Blossom in Adversity

C97. Warmth.

Chapter 97: Warmth

Leaving the city required a pass, but when Hua Zhi offered it, the other party didn't accept it and simply waved them through. After all, who in Yingshan Pass didn't recognize the eldest daughter of the Hua family now?

Hua Zhi thanked them and as soon as they left the city gates, she mounted her horse, urging it forward into the journey, braving the wind and snow.

But even with the desire to return home swiftly, the weather made speed difficult.

It was too cold, a bone-chilling cold.

Suddenly, Gu Yanxi moved. He half-squatted on the horse, surprising everyone, jumped behind Hua Zhi, and controlled the horse before it could be spooked. "Kick off the stirrups."

Hua Zhi immediately understood what he wanted to do and complied without hesitation, then effortlessly came up behind Lin Ying.

The thick black cloak enveloped her, familiar warmth surrounding her instantly. The warmth behind her pulled her in, and almost instinctively, Hua Zhi leaned back against it.

Her hands were so stiff she couldn't grip the reins, her feet couldn't hold the horse. Even if Mr. Lu didn't do this, she wouldn't be able to last long before seeking his help.

Gu Yanxi's lips curved slightly as he gently enveloped Hua Zhi in the cloak, whispering in her ear, "Wrap the cloak tightly around yourself, don't let the wind in."

Hua Zhi complied, only her small face exposed.

"Let's go!"

The wind and snow still came at them, cold as ever, but slowly, her hands and feet began to warm up. The human body maintains a constant temperature of thirty-seven degrees. Even if two people were naked and embraced, they wouldn't heat up to thirty-eight degrees. But in the cold, just this simple embrace could warm them both.

Amidst the swirling snow, Hua Zhi's thoughts wandered endlessly.

She had doubts about Mr. Lu's identity, which were further confirmed on this journey. However, she couldn't blame him. Aside from not verbally explaining himself, he hadn't really hidden anything from her. Whether it was his familiarity with Yingshan Pass, his night-time wanderings, or the cloak he wore now – she recognized the sable fur, something that couldn't be bought with money and was owned by few. Yet, Mr. Lu had returned wearing this cloak the day after she forcefully bought his previous one. She couldn't deceive herself into thinking this was something an ordinary person could do.

But all of this had nothing to do with her. She didn't want to delve into it further.

Just keep this mutual understanding between us. When we reach a crossroads in the future, we will go our separate ways - one to the left and one to the right, with no further involvement.

Meanwhile, Hua Pingyang used Grandfather's cough as an excuse to invite Shao Yao into the house.

Shao Yao was simple-minded but not foolish. She was already taking care of Grandfather's health, so she knew his condition well and it couldn't have worsened so quickly.

But since she was asked, she went anyway. She was Huahua's friend, and these people were the family that Huahua cared about!

Grandfather was waiting in the study.

The Hua family had a tradition of passing down knowledge through generations, so even in this remote location, they had set up a study and brought in some books by any means possible. Some were handwritten copies by the Hua family members, serving as calligraphy practice.

Accompanying Grandfather in the study was Hua Pingyu; the others were out working.

Hua Pingyang brought Shao Yao in, standing by the door with it wide open.

Hua Yizheng looked solemn, speaking slowly and thoughtfully, "I took the liberty of inviting the physician over to inquire about my granddaughter's health."

Shao Yao's heart skipped a beat. How did they know?

Huahua couldn't have told them.

Yan Ge?

Hua Pingyang's words confirmed her suspicion. "Mr. Lu said something to me, so we invited the physician over to get a clear picture."

Shao Yao remained silent. Even with the curtain blocking her, her expression couldn't be discerned.

Hua Yizheng, who was adept at observing people, had seen through Shao Yao at their first meeting and knew what she was thinking. He sighed deeply, his tone sincere.

"Even though we can't do anything for her from miles away, we must know what she has been through, what she has sacrificed. These are things we should remember. If in the future any unfilial descendants of the Hua family mistreat her, I can tell them the hardships Zhi'er endured for the family when I break their legs."

Shao Yao toyed with her left hand's fingers with her right hand. She actually wanted to bite her nails.

Hua Pingyu stood up and bowed deeply to Shao Yao. "Please inform us."

Shao Yao quickly distanced herself. "I can't say. When Hua Zhi left, she told me not to talk about it."

This hinted to them how much Hua Zhi had kept from them. In recent days, she had only spoken positively. Even when she mentioned negative things, they were trivial and insignificant. They could tell but chose not to pry.

They just wanted everything to go smoothly for the girl who, despite signs of exhaustion, kept a gentle smile on her face to reassure them.

"But we know she was injured, and it was because of that injury that you two met," Hua Pingyang calmly persuaded her. "Just tell us about the injury, its extent, and her recovery. You won't be breaking any promises."

Shao Yao understood Hua Pingyang's intent. She actually wanted to talk about it. Hua Zhi had done so much, endured so much hardship; it was only fair for people to know. The women of the Hua family refrained from telling for fear of frightening them. These were men; surely they could handle it.

"Even if you find out, you must pretend not to know."

"Of course, if Hua Zhi doesn't want us to know, we will act as if we don't."

Shao Yao then unleashed the floodgates, recounting the events of that fateful night in detail. Although she didn't witness it, several people had described it to her in great detail, and she could imagine how gruesome it had been.

She stood up and patted herself in several places, continuing, "Hua Zhi's injuries were in these areas. She protected herself well and avoided vital organs, but she lost too much blood. She was afraid her family would find out so she stayed at the farm for a month before returning. Even now, she hasn't fully recovered."

Seeing their grim expressions, she hurriedly added, "Don't worry. There won't be any hidden dangers. I used the best medicinal herbs to make her medicine. But wounds of flesh and blood take time to heal. I will make sure she recovers properly."

As a father, Hua Pingyu, on behalf of the three men in the study, bowed deeply to Shao Yao. "Thank you."

"No need. Hua Zhi is my friend, and she has been very kind to me. I will treat her with the same kindness. We don't need to say thank you to each other."

Hua Yizheng kept his eyes closed throughout, hiding his thoughts. However, Hua Pingyang, sharp-eyed as ever, noticed the trembling in his father's hands, a stark contrast to the father who had never frowned even during his exile.