The Qin family's old man, Qin Peiliang, was the Shaoqing of the Imperial Household Department, an official of the fourth rank. Although his position was not low, he was not very important among the officials in Beijing. Compared with the Qin family in its heyday, it is now in decline.
Qin Gongyang of this generation could be considered to have a successful career, but it was still a little short of it. So after knowing what his wife had done, the usually gentle Qin Peiliang got so angry and didn't give his wife any face.
Personally, it hasn't been long since my sister left, and the Qin family is acting as if they are going to go their separate ways. This is morally unacceptable. Publicly, the two families have become alienated because of her, but fortunately it hasn't been long, and the affection accumulated over the years has not been exhausted, otherwise it would be too late to say anything.
Qin Peiliang became a little restless when he thought about how Hua Zhi's loosening of her fingers would bring such a great opportunity to the Qin family.
"Master, the eldest girl is here."
The door curtain rustled, and Qin Peiliang looked at his niece-granddaughter, who did not move as slowly as other girls. The last time he saw her was at his sister's funeral. The eldest daughter, who had hardly left any impression on him, stood up when everyone else collapsed, and arranged everything in an orderly manner, comforting the whole family. He thought she was capable at that time, but who could have thought that she would do so many things in this year, making no one dare to underestimate her.
By this time, no one thought that the Hua family would fall.
"Zhi'er pays respects to Uncle Grandpa."
"Come and sit down."
Hua Zhi sat down at the bottom and looked up at her uncle, who was broad-shouldered and fat, but his face was still gentle, unlike other fat men who had a face full of fat.
"If you go out with more people in the future, things will be different now."
"If my cousin hadn't mentioned it just now, I wouldn't have known that there are still people in the capital who dare to marry me." Hua Zhi took the tea and blew it gently, and said with a smile: "Don't they think that I will be like other women who marry and follow their husbands, and they can't do anything to me? Put me on the shrine and bring back a few concubines as they want, and drink wine as they want? What a beautiful dream!"
These words were indeed sharp, but Qin Peiliang enjoyed this attitude very much. The closer they were to each other, the more comfortable they would feel, and their true nature would be revealed.
"That's exactly what I thought. After I knew their plan, I sent someone to investigate. They said they wanted to worship you, give you status, power, and a few children, so that you would be devoted to them and make plans for them."
"That's a good idea. Children are the most useful restraint for women. It's a pity that they have no chance." Hua Zhi could guess their plan without much thinking. She could even guess that someone would do anything to ruin her reputation just to achieve their goal. But they would probably be disappointed because they missed one person.
Come to think of it, it seemed like there were a few more people following her around these days. It looked like Yan Xiying knew about it, but didn't tell her, so he would deal with her later!
Qin Peiliang reminded her, "Don't be too conceited. I'm afraid they will try covertly if they can't do it openly. It's better to be more cautious."
"Yes, don't worry, I look down on them, but I won't underestimate them."
"It's good to know what's going on. There's no shortage of disgusting people or disgusting things in this world. We just hope we don't run into them." Qin Peiliang looked at the little girl whose expression remained unchanged. "I've discussed it with several families. I don't care how they fight openly. But if they try to do something sneaky, my Qin family won't stand idly by. However, it's hard to guard against such things, and the Qin family's prestige is not as strong as before. If it's not necessary, try to go out less, or you can try to beg the emperor. You have done some good deeds now, and he won't ignore your request for self-protection."
Hua Zhi really didn't think of asking the emperor for help at all. Compared to that person, she trusted the manpower left for her by Yan Xi and the various medicines left for her by Shaoyao more.
It was difficult to explain at this time, so Hua Zhi took it over vaguely.
Qin Peiliang just thought that she had a plan in mind, so he asked about the situation of the younger generation of the Hua family, and also showed concern for Hua Yizhen and other people at Yinshan Pass before releasing them.
After politely declining the Qin family's guards' invitation, Hua Zhi paid close attention on the way back and discovered that there were indeed more people around her. Wang Rong, who usually did not show up, was walking on the side of the carriage today with a knife slung over his shoulder. His ferocious attitude surprised Hua Zhi. She was so frightened. Did something happen before
Just as she was thinking, the carriage suddenly stopped. A moment later, Bao Xia's voice came from outside, "Miss, Master Jiang said he wants to see you for something."
Hua Zhi glanced at Nanny Su who was accompanying the carriage. Nanny Su understood and opened the curtain.
Hua Zhi looked at the person not far away outside. After not seeing him for a while, he seemed to be more stable.
Jiang Huanran got off the horse, walked to the front of the carriage and bowed, "How is your health, young lady?"
"It's good. Mr. Jiang looks very good."
After a brief opening speech, Jiang Huanran glanced around and lowered his voice and said, "I have something to tell the young lady. I wonder if I can spare a moment to talk."
"If it's about the marriage proposals from various families, I already know about it."
Jiang Huan then gritted his teeth and blurted out, "I... still have my heart set on the eldest girl. Before I came here, I asked my father for a promise. If the eldest girl agrees, the eldest girl and I can live alone. We won't listen to anyone in the Jiang family. I, I will never let the eldest girl down. I won't look for anyone else. There won't be any concubines in the family. I, I will work harder and won't let you down..."
Hua Zhi looked at this once romantic son of a noble family with tender eyes as he stammered but solemnly made a promise. She could see his determination and believed that he was really willing to fight against his family for her. She was moved, but only moved.
"I am honored to be the reason why you are willing to make progress, but I am sorry. I will not hand over my whole life and the Hua family to anyone. If I ever get married, it is not because I need his protection, but because we love each other. It has nothing to do with status or the added value that others are fighting for. It is just because I am Hua Zhi."
Hua Zhi smiled and said softly, "I am not saying that you are bad. It is because you are good that I want to make it clear to you. Thank you for trying every way to protect me. I cannot accept your kindness, but I accept your good intention."
Patting her chest, Hua Zhi smiled and said, "I will treasure this sincere protection."
Hua Zhi leaned forward in the carriage and bowed, saying thank you, but I'm sorry.
Jiang Huanran covered his eyes, he knew, he knew he had no chance. He remembered the man in Xiangyang, but he had to try his best and fight for it so that he would not regret it when he thought about it in the future.
Such a woman, such a woman, could not belong to him.
But leaving a mark in her heart in this way is also another kind of success.
Jiang Huanran put his hand down, his eyes red, but he smiled brightly at Hua Zhi, "The elder girl is still as frank as ever. I envy that man."
Hua Zhi smiled with warm eyes.
Jiang Huanran suddenly turned around, mounted his horse, and rode away without saying anything.