Chapter 8: People as Objects

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In the flower hall, the young ladies from each family sat quietly beside their elders, listening to their conversations and occasional laughter, or nodding subtly at appropriate moments. Unless addressed directly, they did not speak a word. Whenever Madam Zhou entered, both the adults and the young ladies would rise promptly, greeting her with warm smiles.

Watching this scene, Changxi Hua’s gaze naturally fell upon Wuniang Hua. Ever since her coming-of-age ceremony, the household had been busy seeking a suitable match for Fifth Sister, though progress had been slow. Given the wide network of the clan, assistance in arranging introductions could be beneficial for her, but would the clan provide such help without cost? Of course not.

To the clan, its members were resources to be managed and allocated. Entrusting the clan with a daughter’s marriage was essentially handing over her fate. Resources existed to be traded! Changxi Hua thought the elders surely understood this, yet despite the awareness, everyone eagerly participated. At that moment, she felt the helplessness and sorrow of the common folk, whose destinies were dictated by others, and they were expected to be grateful for the arrangement. She silently vowed never to live such a life.

“Drink less tea; this is someone else’s home, not a place to be casual,” an elder warned. Changxi Hua, troubled and seeking to quench the nameless fire within her with tea, was stopped by the matriarch as she reached for a second cup. She sighed inwardly—her grandmother was overly cautious, and not just her; the other women behaved similarly.

Though they had waited in the flower hall for so long, few dared to raise their cups to drink. Even sipping was only to moisten their lips. Without servants from a prominent clan home watching, everyone still sat properly, afraid that any misstep might displease the hosts.

Changxi Hua stopped drinking, forcing a polite smile like the other young ladies, becoming a mere silent figure. They sat for over an hour until just before noon, when it was their turn to meet the wife of the clan elder.

...

Madam Zhou Yuer was a kindly and gentle elderly woman. Though a generation senior to Changxi Hua’s grandmother, she was not much older in age.

“Greetings, Aunt,” Grandma Hua said hurriedly upon entering the sitting room, bowing respectfully to Madam Zhou seated at the head.

The three Madam Yao sisters-in-law followed suit with Changxi Hua and the others.

After the group finished their courtesies, Madam Zhou leaned forward slightly, waving off the formalities. “Enough with the formal greetings. We are family here. Leave those outside empty rituals behind and let us have a proper conversation as kin.”

She glanced at Madam Zhou’s attendant, who beamed and immediately drew Grandma Hua to a seat on Madam Zhou’s left, with the Yao sisters seated alongside. Changxi Hua and the other young ladies took seats on a brocade stool in the center of the room.

Madam Zhou first chatted familiarly with Grandma Hua, then exchanged life reflections with the Yao sisters-in-law before turning attentively to the young ladies.

“Your young ladies are truly lovely. I like them all at first sight.”

“Bring me the flower box from my dressing table.”

Madam Zhou’s attendant quickly retrieved a slender box about the size of a palm. Under Madam Zhou’s guidance, the box was opened and tilted slightly so the young ladies could clearly see its contents.

Inside were several lifelike pearl silk flowers, each adorned with delicate silver pendants.

The exquisite flowers caught everyone’s eyes, including Changxi Hua’s.

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Though the Hua family was not strict with the young ladies, their care extended only to providing food and clothing, rarely gifting jewelry. Today, since Wuniang had come of age, her ears were pierced, she wore earrings, and a pearl flower adorned her coiffure.

But Seventh Sister, Changxi Hua, and Twelfth Sister only wore simple hair ribbons.

Seeing the silk flowers, Grandma Hua hurriedly protested, “Aunt, please don’t spoil such fine things. They are far beyond what these girls can wear.”

Ordinary silk flowers cost dozens of copper coins each; those with pearl and silver pendants likely cost hundreds or more. Giving several to the young ladies would amount to many taels of silver—far too extravagant.

Pretending displeasure, Madam Zhou said, “Why not? I believe they can wear even finer things than these.”

She did not say she intended to gift the flowers but smiled at Changxi Hua and the others. “Stand up, let Great-Grandmother see how well you have learned your manners.”

Upon hearing this, Wuniang glanced at Grandma Hua and Fourth Aunt before obediently standing. Seventh Sister, Changxi Hua, and Twelfth Sister followed suit.

Changxi Hua, suspecting this was an interview for Wuniang’s match, quickly glanced at Madam Zhou, guessing the others were merely incidental.

Young Fourteenth Sister wanted to stand as well but was picked up by Madam Zhou’s attendant and handed to Fourth Aunt.

Madam Zhou then scrutinized the four young ladies from above, silent, letting her gaze sweep over them.

The room grew quiet.

The Yao sisters seemed about to speak but fell silent when Grandma Hua said nothing.

Under her naked gaze, Wuniang, Seventh Sister, and Twelfth Sister grew nervous, lowering their heads awkwardly.

Changxi Hua’s inner fire flared.

She understood the clan’s help in arranging matches began with an interview, but what kind of gaze was this? When she felt Madam Zhou’s eyes linger on her chest and hips, she lifted her gaze sharply to meet Madam Zhou’s eyes, unashamedly showing her displeasure.

Madam Zhou was momentarily stunned, surprised by the direct eye contact. After a few seconds, her lips curved into a smile.

“Well-shaped, and a good figure.”

She smiled at Grandma Hua. “Your four young ladies clearly come from good stock.”

Good stock? Changxi Hua frowned deeply. Was this an appropriate first impression?

Grandma Hua, taking it as praise, chuckled. “If that’s so, it’s thanks to your good fortune, Aunt.”

