Chapter 383: Unsuited for High Positions Yet Unwilling to Lower Standards
After a late breakfast, Hua Zhi made rounds to each household to show she was well, then headed toward the main kitchen with her little tail, Hua Ling, clinging to her.
"That scholar suffered some injuries, but nothing life-threatening. Doctor Chu will treat him properly. Earlier, I had someone deliver a box of painkillers prepared by Shaoyao to him, hoping it wouldn’t affect his performance in the Autumn Examination."
Thinking Hua Ling wanted to know this, Hua Zhi explained in detail, "I observed that the scholar’s character and integrity are both excellent, and he has a broad-minded disposition. It wouldn’t be surprising if he passed the imperial exams. If you wish to thank him in person, I can arrange it after the Autumn Examination."
Hua Ling shook her head. "No, this is enough."
Knowing that his future hadn’t been ruined because of her was sufficient. Gratitude didn’t need to be spoken aloud—she would keep it in her heart. Yesterday’s events had already caused quite a stir. If she were to meet an unrelated man again and it became known, it wouldn’t just embarrass her but also Elder Sister and the Hua family.
She didn’t have Elder Sister’s ability to handle everything perfectly, but she could at least ensure no trouble arose because of her.
Hua Zhi glanced at her but didn’t insist. Ultimately, a person’s growth was determined by themselves. Others could push or pull, but they couldn’t make decisions on her behalf. Hua Ling was beginning to show signs of understanding, so she would just keep a closer watch over her.
The main kitchen was bustling inside and out, with servants coming and going in an orderly manner, and everyone working efficiently. Hua Zhi loved this atmosphere of daily life—a household full of such vitality indicated that all was well.
Everyone greeted her respectfully.
Chen Momo, who managed these affairs in the Fourth Madam’s absence, came forward to meet her. "Elder Miss."
"You’ve worked hard, Momo. How are things today?"
"Yes, all is well." Chen Momo’s face was full of smiles. "You look quite energetic too."
"A good night’s sleep fixes everything. Has the basket not been delivered yet?"
"Not yet. It’s scheduled for delivery this afternoon."
Hua Zhi nodded, went into the kitchen, picked up a piece of fried dough, broke off a small piece, chewed it, spat out the residue, then tried a bit of Dried Meat, similarly spitting out the residue. Satisfied, she nodded. "Keep it up. There are still two days left—try to make as much as possible."
"Yes."
Hua Zhi didn’t linger long and proceeded straight to the front courtyard. Hua Ling still followed, and she didn’t stop her. First, she took her to personally thank Wang Rong, then boarded the carriage.
"Elder Sister, where are we going?"
"Oriole Cloud Alley opens today. I’m going to check on the situation."
Hua Ling knew about Oriole Cloud Alley. Although Elder Sister rarely discussed business matters with them, they were aware of which ventures were underway. Like Green Moss Alley, Oriole Cloud Alley was in the food business.
Pursing her lips, Hua Ling mustered her courage and asked, "Elder Sister, could I... learn how to do business with you?"
Leaning against the cushion, Hua Zhi looked at her. "Why do you want to learn?"
"If I can learn a little, I’ll be able to help with some tasks and perhaps even share your burdens." Saying this made Hua Ling feel rather embarrassed. She lowered her head and smiled awkwardly before continuing, "Anyway... I probably won’t be able to marry in the future. It’s better to... do more for the family. Our younger brothers are all so capable—the family will rely on them in the future. If I can be of some help, that would be good."
"You won’t be unmarriageable."
Hua Ling looked up at her elder sister, who, though only two years older, protected her like an elder."After the incident, I had people monitor the rumors circulating in the capital. Not a single negative word was said about you. Everyone knows you suffered an unjust misfortune in this matter. Plus, after you showed your face yesterday, people could see for themselves whether anything was wrong." She had originally prepared a backup plan—if anyone tried to smear Hua Ling's reputation, she would have people steer the narrative and redirect all the blame onto the Wei Family. Unexpectedly, it wasn't needed at all.
Resting her head on her hand, Hua Zhi spoke slowly, yet her tone was reassuring. "Earlier, I already asked the Cai Family and Zhu Family to help look for potential marriage matches for you. The social status certainly won't compare to before, but the candidates must first pass my scrutiny. Don’t worry, I won’t marry you off carelessly. If you want to learn how to do business, I won’t stop you either. It’s never a bad thing to have more skills."
Hua Ling unconsciously picked at the corner of the cushion. "Elder Sister, I don’t want to get married."
"Were you frightened by what happened yesterday?"
"Not entirely." Hua Ling shook her head. "The saying 'too high to reach, too low to stoop' perfectly describes our current situation. We can’t enter high-ranking families, but marrying beneath us feels unsatisfying. It’s not that I’m snobbish and look down on such families, but... it’s just too difficult."
Hua Ling smiled bitterly. "It’s hard to know how to interact with in-laws. Being aloof doesn’t work, being too humble doesn’t work either. Speaking too loudly displeases them, but being submissive isn’t something I can do. If the Hua family needed me to marry to secure stability, I’d endure it and marry. But right now, it’s not necessary. With Elder Sister at home, everything is fine. I believe Elder Sister will carefully choose husbands for us, but rather than marrying and handing my fate over to someone else, I’d prefer to stay at home as an old maid."
Hua Ling looked up at her elder sister, her eyes shining. "After all, Elder Sister will protect me, won’t you?"
She’s already forming her own thoughts—the change is indeed significant. However, Hua Zhi couldn’t outright agree. She simply said, "I won’t force you, and you don’t need to force yourself either. The Daqing Dynasty isn’t particularly kind to women. If a suitable person does come along, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity."
Hua Ling bit her lip but ultimately said nothing more.
The noise outside the carriage grew louder. Hua Zhi lifted the window curtain to look out, and her eyebrows rose in surprise.
She had originally planned to do some promotions on the opening day, but after yesterday’s incident, she held back on all those tactics. The Hua family was already in the spotlight and shouldn’t attract more attention. It was fine if business was a bit slower; with Green Moss Alley, it wouldn’t take long to boost business at Oriole Cloud Alley.
But it seemed she had underestimated the appeal of food—the crowd far exceeded her expectations.
The carriage came to a stop. Li De reported from outside, "Eldest Miss, I’m afraid the carriage can’t go any further."
Hua Zhi looked at Hua Ling. "Third Sister, will you wait in the carriage or come with me?"
Hearing the commotion outside, Hua Ling felt a bit fearful, but she gritted her teeth and said, "I’ll go with Elder Sister."
Without another word, Hua Zhi stepped out of the carriage first.
Both sides of the inner river were already lined with carriages. Maids and servants could be seen coming and going, indicating that many ladies and young misses from wealthy families had sent people to buy food.
"This maid pays respects to Eldest Miss." Hua Zhi glanced toward the voice—the face looked somewhat familiar.
Ying Chun quietly explained, "She’s the maid of the young mistress from the cousin’s family."
Zhu Shan? Hua Zhi nodded. "Did my cousin send you to buy food?"
"Yes." The maid glanced toward a carriage behind her, then turned back to Hua Zhi with a pleading look in her eyes.Hua Zhi's heart skipped a beat immediately. She turned and walked toward the carriage.
Zhu Shan's maid visibly breathed a sigh of relief. The young lady had only brought her out, yet was about to send her off to buy snacks, leaving herself alone waiting in the carriage. Heaven knows she was already at her wits' end! Before they left, the young lady had clearly said they were going to buy rouge!
PS: Is there any issue with the book review section? Are comments still being deleted?
OpenNovel