Blossom in Adversity

C83. Reunion with Loved Ones (Part 2).

Chapter 83: Reunion with Loved Ones (2)

No one here is truly unforgivable, but under the command of the king, they have spent half of their lives here. Even if they started out resentful and unwilling, they have become numb over time. They once had hopes for their family and loved ones, but year after year, how many of them still remain hopeful?

They all know why the Hua family fell from grace, and they know that only women and young children are left in the Hua family. Surviving in the unforgiving capital is already a stroke of luck, but now, a woman has traveled a long way to appear here, causing quite a shock to them.

Hua Pingyang tightly squeezed his niece's shoulder, then turned to the main house. On a day like today, even if it meant offending the higher-ups, he had to request a day off for his father.

Hua Zhi took off her cape and draped it over her grandfather's shoulders, fastening it firmly. The bright red collar against his aged face looked a little out of place, but everyone seemed to be silenced as if struck dumb.

Gu Yanxi silently took off his own cape and draped it over Hua Zhi's figure. He was much taller than her, and the hem trailed on the ground.

Before Hua Zhi could refuse, Shao Yao had already stepped forward to help her tie it, just as she had done for her grandfather earlier, and put on the hood.

Feeling the pure white fur collar around her neck, Hua Zhi did not resist.

Hua Yi squinted and appraised Gu Yanxi. How could such a person, who didn't seem to be inferior to anyone, be associated with Zhi'er?

Noticing her grandfather's gaze, Hua Zhi grabbed Shao Yao's hand and quietly introduced, "Grandfather, this is my good friend Shao Yao. Shao Yao, say hello to Grandfather."

Shao Yao obediently lifted the brim of her hat towards Hua Yi, revealing the scarred face underneath. She was clueless and immediately let go after showing it to him, but Hua Zhi raised her hand to stop her.

Hua Yi immediately understood his granddaughter's intention. "I understand. I won't let anyone be rude."

Gu Yanxi listened and felt even more convinced of Hua Zhi's kindness towards Shao Yao. She had even considered these details, showing more responsibility than him, the eldest brother.

Hua Zhi gestured towards a man beside her. "This is Mr. Lu, who currently teaches our younger brothers martial arts and self-defense. The guards in the family also learn from him."

Gu Yanxi calmly looked at Hua Yi, observing the etiquette of the martial world. "I am Lu Yanxi, I have met the Patriarch."

The martial arts teacher of the Hua family?

Hua Yi nodded at him. "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Lu."

"I dare not, Eldest Miss has paid a high price for me," Gu Yanxi replied with a clear gaze, showing no signs of deceit. Hua Yi wondered where Zhi'er had found this person.

Hua Pingyang quickly emerged from the main house with a smile on his face. "Father, let's go back."

Hua Yi nodded and bowed towards the main house before following suit with a courteous greeting.

Hua Zhi also curtsied in that direction before assisting her grandfather out of the courtyard.

Since the founding of the Yingshan border during the Daqing Dynasty, this place has been a land of exile, with a well-established set of rules. Money is especially useful here.

The place where the criminals were settled was naturally not a good place, so the first thing Hua Pingyang did when he arrived was to make connections and rent a house to accommodate his family. It was cramped, but the environment was much better, and his family was together.