Chapter 1: The Death of Hua Zhuo

Afu, keep this land deed safe. Once I have entered my uncle's residence, you can take Liu Momo and leave.

It seems that the matter of her dismissal has not yet been communicated, otherwise this old woman would not have allowed her to enter. Hua Zhuo forced a bitter smile, then got out of the car, allowing Liu Momo to support her as they walked into the back door of the Fang residence

Hua Zhuo's tears fell like rain, yet she stood still without moving, only saying, "Take care, grandmother"

The wife is ungrateful, crying and wailing at the back door, which is quite bothersome to hear. I have already sent someone to drive her and her son far away.

She was originally the apple of her parents' eye, indulged and cherished. If it had not been for the year she turned thirteen, when the new riverbank was breached, and the flood destroyed thousands of acres of fertile land in Huainan, her father, as the governor of Huainan, was accused of negligence in supervising the riverbank construction and embezzling river funds. A decree was issued to escort him to the capital, but he mysteriously died en route due to an adverse reaction to the local environment. Her mother, overwhelmed with grief and anger, fell ill and could not recover, leaving her and her younger siblings alone and helpless. They sought refuge with relatives from the Rongxing, Rong'an, Rongrui, and Rongji branches of the family, but were met with the cold response from the Rongchang branch: "Did our family not ask you to send your daughter from the Rong'an branch? Did you not refuse to come? Then do not come now." In this vast Huashi clan, not a single person extended a helping hand to her and her siblings. In desperation, they finally made their way to Qingzhou, escorted by a loyal servant, to seek refuge with their maternal uncle's family.

The coachman had more to say, but at that moment, the back door of the Fang residence had already opened. An old woman poked her head out from behind the door and impatiently said, "Who is it, knocking on the door so early? It's not time for the vegetable delivery yet."

Hua Zhuo achieved his purpose, and with the support of Ruyi, he rose to his feet, performed another bow to the Yao family, and then exited the Western Warm Pavilion

The coachman was quite astute, hurriedly concealing the land deed and remaining silent thereafter

Ruyi quickly took Huazhuo's arm and left.

The white silk was hung from the beams of the house, and Hua Zhuo suddenly smiled, filling the room with brilliance, like the blossoms of a peach tree in full bloom

Hua Zhuo then got up, still being supported by Liu Momo, and was led by Fang Rui's family. They passed through a narrow alley, walked through several doors, and finally turned into a flower-draped gate. Following the winding corridor, they turned into a side hall, and after a few twists and turns, they arrived at the West Warm Pavilion

A beautiful maid was kneeling under the couch, holding two beauty hammers, gently pounding on Yao's legs. Several other maids stood nearby; Hua Zhuo glanced over and, apart from the one named Shu'er who was massaging Yao's legs, he did not recognize any of the others.

Alright, why are you still standing there foolishly? Hurry and take Miss Qiao... uh, I mean Miss Biao, to the west chamber to rest

Weakness is not her true nature; it is merely a lack of support. She endures humiliation and silence, seeking only to get through each day peacefully and safely. Yet, it is only when she has fallen to this state that she seems to awaken from her dream.

Shu Er quickly put away the beauty hammer, stepped aside, and stood together with several maidservants, casting glances at Hua Zhuo.

Hua Zhuo took a deep breath and entered the Western Warm Pavilion

Aunt..." Hua Zhuo stepped forward, his knees buckling as he knelt on the ground, crying out: "My niece has been abandoned by the Qiao family along with her books, I implore you, Aunt, to take her in.

Hua Zhuo covered his face and cried, "If he does not enter my room, how can I live?"

After sitting in the back parlor for a quarter of an hour, the housekeeper's wife, Fang Ruijia, hurriedly brought in several maidservants beside Madam Fang. Upon entering, she smiled and said: "Madam Qiao has arrived. Why was no one sent to inform us in advance? It would have allowed us to make some preparations. Just now, someone came to report that it startled my lady. She wondered why she came so suddenly, without a word, behaving just like she did before she was married. Little did she know that instead of using the front door, she chose to sneak in through the back door."

