Chapter 7: Mutual Assessment

On the seventh day of the ninth month, Hua Changxi ultimately followed Old Madam Hua to the main branch of the clan.

Did she not want to resist?

She did.

But if she resisted, she would have to pay the price.

She didn't produce anything and had no source of income; her food, clothing, shelter, and transportation all depended on her family.

The family didn't even need to resort to extreme punishment; simply withholding food was enough to have her completely under their control.

In a large family like the Huas, with so many descendants, grandsons weren't cherished, let alone granddaughters; when they said they'd withhold food, they meant it.

Hua Changxi had once gone hungry for three days and three nights. She was so weak she could barely stand, but that still didn't soften Old Master Hua's heart; he only relented when she bowed her head, admitted fault, surrendered, and obeyed.

Why was she so determined to take the Medical Department examination?

First, because once she entered the Medical Department, even as an apprentice, she would earn a wage.

With money in hand, she wouldn't be constrained by her family in everything and wouldn't lose all autonomy.

Second, entering the Medical Department would give her a social identity; once she had that, she would become a member of society.

A daughter confined to the inner chambers could only rely on her family when trouble arose.

But a member of society could build her own social circle, ask friends for help when problems came, and it would be much harder for her family to arbitrarily push her around.

The Hua clan's ancestral home was not in the capital, but because they had produced a Dingyuan Earl, the clan members had gained a foothold in the capital. After several generations of development, they were now deeply rooted and flourishing.

The Huas lived in the outer city, while the more successful Hua clan members lived near the Dingyuan Earl's mansion, in Anyi Ward of the inner city.

On her first time taking her daughter-in-law and granddaughters to the main branch, Old Madam Hua was uncharacteristically generous, hiring a whole carriage and setting out early.

Forced to do something she didn't want to do, Hua Changxi was naturally displeased. She didn't speak the whole way, just leaned against the carriage window watching the peddlers and pedestrians on the street.

Old Madam Hua glanced sideways at Hua Changxi a few times but couldn't be bothered with this contrary granddaughter, instead tirelessly repeating instructions to the other granddaughters about visiting the main branch.

"When you get to the main branch, you must perform well. Greet everyone with a smile, speak sweetly, be humble in manner, and try to win the favor of the elders."

"Of course, you don't need to be overly fawning, but you absolutely must not be too rigid, like a wooden block."

Old Madam Hua's instructions started out fairly normal, teaching the granddaughters the etiquette for visiting as guests, but as she went on, her words grew increasingly harsh.

"No looking around, no loud talking, and especially no shallow eyes—don't stare at nice things without being able to look away."

"When you're a guest in someone else's home, you must be well-behaved and obedient. No getting into conflicts, and no causing trouble for the family."

"Whoever dares to cause trouble outside will be beaten with a yellow vitex branch as soon as you get home."

Hearing about the beating, Fifth Lady Hua and the others instinctively shrank back. Already nervous from their first visit to the main branch, they became even more tense.

"Also, you must always remember that your every word and action represents our family's face. In front of outsiders, stand properly and sit properly."

"If anyone makes a fool of themselves in front of others, I will definitely not take such a disgraceful girl out again next time."

The faces of Fifth Lady Hua and the others immediately turned serious; even the youngest, Fourteenth Lady Hua, tensed up.

"Have you all remembered?"

"Grandmother, we have remembered."

Seeing her granddaughters' obedient and well-behaved appearance, Old Madam Hua showed a satisfied expression.

Watching this scene, Hua Changxi shifted her gaze back outside the carriage. In her heart, she always kept her distance from this kind of fear-based upbringing.

Before anything even happened, the elders would frighten you first, telling you not to do this, not to do that, like chanting a tightening spell, constantly inputting all kinds of rules into your mind.

Having been raised like this since childhood, it was easy to see that the result would be a bunch of template people constrained by all sorts of rules.

And the adults, in turn, expected the children to win honor for them outside. When their words and actions were all boxed in, where would they find the courage and motivation to conquer the outside world?

Hua Changxi couldn't change the Hua family's upbringing model. All she could do was guard herself and not let herself be assimilated.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of a four-courtyard mansion.

"The main branch's home is truly magnificent!"

Second Aunt Hua exclaimed in admiration, and the young ladies' eyes also sparkled.

