[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl":3,"chapter-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-26":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Great Jin's Most Iron Rice Bowl",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1896800,2531,"Chapter 26: Backing Her Up","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-26",26,"\u003Cp>\"Fifth Sister!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Hua Wuniang had already boarded the bridal sedan, Hua Changxi had no time to greet the elders and ran straight toward the sedan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when she was still two or three meters away, she was blocked by Nanny Shen, whose face wore an air of arrogance: \"Time is up; Concubine Hua must depart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said, \"I just want to say a few words to my Fifth Sister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nanny Shen refused outright: \"No. You have already delayed things for a long time. The Third Lady is still waiting at Hou Fu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi, forcing patience, replied, \"Just a few parting words; it won't take long.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nanny Shen grew angry: \"Can't you girl understand human speech? I said no, so it's no.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi's brows knitted together as she looked at Nanny Shen expressionlessly: \"Who are you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though somewhat irritated by Hua Changxi's attitude, Nanny Shen still lifted her chin and declared, \"I am the personal nanny accompanying the Third Lady of Wu Yi Marquis's household.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi scoffed with an \"Oh,\" then said, \"So you're just a servant.\" With that, she attempted to walk around Nanny Shen toward the bridal sedan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nanny Shen was provoked by Hua Changxi's single word: \"servant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was indeed a servant, yet even so, she was a servant of Wu Yi Marquis's household; for a ruined family like the Huas, she would not normally deign to cast a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That this family's daughter dared to treat her with such disregard and mock her to her face was simply outrageous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nanny Shen's face turned iron-green. She reached out again to block Hua Changxi, but ignoring the girl, she turned her gaze toward Master Hua Tai and his wife, sneering:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Hua family's house rules truly open one's eyes. I have never heard of such an ill-mannered young lady; today I have truly gained insight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earlier, the Third Master told the Third Lady that the Hua family knew how to raise daughters and that Concubine Hua was humble and obedient. But judging by this young lady's behavior, Concubine Hua's character is indeed worrisome.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once I return to Hou Fu, I must speak thoroughly with the Third Master and Third Lady, lest they be deceived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, every member of the Hua family showed signs of anxiety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fearing that Hua Changxi had offended Nanny Shen and would thus make life difficult for Hua Wuniang in the marquis's household, Fourth Aunt Hua hurried forward to pull the girl away: \"Changxi, stop making a scene.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi stood firm and whispered, \"Fourth Aunt, Hou Fu is so domineering; they clearly do not respect us. If we shrink back at every turn and appear easy to bully, do you still expect them to treat Fifth Sister well?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Fourth Aunt Hua hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Fourth Aunt Hua could not even drag one person away, Lady Zhong strode forward, grabbed Hua Changxi's arm to yank her behind, and while pulling, plastered a ingratiating smile toward Nanny Shen:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nanny, please do not be angry. It is the Hua family who failed to educate our daughter properly. Rest assured, Wuniang's character is beyond reproach. As for this maid, we will certainly discipline her strictly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi showed no such courtesy toward Lady Zhong; she flung off her hand and looked at Nanny Shen with mockery: \"Is it I who do not understand the rules, or is it Nanny abusing power to bully others and borrowing the tiger's might to intimidate?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I would like everyone to judge fairly: when an elder sister marries, what kind of household is so tyrannical that it does not even allow younger sisters time to bid farewell?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, right, Nanny belongs to Wu Yi Marquis's household. The Marquis's residence is a lofty and noble gate, accustomed to being high above all, so majestic that it forbids others from observing even basic human relationships.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Steward Kong, who stood beside Hua Tai, immediately changed color.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Master taking a concubine had left the Third Lady seething with anger; sending Nanny Shen to fetch Concubine Hua was meant as a warning shot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this, Steward Kong had long planned to ignore it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the Hua family was honest and made no excessive moves, and with Hua Tai and his wife lending support, he had assumed fetching Concubine Hua into the mansion would be easy. He never expected a Cheng Yaojin to appear at the last moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong looked at Concubine Hua's ninth sister; this young lady was formidable. A single word—\"servant\"—had enraged Nanny Shen to the point of losing her head, and now she had rendered the nanny speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If word got out that Wu Yi Marquis's household, while taking a concubine, abused its power to such an extent that it forbade sisters from bidding farewell, who knows how wildly the people of Jingcheng would slander the marquis's residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Realizing he could no longer stand by, Steward Kong stepped forward with a smile: \"Nanny Shen, this young lady wishes to bid farewell to Concubine Hua; please show mercy and grant them a little time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Nanny Shen's expression darkened, he continued smiling, \"Although fetching Concubine Hua has indeed caused considerable delay, rest assured, once we return to Hou Fu, I will personally accompany you to apologize to the Third Lady.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though this smoothed things over and allowed Hua Changxi and Hua Wuniang to say their goodbyes, it also nailed the blame for the delay squarely onto the Hua family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Steward Kong served the Third Master He, Nanny Shen had to give him face; she put on a stern expression and stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi did not immediately go to see Hua Wuniang but instead smiled at Steward Kong: \"Is Steward Kong someone from Third Master He's side?