Today was market day, bustling with noise and excitement.
Hua Bolin held Xiao Han's hand as they walked on the outer side of the Emperor, doing his best to shield them from the jostling crowd. While doing so, he multitasked by memorizing the prices of goods sold by vendors. Unlike the Emperor who sat high in the imperial court, Bolin had made a habit of visiting markets whenever he had free time back in Qingzhou. He wouldn't claim complete familiarity with prices, but it was enough for him to recognize the vast difference between the two regions.
Living in the capital was difficult, with food expenses being one of the challenges. Common items sold in the capital cost twice or even three times what they did in Qingzhou, illustrating the high cost of living here. This forced many officials with modest means to continue renting houses years after entering officialdom. When one could hardly secure their own livelihood, how could they be expected to maintain integrity?
His Elder Sister had privately warned him that some matters, even when seen through, shouldn't be spoken aloud prematurely. And when the time did come to address them, the right approach was crucial. In official circles, no matter how grand one's ambitions, self-preservation must be learned first. Without the ability to protect oneself, how could one speak of ambitions?
He understood. He also knew the Emperor's current temperament—young, vigorous, and somewhat arrogant. So he never spoke of these things, because they were all still too vulnerable.
Letting out a long breath, Bolin mentally reviewed the prices once more to ensure he remembered them. As his eyes scanned the surroundings, they suddenly fixed on a particular stall and wouldn't move. Coincidentally, the Emperor noticed it at the same moment.
"This is truly interesting, Bolin, don't you think?"
Hua Bolin indeed found it... interesting.
A young woman dressed in men's clothing selling fruit preserves made by his Elder Sister—now that was interesting.
His Elder Sister had thought far ahead, teaching them early how to distinguish between males and females so they wouldn't stumble over such matters.
How prescient, Bolin thought, while verbally agreeing: "I never expected to actually encounter such a situation."
"The Grand Tutor has always prepared for rainy days. When has she ever been wrong in her predictions?"
Bolin laughed, "Indeed. At the time I didn't think it very necessary, but clearly Elder Sister had much greater foresight than I."
"Nonsense, otherwise why would she become the Grand Tutor while you remain merely a study companion?"
"..." Hua Bolin covered his chest and looked down at Zeng Han, "Xiao Han, rub it for me, it hurts a bit."
"Hahaha!" The Emperor laughed boisterously, thumping Bolin's shoulder before walking toward the stall.
Compared to neighboring stalls, this one was noticeably quieter. Though a few people looked, no one offered to buy. Fruit preserves had already gained fame in the capital—as famous as their sweet, delicious taste was their price, which definitely didn't fit within ordinary commoners' budgets. Since most people at this market were common folk, the lack of buyers was expected.
Behind the stall stood two 'young boys' with small faces and delicate features who appeared quite young. Their expressions clearly showed anxiety, so when they saw several people approaching whose clothing distinctly differed from ordinary folks', their eyes lit up. The slightly older one pushed the other aside and stepped forward nervously to greet them, "Would you gentlemen like to buy some preserves?"
The Emperor and Hua Bolin recognized almost immediately—this was the mistress, bolder than her maid. There was no need to ask whose idea this business venture was; a servant wouldn't dare suggest such a thing.Seeing that no one was speaking, the young woman who remained unaware she had been seen through added, "These canned goods were produced just last month and are extremely fresh. You may sample the taste if you wish."
The young woman then gave a meaningful glance, and though visibly nervous, her maid deftly retrieved several small pieces from a jar, placed them on a small dish, and presented it to the group along with toothpicks.
The Emperor wore a faint, knowing smile. Preparing pre-cut portions in advance, having the discernment to identify the right people for sampling—this showed a degree of cleverness.
Picking up a piece with a toothpick and tasting it, he found the flavor no different from what he consumed in the palace. The source seemed unproblematic; he had been overly suspicious, imagining someone might be meddling in the Grand Tutor’s business.
Setting down the toothpick, the Emperor turned to leave under the stunned gazes of the two women. Hua Bolin suppressed a laugh, took Xiao Han’s hand, and quickly followed, pretending not to notice the women’s flushed faces.
"Have someone find out which family they belong to," the Emperor said coldly. "If they want to emulate the Grand Tutor, they’d better have the capability."
Hua Bolin paused in surprise, glanced back at the two women, and withdrew his gaze when he saw them still watching. He chuckled lightly and remarked, "If Elder Sister knew about this, she would surely be overjoyed."
The Emperor turned to look at him.
"Grandfather once asked Elder Sister if she wished to pursue an official career, but she refused without hesitation," Hua Bolin said, meeting his gaze with a steady smile. "I once asked her why. It’s difficult for women—even the female relatives in our family hoped she could advance further. With her leading the way, phrases like 'women are incapable' would have to be reconsidered. But Elder Sister said there was no one to carry on after her, and her strength alone was limited."
The Emperor couldn’t help but glance at the two women who had lowered their heads to converse. Hua Bolin also looked their way. "Elder Sister said her existence would be worthwhile if it could make women a little stronger—if they wouldn’t affirm their own uselessness before others even said it. Given her nature, if she knew someone wanted to follow in her footsteps, she would be immensely happy."
The Emperor’s irritation gradually faded.
Hua Bolin drew Xiao Han closer and continued, "Elder Sister also said she hopes the women we marry in the future will be courageous, knowledgeable, and articulate—not timid and submissive. She said she hopes we marry not just wives in name, but partners we can trust with our backs, people we can rely on mutually."
"Difficult," the Emperor said as he walked ahead. Noble families teach their daughters, first and foremost, that their maternal family is their support—that only with their family’s backing can they stand firm in their marital home. Such beliefs are deeply ingrained and hard to change. So, marrying a wife solely for himself… he had never dared to imagine it.
Hua Bolin wisely dropped the subject and began inquiring about the prices at a nearby stall.
After responding to the Grand Tutor’s assessment, enjoying an excellent vegetarian meal, and offering incense in the main hall, the Emperor reluctantly returned to the palace when he could delay no longer. Berlin stayed behind and recounted the day’s market events to his elder sister.
Hua Zhi frowned. "Did it seem like the Emperor had come to terms with it?"
"Most likely. When the report was later submitted, he merely set it aside casually, with no intention of taking action."
"Do you know which family that young woman is from?"
"The Bai family." Hua Bolin couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed almost anyone could be connected to Elder Sister.
Hua Zhi was also surprised. "Uncle Bai Mingxia’s family?""Yes, his eldest daughter is ten years old."
Hua Zhi truly hadn't expected this, though it made sense since Uncle Bai was two years older than Fourth Uncle and had married early.
After turning the matter over in her mind, Hua Zhi acknowledged Berlin's performance today. "I cannot become someone who cannot be mentioned or touched. You must pay more attention to this in the future. Some matters should be addressed when they first show signs of trouble."
"Yes, Elder Sister." Hua Bolin spoke up for the Emperor almost playfully. "He simply values you too highly."
"I know, I remember everything. But we must maintain proper boundaries. He is the Emperor - whether the relationship becomes too distant or too close would both be disastrous."
"Yes, I will be mindful of this."
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