She took a contract out of her sleeve and handed it out of the car window

Thank you, Auntie.

This is to leave Liu Mama out of the matter

"Afu." Hua Zhuo called softly.

Hua Zhuo merely shed tears, not daring to say much, yet she took out the divorce letter from her sleeve

What are you coming back for? Are you trying to bring your shame to my family?

The long bluestone alley, with a white sheen on the ground, bears the deep and shallow footprints of early risers, which gradually become covered. A small cart slowly approaches from the mouth of the alley, pulled by a horse with a sparse tail and an aged appearance. The cart frame emits a gentle creaking sound, leaving two long wheel marks that extend deep into the bluestone alley, stopping at the back door of a household.

Liu Momo was about to say something when Hua Zhuo gently squeezed her hand, slightly shook his head, and softly patted her, saying in a low voice: "I have something to discuss with my aunt, so Momo can sit outside for a while."

useless things

She was originally a weak woman, lacking even the strength to bind a chicken. Yet, when her hatred reached its peak, she once contemplated revenge. She had intended to leverage her status as a noble lady to marry a powerful husband, hoping to seek justice for the Rong'an Hall. However, her uncle and aunt were one step ahead, marrying her off to a merchant family. Pitifully, she was left alone and helpless, enduring such humiliation that she could not even find someone to turn to for help. Resigned to her fate, she married without contention, yet still ended up in such a dire situation. How could she not feel resentment and hatred?

Thank you, Aunt. I will draft the entry now. Hua Zhuo lowered her head, sobbing a few times, and continued: There is one more matter. The two servants who accompanied me have already asked to leave on the way. In the future, they will not be needed here at your place, so I agreed to their request. I kindly ask you not to make things difficult for them, and allow them to redeem their freedom with the original silver, so they can seek their own livelihood.

Madam Qiao has arrived

Although Liu Mama was unwilling, she had no choice but to say, "Madam, be careful," and was then led by a maid sent by Xu Rui to sit in a side room.

In just three short years, everything has changed and people have become estranged

As she spoke, she instructed Shu'er to go to her room to fetch the contract of servitude. There were both small and large amounts, merely a few dozen taels of silver, which could hardly be regarded as significant in the eyes of the mistress of the Fang family

Hua Zhuo detected a hint of inquiry in Fang Rui's words, and did not respond directly. Instead, he asked, "Aunt Fang, how is your health?"

"The niece has nowhere to go, and I implore my aunt to show some compassion." Hua Zhuo knew that this aunt was someone who did not show any mercy. She fell to the ground, weeping, and lamented, "The Qiao family returned the dowry of the niece on that day. The niece is willing to offer it to her aunt, only asking for a place to stay."

She still smiled bitterly, leaned halfway out of the carriage, and forcefully stuffed the land deed into the driver's hand. Sitting back in the carriage, she then said: "Afu, you know what kind of people my uncle and aunt are. Once I enter the mansion, I will no longer have any say. Rather than letting them plunder these things, it is better to leave them for you to support Liu Momo in her old age. You and your mother have served the Hua family for three generations, yet because of me, you have not been able to marry a wife until now. If Liu Momo cannot enjoy her remaining years in peace, even if I die, I will not be able to rest in peace."

It is only regrettable that shortly after arriving in Qingzhou Prefecture, my younger brother was taken to the street by the servants of my uncle's family to see the lanterns, but was abducted and has since disappeared without a trace. As a result, the Rong'an Hall has lost its heirs, and the properties that originally belonged to Rong'an Hall have been reclaimed by the family of Rongchang Hall, settling the matter in a single stroke. Having lost my younger brother, I am left without support, and within two years, my uncle and aunt, greedy for the five thousand taels of betrothal gifts sent by the Qiao family, arranged for me to marry that wolf from Zhongshan.

Seeing that Ruyi had left, the room was now empty, leaving only oneself. Hua Zhuo repressed her weak and helpless expression, revealing a cold smile that resembled dead ashes. She reached into her sleeve and took out a three-zhang long piece of white silk.

Liu Momo was taken aback, tightly grasping Hua Zhuo's hand, and said: "What does this mean? Why must the old servant be driven away?"

