Blossom in Adversity

C84. Reunion of Loved Ones (Part 3).

Chapter Eighty Four: Reunion of Loved Ones (3)

"Is your grandmother doing well?"

Hua Zhi took out a few letters kept close to her and handed the one on top to him, pretending calmly, "She's doing fine, just worried about you. This is a letter from my grandmother."

She then handed the other two letters to her father and fourth uncle, saying, "One is from mother and the other from fourth aunt. Oh, and there's this."

Opening the package, Hua Zhi handed each of them a roll of two paintings wrapped in oiled paper. Both were eager to unravel them, and the fourth uncle exclaimed in surprise, "This... how is this possible? According to the dates, it should be very recent."

Hua Yizheng was also delighted, "Did the fourth daughter-in-law give birth? Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Yes, it's a boy."

"Good, good, this is a great joy."

Hua Pingyang couldn't bear to take his eyes off the painting, full of uncontrollable joy. "I was hoping for a daughter, thinking of handing her over to you when she grows up a bit, as long as she doesn't turn out like a Bai Lin. As long as she resembles you even a little, it would be good."

"When the time comes, Zhi'er will be married off. You can't just pass her off to her in-laws," said Hua Yizheng.

As they discussed this, the smiles on their faces gradually faded. Indeed, if the Hua family were still intact, Zhi'er would be ready to get married.

"I broke off my engagement."

The unexpected declaration shocked them all. Hua Yizheng's eyes widened in anger as he stood up forcefully, slamming the table. "Shen Zhui, how dare he!"

After speaking, he couldn't contain a fit of coughs. Hua Zhi hurried to his side, rubbing his back, while Hua Pingyu held a cup of tea, trembling with anger, directing his resentment towards the Shen family.

Hua Pingyang gently smoothed out the creases on the painting, saying, "Zhi'er, we won't be stuck here forever. Hua girls never have trouble finding husbands."

"When have I ever been afraid?" Hua Zhi's voice was calm. "It was me who asked grandmother to take the initiative to break off the engagement with the Shen family."

Hua Yizheng looked at her, understanding now. The bitter truth sank in deeper, too painful to express.

"Where do you think I'd be? If I had the slightest hesitation, would I not wait for the Shen family to break off the engagement themselves?"

"The Shen family might not dare to break off the engagement."

Hua Zhi smiled, shaking her head as she sat back in her original position, her words sounding unusually bold. "Even if the Shen family doesn't break off the engagement and I marry into it, will everything be to my liking? If the match is not right, anyone could step all over me. And my husband might blame me for blocking his path to wealth and glory. Instead of reaching that point, it's better for the Hua family to take a step back first. We maintain our dignity, and the Shen family will owe us a favor. It helps preserve their reputation. If the Shen family were to break off the engagement voluntarily, respectable families wouldn't want their daughters to marry into that household."

Hua Pingyang's words were strained. "For now, that would be your best option. With your temperament, you wouldn't just marry and forget about your birth family. Zhi'er, you acted impulsively."

"If the Hua family was still the same as before, I would marry. Why wouldn't I?" Hua Zhi chuckled softly. "He is the Shen family's eldest son, and I am the Hua family's eldest daughter. The match is perfect. But things are different now. Knowing that I'd face hardships if I married into that family, why wouldn't I consider other options?"

"Have you thought about the future?"

"Why bother thinking about it? Does the fourth uncle think I won't be able to survive? Or does Bai Lin dare mistreat me?"

Hua Pingyang rubbed his face, smiling. "Even if he had the courage, I'd break his legs."

"That's right. As long as he protects me, the Hua family will always have a place for me."

"I'm not dead yet," Hua Pingyu said sternly. "If he mistreats you, I'll break his legs."

Hua Zhi was taken aback but then laughed heartily. "Thank you, I still have you, Father!"

Suddenly, Hua Pingyu got up, carrying the paintings and letters, and walked out. "I'll go see what Chen Shan is doing."

Hua Pingyang followed suit, patting his niece's shoulder before leaving.

With only the two of them left in the room, there was a moment of silence. Hua Zhi sat down beside her grandfather and spoke gently, "Grandfather, I never really wanted to get married. This situation actually aligns with my wishes, and I don't feel like I'm being treated unfairly. You don't need to feel like you owe me anything."

"You may not feel wronged, but I do." Hua Yizheng was still filled with unresolved anger. Shen Qi from the Shen family was always progressive and had a good relationship with Pingyu, a relationship that he carefully chose for his granddaughter. He thought that they could live harmoniously together, even in the grand estate. But he had misjudged.

"Your father will probably be upset for a while."

Hua Zhi hadn't expected such a strong reaction from her father, which softened her heart.

"Things are fine as they are now."

Perhaps she was the only one who felt good about it. Hua Yizheng pondered for a moment, feeling uneasy, so he changed the subject. "How many days have you been on the road? You must have encountered snow on the way? If you want to keep an eye on us, you don't have to come personally. I can arrange for someone to come over. You've never been far from home; it's too dangerous."

"I made all the necessary arrangements before leaving. I wouldn't feel at ease if I didn't come myself. Hearing from others is never as reassuring as seeing with your own eyes. I can bear this hardship."

Hua Yizheng could tell she was avoiding the main issue, but he didn't expose it. He nodded in agreement. "You're used to hiding your talents. I'm not sure what you're capable of, but with you at home, I can feel a bit more at ease."

"Don't feel at ease too soon. By the time you return to the Hua family, our century-old reputation will probably stink of copper."

"Reputation won't fill your stomach; what good is it then?" Hua Yizheng adjusted his thick cloak.

He didn't want to ask Zhi'er how much she had suffered to support such a large family, nor did he want to inquire about the current situation at home. No one understood better than him the abilities of his granddaughter, who always kept him guessing. Knowing she wouldn't marry meant he could be at ease, but because of this, he found it even more difficult to bear.

How terrible it was to rely on his granddaughter to support the family. This was his failure, so he had to survive and return. Only if he was alive could no one dare mistreat Zhi'er!

Only if he brought everyone back could Zhi'er's sacrifices not be in vain.

Seeing that her grandfather's mood was low, Hua Zhi knew her words of comfort wouldn't help him. She opened the package she had prepared last night and saw more gold bars than she had originally counted.

She was taken aback at first, then casually said, "I did some business at home, earning daily income. When I left, I took all the silver I could carry, most of which I exchanged for gold bars. I also have some silver notes and coins left for convenience. Grandfather, you don't need to worry about money. I can earn it. Don't burden yourselves."

Looking at the bundle of gold bars, Hua Yizheng forced a smile and didn't inquire about her business. He simply said, "You've always been prudent in your actions. I trust you."

"Yes, I will take care of the Hua family until your return."