In modern times, when unmarried men and women meet for a potential match, a phone call plus WeChat is all it takes to set a time and place, allowing young people to meet alone.
But in ancient times, that wasn’t possible. Unmarried men and women meeting alone was considered improper conduct.
Moreover, without phones or WeChat, Zhuang Mingxiang first had to send an invitation to Lady Zhongqin for a chrysanthemum-viewing. Only after Lady Zhongqin replied that she was available could the next step be arranged—a banquet under the guise of chrysanthemum-viewing but actually for matchmaking.
Even then, it would at most allow Zhuang Hui and Pei Zizhao to meet once.
At best, they might exchange a few words, and based on that, a decision would be made.
If it worked out, it would be considered a matchmaking meeting.
If not, it would simply be a banquet for Lady Zhongqin to view chrysanthemums, with Pei Zizhao merely accompanying his mother out of filial piety.
Zhuang Hui watched as Zhuang Mingxiang wrote the invitation to Lady Zhongqin. However, since it was already evening, sending it right away would seem too eager, so it had to wait until the next day to be delivered.
Zhuang Hui still felt a little nervous. Would Lady Zhongqin be available?
She probably would be, since Zhuang Mingxiang said she had expressed interest first.
And what about Pei Zizhao? Was he interested?
Please don’t let him be the type with a beloved or a “white moonlight.” It would be best if he were also chaste and not a rotten cucumber with a bunch of maidservants before even getting married.
Fortunately, her mother had investigated him, so it shouldn’t be that outrageous.
Sigh, men in ancient times, especially those from well-off families, were particularly prone to being unreliable.
Actually, someone like Jiang Shen, who came from a poor background, was safer. Who knew if he had a childhood sweetheart or a “white moonlight,” but with his family circumstances, he definitely wouldn’t have any maidservants.
It’s just a pity that the spring imperial examinations wouldn’t end until next year, which was still almost half a year away—too long!
Thinking about marriage, Zhuang Hui lost sleep again that night.
But even though she didn’t sleep well, her monthly cycle had ended, so the next day she still had to go to Fushou Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam.
In principle, Zhuang Mingxiang should have gone too, but she was lazy, and Zhuang Mingxiang doted on her, so she always let her go directly to Fushou Hall. After that, she could conveniently stop by Yi’an Hall, allowing her to sleep a little longer.
The same went for Zhao Jingzhi—Zhuang Mingxiang treated her with the same leniency.
Zhuang Hui got up late, hurriedly changed clothes and washed up, then simply combed her hair before heading out.
At sixteen, her skin was at its most radiant, so she generally didn’t wear makeup unless she was going out.
When Zhao Jingzhi was young, she lived in the Bisha Cabinet in Old Madam’s room. Later, as she grew older, she moved to a side courtyard. This year, as she grew even older, she relocated to Songtao Courtyard, which was closest to Fushou Hall.
When Zhuang Hui reached the opposite side of Songtao Courtyard, she hesitated for a moment but ultimately skipped it and went straight to Fushou Hall.
Although, in principle, Zhao Changting shouldn’t have gone to Zhao Jingzhi’s place so early in the morning, what if he did?
What if he went, and she happened to go too? That would be too unlucky!
If she didn’t call on Zhao Jingzhi just once today, Zhao Jingzhi wouldn’t be angry. Later, she could either make an improved version of cake or some spicy strips as a reward, and Zhao Jingzhi would completely forget about it.
Zhuang Hui hadn’t eaten cake in a long time and was craving it a little. Why not just make cake?
Old Madam loved it too, so she could send some to Old Madam, her mother, and Rui Ge’er as well.
Thinking of these things, Zhuang Hui entered Fushou Hall. There was no need to wait for the servants to announce her; Old Madam treated her like her own granddaughter, so she walked unimpeded all the way to the entrance of the Upper Chamber. A maid announced her arrival, then lifted the beaded curtain to let her in.
Old Madam greeted her warmly, beckoning her forward and holding her hand, saying, “It’s getting a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, so wear more. How are you feeling? Are you all better now?”
Zhuang Hui replied obediently, “Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I’m all better.”
Old Madam said, “That’s good. Remember, don’t be too greedy for coolness in the future, especially now that the weather is getting colder.”
It seemed Zhao Jingzhi had told Old Madam that her craving for coolness had caused her menstrual cramps. Feeling Old Madam’s concern, Zhuang Hui smiled sweetly and replied, “Yes, I understand!”
Only then did Old Madam release Zhuang Hui’s hand. She was just wondering why Zhuang Hui had come alone today instead of calling Zhao Jingzhi along when Mama Qiao entered with a smile and announced, “Old Madam, the heir has arrived.”
Heir?
Zhao Changting?
Didn’t he come to pay his respects to Old Madam every day at mao hour? It was already chen hour!
Zhuang Hui felt completely uneasy and instinctively wanted to hide.
