The clan school’s reopening was a significant occasion for the Hua Family. The Old Madam was up and dressed early, and it was Hua Zhi who supported her to the front courtyard. Several daughters-in-law had come as well, though they kept a respectful distance.

Had the Hua Family’s men been present, it would not have been fitting for a gathering of women to appear at such an event — there was the matter of propriety. But the circumstances were unusual, and the Old Madam had set aside such concerns.

Hua Bailin stood at the front, leading twenty-four brothers from both the main and branch families. His back was straight, his gaze resolute. He wanted to glance back at his elder sister, but in the end he held himself still. Right now he was the example for his younger brothers — he had to set the standard.

“Please come in, Master Mu.”

Master Mu himself had not expected such a formal welcome from the Hua Family. Emerging from the spirit wall, he found the entire courtyard full of people and paused mid-step.

Hua Bailin led his brothers in a deep bow. “Students pay their respects to Master Mu.”

The Hua Family children behind him bowed in kind, folding fully at the waist.

Master Mu quickly stepped forward to raise the lead boy up. “We have met many times before — why such ceremony? All of you, rise.”

“You have earned it, Master.”

Watching this once-most-mischievous student from his classes grow into someone who carried himself like an adult in the space of so little time, Master Mu was moved — and inwardly, he felt a great and genuine relief.

When word had gotten out that he was answering the Old Madam’s invitation and returning to the Hua household, people had come in no small numbers to counsel him against it. Each had their own reasons — some with more self-interest than they cared to admit, some no doubt hoping that the comparison would not leave them looking too unflattering — but a few of the things said had carried some real weight.

What had kept him steady and unswayed was, in part, the attitude with which the Hua Family’s young masters approached their studies. Even Hua Bailin, who could barely stand the thought of attending class, never once treated his assigned work carelessly. The less naturally gifted among them did not give up on themselves. There were small quarrels and inevitable conflicts — but when it came to the matter of learning itself, the Hua Family’s children were a model for any other family’s sons.

With the Old Master at the head setting an example of personal integrity, the Hua Family’s character had always been among the most upright. Now that the family had fallen on difficult times, he refused to believe they would not find their way through. He refused to believe that, with so many capable young heirs, the Hua Family could not rise again. He had come with some lingering uncertainty, but looking now at these children with their determined eyes, that uncertainty was gone.

And besides — he owed the Old Master a profound debt. To turn and walk away at a time like this would be to have read all those years of the sages’ words for nothing.

He gave Hua Bailin’s shoulder a pat, then turned toward the Hua Old Madam. She had already begun to lower herself in greeting before he could bow first, the other women behind her following suit. He stepped quickly to the side to avoid receiving it. “Old Madam, what is this? I could not possibly accept such a gesture.”

“Master Mu’s character is beyond reproach — you are more than worthy of it.” The Old Madam straightened. “From here on, the Hua Family’s children are in your hands.”

“I will give it my full effort.” He understood it would not be easy — he had come prepared for that. In the old days, the Hua Family’s clan school had fourteen teachers; his specialty was the Spring and Autumn Annals, which he had taught, while the others handled their own subjects. Now he alone would have to carry the weight of everything.

“We would not dare burden Master Mu by having you shoulder it all alone. There is another teacher coming — it will be some time yet before he arrives.” The Old Madam glanced at the granddaughter beside her. “In the meantime, Zhi’er will stand in.”

Master Mu looked toward Hua Zhi in surprise. He had spent four years at the Hua household and rarely caught a glimpse of the women’s quarters. The reason he knew this was the First Young Miss at all was because she was Hua Bailin’s elder sister — he had heard the two were exceptionally close. Had it been the Second or Third Young Miss in her place, he might not have been quite so startled, as both had made some name for themselves in scholarly matters. But the First Young Miss — he had never heard the slightest mention of any such talent in connection with her.