Hua Zhi had been visiting the Zhu residence frequently lately. Whenever Old Madam saw her, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly—both for the girl's hard fate and the burdens she carried. Yet outwardly, she maintained her usual affectionate smile, pulling Hua Zhi close as she teased, "Who have you come to see today? Certainly not this old woman, I'm sure."
"Whoever I come to see, I always see you first." Hua Zhi helped the old woman sit down, her words immediately bringing a beaming smile to the matriarch's face. Zheng Shi, the wife of the Zhu family's eldest son, watched from the side, thoughts turning in her mind. Since the opportunity had presented itself, and she needed to broach the subject eventually, why not address the matter today? Delaying would only harm Shan'er.
During previous visits, Hua Zhi had always left hurriedly after discussing business, never having proper time to chat with her grandmother. Today, she set other matters aside, speaking gently and courteously with the old woman about family affairs, sharing what her mother had been doing at home.
The old lady sighed. "Your mother has always been soft-natured. It's not that I haven't tried to toughen her up, but it was useless—she'd start dripping tears after just a couple of words. Never talked back or argued, just obedient beyond measure. Even her two brothers would feel sorry for her and protect her before I could even do anything. When it came time for her to consider marriage prospects, I was terribly anxious. With such a temperament, she would suffer no matter which family she married into. But before I could worry for long, your grandmother came to visit. Actually, I knew she didn't think much of this daughter-in-law—what family doesn't need a capable eldest daughter-in-law who can manage household affairs? Later, I learned from her that your father had pleaded with her. She softened, saying it was the first time she'd seen her son beg her for something in all the years she'd raised him, and she couldn't refuse him."
The old woman shook her head with a smile. "And indeed, he's protected her all these years. You wouldn't know how panicked I was when I heard your father had taken a concubine. But what could I do? A married daughter is like spilled water. Fortunately, your father kept his promise—even with a concubine, he never let your mother suffer. The inner courtyard has always been like this. No matter how capable or cunning a woman might be, it's useless if her man doesn't support her. Your mother may not excel at anything, but as long as your father stands by her side, no one can do her any harm."
Zheng Shi chimed in from the side, "My sister-in-law was simply born lucky. She had parents and brothers protecting her in her maiden family, a husband who dotes on her after marriage, and even when misfortune struck, she has children shielding her. Such fortune isn't something ordinary people possess."
"It's just Zhi Er who suffers."
"I don't feel I'm suffering." Hua Zhi smiled faintly. "Although Mother's nature is somewhat soft, she truly cares for her children. Without comparing her to others, she has given us all the love she's capable of—that's enough."
The old lady was taken aback, her eyes suddenly reddening. Such a simple truth, yet how few could see it clearly.
"What mother doesn't give her all for her children?" Zheng Shi glanced at her mother-in-law, determined to resolve the matter today even if it meant enduring some cold treatment afterward. After all, she was the Zhu family's eldest daughter-in-law, and what she was doing wasn't anything that would bring shame to the Zhu family—she shouldn't be treated too harshly.
Thinking of her husband's attitude strengthened her resolve further. Taking a sip of tea as if to hide her thoughts, she said, "Speaking of which, Zhi Er, I'm afraid your aunt must wrong you."
Hua Zhi's heart stirred, though she showed slight confusion on her face. "What do you mean, Aunt?"
The old woman's face turned cold. "Eldest daughter-in-law, don't be too hasty.""Mother, I'm willing to bear any ill reputation. I understand you dote on your daughter-in-law and cherish Zhi Er, but I also care deeply for Shan'er!" Zheng Shi's eyes reddened, feeling wronged herself. Why was there such affection for the granddaughter-in-law, yet none for her own granddaughter?
Wiping the corner of her eye, Zheng Shi looked at Hua Zhi. "Previously, your eldest uncle wanted to match Shan'er with Berlin. Berlin is a good boy with countless virtues, and I believe if Shan'er married him, you would treat her well. But Shan'er has reached marriageable age now, while Berlin is still in mourning period. Moreover, he's younger than Shan'er. I truly don't want to wait indefinitely like this, without any certainty. What if something unexpected happens..."
"Enough!" The Old Madam coldly stared at her eldest daughter-in-law. "If you don't know how to speak properly, then don't speak at all! No one would mistake you for mute!"
Knowing she had spoken inappropriately, Zheng Shi lifted her skirt and knelt, forehead touching the floor, shoulders trembling. She didn't say another word, but her stance was clear.
Hua Zhi gently rotated the teacup lid, looking up to break the silence. "As Aunt wishes, then."
Zheng Shi hadn't expected it to be so easy. She thought there would be more persuasion needed, or even some delay. But she was overjoyed, feeling a weight lift from her heart. Since Hua Zhi was now in charge of the Hua family, her word was final. This verbally agreed engagement was finally dissolved.
Yet she couldn't openly accept this agreement. With tears streaming down her face, Zheng Shi straightened up and looked pleadingly at her mother-in-law.
The Old Madam smiled, but her tone held no warmth. "Since you're willing to cast aside all dignity, how could I stop you? From now on, handle your household affairs yourselves. There's no need to bring them to me anymore."
Zheng Shi was startled. While she wanted authority over household matters, not in this manner. Knowing her mother-in-law was angry about this matter, she quickly begged for mercy. "Mother, I only..."
"If it comes to me, I won't agree to break this engagement."
Zheng Shi lowered her head and fell silent.
The Old Madam snorted coldly, no longer looking at her, nor calling her to get up, just letting her kneel there like that.
"Grandmother, let it be. Marriage should bring families together, not create enemies. Aunt cares for her daughter, but I also care for Berlin. Let's consider it fate not bringing these two together." Hua Zhi stood and curtseyed. "I hope Aunt finds an ideal husband for my cousin."
Zheng Shi couldn't properly accept or reject these words, kneeling there with an embarrassed nod.
The Old Madam was thoroughly disgusted with this daughter-in-law now. Waving her hand, she said, "You may leave."
Relieved, Zheng Shi bowed and quickly departed. As long as her goal was achieved, she could endure other consequences. It wasn't as if her husband would divorce her over such matters.
Hua Zhi sat beside her grandmother. With outsiders gone, she spoke frankly. "I never approved of this marriage from the beginning. It's better that Aunt proposed ending it, so we can avoid unpleasantness and preserve our relationship."
"Only you would think this way. Anyone else would assume the eldest uncle's family looks down on Berlin, and there would be no relationship left to preserve." The Old Madam suddenly sighed. "But it is indeed looking down on him. They think everyone else is foolish. The saying 'marry a virtuous wife' is truly correct. Your eldest uncle has been acting increasingly unreasonably these past years."
"It's not that bad. Not to mention how he protected Mother before, even this past year he hasn't treated us as people to avoid. Being able to maintain this is already quite good—we can't ask for more."Old Madam patted her granddaughter who was still comforting her, feeling utterly disappointed with her eldest son and his wife. Do not bully the young man—they would regret it someday. She only hoped that Zhi Er truly hadn't taken it to heart.
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