Blossom in Adversity

C101. Mourning.

Chapter 101: Mourning

Inside and outside the house, everyone knelt down in solemnity and sorrow, their cries subdued.

Hua Zhi held her grandmother for a while, gently patting her as if to lull her to sleep. Then, laying her down, she delicately placed her grandmother's hands on her abdomen, afraid to wake her.

Standing quietly by the bedside, Hua Zhi looked at her grandmother's peaceful face. "Is the mourning attire prepared?"

Sobbing almost to the point of losing her breath, Suyun Mama choked out a response, "Prepared, prepared. The old lady, the old lady knew beforehand, prepared it when she knew she was unwell."

"Find it and dress grandmother."

Suyun Mama found the mourning clothes, while Chun Xiang cleverly brought in water. Hua Zhi rolled up her sleeves, washed her hands, and then unfastened her grandmother's clothes.

Suyun Mama hurried forward. "Miss, let me..."

"It should be me."

Tears streamed down Suyun Mama's face as she nodded and assisted from the side.

After cleansing and dressing, Hua Zhi tidied her grandmother's appearance and without looking back, ordered, "Burn incense paper, light the eternal lamp."

"Yes."

Incense paper, also known as paper offerings, Chen Mama was about to burn it in the courtyard when Hua Zhi spoke again, "Open the main gate, burn it at the gate. Inform Steward Xu to start the mourning period."

Chen Mama couldn't hide her surprise. Since moving to the southern city, the main gate of the Hua family hadn't been opened since their arrival, and now...

She realized that the young lady was now in charge, and she only needed to follow orders. Hurriedly, she complied and left.

After one last glance at her grandmother, Hua Zhi finally turned around, her face devoid of sorrow.

Suddenly, Suyun Mama remembered that the young lady hadn't shed a tear until now. She organized everything so calmly, as if the deceased had no connection to her.

But how could she not feel sad?

Coming back from so far away to face such a situation, how could she not feel sorrow for the one who had passed away peacefully?

Suyun Mama cried even harder in sorrow.

"Suyun Mama, follow me from now on."

Suyun Mama, with tear-filled eyes, raised her head. Just now, the young lady said...

"I need a few more caretaker maids in my household."

Suyun Mama naturally agreed. But if they left, what would happen to the people in the old lady's room?

How could she bear to see them scattered so soon after the old lady's passing?

As if understanding her concerns, Hua Zhi alleviated her worries. "I already have enough people serving in my room, but there will always be a place for them. I will not mistreat anyone loyal to the Hua family."

Suyun Mama's heart settled back down, and she performed the ceremony with the other two maids in the room. The four of them had followed the old lady for decades. Although they had some disagreements when they were young, their bond was genuine. It was indeed a blessing to be able to continue working together in the future.

Once their minds were at ease, Hua Zhi put on her cloak and walked outside, feeling a bit cold.

"Eldest sister!" Seeing her come out, Hua Bailin, who knelt in the front, called out softly. Hua Zhi looked at him. "Grandmother has passed away."