Blossom in Adversity

C130. Discussing Marriage?

Chapter 130: Discussing Marriage?

After discussing the game, Zhu Haocheng had a preliminary understanding of his niece. He was not surprised that she had such keen insight in identifying the problem. Nodding, he said, "You are right. Bai Lin will be their target. Compared to the others, the identities of the other two are actually more convenient."

"Chen Zhi and Yu Zhiyao?"

"Yes." Zhu Haocheng couldn't hide his admiration for his niece. "If they are only trying to benefit themselves, it's fine. They dare not make any big moves, fearing that they will be swayed by the others. The Hua family cannot afford any more turmoil."

Hua Zhi also thought of this. She suddenly turned around and instructed, "Go and fetch Bai Lin."

Liu Xianglian moved lightly and quickly left the room.

"These matters are closely related to Bai Lin. He should know about them." Zhu Haocheng took a sip of tea. "Your grandmother and I have discussed Bai Lin's marriage before. He is already ten years old and can start to consider a good match."

"Bai Lin still has to observe filial piety for a year, and he is still young. With the situation in the Hua family, now is not a good time to discuss marriage." Being only ten years old and already being engaged, even though Hua Zhi had seen a lot, she couldn't accept this happening to Bai Lin.

"It's not another family, it's Shan'er."

Hua Zhi was stunned.

Shan'er?

Zhu Shan is the daughter of the eldest uncle's family. Putting aside the issue of relatives marrying one another, it's too common here. She just wanted to ask, "Does the eldest aunt know about this?"

"Before I came, your grandmother said that you would definitely bring your eldest aunt to block this matter, and she was right." Zhu Haocheng laughed. "You don't need to worry about her. Not pursuing some matters doesn't mean I am not aware of them. Even for your sake, I have to fulfill my duties. But it's not her place to oppose this matter."

"The eldest aunt's concern for her family is not wrong, but it's just that I and Bai Lin are not fortunate enough to be in her heart. I don't blame her. Marriage is a big deal, and it's best for everyone to agree, especially Shan'er, the cousin. The eldest uncle might want to ask for her opinion too."

"Parents' will, matchmaker's words, that's how it is."

"That's why there are so many unhappy couples and unsatisfactory things in the world." Hua Zhi appreciated the eldest uncle's kindness. She didn't refuse outright and proposed, "How about letting them interact more a few times first? If both of them are interested, then I have no objections. If neither of them is interested, there is no need to force it. Fortunately, both of them are young. Shan'er, the cousin, is only twelve. Delaying for a year or two won't affect her chances of finding a good match. What does the eldest uncle think?"

"According to you, the girls of the Hua family are fortunate."

With a family member like her, there was no need to worry about being used as a bargaining chip in marriage, or being married off randomly. It was much luckier than many women. With such a sister, Bai Lin being sensible, Zhu Haocheng suddenly felt that Shan'er marrying into the Hua family would be much happier than marrying into another family. The thought in his mind became even stronger than before.

"Eldest Sister... Uncle, you're here!" Hua Bai Lin looked up and saw his uncle, quickly greeting him.

Zhu Haocheng looked at Hua Bai Lin with the eyes of a father-in-law looking at his son-in-law. The more he looked, the more satisfied he was. He smiled and said, "Young Master Bai Lin is doing well."

Hua Bai Lin blushed and stole a glance at his sister. Seeing her smile, he felt reassured.

Hua Zhi pointed to the seat next to her. "Sit down, listen carefully, and remember."

"Yes." Hua Bai Lin sat down, eagerly looking at his uncle. He had no idea what his uncle was going to say, let alone that his uncle was considering making him his son-in-law.

"Chen Zhi is the old master's senior disciple, he has been following him for the longest time, and many people recognize him. If he wants to do something, there are many people who will support him. Yu Zhiyao is the second, from a status perspective, he may not have the advantage that Chen Zhi has, but he has an advantage that Chen Zhi does not have."

Zhu Haocheng looked at the two siblings. "Not only is he the disciple of Old Master Hua, he is also the son-in-law of Liang Jinshan, the former head of the Liang family. Although Liang Jinshan has passed away, he had students all over the world. If these resources are all in Yu Zhiyao's hands, Chen Zhi might not be able to outshine him."

Hua Zhi looked at her brother, and when Zhu Haocheng noticed, he also looked at him.

Hua Bai Lin pursed his lips. "Regardless of their other identities, one of their identities is as Grandfather's disciples. While others can turn a blind eye, they cannot. They cannot stand on this matter."

Zhu Haocheng nodded. "And then?"

Hua Bai Lin subconsciously looked at his sister, and with her encouraging eyes, he suddenly felt infinite courage. "Disciples are like half-sons. Their actions are unfilial and a great loss of scholarly integrity. Moreover, their excessive regard for their own reputation will also make other scholars resent them. If they are not seeking anything, then that is fine, no one can do anything to them. But if they want to leverage Grandfather's influence, the scholars of the world will not agree."

"It's impressive that at such a young age, you can think about these things." Zhu Haocheng felt more and more that he should settle this boy sooner. "But it's not enough. The problems you mentioned can be solved. Chen Zhi and Yu Zhiyao have not been seen for a while. They can say they are not at home, they can say they are at death's door but managed to make a miraculous recovery. They have various reasons to excuse themselves. If they do something to please others, this matter can be swept under the rug. People are quick to forget, don't expect them to keep grudges against the Hua family forever."

"What if we solidify their guilt now?" Hua Zhi's lips curved slightly. "As time passes, they will forget, but now their hearts are still burning. They may not seek justice for Grandfather, but they can help clean up his reputation."

"Eldest sister, what should we do?"

"After the initial mourning period, you personally go visit Uncle Chen Dayi's family, go outside and thank him for his loyalty."

Hua Bai Lin looked puzzled. "Is that enough?"

"No need to do more. Others will take care of the rest." Hua Zhi looked at her brother, her expression serious. "Bai Lin, remember, the strategies used openly are called Sun tactics. If the opponent is still constrained by you, it means they are incompetent. But if you use deceitful tactics to scheme against others, it is considered a Yin tactic. If someone catches you in your deceit, even if it's not your fault, it will become your fault. You will have to bear all the consequences."

"Yes, eldest sister, I understand."

"I will no longer handle this matter. You take charge and handle it."

"Yes."

Zhu Haocheng nodded inwardly. He finally understood. The way this boy could talk about the Analects had nothing to do with Hua Pingyu, and probably not even the Old Master Hua. It was entirely due to the teachings of Hua Zhi. It was easy to imagine what kind of gentleman Bai Lin, raised under such education, would grow into.

"A scholar whose reputation is ruined is as good as dead. The Hua family's name has become a forbidden fruit that they can never hope to taste. Thus, two potential threats were neutralized."

Hua Zhi spoke so casually that Zhu Haocheng got the impression that this was merely a trivial matter. But for a scholar, reputation is more important than life itself. Zhi'er had struck right at their weakest point.