Blossom in Adversity

C100. Death!

Chapter 100: Death!

On November twenty-fourth, the capital welcomed its first snowfall of the year. The snowflakes were small, fluttering down gently, casting a thin layer of white on the rooftops.

However, the snow on the ground quickly melted away, dampening the streets.

It was at this time that Hua Zhi entered the city, and despite her exhaustion, her heart filled with joy.

She was finally close to home.

If it weren't for the restriction against galloping in the city, she would have eagerly spurred her horse and rushed home to see her family, then collapsed into a deep sleep.

Before entering the city, the two of them had not ridden together. Hua Zhi looked at Gu Yanxi beside her and said, "Mr. Lu, if you have something to attend to, please go ahead. Once you're done, be sure to come over. I'll have Fu Dong prepare a table of delicious food to entertain you."

Gu Yanxi's expression was deep, but in the end, he said nothing, insisting on escorting her to Hua Residence Lane.

Watching her knock on the corner gate, seeing the person inside kneeling before her, shouting, "Miss, you've returned, Old Madam is not doing well!"

Hua Zhi stood at the door for a moment, then turned and kneeled before Gu Yanxi, before striding into the house.

Her cloak billowed as if there were the sound of thunder and wind.

The servant inside also quickly bowed and closed the door behind her.

Wang Rong leaped down from the rooftop and knelt before Gu Yanxi.

"How is the situation?"

"She has not regained consciousness, the doctor says she may not last two days, but today is already the fourth day."

Not waiting for Hua Zhi to return, Old Lady Hua could not rest easy, but now, with Huazhi back, Gu Yanxi looked up at the sky. It seemed the snow would continue for several days.

"Go back."

"Yes."

After taking one last glance at the Hua family's residence, Gu Yanxi rode away. He had to visit the palace, and he needed to leave Chen Qing to watch over here, as he didn't trust anyone else.

From the corner gate to the inner courtyard, it was enough for Hua Zhi to know that something had happened. She listened impassively, gripping the reins tightly, walking faster and faster, with the servant having to run to keep up.

The atmosphere in Old Lady Hua's courtyard was heavy, filled with servants and Hua family descendants. The inner room was filled with the Hua family's four daughters-in-law and the physician.

The physician sighed and shook his head at the others. He had already tried every method available.

Zhu Shi cried on the spot.

Wu Shi clenched her handkerchief, her voice hoarse. "Please, Physician Chu, do your best. Please, no matter what, buy us more time."

Because Hua Zhi had not yet returned, the only person who could truly comfort Old Lady Hua was still on her way back. The news she brought must have been what Old Lady Hua most wanted to hear.

The commotion outside suddenly grew louder, faintly hearing someone calling, "Eldest Miss!"

"Eldest sister!"

Hua Bailin's voice confirmed that Huazhi had returned, and Wu Shi rushed to the door faster than Zhu Shi did. She never realized how difficult it was to bear the burden of a family until now, while Hua Zhi managed to hold the family together during such difficult times, seemingly effortlessly. That was the difference between them.