Blossom in Adversity

C28. Workshop.

Chapter 28: Workshop

Shao Yao didn't ask much, she pushed the medicine box aside and watched as Fu Dong served the meal.

Hua Zhi's lips curled into a knowing smile as she gestured for everyone to take a seat. She picked up a pair of chopsticks and offered Shao Yao a spring roll, a delicacy prepared with the utmost care for their esteemed guest. As an injured patient, Shao Yao could only indulge in a simple, light congee.

The spring roll was a work of culinary art, its crispy exterior encasing a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables and savory filling. Shao Yao accepted the offering with a grateful nod. She ate without lifting her head, and after finishing, she asked, "Can I have lunch here?"

"Of course," Hua Zhi quite liked Shao Yao's straightforward nature and responded to her in a simple and direct manner.

"I'll make some arrangements, feel free to stay."

"May I accompany you?"

Hua Zhi smiled, "You can go wherever you want, there's no place on the estate off-limits to guests."

Shao Yao happily put on a veil and followed along. Before the age of nine, her memory was a blank slate, her life painted primarily by the strokes of male influence. The few women she encountered were members of the royal court, their interactions often as fleeting, let alone strike up a conversation.

Strictly speaking, Hua Zhi was the first person she had personally gotten to know.

Shao Yao was excited and wanted to stick by her new friend, as if their companionship would make things better.

In the front yard, people were gathering, including Liu Jiang and his sister, standing in a corner and craning their necks to look towards the Moon Gate.

Since witnessing everything that night, Liu Juan's gratitude towards the eldest Miss had escalated to admiration. Her previously naive mind suddenly became enlightened, determined to stay by the eldest Miss's side like Fu Dong, serving her wholeheartedly, and hoping for the same protection.

Being a good free citizen was better than being a servant, but if it meant serving the eldest Miss, Liu Juan was willing to humble herself.

Although Liu Jiang also deeply admired the eldest Miss, he was reluctant to see his sister serving someone. However, his usually obedient sister had made up her mind this time, and he was finding it hard to convince her otherwise.

“She's here,” Liu Juan exclaimed excitedly. Since that night, this was the first time she had seen the eldest Miss, and she seemed to have recovered somewhat.

Hua Zhi, supported by Bao Xia, sat on a chair in the corridor. She was about to ask someone to bring another chair when she saw Shao Yao had already fetched one and obediently sat down beside her. The sight of her being so compliant instantly softened Hua Zhi's heart, making her genuinely want to treat her well.

Suppressing all emotions in her eyes, Hua Zhi looked at the more than forty people in the courtyard.

Although her face were pale, the faint yet powerful gaze made even the most self-assured servants who had seen the world with their master break out in a cold sweat. It was as if their every thought and intention were seen through by that single glance.

People like Xu Ying, who worried about the eldest Miss, felt relieved at this sight. Even if the eldest Miss was injured, she was not a tiger in sickness but a strong cat, and no one should underestimate her.

The courtyard fell silent.

After enough intimidation, Hua Zhi spoke slowly, "I have requested people from Steward Xu to set up a workshop here on the estate. Since it's a workshop, your presence here means you'll be working in the workshop. If anyone is unwilling, I won't hold it against you. There are other tasks for you to do."