Without the need for lanterns and decorations, the joyous occasion in the household was easily felt—from the brisk footsteps of the servants, the smiles on their faces, to the vibrant energy radiating from them.
Hua Zhi was ushered inside, and seeing this atmosphere, most of her worries faded away. Whether this child was a boy or a girl, it was the Cai Family’s first legitimate grandson or granddaughter. Moreover, the pregnancy had occurred just two months after marriage—something that would draw envy from other women in this era.
The Cai Family knew their daughter-in-law had sent someone back to her maiden home to share the good news. They had expected visitors, such as Hua Qin’s mother or a married daughter of the Cai Family—now the elderly lady of the Hua family’s fourth branch—but they hadn’t anticipated the arrival of the Hua family’s eldest young lady.
Though surprised, everyone welcomed her warmly. Beyond the marital ties, the two families were now also connected by a business venture!
The Cai Family’s Madam came out from inside the house to greet her, smiling as she said, "No wonder the magpies were chirping early this morning—it turns out we have an esteemed guest gracing our doorstep."
Hua Zhi performed a junior’s bow. "My visit is rather abrupt; I dare not trouble you to welcome me."
"Don’t say that. On ordinary days, we couldn’t even invite you over." Madam helped her up and, holding her hand, walked inside with her. "When the Old Madam heard you were coming, she even changed into new clothes. Let’s hurry to see her."
Though perhaps not entirely heartfelt, the Cai Family’s attitude was friendly enough, and Hua Zhi’s smile grew sincere in return.
The Old Madam had some difficulty with her legs, but her spirits were excellent. Her round face glowed with health, and when she smiled, her eyes curved like crescent moons—suggesting she had been a cheerful person since her youth.
Hua Zhi liked people who smiled often; it reflected their attitude toward life. Those who faced life with a smile were always more open-minded than those who faced it with bitterness. Thus, when she bowed, she did so with particular sincerity.
"Enough of these formalities. Come closer and let this old woman see how delightful the Hua family’s eldest young lady is."
The word "our" instantly bridged the distance between the two families. Hua Zhi obediently stepped closer to the Old Madam, allowing her to look her over, and replied playfully, "I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Old Madam—I don’t have an extra eye or mouth."
"If you did, this old woman wouldn’t be interested. I like you just as you are." The Old Madam’s eyes curved even more noticeably. Only someone truly strong at heart could radiate such fearlessness from within. No wonder her granddaughter-in-law had thought to seek her out for support rather than turning to her own mother—it showed the status Hua Zhi held among the Hua family.
Knowing her purpose for visiting, after some conversation, the Old Madam had Qingxiang escort her to the granddaughter-in-law’s room.
Once she had left, the Old Madam’s smile gradually faded. "From now on, stay out of Ming’er’s personal affairs."
Madam was taken aback. "Mother, what do you mean? I haven’t really…"
Recalling recent events, Madam suddenly fell silent. It was true she hadn’t interfered much in her son’s private matters, but there had indeed been one incident lately.
"Remember now? In all the years you and the eldest have been married, have I ever pushed anyone into his bed? Right now, the couple is deeply in love. Even if you meddle, Ming’er may not thank you for it."
Madam’s face flushed, then paled. She wanted to protest her innocence, but the accusation wasn’t entirely unfounded. She could only mutter awkwardly, "I didn’t mean to do it right away. I just thought… if she becomes pregnant, Ming’er will need someone to attend to him. The person I have in mind is trustworthy and won’t overstep her place…""What do you intend to do now that Qin is with child?"
The First Madam fell silent. She didn't believe she had done anything wrong—hadn't everyone gone through this? When she was pregnant with Ming'er back then, the Old Madam hadn't forced any concubines upon her, but that hadn't stopped the Master from taking one himself. She had resented it at the time, but her position had never been shaken, had it?
The Old Madam shook her head. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn't bother saying much, but this matter couldn't be handled recklessly. "If Ming'er finds someone himself, that's his business, but you are not to force anyone into his chambers. Understood?"