The Hua family's two-entrance residence in the outer city was already a dwelling many dreamed of, but compared to the old estates of the great clans in the inner city, it was somewhat unworthy of the occasion.

Old Madam Hua let her daughters-in-law and granddaughters get off the carriage, but did not lead them to knock on the door. Instead, she walked along the street, then turned into an alley, and finally stopped before a small door in the middle of the alley.

"Grandmother, why aren't we entering through the main gate?"

Looking at the small door before her, Hua Twelve couldn't help asking out loud.

As soon as she spoke, Second Aunt Hua quickly pulled her back: "What are you asking? Just follow your grandmother."

Old Madam Hua knew her granddaughters were young and inexperienced in worldly affairs, so she explained at last: "Because our family is not qualified to have them open the main gate."

Hua Twelve had also been spoiled by Second Aunt Hua and had a bold nature. Even after being stopped once by her mother, she still dared to ask further: "Then what must we do to become qualified?"

To this, Old Madam Hua did not respond; on the contrary, her expression darkened somewhat.

Seeing this, Hua Changxi answered for her: "When our family's status and position surpass those of the great clan's old estate, or when our family possesses a scarce value that others lack, then naturally we will be treated with courtesy."

Old Madam Hua glanced at Hua Changxi, said nothing, and stepped forward to knock.

"Creak~"

A middle-aged matron with a thick waist and stout arms opened the door, picking her teeth with a bamboo skewer in her left hand and pulling the door bolt with her right.

"Who are you looking for?"

The matron continued picking her teeth, squinting as she looked over Old Madam Hua's party, her tone languid.

Old Madam Hua put on a full smile: "We are the family of Hua Bin. Yesterday a clansman came to inform us that Aunt Yu'e had summoned us."

The matron gave a sudden "Oh" of realization, then immediately let her gaze fall on Hua Changxi and the other young ladies, appraising each one brazenly.

"Alright then, wait here."

Having said that, she banged the door shut with a "thud."

Seeing this, Old Madam Hua was not bothered, but she withdrew her smile.

Hua Changxi, however, had a bad premonition.

The gaze of that matron just now was far too insolent; a servant's behavior can reflect the master's attitude.

If the servant looked down on them, that Great Matriarch likely also thought little of them. Under these circumstances, Hua Changxi did not believe that their sudden summons would bring anything good.

After waiting about ten minutes, the back door opened again.

This time, the person who came out was a matron dressed elegantly.

"Greetings to the Old Madam, the Ladies, and the Young Misses."

The matron immediately curtsied to Old Madam Hua's party upon coming out.

Before she could finish bending her knees, Old Madam Hua grabbed her hand: "Nanny Zhou, you flatter us. Five, bring your younger sisters to pay respects to your Granny Zhou."

Zhou Shi, the most trusted person serving the great clan's elder lady, Zhou Yu'e.

When members of the Hua clan met this woman, they dared not put on airs or refuse.

Hua Five, being called upon, reacted quickly and led her sisters in a curtsy to Nanny Zhou: "Greetings, Granny Zhou."

Nanny Zhou's gaze followed the voice and landed on Hua Five. Seeing that all the young ladies were striking in appearance, her smile deepened. She pulled Old Madam Hua into small talk while leading the group into the residence.

"What a coincidence today—a few other families from the clan are also visiting. When you meet them later, be sure to have a good chat."

"In the past two years, the Grand Lady has grown fonder of having young ladies come and amuse her. In the future, if you have time, bring the girls over more often; the Grand Lady will only be delighted."

Hearing that other families had also come, Old Madam Hua's eyes flickered, and she exchanged glances with her three daughters-in-law.

Soon, the party was led into a flower hall.

Several families were seated in the flower hall, all with elders accompanied by young ladies.

These people clearly recognized Old Madam Hua; after sizing up Hua Changxi and the others behind her, they all began chatting and laughing together.

Nanny Zhou took the opportunity to say: "I still need to attend to the Grand Lady. You all sit here for a while; I'll come call for you later."

As soon as Nanny Zhou left, the other families started asking about Hua Five and the others.

"How old are you?"

"Have you been betrothed?"

"With such a beautiful young lady at home, why didn't you bring her out for us to see?"

Hua Changxi found the atmosphere in the flower hall somewhat strange. Although the other families seemed to be chatting lively with Old Madam Hua and the three sisters-in-law including Yao, their words and attitudes subtly carried a hint of rivalry and competition.

