Zhuang Hui’s sudden turn and departure was clearly unusual.
Thus, after hurriedly glancing at Zhao Changting, who had nearly reached the foot of the building, Zhao Jingzhi quickly turned and chased after her: “Sister Hui, what’s wrong?”
The nightmare could not be spoken of, and the matter of transmigrating into a book was even more unspeakable.
Moreover, Zhao Jingzhi was only eleven years old—still very much a child—and Zhuang Hui did not want to frighten her.
Therefore, Zhuang Hui walked over to a chair and sat down, shaking her head as she forced a faint smile. “I’m fine, A Zhi. Don’t worry, go back to the window and watch your eldest brother.”
Though her eldest brother was important, Sister Hui was even more so!
Zhao Jingzhi refused, asking instead, “Sister Hui, are you really all right?”
The stewardess, Mother Tong, from Zhao Jingzhi’s courtyard had also come along today. She carefully observed Zhuang Hui’s complexion and asked with concern, “Young Miss, your face looks a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?”
Before Zhuang Hui could respond, her head maid, Yingtáo, spoke up: “The young lady’s monthly cycle is about to begin.”
Reminded by Yingtáo, Zhuang Hui remembered—her periods were always regular, and they were likely due in the next few days.
Although she had never suffered from menstrual pain, for a young woman, losing so much blood during her period inevitably left her weaker than usual, and her lower abdomen was always somewhat uncomfortable.
So she used this ready-made excuse: “It’s just a bit of discomfort in my stomach, nothing serious.”
“A young lady’s monthly cycle should never be taken lightly.” Mother Tong knew how much the Marquis and his wife doted on Zhuang Hui, so she said this before turning to persuade Zhao Jingzhi, “Second Miss, perhaps we should return to the manor early?”
Zhao Jingzhi did not hesitate, nodding immediately. “Yes, anyway, Eldest Brother has already passed by, and he still has to enter the palace. Even if we stayed here, we wouldn’t be able to see him.”
Though she said this, there were too many commoners gathered downstairs to welcome General Tang, so they waited a little longer. Only after the crowd had mostly dispersed did they descend and board the Changping Marquisate’s carriage.
After the carriage left the North City Gate, the journey was smooth, and they soon returned to the Changping Marquisate.
The two had gone to the city gate to watch Zhao Changting’s entry into the city, so upon returning, it was only natural to visit Old Madam at Fushou Hall and tell her about it, as she had always been deeply concerned about her eldest grandson, Zhao Changting.
Zhao Jingzhi was an exceptionally thoughtful young girl. After alighting from the carriage, she not only supported Zhuang Hui but also said, “Sister Hui, if you’re not feeling well, go back to your room first. I’ll just let Grandmother know.”
Mother Tong was also happy to curry favor with Zhuang Hui, nodding as she advised, “Yes, Young Miss. You’re unwell—the old madam won’t blame you.”
In truth, Zhuang Hui also knew that the Houfu Laofuren was a kind and gentle elderly lady. With Zhao Jingzhi and Mother Tong speaking on her behalf and having a legitimate reason, the old madam would not hold it against her.
But after a moment’s thought, she shook her head. “I’m fine, I’m not uncomfortable anymore.”
On the journey from the North City Gate to the Zhao residence, she carefully recalled the plot in her dream concerning her and Zhao Changting. In fact, there was a solution—as long as she married before Zhao Changting developed any intentions toward her, everything should be fine.
Her mother had already been arranging matchmaking meetings for her over the past two years. It was only because Zhuang Hui herself was unwilling to marry that the matter had been delayed until now without a decision. But after her mother’s long attention to the matter, she surely already had some suitable candidates in mind.
If that was the case, then as long as she took the initiative and married quickly, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
Once she understood this, she calmed down considerably, no longer afraid of losing her composure in front of the Old Madam.
Moreover, the reason she and her mother had lived so well in the Zhao family over the years was not only because Marquis Changping favored her mother, but also because her mother had a substantial dowry, was skilled in managing both the household and accounts, and had an open and generous disposition. Within two years of entering the household, she had given birth to her younger brother, Zhao Changrui.
As for her, she was beautiful, sensible, and well-mannered, and she genuinely treated Zhao Jingzhi, who had no sisters, with kindness. That was why the Old Madam was satisfied with her and treated her as half a granddaughter.
Otherwise, since she wasn’t a member of the Zhao family, even if Marquis Changping could love the crow for the sake of the nest, the Old Madam couldn’t.
Before her transmigration, Zhuang Hui had already lived to the age of twenty-four and had been out of university for three years. She was well aware of her identity and situation. By being well-mannered and avoiding mistakes, she not only ensured her own comfort but also her mother’s.
