Blossom in Adversity

C49. Fourth Aunt.

Chapter 49: Fourth Aunt

The old lady, of course, couldn't ask for more. Her husband and son were there, they were her everything, and just the thought of them suffering in a place where she couldn't see made her heart ache.

She had originally planned to pack some thick clothes to send with the loyal servants. She didn't have much money, but she could scrape together a few hundred taels to send as emergency relief. No matter what, they had to get through this winter first.

Zhier's suggestion was just what she needed, but she had never considered sending an unmarried girl on this journey.

"Zhier's, your grandmother appreciates your filial piety, but you've never even been left the capital, let alone the northern regions, which are over two thousand li away. Even with a fast horse, it would take ten days or more. This is not something a young girl like you can handle. If you truly care, prepare more for your grandfather, father, and the others."

Hua Zhi shook her head. "I have to go. My grandfather will only truly feel at ease when he sees me. When his heart is at peace, his illnesses lessen. I'm not worried about anyone else, but I'm still young and can endure a few hardships. However, my grandfather is past his life expectancy, and though he lives carefully, I need to see with my own eyes that he is well to feel calm in my heart."

"But..."

"I understand your concerns. My riding skills are actually quite good, I just haven't had much practice. I will find opportunities to improve that. I've got everything else under control."

The old lady still did not approve, but after a prolonged coughing fit, she had to stop talking. Hua Zhi could see her grandmother struggling to hold back the coughs and wanted to go support her, but Suyun Mama was quicker and bent down to help the old lady.

Hua Zhi glanced thoughtfully at the two of them and remained silent.

When the coughing subsided, and her grandmother seemed much weaker, Hua Zhi stood up to take her leave. "Grandmother, rest well. This matter can wait; we'll talk about it later."

"Very well. Take care of yourself and don't overwork."

"Yes."

Outside the courtyard, Hua Zhi exchanged a few words with Ying Chun, who understood and left. Looking back at the courtyard shrouded under the large camphor tree, like its owner, Hua Zhi felt a sense of decay coming from it. She could earn money and use her authority to unite her family, but how would she save one person's life?

Should she be less competent so her grandmother can't bear to let her go, or be even more competent so she can leave with peace of mind?

"Zhi'er."

Hua Zhi turned around to see Fourth Aunt slowly walking towards her, assisted by a maidservant.

"Fourth Aunt, are you here to greet grandmother? She's not feeling well and is resting."

"No need for formalities at this hour. I'm just taking a walk to gather some strength to give birth to a child," Fourth Aunt said, dismissing the maidservant and looking concerned at Hua Zhi. "Is something wrong? You don't look well."

Hua Zhi walked over and supported Fourth Aunt, continuing to walk ahead with the maidservant following from a distance.

"It's just some trivial matters, why does it feel like your stomach has gotten bigger?"

"The baby is due in a month, so it's normal for my stomach to grow. I'm only worried if it's not big enough," Fourth Aunt said, pointing to a bench on the nearby veranda, gesturing for Hua Zhi to sit. "Don't change the topic. I've seen how smoothly you've handled everything recently. Whatever is bothering you can't be trivial. I may not be able to help with other things, but I can always offer advice."

Hua Zhi gestured for her maids to step back as she sat beside Fourth Aunt, gently touching her belly and murmuring, "Grandmother's health isn't great."

Wu shi's face changed, and she glanced around before speaking in a low voice, "Did Physician Chu say something? What exactly is the situation?"

"Physician Chu had given me a heads up before I went to the Manor in Zhuangzi. He mentioned that with age and existing health issues, things aren't looking too good. That's why I've taken on all the responsibilities, being a helping hand is better than standing by."

"You certainly are something. How could you keep this matter so secretive? Tell me what medicinal herbs you need, my mother sent some money and herbs yesterday for me, prioritize using them here for my mother-in-law."

Hua Zhi was aware of the Wu family's servant coming over, and among the relatives, only the Zhu and Wu families had entered, "That's all prepared for when you give birth, nothing can be touched. My maternal grandmother has already given instructions, if I need anything, just send word and it will be delivered. Today, I went to see Physician Chu and he prescribed a new medicine. Although some of the herbs are precious and the Hua family didn't lack them in the past, the Zhu family naturally has them. I've already instructed Lin Mama to find my maternal grandmother."

Wu shi grabbed her hand and patted it, "You're so reliable, my heart is in such a frenzy."

Having been through tough times before, it wasn't easy to rattle her. Hua Zhi forced a smile, "This conversation stays between us, don't let anyone else find out, it could cause chaos in the household."

"I understand, don't worry." Fourth Aunt sighed, "You should quickly secure the Hua family. If something were to happen... Oh, why am I saying all this?"

"I know, you don't need to worry about these things. Only one more month until you give birth?"

"Approximately, why?"

Hua Zhi touched her fourth Aunt's belly again, "I'm planning to make a trip to the northern region. My schedule wasn't fixed before, but now it is. Fourth Uncle would be thrilled to know you've safely given birth."

Fourth Aunt, Wu shi, knew Hua Zhi's personality well and understood that once she said something, she had made up her mind. It was futile to try and persuade her, but a young girl traveling so far...

"Have you thought this through? Apart from the distance, the weather will be cold in a month. You've never experienced such hardships before, can you handle it?"

"No one is born ready to endure pain. When there's no choice, pushing through is the only option, as long as one survives, they'll manage it."

"But you do have a choice."

Hua Zhi didn't elaborate further, simply saying, "Get the things ready for Fourth Uncle, not too much. I'll take no more than four people with me."

Wu shi had intended to speak more about her, but once her husband was mentioned, her inner turmoil regarding the matter faded. She let her concern for her husband take precedence, recognizing her selfishness.

But who among people isn't selfish?

She was just another individual among the masses.

The atmosphere suddenly turned slightly awkward. Hua Zhi couldn't bear to see the pregnant woman in distress, so she smiled and said, "My grandfather is the one who has truly never experienced hardship in his entire life. I need to ensure he's sleeping soundly day and night."

Seeing Ying Chun approaching, Hua Zhi stood up, "I have other matters to attend to. I'll head off now."

"Go on, I'll return back soon."

Hua Zhi bid farewell and exited, leaving Wu shi to watch her departing figure and heave a deep sigh. She had been selfish, hoping this wouldn't create rifts in their relationship in the future.

Upon reflection, Wu shi chuckled, realizing how greedy she was for not taking people seriously yet still expecting them to treat her with importance.