The snow fell for four consecutive days, with uncleared areas sinking deep enough to submerge one’s thigh with each step.
Every household’s first task each morning was shoveling snow, clearing it from rooftops and courtyards alike.
Hua Zhi, bundled up like a round ball, stepped outside and smiled at the bustling scene. It was heartening to see everyone so full of vigor.
Greetings echoed around her as she nodded in response, walking toward the front courtyard while listening to Ying Chun’s report. “Nanny Lin returned early this morning. She said the heavy snow made travel difficult, so the Zhu Family insisted on having Madam stay a couple more days.”
“Has she come back yet?”
“No, she’s waiting at the inner gate.”
Lin Shuang was indeed waiting at the inner gate. Hua Zhi brought her to the study.
During Hua Zhi’s absence, the study had been expanded by merging it with the adjacent room. New bookshelves were built, finally providing enough space for the books. The moment one entered, the rich scent of ink filled the air—a fragrance Hua Zhi loved most, evoking memories of her days in the Hua family’s library.
She had often spent time here before, but now the study had become her base. All matters, big or small, were handled here, with maids and stewards coming and going freely—unlike the restricted access typical of studies in other households.
“What happened?” Hua Zhi looked up at Lin Shuang. She understood this capable nanny serving her mother well; Lin Shuang wouldn’t have waited there without reason.
Lin Shuang bowed her head and reported, “It started with the marriage arrangement between the Sixth Young Master and the cousin. Since the Zhu Family’s Madam accidentally revealed the reason during the mourning removal ceremony, Madam has been deeply upset. Even after returning to her maiden home, she kept her distance. Not wanting to stir conflict, Madam also distanced herself from the second branch, avoiding their disputes. But yesterday, the cousin sought out Madam privately and spoke irresponsibly. Madam, refusing to argue with a junior, stated that the matter was entirely up to you, Eldest Miss. The cousin likely took this as an evasion and vented her anger… The situation escalated, and the Old Madam fainted upon hearing of it. Madam intended to return today but must now stay a few more days.”
Hua Zhi held a cup of hot tea without drinking. “Her angry words were directed at me, weren’t they?”
Lin Shuang hesitated to gossip, but her silence was confirmation enough. Hua Zhi smiled, unsurprised. Her mother might be tearful, weak-willed, and indecisive, but she fiercely protected her children—she wouldn’t tolerate Zhu Shan speaking ill of Hua Zhi.
“How is Grandmother?”
“It was a sudden surge of anger. The physician said she needs rest for a few days and must avoid further agitation.”
“I won’t go over—it would only make things awkward. Tell Mother to focus on caring for Grandmother and not worry about other matters. I’ll pick her up when I deliver the New Year’s gifts in a few days.”
“Yes.”
Seeing that the Eldest Miss had no further instructions, Lin Shuang withdrew.
Ying Chun tightened the door curtain, her expression indignant. “The cousin is baffling. It wasn’t our Hua family who called off the marriage. If she’s unwilling, why not confront her own mother? Bullying our Madam is unjust.”
“She blames me for causing trouble and ruining her marriage. On the other hand, her genuine desire to marry Berlin shows sincerity. Despite everything, that sincerity carries some weight. If she weren’t truly invested, a young lady raised by the Zhu Family wouldn’t have abandoned her manners like this.”"You still speak up for her. There's no need to wonder how harsh those words must have been to make Old Madam Zhu faint from anger. You should show some compassion for yourself." Ying Chun came over to help Hua Zhi remove her cloak, immediately tucking a blanket over her legs and pulling it up tightly. Hua Zhi felt she could fall asleep if she leaned back.
"Grandmother will teach her how to behave." Every family has its own troubles, and every family has those who can't see reason. She had used direct confrontations to make them obedient and stop causing trouble, but the Zhu family...
Hua Zhi shook her head. As long as her eldest aunt's attitude remained unchanged, the Zhu family would continue to have conflicts.
The curtain was lifted and quickly lowered again. Su Momo presented a visiting card. "Miss, the steward from the Yu family has delivered this card. He's waiting in the gatehouse."
The Yu family? Hua Zhi raised her slender eyebrows, took the card to examine it, and then picked up a brush to write a reply.
"Go find Third Miss."
Hua Ling had been reviewing account books in the adjacent room and arrived quickly.
Hua Zhi didn't beat around the bush with her, signaling Ying Chun to hand her the visiting card.
Hua Ling's face flushed slightly upon reading the content. Now that the mourning period had ended, everyone understood the purpose of the Yu family's visit.
"I've accepted tomorrow's invitation. Whether this succeeds or not depends on Yu Xiasheng, and also on you, Third Sister. I promised you that if you're unwilling, no one can force you."
Hua Ling's fingers gripping the visiting card turned white. She hadn't overthought it, but she wasn't completely thoughtless either. "Elder Sister, I don't want to leave the capital. I'm timid—afraid of being bullied if I'm far from home, and worried about being confined to the inner courtyard without knowing if anything happens to my family. My mother is easily swayed; a few sweet words make her forget herself. I'm also concerned she might do something unfavorable to Baiyu. If I stay home, I can keep a closer watch on things."
Her voice trembled slightly, but her meaning was clear.
Hua Zhi nodded. "I understand what you mean. If we can arrange things so you don't have to leave the capital, that would be acceptable, right?"
Hua Ling's cheeks flushed crimson. Discussing her own marriage was utterly embarrassing, yet she mustered all her courage and nodded. That man was good, and she didn't want to miss the opportunity.
"Alright, I know what to do now."
The next day, halfway through the Chen hour, Yu Furen arrived as scheduled, accompanied by Yu Xiasheng.
Since this concerned Hua Ling's marriage, Hua Zhi invited Xia Shi to join them in receiving the guests. They welcomed them under the corridor, exchanging polite greetings.
Yu Furen was fair and delicate, with a gentle smile. At first glance, she didn't seem like someone who would insist on having her way—though she might be hiding steel in velvet.
They courteously ushered each other into the main hall, where maids served tea before quietly retreating to the side.
Yu Furen's gaze swept over them as if unintentionally, finally settling on Hua Zhi. Having lived in the capital for several years before, she was familiar with the Hua family. When she learned her son was fond of a Hua daughter, she hadn't thought to object. Even though the Hua family wasn't as prosperous as before—and that decline was only a year ago—their foundation remained solid, so their unmarried daughters couldn't be too lacking.
She had intended to make some inquiries about the girl's temperament and proceed if it was acceptable. However, upon arriving in the capital, she found no need for discreet inquiries; just sitting in a teahouse for half a day provided plenty of information about the Hua family. Though most stories centered on the eldest daughter, she worried whether the third daughter, whom her eldest son favored, might be influenced by the eldest.
A daughter like the eldest Miss Hua was undoubtedly exceptional in countless ways, but she wasn't suitable as a daughter-in-law. If the Yu family were to have someone like that, she feared she wouldn't be able to handle it. If that were truly the case, no matter how much her son liked her, she wouldn't consent to this marriage.However, seeing the renowned eldest lady in person made me feel she was somewhat different from the rumors. It was evident she had strong opinions, with a firm gaze that suggested she was also a very decisive person. Yet, the rumored traits of fierceness, tyranny, and arbitrariness did not immediately manifest themselves.
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