Chapter 687: Before the Wedding
Hua Zhi stood with arms outstretched as maids encircled her, some standing and others kneeling, carefully dressing her in layer upon layer of the Wedding Gown. The vibrant crimson hue radiated festive warmth, enhancing rather than diminishing her elegance—making her skin appear snow-white and her cheeks flushed with rosy charm.
The only regret was her pale lip color.
With a heavy heart, Madam Zhu helped her sit down gently, then stepped forward to personally apply her makeup. She meticulously powdered her face, traced her eyebrows, and adorned her forehead, refusing to delegate any task and pouring decades of skill into the effort.
Once her lips gained color, Hua Zhi seemed to come alive. Her features suited both heavy and light makeup—naturally refined and captivating without adornment, yet now, with careful embellishment, revealing a hidden allure usually unseen.
"My daughter is truly beautiful," Madam Zhu murmured, tilting her head left and right in satisfaction.
"Daughter takes after father. They say Father was quite the handsome young master in the capital in his youth."
Madam Zhu shot her a mock-stern glance and hummed proudly, "He's still not bad now."
"Of course, or how else would your daughter be so fair?"
"Such glib talk." Madam Zhu chuckled, signaling a maid to style her hair. "Your father mentioned that your grandfather carries deep guilt. If not for him, your grandmother wouldn't have passed so early, and you wouldn't have toiled to this extent. I did resent it—I truly did. But later, seeing you live a life no woman has ever dared to, I felt a flicker of pride. My daughter is so capable, no less than any man. If not for these trials, you'd have lived an ordinary life—what a pity that would have been."
Madam Zhu gazed at her daughter's face, still not restored to its former fullness, and her lips trembled. "But the cost... it's been too high."
How could Hua Zhi not know these things?
She understood her grandfather's remorse. If not for her sudden critical illness diverting his thoughts, he might not have weathered her grandmother's passing so steadily. Their bond wasn't just one of surface respect—in an era where multiple concubines were commonplace, Grand Tutor had only two, both long-standing companions, proving his enduring devotion. Losing his wife must have shattered him. In hindsight, her illness had struck at a crucial time.
She wrapped her arms around her mother's waist and leaned against her softly. "Miraculous Doctor Yu once said my body broke only to rebuild itself. A few years of care will restore me. I know your worries, but Yan Xi understands this better than anyone. If it concerned him, he wouldn't insist on marrying me."
Hua Zhi smiled, lifting her head to meet her mother's gaze. The tender-hearted woman had begun weeping again. "He knows my nature—once he weds me, there will be no taking concubines. His determination to marry me shows he's ready to face all consequences. Don't fret over me. Whatever the future holds, I can handle it. Have you forgotten? I'm the Grand Tutor to the Emperor. I've braved blades and fire—who is there to fear?"
"You may not fear, but your mother does." Madam Zhu stroked her daughter's hair and gestured for a maid to bring the Phoenix Crown. The exquisitely crafted crown, significantly lighter than the one she had worn in her youth, eased her concerns somewhat. That he prioritized Zhi Er's comfort, attended to her needs thoughtfully, and never neglected matters concerning her—this sincerity was genuine. Yet, she wondered, how long would it last?After gently securing the Phoenix Crown in place and smoothing the ceremonial robe, Madam Zhu stepped back to observe her daughter. She was immensely satisfied with the radiant beauty before her—her daughter possessed both talent and striking looks. Unless the Regent was blind, he would surely recognize that no one could surpass her daughter.
"Have the refreshments been prepared?"
Fu Dong promptly responded, "Yes, we've brought some pastries that the young mistress enjoys."
"Don't let her eat too much at once. She should take small bites during breaks. Overeating when exhausted can cause discomfort. Nothing must go wrong today."
"Understood, I'll remember that."
Observing the efficient maids dressed neatly, Madam Zhu suppressed a thought that crossed her mind. These women were capable and utterly loyal to Zhi Er. What if they were elevated to concubines...
She sighed inwardly, burying the idea deeper. By now, she understood well enough: given Zhi Er's pride, she would never allow her personal maids to become her husband's concubines. She disdained using such methods to secure favor.
Footsteps approached from outside. Madam Zhu turned away, pressing the corners of her eyes before quickly dabbing her face with powder. By the time she composed herself, the visitors had entered—numerous young women from the Hua family, both main and branch lineages, including even the married Hua Qin who had borne children.
After exchanging a few words, Madam Zhu excused herself to attend to other matters.
The soon-to-be brides Hua Xin and Hua Ling watched with faint envy, though nothing more. Compared to their Elder Sister, their own dowries were quite generous—the Hua family had treated them fairly. In fact, due to their minor contributions, they received more private funds than Hua women who had married two years earlier.
They had privately discussed this and felt content.
"Elder Sister, will you continue serving as Grand Tutor after becoming the Princess Consort?" asked the usually quiet Hua Rong, her half-sister.
"I will, until His Majesty marries. Then I shall step down."
"Can't you continue indefinitely?"
Hua Zhi paused, puzzled by the question.
Hua Rong lowered her head, twisting her handkerchief nervously. "Why can't someone as capable as you remain Grand Tutor permanently? It would show people that women can achieve great things too."
Understanding her meaning, Hua Zhi didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. This was the awakening of feminist consciousness—an uncertain development in these times. Having independent thoughts wasn't bad, but they required the right timing and duration, neither of which existed currently.
For both public and personal reasons, she couldn't remain Grand Tutor long-term. The Hua family's situation wouldn't allow it, nor did she wish to pursue an official career. Moreover, with the late Emperor's decree, she was essentially just a teacher.
Once she stepped down, there would be no female official to pave the way. Such feminist awareness would likely be fleeting—a situation beyond any individual's power to change.
After consideration, Hua Zhi responded, "I've set a precedent. It won't be as difficult hereafter—at least when women demonstrate talent, no one can use 'female virtue prevails over intelligence' to dismiss them."
The room fell silent. As Hua family women, they were all literate, yet the notion that "woman's lack of talent is virtue" remained mainstream. Throughout the Nine Provinces, even in the capital, many noble families kept their daughters uneducated without questioning it. But perhaps this would gradually change. The influence already existed—after all, what family wouldn't want a daughter like the Eldest Miss of the Hua family?Hua Qin tapped Hua Rong’s forehead lightly. “Why talk about such things on such a joyous day? Tell me, isn’t our Elder Sister stunning today?”
“Stunning!” Their voices chimed in unison, sweet and crisp, their smiles blooming like flowers. These were their most sincere words—in their eyes, Elder Sister was the most beautiful, whether now in her crimson Wedding Gown or when clad in her Official Uniform.
PS: Chapter 3 hasn’t been edited yet and will be posted tomorrow. Cherish Hua Zhi has entered the Heming Cup competition. You can find it on the recommendations page—please search for Cherish Hua Zhi and cast your vote. It should be around the middle section. You can vote once per day.
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