The elderly master of the Qin family, Qin Peiliang, held the position of Assistant Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud, a respectable fourth-rank official. Though his rank was not low, it was not particularly influential among the capital's officials. Compared to the Qin family's former glory, the family had now declined.
In this generation, Qin Gongyang had managed to achieve some success in his official career, but it still fell short. That was why Qin Peiliang, usually mild-mannered, had lost his temper so severely upon learning of his wife's actions, leaving her with no dignity.
On a personal level, his sister had not been gone for long, yet the Qin family was already acting as if they intended to go their separate ways, which was morally unjustifiable. On a public level, because of her, the two families had grown distant. Fortunately, it hadn't been long, and the years of accumulated goodwill between them had not yet been exhausted—otherwise, it would have been too late for regrets.
Thinking about how Hua Zhi had loosened her fingers and given the Qin family such a significant opportunity made Qin Peiliang restless.
"Master, the eldest young lady is here."
The door curtain rustled, and Qin Peiliang looked at his grandniece, who did not take mincing steps like other young ladies. The last time he had seen her was at his sister's funeral. The eldest legitimate daughter of the main branch, who had left almost no impression on him, had stood up when everyone else had collapsed. She had calmly arranged everything and comforted the entire family. At the time, he had thought her capable, but who could have imagined that in the past year, she would accomplish so much that no one dared to look down on her?
By now, no one believed the Hua family would fall into ruin.
"Zhi Er pays her respects to Granduncle."
"Come, take a seat."
Hua Zhi sat in the lower seat and looked up at her granduncle, who was stout and prosperous-looking, yet his features remained refined, unlike other portly men whose faces appeared coarse and fleshy.
"If you go out in the future, bring more people with you. Times are different now."
"If my aunt hadn't mentioned it earlier, I wouldn't have known there were still people in the capital daring enough to want to marry me." Hua Zhi took the tea, gently blew on it, and smiled. "Do they think I’ll follow them like a dog, as other women do, and have no way to resist? That they can place me on a pedestal, bring back as many concubines as they please, and go drinking at pleasure houses whenever they want? What foolish dreams!"
Her words were sharp, but her attitude pleased Qin Peiliang. The closer the relationship, the more at ease one felt, and the more one’s true nature showed.
"That’s exactly what they think. After learning of their plans, I sent people to investigate. They intend to enshrine you, give you status, power, and a few children, so you’ll be devoted and plan for their benefit."
"Not a bad idea. For women, children are the most effective shackles. Unfortunately, they won’t get the chance." Hua Zhi didn’t need to think hard to guess their intentions. She could even predict that some would resort to unscrupulous means to tarnish her reputation, just to achieve their goals. But they were likely to be disappointed—they had overlooked one person.
Speaking of which, it seemed there had been a few more people accompanying her on her outings lately. It appeared Yan Xi must have known about this. He knew but didn’t tell her? She’d deal with him later!
Qin Peiliang cautioned her, "Don’t be overconfident. Be wary of them resorting to underhanded methods if open ones fail. It’s best to stay vigilant."
"Yes, don’t worry. I may look down on them, but I won’t underestimate them.""I'm glad you're aware. This world has no shortage of vile people or despicable acts—we can only hope to avoid them ourselves." Qin Peiliang looked at the young woman whose expression remained unchanged. "I've spoken with several families. I don't care about open competition, but if anyone resorts to underhanded tactics, my Qin family won't stand by idly. However, such things are hard to prevent, and the Qin family's influence isn't what it used to be. If possible, try to go out less, or you could attempt to seek the Emperor's favor. After all, you've earned some merit now—requesting protection for yourself shouldn't be ignored."
Hua Zhi had never once considered seeking help from the Emperor. Compared to him, she had more faith in the people Yan Xi had left for her and the various medicines Shaoyao had provided.
It wasn't the right time to explain this, so Hua Zhi vaguely brushed past the topic.
Qin Peiliang assumed she had her own plans and instead asked about the younger members of the Hua family. He also expressed concern for Hua Yizheng and the others at Yinshan Pass before letting her go.
Declining the Qin family's offer of guards, Hua Zhi remained alert on her return journey. She noticed there were indeed more people around her than usual. Wang Rong, who normally stayed out of sight, was walking beside the carriage with a sword at his waist today. His outwardly fierce demeanor surprised Hua Zhi—had something already happened that required such intimidation?
As she pondered this, the carriage suddenly stopped. Moments later, Bao Xia's voice came from outside, "Miss, Young Master Jiang requests an audience. He says he has something to discuss."
Hua Zhi glanced at Su Momo, who was accompanying her in the carriage. Understanding the unspoken cue, Su Momo lifted the carriage curtain.
Hua Zhi looked at the figure not far away. It had been some time since she'd last seen him, and he appeared more mature now.
Jiang Huanran dismounted and approached the carriage, bowing with clasped hands. "Is the young lady well?"
"Well enough. You seem to be doing quite well yourself, Young Master Jiang."
After this brief exchange, Jiang Huanran glanced around and lowered his voice. "I need to speak with you privately. May we step aside?"
"If this is about the marriage proposals from various families, I'm already aware."
Jiang Huanran gritted his teeth, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I... my feelings for you remain unchanged. Before coming here, I secured my father's promise. If you agree, we could live independently—neither of us would need to heed anyone from the Jiang family. I... I would never betray you, nor would I seek others. There would be no concubines or secondary wives in our household. I... I'll strive to be more worthy and not disappoint you..."
Hua Zhi gazed softly at this once-promiscuous scion of a noble family as he stammered yet solemnly made his promises. She could see his determination and believed he truly wished to defy his family for her sake. She was moved—but only moved.
"I'm honored to be the reason you're willing to improve yourself. But I'm sorry—I will never entrust my life or the Hua family to anyone. If I ever marry, it won't be because I need someone's protection. It will be because we love each other, unrelated to status or position, unrelated to those additional benefits others compete for. Simply because I am Hua Zhi."
She smiled faintly, looking down. "I'm telling you this not because you're lacking. Precisely because you're good, I must be clear with you. Thank you for wanting to find ways to protect me. I cannot accept your affections, but I will cherish your goodwill."
Patting her chest, Hua Zhi smiled. "This sincere care—I will treasure it dearly."
Leaning forward in the carriage, Hua Zhi bowed. Thank you, but I'm sorry.Jiang Huanran covered his eyes. He knew—he knew he stood no chance. He remembered the man from Xiangyang, yet he had to try, to strive, so that in the future, he would look back without regret.
Such a woman—such a woman could never belong to him.
But leaving a mark in her heart this way could be considered another form of success, couldn’t it?
Jiang Huanran lowered his hands, his eyes rimmed red, yet he flashed Hua Zhi a radiant smile. "The young lady remains as straightforward as ever. I truly envy that man."
Hua Zhi smiled back, her gaze warm.
Abruptly, Jiang Huanran turned, mounted his horse, and without another word, spurred it onward and rode away.
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