The next day, the weather was uncooperative, with fierce winds howling and conditions nearly severe enough to send sand and stones flying.
Hua Zhi woke up and smiled upon hearing the roaring wind outside. Even if she had to go out in such weather, it wouldn’t dampen her good mood.
Afraid that something might happen today, Ying Chun insisted on accompanying her no matter what. Hua Zhi allowed it and even remembered to send a maid to inform Fourth Aunt to stock up on more firewood and charcoal this year.
“Miss, Third Young Lady is here.”
Hua Ling? Hua Zhi glanced at the water clock and signaled the maid to let her in.
“Elder Sister.”
“Why are you here so early? Is something the matter?”
“I heard Elder Sister is going to the Wei Family. I’d like to go with you.”
Hua Zhi was a little surprised. Among her sisters, Hua Ling was actually the most timid. She hadn’t expected that after that incident, she was starting to lean toward being recklessly bold.
“Today’s affair isn’t a happy one, and the weather is bad. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself.”
Hua Ling shook her head. “I want to go.”
She had unintentionally learned about this from Fourth Aunt yesterday and had thought it over for a long time before deciding she still wanted to go. Her elder sister might be used to carrying everything alone and charging ahead by herself, but even if Hua Ling wasn’t of much use, she could at least shield her sister if someone tried to harm her.
Having grown up in the capital, she knew all too well how vile people could be. Like the last time they went to the estate, she ran into her cousin from her maternal uncle’s family while leaving the city. They had once been so close they even shared a bed, but that day, in response to Hua Ling’s cheerful greeting, her cousin said, “I heard you were almost violated? How unfortunate.”
Her face was full of schadenfreude, and though she said “unfortunate,” it sounded more like regret that Hua Ling hadn’t actually been violated. If her own cousin held such an attitude, it was clear what her maternal family truly thought. It was from that moment that Hua Ling completely severed her attachment to them and came to appreciate even more deeply how wonderful her elder sister was—willing to sacrifice her own reputation to pull her out of the mud.
Hua Zhi glanced at her but didn’t press for details. Instead, she turned and instructed, “Fetch a cloak for Third Sister.”
Then she looked at the maid behind Hua Ling, who didn’t dare lift her head. “Take better care of her. Wearing so little in this weather—if she falls ill, you’ll be the ones suffering along with her.”
The maid trembled and acknowledged the order, her head bowing even lower.
The carriage departed from the side gate. Hua Zhi was inwardly marveling at how quickly the cold had set in when she felt the carriage come to a stop. Before she could ask, a voice sounded from outside, “Fortunately, I came in time. Any later and I might have fallen behind you, Cousin.”
Hua Zhi hurriedly lifted the curtain by the window and saw Zhu Ziwen on horseback, accompanied by two others whom she vaguely recognized as scions of two other prominent families in the capital, though their status was slightly lower than that of the Zhu Family.
The two young men bowed slightly from their horses when Hua Zhi’s gaze swept over them. She inclined her head slightly in return and said to Zhu Ziwen, “Cousin, did you come specifically to escort me?”
“Grandfather repeatedly warned me that I must ensure you return completely unharmed,” Zhu Ziwen leaned down from his horse. “Quite a few people might show up today, Cousin. You should be prepared.”
“The Wei Family invited me, and I’m merely accepting the invitation. Why would I need to make any preparations?”
Zhu Ziwen pointed at her with his horsewhip. “Not even a word of truth in front of your cousin? You deserve a scolding.”
“Cousin, you’re bullying me. I’ll go complain to Grandfather later.”
“Fine, I’m afraid of you,” Zhu Ziwen glared at her. “Let’s go. We mustn’t be late.”The carriage started moving again. Hua Zhi smiled at the other two before letting the curtain fall, her smile gradually fading as a question arose in her heart: Who was her cousin performing for?
Though they were considered close, their relationship had never reached such a level. Unusual behavior always hid ulterior motives, yet no matter how Hua Zhi pondered, she couldn’t pinpoint the source. Her maternal grandparents treated her with genuine sincerity—if they truly had any intentions, they wouldn’t resort to such tactics. In the Zhu Family, only one person was fond of such schemes—the eldest aunt.
But what purpose did her cousin’s actions serve?
Hua Ling watched the shifting expressions on her elder sister’s face and dared not ask a single question, afraid of interrupting her train of thought. She truly didn’t know how her sister endured a life where every matter required deep contemplation.
The Hua family resided in the south, while the nobility all lived in the north. The carriage rocked for a good while before finally coming to a halt.
They had arrived!
Hua Zhi took a deep breath, straightened her spirits, and prepared to face the impending battle.
But as she stepped out of the carriage and saw that the trio outside had multiplied into a crowd, she froze momentarily, her eyes filled with bewilderment.
Zhu Ziwen coughed lightly to suppress a laugh, dismounted, and walked over, raising his arm as he said, “We’re all here for the Pure Conversation Gathering. We happened to meet on the road and came together.”
Did he take her for a three-year-old child? Hua Zhi shot him a glance and, steadying herself with his arm, alighted from the carriage.
Even with the strong wind whipping her cloak noisily, Hua Zhi descended with composure, her gaze unwavering and devoid of any maidenly shyness or fear.
The contrast became even more pronounced when compared to others.
Hua Ling, who emerged a step later, was stared at by so many men for the first time in her life. Though she repeatedly bolstered her courage inwardly, she could only manage not to lower her head—her flushed cheeks and wandering eyes were beyond her control.
Zhu Ziwen hadn’t expected Hua Ling to come along either. He glanced at his cousin and greeted Hua Ling with a bow, “I didn’t expect Cousin Ling to be here as well.”
Hua Ling curtsied in return, “Cousin, I hope you are well.”
Hua Zhi could see her nervousness but also recognized her efforts to improve. Instead of shielding her, she turned and looked up at the tightly closed gates of the Wei Residence.
When the Hua family hosted Scholarly Discussions, they would clean every corner spotlessly days in advance, washing the path from the alley entrance to the steps with clear water. On the day of the gathering, the main gates would open wide early to welcome scholars. On such occasions, the Hua family positioned themselves as equals to the scholars—there were only scholars surnamed Hua, no officials.
In contrast, the Wei family’s approach resembled a banquet—and a rather discourteous one at that, leaving guests waiting outside the gates.
As she pondered this, the main gates slowly swung open in her line of sight. Three generations of the Wei family emerged, all wearing broad smiles, led by Wei Jing, styled Rongwen, the Minister of Personnel holding the third-rank position.
Behind him were two familiar faces: Wei Chenze and Wei Chengxi, who had nearly caused Hua Ling harm.
Hua Ling’s breathing instantly grew rapid. Without turning her head, Hua Zhi said softly, “What is there to fear from a man who can neither pass the imperial exams in literature nor draw a bow in martial arts—a man worthless beyond his family background? If he dares lay a hand on you again, I won’t hesitate to use a knife.”
Hua Ling’s breath hitched for a moment, but then she truly felt soothed. This was the capital, and under the watchful eyes of everyone, what could he possibly do to her? There was no need for her elder sister to wield a knife—if he dared take a step closer, she would cry assault. Let’s see if the Wei family still valued their reputation.Zhu Ziwen, who was standing right beside the two, coughed hastily upon hearing this. "Be more careful," he chided. "How can you say such things in front of the Wei Family’s gate? Even if they’re too far to hear, talking casually about drawing blades—what if others overhear? It’s hardly appropriate!"
PS: Ladies, no need to worry. It’s still business as usual—just that what used to be small-scale dealings have now expanded into a major enterprise. And yes, it will eventually involve the imperial court.
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