Chapter 7: A Mutual Gaze

On the seventh day of early September, Hua Changxi ultimately followed Grandmother Hua to the Hua clan’s ancestral home.

Did she want to resist?

She did.

But if she resisted, she would inevitably have to pay a price.

Having no occupation or income, dependent on her family for everything—food, clothing, shelter, and travel—

Her family didn’t need to impose harsh punishments; simply withholding food was enough to keep her firmly under control.

In a large family like the Hua’s, with countless descendants, grandsons were hardly treasured, let alone granddaughters. If they said no food, it meant no food at all.

Hua Changxi had once endured starvation for three days and nights, so weak she could barely stand, yet it did not soften the heart of the old Master Hua. Only when she bowed her head in apology, accepted her fault, and submitted did he relent.

Why was she so determined to apply to the Department of Medicine?

Firstly, entering the Department—even as an apprentice—meant earning wages.

Having money in hand meant she would no longer be completely shackled by her family’s control; she could gain some autonomy.

Secondly, joining the Department granted her a social identity. With a social identity, she became a person in society.

A maiden confined to the inner chambers could only rely on family for help in times of trouble.

A social person could build her own network, seek friends’ assistance in difficulties, making it harder for her family to manipulate her at will.

...

The Hua clan’s ancestral roots were not originally in the capital city, but thanks to producing the esteemed Earl Dingyuan, they had firmly established themselves there. After several generations of development, the family had long since flourished and grown deeply rooted.

The Hua family residence was in the outer city, while the more successful clan members lived near the Earl Dingyuan’s mansion in the inner city’s Anyi neighborhood.

It was the first time that Grandmother Hua brought her daughter-in-law and granddaughters to the clan’s ancestral home. For once, she indulged herself, hiring a carriage and setting off early.

Forced to do what she did not wish, Hua Changxi was naturally unhappy and remained silent during the journey, resting her head against the carriage window to watch the street vendors and pedestrians.

Grandmother Hua glanced sideways at Hua Changxi several times but didn’t bother with her rebellious granddaughter. Instead, she tirelessly lectured the other granddaughters about the visit to the clan home.

“When you arrive at the clan’s ancestral home, you must behave well. Offer a polite smile, speak sweetly, be humble, and know how to win the elders’ favor.”

“Of course, no need to be overly eager, but absolutely not stiff like a wooden doll.”

At first, Grandmother Hua’s instructions were reasonable, teaching the girls proper etiquette for visiting guests. But as she continued, her words grew increasingly stern.

“No staring around, no loud talking, and don’t be so shallow-eyed that you can’t look away from something nice.”

“When visiting others, be obedient and well-behaved. No conflicts, and do not bring trouble to the family.”

“Anyone who dares to cause trouble outside will be punished with the yellow thorn switch upon returning home.”

Hearing the threat of punishment, Hua Wuniang and the others instinctively shrank back, their nerves already frayed by the first visit to the clan home.

“Remember, your every word and action represent our family’s honor. Stand with proper posture and sit with grace.”

“Anyone who embarrasses the family will not be allowed to go visiting again.”

The young women’s faces turned serious; even the youngest, Hua Shisiniang, tensed up.

“Everyone remember?”

“Grandmother, we remember.”

Seeing her granddaughters obedient, Grandmother Hua looked satisfied.

Hua Changxi watched this scene and then returned her gaze outside the carriage window. She had always kept her distance from this kind of intimidation-based upbringing.

Before a single incident occurs, the elders already scare you with endless “thou shalt nots,” like a tightening spell, filling your mind with countless rules.

Growing up under such strict tutelage, it was easy to imagine the children becoming mere templates confined by rules.

And yet the adults expected these children to uphold family honor, behaving with such restraint—where would they find the courage and drive to conquer the outside world?

Hua Changxi could not change the Hua family’s way of raising children; all she could do was guard her own heart and resist being assimilated.

...

After about half an hour, the carriage stopped in front of a four-section courtyard.

