Blossom in Adversity

C81. Yingshan Pass.

Chapter 81: Yingshan Pass

The term "Beidi" is a general term used in this area, and everyone is accustomed to this designation. When it comes to Yingshan Pass, many people may need to pause and think before realizing that this is the true place name of this area.

Yingshan Pass has always been an important battlefield since ancient times, much larger than typical cities. Soldiers patrol everywhere in the city, and even the common people are neatly dressed, their tall and sturdy figures exuding a sense of valor.

As Hua Zhi rode high on her horse, she observed the surroundings, and the apprehension in her heart gradually eased upon arriving at her destination.

Even though this was a place of exile, it was not as she had imagined, with only overseers and laborers. At a glance, it was not much different from other places. The main difference was probably the lack of freedom.

As long as money could solve things, she dared not ask for more.

Entering the city from the east gate, it took almost half an hour to reach the southern part. Compared to the east city, this area was noticeably more chaotic, with a greater flow of people and an increased presence of patrolling soldiers.

Hua Zhi and her companions, carrying bundles of belongings, stood out as outsiders. Strangely, there was no intimidation, and some people even smiled kindly at them. One man with his hands in his pockets pointed to a distant inn and said, "You can stay there. The rooms are clean, and the prices are fair."

Hua Zhi was taken aback for a moment, then quickly thanked the man and headed in that direction.

The man, seeing her friendly demeanor, approached and introduced himself, "My name is Hu Gua. Are you here to deliver something? It's been a while since we've seen any outsiders around here."

Hua Zhi had already speculated in her mind, but with his words, everything became clear. The situation in the southern city was unique, and it was common knowledge why outsiders came to this area.

While the Daqing Laws prohibited exiles from leaving without permission, there was no rule against family members visiting. However, very few actually came to visit this place. Over time, it became a place that tested the hearts of those who came, as even a servant would be looked upon favorably by those living here for various reasons.

So, it was only after they entered the southern city that they were treated with such kindness. Hua Zhi felt a sense of unease, and her guard instantly dropped, "The northern regions are cold. I fear my family may suffer, so I have brought some warm clothes."

"Thank you, that's very thoughtful. The winters here are indeed tough," the man said, limping slightly but maintaining his speed. Hua Zhi appreciated his casual attitude towards her, which made her feel more at ease.

To him, such normalcy was rare.

"Do you know who the young master is looking for? I'm quite familiar with this place and might recognize them," the man asked.

Hua Zhi quickly made a decision, "I am looking for the Hua family. They arrived here in September. Do you happen to know them?"

"Oh, the Hua family, yes, I know them. They live not far from here. I also know one of their servants. It's almost dinner time, so we should hurry," the man replied.

It was effortless for Hua Zhi, and she released a sigh of relief, thanking the man sincerely, "Thank you so much."

"No need to thank me. I appreciate your willingness to come all this way with such a petite frame," the man said, planning to pat Hua Zhi on the shoulder. But before he could, Gu Yanxi quickly inserted himself between them and adjusted her hood.

Hu Gua was a little surprised at first, but when he saw his action, he smiled and said, "You have to wear it. It's very cold here."

"It's necessary to keep warm here. It gets very cold," Gu Yanxi said with a smile.

Hua Zhi looked gratefully at Gu Yanxi and nodded at Hu Gua, "I didn't realize it could be this cold here until I arrived."

"Exactly," Hu Gua said, pointing ahead suddenly, "Do you know that person?"

A young man in a short cotton jacket was approaching from the west with something in his arms. Hua Zhi recognized him as Chen Shan, who had come with his father.

She looked back at Gu Yanxi, and understanding passed between them as she hurried over to Chen Shan.

When Chen Shan saw Gu Yanxi, he was stunned. Upon hearing that the young lady had arrived, he nearly dropped what he was carrying before quickly handing it to her. Hua Zhi hurried to catch it.

Chen Shan then ran over and bowed, "Chen Shan greets..."

Gu Yanxi kicked him, and he looked up, immediately changing his address upon seeing the young lady's current attire, "Chen Shan greets the Eldest Miss."

"Get up quickly, are you going to deliver food to Father?"

"I am delivering food to the eldest and third master. They have separated now, so I am looking after the eldest and third master, while others are taken care of by someone else."

Hua Zhi nodded and signaled Dongzi to take out a porcelain bottle from the package and hand it to Hu Gua, "This is a frostbite medicine prepared by an old doctor. It is said to be very effective. Brother Hu, you might as well give it a try."

If it were silver, Hu Gua could have put on a sour face, but he couldn't refuse this effective frostbite medicine. Grinning, he took the bottle, "I won't be polite then. I have been in this city for many years. If the little brother has any questions, feel free to come find me. Chen Shan knows where I live."

"I will definitely trouble Brother Hu when the time comes."

As Hu Gua left, the emotional Chen Shan, who had been holding back, immediately reddened his eyes, "Miss, I didn't expect you to come."

"Let's talk while walking. The food will get cold."

"Yes." Chen Shan wiped his eyes and tightly hugged the well-wrapped large lunch box that he received from Dongzi.

"How is Grandfather's health? And the others? What are they doing now? Are they adapting well?"

"Old Master had a cough on the way and it hasn't improved despite seeing a doctor. The fourth master arranged for some light work for him after some activities, but there aren't many light tasks here. Our Hua family arrived later and spent a lot of money. Only Old Master and a few other elderly masters were well arranged for. Others have suffered a bit, especially the young masters. Several of them have been sick these days."

Chen Shan's eyes welled up again, but his hands were not idle, so he rubbed his shoulder.

Hua Zhi's expression remained unchanged. Young people endure a little hardship and get through it. As long as Grandfather and Father are more at ease, that's all that matters. But even if they are more at ease, it's only relative to hard labor.

"Have there been any troubles?"

"When we first arrived, there were some bullies, but the fourth master handled them. In recent days, the fourth master has improved relations with the higher-ups. And with the number of people in the Hua family, no one dares to cause trouble easily."

"So, all external matters are handled by the fourth uncle?"

"Yes."

As she had expected, these family matters depended on her fourth uncle. With her father's scholarly temperament, he would likely offend someone as soon as he opened his mouth. Her second and third uncles were not capable either.