Chapter 62: The Trees Long for Tranquility While the Wind Keeps Blowing (Part 2)
Hua Zhi did not say that she exaggerated the situation. It was not necessary for Fourth Aunt to be so alarmed, but it was their grandmother who was in trouble.
If it was just a minor issue, Grandmother would have kept it to herself and not let Hua Zhi know. But if it was reported to her, then it was not a small problem, and if something went wrong, the entire Hua family would be in chaos. With her lower status, she couldn't suppress others, so it was better to be proactive than to wait for a confrontation to bring stability.
"Pick out the good medicinal herbs that my maternal Grandmother sent and send them to Fourth Aunt's house."
"Yes," Ying Chun replied, then asked, "Do we need to make any arrangements for the clan studies?"
"No need, let them experience some trouble."
"Understood."
Hua Zhi paused, but she didn't make any further arrangements. She couldn't protect them like hothouse flowers; they needed to face adversity to grow.
Gu Yanxi observed the entire process, and no matter how flustered the messenger was, Hua Zhi's expression remained unchanged. Her calm demeanor influenced others around her, calming them down. Hua Zhi had a strong heart and was truly ruthless when necessary.
And her maids, in such a short time, had made so many thoughtful arrangements, showing their competence. They were no less capable than the palace maids, and in some ways, they excelled even more.
The more he learned, the more Gu Yanxi realized how extraordinary Hua Zhi was. The fortune of the Hua family was not yet exhausted.
Entering the second gate through the cloister, Hua Zhi instructed the kneeling old maids, "Lock the second gate, give me the key."
The four maids looked at each other.
"In extraordinary times, we must do extraordinary things. It's not that I don't trust you, but you must guard this place well. Report any issues to me immediately."
"Yes."
Taking the key, Hua Zhi quickened her pace and walked inside, asking as she walked, "How is Grandmother's condition?"
Chun Xiang had been silenced and dared not speak.
Hua Zhi had a good idea in her heart, "Grandmother is coughing up blood?"
Chun Xiang looked at the eldest miss in surprise, as she hadn't said anything!
"Speak."
Hua Zhi's brows furrowed, and an imposing aura emanated from her, making Chun Xiang pale. She wanted to speak but didn't dare. She was from the old lady's room and dared not disobey her orders.
Seeing this, Ying Chun felt a fondness for her. If someone forced her to speak about her mistress, she would also remain silent. But in this situation, she had to help her mistress.
She exchanged a glance with her mistress, and Hua Zhi nodded slightly before leaving. She was concerned about Grandmother.
Today's thunderstorm was unusual, but Grandmother was not one to be easily frightened. The fact that she was startled by the thunder indicated that her health was severely depleted, even though it had been such a short time...
After seeing her mistress off, Ying Chun took Chun Xiang's hand affectionately and stood in a secluded spot in the cloister. It was the perfect place for a private conversation. "Stop hiding it, even if the doctor comes, he will ask. Are you going to keep it from the doctor? Mistress will find out sooner or later. Keeping it hidden will only harm Old Lady."
Chun Xiang felt a sense of relief as soon as the eldest miss left. The way she had looked just now had scared her, and hearing Ying Chun say that keeping it hidden would harm Old Lady made her unable to keep quiet any longer. She quickly disclosed the situation.
"When the thunder struck, old lady was resting, and she must have been startled. She suddenly sat up and then fell back down, almost passing out. She started coughing violently and even...coughed up blood. We had to change her handkerchief twice, and then she fainted."
"Did old lady forbid you from informing my mistress?"
"Yes." Chunxiang poured out everything, feeling relieved to finally share, "Old lady has coughed up blood before, but she always strictly forbade us from spreading the news. It was the same this time. It wasn't until she passed out that Suyun Mama hurriedly instructed me to find the eldest miss."
Ying Chun felt anxious as they had already guessed the old lady's condition. If anything happened to her, it would affect the entire Hua family...
Ying Chun didn't dare to dwell on those thoughts. It wasn't that she didn't believe her mistress could handle it; she had the utmost faith in her mistress. But she also knew how her mistress preferred a carefree life. Now her mistress was moving further away from such a lifestyle, not to mention the busier future ahead.
Letting out a quiet sigh in her heart, Ying Chun asked softly, "Chun Xiang, would you be willing to work under the eldest miss?"
Chun Xiang was not foolish; otherwise, she wouldn't have been allowed to serve in the old lady's chamber. Ying Chun's suggestion naturally piqued her interest. She knew very well the importance of the eldest miss in the old lady's heart. If her health deteriorated, the eldest miss would inevitably become the head of the Hua family.
But she didn't want to be seen as disloyal. If she gave the impression of disloyalty, her life would be over.
"Ying Chun, I am not a person without principles. I am a member of the old lady's chamber. If I betray her, where would I stand in the Hua family? I don't want to be disloyal."
"I understand your concerns and dilemma. We are not forcing you to become that kind of person. We just need you to inform us of any changes in the old lady's health. The more detailed, the better. Miss Shao Yao has excellent medical skills. Knowing her condition in time will help adjust her treatment promptly. Isn't it better than stubbornly enduring it?"
The old lady was not a harsh person, and Chun Xiang also hoped for her recovery. After some contemplation, she reluctantly agreed, knowing that it was for the best.
Meanwhile, Hua Zhi had entered Old Lady's courtyard, and Shao Yao arrived shortly after to examine her pulse.
Approaching the bed, Hua Zhi glanced at the old lady who looked pale as paper and a hint of sadness crossed her face. She couldn't reconcile this frail figure on the bed with the once youthful and energetic Hua Grandmother from just two months ago.
How could a person's health deteriorate so rapidly, as if they had been emptied in an instant?
Shao Yao looked at her friend and said, "Grandmother was startled, and it will take some time for her to recover. I will adjust her medication later."
Hua Zhi nodded, "When will Grandmother wake up?"
"It's best for her to rest longer. You need to attend to her carefully these next few nights. Grandmother might have nightmares at night, so don't rush to wake her up. Guide her out of her dreams... I'll take care of it. You wouldn't know how to handle it."
Suyun Mama was more than willing. Since the old lady started taking Shao Yao's medicine, her cough had improved significantly, and she placed her trust in Shao Yao's words.
"Suyun Mama, take care of Grandmother here. I will go visit Fourth Aunt and be back later."
"Yes, Eldest Miss, rest assured."
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Blossom in Adversity
AdventureAfter hiding her skills for fifteen years, Hua Zhi thought she could live a peaceful life as a proper daughter of a prestigious family. However, when the Hua family's fortune began to decline, she had to reveal her true abilities to support the crum...