The major rules of the Hua family remain unchanged, but the minor rules are based on Hua Zhi.
She was busy and often went out, so they did not have to gather in the big house for meals on even-numbered days like before. Everyone was happy and comfortable, and they all understood that once the eldest girl asked all the rooms to eat together, it must be an important announcement. Those who had all kinds of thoughts in their minds had been worrying about it for most of the day since they got the news, for fear that the eldest girl would find out about their plans.
I'm afraid the only one who was truly at peace was Hua Xian. She was extremely satisfied with her peaceful life and did not have any extra thoughts. Even her third aunt started to recite scriptures and copied a few scriptures in her spare time. She had long understood that when the eldest girl was in charge, she would tolerate anything as long as she behaved well and did not cause trouble. Even if she had to hand over the baton to someone else in the future, Sui An would be old enough to protect his mother.
Everyone came early, and when Hua Zhi arrived, everyone was still waiting for her.
"Let's eat first."
Dishes were served one after another. The Hua family's chefs are now very good at making vegetarian dishes, but few people really enjoy the food. Hua Zhi has had a poor appetite recently, so she put down her chopsticks after eating a small bowl of rice and half a bowl of soup.
As soon as she put down her chopsticks, everyone else put down theirs as well.
After rinsing her mouth, Hua Zhi looked around and said, "Most of you here are my elders. Although I am in charge of the family now, I try to be as considerate as possible on weekdays. Even the affairs of the backyard are all handed over to Fourth Aunt. Second Aunt and Third Aunt should know the most. We don't even meet each other often, right?"
Qi and Xia looked at each other. They were already feeling a little uneasy, but now they could only nod. This was the fact, and they couldn't lie with their eyes open in front of so many people.
"I have always believed that respect is mutual. I respect you and you respect me, but obviously, you don't have this awareness."
There were dozens of people standing or sitting in the room, but no one responded.
Hua Zhi didn't care and continued, "Grandfather and the others are trying every possible way to find a way back. The children are working harder than ever before. They want to use their own strength to restore the glory of the Hua family. I have squeezed my brain and tried my best to help the Hua family. We are all working hard, and I think our efforts are enough. You just need to be your wives and young ladies and be the greatest help to us."
The harsher the words, the more embarrassing it is. Hua Zhi no longer tried to hide it. Some people didn't understand what she said. They just thought that whatever others did was what they should do, and whatever she got was also her due. There was no such thing in the world.
Hua Zhi stood up. The gentle expression she had shown these days because of being protected by her brothers disappeared, replaced by an extremely calm indifference. "I don't ask you to have hope for the Hua family's revival, nor do I ask you to make any sacrifices for the Hua family. You don't even have to do anything. If you think the Hua family is the best right now, then please do your best to protect it. Don't think about dividing it up. Without my approval, none of you can divide it up."
Still dead silence.
"Second sister, third sister, and fourth sister are willing to help me share my worries, so I will help them. The canned food business will be left to you to manage."
Although the three of them had already obtained the eldest sister's approval, they still felt their blood rushing through their bodies when it was announced in public. They all responded with a crisp sound, which swept away most of the gloom in the room.
"I have my own plans for my sisters' marriages, and no one is allowed to interfere. Also, it is an unchangeable rule for Hua family men not to get involved in business. If anyone breaks the rule, don't blame me for being ruthless." Hua Zhi began to kill the chicken to scare the monkey. "Auntie Qin is grateful for grandma's kindness and wants to copy a hundred volumes of the Ksitigarbha Sutra for grandma. Mother, please help her."
Although Zhu didn't know why Aunt Qin suddenly wanted to copy scriptures for her mother-in-law, she would listen to her daughter's words. She nodded immediately and said, "Yes, of course I will. Aunt Qin is really filial and thoughtful."
Qin Yi Niang, who was waiting behind Zhu, opened her eyes wide. When did she say that she wanted to copy a hundred volumes of scriptures? But she was not stupid. The eldest lady's words meant that she knew about her previous actions. Copying a hundred volumes of scriptures was her punishment. She had to accept it even if she bit her tongue.
But there are hundreds of volumes, how long will it take to copy them!
"Aunt Qin doesn't want to copy scriptures for grandma?"
Aunt Qin lowered her head and said, "Yes, I am willing."
"Then please copy it before the anniversary of my grandmother's death." Without giving Aunt Qin any room to refute, Hua Zhi said, "For the stability of the Hua family, Aunt Qin should not see her family in the future. I have already informed Old Madam Qin, and I think Aunt Qin's family also knows what to do. Of course, Aunt Qin has another choice."
Everyone was worried.
Hua Zhi raised her red lips and uttered three words coldly, "Go back to your mother's home."
Aunt Qin's legs went weak and she knelt down. She knew the situation at home very well. If the Hua family was prosperous, she would be the treasure of her parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and younger siblings. But now, if she dared to go back, they would not open the door. Even if she died outside the door, they would probably send her back to the Hua family and say that she was a member of the Hua family.
Not to mention that the Hua family is thriving now, even if the Hua family really fell into decline, she would not dare to leave.
"I can only tolerate it this time. If it happens again, I will ask that person to leave no matter who they are." Hua Zhi turned and walked out. It was almost dark, and the wind was whistling and blowing, and her heart seemed to grow cold.
Yingchun tied a thin cape on the young lady. Huazhi gathered it together and looked back at the people who were still motionless. "Whenever you have any thoughts in your mind, go to the clan school and listen to the sound of reading to cleanse your mind. Maybe those thoughts will disappear."
Hua Zhi leaned forward slightly and walked out of the house.
If being cold and tough is the only way to keep them in line, then give it to them.
***
On the day of the Autumn Examination, the whole capital seemed to be filled with the scent of ink, and outside the Imperial Examination Hall was bustling with activity. Young men with high aspirations and some with gray hair were making one last effort, all for the chance to pass the imperial examination in one fell swoop.
Being a juren means one is halfway to becoming an official. Only by becoming a juren can one have half a foot in officialdom. After studying hard for dozens of years, there is only this last hurdle left, and everyone wants to cross it.
Hua Zhi called Bai Yu over and said, "Go and burn some incense for the saint. May the saint bless them and everything goes well."
Once every three years, my grandfather would burn incense for them, and say with a smile that he never expected all of them to pass the exam, but only prayed that they could get through the nine days and seven nights safely, and it would be a blessing if they didn't lose their bodies. Now that my grandfather is gone, I still have to burn incense.
Hua Boyu took the order and left, and the half-grown child became more calm.
Hua Zhi turned and went to the front yard. As soon as she passed the moon gate, she saw Bao Xia walking towards her quickly, holding up her skirt. "Miss, the boat has arrived!"
Finally here!
Hua Zhi had been weighing this matter on her mind. She became more and more uneasy as the day the ship arrived was approaching. She was worried that something might happen on the way, and she was also afraid that something strange might have happened in Zhenyang. In four or five days, she planned to ask about the situation through Yan Xi's route.
"Prepare the car, I'm going to the dock." Hua Zhi instructed as she walked out, "Go to Haiwei and tell Nanny Chen to get ready to receive the goods, and then let Fu Dong know."
"yes."