After washing her hands, Hua Zhi brewed tea for her grandfather and Fourth Uncle, then sat quietly in the lower seat, waiting for them to speak.
She didn't mention that she would visit at least once every year from now on. Believing this might be their last meeting for some time, she knew her grandfather must have important instructions.
Hua Pingyang glanced at his father before taking a letter from his robe. "I've asked your Fourth Aunt to release my concubines. Without children to tie them down, they needn't remain bound to the Hua family. You understand these matters well - please persuade your Fourth Aunt not to make things difficult for them. I don't require them to stay loyal."
"To enjoy prosperity together but let them escape during hardship - Fourth Aunt may not possess such magnanimity."
"That's precisely why I need you to counsel her." Hua Pingyang smiled wryly. He knew his wife well - while tolerant, she was no pushover and wouldn't permit the fourth branch to scatter at the first sign of trouble. Still, the concubines had done nothing wrong by him, so a peaceful parting was only right.
Hua Zhi looked down at the thick letter in her hand. "Fourth Uncle, whose side are you truly on - Fourth Aunt's or your concubines? From my perspective, the concubines seem to be getting the better deal."
"How can wives and concubines be compared? Your Fourth Aunt is the mother of my children, the one who will share my burial chamber. She cannot leave, nor would I allow it."
Hua Zhi knew these words, both domineering and deeply affectionate, would please Fourth Aunt. Women of this era never expected their husbands to have only one woman - having fewer concubines was the greatest respect they could hope for. Men like Fourth Uncle who only let their official wives bear children were exceptionally rare.
Hua Zhi nodded with a smile. "I'll be sure to convey those words."
Hua Pingyang also smiled. "I'd be grateful."
Ahem. Hua Yizheng cleared his throat and produced his own letter. "For your grandmother. Zhi Er, be honest with me - how is your grandmother's health truly?"
"Why do you ask, Grandfather?"
"Her handwriting shows obvious weakness, and the letter was written over several sessions. If she were well, this wouldn't be necessary."
Hua Zhi neatly set both letters aside, her tone unchanged. "Nothing escapes your notice. Grandmother did catch a chill after winter set in. Doctor Chu examined her, and I had Shaoyao check her pulse as well. Both said it was nothing serious. She was nearly recovered when I departed."
Hua Yizheng stared intently at her. "Truly?"
"Zhi Er wouldn't dare deceive you."
"Good." Hua Yizheng visibly relaxed. "Her constitution has always been strong. I was overthinking."
Hua Zhi felt an unexpected sting in her nose. Though theirs had been an arranged marriage, decades together had blended their bloodlines until they were inseparable. Childhood sweethearts becoming old companions surpassed any romantic dalliance.
A knock sounded at the door. Hua Pingyang strode over and opened it. "Elder Brother?"
Hua Pingyu curled his fingers slightly, looking somewhat awkward, but maintained his posture before his younger brother. "I wished to give Zhi Er some instructions..."
Hua Yizheng, who understood his eldest son perfectly, chuckled upon hearing his voice. He winked mischievously at his granddaughter and called out, "Come in."
Hua Zhi lowered her head to hide her smile. She'd never realized her scholarly father could be so straightforward, even endearing.
Rising to greet him, Hua Zhi poured tea for her father. "I was planning to visit you later. Do you have a letter for Mother?""Right." Hua Pingyu took out the letter, increasingly convinced his reasoning was solid, suppressing any lingering embarrassment. "Look after her a bit, tell her I'm doing fine and not to worry about me."
"Understood."
Though claiming to have matters to discuss, these few sentences were all he could voice aloud. He didn't know how other fathers and daughters interacted, but facing his own daughter, he felt any words would be superfluous.
His daughter was too capable. Everything he could think of—and things beyond his imagination—Zhi Er had already handled flawlessly, prepared meticulously, leaving no room for his guidance.
Yet he still yearned to be closer to his daughter.
Noticing his elder brother's discomfort, Hua Pingyang considerately steered the conversation elsewhere. "What's the overall situation at home now? Are we confined to the estate?"
"Yes. Grandmother also ordered all wives and concubines to sever ties with their maternal families."
Hua Yizheng nodded thoughtfully. "Your suggestion?"
"Yes, it's better for everyone this way." Hua Zhi maintained an innocent expression. "Moreover, I only said married daughters should cut contact with their maternal families—not that their families couldn't reach out to them. It all depends on whether they care enough."
But there weren't many who cared deeply in this world—otherwise there wouldn't be so many heartbroken people. Hua Yizheng pressed further, "What's the current climate in the capital? Has anyone given you trouble?"
"Everyone in the capital knows the Empress Dowager has protected us. For now, no one dares risk offending her by making things difficult for us." But if the Empress Dowager didn't extend further assistance to the Hua family in the coming period, this deterrent would gradually fade. Those with longstanding grudges might not remain quiet—a reality everyone in the room understood.
Hua Zhi took a sip of cold tea and continued, "At most, they'll kick us while we're down or take advantage of our misfortune. No one dares exterminate the Hua family entirely. Angering the Emperor and facing his wrath is one thing—if anyone tries to harm the Hua family, the scholars of the realm would be the first to object. Our family's reputation has stood for a century; we still retain that much legacy."
With various forces balancing each other, the Hua family would always have a place to stand.
"There haven't been major changes in the capital. Both the Crown Prince and Third Prince were reprimanded by the Emperor and ordered to reflect behind closed doors for a month. They've since resumed court attendance. The Fourth Prince benefited from misfortune—gaining the Emperor's favor and often remaining at his side."
While Hua Yizheng remained composed, Hua Pingyu's face flushed with anger. Having never endured court politics, Hua Pingyang couldn't suppress his fury. "Our Hua family suffers unjust exile to the northern border with no return date, while the two princes responsible merely reflect for a month?"
"What else did you expect?" Hua Yizheng's expression remained neutral. "Is your source reliable?"
"Yes, this is practically common knowledge in the capital." Her sources were Mr. Mu and Lu Xiansheng—each with their own channels. She'd learned of this earlier than most and felt equally resentful. But what could be done? This was a society where all skills were ultimately offered to the imperial family.
"The Emperor must be dissatisfied with the Crown Prince and Third Prince—otherwise he wouldn't have elevated the Fourth Prince to rival them. Is he being used as a whetstone?"Hua Zhi did not agree with her fourth uncle's argument. "I suspect the Fourth Prince may have willingly entered the game. As a member of the imperial family, he cannot resist the temptation of that position. Even if he doesn't want it, someone will force him to consider it. His brothers want his life—if he doesn't fight, his only path is death."
"Be cautious with your words." Hua Yizheng reminded her mildly, though he didn't say she was wrong. In truth, he was quite surprised. For a woman to have such thorough understanding of inner household matters was normal; boldness and determination could be innate traits. But to be this perceptive about court politics...
"Don't discuss such matters with others unless necessary."
"Yes, Granddaughter only speaks of them here."
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