Chapter 7: The Blind Date

On the seventh day of the ninth lunar month, Hua Changxi ultimately followed Old Madam Hua to the residence of the Great Clan Elder.

Did she not want to resist?

She did.

It was just that if she resisted, she would inevitably pay the price.

As someone who did not engage in production, she had no source of income; her food, clothing, shelter, and transportation all depended on her family.

The family wouldn't even need to resort to extreme punishments; as long as they withheld her food, they could hold her completely in their grasp.

In a large family like the Hua clan, with so many descendants, even grandsons were not considered precious, let alone granddaughters. To say they wouldn't feed her was a literal truth.

Hua Changxi had experienced being starved for three days and three nights before. She had been so hungry she could barely stand, yet even that failed to soften Old Man Hua's heart. He insisted she bow her head, admit her fault, submit, and comply before he would relent.

Why was she so determined to apply to the Medical Bureau?

First, if she entered the Medical Bureau, even as a mere apprentice, she would earn a wage. With money in hand, she wouldn't have to be constrained by her family in every matter, nor would she be rendered incapable of autonomy.

Second, entering the Medical Bureau would grant her a social identity. Once one has a social identity, one becomes a member of society.

When a daughter of a private household encounters trouble, she can only rely on her family for help. But a member of society can build their own social circle; when trouble arises, they can seek help from friends, making it much harder for the family to manipulate them at will.

The Hua clan's ancestral home was not in the capital, but because a Dingyuan Earl had emerged from their ranks, the clansmen had managed to establish a foothold in the capital. Through generations of development, they were now deeply rooted and flourishing.

The Hua family lived in the Outer City, while the more successful members of the clan resided in Anyi Ward within the Inner City, adjacent to the Dingyuan Earl's manor.

For the first time taking her daughters-in-law and granddaughters to the Great Clan Elder's home, Old Madam Hua was uncharacteristically extravagant, chartering a carriage and setting out early.

Being forced to do something she did not want to do, Hua Changxi was naturally unhappy. She remained silent throughout the journey, leaning against the carriage window to watch the vendors and pedestrians on the street.

Old Madam Hua shot a few sidelong glances at Hua Changxi but couldn't be bothered to deal with this granddaughter who seemed born with a rebellious bone. Instead, she tirelessly repeated instructions to the other granddaughters regarding their visit to the Clan Elder's house.

"When we arrive at the Great Clan Elder's home, you must behave yourselves. Smile often, be sweet-tongued, maintain a humble posture, and know how to please your elders."

"Of course, you don't need to be overly fawning, but you must absolutely not be too stiff, like blocks of wood."

Old Madam Hua's initial instructions were relatively normal, teaching the girls the etiquette of being guests, but as she continued, her words grew increasingly severe.

"No looking around aimlessly, no loud clamor, and certainly no shallow eyes—do not let your gaze wander the moment you see something nice."

"When visiting someone else's home, you must be well-behaved and obedient. You are not allowed to cause conflict or bring trouble to the family."

"If anyone dares to cause trouble outside, you will face the switch immediately upon returning home."

Hearing that they would be beaten, Hua Wuniang and the others instinctively cringed. Already nervous about visiting the Great Clan Elder for the first time, they became even more anxious.

"Furthermore, you must always remember that your every word and action represents our family's reputation. In front of outsiders, you must have proper posture whether standing or sitting."

"If anyone makes a fool of themselves in front of outsiders, I will absolutely never bring such a disgraceful young lady out to visit again."

The expressions of Hua Wuniang and the others instantly turned solemn; even the youngest, Hua Shiniang, grew tense.

"Have you all memorized this?"

"Grandmother, we have memorized it."

Seeing her granddaughters' obedient behavior, a look of satisfaction appeared on Old Madam Hua's face.

Watching this scene, Hua Changxi turned her gaze back to the outside of the carriage. She had always maintained a respectful distance from this kind of intimidation-based upbringing.

Before trouble even arises, the elders scare you first, telling you what you can and cannot do, constantly inputting various rules into your brain like a repetitive incantation.

Growing up with such upbringing, one could imagine that they would only produce "template people" boxed in by various regulations.

And what of the adults? They expect children to bring honor to the family while their every movement is restricted; where would those children find the courage and motivation to conquer the outside world?

