Zhu Shuang had been suppressing her frustrations for too long. The mistress had always been of such a temperament, but with the master previously shielding her and having a legitimate son by her side, no one dared to bully her outright.
But now the master was absent. Although the eldest young lady had asserted her authority, she soon left for the estate. These past days couldn’t exactly be called mistreatment, but the Third Branch’s aggressiveness was real—even the illegitimate child from the Second Branch dared to make cutting remarks. And now, the maternal aunt, who should have been family support, chose to kick them while they were down. Seizing this chance to stand up for herself, Zhu Shuang spoke with unusual force.
Yet after speaking, she regretted it—she had overstepped.
The Old Madam, having managed the household all her life, understood the hardships all too well. Frowning deeply, she asked, “Did Zhi Er take on the role of managing the household voluntarily, or was it my in-laws who demanded it?”
“It was the eldest young lady who proposed it herself. On the very day the family was raided, the Old Madam collapsed on the spot. The household was in utter chaos, and no one expected the eldest young lady to step forward.”
“How did she handle it?”
“With effortless ease.”
A smile touched the Old Madam’s lips. “I hadn’t noticed it before. She seldom even visited her maternal family—I thought she was simply dutiful and unassuming. To have such skill yet keep it hidden—she’s far better than those half-baked types who swagger around thinking they’re the best.”
Lin Shuang bowed her head even lower.
Old Madam Zhu was genuinely pleased. It was truly a case of a splendid bamboo sprout growing from a poor clump—not that she looked down on her own daughter, but given her daughter’s temperament, who would have thought she’d raise a tiger that knew how to bite? She couldn’t fathom where things had gone so right, but the outcome was good. With such a formidable daughter protecting them, even if her son-in-law was absent, they wouldn’t suffer much.
“How is Berlin? I’ve already spoken with the Old Master. Once the attention on the Hua family dies down, I’ll bring him to the Zhu Family. He must continue his studies—that’s the foundation of the Hua family and must not be abandoned.”
“The young master was punished by the eldest young lady for misconduct and sent to the estate. He’s not allowed back until three days have passed.” Lin Shuang hesitated, then added, “This servant suspects the eldest young lady may not permit the young master to come to the Zhu Family.”
Old Madam Zhu frowned. “This is no time for stubborn pride. The eldest daughter-in-law may have acted improperly, but is holding a grudge more important than Berlin’s future?”
“You misunderstand, Old Madam. The eldest young lady isn’t so ungrateful. Not long after the raid, she began seeking tutors. The Hua Clan School will continue—the venue is already prepared, waiting only for the tutors to arrive.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes, this servant wouldn’t dare lie.”
Old Madam Zhu nodded slightly. If that were the case, there was no need to bring Berlin out. Before the Hua family’s misfortune, the two families were well-matched, and her grandson could stay with the Zhu Family as he pleased. But now, if Berlin came, he would be living on others’ charity—a problem not solved merely by their affection for him.
Zhi Er—she had truly surprised her.
“Hearing all this sets my mind at ease. My heart hasn’t been settled since the Hua family was raided.” Old Madam Zhu took two banknotes from her sleeve. “When I heard you were coming, I thought to have you bring some silver to Xuan Er for security. But it seems she doesn’t need it now—give it to Zhi Er instead.”
“This servant dare not take it.” Lin Shuang did not step forward. “I dare not make things difficult for the eldest young lady. Please trust her, Old Madam. If she truly faces hardship, I would risk her displeasure and return to seek your help.”
Old Madam Zhu was persuaded by her final words. Nodding, she said, “Very well, let it be as you say.”Bathed in the afterglow, Zhu Bowen, the current Left Vice Minister of Revenue, saw his wife waiting for him at the courtyard gate upon returning from his office—a treatment he hadn’t received for quite some time. Even more rare was the smile on her face.
“Has something good happened at home?”
“You could say so.” The couple entered the house, and Old Madam helped her husband remove his Official Uniform, replacing it with comfortable casual attire. She then wrung out a towel and handed it to him to wipe his face before carefully recounting the events of the afternoon.
Zhu Bowen listened with great attention, his furrowed brow gradually relaxing. He and Hua Yizheng were around the same age, both having grown up in the capital. They had been close friends since childhood and later served together in the court, forming a solid bond. The two families had always maintained frequent contact, and their children had known each other since they were young. It was only after noticing the mutual affection between the two youngsters that the marriage was arranged. When the Hua family encountered such troubles, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to intervene on their behalf, but rather that he couldn’t.
The Emperor’s accusation against the Hua family was forming cliques for personal gain. If Zhu Bowen were to rally others to speak up for them, it would only confirm the charge. Not only would it fail to save the Hua family, but it would also bring trouble upon all of them. The most he could do was leverage his connections in the northern regions to ensure that the men of the Hua family suffered fewer hardships there.
As for the rest, it couldn’t be rushed—it had to be approached gradually.
His greatest concern had been internal discord within the Hua family, something beyond his control. Fortunately, the situation seemed far better than he had anticipated. What surprised him, however, was that Zhi Er had become the one holding everything together.
Recalling his quiet and unobtrusive granddaughter from memory, Zhu Bowen found it hard to connect her with the decisive figure described by his wife.
“Since she dares to make such statements, she must have confidence in her abilities. We should follow her lead. However, there’s one matter she’s likely struggling with.”
“What is it?”
“Some time ago, I heard that Old Madam sent name cards to the former teachers of the Hua Clan School, but very few responded.”
“Ungrateful wretches!” Old Madam gritted her teeth in anger. “The Hua family never treated them poorly. Without my in-laws’ support, how could they have achieved such renown?”
“Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human nature—it’s not entirely incomprehensible. The Hua family’s descendants start from a high position, and ordinary teachers wouldn’t meet their standards. I do have someone in mind. Though he lacks fame and has no official rank, his abilities are genuine. I’ve already sent someone to invite him. Send word to Zhi Er and tell her not to worry.”
Old Madam hesitantly voiced her own thoughts, “I was wondering if I could go there myself. Until I see with my own eyes that they’re all well, my heart won’t be at ease.”
“It’s not impossible to go discreetly. She only demanded that the Hua women cease seeking help from their maternal families, but she didn’t say that their relatives couldn’t offer support in private. It all depends on whether one has the intention. Our granddaughter—I truly underestimated her before.”
“Indeed, when Lin Shuang described her, I could hardly believe it was my granddaughter.” Old Madam Zhu shook her head with a smile. “Such an assertive temperament—I wonder who she takes after.”
Zhu Bowen adjusted his collar, a note of irritation in his voice. “Our eldest daughter-in-law has overstepped this time. I’m not dead yet—it’s not her place to reprimand a married sister-in-law.”"It's also my fault. I always thought it wasn't easy for women to adapt to another family. Even a daughter-in-law from the Hua family like Xuan'er could be well protected - there's no reason our Zhu Family should strictly enforce rules on our daughter-in-law. I just never expected not everyone could handle being pampered like Xuan'er. Since that's the case, she'd better learn the rules properly."
"As long as you're aware."
"I am." Old Madam suddenly smiled again. "Zhi Er is quite thoughtful. If she had chosen to have Lin Shuang come back crying when all of you were home, there would likely be unrest in the eldest son's household."
"Let this be a lesson for the eldest son's wife, so she remembers what's important instead of holding grudges."
"Indeed."
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