Chapter 482: Perhaps Happiness Awaits
Xia Shi instinctively looked toward Hua Zhi, who nodded and said, "It's been over a year since you last went out. This would be a good opportunity for Third Aunt to get some fresh air."
Yu Furen keenly sensed who truly held authority in the Hua family, though she maintained an unaffected demeanor. "Shall I bring my mischievous son over tomorrow before we head out?"
Xia Shi immediately agreed, feeling a flutter of excitement—not only because Hua Ling's marriage prospects were taking shape, but also because it had genuinely been over a year since she last ventured outside.
On the way back, Yu Furen suddenly chuckled to herself. Reflecting on the encounter, she realized she had been subtly guided by Hua Zhi throughout, yet hadn't noticed it at the time. Moreover, despite the purpose being to evaluate a potential match, she had only caught a glimpse of Hua Ling at the very end. She fully believed that if Hua Zhi hadn't been satisfied with their earlier discussion, she would never have been permitted to see Hua Ling. Though formidable, Hua Zhi's protectiveness toward her family was unmistakable.
Was she domineering? Admittedly so. Xia Shi's reactions had confirmed Hua Zhi's authoritative nature, yet the Hua family members seemed unbothered, even showing clear respect for her. Evidently, the family needed someone with such decisive command. Without it, with everyone acting independently and refusing to defer to others, the Hua family would have long since fallen apart.
Perhaps forming this marital connection wasn't such a bad idea.
As for the drawbacks Hua Zhi had mentioned, Yu Furen paid them little mind. While the Hua family had political enemies who wished them ill, they also had steadfast allies like the Zhu Family. Aligning with the Sixth Prince was unavoidable—anyone entering officialdom would eventually have to choose sides. Rather than having Xia Sheng charge into battle for someone else, it was better for him to follow the Hua family's lead. The eldest young lady certainly wouldn't let him come to harm.
Having reasoned this through clearly, Yu Furen continued on her way. Meanwhile, Hua Zhi had dismissed Xia Shi and brought Hua Ling back to the main hall for a private talk. "Be mindful—her bringing her daughter along is likely also a way to learn more about you."
"I understand." Hua Ling pursed her lips and asked softly, "Elder Sister, does this mean... it's settled?"
"Once we exchange betrothal documents on an auspicious day, it will be nearly official. However, the wedding will probably have to be postponed. We must first finalize your second sister's marriage arrangements." Hua Zhi rubbed her temples. "After next year's Spring Examination, it's uncertain how Yu Xiasheng will be assigned. If he's sent to a provincial post... then you'd need to marry before he leaves. We'll see how things unfold."
Hua Ling abruptly looked up. "Elder Sister, I've said it before—I won't leave the capital!"
"Be reasonable. Can Yu Xiasheng decide whether he's assigned elsewhere or remains in the capital? Even if he is sent away, does that mean he can never return?"
"Some people don't come back for years!" Hua Ling stood up. "Elder Sister, I won't marry him."
"You must marry, Third Sister. Yu Xiasheng is a good man. Compared to him, external factors like this are insignificant." Hua Zhi spoke earnestly, soothing Hua Ling, who was growing anxious even before the wedding. "Even if he's assigned elsewhere, he will return. I'll make sure of it!"
Hua Ling gazed at her elder sister's gentle smile and suddenly stepped forward to embrace her. How could she be so wonderful? Despite being the most delicate among the sisters, she shouldered the weight of their world, making them feel that even if the sky fell, it would never crush them.Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised by her sudden closeness, but didn't push her away. Patting her back, she said, "It's nothing serious. Just think of it as experiencing everything one should in life. If you can live peacefully, that's wonderful. If things don't go smoothly, don't be discouraged. The Hua family will always have a place for you - you'll never be homeless. Marriage is a happy occasion, so have more expectations. Who knows... you might find happiness?"
Tears fell silently as Hua Ling nodded vigorously.
After comforting one, Hua Zhi still had to consider Hua Xin's marriage. In other families, the marriages of concubine-born daughters weren't given much thought, but even for the sake of unity, she had to treat everyone fairly. However, men like Yu Xiasheng were rare, and it would be difficult for the Hua family to find another.
Gu Yanxi had become addicted to holding her. He came over, dismissed others, and pulled her into his lap.
The human cushion was much more comfortable than the chair. Hua Zhi shifted contentedly to find a better position. After finishing an account book, she began chattering about her younger sisters' marriages.
"Hua Ling's is settled, Hua Xin's is still being sought, Hua Rong is still young and can wait. But there are several branch families too - some with broken engagements, others coming of age." Hua Zhi sighed, "Even matchmakers aren't as busy as me."
Gu Yanxi chuckled, "Matchmakers all have beauty marks. Should I give you one?"
Hua Zhi glanced sideways at him, "Where would you put it?"
Gu Yanxi pointed to the left corner of his mouth, then moved to above the right lip, slid to the cheek, and finally settled between the eyebrows, "Here."
Only then was Hua Zhi satisfied. Had he dared to say the corner of the mouth, she would have definitely marked him there.
"I have plenty of unmarried men under my command, but the Hua family ladies probably wouldn't consider them."
Hua Zhi immediately thought of Chen Qing, but she could only think about it. As Yanxi said, the Hua family ladies wouldn't agree. The Hua family's decline hadn't lasted long enough, and since she took charge, they'd never lacked money. Having suffered little hardship, they hadn't forgotten their formerly prominent status and wouldn't marry their daughters to guards.
"Never mind, let me enjoy the New Year first." Hua Zhi opened a drawer, took out a long box and handed it to him, looking somewhat proud. "This year's mushroom profits. There's a share for Shaoyao inside - keep it for her."
Gu Yanxi didn't even open it, putting it back directly. "You keep it."
"Hmm?"
He lowered his head to kiss her forehead. "Later I'll give you the keys to the Heir Apparent Residence's treasury. You can manage my household."
Hua Zhi cupped his face. "Let me see how thick-skinned you are. Without proper matchmaking or betrothal gifts, you already want me to manage your household? No."
"Really no?"
"No."
From her tone, Gu Yanxi knew it wasn't a polite refusal. A Zhi genuinely didn't want it. "I thought we didn't need to draw such clear lines between us."
"When have I ever been polite with you?" Hua Zhi snuggled deeper into his embrace. "I just don't want the extra trouble. Isn't focusing on recovering my health more important?"
Of course! Nothing was more important than that!
Gu Yanxi immediately dropped the subject, but he still didn't take the mushroom profits. He truly wasn't short of money - he'd made a fortune just from selling ice this year and really didn't need extra income. As for Shaoyao, she needed even less. Whether in the palace or his Heir Apparent Residence, she only needed to make a list of what she wanted, and it would immediately be prepared and delivered to her."I originally wanted to have Shaoyao come out to see you, but the Emperor won't release her. Yu Lao might be able to rush back before the New Year, and then Shaoyao can get away."
"I heard from Shaoyao that Yu Lao's prescription only lacks this one ingredient now."
"Mm."
The two fell silent. Of course it would be best if Shaoyao's scars could be completely removed, but they feared the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. After all, those wounds were truly too deep. From Hua Zhi's perspective, even plastic surgery probably couldn't fully restore them.
PS: I completely forgot today marks the beginning of November. Ladies, please give your guaranteed monthly votes to Kongkong!
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