Hua Changxi could not change the Hua family's mode of upbringing; all she could do was guard herself and ensure she was not assimilated.

Two quarters of an hour later, the carriage stopped in front of a four-entry courtyard residence.

"The Great Clan Elder's home is truly magnificent!"

Second Aunt Hua looked on in awe, and the young ladies' eyes also sparkled.

The Hua family's two-entry residence in the Outer City was already a dream home for many, but compared to the Great Clan Elder's home in the Inner City, it seemed somewhat insignificant.

After Old Madam Hua had led her daughters-in-law and granddaughters off the carriage, she did not lead them to knock on the main gate. Instead, she walked along the street, turned into an alley, and finally stopped before a small gate in the middle of the lane.

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

Looking at the small gate before them, Twelfth Lady Hua couldn't help but ask aloud.

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

Knowing her granddaughters were young and lacked understanding of social nuances, Old Madam Hua offered a brief explanation: "Because our family does not have the status to have them open the main gates for us."

Twelfth Lady Hua had also been raised with Second Aunt Hua's indulgence and was quite bold. Even after being stopped by her mother, she dared to continue: "Then what must we do to have that status?"

Old Madam Hua did not respond to this; instead, her expression darkened slightly.

Seeing this, Hua Changxi answered for her: "When our family's status and position are higher than the Great Clan Elder's, or when our family possesses a rare value that others do not, we will naturally be treated with courtesy."

Old Madam Hua glanced at Hua Changxi but said nothing, stepping forward to knock on the door.

*Creak~*

A stout, middle-aged crone holding a bamboo toothpick in her left hand and pulling the door bolt with her right opened the door.

"Who are you looking for?"

The crone continued to pick her teeth, eyeing Old Madam Hua's group with a lazy, sidelong glance.

Old Madam Hua wore a full smile: "We are from Hua Bin's family. A clansman came by yesterday to notify us that Auntie Yu'e requested a meeting."

The crone gave a realization "Oh," and then her gaze fell upon Hua Changxi and the other young ladies, scanning them insolently one by one.

"Fine, wait here."

With that, she slammed the door shut with a *bang*.

Seeing this, Old Madam Hua did not seem to mind, though the smile faded from her face.

Hua Changxi, however, had a bad premonition.

That crone's gaze had been far too insolent. The behavior of a servant reflects the attitude of the master.

If the servant looked down on them, the Great Matriarch likely looked down on them as well. Under such circumstances, she did not believe that this sudden summons would lead to anything good.

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

This time, the person who emerged was a well-dressed crone.

"I offer my greetings to the Old Madam, the various Mistresses, and the young Ladies."

As soon as she emerged, the crone bowed to Old Madam Hua's party.

Before she could fully bend, Old Madam Hua grabbed the crone's hand: "Nanny Zhou, you are making us feel unworthy. Wuniang, quickly lead your sisters to pay their respects to Nanny Zhou."

Zhou was the primary trusted attendant to the Great Clan Elder's wife, Zhou Yu'e.

The Hua clansmen did not dare to act overly familiar or arrogant when meeting her.

Being called upon, Hua Wuniang reacted quickly, leading her sisters in a bow toward Nanny Zhou: "Greetings, Nanny Zhou."

Nanny Zhou's gaze followed the sound and landed on Hua Wuniang. Seeing that the young ladies were all exceptionally beautiful, her smile deepened. While engaging in small talk with Old Madam Hua, she led the group into the residence.

"It is quite a coincidence today; several other families from the clan are also visiting. When you meet them later, you must make sure to chat well."

"In these past two years, the Great Matriarch has grown increasingly fond of having young ladies around to brighten the atmosphere. In the future, when you have time, bring more young ladies to visit; the Great Matriarch will only be delighted."

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

Soon, the group was led into a reception hall.

Several families were already seated in the hall, each consisting of elders accompanied by young ladies.

These people clearly recognized Old Madam Hua. After sizing up Hua Changxi and the others behind her, they began to chat and laugh together.

Nanny Zhou took the opportunity to say, "I must attend to the Great Matriarch's side. You may sit here for a moment, and I will come to fetch you later."

Once Nanny Zhou left, the other families began to inquire about the situation of Hua Wuniang and her sisters.

"How old are they?"

