Chapter 8: A Person Like an Object
In the reception hall, the young women from each family sat quietly beside their elders, listening to them chat about daily life, smiling appropriately, or nodding occasionally. Unless called upon, they never spoke.
Every time Madam Zhou entered, whether adults or young women, they would all rise to greet her warmly.
Looking at this scene, Hua Changxi’s gaze inevitably fell upon Hua Wuniang.
After Fifth Sister’s coming-of-age ceremony, the family began busy inquiring about suitable families, but it wasn’t going very smoothly.
The clan has extensive connections; if they could help arrange introductions and meetings, it might not necessarily be a bad thing for Fifth Sister.
However, would the clan help for free?
Of course not.
To the clan, its members are a type of resource that can be mobilized and allocated.
Having the clan help arrange meetings is equivalent to entrusting the young woman’s marriage to the clan.
What are resources for? They are for trading!
Hua Changxi thought that the elders of each family were certainly aware of this, yet even knowing this, everyone still eagerly participated.
Waiting for fate to be arranged by others, and then having to thank the arranger for arranging one’s life—at this moment, Hua Changxi understood the helplessness and sorrow of ordinary people. At the same time, she warned herself that she must never let herself fall into such a situation.
“Drink less tea; this is someone else’s home, it’s not convenient to relieve yourself freely.”
Hua Changxi was feeling troubled and wanted to extinguish the nameless fire in her heart with tea. However, as she was about to pour a second cup, Old Madam Hua spoke up to stop her.
Hua Changxi felt a bit helpless. The Old Madam was too cautious. No, it wasn’t just Old Madam Hua; the female relatives of other families were also like this.
After waiting in the reception hall for so long, very few people had picked up their teacups. Even if they drank tea, they only moistened their lips with a sip.
Even though there were no servants from the Great Clan Elder’s family watching in the reception hall, everyone only dared to sit properly, fearing they might do something out of line and displease the host.
Hua Changxi didn’t drink any more water and, like the other young women, put on a fake smile and became a wooden doll.
They sat like this for over an hour. As it neared noon, it was finally Hua Changxi’s family’s turn to meet the Great Clan Elder’s wife.
The Great Clan Elder’s wife, Madam Zhou, was a kind and benevolent old lady. Although she was one generation senior to Old Madam Hua, she was not much older in age.
“Greetings, Aunt.”
As soon as Old Madam Hua entered the living room, she busied herself with bowing to Madam Zhou, who was seated in the main seat.
Madam Yao and her two sisters-in-law saw this and, with Hua Changxi and the others, followed suit.
Madam Zhou waited until Old Madam Hua and her group had finished their greetings before leaning forward slightly and raising her hand in a gesture of support: “Please, no need for formalities.”
“We are family. In my home, cast aside all those superficial courtesies from outside. Let’s the womenfolk have a good chat, that’s what’s important.”
After speaking, she glanced at Madam Zhou, who was waiting by the side.
Upon receiving the instruction, Madam Zhou immediately stepped forward with a smile, helped Old Madam Hua up, and led her to a chair to the left of Madam Zhou, then had Madam Yao and her two sisters-in-law sit on either side.
As for Hua Changxi and the other young women, they sat on the brocade stools in the middle of the living room.
Madam Zhou first chatted with Old Madam Hua about family matters, then spoke with Madam Yao and her two sisters-in-law about life insights, and finally turned her gaze to Hua Changxi and the others.
“The young women from your family are truly outstanding. The moment I saw them, I was incredibly fond of them.”
“Go, bring me the flower box from my dressing table.”
Madam Zhou hurried into the bedroom and soon returned with a box about a palm wide and a foot long.
At Madam Zhou’s signal, Madam Zhou opened the box and tilted it slightly towards the young women so that Hua Changxi and the others could clearly see what was inside.
The box contained several lifelike silk flowers adorned with small, exquisite silver pendants.
Seeing the beautiful silk flowers, let alone Hua Wuniang and the others, even Hua Changxi’s eyes lit up.
Although the Hua family was not harsh on their young women, it was limited to ensuring they had enough to eat and wear. They rarely bought them any jewelry.
Today, going out as guests, Hua Wuniang was fine. After all, she had reached her coming-of-age ceremony, had her ears pierced, and wore earrings, with pearl flowers in her hair.
However, Hua Qiniang, Hua Changxi, and Hua Shierniang only had hairbands on their heads.
Upon seeing the silk flowers, Old Madam Hua quickly said, “Aunt, please don’t waste good things. How can they wear such fine items?”
Ordinary silk flowers cost dozens of copper coins each. Those with pearls and silver pendants would likely cost hundreds of copper coins, or even more.
