Chapter 221: Discussing Marriage Again

Hua Zhi had been out and about all morning, and it was nearly noon. Lady Wu quickly ordered her servants to prepare a few more vegetarian dishes. She then sent Zhu Shan to call her second uncle over, and was quite busy scurrying back and forth.

Hua Zhi simply smiled and watched, offering no objection.

The old woman thought to herself that it was only natural for you to feel this way. She would be overjoyed if you simply agreed.

"You, child," the old lady said, "Grandmother knows you wouldn't come empty-handed. I'll have someone tell your grandfather to come back as soon as he's finished."

"There is something, but it's not urgent. By the way, since no one else is around, I'd like to ask you about your cousin and Bai Lin. What are your thoughts on their matter?"

"I wholeheartedly approve," the old lady replied with a warm smile, her gaze fixed on her beloved granddaughter. "The Zhu family has no objections, all that's left is your nod. Have you given it any thought?"

"I'm honored by the Zhu family's offer. The two siblings have always gotten along well, and I would be happy to see them marry. However, this is a lifelong commitment for both of them. I think we should at least inform Bai Lin first. It wouldn't be right for the Zhu family to deceive your cousin. A happy marriage would be ideal, but I wouldn't want to see them end up unhappy."

"You're right," the old lady sighed inwardly. "You're still worried about your eldest aunt." Her eldest daughter-in-law was a good woman, but she was a bit too materialistic. The Hua family was no longer as prosperous as the Zhu family, but look at Zhi'er and the other young, capable members of the Hua family. When they grew up, the family would rise again.

One should never underestimate the young. The Hua family now consisted mostly of younger generations. Take Bai Lin for example, he was exceptionally intelligent. Even when he wasn't interested in the classics, his tutors couldn't find fault with him.

Now that he's focused on his studies, how could he not succeed?

Moreover, the Hua family was now harmonious, free from internal strife. Her eldest daughter-in-law is also Zhi'er's aunt, and while Zhi'er was capable, she was also reasonable. It was clear she wasn't someone who would cling to power.

Besides, with the Zhu family's status, who wouldn't look up to Shan'er if she married into such a family? And when the Hua family rose again in the future, Shan'er's position would be even more secure.

It was so obvious, yet she had to explain it all so clearly. How could she entrust this family to her?

Her thoughts raced, but her expression remained calm. "She's already come to terms with it, but she's just too embarrassed to talk to you about it. Just forget about that incident and not bring up the matter again. We're family, there's no need for any misunderstandings."

"You're right, it was wrong of me."

"Who would dare say you're wrong? Grandmother wouldn't allow it," the old lady patted her granddaughter's hand, her eyes and face filled with warmth. "Let's just keep this between us. We'll settle it when the time is right."

Hua Zhi stroked her grandmother's soft hand and said softly, "I still want to ask the two of them for their opinions. After all, they're the ones who will be spending their lives together."

"Very well, very well. Have it your way. I've never seen anyone as indulgent of their younger siblings as you. In every family, it's the elders who decide on the marriage of their children. If we let them make their own choices, heaven knows what would happen."

Hua Zhi accepted this accusation without hesitation, understanding that different people have different upbringings and beliefs, and no amount of explanation could bridge the gap.

Hearing footsteps, both women assumed it was Zhu Haodong, but it turned out to be the eldest Madam Zhu.

Hua Zhi rose to greet her, "Eldest aunt."

Madam Zhu helped her up, glancing at her mother-in-law. Seeing the satisfied expression on the old lady's face, she felt a little relieved. Due to her feud with Hua Zhi, she had been having a difficult time at home lately, and even her husband had been visiting her less often.

"It's rare to see you out and about. You look a bit thinner. Although you're in mourning, you should still eat more."

"Yes," Hua Zhi replied obediently. Sensing her aunt's awkwardness, she changed the topic, "I was supposed to attend a banquet at the Wu family today, but since it was early, I came here afterwards."

The old lady immediately picked up on this, "The Wu family, that relative of the Hua family?"

"Yes."

"What do they want? Are they trying to bully you now that the old ones are gone?" The old lady was furious. Wu Zhen had often relied on the Hua family, but now, so soon, he was already getting restless?

"It's just Yang family stirring up trouble. Why are you so angry? Nothing can happen to me." Hua Zhi asked her aunt to sit down first, then sat next to her grandmother.

The old lady wasn't fooled. Even when her son came in, she only gave him a glance and continued to inquire, "Because of your second aunt? Could it be that the rumors a few days ago were true?"

Hua Zhi greeted her second uncle before replying, "I did use some tactics to get the divorce papers. The Yang family wanted to use my Second Aunt as a pawn to grab what little was left of the Hua family, and I couldn't let them."

Only then did the old lady realize that the rumors might have some truth to them. She tapped Hua Zhi's forehead and stopped asking, turning her head to instruct the old nanny, "Hurry up and see why the food hasn't been served yet. Oh, and where's Shan'er? Go get her."

"She said she made something for Zhi'er and took it over." Zhu Haodong smiled at his niece, "The other day, your second aunt's niece came, and she kept asking about you. She seemed eager to meet you."

"I'm afraid people will say I've corrupted all the young ladies in the capital."

"How silly would someone have to be to say that? Zhi'er, you underestimate yourself. Our family may seem wealthy, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? Everyone wants to have someone like you in their family, someone who can hold the fort when it counts. As long as a family has someone like you, the ship won't sink. I think other families have started to pay more attention to their daughters."

"That's a great achievement for Zhi'er'." The old lady laughed first, then sighed, "This world is too harsh on women. It would be a blessing for women if things could be a little easier. I just hope no one uses Zhi'er as an excuse to say nasty things."

"Why bother with them? Those who see the bigger picture know what to do."

Hua Zhi sat on the side, smiling and listening, as if they weren't talking about her. The old lady realized this and pointed at her, laughing uncontrollably.

Zhu Shan came in with a package. Seeing everyone looking at her, she felt even more shy, but thinking of her cousin's character, she didn't turn and run away. She pretended to be nonchalant and handed the package to her with both hands, "I made a set of clothes for my aunt and cousin. They're all made of new spring fabric, and don't worry, the colors are all plain, so you can all wear them."

Hua Zhi studied her expression, understanding in her heart that this one likely already had her heart set.

"Cousin has a kind heart," she said. "I came empty-handed and was rather rude. I'll take you to a Shi Zai Restaurant later."

Zhu Shan's face lit up. "Cousin must keep her word."

The old lady laughed. "Your cousin's word is as good as gold."

Everyone in the room laughed.

After a harmonious lunch with her grandmother, Hua Zhi accompanied her back to her room. The two of them had a private chat, and Hua Zhi left only when she saw her grandmother looking weary.

———TN: Marrying a cousin is something that people today often find strange. We think of cousins as family, like brothers and sisters.

But in the past, it was more common and accepted.

Hua Zhi, coming from the future, finds this idea even more unusual. She comes from a time where people have different ideas about family and relationships.

This difference in perspective makes her feel uncomfortable with the idea of cousin marriage.