Blossom in Adversity

C118. Shen Qi.

Chapter 118 - Shen Qi

The income was even more substantial than what Hua Zhi had anticipated. She had underestimated people's desire for food, especially with the cold weather. Moreover, she hadn't expected wealthy families to become loyal customers of Green Moss Alley.

"How are the canned goods selling?"

The maids exchanged glances and shook their heads in unison.

"What's the matter?" Hua Zhi was surprised. She had expected the canned goods to sell well, considering the lack of fresh fruit in the north during this season.

"In the first few days of opening, there were some buyers. With the Zhu family supporting us upfront, everyone thought it was their business. But later, someone said it was the Hua family's, and the business dwindled."

Did the Hua family lose the ability to enjoy even their own goods after falling out of favor with the emperor?

Hua Zhi tapped the lid of her cup and asked, "Have similar canned goods been appearing in the city?"

"At the time, we thought someone wanted to take over this business. We sent people into the market to look, but found no canned goods resembling ours."

So, it was still the fault of the Hua family. As long as no one had their eyes on this profitable business opportunity, everything else - food, clothing, shelter, and transport - was indispensable at any time.

"Anything else to report?"

Aside from the incident with the angered elder lady, the Hua family had been very calm these days. Closing the doors could sometimes be seen as a sign of weakness. They didn't seek trouble with anyone, and those who wanted to cause trouble hadn't dared to do anything for the time being.

Bai Xia glanced at the young lady, knowing one thing that she wasn't sure if she should mention.

Hua Zhi looked at her, "Speak."

Ying Chun glared at her, wondering why she would bring up something that would upset the young lady.

Bai Xia glared back, knowing this was something relevant to the young lady, so it had to be brought to her attention.

With a hesitant tone, Bai Xia said, "Miss, Shen Qi, Young Master Shen, asked to see you but was turned away by the old madam."

Shen Qi...

Hua Zhi remembered him. He had been her father's student, always well-liked by her father, and frequently taught by his side. She had met him a few times herself. From her understanding, he was not a heartless person. She couldn't understand why he hadn't shown up until now. She had initially thought she had misjudged him, but his visit during the closure of the Hua family was unexpected. It just didn't seem like something a person trying to avoid trouble would do.

"Was there a message?"

"No, the old madam didn't even let him enter the estate."

With a house full of women, how could he be allowed in?

Hua Zhi didn't have any romantic feelings towards Shen Qi, but she hoped he had a teacher-student relationship with her father. At the very least, she didn't want her father to think he had stood by and done nothing. When she had mentioned breaking off the engagement at the Yingyan Pass, her father had truly been hurt. Perhaps he hadn't expected Shen Qi to pile on more trouble.

"Bai Xia, if he comes again, go meet him and see what he has to say."

"Yes."

At the door, Liu Xiang reported, "Miss, Steward Xu requests an audience."