The niece was abandoned by her husband's family and hanged herself at her uncle's home. Once this incident spreads, no matter how eloquently her uncle and aunt speak, it will ultimately remain unclear. A discerning person can easily find out how the Fang family sold their niece to a merchant as a wife. If one investigates further, it will be revealed that the wealthy Hua clan, seeing the crisis, did not come to her aid but instead divided the family assets among themselves. Such matters do not require concrete evidence; mere whispers and rumors are enough to leave an indelible stain on the Hua clan's reputation. A discerning person can easily find out how the Fang family sold their niece to a merchant as a wife. If one investigates further, it will be revealed that the wealthy Hua clan, seeing the crisis, did not come to her aid but instead divided the family assets among themselves. Such matters do not require concrete evidence; mere whispers and rumors are enough to leave an indelible stain on the Hua clan's reputation

Yao was startled and sat up, her brows furrowing as she asked, "What do you mean by that? Everything was fine, how could you have been dismissed?"

Hua Zhuo did not pay attention to Ruyi's expression; even if she had noticed it, she would not have been angry. Such expressions had been seen many times over the years, and she had become numb to them

As Liu Momo stepped out of the car, the moment the door opened, a gust of cold wind accompanied by a few snowflakes rushed in, landing on her face, chilling to the bone. She wiped her face with a handkerchief, removing the coldness from her skin, yet unable to erase the chill within her heart

Fang Rui signaled to a young maid behind her, and the maid immediately dashed off to the Xinuan Pavilion to deliver the message

Upon turning around a large screen, I saw my aunt, Mrs. Yao, half-reclining on a soft couch, her feet covered with a thick wool blanket. The maid from the Fang family was standing behind the couch, leaning down to whisper something in her ear. Just as Hua Zhuo entered, the maid from the Fang family had just finished speaking and stepped back, standing upright.

Hua Zhuo wiped the corners of his eyes with a cloth and asked, "Has Liu Mama left?"

The woman, in her forties, with a delicate appearance, is well-maintained and has a generous demeanor, exuding an air of wealth and nobility. However, the sharpness in her eyes and the corners of her mouth slightly mar her features, revealing a hint of meanness.

"Madam, this is not acceptable." The coachman coughed a few more times, merely shook his hand, and refused to accept.

Liu Momo also shed tears and said: "Do you not know what kind of person your aunt is? How could she take good care of you without skinning you alive? How could you possibly live your life..."

Having fallen to such a state, Liu Momo still maintains the dignity of her young lady from the Hua family. However, what dignity can a woman abandoned by her husband possibly have?

Madam ... ... Madam ... ... Liu Momo struggled, only crying out.

As they spoke, two stout women approached, seizing Liu Momo's arms and dragging her outside

Old Madam Liu hurriedly stepped forward with a smile and said, "This sister-in-law, my lady has arrived, may I trouble you to inform her."

The niece pays her respects to her aunt. She steps forward and bows respectfully.

This is precisely the reason why she returned, fully aware of her uncle and aunt's misdeeds. Having already ruined her own life, she at least wanted to help Liu Momo and her son find a way out. If it had not been for her aunt withholding their contract of servitude back then, she would have died outside and would never have returned to this den of wolves.

The old woman rolled her eyes and said, "Which lady is your wife? It's early in the morning, not taking the front road, how did you manage to sneak in through the back door?"

Fang Rui's family followed along and, upon seeing Liu Momo, let out a cold laugh, saying: "The lady has given her orders, here is your contract of servitude, take it quickly and leave at once"

Madam. Liu Mama had been peering out at the entrance of Xiamen, and upon seeing her come out, she immediately approached her.

She was taken aback for a moment, gave a bitter smile, and said: "Then I must trouble you, ma'am"

Please get up. Whether to keep you or not is not something I can decide. Once your uncle returns, I will discuss it with him and then make a decision. For now, you should go down and rest. I will have someone bring you hot water to wash your face clean. As for the items you brought back, please list them out first. I will have someone verify them and then help you store them. Whether it is a matter of offering or not, we are all family. Can I really take your things?

