Blossom in Adversity

C13. Planning for the Future.

Chapter 13: Planning for the Future

Ying Chun carefully counted the silver coins. "Eldest Miss, with these silver coins..."

"As usual, you keep them. Nian Qiu, manage the accounts. Nian Qiu, use the traditional method for the public accounts, and for our private accounts, follow what I've taught you."

Both of them nodded in agreement.

Surveying the room, Hua Zhi walked over to a large chest and stood in front of it. "Let's create a secret compartment underneath, just like in the old mansion. It should be undetectable from the outside."

"Understood."

"Alright, go about your tasks. I have something to attend to, so don't allow anyone to disturb me."

Entering the inner room, Hua Zhi sat down at the desk, methodically rolling up her sleeves. She poured some water into the inkstone and ground the ink lightly. Her mind was constantly busy, contemplating various matters. She then listed out the tasks to be done on a piece of paper, prioritizing them by urgency.

Despite having a significant amount of silver on hand, the daily upkeep of Hua sprawling estate was a constant challenge. The demands of a large household, coupled with the responsibility of supplementing for her grandfather, put a strain on her finances.

The Daqing Dynasty, with its strict prohibitions against official involvement in commerce, created a complex and often clandestine economic landscape. While outwardly adhering to the law, many officials found clever ways to supplement their incomes through discreet business ventures.

This practice, though frowned upon, was widely understood and accepted as a necessary means of survival in a society where official salaries were often insufficient.

The Hua family previously had lucrative businesses, including several pawnshops and silk and tea shops that brought in profits. However, it was uncertain who had benefited from these businesses now.

Nevertheless, such businesses would draw too much attention to the Hua family. Currently, they needed to lay low and avoid attracting the ire of the current ruler.

Thinking of the forest connected to the Hua estate, Hua Zhi furrowed her brow. It seemed she would have to go and see for herself.

Hearing about it from others wasn't as clear. She also needed to inspect the property outside the city. She wondered if her fourth uncle had left anything for her there. Gold and silver would be ideal, but considering her uncle's disdain for wealth, there was likely very little chance of that happening.

Thinking about her fourth uncle inevitably led Hua Zhi to think about the other family members as well. She wondered where they had gone as they used to live under the same roof and had their differences, but now she missed each and every one of them.

As the most talked-about topic in the capital, it was no surprise that the Hua family never stepped outside. A house filled with women and children – what more could they do?!

As the focus gradually shifted away from the Hua family in the capital, the once prestigious family of scholars became a thing of the past. Only the old madam remained downcast, her spirits low and vitality fading.

In the capital, there was no shortage of people with sharp eyes. Many had once wished to establish connections with the Hua family but now wished they had never even known them.

Among them were Chen Zhi and Yu Zhiyao - students of the old master, whose admiration from scholars was undeniable. The old man only accepted three students in his life.