For several young women, it would amount to several taels of silver, far too precious!
Madam Zhou feigned displeasure: “Why can’t they wear them? I think they can wear even better things than these.”
Without saying she would give the silk flowers to the young women, she smiled at Hua Changxi and the others: “You girls, stand up and let your Ancestor Grandmother see how well you’ve learned your etiquette?”
Upon hearing this, Fifth Sister Hua glanced at Old Madam Hua and Fourth Aunt Hua, then obediently stood up.
Seeing this, Hua Qiniang, Hua Changxi, and Hua Shierniang also stood up.
Hua Shisi Niang also wanted to imitate her sisters, but before she could stand up, Madam Zhou picked her up and took her aside, handing her to Fourth Aunt Hua.
Hua Changxi knew the clan might help Fifth Sister with matchmaking, so she quickly glanced at Madam Zhou, guessing that the interview for Fifth Sister was about to begin, and they were just accompanying her.
Afterward, Madam Zhou’s gaze, looking down from above, swept back and forth over Hua Wuniang and the other three. She said nothing, just watched them.
The room suddenly fell silent.
Madam Yao and her two sisters-in-law seemed to want to speak but saw that Old Madam Hua said nothing, so they could only remain silent.
Being scrutinized nakedly from head to toe, it wasn’t long before Hua Wuniang, Hua Qiniang, and Hua Shierniang became nervous and awkward, lowering their heads uncomfortably.
Inside Hua Changxi, a fire was ignited.
She could understand that the clan might help with matchmaking and Madam Zhou was interviewing the young women first, but what kind of look was that?
When she felt Madam Zhou’s gaze linger on her chest and hips, Hua Changxi suddenly looked up, meeting Madam Zhou’s gaze directly, not hiding her displeasure at all.
Madam Zhou was taken aback, somewhat surprised. After meeting Hua Changxi’s eyes for a few seconds and seeing that she didn’t flinch or avoid her gaze, the corners of her mouth curved up.
“Your appearance is good, and your figure is also good.”
Madam Zhou smiled at Old Madam Hua: “These four young women from your family are clearly good at bearing children.”
Good at bearing children?
Hua Changxi frowned upon hearing this. Was it appropriate to evaluate young women like this on a first meeting?
Old Madam Hua, however, considered it a compliment and immediately smiled, “If that’s the case, then they are also benefiting from Aunt’s good fortune.”
Madam Zhou smiled and said nothing. She slowly picked up her teacup, took a couple of sips, and then asked, “How old are they all?”
Old Madam Hua replied, “Fifth Sister has already had her coming-of-age ceremony. Seventh Sister and Jiu Niang are the same age, thirteen this year; Twelfth Sister is a year younger, twelve; and the youngest, Fourteenth Niang, is seven this year.”
Madam Zhou nodded upon hearing this, “They are not young anymore.” She paused and then added, “Young women from good families should start being considered for marriage around twelve or thirteen. After all, good husbands are in high demand, so they must be settled early.”
Old Madam Hua quickly agreed, “That’s true.” As she spoke, she showed a hint of embarrassment, “Aunt, you know we have no strong foundation. The marriages of my daughters will undoubtedly require your guidance.”
Upon hearing this, the smile on Madam Zhou’s face deepened. She looked at Old Madam Hua and then at Madam Yao and her two sisters-in-law: “I won’t do this thankless task. If the matchmaking isn’t good, wouldn’t you blame me?”
Old Madam Hua: “Aunt, please don’t be modest. You’ve eaten more salt than we’ve eaten rice. The families you deem worthy must be exceptionally good.”
Madam Zhou smiled and did not continue this topic. Her gaze fell again on Hua Changxi and the other three: “Come, walk a few steps forward so I can see you.”
Fifth Sister Hua glanced at Old Madam Hua again. Seeing Old Madam Hua nod, she took small steps towards Madam Zhou and stopped about a meter away from her.
Madam Zhou carefully examined Fifth Sister Hua’s features, her gaze swept over her body a few times, then she nodded with satisfaction, smiling encouragingly, “Come, perform a squatting bow for me to see.”
Upon hearing this, Fifth Sister Hua did not hesitate. She bent her knees and squatted: “Greetings, Ancestor Grandmother.”
Madam Zhou’s eyes crinkled with a smile, seemingly very pleased with Fifth Sister Hua’s obedience: “Good, very good. Your voice is also pleasant.”
Saying this, she took a silk flower from the box and personally bent down to place it on Fifth Sister Hua’s head.
