On the second day of the first lunar month, married daughters returned to their maiden homes.
Having completed the mourning period, Hua Zhi no longer restricted the women of the household. Those who wished to return could do so.
Women naturally held deep affection for their maternal families, and on such days, most were eager to return home. Even Xia Shi, who had previously had unpleasant conflicts with her family, was no exception.
Hua Zhi wasn’t surprised that Fourth Aunt had no plans to return. Among her aunts, Fourth Aunt was the clearest about what was good and bad. However, she hadn’t expected that her three younger sisters also had no intention of visiting their maternal families.
After some thought, Hua Zhi summoned the three of them.
“All of you must go with them. Second Aunt and Third Aunt are soft-hearted. If their families sweet-talk them, they might agree to something they shouldn’t. You need to accompany them and keep an eye on things.”
The three sisters exchanged glances. They had been mistaken earlier, thinking only of avoiding those opportunistic relatives but forgetting that their mothers might not be discerning enough.
“Do not neglect etiquette. When you are outside, every action you take represents the Hua family. Especially in times like these, you must remain steady and not let others look down on you. Just remember, the sky won’t fall, and even if it does, it won’t crush you. The Hua family’s fortunes have nothing to do with outsiders. Pay no mind to whatever they say.”
Hua Zhi looked at the three of them. “Of course, you must not let yourselves be bullied. If anyone acts improperly, strike back hard. I will bear all the consequences.”
The three nodded firmly.
After sending the second and third sisters to prepare, Hua Zhi kept her half-sister behind.
The Hua family’s young ladies had all undergone significant changes—they had become more poised and decisive. With a role model before them, they had unconsciously begun to change in that direction. The pettiness that once clung to Hua Rong had noticeably vanished.
“I originally intended to keep Qin Yiniang at home, but she pleaded with Mother. Mother, out of consideration for you, permitted her to go. When you return this time, you must be extra vigilant. Do not let your mother be deceived. If anyone brings up your marriage, tell them I already have plans. The Hua family’s affairs require no interference from outsiders. Understood?”
A fierce determination flashed across Hua Rong’s face. “Yes, Elder Sister. I’ve learned to distinguish sincerity from pretense these days. I won’t listen to them.”
“As long as you are aware, that’s enough. However, you needn’t worry too much. The Qin family is now eager to repair their relationship with me, so they have likely warned their members. Qin Yiniang knows nothing about the family’s affairs, so there’s no fear of her being tricked into revealing information. Just make sure she doesn’t rashly agree to anything.”
“Yes, I’ll remember.”
Seeing how her half-sister seemed to have matured overnight, Hua Zhi’s expression softened. “Don’t worry about your marriage. You are still young, and I will certainly find you a good match. You will have everything your sisters have, and I will not let you suffer.”
“I’ve never worried about it,” Hua Rong bit her lip. “I trust Elder Sister.”
She trusted that her elder sister would not marry her off carelessly, that she would not let her suffer. She trusted Hua Zhi more than anyone else.
Before leaving, Hua Zhi visited Yan Xi’s room. The siblings both looked at her with expressions of abandonment, which was almost amusing. “I promise to return right after lunch. Fu Dong will prepare plenty of delicious food for you. Oh, and Haiwei sent over some small dried fish. Have Fu Dong fry them for you to eat.”
The last sentence was directed at Shaoyao. Seeing her swallow hard, Hua Zhi’s smile deepened. No matter how much they had experienced, no matter how much ugliness they had witnessed, having someone like this by her side, unchanged from the very beginning, was truly wonderful.Hua Zhi looked up and met Yan Xi's gaze. She narrowed her eyes with a smile, the dimples on her cheeks appearing.
Gu Yanxi couldn't help but think, if only time could stand still at this moment.
...
They had left home a bit late, and upon entering the Zhu Family residence, they were met with complaints.
"You've kept me waiting so long, my neck has grown several inches." Old Madam Zhu actually reached up to touch her neck, as if it had truly lengthened.
The Zhu Family's eldest daughter-in-law chimed in playfully, "You can't blame our young aunt for taking extra time to prepare. I think she looks particularly spirited today."
"Eldest sister-in-law always teases me." Madam Zhu led her daughter in performing the proper greetings. "If it were just me, I would have returned before dawn. But who could blame me when I have such a busy person at home? She was busy from early morning until we left, still running in circles at the last moment. Under normal circumstances, I would have told her not to come."
"With such a large household to manage, inside and out, how could she not be busy?" Old Madam Zhu tapped her forehead. "And you have the nerve to say that—if you were more capable, Zhi Er wouldn't have to handle inner household affairs too."
Madam Zhu laughed playfully, adopting a coquettish, childlike demeanor.
Hua Zhi smiled and interjected, "Fourth Aunt manages most household matters. Mother often stays with Fourth Aunt and helps out too."
"No need to speak up for her—everyone in the family knows what she's like." Despite her words, Old Madam Zhu was quite pleased. Just from Zhi Er's attitude, it was clear she protected her mother fiercely. That was good—it meant no rift had formed between mother and daughter.
Thinking of rifts, Old Madam Zhu sighed inwardly but maintained her cheerful expression as she turned and instructed, "Shan Er, why haven't you greeted your aunt and cousin yet?"
Zhu Shan emerged from behind the old lady and performed a proper bow. "Aunt, may you have peace. Cousin, may you have peace."
"Cousin, a happy New Year to you too." Hua Zhi had noticed Zhu Shan standing behind their grandmother as soon as she entered. It seemed her grandmother had taken her advice and was keeping Zhu Shan close, personally guiding her. She hoped this would help pull her out of her stubborn mindset.
Zhu Shan then bowed to Madam Zhu and apologized, "I was immature before. Please don't hold it against me."
"Silly child, would your aunt really stay angry with you?" Madam Zhu helped her up. "Let's not dwell on the past during the New Year. What's done is done—don't think about it anymore."
With that, Madam Zhu had Lin Shuang bring over a box and open it. "Your aunt's eyes aren't what they used to be, so I can't pick out anything too fine. I had your cousin pick these out for me—I think the color and clarity are quite good. Wear them for fun."
Inside the box lay a pair of red jade earrings, excellent in both material and craftsmanship. Zhu Shan naturally liked them. She accepted them with a soft thank you and bowed to Hua Zhi as well.
This thank you sounded much more sincere to Hua Zhi than before.
A good sign.
Madam Zhu glanced at her two sisters-in-law and exercised her habit of asking questions when curious. "Why haven't Eldest Sister-in-law and Second Sister-in-law returned to their maiden homes?"
"They're all in the capital—no need to rush on this one day." Old Madam Zhu said it lightly, but Hua Zhi understood the real reason: everyone was probably waiting for her.
"Where's Grandfather?"
Just as Old Madam Zhu was about to answer, movement came from outside. Soon, the curtain was lifted. She smiled, "Well, speak of the devil."
The Zhu Family men filed in, with Zhu Ziwen, the eldest grandson, among them. As they entered, their eyes fixed directly on Hua Zhi. They couldn't decide whether to glare or not—glaring felt wrong, but not glaring left their anger unresolved. Really, couldn't she let all the families in the capital have a peaceful New Year?Hua Zhi rose to greet him. Old Master Zhu pinched the space between his eyebrows, looked up, and said to his wife, "I'm taking Zhi Er with me. You handle the remaining matters properly."
The elderly lady glanced at her granddaughter and had no choice but to nod. This matter was indeed significant. It was only the second day of the new year, and there had already been four groups of visitors who, under the guise of paying New Year's respects, were actually there to gather information.
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