Old Madam was carried over on a sedan chair by four sturdy maids. Hearing her low coughs, Hua Zhi deliberately slowed her pace to allow her grandmother to cough more freely.
When the coughing gradually subsided, she approached and said, "Grandmother, let's go. It's almost time."
Wiping her mouth, Old Madam nodded slightly. "Very well."
The sedan chair was carried all the way to the corridor outside the classroom, where maids had already set up three chairs—one placed slightly farther away.
Hua Zhi explained softly, "We won't go in to disturb them. The children would get distracted, and Second Sister and Third Sister would become nervous. I've also invited Mr. Mu. My own level isn't sufficient to judge others."
"You, child, are far too modest."
After dismissing the maids and attendants, Mr. Mu emerged from another classroom. He bowed to Old Madam and took his seat in the farther chair.
Being close by, the voices inside were clearly audible. Regardless of the content, the stammering, pauses, repetitions, and unsteady breath revealed obvious nervousness. Listening more carefully, the delivery was largely rote recitation, with no personal understanding woven in.
Mr. Mu glanced at the eldest young lady's back. Without comparison, it hadn't been apparent, but with Hua Zhi's excellence setting the standard, the other two Hua family young ladies fell far short.
Old Madam's initial expectations turned entirely into disappointment. Catching sight of her granddaughter's calm expression from the corner of her eye, she couldn't help but think she had been too greedy—having one outstanding granddaughter wasn't enough; she had hoped others in the family could be like her. Zhi Er must have known her thoughts and had cooperated fully without complaint.
Yet, she couldn't help feeling unwilling!
Despite their inner thoughts, none of the three left early. They waited until no more sounds came from inside, and the two young ladies hurried out with rushed steps.
Seeing the three seated figures, Hua Ling and Hua Xin blushed deeply. Their unease before their grandmother, resentment toward Hua Zhi, and shame before Mr. Mu made them wish for a hole to crawl into and never emerge.
They didn't understand—they had practiced well at home, even rehearsing with their maids. Why had they faltered so badly when it mattered? The audience consisted only of their younger brothers; they hadn't felt afraid in their hearts!
Old Madam covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed lightly a few times. Leaning on Su Momo's arm, she stood up, and Hua Zhi hurriedly supported her other side.
"Mr. Mu, I apologize for the embarrassment."
Mr. Mu quickly bowed. "It is my honor. Young ladies from other families lack the courage to stand at the lectern."
Somewhat comforted by these words, Old Madam inclined her head toward Mr. Mu from her sedan chair, then looked at Hua Zhi. "I'll go ahead."
"I understand. Please rest first."
Patting her hand, Old Madam sighed. Catching Hua Zhi's meaningful glance, Su Momo promptly directed the sturdy maids to lift the sedan chair and depart.
Watching the group leave the courtyard, Mr. Mu returned to his classroom first. Worried the younger children might be unsettled, Hua Zhi ignored Hua Xin and Hua Ling and entered the other room.
Sure enough, none of the children were focused on their books; their spirits seemed dampened. Only when they saw her did they quickly straighten their postures, gazing at her eagerly.
A bold one couldn't resist asking, "Elder Sister, will Second Sister and Third Sister be our teachers from now on?"
Once someone started, the others chimed in noisily: "Elder Sister, we all like you. Please continue being our teacher!""Elder Sister, I understand what you're saying, but I can't understand what Second Sister and Third Sister are saying."
"Elder Sister, I'll grow up quickly. When I'm grown up, I can help you. Please don't abandon us."
"Elder Sister, let us call you Teacher from now on. If we call you Teacher, you can't run away."
"Elder Sister..."
Hua Zhi's heart melted completely. She hadn't intended to test these children's affection for her, nor had she thought of using them to undermine her second and third sisters. Yet making the children feel so unsettled was her fault - she hadn't considered things carefully enough.
Raising her hand to signal for quiet, the classroom quickly settled down. Hua Zhi softened her tone: "This is Elder Sister's fault for not explaining things clearly beforehand. Second Sister and Third Sister weren't here to be teachers - they came to identify what they still need to improve. Now they know, and when they've made up for their shortcomings, they might return. When that time comes, you must treat them just as you treat me."
"Will Second Sister and Third Sister teach as well as you do someday?"
"Of course. When they return, they certainly will."
The children immediately showed understanding on their faces, smiles returning to their expressions.
Hua Zhi didn't think they were easily fooled - they believed these words because they came from her. The Hua family children were quite intelligent.
"Elder Sister needs to handle some matters now. Please read and practice writing on your own, and don't disturb the brothers in the next classroom. Understood?"
"Yes, Elder Sister."
In the corridor, Hua Xin and Hua Ling were still waiting. Hua Zhi wasn't surprised to see them.
"Elder Sister."
"If you're unwilling, there's no need for formal greetings. I don't care about such things." Hua Zhi watched as they looked up in surprise, apparently not expecting her to say such things. She didn't want to lecture them about life or principles, stating directly: "You may return. I'm going to see Grandmother."
As Hua Zhi moved past them, Hua Ling's voice, though hushed, came sharp from behind: "Elder Sister, you must be very pleased, aren't you? Our foolishness makes you appear even more outstanding! Grandmother will only value you more from now on!"
Hua Zhi turned back, her expression still calm. "What would I gain from being valued? The Hua family? This Hua family that can barely scrape together enough silver to feed hundreds of people - is this what you want? Don't blame others for your foolishness - no one forced it upon you. You know perfectly well how much of your so-called literary reputation comes from the Hua family name."
"Even if the family name helped, it's still reputation! Yet you don't even have that!"
"Ah, yes, I don't. And then what? What are you trying to prove? That you're better than me? More learned than me? Fine then. But what good does that do for the Hua family? Did those who flattered you include even half a word of genuine concern?" Hua Zhi never feared stepping on people's sore spots - she disliked those without self-awareness who looked down on everyone.
"You..." Hua Ling felt each word like a blow to her chest, tears streaming down her face.
"If you want to retaliate against me, go read more books. If you can't concentrate on reading, go do embroidery - consider it preparing your dowry in advance."
Hua Ling and Hua Xin stared dumbfounded at Hua Zhi's retreating back. This person... could this really be Hua Zhi? How was this possible!Inside the room, Mr. Mu found the situation both amusing and frustrating. If these sisters wanted to bicker, why choose this place? Look at those young men—their faces were twitching from suppressing laughter, especially that Hua Bolin. What was there to be so proud about?
But Hua Bolin was genuinely proud. This was his elder sister—his!
In the past, everyone in the family had praised his second and third sisters, talking about how talented they were. But in the end? Compared to his sister, they were nothing! They couldn’t even win a war of words!
As his elder sister would say: Their combat effectiveness is too weak!
PS: Two chapters updated together today. I had something to attend to outside and just got home. The ladies haven’t been very enthusiastic these past couple of days.
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