Blossom in Adversity

C12. Letting Go.

Chapter 12: Letting Go

The southern residence, though significantly smaller than the sprawling ancestral estate, still felt cramped with the influx of hundreds of staff and servants. The sheer number of people made the house seem overcrowded, a far cry from the spaciousness of the old home.

It was as if the walls had closed in, creating a sense of absence of the vast, open spaces and the familiar comforts of the ancestral estate left a lingering sense of loss.

Most people had already guessed why Steward Xu had gathered everyone in the main courtyard. It was normal for some servants to be let go given the current situation of the Hua family, but they were unsure about what regulations would be put in place.

"The eldest miss is here." Someone whispered, and everyone looked towards the figure walking in from the Moon Gate.

No one had expected that after the old madam fell ill, it would be this unremarkable eldest Miss who would take charge of the household, at least she had been commendable up to now.

"Greetings, eldest miss." Everyone bowed in respect.

"No need for formalities." Ying Chun and Bao Xia brought a grand chair and placed it on the steps. Hua Zhi sat down gracefully.

With a sweeping gaze, Hua Zhi interlocked her fingers and placed them on her abdomen. "Is everyone here?"

Steward Xu bowed. "According to your instructions, all those at home are present. The staff from the outside estate and the two farms were not informed."

"Make sure to inform them later, do not forget."

"Yes."

Hua Zhi raised her chin. "Everyone, separate into two groups, those with living contracts and those with death contracts."

Steward Xu arranged them accordingly, and the group stood silently divided.

"Those with living contracts, go to Nian Qiu to collect this month's wages. The Hua family frees you all."

The group looked at each other in surprise.

That's it?

They are just being let go just like that?

Even those with long-term contracts?

Would they be sold off?

"For those with death contracts, if you wish to leave the Hua family, I won't keep you." Hua Zhi took the box from Ying Chun, opened it, and casually flipped through it. "You have all worked diligently for the Hua family, shown loyalty during tough times, and have not caused any trouble. The Hua family remembers your dedication, and this is a way of fulfilling our mutual obligations."

Hua Zhi stood up. "There is no rush to make a decision. Report to Steward Xu by noon tomorrow."

As Hua Zhi left, the main courtyard became lively. Some were excited, some were laughing foolishly, some were furrowing their brows in contemplation, but a considerable number of people quietly left after seeing someone tearing up upon receiving their contract back.

While the Hua family's act of releasing the staff was well-intentioned, the harsh reality was that not everyone could survive once they were away from the protection of the Hua family.

Steward Xu stood high and looked far, observing the various emotions and behaviors of the people in this small world of theirs. He admired the eldest miss even more.

Without saying anything else, the act of bidding farewell and expressing goodwill towards the Hua family's master allowed those who stayed to feel more at ease. When one's heart is settled, there is less room for chaotic thoughts.