Blossom in Adversity

C125. The Reason.

Chapter 125: The Reason

Hua Xi'an had been enduring alone for so long that once she was safely nestled in her mother’s embrace, she felt a profound sense of peace and drifted off to sleep. Zhi’er had her carried on a sedan chair to her mother’s courtyard.

As soon as she lay down on the bed, surrounded by familiar and comforting scents, Hua Xi'an almost instantly fell asleep.

Old Master's Third Concubine tears streamed down her face like a broken pearl necklace. How could she not be heartbroken knowing that her daughter had been mistreated for so long?

She had always thought that even for the sake of the Hua family’s reputation, the Yang family would dare not bully Xian’er. But now she realized that when a person was too weak, they would always be taken advantage of.

Xian’er was so foolish too, not saying anything upon her return. Her father would have surely stood up for her. Thankfully, Zhi’er was capable and resourceful.

Otherwise...

Carefully tucking her daughter in, Old Master's Third Concubine quietly left the room. The Hua family members in the outer room had yet to leave, their eyes filled with concern. Never before had she felt such a strong sense of belonging to the Hua family.

Zhu shi, her eyes swollen from crying, asked softly, “Is Little Sister asleep?”

“Yes, she is. We owe a great deal to all of you today.”

“We haven’t done much,” Xia shi said, glancing at Zhi’er. “It was Zhi’er who was so courageous.”

She nodded in agreement. “Yes, our Zhi’er is unmatched.”

“Anyone would have helped in such a situation,” Zhi’er replied modestly. “Let’s not disturb Second Aunt any longer. Sui'an, I’ll take you to your room.”

“Yes,” Yang Sui'an bowed to his step-grandmother and immediately followed her out. He knew his cousin must have questions for him.

Zhi’er led him to the west wing. “Do you know why your father beat your mother?”

“I know a little,” Yang Sui'an replied, his lips pursed.

Although it was a family scandal, he didn’t intend to hide it from his cousin. “It must have been the scene of the scholars seeing off Grandmother’s funeral that gave him ideas. He wanted to use the Hua family to make connections with influential scholars and further his own career.”

“Did your mother refuse?”

“Mother said that the Hua family was now full of women and young children, and that it would be inappropriate for us to associate with those people. That’s when he hit her. I think he wanted to scare her into submission.” A shiver ran down Yang Sui'an's spine despite sitting by the brazier.

“Has he ever hit your aunt before?”

"He never laid a hand on her. At most, he'd hurl insults, avoid her room for long periods, or deliberately provoke the maids around her. But he wouldn't dare to hit her, not back then."

"Knowing all this, why didn't you come back and tell your maternal grandfather? Don't say it's because your mother was a concubine's daughter. Grandfather never treated any of his children poorly."

"It wasn't until shortly before my grandmother passed away that I learned a bit. I did some investigating and gradually discovered more. Mother always told me she'd chosen to move out of the main courtyard, saying she didn't like it there. Every time I went back, she seemed so happy, without any sign of forcing herself. That's why..."

Yang Sui'an buried his face in his knees, a posture that betrayed his vulnerability. His voice choked as he said, "I should have paid more attention to Mother."

Hua Zhi added more coals to the brazier and watched as they slowly ignited. She didn't try to comfort the trembling boy. She realized she hadn't thought about children being burdened with adult responsibilities in quite some time. The events that had befallen the Hua family had shown her that no one willingly learned things they shouldn't. They were simply forced to by circumstances.

Bai Lin was like that, and so was Sui'an.

*

The Capital never runs out of gossip, and lately, the talk of the town has been the young miss of the Hua family.

After the Hua family men were exiled and the old matriarch passed away, everyone thought the family was on the verge of collapse. But just when they thought things couldn't get more chaotic, her ten-year-old brother led a group to rescue their mistreated elder aunt. It was a far cry from the image of a helpless family, and suddenly, the whole city was intrigued by this young miss.

Along with the young miss, Hua Bailin also became a topic of conversation. For such a young boy, his actions were both decisive and calculated. He faced off against Mr. Yang without showing any fear. They say he was surrounded by the Yang family's men who wouldn't let him take away the second daughter of Hua family, but he managed to break through with just a few people. Even adults might not have handled it as well.

Truly, the younger generation of the Hua family is exceptional. They're not like the others.

Bao Xia recounted these events with great enthusiasm, and the other maids looked on with pride. But the young miss herself remained remarkably calm. Setting down her brush, she blew on the ink and handed the paper to Bao Xia. "Take this to Fu Dong and have her try it."

"Miss!"

"What do you want me to say? Compliment them on their storytelling?" Hua Zhi smiled wryly. "Or should I present myself to them and let them see how beautiful I am?"

Bao Xia finally realized her mistake and hung her head in shame. Seeing her so flustered, Ying Chun couldn't help but push her out the door. "Go on, don't upset our miss."

Bao Xia stuck out her tongue and ran off.

Hua Zhi nodded slightly at Ying Chun, who returned a flattering smile.

Hua Zhi was pleased to see them getting along well. She couldn't tolerate any internal strife among her people.

Liu Xiang came in with a basket. "Miss, it's time for the clan school."

"Mm," Hua Zhi replied, washing her hands. "The young ladies are all in charge of their studies. If they have any questions, send someone to ask you. Please teach them well."

"Everyone clings tightly to their power when they first take charge. But you're different. You've barely taken over and you're already eager to hand over your authority," Ying Chun said, handing her a thick fur coat.

Seeing the fiery red fox fur, Hua Zhi paused for a moment. Right, she still owed Mr. Lu a lot of silver.

"Miss?"

"Nothing," Hua Zhi replied, pulling the coat closer around her. "It's not worth worrying about such a small amount of power. If I can nurture them all, then I can hand over the family affairs to them in the future. I'll be happy to relax. Nian Qiu, remember to use the old accounting method that everyone understands. Don't use the new one I taught you."

Nian Qiu nodded reluctantly. She wished she could use the mistress's method, it was much more convenient and efficient.

Before going out, Hua Zhi turned back and instructed, "Pay close attention to Second Aunt's household. Make sure she doesn't lack anything that the other branches have. I remember that when we were fourteen or fifteen, our monthly allowance was twenty taels. Give Sui'an the same amount every month from now on. Also, don't let him lack for anything in terms of pens, ink, paper, or books. Make sure he has everything that Bai Lin has. Remember?"

"Yes, I will personally take care of it."

Hua Zhi nodded and pulled her coat closer again. She held a hand warmer in her sleeves, but the cold wind still made her shiver. The weather was getting colder and colder. She really didn't want to go out even a step.

"We need to install underfloor heating in the clan school next year. Liu Xiang, please remember that. I'm afraid I might forget."

"Yes."