Those young ladies were also very strange; they didn't laugh or talk, just sat primly beside their elders.

After a cup of tea, Old Woman Zhou came and led away one family—a group consisting of one old lady, two women, and three young ladies.

None of the families who had arrived earlier showed any surprise at this.

Old Madam Hua was somewhat puzzled and quietly asked one of the old ladies surnamed Zhao, who was on fairly good terms with her: "Elder Sister, why isn't Aunt Yu'e meeting all of us together?"

Old Madam Zhao was surprised: "You don't know the purpose of Aunt Yu'e seeing us today?"

Old Madam Hua shook her head: "Yesterday, a clan member came to our house and only said that Aunt Yu'e wanted to see a few of the young ladies in the family."

Old Madam Zhao lowered her voice: "She indeed wants to see the young ladies, but not just for a casual meeting—it's for matchmaking inspection."

Old Madam Hua's eyes widened: "Matchmaking inspection?"

Upon hearing this, the three sisters-in-law including Yao were also surprised and taken aback.

Seeing the reactions of the Hua family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, Old Madam Zhao found it odd: "How is this possible? You didn't even know this? Your information is too blocked."

Old Madam Hua gave an embarrassed laugh. Their family had always been on the fringe of the clan and couldn't get any proper information.

Seeing Old Madam Hua's awkwardness, Old Madam Zhao quickly added a comforting remark: "I think the young ladies in your family are all quite good-looking. Perhaps this good fortune will fall upon your family."

Old Madam Hua made a few modest and polite remarks, but couldn't help shifting her gaze to her granddaughters, who were whispering among themselves.

Fifth Miss has already come of age this year. If the clan is truly helping to find a match, choosing her would certainly be the best.

However, among all the granddaughters, the most eye-catching was still the rebellious Ninth Miss, though she was still a bit young.

Looking at Hua Jiuniang, Old Madam Hua's gaze involuntarily fell on Yao.

Towards this daughter-in-law, Old Madam Hua still harbored dissatisfaction.

First, Yao was not the one she had chosen.

Second, Hua Minghe was her most promising son. Back then, the Earl's manor intended to cultivate him and arranged a good marriage for him, but in order to marry Yao, her eldest son ended up offending the Earl's manor. Their family had been ostracized by the clan all these years, and a large part of the reason was this.

Being disregarded by the clan was one thing, but what infuriated her most was that Yao had delayed her eldest son's prospects.

Her eldest son was a fifth-rank martial artist, yet up to now he was just a constable in the Six Doors.

The old man spent money to inquire about the reason, and they told him it was because the eldest son married a woman he shouldn't have.

Yao had married into the Hua family for over twenty years, but regarding the Yao family's situation, she and the old man knew nothing except a few names.

Her eldest son married a woman of unknown origin who also affected the Hua family's future—how could she not be angry?

Old Madam Hua looked at Yao's stunning face and grew angrier the more she thought about it.

Hua Changxi, who was sitting in the back chatting with Hua Wuniang and two others about the clothing and accessories of the young ladies from other families, noticed that Old Madam Hua was looking at her mother with an odd expression. She couldn't help picking up the teacup from the table and walking over: "Grandmother, have some tea." Then she used her body to block the old lady's line of sight.

Old Madam Hua saw this and snorted.

The several grandchildren of the main branch really made her feel both love and hate.

All three grandsons inherited their father's stubborn temperament and were extremely protective of Yao.

As for the two granddaughters, not to mention Shiniang, who had gone to Qiyun Mountain and wasn't at home, this Jiuniang was simply a rebellious kid.

Words like respectful, obedient, humble—these praises of a young lady's virtues—didn't suit her in the slightest.

Old Madam Hua glared at Hua Changxi, then withdrew her gaze. Seeing another family being led out of the flower hall, and realizing that the matriarch of the main clan had called them here for matchmaking inspection, she called over the only young lady who had come of age, Hua Wuniang, and whispered instructions to her.

Matchmaking inspection?

Standing close by, Hua Changxi overheard Old Madam Hua's instructions to Hua Wuniang and felt a jolt in her heart.

Their marriage—was the clan going to meddle?

If parents, when it comes to their children's marriage, might still consider the child's thoughts and feelings, but if the clan gets involved, then marriage would likely become nothing but a naked transaction.