Madam Yu was observing Hua Zhi, while Xia Shi was sizing up Yu Xiasheng.

It was only yesterday that she had learned from her daughter that her marriage had been settled, and yet the other party had already come to call today. She was naturally displeased — her daughter’s wedding affairs had left no room for her to intervene, and anyone would have feelings about that.

Yet once she learned that the other party was not only this year’s successful examination candidate but also came from a very comfortable family background, that small dissatisfaction dissolved entirely. Even if she were to go searching on her own, it would be difficult to find such a match. Though the matter concerning Ling’er had been resolved, the incident had happened nonetheless — how could it possibly leave her reputation unscathed?

If a betrothal with the Yu Family could be arranged, it would be the finest outcome Ling’er could hope for.

The urgency in her heart showed itself at once, and her eyes drifted again and again toward Yu Xiasheng. Madam Yu could see it perfectly well — she understood the worry of a mother — yet by comparison, it only made Hua Zhi appear all the more remarkable. A head of household ought to be exactly so: unruffled by favor or slight.

After a brief moment of mutual observation, Hua Zhi opened a topic of conversation. “It has been several days since I last went out — I wonder how well the snow has been cleared. Was your journey here smooth, Madam Yu?”

“The snow has been mostly cleared away, though everything is wet everywhere you turn. Look at me — I’m wearing something half-worn and half-new. I wouldn’t dare put on new clothes; a splash of mud would break my heart. I do hope the young lady will not think less of me.”

Hua Zhi would naturally not take it literally, but this kind of overture toward closeness was hers to receive. “Just look at what I am wearing — it is not even as new as yours! If we are to visit one another often in the future, you need only dress however you feel comfortable. I would be delighted if you came in any old thing — that way I would have every right to stay in my own plain clothes and talk with you freely and at ease.”

“Next time I come, I just might do exactly that.” Madam Yu laughed behind her hand, and in a few exchanges back and forth the two households grew considerably warmer toward one another.

Xia Shi sat to one side, smiling along, careful not to interject rashly. Though the sisters-in-law each had their own private thoughts, they also shared a common understanding: whatever the eldest young lady wished to do, simply follow her lead. She always acted for the good of everyone — and this very moment proved it. Without a sound, she had arranged such a fine match for Ling’er. Xia Shi feared only that she herself might fall short, and would not dream of spoiling it.

Madam Yu glanced at her son, who was visibly tense, and quietly sighed. At last she took the initiative to raise the purpose of their visit. “My eldest son grew up at his grandfather’s side from a young age, and his temperament takes entirely after him — upright, yes, but at times altogether too naive.”

If that naivety only brought him a measure of hardship, it might still be manageable — one stumble sharpens one’s wisdom, and he would improve with time. But the officialdom held far worse than hardship; one misstep could drag the whole family down with him. Yet on this trip to the capital, she had found that in just a few months apart, her son — that young man who would not turn back until he hit the wall — had somehow grown steadier. After drawing him out a little, she learned that what had influenced him was a scholarly discussion gathering.

She had not witnessed that scene herself, but her father-in-law had declared that the Hua Family had a worthy heir, and without even having met Hua Ling he had already given his word to approve this match. She believed him. Having gained that kind of insight through Hua Zhi, Hua Ling — even if she did not shine as brightly as her eldest sister — would surely not be someone too timid to hold her own before others. If anything, what she feared was that the girl’s boldness might be too great and bring trouble upon the household.

With another sigh, Madam Yu continued: “To think that one trip to the capital has cracked open this blockhead of mine. He has shown remarkably good taste in setting his sights on a young lady of the Hua Family. I have heard that you, eldest young lady, are a forthright person — so I too shall not beat around the bush. How does the Hua Family view this matter?”

Hua Zhi smiled with elegant composure. “Master Yu is one in a hundred, and his future prospects are surely bright. Yet I would like to ask you one thing — have you truly considered what it means to seek a young lady of the Hua Family?”

