Blossom in Adversity

C4. Moving Out of the Old Residence.

Chapter Four: Moving Out of the Old Residence

"Miss, it's almost time," one of the maids said, as Hua Zhi opened her eyes and saw only five small bundles in the room.

Ying Chun helped her out and explained softly, "The larger items have already been taken out."

Without further questioning, Hua Zhi walked towards her mother's courtyard and ran into Hua Bailin coming out from inside.

"Sister," Hua Bailin hurried over, looking nervously at her. His anxiety made Hua Zhi feel pity.

Bai Lin was the legitimate son of the eldest wife, pampered and sheltered since childhood. It was already commendable for him not to cry like the other children. Previously, when faced with their mother's tears, she would have comforted him, but now she couldn't.

Hua Zhi tousled his hair, "Stay calm and composed. You are now the eldest male member of the Hua family. If you panic, what will happen to your younger siblings? I will be very busy from now on. I entrust the care of the siblings to you. The future of the Hua family will rest on all of you, understood?"

Hua Bai Lin sniffed and nodded vigorously, "I will listen to Sister."

"Let's go, time is running out."

Word of the Hua family's recent calamity spread with the speed of a wildfire, igniting gossip throughout the city. The alleyway where their home once stood became a gathering place for curious onlookers, their voices a hushed undercurrent of intrigue and empathy.

Though the Hua family was generally well-liked, the unfortunate incident provided a fertile ground for private speculation. The city's residents, mindful of the family's plight, refrained from public displays of judgment, their whispers confined to the intimate spaces of their homes and neighborhoods.

The incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of fortune and the importance of compassion, even in the face of adversity.

Although all horses were taken away, the carriage was put to use, with servants on either side. The carriage was stacked full of items.

One of the carriages stood out, not only because there were four bearers, but also several maids and servants surrounded it. Inside the carriage sat the five unmarried young ladies of the Hua family, the youngest being only three years old. Even at this moment, the old lady did not forget to protect the reputation of her granddaughters.

There were seven male members of the Hua family under the age of ten, one of whom was still being carried. The faces of the wives and concubines of the Hua family were covered with veils. Never before had they been subjected to such public scrutiny, their delicate features exposed to the curious gazes of strangers. The unfamiliar attention sent a flush to their cheeks, and they bowed their heads, their hearts heavy with the longing for the journey to end.

The women's discomfort was not merely a matter of modesty. In a society where women's roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere, public exposure could be seen as a violation of their privacy and a potential threat to their reputation.

Compared to them, the old lady appeared exceptionally composed. She walked ahead on her own without any assistance, holding a cane, as if she was single-handedly paving a path for her family.

The onlookers watched silently as the long procession passed by, then the gates of the Hua family closed and were sealed shut. The people whispered about what they had witnessed, marveling at the scene they had just witnessed.

Hua Zhi was feeling utterly exhausted. The ladies of the household, accustomed to a life of leisure and domesticity, were not the type to indulge in physical activity. Their days were filled with leisurely pursuits, such as embroidery and calligraphy, and their energy levels reflected their sedentary lifestyle. However, Hua Zhi couldn't afford to delay any longer. A sense of urgency propelled her forward, despite her physical fatigue.

Opening her small bundle, she asked for some oil paper from Fu Dong and counted the silver and gold coins inside. In front of everyone's surprised eyes, she said, "I hid them when I heard commotion, luckily they weren't found."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Although they were caught off guard, no one would openly display all their money. Each household had some extra savings, just not as much as Hua Zhi.

"Mother, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Fourth Aunt, you take some people and make some thick clothes, ones where you can't feel anything hidden inside. Understand?"

The women looked at each other and nodded.

"Get started immediately. Have more people help, it won't take more than an hour."

They hurriedly got to work, feeling less anxious with something to do.

"Fu Dong, go get some oil paper, wrap the silver securely. We'll sew them into the clothes later, also clear out the loose silver, sew it all into the corners of the clothes."

"Yes."

"Bao Xia, go to the Chu family's clinic and buy some pills and ointments from Physician Chu. Discuss with him what to buy, but make sure to get some frostbite cream."

"Yes."

Hua Zhi turned to her grandmother. "Grandmother, write a letter to grandfather. You know him best and know how to reassure him, can't let him lose his spirit."

The old lady stared at her intently. "Who do you plan to send?"

"I'll go. I don't trust anyone else to go. Let the men of the Hua family know we're all safe here waiting for them to return. Steward Xu, I need a horse."

"Don't worry, Miss. I'll arrange it."

Hua Bailin grabbed his sister's hand. "Sister, I'll go. I'm better at riding than you."

"I have to go." Hua Zhi didn't offer more explanation. "Take care of the family."

Hua Bailin had always been close to his sister, hearing countless stories from her and peeking at her letters. He trusted his sister, who always seemed to be in control of any situation.

So, he asked his biggest concern, "Sister, will Father... come back?"

"He will. The men of the Hua family will all come back."

Her firm reply reassured Hua Bailin and gave strength to the others. The grandmother asked the servant to help her up. "I'll go write the letter."

The Hua family had angered the emperor, so Hua Zhi couldn't risk doing more. She vetoed any suggestion of writing more letters, only sending clothes and such to the emperor would be acceptable. Writing too many letters would attract attention, and she feared that if anything improper ended up in the wrong hands, it would mean disaster for the Hua family. They couldn't afford any risks at this point.

An hour passed quickly, and Steward Xu was waiting at the back door with a horse.

The eldest lady watched her eldest daughter, dressed neatly, unable to say a word.

Not let her go?

How could she not let her go?

Her husband had left in a hurry, without even changing clothes, let alone warm clothes. She was only wearing thin summer clothes, he might fall ill as soon as he arrived there.

But letting her go...

Hua Zhi had learned horseback riding in their own estate, with no opportunity to ride alone or to travel far. If she took a wrong turn or encountered trouble...

At this point, Hua Zhi didn't have time to comfort her mother. She directed the servants to pack the belongings separately, distributing the weight evenly.

With several packages on her back and more on the horse, Hua Zhi mounted the horse and looked down at the many pairs of eyes watching her. She said, "I'll be back soon, Bai Lin, you're the eldest in the house now. Take care of the elders and your siblings."

"I will, eldest sister."

Her mother couldn't help but step forward. "Zhi'er..."

"Mother, I'll be back soon. Don't worry, everything will be fine."