Breaking the silence was Hua Zhi herself. "I never intended to beg for your pity or rely on your help to get the Hua family through difficulties. So whether you deliberately distance yourselves or create barriers, it's completely unnecessary. I can support the Hua family on my own. It seems you've forgotten the saying 'do not bully the young.' What if the Hua family loses everything? We still have our people."
Remembering how the young members of the Hua family, despite their tender age, already showed remarkable responsibility, everyone fell silent.
While children from other families were still trying to escape the clan school, the Hua children—the oldest barely over ten, the youngest only three or four—were already shouldering family responsibilities. With such early maturity and Hua Zhi's guidance, who would dare say they wouldn't achieve great things in the future?
Yet until today, they had only been thinking about getting a promise from Hua Zhi, forgetting their ancestors' warning not to underestimate the young.
Precisely because of this, they couldn't allow the situation to continue deteriorating.
All eyes turned to Qin Gongyang once more.
Qin Gongyang smiled bitterly. The Qin family was among those Hua Zhi had referred to as "those who willingly degrade themselves by appearing in public"—she had shown mercy by not naming them directly. How could he possibly broach the subject now?
With a sigh, Qin Gongyang asked, "Is there any room for negotiation in this matter?"
"Rather than that question, I'm actually more curious why you think I have any say in that matter." Hua Zhi looked puzzled. "Why would you believe that a woman like me, the daughter of a convicted official, has the power to decide who gets which position?"
The crowd froze. It seemed... she was right!
Even if this idea had originated from Hua Zhi's mind, it was ultimately government affairs. How could a woman be involved? Moreover, there had been persistent rumors in the capital that while the Emperor needed to use Hua Zhi, he didn't actually like her. If the establishment of the Seventh Division—a great undertaking for the benefit of the people—succeeded, such a significant achievement should at least secure the Hua family's rehabilitation, if not more. The fact that nothing had happened suggested the rumors held some truth.
Considering her close relationship with the Zhu family, yet Zhu Bowen hadn't been involved at all—if Hua Zhi truly had influence, wouldn't things be different?
Even those who suspected Hua Zhi wasn't being entirely truthful found their urgency fading after this reflection. However, none dared to underestimate Hua Zhi now. Setting this matter aside, they seized the opportunity to mend relations, gradually shifting to casual conversation while frequently including Hua Zhi. Having achieved her purpose, Hua Zhi skillfully engaged in their verbal sparring until Su Momo entered.
"Young lady, everything is ready."
Hua Zhi nodded, stood up, and bowed to the assembly. "I must go pay my respects now. Please forgive my poor hospitality."
"Please don't stand on ceremony, eldest miss."
Ying Chun stepped forward to properly fasten the cloak that had been loosely draped over Hua Zhi's shoulders, ensuring the hood was securely wrapped before signaling Liu Xiang to open the door. Mistress and servants headed toward the backyard against the cold wind.
As the door closed behind them, the drawing room fell into brief silence. Someone broke it by saying, "Doesn't the eldest miss seem rather unwell?"
Everyone had noticed. The room was quite warm—they had all removed their heavy cloaks upon entering and still felt somewhat hot. Yet Hua Zhi had kept her cloak on the entire time, continuously drinking hot tea. All signs pointed to her poor health.Upon entering the room, Shen Qi, who hadn't spoken a word until now, suddenly remarked, "Elder Sister goes to Yinshan Pass every six months. Not long ago, she must have made the trip again."
Everyone exchanged glances. Yinshan Pass was a long and arduous journey—such constant travel would surely take a toll on one's health. Hua Zhi's actions sometimes truly... commanded admiration.
Jiang Huanran picked up the thread, "I once had the honor of sharing a boat with Elder Sister on a trip south. She personally went to Zhenyang to select the seafood needed for the sea delicacies." However, he did not reveal more details. He had no intention of telling anyone about the time they spent together during that period. He vaguely suspected that Elder Sister's current poor health was related to the injury she had sustained back then. Women, confined to the inner quarters, were naturally more fragile than men. Moreover, Elder Sister had been injured and was constantly traveling north and south—how could her health not suffer?
In the silence, someone sighed, and for a long while, no one spoke again.
Hua Zhi went to the main courtyard, where the incense altar and offerings had already been prepared. All the women of the Hua family arranged themselves in orderly rows.
Hua Zhi bowed slightly to the elders, then stood at the very front. After gazing at the memorial tablet for a moment, she stepped forward, lit incense, inserted it into the incense burner, and performed the three kneelings and nine prostrations. Everyone else followed suit.
After the final bow, Hua Zhi remained kneeling. She picked up a wine cup and slowly poured the wine onto the ground. Grandmother, do you see? Everyone is doing well. I've kept it from Grandfather, forging your handwriting in letters sent to him each time. Please don't give it away in his dreams. The siblings at home are all obedient. Although the various branches of the family are a bit soft-hearted, they mean no harm. They unite when necessary. Frankly, I feel like laughing at you—was your standard for choosing daughters-in-law their soft-heartedness? My mother aside, Second Aunt and Third Aunt also forget past grievances too easily. Only Fourth Aunt is a bit better. Eventually, we'll have to cut off interactions between the families to prevent others from stirring up trouble.
Hua Zhi looked up at the curling smoke rising from the incense. I will keep my promise to you. Do not worry, and rest in peace.
After another bow, Hua Zhi stood up and turned to face everyone. Her eyes swept from left to right, causing some to lower their heads involuntarily.
"The major mourning period has ended. Whether to observe the minor mourning is up to each individual. Grandmother would not blame anyone for not observing it. From now on, I hope everyone will work together and carefully consider the pros and cons when facing matters. You may all go about your duties now—do not neglect the guests."
Madam Zhu had intended to tell her daughter to visit her maternal grandmother after she was done, but seeing that her daughter had already approached Hua Qin, she let it be. She instructed a maid to inform Ying Chun and left first.
Hua Qin's complexion was rosy, and she looked slightly plumper than before. Seeing Hua Zhi, she sweetly called out, "Elder Sister."
Hua Zhi nodded. "Return to your room. Don't catch a chill."
"I'm cooped up in the room every day at home—it's unbearable.It's not easy to come back and catch my breath, it's not easy to come back and catch my breath, Elder Sister, please don't send me away." Hua Qin was utterly distressed. It was good that her in-laws cared for her, but this kind of attention was truly suffocating. She hadn't left her room for nearly a month.
Hua Zhi had a maid support her onto the covered corridor. Snow was still falling in the courtyard, and it wasn't safe.
"It seems your problem has been resolved."
Hua Qin lowered her head and gently stroked her still barely noticeable belly. "Elder Sister, you were right. Whether he is willing to take a concubine is the man's business. If he cared, he wouldn't let such matters trouble me. So, I left it for him to deal with."Hua Qin's smile was sly, quite different from the dignified demeanor she had as a young lady. "I don't know how he handled it, but these days my mother-in-law hasn't mentioned it again, and my husband hasn't favored anyone either."
"That's good." Hua Zhi smiled, genuinely happy for her.
Hua Qin looked at her Elder Sister with admiration. "My father-in-law asked me to thank you, but I feel I'm the one who should be expressing gratitude the most."
PS: Not sure if I'm too anxious, but the more I revise, the worse it gets. I'll hold off on releasing Chapter 2 for now and try revising with a fresh mind tomorrow. I'll aim to post it in the morning. Honestly, even this chapter is hard to tolerate, but I don't want to break the update streak.
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