Oh, look at my memory; it turns out to be Miss Biao from the Hua family. Oh, no, no, no, she should be Mrs. Qiao now. Madam, returning to your maternal home, how did you end up at the back door? Could it be that after three years of marriage, you no longer recognize the way to your maternal home? Look at how cold it is today; hurry in and have a cup of hot tea. I will inform the madam right away.

Hua Zhuo's tears fell again as she said: "Mother, you should go with A Fu. I have burdened you and your son for many years. Now that there is an aunt to take care of you, you can rest assured and leave."

Yao's kick was so powerful that it sent Hua Zhuo tumbling backward.

"Madam, do you have any instructions?" The coachman immediately responded from outside.

Ruyi hesitated for a moment, knowing that his wife was coveting Miss Biao's dowry, and at this time, she would surely have requests that needed to be fulfilled. He thought that fetching the brazier and hand warmer wouldn't take much effort, so he responded affirmatively, turned around, and left the west wing room, but still kept a watchful eye, calling a young maid to stand guard at the door.

Upon hearing this, Fang Rui's eyes immediately crinkled with a smile as he said, "Miss He-Tu-Shu is right; I will send someone to move it right away. Ruyi, are you not attending to the writing materials"

She was not particularly quick-witted, yet she was not so foolish as to be beyond redemption. Since the death of her parents, she had experienced the vicissitudes of life. Many matters, which she could not perceive at the time, upon later reflection, revealed their peculiarities. As for other matters, they could be set aside, but the incident of her younger brother being abducted, upon later consideration, was indeed highly suspicious. It was feared that her uncle and aunt had accepted benefits from Rongchang Hall, deliberately severing the line of succession from Rong'an Hall. This made her realize how treacherous human nature could be.

Hua Zhuo had just reached the door when the curtain was timely lifted, and a warm breeze greeted him. A charming maid, with a bright smile, stepped forward and said, "Madam Qiao, may you be well. I am Ruyi, here to serve you as you enter."

Hua Zhuo slowly opened her eyes, her haggard face concealing a deep worry. She adjusted the cloak around her and was about to get off the carriage when Liu Mama beside her reached out to stop her, whispering, "Madam, let this old servant go and knock on the door first."

As she removed the cloak, she was taken aback to find it was a thin layered cloak, the needlework on it had aged, the edges were frayed, and it was unclear which year it was from, yet it was still being worn. A sense of mockery arose within her; it seemed that this cousin of hers had not been living well since her marriage.

Fang Rui's family is composed of exceptionally astute individuals. Upon seeing Hua Zhuo evade the question, they immediately understood that there must be certain matters she found difficult to discuss. They then smiled and said: "Everything is well, madam, but since your marriage, you have not visited us again. Sometimes, madam, you are missed. At this moment, madam is in the West Warm Pavilion; please follow me, Mrs. Qiao."

Upon entering the west chamber, before she could even take a seat, Fang Rui's family member lifted the curtain and entered, saying with a smile: "Miss Biao, if you have any items, please write them down quickly. We do not know how many things there are, so I can send someone to count them. Otherwise, if the items are left on the cart, with people coming and going behind, it would be easy for someone to take one or two pieces, and we cannot guard against that."

"That is good." Hua Zhuo took a deep breath, his expression faintly revealing a hint of mockery, which he quickly concealed, returning to his previous weak and helpless demeanor. "Mama Fang, please bring me the writing materials; I will write it now. The large boxes in the carriage, have someone move them here. Each box is locked, and I have the keys with me. We must open the boxes and check them one by one."

The coachman jumped down from the front seat, took out a square stool and placed it at the carriage door. As he stood up, he coughed violently a few times and spat out a thick phlegm

Yao's gaze flickered, but he smiled and said: "How could I make things difficult for two subordinates? They have already abandoned you, and such traitors are not worth my time. It is merely a matter of a few taels of silver, and they are your Huajia's subordinates. What do I need this ransom money for? You can take it yourself. Later, I will send someone to retrieve the contract of servitude and let them go.

