Of course, Old Madam was more than willing. Those detained there were her husband and her son—they were her entire world. Just thinking about them suffering hardships beyond her sight made her heart ache with distress.
She had originally planned to pack some warm clothing and have loyal servants deliver them. Though she didn’t have much silver on hand, she could scrape together a few hundred taels by tightening her belt. Sending the money would help ease their immediate needs—no matter what, they had to survive this winter.
Zhi Er’s suggestion aligned perfectly with her thoughts, but she had never considered sending an unmarried young lady on such a journey.
“Zhi Er, Grandmother knows your filial heart, but you’ve never even left the capital in all your years. The northern frontier is over two thousand li from the capital—even on a fast horse, it would take eight to ten days. How could a young lady like you endure such a journey? If you truly wish to help, focus on preparing more supplies for your grandfather and father.”
Hua Zhi shook her head. “I must go. Only when Grandfather sees me will he truly feel at ease about the family. With peace of mind, his ailments will lessen. I’m not worried about the others—their youth gives them some advantage. But Grandfather is already past fifty, and he has always lived a delicate life. I need to see with my own eyes that he is well to feel reassured.”
“But…”
“I understand your concerns. My riding skills are actually quite decent—I just don’t ride often. I’ll find opportunities to practice more. As for the rest, I have a plan.”
Old Madam still disapproved, but a cough she had been suppressing finally broke through. She had to pause the conversation, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she coughed softly. Hua Zhi could tell her grandmother was holding back and moved to pat her back, but Su Momo stepped in first, occupying the spot as if unaware of Hua Zhi’s intention, bending down to gently rub Old Madam’s back.
Hua Zhi thoughtfully glanced between the two but said nothing more.
When the coughing subsided and Old Madam seemed visibly drained, Hua Zhi rose to take her leave. “Grandmother, please rest well for now. This matter isn’t urgent—we can discuss it later.”
“Very well. Take care of your health, and don’t overexert yourself.”
“Yes.”
After leaving the courtyard, Hua Zhi leaned close to Ying Chun and whispered a few instructions. Understanding, Ying Chun turned and left.
Looking back at the courtyard shaded by the large camphor tree, Hua Zhi felt it mirrored its owner—showing signs of decline. She thought to herself, “I can earn silver, and I can use both kindness and authority to unite the family. But how can I preserve a life?”
Should she be less capable, so her grandmother would be reluctant to let go, or more capable, so her grandmother could rest assured and meet their ancestors in peace?
“Zhi Er.”
Hua Zhi turned and saw Fourth Aunt approaching slowly, supported by her maid.
“Fourth Aunt, are you here to pay respects to Grandmother? She isn’t feeling well and is resting.”
“At this hour? It’s hardly the time for formal greetings. I’m just taking a stroll to build strength for childbirth.” Dismissing the maid, Wu Shi looked at her with concern. “Has something happened? You don’t look well.”
Hua Zhi stepped forward to support Fourth Aunt as they continued walking, the maid following at a distance.
“Just some trivial matters. Has your belly grown much larger recently?”
“I’m due in another month—if it weren’t big, I’d be worried.” Wu Shi pointed to a bench in the nearby corridor, signaling Hua Zhi to join her. “Don’t change the subject. Lately, you’ve handled everything with such ease. Whatever made your expression change can’t be trivial. I may not be able to help with much, but I can always offer some advice.”Hua Zhi had her maidservants step further away before sitting beside Fourth Aunt. She gently touched her belly and whispered, "Grandmother's health isn't looking good."
Wu Shi's expression shifted. After scanning their surroundings, she equally lowered her voice, "Did Doctor Chu say so? What exactly is the situation?"
"Before I went to the estate, Doctor Chu had already given me the definite word. With her emotional burdens and advanced age, it's generally not optimistic. Otherwise, why would I take over all affairs? Wouldn't it be easier to just be an assistant?"
"You really... how could you keep this so tightly under wraps? Tell me what medicinal herbs are needed. Yesterday my mother sent someone over with some silver and herbs. We should prioritize mother-in-law's needs first."
Hua Zhi was aware that the Wu family had sent someone. Among their marital relatives, only the Zhu Family and Wu family had visited so far. "Those were prepared for your childbirth and shouldn't be touched. My maternal grandmother has long promised that whatever we need, just send word and she'll provide it. Today I visited Doctor Chu, and he prescribed a new formula. Although some ingredients are precious, our Hua family never lacked them before, and the Zhu Family naturally has them all. I've already sent Matron Lin to my maternal grandmother."
Wu Shi grasped her hand and patted it. "You remain so steady, while my heart is utterly panicked."
Having already died once in a previous life, how could she easily panic now? Hua Zhi smiled bitterly. "These words leave my mouth and enter your ears—no third person should know. It would cause chaos in the household."
"I understand, don't worry." Wu Shi sighed. "You should quickly take firm control of the Hua family. If the worst really happens, at least it won't... Ah, listen to what I'm saying."
"I know. Don't trouble yourself with these worries. About one month until delivery?"
"Calculations suggest around that time. Why?"
Hua Zhi touched her belly again. "I plan to make a trip to the northern regions. I hadn't fixed the timing yet, but now it can be settled. Fourth Uncle would be so happy to know you've safely given birth."
Wu Shi understood her niece's temperament well enough to know that once she spoke these words, she had truly made up her mind—no one could dissuade her. But for a young woman to travel so far...
"Are you truly decided? Never mind the distance, in one month the weather will already be cold. You've never endured such hardships—can you bear it?"
"No one is born able to endure suffering. When there's no choice but to push through, as long as one doesn't die, they'll manage."
"But you do have choices."
Hua Zhi offered no further explanation, simply saying, "Prepare what you want me to bring to Fourth Uncle—not too much. I can take at most four people with me."
Wu Shi initially wanted to persuade her further, but any mention of her husband made her own reluctance seem insignificant. Without much internal struggle, she let concern for her husband prevail. She knew she was being selfish, but who in this world isn't? She was merely one among the common multitude.
The atmosphere suddenly grew somewhat awkward. Not wanting a heavily pregnant woman to suffer mental torment, Hua Zhi curved a faint smile. "Grandfather is truly someone who never suffered hardship his entire life. If I don't go see him, I won't rest easy day or night."
Noticing Ying Chun approaching, Hua Zhi seized the opportunity to rise. "I have matters to attend to, I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead quickly. I'll be returning soon too."Hua Zhi curtsied and took her leave. Wu Shi watched her retreating figure and sighed deeply. After all, she had been selfish, hoping this matter wouldn't create a rift between them later.
With this thought, Wu Shi smiled again. How greedy she was—neither treating others seriously, yet still wishing to be taken seriously by them.
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