Blossom in Adversity

C116. Hua Jing, I Will Not Forgive You.

Chapter 116: Hua Jing, I will not forgive you

The funeral procession slowly made its way out of the alley.

Walking at front, Hua Zhi couldn't see what was happening behind her. But when a soft gasp was heard, followed by a momentary pause in the procession lifting the spirit tablet, her heart sank. Ignoring etiquette, she immediately turned around, finding everything before her leaving her breathless.

On the main street of the southern city, small tables were set up at intervals, with burning incense and paper money. Behind the tables, people wore mourning bands and solemn expressions.

As the procession passed each table, the individuals standing there would kneel and only rise after the procession had moved on.

Hua Zhi and her brothers paid their respects one by one, stirring up a wave of sadness among the mourners.

Even those who were only there to spectate couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the once illustrious Hua family, now fallen in just a few months. The sudden collapse of a family that had stood for centuries left them with a sense of impending doom - if the Hua family could fall, who knew when it would be their turn.

The procession of mourners continued to the vicinity of the Hua family tomb. Hua Zhi received no prior notification and was surprised to see a makeshift altar with offerings of incense, candles, paper money, and fruits laid out. Despite its simplicity, it was a heartfelt gesture.

Hua Zhi and her brothers bowed deeply, acknowledging the sincerity and righteousness of the gesture.

Some may have received help from their grandfather or father, but the main reason so many came forward was that they were all scholars, paying respects to their ancestors and honoring the Hua family's reputation as promoters of education. They risked the emperor's displeasure to pay their respects.

She represented her grandfather and the Hua family, accepting this sentiment.

The reciprocal bows were genuine and respectful.

According to tradition, unmarried women were not allowed to enter the ancestral burial ground. Hua Zhi handed the portrait to her cousin Bai Yu and knelt at the entrance to the tomb, watching the procession until it disappeared from view before rising with the help of Ying Chun.

As the crowd lingered, observing the eldest granddaughter of the Hua family, it was no longer news that following the passing of the old Lady Hua, the stewardship had been passed to the eldest granddaughter, bypassing her four daughters-in-law.

In the capital city, where the wealthy and idle were numerous, many sent people to inquire about Hua Zhi, but the information gathered was scarce. Apart from her broken engagement with the Shen family, there seemed to be nothing else worth mentioning.

Although born and raised in the capital, she never participated in social events that young ladies typically enjoyed, and there were no reports of close female friends. She seemed to live like an invisible figure within the Hua family compound until now.

Curiosity swirled around her character and appearance. If it weren't for those who had seen her during the procession, claiming she was as beautiful as a celestial maiden, people might have assumed the Hua family's granddaughter was too ugly to be seen in public.

Many were eagerly waiting for a gust of wind to blow off her hood, revealing the true beauty of the Hua family's eldest granddaughter.

It's a pity that the heavens do not always fulfill people's wishes. Even when Hua Zhi got on the carriage, the malevolent wind did not stir.