Last year had been a subdued New Year, so this year Hua Zhi intended to make it more lively.
Wu Shi proved capable, preparing everything meticulously and in good order.
On New Year's Eve, Hua Zhi led all members of the Hua family, both direct and collateral branches, young and old, to the ancestral hall. She stood at the front, the brothers in the middle, followed by the Hua sisters, while the wives of each branch knelt outside the door with Hua Xian. Though the family was divided, the Hua family could still be considered prosperous with numerous descendants.
Holding incense in her hand, amid the curling smoke, Hua Zhi’s gaze fell upon the spirit tablet of Hua Jingyan, placed high above. When she first learned of this ancestor of the Hua family, she had wondered if he, like her, had come from a later era. But after examining all records about him, she found he was truly a native of this land. His intelligence made even time travelers seem insignificant in comparison; his erudition, foresight, and mastery of both civil and military strategies placed him on par with great historical figures.
Moreover, he was fortunate to have encountered a wise ruler—one who did not discard him after his usefulness ended or feel threatened by his achievements. The two maintained a relationship of both sovereign and subject and close friends until death. It was this man of exceptional intellect and emotional intelligence who established strict family rules, positioning the Hua family as pure scholars, distinguishing them from other officials and enabling their legacy to endure to this day.
But it had only reached this point.
Bowing and kowtowing, Hua Zhi raised her hands level with her shoulders and declared clearly, "Hua Zhi, the current head of the Hua family, respectfully reports to our ancestors: This year, the descendants of the Hua family have been diligent in their studies, upright in conduct, adhering to our family rules, and abiding by the laws of Daqing. The ancestors’ admonitions have never been forgotten for a single day."
Pausing briefly, Hua Zhi continued, "In the coming year, the Hua family will surely improve further. We ask our ancestors to bear witness."
Kowtowing once more, she avoided the steward’s hand meant to receive the incense and personally placed it in the incense burner. Stepping back, she knelt again and performed another kowtow.
The ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows was meticulously completed.
After rising, Hua Zhi turned to face her younger siblings. According to tradition, it was time for the exhortation.
"Everyone has made great progress this year. By this time next year, I hope I can still say the same." Hua Zhi’s gaze swept over the still-youthful faces, her tone gentle. "The Hua family has been a lineage of scholars for generations. Books are the foundation of our family. No matter the circumstances, everyone must remember this."
The group responded in unison, their voices still carrying a childlike quality but resonating with collective vigor.
Hua Zhi turned back to face Hua Jingyan’s spirit tablet. "Together, let us protect the reputation of the Hua family from decline."
"Protect the reputation of the Hua family from decline!"
Outside the ancestral hall, some were already shedding tears. Though the words were ordinary, they struck the softest part of their hearts. Despite their joy, they could not hold back their tears.
Yet, their hearts were at peace. The previous year, they had been uncertain about the future, directionless and full of anxiety. Now, someone was leading them forward.
On New Year’s Eve, no one was idle.
The three grandaunts had each taken up some tasks to keep themselves occupied, accompanied by the two aunts. In the past, they would not have been qualified to serve as companions, but now, no one in the Hua family cared about such formalities.
Over the past year, Hua Zhi had alternately disciplined and rewarded them, molding them through hardship and kindness. They had grown accustomed to uniting and coexisting harmoniously. Especially since, before the New Year, they had received substantial dividends—tangible benefits that made superficial distinctions seem trivial.
Hua Zhi joined them for a while, engaging in conversation. No one brought up unpleasant topics. Instead, they spoke of which young man had improved or which young lady was becoming more skilled in managing household affairs, creating an atmosphere of harmony and joy.
When Ying Chun entered, they merely glanced at her and continued their conversation.Hua Zhi noticed something amiss and felt her heart sink. She found an excuse to rise and leave the room.
"What's the matter?"
Ying Chun swallowed hard, lowering her voice: "An imperial envoy has arrived."
