Blossom in Adversity

C44. Reopening of the Family Clan School.

Chapter 44: Reopening of the Family Clan School

Upon hearing the news outside, Hua Bailin, mature and sensible, said, "Eldest sister, I will first go and greet grandmother, and then go to mother's courtyard."

"Go ahead, talk to grandmother about happy things, and spend more time with her."

"Okay."

Waiting outside, Steward Xu and Chen Liang saw him coming out and both respectfully greeted him. With one hand behind his back and the other lightly supporting himself, Hua Bailin walked away with long strides, showing a bit less of the youthful impetuosity and a bit more of maturity.

The two looked at each other, both happy for the eldest Miss. In these days, they also noticed that among all the young masters of the Hua family, the sixth son, who was the most lively and even dared to go against the old master, was very honest in front of the eldest Miss. And this honesty was not out of fear, but out of respect.

Liu Xiang ushered them in at the door.

Chen Liang lagged half a step behind Steward Xu, naturally falling behind. Although Steward Xu did not show any emotion at the fact that the eldest Miss was going to shoulder a burden, at this moment, he felt extremely at ease and his thoughts became more clear.

His eldest son, Xu Jie, as long as he completed his tasks well, the eldest Miss would naturally value him. Even the youngest son, Xu Ying, had a chance to make an impression on the eldest Miss. In the future, when there was a need for someone, she would surely remember him. The eldest Miss did not treat him unfairly; he should be content.

With these thoughts in mind, he became even more peaceful on the surface. "Let the eldest Miss know that the house has been sold. Due to the urgent sale, the price was slightly reduced. The total amount received is seven hundred and seventy-eight taels of silver."

Although a bit lower than expected, it was acceptable. Hua Zhi watched as Ying Chun took the silver notes and silver coins and said, "Steward Xu, keep some silver to purchase some necessities. Double the previous amount and try to pick the best within the budget that the Hua family can afford."

"Yes."

"Chen Liang, how is the matter progressing?"

"In response to the eldest Miss, the twenty-five shops have all been purchased, but there are still a few transactions in progress that need another two days to complete before everyone can move out."

"We've taken a hundred steps, those last two won't make much of a difference. But we should start preparing. Measure the dimensions and cover the walls of all the shops with paper, repaint the exterior, and I've already ordered the signboard. In a few days, a carpenter will come to do the work, so please coordinate with them."

After listening to the eldest Miss for a few days, Chen Liang knew that she was someone who could understand and consider opinions. After hesitating for a moment, he expressed his concern, "Will the expenses be a bit too high with all these preparations?"

"In the business of selling food, cleanliness is paramount. When the entire row of shops is tidy and clean, people will feel at ease. The tempting aroma will naturally make them want to try our goods. As long as our products are truly delicious, business will pick up over time. All these efforts are worthwhile."

"Yes, I understand."

"Steward Xu, I have a few blueprints here. Take them to the glass workshop and see if they can produce them. If they can, I can only give them half a month to complete. We need these items before we can open the shops."

Bao Xia handed the blueprints to Steward Xu, who glanced at them and respectfully accepted.

During the Daqing Dynasty, glass was available, but its transparency was not high enough to catch the attention of officials and nobles. Common people also found it fragile and impractical, so its usage was limited. Therefore, when making canned peaches, Hua Zhi did not consider using glass bottles. After all, the sales of canned goods were aimed at wealthy people, making porcelain jars more upscale.

However, glass was suitable for making a countertop. Placed at the entrance, customers could see the ingredients inside and understand what they were buying. Visually, it was more appealing than wooden counters.

*

Reopening the family clan school was a big event for the Hua family. The old madam had already tidied up and was escorted by Hua Zhi to the front yard. Several daughters-in-law had also come, but they stood at a distance.

If the men of the Hua family were present, there would be no need for a group of women to show up; it was against propriety. But the current situation was special, so the old madam did not care about such formalities.

Hua Bailin led the twenty-four brothers from the main and branched branches of the family, standing at the forefront with a straight posture and determined eyes. He wanted to look back at his sister, but in the end, he held back. He was now a role model for his brothers and had to set a good example.

"Mr. Mu, please come inside."

Mr. Mu did not expect such a grand welcome from the Hua family. As he walked out from behind the screen wall and saw the courtyard full of people, everyone paused in their steps.

Hua Bailin led his brothers in a respectful bow. "Student pays respects to Mr. Mu."

The rest of the Hua family's descendants also bowed deeply.

Mr. Mu quickly stepped forward to help him up. "This is not the first time we've met. Why so formal? Please, get up."

"Mr. Mu is worthy of such respect."

Seeing that this once mischievous student had matured into a responsible adult in such a short time, Mr. Mu breathed a sigh of relief. He had received a lot of advice from those who knew about his visit to the Hua family, and many of them urged him to think carefully.

While they had their own selfish motives, some truly did not want to be shown in a bad light. However, one of the reasons he steadfastly persevered was the attitude of the Hua family's young masters towards learning.

Despite Hua Bailin's previous reluctance to attend the family clan school, the assignments were never rushed or half-hearted. Even those with lower talent would not give up easily. While minor conflicts were unavoidable, the Hua family's descendants were exemplary in their approach to learning.

With the old master taking responsibility, the Hua family's traditions were strict. Even in these difficult times, Mr. Mu believed that the family would overcome them. Before he had some concerns, but now, seeing these determined children, he was reassured.

Moreover, he owed a great debt to the old master. If he left in such times, wouldn't all his years of studying the works of sages be in vain?

Patting Hua Bailin's shoulder, Mr. Mu walked towards the old madam of the Hua family. Before he could bend down, she had already knelt down. The other women followed suit. He quickly evaded it, saying, "Madam Hua, what are you doing? I couldn't possibly accept such a gesture."

"Mr. Mu, with your noble character, you deserve it," the old madam straightened her back. "In the future, the Hua family's descendants will trouble you."

"I will do my best." He knew it wouldn't be easy; he had mentally prepared himself before coming.

Previously, the Hua family's clan school had fourteen teachers, each specializing in different subjects, with him lecturing on the Spring and Autumn Annals. But now, he alone had to shoulder all the responsibilities.

"I dare not burden you alone. Another teacher will arrive in a while," the old madam glanced at her granddaughter. "Before that, Zhi'er will take on role."

Surprised by this revelation, Mr. Mu looked at Hua Zhi. In his four years at the Hua family, he rarely interacted with the female members. He knew that she was the eldest miss, and perhaps her close relationship with Hua Bailin, as siblings, explained her role. Even if it were the second or third Miss, it wouldn't have been as surprising, as those two had some talent. But the eldest Miss was not known to have any particular aptitude in this area.