The First Madam dared not disobey and murmured her assent, though inwardly she was somewhat dismissive of the Old Madam's concerns. She quite admired the Eldest Sister and had no dissatisfaction with her daughter-in-law—otherwise, she wouldn't have agreed to help find matches for the Hua family's daughters. But this didn't conflict with adding someone to her son's household. Who wouldn't wish for more descendants?
Meanwhile, Hua Zhi entered Hua Qin's courtyard. Cai Zhiming, having received word of her arrival, came out to greet her, calling out "Elder Sister" from afar, his entire being radiating joy.
Hua Zhi smiled and offered her congratulations. "Congratulations."
Cai Zhiming grinned foolishly twice before Qingxiang reminded him from the side, "Young Master, the young mistress is still waiting!"
"Ah, yes! Elder Sister, please come inside quickly. A'Qin has been eagerly awaiting your arrival—she's practically worn her eyes out watching for you."
Hua Qin was half-reclining against the headboard. As the doorway darkened and she saw the figure entering, her eyes inexplicably reddened. She hadn't suffered any great grievances, and her life had been relatively smooth, yet at the sight of her Elder Sister, her heart ached and her nose tingled with unshed tears.
Hua Zhi sat on the edge of the bed, took her hand, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I came as soon as I heard you were pregnant without thinking twice—I didn't bring anything with me. I'll make it up to you on my next visit."
"Your presence alone makes me happy," Hua Qin sniffled, then looked up at her husband, who seemed slower to react than usual. "Ming-ge, I'd like to speak with Elder Sister alone."
"Of course, take your time." Cai Zhiming finally caught on and turned to leave. Reaching the doorway, he glanced at the sky outside and paused, turning back to say, "Elder Sister, please stay for dinner tonight."
Hua Zhi shook her head. "There's much to attend to at home, and I left without giving any instructions. I must return once the rain lets up a little."
Cai Zhiming didn't press further and left the room.
Hua Qin glanced at Qingxiang, who understood immediately. She led the other servants out of the room and closed the door behind them. Nian Qiu retreated to the doorway, pricking up her ears to ensure no one overheard anything they shouldn't.
"Is the Cai family unclean, or is it your husband's side that's problematic?" Hua Zhi cut straight to the point.
It seemed that once a woman married, she became distinctly different from her maiden self. Hua Qin had not only gained the grace of a young matron but also the unease fostered by living in another family after marriage.
"Actually, I suspected I might be pregnant some time ago," Hua Qin said. "My monthly courses have always been regular, but this time they were nearly ten days late and still hadn't come. I didn't tell anyone, and when I lost my appetite, I just said I had caught a chill. I thought I'd wait until the symptoms became more obvious and the pregnancy more certain before calling a physician, to give everyone a pleasant surprise. Little did I expect I'd be the one to receive a shock instead."
Hua Qin sat up and leaned forward, resting her head on her Elder Sister's shoulder as if drawing strength from the contact. "My mother-in-law hinted that if I was unwell and couldn't attend to my husband, I ought to be magnanimous—in other words, she wants me to take in a concubine for Ming-ge. I know this is common practice in every household, but we've only just married!"Hua Qin's voice choked with emotion. She had touched happiness, yet never expected to be pierced until her hands bled right when she was about to obtain it. Was it not enough that she had to arrange a concubine for her husband merely due to physical discomfort? Now that she was pregnant, should she become even more proactive to be considered a good wife?
Hua Zhi gently patted her shoulder. "What does your husband say about this?"
"I haven't spoken with him. He probably doesn't know. But as a man, would he really refuse if I actually arrange a concubine for him?"
"Are there no other women in his household?"
"There's one bedchamber servant who has been with him for two years."
PS: I noticed a reader rewarded 100 yuan, and there was another who rewarded 50 earlier - that's too much! Ladies, keep your money to buy Cornetto ice cream instead - it'll make you even more adorable! Today's update was truly challenging. I've been trying since 10 o'clock until now, and finally managed to access the backend after exhausting all methods.
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