Startled, Hua Zhi tried to recall whether there was any precedent for sending imperial envoys on New Year's Eve as she hurried toward the front courtyard. After a moment's thought, she randomly summoned a maid and instructed: "Go inform Fourth Madame—if I'm not here, she should take charge of everything."
The maid acknowledged crisply and immediately headed toward Fourth Madame's courtyard.
"Miss, what does the Emperor intend to do?" Ying Chun was nearly in tears. She clearly remembered how her mistress had looked after returning from the palace last time, and she feared her mistress would suffer again.
"Don't panic yet. Bestowing dishes on New Year's Eve is customary—perhaps the Emperor is pleased and has granted me a portion."
Hua Zhi didn't know whether she was reassuring her maid or herself. Not daring to slow her pace, she eventually removed her cloak and tossed it to the maid, quickening her steps even more.
The imperial envoy wasn't Lai Fu.
Hua Zhi's heart sank further as she curtsied: "This humble daughter Hua Zhi pays respects to the envoy. I failed to welcome you properly—please forgive my offense."
The eunuch flicked his horsetail whisk, his voice shrill: "By the Emperor's oral decree, the Hua daughter shall enter the palace for an audience."
Hua Zhi took a deep breath and acknowledged the command.
When the carriage arrived, the eunuch lifted the curtain: "Young Lady, please."
Hua Zhi curtsied again and raised her head to see Wang Rong in the corner. Their eyes met, and Wang Rong gave her a slight nod.
Feeling somewhat steadied, Hua Zhi was about to step forward when a weight settled on her shoulders. Under the eunuch's gaze, Ying Chun fastened the cloak on her mistress, while Bao Xia immediately pressed a light but substantial purse into the eunuch's hand, pleading softly: "Our mistress is delicate—please look after her."
"Quite protective of your mistress." The eunuch felt the purse, then climbed onto the carriage frame while holding the vehicle's edge. The carriage departed the Hua residence surrounded by guards.
Bao Xia dug her nails into her palms: "I'll go to the Zhu Family..."
"Don't act rashly." Ying Chun couldn't stop biting her fingernails. "Normally we could request palace entry, but today is New Year's Eve. Unless it's military or state affairs, who would dare enter unsummoned? Even seeking Old Master Zhu would be useless. We mustn't panic—perhaps the young lady will return soon."
Moreover, the Sixth Prince had returned to the palace, and the powerful head of the Seven Constellation Bureau was likely also in the palace. Surely they wouldn't let the young lady suffer.
Yes, both of them valued the young lady highly—they would definitely protect her.
What should she do? Right, she needed to... she needed to...
Ying Chun suddenly knocked her own head, repeatedly telling herself to calm down. How would the young lady handle this if she were home? Right—stabilize everyone in the household. She would find the best excuse to conceal the truth and let everyone have a peaceful New Year.
Yes, find Fourth Madame...
"Where's Zhi Er?" Wu Shi came running over, gasping for breath.
Ying Chun trembled but miraculously calmed down. As it was the New Year holiday, Hua Zhi had given everyone time off, so there were few people in the front courtyard. She dismissed the others and told Fourth Madame the truth: "Summoned by the Emperor."
Wu Shi's legs weakened, nearly collapsing to the ground.
Inside the carriage, Hua Zhi pricked up her ears to listen to the outside commotion while unfolding a small paper ball in her palm. Hastily scrawled characters read: "Noble's suggestion, malicious intent, be careful."
This had been tossed into the carriage when the eunuch boarded. Though she didn't know which faction he belonged to, these words indicated that her palace summons was likely Haoyue's doing—and filled with malice toward her.She wasn't surprised that Haoyue would make a move against her, but choosing New Year's Eve... According to protocol, the imperial family banquet should be held later tonight. What did he mean by summoning her? Surely he didn't plan to expose her relationship with Yan Xi at such an occasion, risking mutual destruction.
Stuffing the note into her mouth and chewing slowly, Hua Zhi thought inappropriately that this was exactly how secret messages were handled in spy films—never expecting she'd have to use the method herself.
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