Madam Zhou smiled but did not pursue the topic. She leisurely sipped her tea before asking, “How old are they?”

Grandma Hua replied, “Wuniang has come of age; Seventh and Ninth Sisters are the same age, thirteen this year; Twelfth Sister is twelve; and the youngest, Fourteenth Sister, is seven.”

Madam Zhou nodded. “They’re not young anymore.”

She paused, then said, “Young ladies from good families must start arranging matches at twelve or thirteen. Good suitors are in high demand; it's best to settle early.”

Grandma Hua quickly agreed, embarrassed, “Aunt, I know our family lacks standing. We will need your help to oversee the matches for these girls.”

Madam Zhou’s smile deepened. She looked at Grandma Hua and the Yao sisters. “I wouldn’t want to be the one everyone blames if I don’t find a good match.”

Grandma Hua replied, “Don’t be modest, Aunt. You have more experience than all of us combined. Any family you favor must be excellent.”

Madam Zhou laughed, ending the topic, then turned her gaze back to the four young ladies. “Come, take a few steps forward so Great-Grandmother can see you properly.”

Wuniang glanced at Grandma Hua, who nodded, and then she stepped forward, stopping about a meter from Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou studied Wuniang’s features carefully, her eyes roaming over her figure before nodding with approval and smiling encouragingly. “Now, show me a squat bow.”

Without hesitation, Wuniang bent her knees and lowered herself. “Greetings, Great-Grandmother.”

Madam Zhou’s eyes crinkled with delight. She seemed pleased by Wuniang’s obedience. “Very good, and your voice is pleasant.”

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She then took a silk flower from the box and bent to pin it in Wuniang’s hair herself.

After fastening the flower, Madam Zhou helped Wuniang up, fondly stroking her hand. Turning to Grandma Hua, she said, “Your Wuniang is truly lovable.”

Grandma Hua laughed, “It’s her blessing to please you, Aunt.”

Madam Zhou gestured for the attendant to move Wuniang’s brocade stool beside her, letting Wuniang sit close while still holding her hand. It was clear she was quite fond of her.

Wuniang, overwhelmed by the favor, smiled shyly, her ears tinged pink.

Madam Zhou admired Wuniang’s reaction and then looked at Seventh Sister, Changxi Hua, and Twelfth Sister. “You three, come forward and greet me, too.”

Seventh Sister glanced at her two younger sisters and stepped forward first.

Madam Zhou did not hesitate to praise her warmly: “Good, Seventh Sister is also a sensible and obedient child.”

She then took a silk flower from the box and pinned it in Seventh Sister’s hair, just as she had for Wuniang.

Seventh Sister, beaming with happiness, returned to her seat.

Following seniority, Changxi Hua should have stepped forward next, but she remained rooted to the spot. Twelfth Sister gave her several meaningful glances but, receiving no response, stepped forward herself.

Madam Zhou’s gaze swept over Changxi Hua, then kindly looked at Twelfth Sister crouching by her feet. “What do you usually like to do at home with your sisters?”

Twelfth Sister’s voice was bright and sweet. “Great-Grandmother, we often enjoy sewing and embroidery.”

Madam Zhou seemed pleased with the straightforward answer and smiled. “She’s clever. She will surely marry into a fortunate family someday.”

Twelfth Sister’s smile grew even sweeter. “Thank you for your kind words, Great-Grandmother.”

As the attendant handed her the flower box, Madam Zhou glanced sideways at Changxi Hua, then took two silk flowers and pinned them on Twelfth Sister. “I like this girl. She’s truly lovable.”

Twelfth Sister’s face lit up with pride as she sent a triumphant glance to Second Aunt. Second Aunt felt honored that her daughter had outshone Fourth Aunt’s daughters.

After Twelfth Sister returned to her seat, Madam Zhou fixed her gaze on Changxi Hua, watching her quietly, apparently waiting for her to step forward.

Changxi Hua did not move, even when Grandma Hua and the Yao sisters signaled her. Yet she had no intention of causing a scene.

“Great-Grandmother, please forgive me. I was injured recently, and my waist and leg have not fully healed, so I am unable to come forward and bow.”

Madam Zhou’s scrutinizing gaze was not one of a grandmother evaluating descendants but that of a merchant inspecting goods. The eyes were calculating, assessing value.

Under what circumstances would elders give gifts only after the younger ones knelt at their feet? Submission and flattery were required to earn rewards. This was clearly a test of obedience.

If she stepped forward and knelt at Madam Zhou’s feet to accept the silk flowers, she would be treating herself as an object for selection.

Grandma Hua knew Changxi Hua’s injuries had long healed, but seeing her lack of decorum in another’s home, she was inwardly furious and awkwardly smiled, “Aunt, this girl is useless. Please don’t take it to heart.”

The Yao sisters explained, “Please forgive her, Aunt. Ninth Sister was seriously injured recently after being taken by a sorcerer. She means no disrespect to you.”

Madam Zhou’s smile never wavered. She waved them off. “You all worry too much. I’m just an old woman. Would I really quibble with a child?”

She looked at Changxi Hua. “This Ninth Sister has quite a character!”

“That’s a good thing. Even in a crowd, she leaves a strong impression.”

“Ninth Sister, I hope you keep that character always.”

Changxi Hua met Madam Zhou’s gaze. “Great-Grandmother, rest assured, I will.”

She only wished to preserve her dignity, not be treated as merchandise. If that was the kind of ‘character’ Madam Zhou praised, then she would certainly keep it.