Sure enough, when the group arrived at Fushou Hall, not only was the Old Madam waiting, but Zhuang Mingxiang and Fourth Madame were also present.
Seeing Zhuang Hui and Zhao Jingzhi enter, the Old Madam immediately beckoned to them: “Ah Hui, A Zhi, come quickly and tell me, did you see your eldest brother? Is he doing well?”
Zhuang Hui and Zhao Jingzhi stepped forward, standing on either side of the Old Madam.
Regarding the Old Madam’s question, Zhuang Hui only smiled and nodded, not rushing to answer before Zhao Jingzhi.
Zhao Jingzhi was much more excited, immediately nodding vigorously and saying, “We saw him, we saw him! Grandmother, Eldest Brother is just as you said—he was the fairest and most handsome among the crowd!”
“He’s doing very well, and when I called out to him from upstairs, he heard me and looked at me several times!”
“Grandmother, you have no idea, Eldest Brother looks so imposing and majestic!”
Zhao Jingzhi’s exaggerated tone amused the Old Madam, and both Zhuang Mingxiang and Fourth Madame laughed along.
The three of them inquired about Zhao Changting and General Tang’s entry into the city, and for a while, the conversation was lively.
Zhuang Hui, however, drifted off, silently wondering: Was Zhao Changting looking at her, or was it Zhao Jingzhi?
If that were really the case, that would be wonderful!
The Old Madam, concerned about her eldest grandson, pulled Zhao Jingzhi aside to ask in detail. Zhuang Mingxiang, however, keenly noticed her daughter’s distraction. Since she happened to be sitting near Zhuang Hui in a lower seat, she gently tugged Zhuang Hui’s hand.
Zhuang Hui snapped back to attention and turned to look.
Zhuang Mingxiang looked at her with concern, mouthing the words: What’s wrong?
Zhuang Hui shook her head lightly, offering a faint smile, and mouthed back: It’s nothing.
Zhuang Mingxiang wasn’t entirely convinced, but now was clearly not the time to ask, so she had to set it aside for the moment.
Finally, when the Old Madam and Zhao Jingzhi finished speaking, Zhuang Mingxiang stood up and said, “Mother, Ting Ge’er should be back soon. I’ll go check on the preparations for lunch.”
The Old Madam smiled and nodded, then added with concern, “Just ask about it; leave the arrangements to the servants. You’re with child, don’t tire yourself out.”
Zhuang Mingxiang was already five months pregnant. As the weather wasn’t yet cold, she wore light autumn clothing, making her noticeably rounded abdomen visible.
Her mother-in-law’s kindness warmed Zhuang Mingxiang’s heart, and she beamed: “Don’t worry, Mother, I’m being careful.”
She then called to Zhuang Hui: “Ah Hui, come with me and help keep an eye on things.”
Since the household was small and Zhuang Mingxiang had been managing the household for years, there was no need to worry about being overheard and causing trouble. As soon as mother and daughter left Fushou Hall, Zhuang Mingxiang asked, “Are you really all right?”
Zhuang Hui inwardly marveled at how well a mother knows her daughter, while already thinking of a reason: “Mother, I’m worried—do you think Zhao Changting’s return might affect us?”
Back when Zhao Changting stormed off in anger and left home, no one had told Zhuang Hui directly, but she had overheard servants whispering that he had quarreled fiercely with Marquis Changping and left because he was dissatisfied with the marquis’s excessive favoritism toward her mother.
However, she didn’t know the specifics of that favoritism. It hadn’t appeared in her dreams, and as for the book’s content—not only did she not remember it, but it seemed it hadn’t even been written.
Seeing that this was what worried Zhuang Hui, Zhuang Mingxiang felt relieved: “No, don’t worry!”
There was a question Zhuang Hui had never asked before but had pondered. Now that Zhao Changting was back, and considering he was the second male lead in a romance novel—where such characters typically possess family backgrounds and abilities almost on par with the male lead—she feared Zhuang Mingxiang might suffer. So, she decided to ask. After all, they were mother and daughter, and there was nothing they couldn’t discuss.
Glancing around to ensure no one was nearby, she motioned for the accompanying maids and elderly servants to fall back and follow at a distance. Then, lowering her voice further, she asked, “Mother, have you ever considered the position of heir for Rui Ge’er?”
Zhuang Mingxiang’s expression immediately turned serious. Instead of answering, she countered, “Have you thought about it?”
Zhuang Hui shook her head.
