Blossom in Adversity

C59. Hua Zhi's Proposal.

Chapter 59: Hua Zhi's Proposal

Ying Chun greeted her mistress at the door and whispered, "The old lady's cough is severe."

Hua Zhi glanced around, "Where is Caocao?"

"I just saw her... over there."

Shao Yao came out of the house with a bowl, walked quickly but steadily to Hua Zhi, "This is for your grandmother to drink."

The water in the bowl was light green, and Shao Yao's fingertips were tinged with green. Hua Zhi took it and asked, "Is it for stopping the cough?"

"Yes, although it's just treating the symptoms and not the root cause, it's not good to keep coughing like this." That's why when she had herbs sent over, she specifically requested some cough-stopping herbs, "I dried some of them, ground them into powder, and will make tea out of them on normal days to ease her suffering."

"Good, thank you for your hard work."

"Hehe, it's not hard work, I enjoy making medicine."

Hua Zhi took the bowl inside and saw her grandmother's flushed face from coughing but didn't say much. She walked over to her and fed her the bowl.

Suyun Mama, who had also heard the conversation outside, quickly helped support the old lady.

As she coughed and drank, she intermittently finished the bowl of water. After a light coughing fit, she gradually stopped.

Catching a glimpse of Shao Yao peeking inside from the door, the old lady wiped her mouth and smiled lightly, "A little bitter at first, but then sweet. It's actually not difficult to drink."

Shao Yao secretly chuckled outside the door and went to check on the herbs. Of course, it's not difficult to drink; these were herbs she had harvested from deep in the mountains, cultivated herself, and couldn't be bought in a pharmacy.

Hua Zhi also smiled as she watched Shao Yao's back, "She is very obedient."

"You used to be obedient too."

"But not as lively." Hua Zhi knew what kind of character she had shown in the past, not much different from a wooden block.

The old lady chuckled, showing self-awareness, "Are they feeling ashamed and angry now?"

"I didn't let them take advantage."

"That's good. You are the head of the family now, even if they really need something, there is no reason for them to step on your head, let alone they have no expectations. If the talented women in the capital are all at this level, the Hua family could not look here for daughters-in-law in the future."

Seeing her grandmother's improved complexion, Hua Zhi felt relieved, "You are just scaring people. Talented women are not necessarily good at the classics. Their strengths lie in writing poetry and lyrics. If you ask the second and third sisters to write a poem, they will surely satisfy you."

"Don't fool an old woman like me. Can they write good poems without a foundation? I would believe it if you could write a good poem."

"You will be disappointed. I can't write poems."

The old lady tapped her forehead, showing no belief in her words. She used to be as wooden as anything; what can't she do?

Thinking of her two granddaughters who always performed exceptionally well, the old lady's smile faded, sighing, "I was hoping to find someone to help you share the burden, but it looks like you will have to bear it yourself."

"Your granddaughter have found a way."

"Tell me, what way?"

Fu Dong quietly left after bringing some pastries with the maids.

Hua Zhi pushed the plate in front of her grandmother, "There's honey in it, good for coughing."

The old lady, although lacking in appetite, still took a small piece and put it in her mouth. The soft and sweet pastry had an excellent texture, and the old lady ate several pieces before putting down her chopsticks.

Mentally noting to have someone send a portion over daily in the future, Hua Zhi talked about her plan, "I want Bai Lin to take on the role of a teacher for the junior class when I am not around."

The old lady looked surprised, "Bai Lin? Is there such a young teacher?"

"When we divided the classes before, Mr. Mu and I compared everyone. Bai Lin had the highest score, showing that even during the time when the clan school was closed, he did not relax his efforts. Letting him teach the junior class is beneficial. Teaching others requires first knowing it yourself, and repeating it is reinforcing memory. Therefore, he will remember more firmly than others, and the foundation will be solid."

"But he is still a student. If he goes to teach others, wouldn't he be wasting his own time?"

"That's my other plan. I want Bai Lin to formally become Mr. Mu's apprentice."

Formally becoming an apprentice means he would be under Mr. Mu's guidance. As far as she knows, Mr. Mu has not taken on disciples yet. "Mr. Mu's knowledge has been praised by my grandfather. If he hadn't lost interest in pursuing higher studies, he would have excelled. But what reassures me more is his character. In my opinion, character is more important than knowledge."

If a person praised by the old master is willing to come to the ancestral school after the decline of the Hua family, the old lady is very satisfied. She had no objections to her legitimate grandson becoming his apprentice. However, "won't becoming someone's disciple require more time for study?"

"After becoming an apprentice, Bai Lin won't be limited to just the school. Even if he misses the morning classes, he can make it up with his master. I believe Mr. Mu won't disagree."

After hearing this, the old lady nodded slightly, "Becoming an apprentice is important. Normally, I should handle it, but you are in charge at home now. Mr. Mu also speaks highly of you. You can discuss it with him. You handle things, and I'll rest assured."

"Yes."

Hua Zhi is someone who acts on her words. During lunch, she discussed her plans with Bai Lin.

Upon hearing about teaching his younger brothers, Bai Lin was initially excited and then shook his head vigorously, "Eldest sister, I can't possibly become a teacher now. It's definitely not possible."

"The subjects in the junior class are what you have studied before. Why can't you do it? Or have you not learned them?"

"I have learned them, but how can I be a teacher..."

Hua Zhi understood her younger brother. He was bold and interested in becoming a teacher, but he feared his level might not be good enough to teach well.

Taking a sip of tea, Hua Zhi suddenly changed the topic, "When Fourth Aunt gives birth, I plan to visit the Northern Region."

"Go to the Northern Region?" Bai Lin's voice escalated, "Eldest sister, you can't go. It's too far, and you are a woman. How can you go to such a distant place?! Absolutely not!"

"I am a woman, but I am also acting as a teacher." Hua Zhi furrowed her brows, "Bai Lin, I have taught you to stay calm in situations. Don't get so worked up!"

Hua Bailin tried to suppress his growing anxiety, taking several deep breaths. He firmly voiced his opposition, "Eldest sister, I can't agree to this. By the time Fourth Aunt gives birth, it'll be November. It'll be freezing cold, and you might not make it back!"

Hua Bailin became increasingly convinced that his eldest sister would never return. His voice cracked with emotion as he pleaded, "Eldest sister, let me go instead. I'm a man, I'm not afraid!"

"You're still so young to be making such bold claims," Hua Zhi gently dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief. "I won't go alone, you have to believe in your sister's abilities."

"But you're so young too, Eldest sister..." The little man, who had been holding back his tears, couldn't help but cry now. "Eldest sister, please don't go!"

"It's not as scary as you think. The Great Daqing Dynasty is relatively peaceful now, and I'll be taking the official road the whole way. Nothing will happen."

Hua Bailin could only cry. He was terrified, more so than when he learned of his father's exile.