Old Madam chuckled in response to Mama Qiao, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Zhuang Hui’s changed expression and her desire to hide. She immediately grabbed Zhuang Hui’s hand again, amused, and said, “Silly child, he’s your elder brother too, part of the family. There’s no need to avoid him!”
No, Grandmother, he really isn’t part of the family!
If he were truly part of the family, she wouldn’t have to fear him becoming a pervert and confining her!
But she had no time left to think of an excuse to hide. As Old Madam finished speaking, the slightly heavier footsteps of a military officer grew closer, and Zhao Changting soon strode through the door.
Zhuang Hui could only murmur a soft “yes.” With her hand held and unable to leave, she hurriedly lowered her head and eyes, determined not to look at Zhao Changting.
If she didn’t look at Zhao Changting, then he wouldn’t see her either, right? Then he shouldn’t be tempted by her appearance and do something perverted, should he?
However, the moment Zhao Changting entered, his first glance fell on Zhuang Hui because she was so fair that she seemed to glow. A girl of sixteen or seventeen, with her head bowed, revealing a slender neck, stood obediently and affectionately beside his grandmother.
It was clear that his grandmother liked her very much.
It was also clear that she lived a pampered life. Even Miss Wang from Mobei didn’t seem as fair as her.
Thinking of this, Zhao Changting frowned first because he had never seen Miss Wang’s neck. There were boundaries between men and women; as a grown man, how could he stare at a young lady’s neck…
Realizing he was looking at Zhuang Hui’s neck, Zhao Changting stiffened for a moment, then immediately averted his gaze. He told himself he had only glanced because she had finally recovered from her illness and was standing beside his grandmother. Otherwise, he would never have looked at a young lady’s neck!
“Grandmother,” Zhao Changting quickly spoke up. Then, his gaze swept halfway around the room, and noticing Zhao Jingzhi was absent, he regained his composure completely. “Has A Zhi not arrived yet?”
Old Madam was now too preoccupied to pay attention to Zhuang Hui. Releasing her hand, she leaned forward slightly, a bit nervously. “Oh, A Zhi? She’ll be here soon, she’s on her way. She’s been coming quite early lately.”
This was clearly a lie, but it would only last for today. Starting tomorrow, his sister would be under the matron’s supervision.
Zhao Changting didn’t point it out, only saying, “Grandmother, I’ve asked someone to invite an Instruction Matron. Would you like to meet her?”
Although Old Madam doted on Zhao Jingzhi, she also knew that life after marriage was different from life at home. If proper etiquette and manners weren’t learned well, it would be Zhao Jingzhi herself who suffered in the end.
She couldn’t bear to be harsh with the child, so handing her over to an Instruction Matron was a good idea. She nodded in agreement right away.
Zhao Changting called out, and soon a woman around forty years old entered.
Zhuang Hui didn’t dare look up, so she stole glances from the corner of her eye. She noticed the woman had no expression on her face, and even when she bowed to Old Madam, she was rigid and didn’t smile.
It seemed she was a serious person.
But an Instruction Matron?
To teach whom? Zhao Jingzhi?
This Instruction Matron was surnamed Li. From listening to the exchange between Old Madam and her, Zhuang Hui roughly understood her background.
She had previously served in Gongli. After leaving the palace due to her age, she chose to remain unmarried for life. Since then, she had made a living by working as an Instruction Matron for wealthy families.
She must have been quite skilled. After testing her, Old Madam was very satisfied and immediately said, “Since the heir has invited you here, from now on, my granddaughter A Zhi will be entrusted to you.”
Matron Li replied, “Please rest assured, Old Madam. I will do my utmost to teach the young lady.”
It was at this moment that Zhao Jingzhi arrived. She entered boldly and, upon seeing Matron Li, curiously wondered who she was.
Zhao Changting was very dissatisfied that she was still arriving so late for her morning greetings, even later than Zhuang Hui. His tone was therefore somewhat stern as he said, “A Zhi, come and greet Matron Li.”
People like Matron Li relied on their skills to make a living, which ordinary servants couldn’t compare to. Even Old Madam treated her politely. Since Zhao Jingzhi was to learn etiquette from her, she had to be treated like a female tutor.
Zhao Jingzhi was still quite polite in public. Although she didn’t know who Matron Li was, seeing her stand there with neither humility nor arrogance and her grandmother nodding, she obediently stepped forward and bowed politely, saying, “Matron Li.”
Matron Li didn’t return the bow and remained stern-faced. “The young lady’s bow is incorrect. Her back isn’t straight, her shoulders aren’t level, and the depth of her curtsy is too deep. It should be shallower.”
Zhao Jingzhi: “…”
Where did this old woman come from? Why is she acting like this?
Seeing her granddaughter’s obvious displeasure and fearing it might upset Matron Li and make her unwilling to teach—more importantly, fearing Zhao Changting’s anger—Old Madam quickly said, “A Zhi, this is an Instruction Matron specially invited to teach you etiquette and manners. You must learn well from her from now on.”
