After being repeatedly and bluntly half-forced into getting used to Hua Zhi's directness, the two madams had somewhat adapted. With little face left to lose, the Second Madam, who felt she still maintained slightly more dignity than the Eldest Madam, spoke up, "Zhi Er, I'm not afraid of your ridicule. The reason I fight for these things is for the sake of my children. Ziwen is so outstanding—our branch is unlikely to produce anyone more exceptional than him. We can't let everything fall into the hands of the eldest branch. The eldest branch already holds so many advantages, yet the Eldest Madam still stubbornly clings to those properties. How can I possibly accept that?"
Seeing the Eldest Madam's unpleasant expression, the Second Madam felt a sense of vindication and spoke even more bluntly, "Besides, the eldest branch may hold official positions, but that doesn't mean they can look down on their brothers. Since I entered this family, how much silver has the household spent on the Eldest Uncle's various dealings? Don't say it's from the common funds—even if it is, our second branch has contributed to it. Moreover, my husband has managed the family's properties for years. You can't take and use our contributions without acknowledging them, then act as if you're superior to us and try to suppress us in everything. That's no way to treat brothers. I may be petty, but it's because I've been forced into it. Eldest Madam, don't think I'm slandering you. Instead, reflect on how you've treated our second branch over the years."
The Eldest Madam retorted forcefully, "Go ask around other families—am I the most domineering eldest sister-in-law? If I didn't keep you in check, wouldn't you take everything back to your natal family? Don't think I don't know how much you've subsidized them over the years. It's only because I understood your difficulties that I never exposed you."
The Second Madam was stunned. She had truly believed the eldest branch was unaware. If they had known, given the Eldest Madam's temperament, she would have long since made it public.
"Isn't this good?" Hua Zhi's eyes sparkled as she glanced between them. "You've supported each other and shown understanding for one another. If such moments could occur more often, how could things have come to this? And don't you think that kind of feeling is wonderful?"
Both women fell silent. Truthfully, they had never considered this before. Learning that the other had once tolerated and quietly understood them, the thorns in their hearts softened unconsciously. If they could communicate properly, who would want to be constantly at odds, turning the household into a battleground?
Hua Zhi knew when to stop. She stood up and said, "These are the principles, and these are the facts. I'll take Grandmother to stay with the Hua family for a few days. You should think carefully about this."
As she reached the door, Ying Chun helped her fasten her cloak. Hua Zhi adjusted it and turned back to add, "My cousin is currently stuck in a stubborn mindset. Keeping her confined will only make her thoughts more skewed. It would be better to let her stay with Grandmother for a while. With the New Year approaching and visits among relatives and old friends increasing, it would do her good to socialize and distract herself."
The Eldest Madam felt a stir in her heart and stood up. "I will carefully consider what you've said, Zhi Er."
Hua Zhi nodded, turned, and left the room. As she crossed the threshold, she saw her cousin sitting in the outer chamber. Though surprised, she wasn't particularly concerned. She had never intended to hide these matters from the Zhu family when speaking at her grandmother's home. With so many maids present, those who needed to know would find out.
Zhu Ziwen gestured for her to proceed, and the two of them left the room one after the other.
A cold wind swept over her face. Hua Zhi instinctively tightened her cloak, feeling the warmth on her body vanish in an instant."Cousin's eloquence remains as sharp as ever." Zhu Ziwen teased with a laugh, noticing her shivering from the cold. He unfastened his own cloak and handed it to Ying Chun.
Hua Zhi didn't refuse this kindness, gesturing for Ying Chun to accept it. Though rather heavy, it at least provided warmth.
"It's not that I'm unaware of the family situation, but as the eldest son of the main branch, I can neither say my mother is wrong nor betray her to reconcile with the second branch." Zhu Ziwen sighed. "Each has their own difficulties, all equally helpless. Fortunately, we have someone like you to break the deadlock - other families aren't so lucky."
"I may not solve the problem completely, but I should be able to ease tensions somewhat. The pillow talk should cease these coming days. Why don't you invite both uncles for drinks, cousin, and clear the air? They don't need to become friends, but at least they shouldn't treat each other like enemies."
Zhu Ziwen chuckled. "Cousin certainly knows how to throw straight punches."
"As long as it works."
Indeed, as long as it works. Zhu Ziwen looked at his cousin, who stood a head shorter than him. Her face was pale almost to transparency, and even wrapped in two cloaks she couldn't conceal her frailness. He wondered where this seemingly delicate body, looking as if it might be blown over by a gust of wind, found such tremendous energy.
Swallowing other less important remarks, Zhu Ziwen personally lifted the heavy curtain of the adjacent room. "Go inside, it's cold out here."
That's all he had to say? Hua Zhi glanced at him quizzically, but not wanting to discomfort herself, she quickly entered the room.
Seeing the cousins enter together, Old Madam sat up on the bed. Pretending ignorance of what had transpired, she smiled and said, "Quickly take your mother home. My ears are about to grow calluses from her nagging."
Madam Zhu expressed displeasure at being dismissed. "Once I return, I won't be able to come back for quite some time. Are you really willing to send me away?"
"I'll visit you instead." Old Madam remained unmoved. "Alright, off you go. With year-end approaching, even if you're not managing affairs, you need to stay properly at home and not cause trouble for Zhi Er."
Madam Zhu understood this perfectly well, yet felt deeply conflicted about having to leave while her mother was ill. If her husband were home, he would have let her stay with her family of origin as long as she wished.
"Nanny Zhi, please pack some personal belongings for Grandmother. I'm taking her to stay with us for a few days."
Zhi Niang was taken aback and looked toward Old Madam. She hadn't heard about any plans for Old Madam to visit the Hua family.
Old Madam also started, then laughed. "At a time like this, with so many matters indoors and out, how could I possibly go out? I appreciate your filial piety, granddaughter - your grandmother understands your heart."
"Grandmother, Aunt is forty years old now."
Old Madam looked at her granddaughter who had taken charge of household affairs at sixteen. Yes, Zhi Er had to shoulder family responsibilities at sixteen, and her elder daughter-in-law, though not as capable, was indeed of that age. Since she would inevitably pass on before her daughter-in-law, it was time to let go.
Nodding, Madam Hua turned to Zhi Niang. "Go and pack."
"Yes."
Zhu Ziwen didn't object either. His mother's greatest dissatisfaction had always been Grandmother's reluctance to let her take charge. If she could get her wish now, influenced by their cousin, the effect might be even better.
Or perhaps this had been part of their cousin's calculations all along?
Glancing at his cousin who was helping their grandmother down from the bed, Zhu Ziwen withdrew to the outer room, confirming this suspicion in his heart. It wasn't hard to guess, was it? His cousin might be good at throwing straight punches, but that wasn't her only skill.Hua Zhi fastened the clasp for her grandmother, and as she withdrew her hand, it was grasped by the old lady. Looking up to meet her grandmother’s gaze, she smiled and said, “Don’t overthink it. Everything will be fine.”
Old Madam patted her hand gently. Yes, it would be fine. Everything would be fine.
Both daughters-in-law came to see her off. Old Madam glanced at them and said, “Eldest daughter-in-law, I leave the household affairs to you. Make sure nothing goes wrong.”
The eldest daughter-in-law looked up abruptly, startled by the responsibility.
“Second daughter-in-law, lend a hand where needed.”
The two sisters-in-law exchanged a glance and responded in unison, “Yes.”
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