Blossom in Adversity

C117. Night Visit to the Boudoir.

Chapter 117: Night Visit to the Boudoir

Although Hua Zhi was born and raised in the capital, she had the slim figure of a southerner, with slender shoulders, a willowy waist, and a swan-like neck. She was not tall but appeared graceful and elegant.

When she wanted to hide her true self, in the eyes of others, she was just a pretty and decent girl. However, when she looked at you coldly, and you had something to hide, you wouldn't even dare to look at her.

At this moment, as Hua Jing unconsciously stepped back under her gaze, her legs weakened and she sat down on the ground. She tried to stand up but failed after several attempts.

Everyone was watching her.

No one from the Hua family or the bystanders stepped forward to help her. Feeling embarrassed and angry, tears streamed down her face, giving her a pitiful look as if she was being bullied by everyone.

But who would have thought that this seemingly pitiful person caused the death of her own mother out of anger and tried to stir up trouble in her maternal family, forgetting their past kindness, their past nurturing, sisterly affection, and that everything she had now came from her maternal family.

Hua Zhi looked down at Hua Jing, and just when everyone thought she would say something more harsh, she turned and left. Her cloak was stirred by the wind, and her hood slipped off.

From the direction where the women stood, only a profile could be seen, indeed beautiful, with a high nose bridge, fair skin, and vibrant red lips.

Suyun Mama quickly put the hood back on the young lady and helped her up the steps.

Steward Xu, who did not follow, approached, "Young Lady, about that person outside..."

"Don't mind her. If she dares to step foot into the Hua family gate, kick her out."

"Young Lady, rest assured, she won't come in!"

The mourning hall was being dismantled, and Hua Zhi stood there quietly, then asked, "By the custom, will the monks come back?"

"They will return to chant for another half an hour to dispel evil spirits."

"Prepare some vegetarian dishes and fruits, and treat them well."

"Yes."

After rinsing herself off, Hua Zhi dared not take a bath, fearing that she wouldn't be able to get up once soaked. She changed into a set of pale white clothing, similar to mourning attire. The descendants of the Hua family needed to mourn for a year, and she wondered if others had plain clothes to wear.

If the family business was doing well, they would need to make several sets of plain clothes for everyone.

"Miss, have some soup." Fu Dong brought over a bowl of soup and offered it to Hua Zhi, which smelled delicious.

Hua Zhi took a few sips, "Is this made with mushroom oil?"

"Yes, I made it myself, and it's not against the rules to eat this." For a year, they should only eat vegetarian dishes every day; she was afraid the body wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Make more and send it to the common kitchen."

"Yes." Fu Dong happily agreed and hurried out, while Ying Chun massaged the stiff areas on the young lady's shoulders and murmured, "Running and jumping around, what kind of behavior is this? All the rules were learned in vain."

"No use talking to me, talk to her." Hua Zhi closed her eyes, letting her body sway with Ying Chun's force. It was painful, but she could endure it.

Ying Chun fell silent; if it weren't for Fu Dong being scared, she wouldn't have allowed this behavior.

By the time the monks returned, it was already past noon. After half an hour of chanting, the event was finally over, and all the monks ate more at this meal than before.

After sending the monks out, Hua Zhi sincerely bowed to Ven. Prajna.

Ven. Prajna returned a bow, uttered a Buddhist mantra, and left with the others, as if, in that moment, Hua Zhi heard a sigh.

Glancing at the hut, Steward Xu understood and bowed, "She has left. I'll have it dismantled."

Hua Zhi nodded, "Close the doors. Everyone is tired. Take turns resting. And, have Xu Jie come see me."

"Yes."

*

Meanwhile, Hua Jing returned to the Song family. News had not spread yet, and old lady Song, seeing her distressed expression, assumed she was still in shock from her mother's passing. Kind-hearted, she didn't question her and let her return to her room.

Hua Jing didn't inquire about her husband or where her children had gone. Once back in her room, she nervously bit her nails, trying to figure out how to clear her name before others spread rumors. Yes, she was wrongly accused.

Determined, Hua Jing rubbed her eyes until they turned red, then, her face tear-streaked, she called her close servant in. If she wanted people to believe her innocence, she first had to earn the trust of those closest to her.

*

The doors of the Hua household were tightly shut, exhausted after these past few days. Both masters and servants had reached their limit. Except for essential guards at the entrance, everyone else fell into a deep, day-and-night slumber, and the entire Hua residence fell silent.

At night, Gu Yanxi silently sneaked into Hua Zhi's chamber. The maids on the small bed were sound asleep, completely unaware of anyone approaching their mistress.

Hua Zhi wasn't sleeping soundly, her brow furrowed. Gu Yanxi resisted the urge to smooth out her wrinkled brow. No one understood better than him the extent of Hua Zhi's vigilance; even though their martial strengths were incomparable, any sudden movement on his part would surely startle her.

He sat on the edge of the bed, even his gaze couldn't be too eager, watching her pale face, feeling an all too familiar emotion.

Just like on the journey to the northern lands, just like when he received the news of Grandma Hua's passing, the feeling that rose within him was this prickling ache.

When his grandmother asked about it, he said it wasn't the right time, but in that moment, he almost impulsively wanted to say it was Hua Zhi, the Hua family's Hua Zhi. He believed his grandmother and Grandma Hua's bond, knowing his grandmother's affection for him, would surely approve. With a decree, regardless of the situation at the Hua family, regardless of Hua Zhi's reluctance, she would have to marry him after the mourning period, even if he chose to marry her during the warm mourning period.

But after that moment passed, he regained his composure. He couldn't bear to clip her wings, to confine her in the inner chambers. He didn't want Hua Zhi to look at him with disdain, with dislike.

He wanted her to willingly wear the red marriage gown for him, to become his wife.

He also wanted to see where the Hua family would go under her leadership.

He was patient and willing to wait.

*

After this sleepless night, Hua Zhi ached all over, feeling as heavy as lead. Every step seemed like a struggle. Silently, she moved to the front yard.

Managing things in the inner courtyard had become inconvenient, so she had a previously used courtyard for resting during teaching breaks, to be cleaned up. From now on, she would handle matters here.

"Miss, is your wound hurting again?" After holding back for so long, Ying Chun finally asked. However, the wound on the young lady's leg had clearly scabbed over.

"The wound is healing, it itches." She explained, not in pain. Hua Zhi turned to Nian Qiu, "Report the recent income."

"Of course." Nian Qiu opened the account book, speaking clearly, "During your absence of thirty-two days, the total income from Green Moss Alley was four thousand one hundred sixty-two taels, with costs around six hundred eighty taels. Business slowed down with the cooling weather, but there were more customers from wealthy families. I believe business will double once the weather improves."