No, she hadn’t. Although Rui Ge’er was Marquis Changping’s biological son, the marquis already had a legitimate eldest son. Zhuang Hui hadn’t considered it and hoped Zhuang Mingxiang wouldn’t either, especially after learning that Zhao Changting was the novel’s second male lead.
Zhuang Mingxiang breathed a sigh of relief and warned in a low voice, “I haven’t thought about it, and you mustn’t either.”
With the servants at a distance and Zhuang Hui supporting her closely, there was no fear of their words being overheard: “Not to mention that Rui Ge’er may not have the capability to inherit the marquisate, even if he did, he is still the second son.”
“Without rules, there is no order. The marquis has a legitimate eldest son, so it would never be Rui Ge’er’s turn.”
“But rest assured, he is still the marquis’s son, so neither the marquis nor Old Madam will treat him poorly. Besides, there’s me—the assets I hold will be divided equally among you, Rui Ge’er, and the child in my womb. Your futures will be secure.”
Seeing that Zhuang Mingxiang held this view, Zhuang Hui felt completely at ease and smiled, “Understood, Mother!”
Zhuang Hui suddenly raised her voice, startling Zhuang Mingxiang, who then smiled helplessly.
Her daughter was already sixteen, and with September here, the year was nearing its end. After the New Year, she would be seventeen. At seventeen, some who married early might already be mothers, yet her daughter—despite her beautiful face—not only refused to marry but still acted like a child!
Unable to resist, Zhuang Mingxiang returned to her usual refrain: “Hui Hui, you’ll soon be seventeen. It’s really time to consider potential matches and prepare for marriage. Otherwise, as you grow older, finding a suitable partner of similar age will only become harder.”
Zhuang Mingxiang herself had remarried into the family as a stepmother. Although her life had been comfortable over the years, it had not been without hardship and bitterness. One example was how Zhao Changting had indirectly left home because of her.
She had been fortunate that the marquis and Old Madam hadn’t blamed her. Had luck been against her, life would have been unbearable!
In the past, whenever Zhuang Hui heard such words, she would either change the subject, act coy, or, as a last resort, honestly admit that she was still young, truly reluctant to leave her mother and younger brother, and genuinely unwilling to marry.
Zhuang Mingxiang had always doted on her, so she had let it slide many times.
But this time, upon hearing those words again, she fell silent for a moment before saying, “Mother, you’re right. I am indeed not young anymore.”
“I’m not asking you to marry right away. First, we need to arrange meetings. Once we find a suitable match, we’ll formalize the engagement, and then we’ll… Huh?” Zhuang Mingxiang was still persuading her when she suddenly realized what had been said. “Hui Hui, are you willing to meet potential suitors?”
Zhuang Hui nodded helplessly. “Yes, I’m willing. Mother, please make the arrangements.”
“Wonderful! Wonderful! You’re finally willing!” Zhuang Mingxiang was so overjoyed she nearly cried. But after the excitement subsided, she realized something was amiss. Her daughter must have encountered some trouble; otherwise, she wouldn’t have suddenly agreed to marry.
What had happened?
Zhuang Mingxiang hesitated between asking and not asking, ultimately choosing the latter.
Better not to ask. Her daughter had finally agreed to meet suitors; she didn’t want to risk her changing her mind again.
But it likely wasn’t because she had been bullied. In the Zhao household, with Zhao Changting not yet back at the estate, no one would dare bully her for now.
Still, she would ask Yingtáo and Mother Tong later to see if anything had happened while they were out today.
Zhuang Mingxiang quickly pondered these thoughts, but her smile remained unchanged. “Hui Hui, don’t worry. For the past two years, I’ve been keeping an eye out for you. I’ll definitely find someone handsome, kind-hearted, and from a simple, easy-to-get-along-with family!”
In this ancient society, with good looks, a pleasant personality, a simple family background, and the backing of the Marquis’s estate, life should be quite comfortable, right?
“Alright,” Zhuang Hui agreed, adding weakly, “But he also has to be someone I find agreeable.”
She wasn’t asking for love—just someone she could look at without dislike, someone she found pleasant.
Zhuang Mingxiang found it amusing. What young girl reacted like this when discussing marriage?
Despite her youth, she showed no shyness or longing.
So she said, “Don’t worry, it’s not just about finding someone agreeable—you have to like him too. Take your time and choose carefully.”
Zhuang Hui thought to herself, how could she take her time? Zhao Changting would be back at noon, and the sooner she acted, the better.
But even the fastest arrangements would have to wait a couple of days. With Zhao Changting’s return, the household was bound to be bustling for the next few days!
Author’s Note:
Thank you to all the lovely readers for your comments and bookmarks!