“The clan’s ancestral home is truly grand!” Aunt Hua Er exclaimed, and the young ladies’ eyes sparkled.

The Hua family’s two-section courtyard in the outer city was already coveted by many, but compared to the great clan home in the inner city, it was hardly comparable.

Grandmother Hua and the women all alighted, but instead of knocking on the main door, they walked down the street, turned into an alley, and stopped before a small gate halfway down.

“Grandmother, why don’t we enter through the main gate?” Hua Shiniang could not help but ask, looking at the small door before them.

Before she could ask again, Aunt Hua Er quickly pulled her back. “Why ask? Just follow your grandmother.”

Grandmother Hua, knowing her granddaughters were young and inexperienced in social graces, finally explained, “Because our family isn’t qualified to have the main gate opened for us.”

Hua Shiniang, raised indulged by Aunt Hua Er, was bold enough to ask again despite being stopped, “Then how can we become qualified?”

Grandmother Hua did not respond; instead, her expression darkened.

Seeing this, Hua Changxi answered for her, “When our family’s status surpasses the clan’s ancestral home, or when our family possesses rare value others do not, then naturally we will be treated with respect.”

Grandmother Hua glanced at Hua Changxi but said nothing, stepping forward to knock on the door.

“Creak~”

A stout, broad-shouldered middle-aged woman appeared, holding a bamboo toothpick in her left hand as she lazily pulled the door latch with her right.

“Who are you looking for?” she asked, still picking her teeth, casting a lazy sideways glance at Grandmother Hua’s group.

Grandmother Hua smiled broadly, “We are from the family of Hua Bin. The clan messengers came yesterday to notify us that Aunt Yu’e summoned us.”

The woman responded with an “Oh,” then her gaze landed on Hua Changxi and the young ladies, openly scrutinizing them one by one.

“Alright, wait here.”

With that, she slammed the door shut.

Grandmother Hua was unfazed, though her smile faded somewhat.

Hua Changxi, however, felt a bad premonition.

That woman’s bold gaze was too brazen; a servant’s attitude reflected the master’s.

If the servant looked down on them, the clan matriarch Yu’e likely did too. In such circumstances, she doubted their sudden summons would bode well.

After about ten minutes, the back door opened again.

This time, a well-dressed woman appeared.

“Greetings to Grandmother, the ladies, and young miss,” she said, bowing respectfully to Grandmother Hua’s group.

Grandmother Hua didn’t wait for her to kneel, instead grabbing the woman’s hand, “Nurse Zhou, you flatter us. Wuniang, come and greet your Grandmother Zhou.”

Nurse Zhou was the chief attendant to the clan matriarch, Madame Zhou Yu’e.

Members of the Hua clan treated her with great respect.

Wuniang was quick to respond, leading the younger sisters in a respectful bow. “Greetings, Grandmother Zhou.”

Nurse Zhou’s gaze rested on Wuniang and her sisters, their remarkable beauty deepening her smile. As she chatted casually with Grandmother Hua, she led the group inside.

“It’s a coincidence that a few other families from the clan are visiting today. When you meet them later, be sure to chat well.”

“In recent years, Madame has become increasingly fond of having young ladies visit and keep her company. When you have time, bring a few more young ladies to visit. Madame will be delighted.”

Upon hearing that others were coming, Grandmother Hua’s eyes flickered as she exchanged glances with her three daughters-in-law.

Soon, the group was led into a flower hall.

Several families were already seated there—elders accompanied by their young ladies.

These people obviously knew Grandmother Hua. After glancing at Hua Changxi and the others behind her, they began chatting and laughing together.

Taking the opportunity, Nurse Zhou said, “Madame needs my attention elsewhere. Please wait here; I will call you when the time comes.”

After Nurse Zhou left, the others began asking about Wuniang and the other young ladies.

“How old are they?”

“Are they betrothed yet?”

“With such beautiful young ladies at home, why not bring them out for us to see?”

