Blossom in Adversity

C111. Mourning (5).

Chapter 111: Mourning (5)

At noon, Chen Dayi and his wife arrived.

As a student of Old Master Hua, he performed the full ceremony as soon as he arrived, not holding back at all with three kneels and nine kowtows. When Hua Zhi and the others returned the gesture, he politely declined.

"I should have come earlier, but there was a major court meeting today. Even though I am not qualified to attend, I was strictly forbidden from leaving the office." Chen Dayi's face was full of guilt as he gestured for his wife to come forward. "I can't ask for leave now. If I do, it will be difficult to ask for it later. It's better to wait until the day of the funeral to come. For now, I'll have my wife help out here, and I'll come after I finish my duties at the office."

Hua Zhi did not refuse as she did not have the authority to do so.

Chen Dayi's wife, surnamed Liu, had a good temperament but was not soft-hearted. She had a methodical way of doing things, and with her and Wu shi's cooperation, Hua Zhi was able to completely detach herself from those trivial matters.

Shortly after Chen Dayi left, Mu Qing arrived with his family in tow.

Hua Zhi solemnly returned the gesture.

Mu Qing presented a gift of money. "Some people couldn't come in person, so they asked me to bring this gift of money. Miss, I know that you are someone who stays away from the mundane world, but the world is not all black and white. It took me many years to understand this, and I hope you won't have to suffer losses before learning that too."

Hua Zhi remained silent for a moment before expressing her gratitude.

Her family knows her best - how stubborn and unyielding she can be, how she cannot tolerate any injustice. She knows this about herself too, and despite knowing it's not right, she lacks the motivation to change. She'd rather solve a difficult problem than face the mess in her family.

But the current members of the Hua family are not the same as in her past life. They may have their own selfish motives, but they do not harbor ill intentions towards her. Her mother may be weak, but she protects and cherishes her. Her younger brother may be young, but he already knows to stand up for her. She still trusts her grandfather and her fourth uncle, who has been preparing her dowry for over ten years. Because of them, she is willing to change.

Mu Qing did not expect an instant agreement, thinking she was just casually responding. He gestured for someone to take the gift money to the reception desk.

Lady Mu was a gentle woman, comforting Hua Zhi with a few soft words. Hua Bailin then led Master Mu and his family to the side room to rest.

Until evening, no one else arrived. Wu shi had already wiped away a few tears in secret, and Hua Zhi could only pretend not to notice - she couldn't offer any comfort.

On the second morning of the vigil, Zhu Bowen arrived with his children and grandchildren.

Hua Zhi was very surprised - she thought her grandmother and second uncle's presence was the extent of the Zhu family's support. She didn't expect her grandfather to come as well, along with all the men from the Zhu family.

"Grandfather..."

Zhu Bowen patted Bai Lin's shoulder and then turned to his descendants. "You all stay here and burn more paper for me. Zhi'er, come with me."

"Yes."

As Hua Zhi was about to lead her grandfather to the corridor, a good place for conversation, he said by her side, "I heard you have reopened the clan school. Take me to see it."

Since the old lady had been in a coma, the clan school had been closed off, and the courtyard looked desolate. Faint voices could be heard from outside, making it seem surreal.

After looking around, Zhu Bowen settled in the small octagonal pavilion and gazed at his granddaughter, who had changed significantly since they last met. "Is there anything you want to ask?"

"I was very surprised by your visit today, Grandfather."

"Worried about the Zhu family being implicated?" Zhu Bowen chuckled, "The Zhu and Hua families have been connected for decades and are also related by marriage. If the emperor had any intent to implicate us, he would have done so already. The fact that he hasn't touched anyone related to the Hua family indicates something. I usually keep my distance to avoid drawing the emperor's attention, but I wanted to make sure that the devils and monsters in the palace restrain themselves a bit during this time of mourning."

Furrowing her brows, Hua Zhi asked, "Is someone targeting the Hua family?"

"You must be wary of the Feng family and the Wei family. The Feng family's daughter once set her sights on a scholar who had just achieved success in the imperial examination, despite him already having a wife. She forced him to write a divorce letter to marry into the Feng family. The scholar, with his integrity, refused and was almost driven to death by them. Yizheng couldn't bear to see it and saved him through some tricks. The Feng family bore a grudge for many years and has caused trouble in the court. They are ruthless and won't show mercy just because the Hua family only has women and children. Be careful. As for the Wei family, it's purely a matter of opposing political views. The behavior of Wei Jing in recent years has gained favor from the emperor, and his descendants have followed suit. Restrict your family members and try to avoid confrontation with them."

"I understand. Zhi'er will keep it in mind."

"After your grandmother's funeral, I'll have your eldest uncle specifically discuss the power distribution in the capital with you. You've been confined to the inner courtyard for these past years and may not be aware of the external affairs. Now that you're in charge, you must be informed to prevent any major losses."

Hua Zhi respectfully stood up and bowed, "Zhi'er thanks Grandfather."

"Family members don't need to be so formal." Zhu Bowen motioned for her to sit down. "The capital has been turbulent these past few years. Without a designated heir, the situation remains unstable. I have to plan three steps ahead, fearing any missteps. Just be vigilant, as I'm worried that someone may have their eyes on the Hua family."

Hua Zhi's thoughts followed along and she began to understand. "Someone wants to use the Hua family's reputation? Aren't they afraid that reputation will backfire on them and cripple them?"

"Zhi'er, you underestimate the reputation that the Hua family has built over a hundred years. Do you know the esteem and reputation your grandfather holds among scholars? If it weren't for fears of consolidating support around Yizheng with another title, those scholars would have caused a scene by now. Once Bai Lin and the others gradually leave the residence in the future, you will see the immense power that will be at your disposal. This power may be useless to most, but it holds immense value for certain individuals."

Zhu Bowen pointed upwards, confirming Hua Zhi's suspicions. Ultimately, it was those princes who couldn't sit still, causing trouble for her grandfather even after he had been exiled and then coveting his good reputation for their own gain.

How ridiculous!

Hua Zhi scoffed inwardly. Even if she had to destroy that reputation, she would never allow others to use it!

"But you don't need to worry too much. It shouldn't happen for the time being. They'll wait until there are fewer eyes on the Hua family before making a move. Zhi'er, I know you have your principles. Think about how you will handle this. If you need the Zhu family's help, just say the word."

"I understand, Zhi'er will remember that." If things could be settled amicably, maybe she could take the initiative, but if someone tried to forcefully take it away, they should be prepared to shed some skin.

No one in this world is invincible, not even the princes.

The enemy of an enemy is a friend - that's a lesson she learned in her past life.