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong was somewhat surprised but still nodded with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi smiled as well, glancing at Hua Tai beside her: \"Seeing how warmly Steward Kong and my great-uncle were just chatting, one might think my Fifth Sister is my great-uncle's granddaughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, everyone present froze, their faces stiffening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the pompous fig leaf was torn away, exposing the filthy calculations beneath, no one could maintain their composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hua family members all looked somewhat embarrassed; Steward Kong and Nanny Shen made no secret of their contempt for them. Though it was their own daughter getting married, the two only spoke to Hua Tai and his wife.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Hua Tai and his wife, their expressions were also far from pleasant. They had thought that with that stubborn old ox Hua Minghe absent, they could manipulate the rest of the Hua family at will. They never expected that without Hua Minghe, his daughter would step forward instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong's face also stiffened, and his gaze upon Hua Changxi gained several degrees of seriousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi paid him no further attention; she quickly moved to the side of the bridal sedan, lifted the curtain, and said, \"Fifth Sister, I'm sorry I came back late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since boarding the sedan, Hua Wuniang's tears had not ceased. Hearing Ninth Sister contend with Nanny Shen outside, although she worried about her own situation upon entering the marquis's household, she felt a measure of relief in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis's residence had come to fetch her, and their slight toward her was plainly displayed for all to see, yet not a single person in her family had stepped forward to support her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, she was deeply disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Ninth Sister had returned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Wuniang gripped Hua Changxi's hand and said, \"It's not late; just seeing you makes me very happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ninth Sister, you must take good care of yourself, Seventh Sister, and Twelfth Sister. Do not follow my example, do you understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi nodded, pressed the Body-Strengthening Pill given to her by Physician Xu into Hua Wuniang's hand, and whispered, \"Fifth Sister, you are still young; do not rush to conceive after entering the Marquis's household.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After I entered the Medical Bureau, my medical skills improved greatly. Wait two years for me; once I complete my apprenticeship, however many children you wish to bear, I will personally deliver them for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If anything happens in the Marquis's household, never endure it in silence; you must inform the family immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Hua Changxi's caring and heartfelt words, Hua Wuniang nodded while crying and smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Didn't you say just two sentences? Why is this endless!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nanny Shen's impatient voice interrupted the farewell between Hua Changxi and Hua Wuniang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Wuniang quickly said, \"Ninth Sister, do not oppose Grandfather and Grandmother. If you cannot adapt to staying in the Labor Hall, just come home; do not force yourself. Rest assured, I will be fine in the Marquis's household. We must all be well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid Nanny Shen's renewed urging, Hua Wuniang reluctantly released Hua Changxi's hand and let the sedan curtain fall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi did not lift the curtain again; she stood for a moment, then turned and walked toward Steward Kong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong, seeing her approach, instinctively straightened his posture—a habit he reserved for meeting important figures—only to marvel at himself once he realized he was facing a young lady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi smiled at Steward Kong. \"Steward Kong, my elder sister did not eagerly seek to become Third Master He's concubine; Third Master He actively sought her out himself. Do you acknowledge this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong glanced at Hua Tai and his wife; regardless of his inner thoughts, he finally nodded. \"I acknowledge it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi said, \"Good that you acknowledge it. Since Third Master He sought her himself, once my elder sister enters Hou Fu, he must protect my Fifth Sister well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong smiled. \"Naturally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Shi suddenly interjected, \"Ninth Lady, Hou Fu is a noble and prestigious household. For Fifth Lady to enter Hou Fu is to fall into a nest of fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi turned to look at Zhong Shi. \"Does Great-Aunt have any granddaughters?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Shi understood Hua Changxi's meaning almost instantly; her face stiffened, and she offered no response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hua Changxi gave her a mocking sneer, then turned back to Steward Kong. \"My Fifth Sister was also raised with love in our family. Though our household might usually be unable to even touch the threshold of Hou Fu, should anything befall our family, we possess some measure of blood and spirit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such an obvious threat naturally displeased Steward Kong. He intended to retort with a few sharp words, yet upon meeting the calm, unruffled eyes of the young lady before him, the words died on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grandfather, Grandmother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong suddenly turned, clasped his fists in salute to Grandfather Hua and Grandmother Hua, then addressed the rest of the Hua family: \"Rest assured, everyone. Once Concubine Hua enters Hou Fu, Third Master will certainly treat her kindly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally hearing a promise from Hou Fu, even if spoken by a steward, greatly reassured the Hua family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the bridal sedan, Fifth Lady Hua pressed her hands tightly over her mouth to stifle her sobs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Steward Kong elevate Fifth Lady Hua, Nanny Shen's expression soured considerably; she directly ordered the sedan bearers, \"Lift the sedan! Return to the manor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steward Kong smiled as he bade farewell to the Hua family; this time, he did not treat Hua Tai and his wife as the primary figures. As he caught up with Nanny Shen and her party, he could not resist glancing back at Hua Changxi once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly possessed by evil spirits; he had actually been bluffed by a young lady.\u003C\u002Fp>",1928,"2026-06-12T02:51:22.172Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","5b2fca84607436b07fde29cabcb69a8cbc2f2341aa2a0f34e9e1b471e5b19776","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-27","the-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-chapter-25",558,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-great-jin-s-most-iron-rice-bowl-cover.jpg"]