Madam Yu was observing Hua Zhi, while Xia Shi was sizing up Yu Xiasheng.
Having only learned from her daughter yesterday that her marriage had been settled, and now the other party had come knocking today, she was naturally displeased. The fact that she had no say in her daughter’s marriage would leave anyone with reservations.
However, upon discovering that the other party was not only a provincial scholar of the current examination cycle but also came from a well-off family, her dissatisfaction dissipated. Even if she were to search on her own, it would be difficult to find such a favorable match. Although Hua Ling’s previous troubles had been resolved, the incident had still occurred, and it inevitably affected her reputation.
If they could secure a match with the Yu family, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for Hua Ling.
Anxious at heart, her eagerness became apparent, her gaze frequently drifting toward Yu Xiasheng. How could Madam Yu fail to notice? She understood a mother’s worries, but by comparison, Hua Zhi appeared even more exceptional—a true head of the family, unswayed by praise or blame.
After a brief moment of mutual observation, Hua Zhi initiated the conversation, "I haven’t stepped out for several days and have no idea how the snow clearance is progressing. Was your journey here smooth, Madam Yu?"
"The snow has mostly been cleared, but everything is still damp. Look at me—I’m even wearing semi-old clothes, not daring to put on anything new. I’d be heartbroken if they got splashed with mud. I hope you won’t mind, Miss Hua."
Hua Zhi naturally didn’t take it seriously, but she graciously accepted such words meant to foster closeness. "Look at what I’m wearing—it’s far from new! In the future, if we visit often, just wear whatever you find comfortable. I’d be delighted if you came casually dressed, so I can feel justified in not changing into formal attire and simply chat with you freely."
"Next time I visit, I’ll do just that," Madam Yu replied with a light laugh, covering her mouth. In this exchange, the two families grew noticeably closer.
Xia Shi smiled along from the side, refraining from interrupting rashly. Although the sisters-in-law each had their own minor concerns, they shared a common understanding: whatever the Elder Sister intended to do, they should follow her lead. She always acted for the good of everyone. Even now, quietly securing such a marriage for Hua Ling, Xia Shi feared she might not measure up and dared not do anything to jeopardize it.
Noticing her son’s obvious nervousness, Madam Yu sighed inwardly and took the initiative to broach the purpose of their visit. "My eldest son grew up under his grandfather’s care and has inherited his character entirely—upright and honest, but sometimes overly naive."
If such naivety only led to some hardship, it would be acceptable—learning from mistakes and growing wiser over time. However, the officialdom isn’t just about enduring difficulties; a single misstep could drag the entire family down. Yet, upon arriving in the capital this time, she noticed that her stubborn son, who usually refused to turn back until he hit a wall, had become somewhat more steady in just a few months. After some probing, she learned that what influenced him was a Pure Conversation Gathering.
She hadn’t witnessed the event herself, but her father-in-law remarked that the Hua family had a worthy successor. Even before meeting Hua Ling, he had declared his approval of the match. Madam Yu also believed that Hua Ling, having been exposed to such experiences under Hua Zhi’s guidance, might not be as outstanding as her elder sister but was certainly not someone who would shy away from the public eye. If anything, she worried more that Hua Ling might be too bold and bring trouble upon the family.
Sighing again, Madam Yu continued, "I never expected that a trip to the capital would make this blockhead see the light, and with excellent judgment, he set his heart on a young lady from the Hua family. I’ve heard that you, Miss Hua, are straightforward, so I won’t beat around the bush. What does the Hua family think of this matter?"Hua Zhi smiled gracefully. "Mr. Yu stands out among hundreds, with a promising future ahead. Yet I must ask, have you truly considered your decision to seek marriage with a daughter of the Hua family?"
Yu Xiasheng nodded without hesitation. "Yes."
"Barring unforeseen circumstances, you will undoubtedly pass the imperial examination next year. Given your talents, you might even rank among the top candidates. Aren't you concerned that being associated with the Hua family could hinder your future prospects?"
"I have no such concerns. My grandfather once said my character would benefit from several years of tempering in local posts. Since that's the case, it matters not where I'm assigned."
"..." Hua Zhi chuckled softly. How perfectly convenient.
Yu Furen also wore a helpless expression—her son had revealed all his cards too openly.
"Earlier I asked my third sister her thoughts on this matter."
Yu Furen raised an eyebrow, noting this contradicted rumors of Hua Zhi being domineering and arbitrary.
"She expressed hope to remain in the capital." Hua Zhi turned to Yu Xiasheng. "She doesn't wish to abandon her natal family to enjoy wealth alone, nor marry far away where she'd be the last to know if anything befell her family. Truthfully, she's still shaken from recent frights and hasn't fully recovered."
"Eldest Miss," Xia Shi tried to sound less eager, "matches are decided by parental orders and matchmaker's words. You may simply decide for her."
Hua Zhi offered a reassuring smile. "I naturally want to consider her interests carefully. But since Yu Furen has come today, she must wish to understand Third Sister better. While Third Sister possesses the spirit to share hardships, I also want her to walk her life's path smoothly. Other matters should be handled by those responsible, burdens borne by those destined to carry them."
Yu Furen witnessed the Hua eldest miss's shrewdness—with just a few words, she'd increased her fondness for Hua Ling. A young woman willing to stand by her family through adversity was far superior to one desperately trying to shed connections with an impoverished natal home. The contrast between the Hua and He families was striking indeed.
"Third Young Miss is a fine young woman."
"A fine young woman shouldn't be delayed. If the marriage is settled, naturally she will follow wherever Mr. Yu goes—she cannot choose to stay behind. Our Hua family hasn't fallen so low that we'd require a married daughter to sacrifice herself."
Yu Xiasheng responded solemnly, "My grandfather said I need tempering in local administration to progress smoothly, but I will certainly return to the capital."
"It's good that you have such intentions. Though I won't obstruct my third sister's marriage prospects, I do hope she can remain near me."
Hua Zhi glanced at Ying Chun, who understood and stepped out briefly.
When Yu Furen took her leave, she saw Hua Ling approaching slowly from the covered corridor, clad in a plain cloak. Tall and graceful, with clear, earnest eyes, her appearance lived up to her name—fresh and dewy. The simple white attire accentuated her delicate beauty, but what Yu Furen appreciated most was the innate scholarly elegance characteristic of Hua family women.
Xia Shi beckoned her over. "Come pay your respects to Yu Furen."
Hua Ling performed a curtsy. "This humble girl greets Yu Furen."
Yu Furen stepped forward to raise her up, finding herself increasingly pleased. She immediately presented the prepared gift, placing it in Hua Ling's hands while holding them with a gentle smile. "I have a daughter three years your junior at home. She knows few people in the capital—if you wouldn't mind, I'll have her visit you tomorrow."
"Certainly. There are several other sisters at home as well. Please feel free to send your daughter over, Madam.""Good, good." Yu Furen patted her hand, then turned to look at Xia Shi. "It's been so long since I last visited the capital that I'm quite unfamiliar with it now. I don't even know where to go to purchase New Year's gifts. I wonder if you might have some free time to accompany me for a stroll."
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