It is Zhuo Er, how is it that you suddenly return without giving prior notice? Please do not blame your aunt for not being a proper host

Madam, the family of the maternal uncle has arrived

The Yao family had originally made up their minds to drive her away, but upon hearing Hua Zhuo's words, they were suddenly somewhat moved. Years ago, when the little aunt got married, her dowry was substantial. Although both the son-in-law and the little aunt later encountered misfortunes, a loyal servant managed to bring back most of that dowry. She had intentions to seize it, but only managed to acquire a few estates and shops. Her own husband, greedy for the Qiao family's betrothal gifts, hastily married off his niece, and that dowry was also taken to the Qiao family. It is unknown how much of that dowry the ineffectual niece has managed to retain over the past three years without being taken by the Qiao family, but regardless of how much remains, it is still quite tempting.

Yao glanced over and was filled with rage, throwing the divorce letter back at Hua Zhuo's face, saying: "How dare you still cry? After three years of marriage, you have produced nothing. The Qiao family has every right to divorce you."

She wished she had been born into a family of noble lineage, the renowned Huashi clan, with the Rongchang Hall as the main branch, complemented by the four major legitimate branches: Rongxing Hall, Rong'an Hall, Rongrui Hall, and Rongji Hall. She hailed from the Rong'an Hall branch. When her great-grandfather took charge of Rong'an Hall, he held the highest official rank, serving as a regional governor, enjoying great favor for a time. However, he suffered from a cold relationship with the other legitimate branches, and regrettably, his descendants were not numerous. By the time of her grandfather and father, the lineage had been passed down through a single heir, and by the time of her father, Rong'an Hall had gradually declined. Her great-grandfather, when he took charge of Rong'an Hall, held the highest official rank, serving as a regional governor, enjoying great favor for a time. However, he suffered from a cold relationship with the other legitimate branches, and regrettably, his descendants were not numerous. By the time of her grandfather and father, the lineage had been passed down through a single heir, and by the time of her father, Rong'an Hall had gradually declined.

Fang Rui's family member shouted immediately: "The wife is ungrateful, speaking nonsense. Hurry up and take the things and leave. Someone, someone, take her out. In the future, do not let any cats or dogs in here, or we might lose something."

After Fang Rui left, Hua Zhuo sat in the chair, placing his hands near his lips to warm them. He said to Rui Yi, "It is too cold today; I am frozen stiff, and my fingers are so numb that I cannot hold a pen. Please fetch a brazier and bring me a hand warmer to warm up."

Both parents have passed away, and her relatives do not care for her. Returning to her maternal uncle's home is a last resort. She does not know what kind of situation she will face, but what kind of fate can a woman abandoned by her husband expect? Liu Momo and Ah Fu, mother and son, have already suffered enough for her; she cannot burden them any longer

The sky is just beginning to brighten, and snow is drifting in the air

Fang Rui's family took it over and handed it to the Yao family.

Have you arrived

The tone is indeed quite impolite, and it is no wonder. A proper guest would not resort to backdoor dealings. However, the lady of the house has been abandoned by her husband’s family, and entering through the front door would be too conspicuous. Thus, she has no choice but to use the back door. Although Liu Mama feels somewhat angry, she can only endure it and still smiles as she says: "My lady is a cousin of your esteemed family. Even if she were to marry, she would still come from your household. Although it is her maternal family, it is just like her natal family. Does this sister not remember the Hua family girl who stayed in your residence three years ago?"

The old woman changed her expression, and her tone became somewhat more enthusiastic, yet it still concealed a hint of disdain. It is said that after this young lady got married, she did not have a smooth life in her husband's family; could it be that she has come to complain about her troubles at her maternal uncle's house

The absence of children is merely an excuse. The young master of the Qiao family delights in seeking pleasure with women, and at home, he favors his concubine. She has a timid disposition and does not engage in conflict. However, as she retreats step by step, others press her further, leading to an uproar. Ultimately, the Qiao family can no longer tolerate her and issues a divorce decree, sending her away. It is pitiful that both her parents have passed away, and her relatives have severed ties with her. Apart from her maternal uncle's family, she has nowhere else to turn.