Hua Zhi lifted the curtain and met Zhu Shan’s gaze—first surprised, then embarrassed. For a moment, Hua Zhi didn’t know whether to laugh or scold her for being so bold. Not only had she come out with just one maid, but she’d even sent the maid away. Wasn’t she afraid something might happen and ruin her reputation?
However, Hua Zhi understood why her young cousin had come. She’d probably learned about the new business opening from someone and had come in this manner to show her support.
“Go back. I’ll have someone pack up everything and send it to you later.”
“…Yes.” Zhu Shan hadn’t interacted much with this cousin before and had somewhat looked down on her. As the eldest daughter of the Hua family, she had been overshadowed by her younger sisters. Back then, her mother had said her cousin took after her aunt in temperament, and Zhu Shan had thought so too.
But over the past year, her cousin had fully proven she was anything but weak. For some reason, Zhu Shan was even a little afraid of her, especially after learning that her family wanted her to marry her cousin’s younger brother… She didn’t dare disobey her cousin. She had never told anyone, but she really liked that cousin who had once secretly picked flowers for her.
The maid bowed gratefully to Hua Zhi, afraid her young mistress might change her mind, and quickly climbed into the carriage, signaling the coachman to leave at once.
Zhu Shan secretly lifted the window curtain to look outside. Her cousin had already headed toward Oriole Cloud Alley. She was accompanied by the Hua family’s third young lady and attended by only two maids, yet she walked confidently down the street without anyone looking down on her. People even made way for her.
How enviable. Zhu Shan bit her lip. She had actually wanted to ask her cousin to take her along, but…
“Qingqing, do you think Cousin doesn’t like me?”
The maid looked surprised. “How could that be? This servant hasn’t noticed anything of the sort.”
Zhu Shan lowered her head, twisting her hands. “Every time we meet, Cousin only exchanges a few polite words with me. Once, when she visited the Zhu family, I gave her two handkerchiefs I embroidered myself, hoping she would pass one of them to… to Cousin. But when she left that day, I don’t know if she genuinely forgot or did it on purpose—she left them behind.”
The maid hadn’t known about this. Though only fourteen or fifteen herself, she was thoughtful and steady, which was why the Madam had assigned her to Zhu Shan.
After a moment’s thought, she asked quietly, “Does the Old Madam know about this?”
Zhu Shan shook her head. “I wouldn’t dare let Grandmother know. But Mother knows.”
“What did the Madam say?”
“Mother wasn’t very pleased.” Though young, Zhu Shan had her share of cunning and didn’t reveal everything to her maid. In truth, her mother had been more than displeased—she’d said some rather harsh things. Her mother had always felt the Hua family’s status was now too low and that marrying into it would be beneath her. While Zhu Shan saw some truth in that, if the person in question was her cousin, she could endure anything.
Besides, her aunt was so mild-tempered—if she married in, she wouldn’t have to worry about being controlled by her mother-in-law. And though her cousin was formidable, as a young lady, she wouldn’t hold the household authority forever. Her mother had said the Hua family would eventually be handed over to her cousin’s younger brother. As the Hua family’s legitimate grandson, wouldn’t she be the one managing the household in the future?
Thinking this, Zhu Shan’s cheeks flushed slightly.
Qingqing, wholly devoted to her young mistress, thought for a moment and said, “The Eldest Young Lady might have genuinely forgotten. Just now, this servant didn’t even mention you were here, yet she spotted you right away. That shows how much she pays attention to you—how could she dislike you?”
Zhu Shan felt reassured. She hadn’t done anything to upset her cousin. Even now, wasn’t she obediently going back as told?Hua Zhi was also thinking about Zhu Shan. There was no helping it—whenever she saw this girl, she was reminded of the elders' intention to pair her with Berlin. Deep down, she disapproved, which was precisely why she had always maintained a distance from Zhu Shan, leaving no room for misunderstandings.
As someone whose knowledge far surpassed this era, she was well aware of the drawbacks of marriage between cousins. However, given the prevailing social norms, she couldn't use that as a reason to refuse. Moreover, she wanted to see if Berlin had genuine feelings for Zhu Shan. If he did, she would accept this match. But if it were merely for convenience or gain, even if Berlin agreed, she would not give her approval.
Yet this matter couldn't be delayed. Once Berlin returned from his travels, it had to be settled. Zhu Shan was already twelve, and aristocratic families often arranged marriages early. She couldn't let Berlin hold her back.
The noise grew increasingly boisterous as they reached the entrance of Oriole Cloud Alley. A medley of aromas wafted through the air, with a constant stream of people carrying snacks emerging from Oriole Cloud Alley, crossing the arched bridge into Green Moss Alley, and vice versa.
The arched bridge had been built at Hua Zhi's request, connecting the two alleys.
Hua Ling, witnessing such a scene for the first time, murmured in awe, "So many people."
Ying Chun covered her mouth with a light laugh. "When the renovations first started here, people kept asking when it would open. After the young lady set the date, Steward Chen posted notices in Green Moss Alley and spread the word. Whenever anyone asked afterward, they were told the exact day. Look, young lady—there's no need for you to think of more ways to promote it. It's already packed to the brim."
"That's good. When the seafood section opens, have Chen Liang post notices here as well."
Even Hua Ling chuckled at that.
Speak of the devil—Chen Liang squeezed out of the crowd, his forehead glistening with sweat. The man, now darker and sturdier than before, seemed more at ease. "When did you arrive, Elder Sister? If not for the customers mentioning it, I wouldn't have known."
Hua Zhi was well aware that her face was quite recognizable in the capital. Standing here for just a short while, she had drawn countless glances, and even Hua Ling had received her share. Hua Ling tried to appear composed but couldn't match the innate indifference that radiated from her elder sister.
Hua Zhi truly didn't mind. Seeing the bustling scene, she didn't need to ask about business. Instead, she instructed, "Remember to prioritize hygiene for all food items. Don't compromise quality just because there are many buyers. It's fine to sell less—as long as the food is delicious, people will wait. A tarnished reputation can't be bought back with any amount of silver."
"Yes, we repeatedly emphasized this during training at home. I'll keep a close watch, so you needn't worry."
"Tell everyone their monthly pay will be doubled this month."
"Yes, thank you on behalf of everyone, Elder Sister."
Hua Zhi glanced back at the opposite alley, where foot traffic had noticeably decreased due to the new shops. "The same applies to Green Moss Alley. Your pay will be doubled on top of the double."
Chen Liang grinned from ear to ear. Working for Elder Sister was always satisfying. She didn't micromanage or demand constant reports. As long as the outcome was good, she tolerated adjustments along the way. If the results exceeded expectations, she even gave rewards. Everyone working under her gave their utmost, striving to be worthy of the trust she placed in them."By the way, go pack some of each type of food and deliver them to the Zhu Family."
"Yes, I'll go personally."
Hua Zhi nodded. Seeing that several young masters over there were already itching to approach, she didn't linger any longer and didn't give them the chance to get close. She knew there were people arranged by Yan Xi around her, but under ordinary circumstances, she didn't want to expose them. At the feet of the emperor, who could say for sure whether someone might recognize them?
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