat, as if her entire being was filled with energy. Even her voice quivered slightly when she spoke."I encountered Wei Chengxi just before entering the city. After injuring the guards and Momo, he ordered the carriage to be driven to his estate outside the city. Naturally, I resisted, repeatedly attempting to jump from the carriage—thinking even a broken neck would be preferable to falling into his hands..."
Hua Ling twisted her fingers tightly. "He toyed with me like a cat with a mouse, neither allowing me to succeed nor completely crushing my hope. Later, someone stopped the carriage—a scholar accompanied by his book boy and a servant. But how could they stand against Wei Chengxi’s overwhelming numbers? All three were injured. Fortunately, Wei Chengxi knew the timing was sensitive and didn’t dare go too far, or else those three..."
Hua Zhi nodded in understanding. Were it not for the approaching Autumn Examination, Wei Chengxi wouldn’t have hesitated to kill a few people—such acts were trivial to him.
"Still, their intervention bought some time. Just as the estate came into view, Mr. Wang caught up. Aside from... aside from some insults, Wei Chengxi didn’t have the chance to harm me further. Elder Sister, I wonder how severely the scholar was injured. What if this ruins his future prospects?"
"Chunshan has already taken him and Su Momo to Doctor Chu. Later, I will prepare generous gifts and personally go to express our gratitude." Hua Zhi stood and retrieved a large box from the cabinet, taking out several pills wrapped in paper. "These are calming pills made by Shaoyao. You’ve had a fright today and might struggle to sleep tonight. Remember to take two before bed. It would be better to stay with your Third Aunt for a few nights."
Hua Ling accepted them with a hoarse acknowledgment. She was at a loss for words, silently treasuring this subtle yet profound care from her elder sister.
Nearby, Xia Shi hadn’t stopped crying, and now she broke into sobs, stammering, "I sent Momo back to the Xia family for help, but they were so heartless—they didn’t even let her through the door. How could they... how could they be so cruel?"
"They simply have nothing to fear." Hua Zhi lowered her head to sip her tea. "If the Hua family never recovers, they lose nothing. If by misfortune we rise again, as a married woman you’ll still need your natal family for support. No matter how harsh they are now, could you truly cut ties with them forever? Knowing this, what does it matter how extreme their actions are now?"
Xia Shi’s sobs caught in her throat. Though tears still fell, her voice faded away.
"Initially, I suggested severing ties with our natal families to preserve that thread of goodwill. When this is over and the Hua family is restored, your families won’t be lost to you—after all, families like the Zhu Family are rare."
The logic was simple, yet a married woman’s reliance on her natal family is innate. Each branch had privately maintained some contact with their families, only to be met with disappointment.
Hua Ling glanced at her exceedingly perceptive elder sister, then helped her dazed mother to her feet. "Elder Sister, I’ll take Mother back now."
"Don’t rush anything else. Rest well and don’t overthink."
"Yes." Hua Ling took a few steps, then turned back. "Saying thank you feels insufficient, but I still want to thank you. I’m so grateful to have you as my sister."
"Very well, I accept it." Hua Zhi smiled teasingly. "I can hardly remember what Hua Ling was like when she used to rival me at every turn."
Hua Ling flushed, turning away as she supported her mother. Her steps seemed almost flustered. The mere thought of her foolish former self filled her with shame—she truly wished she could deny that girl was ever her.Hua Zhi let out a light laugh, exhaled a long breath, and leaned back, allowing herself a moment of relaxation in the empty study.
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