Blossom in Adversity

C7. The Blessing to be Returned.

Chapter Seven: The Blessing to be Returned

The Third Granduncle's wife's face turned pale, and the Fourth Granduncle's wife, who had been crying continuously, also stopped crying. The Second Granduncle's wife gripped her handkerchief, showing signs of fear.

"In that case, it's best for the Third Grandaunt not to mention it again in the future, to avoid trouble. The concerns of the Grandaunts are known to Grandma. Rest assured, as long as we have enough to eat, we won't let you drink thin gruel. Grandma, don't you agree?"

"Of course, the members of the Hua family are connected like branches of the same tree. In times like this, it is even more important to support each other. Don't let people say that the Hua family lost not only men but also their dignity. Today, everyone is not in a good mood. I won't keep you here any longer. Go back and comfort your families. Also, make sure to send some clothes to the head of the household. It's cold in the north, don't let them freeze over there. As for the rest, we will inform you of the arrangements after we have set some rules here."

The group was so frightened by Hua Zhi's words that they didn't have the heart to argue further. They bid their apologies and left together.

Suyun Mama, with red eyes but a smile on her face, was not surprised. It's no wonder they say that true characters are revealed during hardships. How come these people are silent when they benefit from others?

But when trouble arises, they come crying for help, as if they are blind and couldn't see that the old lady was struggling to remain seated.

Thankfully, the eldest granddaughter was back. With just a few words, she scared them enough. She's truly capable!

The old madam held Hua Zhi's hand and patted it. "Don't bother with them. Everyone is anxious in times like this. They are afraid of not being able to make it through."

"Understood," Hua Zhi gestured for Suyun Mama to help her lift her grandmother up. "Everyone has been frightened today. Let's take it slow, and discuss things tomorrow. How about having dinner in your own rooms for now?"

"You make the decision. Have you forgotten that the authority of the household has been handed over to you?"

"I just want to seek Grandmother's opinion for reassurance."

It's not that she wasn't sure of herself. Everything was in order, and the old madam was comforted in her heart. As long as the Hua family sticks together, even if she couldn't hold on someday, she's not afraid of the family falling apart.

After seeing Grandmother back to her room, Hua Zhi immediately went to her mother's room. Her mother, who loves to cry, must have swollen eyes from crying, and it was true.

Her tears, which had stopped, started falling again like beans when she saw her daughter. Hua Zhi sighed, took the handkerchief from her and tried to wipe her tears. But the handkerchief was so wet that water could almost squeeze out of it, so she had to ask the maid to bring a new one.

"Father is fine. Even for Father's sake, you should save your tears and not shed too many, or you'll run out of tears when you see him."

"What are you saying?" The eldest lady was amused, but her tears didn't stop. "I'm useless. I can't help at all, and yet, you have to come and comfort me."

"As long as you stay well here, I'm at ease even if you don't do anything. You're my mother, you're my strength." Hua Zhi gently wiped her mother's tears.

Her mother may not be capable, but she is genuinely good to her husband and children, gentle and kind, speaking softly and soothingly. She always remembers the warm moments when her mother, who was afraid to sleep alone at the beginning of her period, accompanied her, talked to her, held her tight, and taught her about being a woman. Those were the warmest moments of her life.