Blossom in Adversity

C109. Mourning (3).

Chapter 109: Mourning (3)

Old Lady Zhu was helped down from the carriage by her son, her eyes reddening as she looked up at the funeral couplets hanging on the lintel.

They were not just in-laws; they had known each other since their childhood days in their parents' homes. Despite being two years older, they often met at gatherings of young ladies from various families. They were not close friends, but their relationship was deeper than that of most people.

It was a coincidence that their husbands' families were old acquaintances, and their frequent interactions had made their bond even closer. Old Lady Zhu had dared to marry off her incapable daughter to the Hua family because she knew what kind of people they were.

But who would have thought that the person two years younger than her would suddenly be gone.

Suddenly, a sound of weeping came from beside her, and Old Lady Zhu turned her head to see Hua Jing.

Noticing her gaze, Hua Jing bowed deeply in filial reverence. Old Lady Zhu raised her hand slightly, but did not ask her why she was outside.

At her age, Old Lady Zhu had seen too much and understood the principles of abnormal behavior deeply, especially since she did not like Hua Jing.

Among the Hua family's children, she had the lowest opinion of this arrogant eldest daughter. Her own daughter had not suffered under her mother-in-law's hand, but she had faced several losses under Hua Jing's hand. If it weren't for her husband's protection, she might have faced even more difficulties. She never brought this up, but she never forgot.

By now, Hua Zhi had come out to greet them, and the two siblings knelt down as they crossed the threshold.

Old Lady Zhu no longer remembered Hua Jing. She swiftly helped them to their feet, calling them her precious grandchildren, visibly filled with heartache.

After a brief conversation, Hua Zhi greeted Zhu Haodong. "Second uncle."

"Don't be so formal." It had been a few months since their last meeting, and both siblings had changed to the point where he almost didn't recognize them. While Bai Lin had become more stable, he was more surprised by the changes in Zhi'er.

Zhi'er had always been quiet and reserved, seldom speaking more than necessary. Her demeanor had been a model for proper young ladies. Now, while she still maintained that propriety, he could see a difference in her – a determination and sharpness that hadn't been there before.

Or perhaps, they had all underestimated each other.

The two siblings helped Old Lady Zhu up to the mourning hall to pay their respects, with the younger generation of the Hua family kneeling in gratitude. Zhu Haodong glanced at the figure behind the curtain.

Old Lady Zhu cried sincerely for a while, before allowing the two siblings to take her to the adjacent flower hall to rest, where Zhu shi was waiting.

Seeing her mother, Zhu shi cried even more bitterly. Zhi'er bowed respectfully. "Grandmother and uncle, please rest here. Bai Lin and I will go to the mourning hall, so we won't accompany you."

"Don't worry about us. Go attend to your duties." Old Lady Zhu did not ask the people she had brought along to help. She had been observing since they entered and found that everything was in order in the Hua family; there was no need for additional assistance.

"Stop crying." Old Lady Zhu gestured for her son to close the door, then sat her daughter down and spoke in a hushed tone, "Tell me about the past couple of days. Who is in charge of the household now?"

"It's Zhi'er. Mother-in-law has handed over the household to Zhi'er." Zhu shi choked as she recounted the events of the past few days, emphasizing what had happened with Hua Jing.

Old Lady Zhu slammed the table in anger. "That ungrateful wretch!!! How well Wan Niang treated her?! She protected her like the apple of her eye, and this is how she repays her?! No wonder Zhi'er didn't want her in the house. Xia'er, let me tell you, don't defend her in front of Zhi'er. That's putting Zhi'er in a difficult position. If she can't even handle this bit of trouble, how will she manage the household and lead the people in the future?"

Zhu Xiuxia felt guilty for her previous actions and lowered her head.

Seeing that Zhu Xiuxia didn't understand, Old Lady Zhu couldn't find any harsh words to say. She just nodded and lightly tapped her forehead, saying, "Didn't I tell you not to meddle in Zhi'er's affairs? Whatever she says, you have to do. Are you deaf?"

Tears welled up in Zhu Xiuxia's eyes. "But she's Zhi'er's aunt. If she goes outside and speaks ill of Zhi'er, who wouldn't believe her? Zhi'er's reputation would be ruined."

Old Lady Zhu was at a loss for words for a moment. Indeed, when an aunt spoke ill of her niece, no one would assume that the aunt was intentionally trying to ruin the niece's reputation; rather, it may be because the niece truly had shortcomings, and her daughter's considerations were not wrong.

Zhu Haodong, who had been listening quietly, asked, "How does Zhi'er feel about this?"

"Zhi'er says..." Zhu Xiuxia lowered her head and her voice as she spoke softly, "Zhi'er says she cannot step back. She says she cannot let the Hua family suffer the same fate as the He family."

The girl who usually had minimal presence actually understood things better than anyone else. Zhu Haodong sighed inwardly, feeling that he had misjudged the situation. "If she steps back, the Hua family might end up taking the Song surname along with Hua Jing."

"But the Hua family has nothing left to gain..."

Zhu Haodong explained to his younger sister, "The reputation of the Hua family alone is enough to attract people. You cannot imagine the extensive network of relationships the Hua family has built over more than a century. Although it may not be apparent now, it is because there is no need. No one will come forward to interact with the women of the Hua family during this time. That's not helping, it's harming. Another reason is that people don't want to confirm the accusations of nepotism against the old master Hua."

Zhu Xiuxia still didn't understand. "But no lady from other families has come forward to help us..."

Before helping others, one must protect oneself, Zhu Haodong shook his head, no longer delving into these complicated interpersonal relationships. He resolved to talk to Zhi'er after this was over. The Hua family not only had old connections but also political enemies, and with the old master Hua's favor towards scholars, many had benefitted from him. However, it had also caused him to make many enemies. When these two factors combined, once the Hua family no longer drew attention, there might be some people making moves behind the scenes.

"You must listen to Zhi'er. Stand by her side no matter what decision she makes. Do not try to dissuade her, even if you think it may not be good for her. She knows what she's doing. Even if she won't let herself be disadvantaged for your sake or Bai Lin's sake, do you understand?"

Zhu Xiuxia nodded repeatedly. "I understand."

Old Lady Zhu was more concerned about the reactions of the other members of the Hua family. "Do your sisters-in-law have any objections to Zhi'er taking charge?"

"I'm not sure about the other two, but the fourth sister-in-law should have no objections. Her relationship with Zhi'er has always been good, and these days, Zhi'er has been making all the arrangements, and the fourth sister-in-law follows her lead."

Finally, there was someone who could lend a hand. The grandmother sighed in relief for her granddaughter. "I won't interfere in the affairs of the Hua family to avoid gossip. I've also come to understand Zhi'er's temperament. She's strong and independent, and won't easily ask for help. Keep an eye on her. If she faces difficulties, have Lin Shuang come to me. I'll do my best to help if I can."

It was for her, not for the Zhu family, that the grandmother had kept some flexibility. Zhu Xiuxia couldn't understand it, but Zhu Haodong understood clearly and, seeing his sister's trusting expression, couldn't help but look away.

As Old Lady Zhu observed her son's reaction, her heart sank, but she had to maintain her position. First and foremost, she was the matriarch of the Zhu family, then she was Xiuxia's mother.