Madam Zhu looked at her daughter who had rare leisure time to join her for breakfast. "Must you really go? Why not wait until after the New Year when it's not so cold?"
"After the New Year, the cold will persist for three months. Factoring in the time before the New Year, the delay would stretch to half a year. Grandfather and the others would worry." Hua Zhi offered a reassuring smile. "It's fine—I'm familiar with the route. I'll make thorough preparations before setting out."
"No matter how much you prepare, you'll still have to endure the bitter winds." Madam Zhu lowered her head to wipe the corner of her eye. Lately, her mother had been visiting frequently, so she knew more about external affairs than others in the household. This knowledge only deepened her heartache—how could someone so young bear such heavy burdens? She truly didn't know how her daughter endured it all.
"Once you're out there, you must..."
Hua Zhi listened with a smile to her mother's admonitions, responding occasionally. Even though these words would be of little practical use outside, she showed no impatience. This was the extent of her mother's ability to care, drawing upon all she knew to offer what she could.
And that was enough.
After leaving her mother's room, Hua Zhi visited each household in turn, sitting for a while to listen to their soothing words and collecting the letters and items they had prepared. Everyone felt sorry for her, so no one burdened her with large parcels.
While discussing with Fourth Aunt about making rounds to the branch families, Liu Xiang entered to report, "Miss, Mr. Yu requests an audience."
"Mr. Yu? Yu Xiasheng?"
"Yes."
Wu Shi covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Go attend to your matters. I can handle the rounds myself."
"Thank you, Fourth Aunt." Hua Zhi stood up, curious about Yu Xiasheng's purpose, and walked out briskly.
Watching her leave the courtyard, Wu Shi's smile gradually faded. "Prepare yourselves; we're going out."
Dismissing the maids to their tasks, Nanny Song approached to support her as she sat down, whispering, "Why didn't you mention that matter to the Eldest Miss?"
"If not for my mother's message, I wouldn't have known that Zhi Er's talents have caught the Emperor's eye. Do you think that's a good thing? If it were truly favorable, why wouldn't Zhi Er mention it at home? Why was the household atmosphere so tense during that period?Wu Shi sneered. "Even if Zhi Er could intervene in court affairs—which she may not—I wouldn't bring it up. I've come to understand: neither maternal family nor friends are reliable. I've resolved to follow the Hua family's Eldest Miss wholeheartedly. I'll do whatever she says; as for others, I can't be bothered."But that is your maternal family after all. Even if you don't think of yourself, you must consider your two sons."
"If they disregard my well-being, how can I expect them to care about my sons? I've stopped dreaming such dreams, Nanny. You'd do well to wake up too. I trust Zhi Er far more to look after her own brothers."
Nanny Song fell silent, unable to offer further support. It wasn't that she insisted on advocating for the Wu family, but as someone whose fortunes were tied to her mistress's, she naturally planned extensively for her. In her view, despite past discord, since the Wu family had extended an olive branch, it should be seized. As a married woman, could she truly forsake her family of origin?
Yet, judging by her mistress's attitude, she seemed truly resolved. And her reasoning was sound—the Eldest Miss was undoubtedly more dependable than anyone else.After changing into formal attire for going out, Wu Shi said, "Keep this matter buried in your stomach - don't breathe half a word of it to Zhi Er. She's about to head north soon, we shouldn't bother her with such trivial matters."
"Yes," Steward Song promptly responded, hesitating for a moment before reminding, "This old servant has noticed people moving between different households these past few days. I'm afraid we're not the only ones troubled by this matter."
"Anyone with sense wouldn't bring it up." Wu Shi thought for a moment, then said, "I'll visit my sisters-in-law. They need to be warned about this. Zhi Er has worked hard to achieve the current situation - we mustn't ruin it."
"That's reasonable."
Unaware that she had already attracted attention from all sorts of unsavory characters, Hua Zhi met with Yu Xiasheng. The man who had been quite open during their last meeting now seemed somewhat evasive in his attitude.
Not knowing what had happened, Hua Zhi felt her heart sink slightly.
After exchanging pleasantries, Hua Zhi came straight to the point, "Mr. Yu, have you come today for some important matter?"
"Miss Hua, this humble scholar... this humble scholar..."
"Hmm?"
Afraid of leaving a bad impression, Yu Xiasheng blurted out in his anxiety, "This humble scholar has come to propose marriage."
Propose marriage? Hua Zhi was unusually slow to react. Exchanging a glance with Su Momo, who had returned to serve by her side, a candidate came to mind in her thoughts.
Composing herself, Hua Zhi didn't name that person herself, instead asking, "May I ask which of my younger sisters Mr. Yu has come to propose to?"
"The third young lady of the Hua family." Having laid his cards on the table, Yu Xiasheng actually became more relaxed, saying with a flushed face, "This humble scholar wishes to marry the third young lady."
It was indeed her! Hua Zhi now looked at Yu Xiasheng with different eyes. Evaluating a potential husband for her sister was naturally different from dealing with ordinary people. Her first question was, "Does Mr. Yu have any concubines or maidservants in his household?"
"None at all." Yu Xiasheng proactively disclosed his background, "This humble scholar is nineteen years old, with both parents living. I have one younger brother and one younger sister. My grandfather once served as a high-ranking official before retiring due to illness. This humble scholar... this humble scholar has stable family assets and will certainly not let the third young lady suffer."
Hua Zhi was quite satisfied with Yu Xiasheng's character, but if his family situation was too complicated, she wouldn't consider the match. Marriage, especially in these times, was never just about two people - it concerned entire families and clans. In her view, choosing a good family was far more important than how wealthy they were.
"Has your family not arranged any marriage for you?"
"No. My grandfather, fearing it might affect my studies, forbade my parents from doing anything that might distract me."
"How do you know they would be satisfied with Hua Ling?"
"Grandfather would definitely be satisfied. I've heard him praise the Hua family's traditions before. My parents wouldn't object either."
It sounded quite promising. Hua Zhi nodded slightly, but added, "Matters of marriage require careful consideration. Moreover, my third sister is still in mourning. Mr. Yu should perhaps write home to discuss this properly with your family. We can talk about other matters later, how about that?"
Yu Xiasheng could only agree. He understood that Miss Hua still didn't fully trust him, which only showed how much she cared for the third young lady's welfare - she would never rashly promise her sister's hand in marriage due to external factors.He already had an advantage over others, but still couldn't resist speaking up for himself, "Before coming for the examination, my grandfather said that if I could make it to the associate list, he would bring the whole family to the capital for New Year and stay until after next year's Spring Examination. I've already sent a letter home, and they might already be on their way to the capital by now. When they arrive, I'll ask my mother to visit, and I hope you won't turn her away at the door, Miss Hua."
Hua Zhi couldn't help but laugh—he was truly serious about this. "We'll discuss it after November."
This could be considered a definite response. Yu Xiasheng's heart leaped with joy, and he quickly agreed.
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