Blossom in Adversity

C134. A Brief Separation.

Chapter 134 – A Brief Separation

On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth lunar month, it was time for a thorough cleaning.

The snow that had been falling for the past few days had accumulated into a thick layer, but on this day, the wind stopped, the snow stopped, and the sun shone brightly.

The servants of the Hua family were bustling about, cleaning, tidying up, and giving orders, creating a lively atmosphere.

Hua Zhi stood at a distance, watching in her white cloak, but did not approach.

Before Bao Xia could say anything, Suyun Mama gently shook her head at her. Perhaps she didn't know the eldest miss as well as these senior maids, but she understood the young lady's current mood. She didn't need to be involved; just watching was enough to brighten her heart.

After a moment, before anyone else could see her, Hua Zhi turned and left. No words needed to be spoken; her slight smile revealed her happiness.

"Hua Hua!"

Abruptly, a voice came from the roof, and Shao Yao, wearing her signature curtain hat, stood above. Her cloak fluttered in the wind.

Hua Zhi opened her arms with a smile, and a whimsical thought of a character from an animated film she had seen before crossed her mind. Those characters might not be the main protagonists, but they were unforgettable and undoubtedly formidable.

Shao Yao was the same.

Amid a chorus of gasps, Shao Yao jumped down from the roof and leaped into Hua Zhi's arms, discarding her hat which landed far away.

"Hua Hua, I'm back."

"Yes, you're back."

Shao Yao was taller, but from the position, it looked as though Hua Zhi was holding her, which seemed perfectly natural.

Patting Shao Yao's back, Hua Zhi smiled. "I was wondering if you could make it back in time for the New Year. Luckily, you made it."

Shao Yao explained how she rushed back on the road with the urging from Yan Ge, even neglecting the medicinal herbs they had found at Yingshan Pass. As soon as her master released her, she grabbed her package and ran.

"I want to spend New Year with you and stay here."

Hua Zhi led her towards her courtyard, replying with a smile, "As long as you're willing."

Of course, she was willing!

That was her idea all along, so she could stay by Hua Zhi's side day and night. She regretted not being there for Hua Zhi when the old lady passed away, and now she wanted to make up for it.

When they returned to the room, hot water had been brought in. Hua Zhi rummaged through her wardrobe, but with a helpless expression, she gave up. "Bao Xia, go to the second sister and ask for clean clothes. I'll return them to her later."

Bao Xia glanced at the young lady's petite figure discreetly, suppressing a smile as she agreed. The other servants also stifled their laughter, as they usually forgot how small their young lady was, but clothing was measured by height, a detail they always remembered when making new clothes.

That night, the two slept in the same bed.

Shao Yao was physically exhausted, but she couldn't sleep due to guilt over not being there for Hua Zhi when the old lady passed away.

"If only I had come back with you."

Hua Zhi stared at the ceiling, pondering the past few days. She realized she hadn't been as sorrowful as she expected. Compared to grief, ensuring the stability of the Hua family was her top priority.

"Huahua, if you want to cry, go ahead. I won't see a thing," said Shao Yao.

Hua Zhi chuckled and tapped her friend's nose. "It's not that bad. Life and death are beyond my control. Fulfilling her heart's desire is the most filial thing I can do for her."

"So are you really going to be the head of the Hua family forever? Never get married?"

"Not forever. One day, the young men of the Hua family will grow into towering trees, supporting our family, marrying and having children. Then I won't be needed."

"And then?"

Hua Zhi turned to face her.

Shao Yao persisted, "And then? When you're needed, you step up. When you're not, they'll cast you aside?"

Hua Zhi smiled wryly. Hadn't it always been like that?

When she was needed, they burdened her with everything. Once she had shouldered the family's responsibilities, she became an obstacle, an unnecessary existence.

But in this Hua family, she believed her own pupil, Bai Lin, wouldn't be so heartless. Even if Bai Lin turned against her in the end, she wouldn't drag everyone down with her.

From the moment she'd stepped forward to face her grandmother, she'd been prepared to turn against her own family. It was simply a matter of handing over her hard-earned empire, seeing the true colors of her so-called relatives.

That was all.

Now, she was as tough as nails. What was there to fear?

"Huahua!"

"No one can drive me away. If that day ever comes, it will be because I choose to leave."

"If they dare treat you like that, I'll poison them!"

"..."

"You're still laughing! I'm serious!" Shao Yao tried to sit up, flinging her arms and legs about, but Hua Zhi quickly pulled her back down and tucked her in tightly. "I didn't say I didn't believe you, but you're so ruthless, I can't help but be surprised."

Shao Yao finally quieted down and mumbled, "I was always meant to study poisons. My master said medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin. You can't master poison without understanding medicine, so that's why I learned it."

So all this time, medicine was just a side thing. Given Shao Yao's talent, Hua Zhi couldn't even imagine how skilled she must be with poisons.

"Do you use it often? I mean, the poison?"

"I use it on missions. It's not just about poisoning someone to death. A lot of times, we need to keep them alive, so I mix the poisons accordingly. I can also make perfumes. I'll make you a unique one someday."

"Alright, I'll be waiting." Hua Zhi smiled faintly, their breaths synchronizing as if they were one, their intimacy palpable. "Has my grandfather's health fully recovered? Are my father and the others doing well?"

"Yes, the old master's illness is completely cured. The others are taking medicinal baths daily. It won't be apparent in the short term, but by this time next year, they'll notice they're not as cold-sensitive." Shao Yao beamed with pride, her confidence evident in her area of expertise. "When I returned, the General's Mansion recruited a group of people, including your fourth uncle."

"Fourth Uncle is in the General's Mansion?" Hua Zhi looked at her in surprise. "Could he be in danger?"

"How could he be in danger? The General's Mansion is heavily guarded and the safest place in Yingshan Pass. Once Fourth Uncle establishes himself there, he can better protect the Hua family."

Yingshan Pass was a crucial gateway of the Daqing Dynasty. Ordinary people had no way of knowing what the General's Mansion was like. Hua Zhi didn't dwell on the extent of Shao Yao's involvement or the help Mr. Lu had provided. She simply smiled and nodded, feeling indebted to them.

Although she wanted to put down roots in the Hua family, Shao Yao had important matters to report to the Shizi and reluctantly returned to her true home.

Gu Yanxi was waiting for her in the study.

Shao Yao hesitated before entering the room, then lingered by the door, refusing to go any further. She lowered her head and confessed, "Yan Ge, I haven't completed the task."

Gu Yanxi remained silent, studying her.

"My master also made a mistake."

"Speak."

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TN:
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