Chapter 383: You Can't Settle for Less

After a leisurely breakfast, Hua Zhi made the rounds, checking in with everyone in each room before heading to the kitchen, with Hua Ling trailing quietly behind her.

"The scholar's injury isn't too bad," Hua Zhi began, as if anticipating the question. "It's nothing serious, and Physician Chu is looking after him. I also made sure he got a box of Shao Yao’s pain relief medicine, so it won’t affect his performance in the autumn exams."

She continued, explaining in more detail for Hua Ling's sake, "I’ve seen the scholar’s character. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, and his heart’s in the right place. I wouldn’t be surprised if he passes the exam. If you’d like to thank him personally, I can arrange it after the exams."

Hua Ling simply shook her head. "No, this is enough," she replied.

She didn’t need to make a big deal out of it. The gesture spoke for itself. Her gratitude was something she’d keep in her heart. After all, yesterday had already stirred up quite a scene, and if anyone saw her in public with another man, it wouldn’t just be embarrassing for her—it would drag her eldest sister and the entire Hua family into the mess too.

Hua Ling might not have the same diplomatic finesse as her eldest sister, but she was determined not to let her own actions cause unnecessary trouble for the family.

Hua Zhi gave her a quick glance, not pressing the issue further. At the end of the day, a person’s choices and actions are theirs to make. Sure, others can offer guidance and advice, but they can’t step in and take the reins for them. Hua Ling seemed to be catching on, and Hua Zhi decided she’d keep an eye on her for now.

The kitchen was bustling with activity, servants moving around in a well-organized frenzy. Hua Zhi liked the vibrant energy; it meant everything was running smoothly at home, which was always a good sign.

As she walked in, everyone greeted her.

Chen Mama, who had been managing things in the absence of the Fourth Madam, approached with a smile. “Eldest Miss.”

“Mama, you’ve been working hard. How’s everything today?”

“All is well,” replied Chen Mama, smiling warmly, “You look like you’ve got plenty of energy today.”

“A good night’s sleep is all it takes to reset everything,” Hua Zhi said casually. Then, her brows furrowed. “Has the basket not arrived yet?”

“It hasn’t, but it’s scheduled to come this afternoon.”

Hua Zhi nodded, snatched a piece of fried dough from the counter, chewed on it for a second, then spat out the crumbs. After grabbing some jerky, she did the same again. Finally, looking satisfied, she said, “Keep it up. We’ve got two more days, so try to make a little extra.”

“Understood, Eldest Miss.”

Without lingering any longer, Hua Zhi made her way to the front yard with Hua Ling trailing behind her. Hua Ling didn’t say anything to stop her, quietly following as Hua Zhi led her to thank Wang Rong in person before they both hopped into the carriage.

“Sister, where are we heading?” Hua Ling asked, curiosity in her tone.

“The new shop in Liyun Lane is opening today. I’m going to check it out.”

Hua Ling knew Liyun Lane by name. Even though her sister rarely brought up business matters with them, there were a few things she had picked up. Like Green Moss Alley, Liyun Lane was known for its food trade.

Biting her lip, Hua Ling mustered up the courage to ask, "Sister, can I learn about business from you?"

Hua Zhi, lounging against a cushion, raised an eyebrow and gave her a sharp, appraising look. "Why do you want to learn?"

Hua Ling hesitated but answered earnestly, "If I can pick up even a little, maybe I can help with some tasks around here, ease your load. Plus, if I don’t get married in the future, it’d be better to be useful at home, right? Our younger brothers are great, but they’ll have enough on their plate as the family leans on them down the line. If I can pitch in somehow, it wouldn’t hurt."

"You won’t end up unmarried," Hua Zhi said, her tone matter-of-fact, almost reassuring.

Hua Ling looked at her sister—only two years older, yet she had the air of someone much more experienced, always looking out for her.

"By the way," Hua Zhi added, "I had someone keep an ear to the ground about the rumors floating around the capital. No one’s been saying anything bad about you. Everyone knows you were wronged. And with you showing up yesterday, well, everyone saw you for what you are, no matter what the situation was. I had a plan ready, just in case someone tried to drag you through the mud, but looks like I didn’t even need it."

Hua Zhi propped her head on her hand, speaking calmly, as if to reassure her. "I’ve already spoken to the Cai and Zhu families about finding a match for you. Your standing might not be as high as it once was, but I need to approve whoever you marry. Don’t worry, I’m not about to throw you into some random match. If you want to learn business, I won’t stop you. Having more skills is never a bad thing."

Hua Ling, distracted, started absently fiddling with the corner of the cushion. "Sister, I don’t really want to get married."

"Did yesterday scare you?" Hua Zhi asked, a little more gently.

"Not exactly," Hua Ling replied, shaking her head. "I just feel like the saying 'don’t settle for less' fits our situation so well. We can’t break into high society anymore, but we also can’t just marry beneath us. It’s not that I think I’m too good for it, but… it just seems too difficult."

Hua Ling forced a smile, her thoughts spilling out as she continued, "It's hard to strike a balance with in-laws. If you’re too formal, it’s not right. If you’re too relaxed, it’s wrong. They don’t want a daughter-in-law who’s too loud, but I can’t just sit back and play the quiet, obedient role. If the Hua family needed me to marry for stability, I’d bear with it, but right now, it’s not necessary. As long as we have you, sister, we’re fine. I trust that you'll pick the right man for us. Honestly, I'd rather stay single and stay home than marry and let someone else control my fate."

Hua Ling looked up at her sister, her eyes bright with trust. "You’ll protect me, right?"

Having her own thoughts now, the change was indeed significant, but Hua Zhi couldn't give a definitive answer immediately. She simply said, "I won't force you, and you don't need to pressure yourself. The Daqing Dynasty doesn't particularly favor women. If the right person comes along, you don't have to miss the opportunity."

Hua Ling bit her lip but didn't say anything more.

The noise outside the carriage was growing louder. Hua Zhi, curious, lifted the curtain and peered out, her brow furrowing as she took in the scene.

She’d originally intended to promote the business on opening day, but after yesterday’s incident, she’d scrapped all those plans. The Hua family was already walking a tightrope, and she didn’t want to risk making things worse. Even if it meant taking a hit on business, she was willing to bear it. After all, with Green Moss Alley supporting it, Liyun Lane would bounce back in no time.

But she’d seriously underestimated the power of food. There was a much bigger crowd than she had expected.

The carriage came to a stop, and Li De’s voice rang out from outside. “Eldest Miss, it seems the carriage won’t be able to enter.”

Hua Zhi turned to Hua Ling. “Do you want to wait here, or come with me?”

Despite the commotion outside making her uneasy, Hua Ling steeled herself, teeth gritted. “I’ll come with you, sister.”

Without another word, Hua Zhi stepped down from the carriage.

The scene outside was chaos—carriages lined both sides of the river, and servants bustled about, clearly sent by wealthy families to buy food.

“Miss, greetings.”

The voice caught Hua Zhi’s attention. She glanced over and found it vaguely familiar.

Spring stepped forward and whispered, “She’s the maid of cousin’s daughter.”

Zhu San?

Hua Zhi nodded. "Did cousin ask you to buy food?"

"Yes." The maid glanced back at a carriage and then looked at Hua Zhi with a pleading expression.

Realizing something was amiss, Hua Zhi immediately walked towards that carriage.

The maid of Zhu San visibly breathed a sigh of relief. Her miss had only taken her out and then asked her to buy food, leaving her alone in the carriage waiting. She was flustered, as the mistress had clearly said they were going to buy cosmetics before coming out!