Blossom in Adversity

C35. Training the Younger Brother.

Chapter 35: Training the Younger Brother

Suyun Mama escorted Hua Zhi to the courtyard gate before returning.

The old madam gazed at the bed ceiling, her voice devoid of emotion. "What did you notice?"

Sitting behind the old madam, Suyun Mama placed a cushion for her comfort and whispered softly, "There is a faint medicinal scent on the eldest miss. Initially, I thought it was from this room, but if it was just that, the scent would fade when she steps outside. But the scent has always been there around her, and those attending to her are overly cautious. I cannot say for certain, should we send someone to the Manor?"

After a moment of silence, the old madam shook her head in refusal, "She purposefully kept this from me and everyone in the family to prevent us from worrying. Let her be, and stop with these maneuvers. The workshop is her creation, and she has just returned. If we send someone to check on her, what would she think? Inform Steward Xu, and without instructions from Hua Zhi, no one is allowed to go to the Manor in Zhuangzi. Keep an eye on things and make sure the confused ones don't meddle in matters they shouldn't."

"Understood."

The old lady sighed deeply, looking visibly more fatigued. Suyun Mama felt a pang of worry and quickly handed her a cup of tea, urging her, "Have a few more sips."

"I must drink more to maintain this body. The Hua family probably can't even afford a funeral now."

"Oh, dear..."

The old madam shook her head and fell silent. She knew her body best, and despite taking medication daily, she didn't see much improvement. With age, even a strong body couldn't withstand illnesses. Each illness encounter was akin to bargaining with the God of Death, hoping her name wasn't on his list.

*

As soon as Hua Zhi crossed the Moon Gate, she was stopped in her tracks by a call from her younger brother. A smile unconsciously appeared on her face.

Hua Bailin ran over, grabbing his sister's arm, his eyes sparkling with joy overflowing.

"Eldest Sister, you're finally back."

"When I left, I didn't expect to stay at the Manor in Zhuangzi for so long. It's my fault."

"Dear eldest sister, it's not your fault. It's just that I feel unsettled when you're not around." Hua Bailin looked at his sister, now thinner, with a tinge of sadness. If it weren't for the need to support the entire Hua family, a young lady like his sister wouldn't have to venture outside.

Hua Zhi patted his chest and guided him inside, asking, "Is Mother doing well?"

"She's fine. I make sure to spend more time with her every day." Glancing around, Hua Bailin whispered, "Second and third aunts often visit Mother's room, discussing matters concerning the money they lent her. They seem greedy, wanting you to come back and deal with it. Mother was upset and said she would return their money. Finally, Grandmother sent Suyun Mama to reprimand them, after which they quieted down."

Hua Zhi found it hard to imagine Mother being upset. She had never seen that woman lose her temper before. It was also surprising how she defended herself.

The woman who was pampered in her maiden home and protected by her husband in her in-laws household always been naive. Though she had a tearful demeanor, she never showed signs of worry.

Her father never allowed the concubines to disrespect her, and even before Hua Bailin was born, he didn't permit the concubines to flaunt their illegitimate sons in front of the legitimate wife. He believed he could have a legitimate son and never mentioned handing over the illegitimate sons to be raised by the legitimate wife.

All these various incidents indicated that her father enjoyed preserving her innocence. With a mother like Xu shi, she was eager to have an innocent mother and was willing to protect her vigorously.

"Sister, don't bother with those ungrateful people..."

Hua Zhi stopped in her tracks and glanced up, silencing Hua Bailin as he swallowed the rest of his words.

"Do you know why women are called gossipers? Because they always like to talk about others behind their backs. If Zhang's family merely broke a bowl, it becomes twisted into Zhang smashing his own house. If the wife of Li family shed a couple of tears out of joy, it spreads as her being caught cheating and beaten by her husband. Not just a writer's pen, language can also be a sharp weapon."

Hua Zhi's gaze swept over the yards nearby, where nosy people tried to hide but failed to do so thoroughly. "If your mind can only contain these petty matters, how can I expect you to become a true man to protect the Hua family!!!"

Eldest Sister was truly angry!

It had been a long while since Hua Bailin had seen his eldest sister angry, and he felt a bit flustered. Instinctively, he tightened his grip on her arm, afraid of being pushed away. "Eldest Sister, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Please don't be angry, I won't do this again. Sister, forgive me this time."

"Whether I forgive you is not important." Hua Zhi placed her hand on Hua Bailin's chest. "The important thing is whether you have the vastness in your heart. Nian Qiu."

"At your service."

"Go find Steward Xu and have him rent or borrow a horse. Arrange for a few people to accompany Hua Bailin to the Manor in Zhuangzi."

"Eldest Sister!" Hua Bailin became anxious. "I know I was wrong. Please don't chase me away, Eldest Sister, please..."

Hua Zhi was indeed heartbroken, but she maintained her composure. "There are many places suitable for horse riding at the Zhuangzi. You have three days to vent your frustrations. After three days, I want to see a refreshed and spirited Hua Bailin."

Hua Bailin still looked frightened. "Eldest Sister, are you not kicking me out?"

"Your home is here. As long as I am here, no one can drive you away." Hua Zhi softened her expression, straightened his clothes, and said, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Though the Hua family is no longer what it used to be, the sky won't fall. Even if it does, someone taller will be there to support you. I can handle the family matters, the man's world is outside, in the court. Only when you establish yourself there can you truly help me."

"Yes, Bai Lin knows his mistake."

"Go then."

Hua Bailin dared not disobey and hung his head as he walked away.

"Is there wisdom on the ground?"

Instinctively raising his head and puffing out his chest, it was not until Hua Bailin reached the Moon Gate that he dared to turn back and look at the slender figure of his eldest sister, feeling a strong pang of guilt in his nose.

The last time he was reprimanded by his sister was two years ago. He didn't want to study, feigned illness to ask for leave from his teacher, and went out to play recklessly with the neighbor's son.

When he returned home, his eldest sister sent someone to escort him back to his room. He lay motionless in bed for a full five days, eating only plain congee and vegetables, with a bowl of strong brew of lotus root every day forcefully poured into his mouth, making him feel like a patient.

It was from that incident that he never dared to lie again.

Hua Bailin wiped his eyes, filled with regret. How could he forget that his eldest sister never allowed anyone to speak ill of even the maids around her, yet he had said such harsh words?

He had disappointed his sister.

There would never be a next time, Hua Bailin vowed in his heart. He would grow up to be the person his sister hoped for, never to disappoint her again.

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