Blossom in Adversity

C52. Huahua and Caocao.

Chapter 52: Huahua and Caocao

Shao Yao smiled, "It's nothing, I'm not sad. My master said that having an ugly appearance is much better than having an ugly heart. My companions have always been very kind to me. My master got me a teacher to learn medicine, and it's such a coincidence that I have a talent in this area. The teacher said as long as I continue to study hard, in another ten years, I will definitely be the best physician in the world. And now I've made friends, you don't know how happy I am."

I know.

Hua Zhi looked at her sparkling eyes and her unclouded smile. Her master and her companions protected her well. Because of them, she could be so open-minded and sincere.

"I am your first friend, and you are my first friend. So, as the first friend, I should have special privileges, right?"

The first one!

Shao Yao nodded happily, "What do you want? I can get it for you. My master is amazing."

"It has nothing to do with all that." Hua Zhi met her excited and hopeful eyes with a gentle smile, "Let me give you a nickname, just between us."

Shao Yao nodded so vigorously that it seemed like her head was about to fall off.

Hua Zhi smiled, "Do you know what is the strongest, most resilient, and most vigorous thing in this world?"

Shao Yao could list many examples of strong, resilient, and vigorous things, but at that moment, she couldn't come up with an answer that encompassed all three.

"It is the grass that can be seen everywhere, the grass that cannot be burned out by wild fires and grows back when the spring wind blows. You are just like it - strong, resilient, and full of life. From now on, I will call you Caocao, and when we are together, we will be known as Huahua and Caocao."

Ecstatic to have received a unique nickname, Shao Yao ran out and embraced several maidservants in turn before sneaking a few bites of food from the kitchen before returning to the room.

Hua Zhi let her be, flipping through a thick book she had brought from the old Hua mansion.

It was one of the three books she had taken from the Hua family's old house, recording some things in simplified chinese characters. Some things she may never need in her lifetime, but she wrote them down out of worry that they might fall into the wrong hands.

She had intentionally used her unique, flowing handwriting, making it difficult to recognize every word. Even if someone did, Hua Zhi could easily deny it, as anyone who had seen her writing would comment on how obedient it was, just like her.

Occasionally flipping through or making additions and deletions, she closed the book upon hearing movement and saw Shao Yao entering with puffy cheeks. She poured a cup of tea, pushing it towards her.

After gulping down a piece of meat and washing it down with a glass of water, Shao Yao smacked her lips contentedly, "I finally got to eat. Huahua, you have no idea how tough it was for me recently. Everyone was set up to fall into the water on a mission, and we couldn't eat any dry rations. Thanks to the jerky you gave me, we didn't have to go hungry. By the way, someone will be sending beef tomorrow. You said that beef jerky is tastier than pork jerky."

...truly a qualified foodie.

However, Hua Zhi didn't want to refuse. It was not allowed to slaughter cows casually in Daqing Dynasty, and they could only have it a few times a year. Besides, she was also craving it, and if she didn't accept Shao Yao's gift, she would surely be unhappy.

"Where did you ask them to send it?"

"I thought you would be back, so I asked them to send it here. Remember to have someone pick it up at the back door."

"Don't make a big fuss."

"I know, my master said they will ensure it's kept discreet."

Hua Zhi nodded, "Is my grandmother's condition very bad?"

When it came to serious matters, Shao Yao also became serious, "It's very serious. She was already weak to begin with, and with her depression and overthinking, even I, ten years from now, won't be able to save her. I reviewed the prescription, and it's fine. That physician is very skilled, and even I couldn't come up with a better one. If there is no superior one available, I wouldn't recommend changing it. I'll go back tomorrow to check if my teacher's medical books have any other solutions."

"Then I'll trouble you to make a trip. You know the situation in the Hua family, my grandmother cannot fall."

"Huahua, I'm not lying to you. You need to be prepared. Unless she can resolve her own thoughts and open her mind, the situation will only get worse."

"Well, we have to try." Hua Zhi felt bitterness in her mouth.

She originally planned that she would take care of the front to earn money and build connections, while neglecting the affairs of the main house. As long as her grandmother was there and she could earn silver, she could shut the mouths of those people.

However, now she had no choice.

Her grandmother knew her situation but didn't pressure her, perhaps knowing that she was unwilling.

"Huahua, don't be sad. My master said there's no river that can't be crossed, it just depends on how determined you are. You're so capable, nothing can defeat you."

Hua Zhi collected her emotions and teased her, "Is everything what your master says? Does he talk a lot?"

"Not at all, he's usually quiet. But he's a good person and treats me well."

Hua Zhi regretted saying that. Some people shouldn't be joked about, so she changed the subject, "I plan to hire a martial arts teacher. The children at home can't be so weak and fragile. I can't say what I can accomplish on my own, but at least not one child at home should be left behind."

"That's a good idea. Many families do the same. Did the Hua family never hire one before? Do they only focus on academics?"

"More or less. Families that have a tradition of passing down poetry and books tend to have some arrogance and look down on crude martial arts skills."

Shao Yao asked excitedly, "Have you hired someone yet?"

"I plan to send someone to my maternal family tomorrow to ask for their help."

Shao Yao blinked. When a friend is in trouble, it's time to help. She didn't say anything, just mooched off for lunch and dinner and then left an excuse to go out digesting the food and pass on the message. She didn't want to use the promise the Shizi made to Huahua, as it was too important, and it would be counterproductive to use it for such a trivial matter.

After a good night's sleep, when she stepped out of the room, she saw that Huahua had tidied up neatly, with Liu Xiang following behind with a basket. "Huahua, where are you going? Aren't you having breakfast with me?"

"I'm going to the family clan school to teach the children. I already had breakfast earlier. You go quickly. Fu Dong made fish cake."

"Are you going to be a teacher?" Shao Yao's eyes sparkled. "Can I come find you later?"

"If you don't find it boring."

"Not at all."

Shao Yao indeed went, wearing a veil and holding the hanging part below with her hand so as not to startle anyone. The people living here were Huahua's family, and she didn't want them to dislike her.

She followed the sounds and listened through the wall for quite some time until the lesson was over and the children began their break. Then, she hurriedly left, still thinking about how amazing her friend was!

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Author's Note:
Huahua really loves Shao Yao! Keep those votes coming.