Everyone had marked the day of mourning removal in their minds. Early the next morning, Wu Shi came over to discuss the matter.
"A few days ago, the matriarch of the Qin family came in person, saying they've already prepared the spirit house and will deliver it on the scheduled day. I noticed the Qin family... seems more enthusiastic than before."
Although Wu Shi only managed affairs in the inner courtyard, she wasn't like others who paid no attention to external matters. Moreover, after her maternal family's visit, she knew what the hottest topic in the capital was currently, and had learned from visiting guests that this matter was related to Zhi Er.
She couldn't understand how a teenage girl could be so capable. The only thing she could do was to manage the inner courtyard well, preventing their own people from causing trouble for Zhi Er and allowing her to act freely.
The master's letters repeatedly asked her to assist Zhi Er as much as possible. She didn't want to overthink it, so she simply tried her best to comply.
Now even the Qin family seemed to be currying favor. These past few days she couldn't help but think more about it - perhaps, just perhaps, Zhi Er could really achieve what she said, and bring all the Hua family men back!
For this reason alone, she didn't want to give anyone any opportunity to interfere - not even her own maternal family!
Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised. "The Qin family came? I was planning to have the steward go remind them."
Wu Shi chuckled. "Even if the masters forget, the stewards below will remember. No matter what the Qin family truly thinks, they'll maintain appearances properly."
That was true. For great families, face was more important than anything. Hua Zhi nodded. "Prepare the sacrificial items. Have Bo Yu serve as chief officiant then. All the children in the family should go, both older and younger ones, to set grandmother's mind at ease."
"Can't Berlin come back?"
"He can't return. The matters he's handling outside are very important."
"Is Bo Yu appearing too frequently?" Wu Shi frowned. "I'm not jealous - my two are still young and wouldn't qualify anyway. But Third Aunt might inevitably overthink this, and even Bo Yu might develop ideas."
Only then did Hua Zhi realize the situation might be more complicated than she thought. Yan Xi thought this way, Fourth Aunt thought this way - they represented the majority opinion. She didn't care much about what Third Aunt thought, but she cared about what Third Aunt might say to Bo Yu.
"That was my oversight. I'll talk with Bo Yu later. But the chief officiant won't change. The Hua family has room for several capable people. If Berlin is that narrow-minded, then he won't have a place in the Hua family anyway."
Wu Shi was taken aback, then nodded. "I understand. I'll warn the others not to let such talk affect the children."
"We need to make some preparations at home too. Invite the collateral branch families then. The kitchen should prepare some easily digestible meat dishes - no need for rich, heavy foods that might upset stomachs. Oh, I'll have Fu Dong send a sheep back. Make some mutton soup for everyone to warm themselves."
Neither mentioned whether the collateral branches had truly maintained abstinence. They couldn't demand more than proper surface appearances - it was still better than those who didn't even bother to wipe their mouths after eating.
With little time to spare, Wu Shi immediately went to make arrangements. Hua Zhi, realizing she hadn't visited the clan school for some time, took a basket and went to teach the children for half a day. Since Teacher Zheng arrived, she no longer taught textbook knowledge, but instead discussed external affairs. This time, she talked about Jin Yang.Speaking of Jin Yang's horse racing track, explaining the origins of Jin Yang Liancheng, and why Jin Yang was called the little capital, the children listened with great fascination.
After class, Hua Zhi asked Baiyu to stay behind and first went to speak with Zeng Han for a while.
The child had grown a bit taller, his complexion was good, his eyes clear. Though he remained largely silent, the distance in his demeanor had noticeably diminished. Seeing that the children from the clan school didn't reject him either, Hua Zhi felt happy inwardly. She crouched down and patted his head, saying, "I have many new books at my place. Feel free to come get any you'd like to read."
Zeng Han nodded, then suddenly reached out to touch Hua Zhi's face. Hua Zhi was momentarily stunned but didn't avoid his touch. The child quickly withdrew his hand, his typically expressionless face revealing a hint of satisfaction.
"I had Yan Xi visit your parents' graves to pay respects and inform them you're doing well," Hua Zhi said gently. "You must continue to be well, understand?"
Zeng Han pressed his lips together and nodded. "Okay."
The child's obedient appearance was most heart-wrenching. Hua Zhi patted his head again before looking up at Zheng Zhi waiting nearby. Standing up, she said, "Thank you for your hard work, Teacher."
Zheng Zhi gave her a meaningful look. "Not as hardworking as you."
Hua Zhi pretended not to understand. "Please feel free to go about your business."
Zheng Zhi cupped his hands in salute and left with Zeng Han.
After taking a few steps, Zeng Han looked back. Seeing Elder Sister Hua still standing there watching him made him feel somewhat happy, and he quickly caught up with his teacher.
Seeing this, Hua Zhi knew he still felt insecure inside. If only she weren't so busy, but for now she could only rely on time to heal these wounds. Sighing inwardly, Hua Zhi turned to beckon Baiyu over.
"Come have a meal with your elder sister."
Hua Baiyu, who had been feeling anxious since being asked to stay, brightened visibly at this. His clenched fists relaxed, revealing palms damp with sweat.
Hua Zhi noticed his small reactions but said nothing, simply leading him back to the courtyard.
The meal was already set out, with Xiao Liu'er waiting there. Seeing Hua Baiyu, he waved in greeting before sitting down to serve Elder Sister Hua some soup, his movements quite familiar.
"Don't fill it too full. I ate too much this morning and don't feel hungry right now."
Xiao Liu'er obediently put down the soup ladle and placed the half-full bowl before Elder Sister Hua.
Being attentive to the Hua family's affairs, Xiao Liu'er naturally understood their current situation. After the meal, he found an excuse to leave first.
Hua Baiyu grew increasingly nervous, lowering his head and not knowing what to do with his hands and feet.
Hua Zhi felt a headache coming on. She had indeed been neglectful - Baiyu had probably absorbed quite a lot of gossip by now.
"Mr. Mu says you've been often distracted lately."
"I..."
Hua Zhi smiled. "I'm often away and don't usually involve myself much in family matters. Only after returning this time did I learn what happened. Baiyu, your elder sister wants to know what you're thinking inside."
Hua Baiyu looked up, his mouth moving slightly, but ultimately said nothing. Normally it didn't feel like much, but being questioned like this by his elder sister made him feel terribly wronged. He truly had no particular thoughts about anything.
"Whatever is said here, only your elder sister will know."
"Can I say anything?"
Hua Zhi nodded. "Anything at all.""I don't have those thoughts they speak of, Elder Sister, you must believe me." Hua Baiyu leaned forward anxiously, "With Sixth Brother away, I'm the eldest among the brothers at home. Those responsibilities should naturally fall to me. Sixth Brother is the eldest grandson of the main line - I never intended to compete with him, truly, I would never contend with Sixth Brother!"
"Don't worry, Elder Sister believes you."
Hua Baiyu looked somewhat stunned. Elder Sister believed him?
Hua Zhi smiled, "Why wouldn't I believe you? Wasn't it I who pushed you forward to shoulder the responsibilities of the Hua family's sons?"
OpenNovel