Mrs. Yu was observing Hua Zhi, while Mrs. Xia was looking at Yu Xiasheng.
Just yesterday she learned from her daughter that her marriage had been settled, and today the man came to visit. Naturally she was unhappy, as she had no say in her daughter's marriage. Anyone would have had some thoughts.
But after knowing that the other party was not only a juren this year, but also had a very good family situation, her dissatisfaction disappeared. Even if she were to look for such a marriage on her own, it would be difficult to find one. Although Ling'er's previous matter was resolved, it had happened after all, and how could it not affect her reputation
If she could settle down with the Yu family, it would be the best destination for Ling'er.
She was anxious and anxious, and her eyes fell on Yu Xiasheng from time to time. How could Mrs. Yu not see it? She understood the worries of a mother, but the comparison made Hua Zhi seem even more extraordinary. As the head of the family, she should be able to remain calm in the face of praise or criticism.
After a brief moment of looking at each other, Hua Zhi started a conversation, "I haven't been out for a few days, so I don't know how the snow is being cleared. Will Madam Yu's visit go smoothly?"
"The snow has been cleared almost completely, but it's wet everywhere. Look at me, I'm wearing half-new clothes. I dare not wear new clothes. A few mud stains are not enough to make me sad. Don't despise me, young lady."
Hua Zhi would not take it seriously, but she would continue to express intimacy with him, "Look at my clothes, they are not as new as yours! If you move around more in the future, just wear whatever you feel comfortable with. I hope you can wear anything you want, so that I can talk to you in a carefree way without changing my clothes."
"I'll really do this next time I come." Mrs. Yu smiled softly with her hands covering her mouth. As the two families came and went, they became much closer.
Xia smiled along and did not interrupt rashly. Although the sisters-in-law had their own little thoughts, they all had a consensus that whatever the eldest girl wanted to do should be done according to her wishes. She always wanted the best for everyone, and this was also the case. She had quietly arranged such a marriage for Ling'er, and she was afraid that she would not do a good enough job, so she dared not ruin it.
Madam Yu glanced at her son who was obviously nervous, and secretly sighed. She took the initiative to bring up the purpose of her visit. "My eldest son grew up in front of his grandfather, and his temperament is exactly like his grandfather. He is upright, but sometimes he is too naive."
If she had only suffered a little because of her naivety, she would have learned from it and would have made progress. But officialdom is not all about suffering. If one thing goes wrong, the whole family will be ruined. However, when she came to the capital this time, she found that her eldest son, who would not turn back until he hit the wall, had become more stable after just a few months of not seeing him. After some questions, she found out that it was actually a literary gathering that affected him.
She had never seen what the scene was like with her own eyes, but her father-in-law said that the Hua family had a successor, and he had promised to agree to the marriage without even meeting Hua Ling. She also believed that Hua Ling, who had experienced this kind of thing with Hua Zhi, was definitely not a timid person even if she was not as outstanding as her elder sister. To be honest, she was more afraid that she was too bold and brought trouble to the family.
Madam Yu sighed and continued, "I didn't expect that this blockhead would suddenly become wise after coming to the capital. He has a very good eye and chose the girl from the Hua family. I heard that the eldest girl is a straightforward person, so I won't beat around the bush. I wonder what the Hua family thinks about this matter?"
Hua Zhi smiled dignifiedly, "Mr. Yu is one in a million, and he will definitely have a bright future. But I want to ask you, have you really considered asking to marry a girl from the Hua family?"
Yu Xiasheng nodded without hesitation, "Yes."
"If nothing unexpected happens, you will definitely be admitted to the imperial examination next year. Considering Mr. Yu's talent, you might even be able to get the top spot. Mr. Yu, don't you worry about being dragged down by the Hua family and damaging your future?"
"Don't worry. Grandfather once said that my character would improve after a few years of hard work down there. If that's the case, you can put me anywhere."
“…” Hua Zhi laughed. Isn’t this just perfect
Mrs. Yu also looked helpless, as she had emptied her pockets too thoroughly.
"I asked my third sister what she thought about this matter before."
Madam Yu raised her eyebrows. This did not match the rumors of his overbearing and dictatorial character.
"She hopes to stay in the capital." Hua Zhi looked at Yu Xiasheng, "She doesn't want to abandon her parents' home to enjoy wealth and luxury, and she doesn't want to marry far away. She is the last one to know about any incident in her parents' home. She is actually just frightened and hasn't recovered yet."
"Young lady." Xia tried not to look too anxious. "It's her parents' will and the matchmaker's words. Just make the decision for her."
Hua Zhi smiled at her soothingly, "I will think more about her, but Madam Yu came here today probably because she wants to know more about Third Sister. Third Sister is willing to share the joys and sorrows with me, but I also want her to be able to walk her life path smoothly. Other things will be taken care of by the right people, and the right people will take the responsibility."
Mrs. Yu witnessed how powerful the eldest daughter of the Hua family was, but just a few words made her have a better impression of Hua Ling. A girl who was willing to share the joys and sorrows with her parents' family was much better than a girl who tried her best to get rid of her poor family. The Hua family and the He family were indeed a sharp contrast.
"The third girl is a good girl."
"A good girl shouldn't be delayed. If the marriage is decided, she will naturally go wherever Mr. Yu is. It's not up to her to decide where to stay. My Hua family is not useless to the point where she needs a married woman like her to sacrifice herself."
Yu Xiasheng said solemnly, "Grandfather said that I need to go down there to hone my skills before I can walk smoothly, but I will definitely come back to the capital."
"It's good that Mr. Yu has this intention. Although I won't stop my third sister's marriage, I also hope that she can be closer to me."
Hua Zhi glanced at Yingchun, and Yingchun understood and went out.
When Madam Yu said goodbye and left, she saw Hua Ling, who was wearing a plain cloak and walking slowly from the other end of the corridor. She was tall, with clear eyes, and her appearance was just like her name, Shui Lingling. The plain white dress made her look even prettier, but what Madam Yu liked most was the bookish air that the girl from the Hua family had.
Xia called her over, "Come and meet Madam Yu."
Hua Ling bowed and said, "My daughter greets Madam Yu."
Madam Yu stepped forward and helped the girl up. She was satisfied with the way she looked at her. She took out the gift she had prepared and put it in her hand. She held her hand and said with a gentle smile, "I have a daughter at home who is three years younger than you. She doesn't know anyone in the capital. If you don't mind, I'll let her come over to play with you tomorrow."
"Yes, there are several sisters at home. Madam, just let your younger sister come."
"Okay, okay." Madam Yu patted her hands and turned to look at Xia. "I haven't been to the capital for a long time. I'm not very familiar with it now. I don't know where to go to buy some New Year gifts. I wonder if Madam has time to walk with me."