Why would they invite an Instruction Matron for her out of the blue?
What was wrong with her etiquette and manners?
And this matron was already picking faults as soon as she saw her, with a stern face. She didn’t like her at all!
The young girl’s displeasure was evident, but Zhao Changting didn’t indulge her. He said sternly, “A Zhi, you’re already eleven years old, not a little girl anymore. You don’t know how to bow properly, and you’re late for your daily greetings. You must learn etiquette and manners well from Matron Li.”
Zhao Jingzhi was initially angry and wanted to make a scene, but with Zhao Changting’s stern face and cold tone, especially since even her grandmother didn’t defend her, the young girl immediately backed down.
She didn’t dare make a scene, but she was both angry and aggrieved. Pouting, Zhao Jingzhi turned to find Zhuang Hui. “Sister Hui…”
The moment her hand was grabbed by Zhao Jingzhi, Zhuang Hui wished she could jump up and shake it off.
No, I’m even more afraid of your elder brother than you are!
You don’t dare make a scene, so how could I dare say anything?
Zhuang Hui didn’t dare speak and even tried to pull her hand away.
Unfortunately, Zhao Jingzhi noticed and became even angrier and more aggrieved, switching to grabbing Zhuang Hui’s hand with both hands.
Zhuang Hui: “…”
With Zhao Jingzhi now having an Instruction Matron and needing to come to Fushou Hall earlier to pay respects in the future, it seemed Zhuang Hui would likely have to come early too.
Waking up early was already painful enough, but coming early also carried the risk of running into Zhao Changting…
Zhuang Hui completely lost the mood to withdraw her hand. Tired, just let it all end!
Zhao Changting’s gaze followed Zhao Jingzhi forward, and when she called out “Sister Hui” and also grabbed Zhuang Hui’s hand, his eyes once again fell on Zhuang Hui.
Zhuang Hui was now facing him directly, but because she was bowing her head, he could only see the front of her crown.
Zhao Changting coldly watched the two for a moment, thinking that his sister was so lazy when it came to rules and her etiquette was not good enough—it was probably not only due to their grandmother’s indulgence but also partly thanks to this Miss Zhuang.
Although she did look somewhat haggard today, it shouldn’t have prevented her from coming to Fushou Hall to pay respects for five days.
Moreover, in these few encounters, she never dared to lift her head, which was far too petty.
This needed to change!
Almost without hesitation, Zhao Changting turned to Matron Li and said, “Matron, please also take the trouble to instruct this one—our Zhao family’s eldest young lady.”
Zhuang Hui abruptly raised her head, looking over in disbelief.
Had she heard correctly? Zhao Changting wanted Matron Li to instruct her as well?
What for? She wasn’t his biological sister, and she wasn’t going to marry into some high-ranking family. She didn’t need to learn!
Old Madam, seeing Zhuang Hui’s stunned expression, misunderstood and laughed, “Yes, this is our family’s eldest young lady. Matron Li, please instruct her as well.”
After speaking, she turned to look at Zhuang Hui, her eyes full of laughter, as if saying: I told you so, he’s also your elder brother!
Zhuang Hui felt like crying but had no tears. She didn’t want such an elder brother at all!
After the introductions, Mama Qiao personally led Matron Li away.
With such a long delay, it was already quite late. Naturally, Zhao Jingzhi would stay for the meal, and Old Madam also asked Zhao Changting and Zhuang Hui to stay.
Zhao Changting didn’t refuse.
As for Zhuang Hui, she had already given up and accepted her fate. Besides, she couldn’t refuse either.
However, during this breakfast, only Zhao Changting was in a good mood, eating heartily and to his fill.
Zhuang Hui and Zhao Jingzhi both ate without tasting the food, finding it hard to swallow.
Old Madam noticed and, feeling sorry for them, also couldn’t eat much.
Zhao Changting had an engagement to attend outside today. After finishing his meal quickly, he looked up and saw the almost untouched food in front of the three. He couldn’t very well say anything to Old Madam or Zhuang Hui, so he turned to Zhao Jingzhi: “Eat properly.”
Zhao Jingzhi, who had been frightened by him earlier, inwardly rolled her eyes at him fiercely and then took a bite that nearly halved a steamed bun.
Afraid she would be the next to be singled out, Zhuang Hui quickly took two sips of porridge and picked up a steamed dumpling.
Zhao Changting watched with satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Old Madam.
Old Madam hurriedly took a bite of a steamed dumpling.
Zhao Changting’s lips twitched slightly. He stood up and said, “Grandmother, I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.”
Old Madam quickly replied, “Alright, alright, go attend to your business.”
Once Zhao Changting finally left, Zhao Jingzhi, with her mouth still full of steamed bun, let out a heavy groan of despair.
Zhuang Hui swallowed her mouthful of porridge and sighed deeply.
Even Old Madam followed with a sigh.
Realizing each other’s reactions, the three exchanged glances and simultaneously smiled wryly.