Blossom in Adversity

C67. A Small Gesture of Kindness.

Chapter 67: A Small Gesture of Kindness

When Hua Zhi woke up, it was still early in the morning. After making some arrangements, she led Shao Yao back to her courtyard. After breakfast, she settled Shao Yao back in bed and hurriedly went to the front courtyard.

Rest could be postponed, but lessons had to continue.

Gu Yanxi could tell from a glance that she was tired, but he didn't say much. Even though he wasn't at the Hua family last night, he could tell that she wasn't at ease. The Hua family was capable in what they could do, but they also had limitations, and the number of people was uneven.

Seeing him looking at her, Hua Zhi thought he was wondering why Shao Yao didn't come. She explained, "Shao Yao was tired last night, so I let her sleep a little longer."

Gu Yanxi nodded, not mentioning that he hadn't even thought about her.

Hua Zhi kneeled down to Gu Yanxi, "Thank you, Mr. Lu."

She didn't say what she was thanking him for, but Gu Yanxi knew. He gently helped her up and said, "Miss, there's no need to be so polite. It's just a small gesture of kindness."

But your small gesture of kindness to me is like a lifesaver in a snowstorm, Hua Zhi thought. From the life-saving favor on the rainy night to now, from Mr. Lu to Shao Yao and their master, she had received countless favors. Even if the other party was a bad person, when it came time for her to repay the debt, she feared she would turn a blind eye to their wrongdoings. She hoped her luck wouldn't be so bad.

Watching Hua Zhi enter the family school, Gu Yanxi brushed his sleeve and left calmly.

The Hua family seemed unchanged from yesterday, exuding a sense of tranquility in every corner. Those who needed to study did so, those who needed to practice their martial arts did so, and those who needed to groom themselves did so. The only difference was the sound of a child crying in the courtyard of the fourth lady.

Wu shi, wearing a headscarf, looked at the child in the nurse's arms. She still didn't look well, and the cost of escaping from death was not small.

Song Mama brought over some perfectly cooled chicken soup. After drinking half a bowl, Wu shi pushed it away, finding it too greasy.

"Even if it doesn't taste good, you should drink more. You need to replenish what you've lost during your confinement, or you'll suffer later."

Wu shi reluctantly took a few more sips, "Next time, skim off some of the fat. It's too greasy, I can't finish it."

Song Mama had to put down the bowl.

"Where is Hua Zhi busy?"

"She went to the family school. I inquired and found out that both Miss and Shao Yao slept in the old lady's courtyard last night and only came out at dawn. They don't look too well-rested."

Wu shi self-deprecatingly said, "Even I was startled by the thunder, let alone the old lady. I don't even know how much she tossed and turned last night."

"Indeed, no one can help, but she still went to the family school early this morning."

Wu shi sighed. When the Hua family was prosperous, everything seemed fine, with two Hanlin Scholars. Only the Hua family had this honor in the entire capital city. But once they fell from grace, their shortcomings became apparent. Using one word to describe it would be "superficial strength."

Stripped of all their glory, without the man who shielded them from the wind and snow, the women of the Hua family revealed their weakness and shortsightedness.