"Are they betrothed?"

"With such beautiful young ladies in your family, why haven't you brought them out for us to see before?"

Hua Changxi felt the atmosphere in the hall was somewhat strange. Although the other families seemed to be chatting lively with Old Madam Hua and the three sisters-in-law, their words and attitudes carried a subtle sense of competition and rivalry.

The young ladies were also quite odd; they did not join in the laughter, but simply sat primly beside their respective elders.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Nanny Zhou returned to lead one family away—a group consisting of an old lady, two women, and three young ladies.

The families who had arrived earlier showed no surprise at this.

Old Madam Hua, however, was somewhat puzzled. She whispered to an elderly lady named Zhao, with whom she was on relatively good terms: "Sister Zhao, why didn't Auntie Yu'e meet us all together?"

Old Lady Zhao was surprised: "You didn't know the purpose of Auntie Yu'e's meeting today?"

Old Madam Hua shook her head: "A clansman came by yesterday and only said that Auntie Yu'e wanted to see the young ladies of our family."

Old Lady Zhao lowered her voice: "She indeed wants to see the young ladies, but it is not a simple visit; it is a matchmaking session."

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

Hearing this, the three sisters-in-law were both surprised and taken aback.

Seeing the reaction of the Hua family, Old Lady Zhao found it peculiar: "What is going on? You didn't even know about this? Your information is far too isolated."

Old Madam Hua gave a sheepish smile. Their family had always been on the periphery of the clan, making it impossible to obtain any decent news.

Sensing Old Madam Hua's embarrassment, Old Lady Zhao quickly added a comforting remark: "I see that your young ladies are all quite striking. Perhaps this stroke of good fortune will fall upon your family."

Old Madam Hua offered a few humble and polite responses, but she could not help but shift her gaze toward her granddaughters, who were whispering among themselves.

Wuniang was already of marriageable age this year. If the clan was indeed helping with matchmaking and chose her, it would certainly be the best outcome.

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

Looking at Hua Jiuniang, Old Madam Hua's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Lady Yao.

To this daughter-in-law, Old Madam Hua still harbored dissatisfaction to this day.

First, Lady Yao was not her choice.

Second, Hua Minghe was her most successful son. Years ago, the Earl's manor had intended to cultivate him and had arranged a good marriage for him, but to marry Lady Yao, the eldest son had stubbornly offended the Earl's manor. A large part of the reason their family had been marginalized by the clan over the years was due to this.

Being ignored by the clan was one thing, but what infuriated her most was that Lady Yao had hindered the eldest son's future.

The eldest son was a fifth-rank martial artist, yet to this day, he was merely a constable in the Six Doors.

The old man had spent silver to investigate the reason, and he was told it was because the eldest son had married someone he shouldn't have.

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

The eldest son had married a woman of unknown origin who had impacted the Hua family's prospects; how could she not be angry?

Looking at Lady Yao's beautiful face, Old Madam Hua grew angrier the more she thought about it.

Sitting in the back, Hua Changxi was chatting with Hua Wuniang and the others about the attire of the other families' young ladies. Noticing that Old Madam Hua's gaze toward her mother was off, she picked up a teacup from the table and walked over: "Grandmother, have some tea." She then used her body to block the old lady's line of sight.

Old Madam Hua gave a huff upon seeing this.

The grandchildren of the first branch truly made her both love and hate them.

The three grandsons had all inherited her father's stubbornness and protected Lady Yao fiercely.

As for the two granddaughters, there was the Tenth Lady, who was away at Mount Qiyun, and then there was this Ninth Lady, who was nothing but a rebel.

"Obedient" and "humble"—these words used to praise the fine virtues of young ladies did not suit her in the slightest.

Old Madam Hua glared at Hua Changxi before withdrawing her gaze. Seeing another family being led out of the hall, and realizing that the Great Matriarch had called them here for matchmaking, she called the only marriageable granddaughter, Hua Wuniang, to her side and whispered instructions to her.

Matchmaking?

Because she was standing close by, Hua Changxi heard Old Madam Hua's instructions to Hua Wuniang, and her heart sank.

The clan intended to interfere in their marriages?

If parents might still consider their children's thoughts and feelings regarding marriage, if the clan became involved, marriage would likely become nothing more than a naked transaction.