The atmosphere in the flower hall felt strange to Hua Changxi. Although the other families spoke cheerfully with Grandmother Hua and the three sisters-in-law of the Yao family, their tone subtly carried rivalry and competition.

The young ladies were odd too; they didn’t laugh or joke, sitting properly beside their elders.

After a cup of tea, Nurse Zhou returned to escort a family consisting of an elderly woman, two women, and three young ladies.

The families already present showed no surprise.

Grandmother Hua was somewhat puzzled and quietly asked an older lady she knew, Madam Zhao, “Sister-in-law, why didn’t Aunt Yu’e come to meet us?”

Madam Zhao was surprised. “You don’t know the purpose of Aunt Yu’e’s meeting today?”

Grandmother Hua shook her head. “Yesterday the clan messengers only said that Aunt Yu’e wanted to see some of our young ladies.”

Madam Zhao lowered her voice, “She did want to see the young ladies, but not just to meet them—she wanted to assess them.”

Grandmother Hua’s eyes widened. “Assess?”

The three sisters-in-law from the Yao family were equally surprised.

Seeing their reaction, Madam Zhao looked puzzled. “You don’t even know this? Your clan’s information must be too closed off.”

Grandmother Hua smiled awkwardly; their family was always on the fringes of the clan and rarely heard any substantial news.

Madam Zhao, noticing her embarrassment, hurried to add, “From what I see, your young ladies are all quite attractive. Perhaps this time a good match will come to your family.”

Grandmother Hua politely demurred but couldn’t help glancing at the whispering granddaughters.

Wuniang had already come of age this year; if the clan was truly assisting in finding matches, and she was chosen, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome.

Yet among all the granddaughters, the most striking was rebellious Jiuniang, though she was still a bit young.

Looking at Jiuniang, Grandmother Hua’s gaze shifted to Yao’s side.

She still harbored resentment toward this daughter-in-law.

First, Yao was not her choice.

Second, Hua Minghe, her most outstanding son, had once been favored by the Earl’s household, which had arranged a good match for him. But to marry Yao, her eldest son offended the Earl’s household, causing their family to be marginalized in the clan for years.

Being disregarded by the clan was one thing, but what infuriated her most was that Yao had impeded her eldest son’s future.

He was a fifth-rank martial artist but remained only a constable at the Six Doors.

The old man had spent money to investigate the cause, and was told it was because the eldest son married the wrong woman.

Yao had been married into the Hua family for over twenty years, but apart from a few names, she and the old man knew nothing of the Yao family’s background.

Her eldest son had married a woman of unknown origin, who affected the Hua family’s prospects—how could she not be furious?

Looking at Yao’s beautiful face, Grandmother Hua’s anger only grew.

Sitting behind, Hua Changxi was chatting with Wuniang and two others about the attire of other families’ young ladies. Seeing Grandmother Hua’s hostile gaze toward her mother, she quietly lifted her teacup and walked over, saying, “Grandmother, have some tea,” then positioned herself to block the old woman’s sight.

Grandmother Hua snorted.

The grandchildren of the main family were truly a mix of love and hate.

The three grandsons all inherited their father’s stubborn temper and fiercely protected Yao.

Among the two granddaughters, Shiniang was away at Qiyun Mountain, so she was not considered; but Jiuniang was a true rebel.

Obedient and humble—words praising a young lady’s virtues—had no connection with her at all.

Grandmother Hua shot a glance at Hua Changxi before withdrawing her gaze. Seeing another family being led out of the flower hall, she thought about the clan matriarch’s intent to have them assessed, then quietly called Wuniang aside to give her some whispered advice.

Assessment?

Standing nearby, Hua Changxi caught Grandmother Hua’s words and felt a chill in her heart.

The clan was going to interfere in their marriage arrangements?

While parents might consider their children’s feelings and wishes in marriage, once the clan intervened, marriage became nothing more than a bare transaction.