After placing it, Madam Zhou personally helped Fifth Sister Hua up, rubbed her hand a few times, and then said to Old Madam Hua, “Your Fifth Niang is someone who can win affection.”
Old Madam Hua quickly smiled, “It is this girl’s good fortune to be able to please Aunt.”
Madam Zhou signaled Madam Zhou to place Fifth Sister Hua’s stool beside her, allowing Fifth Sister Hua to sit next to her. At the same time, she did not let go of Fifth Sister Hua’s hand, appearing to be genuinely fond of her.
Fifth Sister Hua was somewhat overwhelmed by Madam Zhou’s attitude, smiling shyly with her earlobes turning red.
Madam Zhou looked at Fifth Sister Hua’s reaction with satisfaction: “Truly adorable.” Then she turned her gaze to Hua Qiniang, Hua Changxi, and Hua Shierniang: “You three, come forward and perform a greeting for me to see.”
Hua Qiniang glanced at her two younger sisters and was the first to step forward to perform the greeting.
Madam Zhou was not stingy with her praise: “Good, Seventh Niang is also an sensible and obedient good child.” Saying this, just as she had done for Fifth Sister Hua, she took a silk flower from the box and personally placed it on Hua Qiniang.
Wearing the silk flower, Hua Qiniang returned to her seat with a face full of joy.
According to the order of seniority, it should have been Hua Changxi’s turn to step forward, but Hua Changxi remained standing. After Hua Shierniang gave her several meaningful glances without a reaction, she had no choice but to step forward herself.
Madam Zhou glanced at Hua Changxi, then looked kindly at Hua Shierniang, who was squatting at her feet, and asked, “What do you usually like to do with your sisters at home?”
Hua Shierniang’s voice was light and sweet: “Replying to Great Ancestor Grandmother, usually my sisters and I enjoy doing needlework and embroidery.”
Madam Zhou seemed very satisfied with this answer. Seeing that Shierniang was forthright, she immediately smiled, “This girl is clever. She will surely marry into a fortunate family in the future.”
Hua Shierniang smiled even more sweetly: “Thank you, Great Ancestor Grandmother, for your auspicious words.”
As Madam Zhou was handed the box by Madam Zhou, her peripheral vision swept over Hua Changxi, and then she directly picked up two silk flowers and placed them on Hua Shierniang: “I like this girl; she is a lovable one.”
Having received an extra silk flower, Hua Shierniang was overjoyed and even cast a triumphant glance at Second Aunt Hua.
Second Aunt Hua, seeing her daughter outshine Hua Wuniang and Hua Qiniang from the fourth branch, also felt proud.
After Hua Shierniang returned to her seat, Madam Zhou’s gaze shifted to Hua Changxi, and she looked at her leisurely, saying nothing, seemingly waiting for her to step forward voluntarily.
Hua Changxi did not move. Even though Old Madam Hua and Madam Yao gave her signals, she did not move, but she also did not want to make the situation too awkward.
“Great Ancestor Grandmother, please forgive me. I was injured some time ago, and my back and leg injuries have not fully healed, so I am unable to step forward to perform the greeting.”
The way Madam Zhou looked at them was not like appraising a junior, but like inspecting goods, with a scrutinizing gaze that treated them as items to be priced.
Under what circumstances would an elder give a gift to a junior, and only give it if the junior squatted at their feet?
To bow low, act subservient, and try to please in order to receive a reward—this was clearly a test of obedience.
If she had truly stepped forward and squatted at Madam Zhou’s feet to accept her silk flower, she would have truly considered herself merchandise for her to choose from.
Old Madam Hua knew that Hua Changxi’s injuries had long since healed. Seeing her lack of decorum even when visiting someone else’s home, she was furious and forced a smile, “Aunt, this girl is useless. Please don’t hold it against her.”
Madam Yao, seeing her daughter’s stubbornness flare up again, also explained to Madam Zhou, “Aunt, please forgive us. My Jiu Niang was captured by a Demonic Daoist some time ago and indeed suffered serious injuries. She has no intention of disrespecting you.”
Madam Zhou’s smile did not diminish. She waved her hand: “Look how nervous you are. I am an old woman, would I really argue with a child?”
Saying this, she looked at Hua Changxi, “This Jiu Niang, she has a lot of personality!”
“Having personality is a good thing. Even in a crowd, it makes one memorable.”
“Jiu Niang, I hope you will always maintain this personality!”
Hua Changxi met Madam Zhou’s gaze: “Great Ancestor Grandmother, rest assured, I will.”
She only wanted to preserve her dignity as a person and not be treated like an object. If this was what Madam Zhou called personality, then she would certainly maintain it forever.