Yu Xiasheng nodded without a moment’s hesitation. “I have.”

“Barring any unforeseen circumstance, you will certainly pass the examinations next year. Given your abilities, Master Yu, you may well place at the top of the list. Are you not worried that being connected to the Hua Family might weigh upon you and harm your future prospects?”

“I am not worried. My grandfather once said that my temperament would be better tempered by a few years working at the local level. If that is so, then it makes no difference where I am posted.”

“……” Hua Zhi couldn’t help but laugh. So that worked out just fine then.

Madam Yu wore an expression of resigned helplessness as well — he had laid everything bare entirely too thoroughly.

“I had previously asked Third Sister how she felt about this matter.”

Madam Yu raised an eyebrow — that sounded rather inconsistent with the reputation she had heard of someone domineering and autocratic.

“She hopes to remain in the capital.” Hua Zhi looked toward Yu Xiasheng. “She does not wish to leave her family behind and go off to enjoy a comfortable life on her own. She does not want to marry far away and be the last to hear when something happens at home. In truth, she was simply frightened and has not yet recovered.”

“Eldest young lady.” Xia Shi made an effort to keep herself from appearing too eager. “A daughter’s marriage is decided by her parents’ command and the matchmaker’s word — you need only act on her behalf.”

Hua Zhi offered her a reassuring smile. “I shall certainly think carefully on her behalf. But Madam Yu came today surely wishing to understand Third Sister a little better. Third Sister holds the will to share in both hardship and fortune alike — yet I also wish for her to walk her own path in life without difficulty. As for other matters, there are those whose place it is to manage them, and those who must shoulder the responsibility.”

Madam Yu had now witnessed the full measure of Hua Zhi’s ability. In just a few words she had found herself feeling considerably more warmly toward Hua Ling. A young lady willing to share hardship and fortune with her family was far better than one who desperately tried to cast off a struggling family — the Hua Family and the He Family truly made for a striking contrast.

“Third young lady is a fine girl.”

“A fine girl should not be held back. Once the betrothal is settled, she will naturally go where Master Yu goes — it will not be for her to say where she stays. The Hua Family has not fallen so low as to need a daughter who has married out to sacrifice herself for us.”

Yu Xiasheng’s expression turned solemn. “My grandfather said I need to be tempered at the local level before my path will run smoothly, but I will certainly return to the capital.”

“It is good that Master Yu holds that intent. Though I would not stand in the way of Third Sister’s marriage, I do hope she will be able to stay near me.”

Hua Zhi glanced at Ying Chun, who understood immediately and stepped out for a moment.

By the time Madam Yu rose to take her leave, she saw Hua Ling coming slowly along the covered walkway from the far end, dressed in a plain colored cloak. She was tall and willowy, with clear and upright eyes; her appearance suited her name perfectly — fresh and vivid. The plain white of her garments set off her loveliness all the more, yet what pleased Madam Yu most of all was the scholarly refinement that the Hua Family’s young ladies seemed to carry as a matter of course.

Xia Shi beckoned her over. “Come and greet Madam Yu.”

Hua Ling dipped into a curtsy. “Your humble daughter pays her respects to Madam Yu.”

Madam Yu stepped forward and helped her up, pleased in every way she looked at her. She at once produced the gift she had prepared and placed it into Hua Ling’s hands. Holding her hands warmly, she said with a gentle smile: “I have a daughter at home who is three years younger than you. She knows no one here in the capital. If you would not mind, I shall have her come and visit you tomorrow.”

“Of course — there are several sisters here at home, and you need only send your daughter over whenever you please, Madam.”

“Wonderful, wonderful.” Madam Yu patted her hands, then turned to Xia Shi. “It has been so long since I last came to the capital that I am no longer very familiar with it. I would not even know where to begin buying New Year gifts. I wonder whether Madam might have the leisure to accompany me on a little outing?”