Blossom in Adversity

C137. New Year's Eve Dinner, Three Glasses of Wine.

Chapter 137 – New Year's Eve Dinner, Three Glasses of Wine

The Hua family had a simple New Year.

Vegetarian food, fruits, and plain clothing—all aspects spoke of simplicity.

Fu Dong was in charge of the New Year's Eve dinner. She led dozens of people from the kitchen to start preparations on the twenty-eighth and the aroma had been lingering for days. Once in a while, some snacks were brought out so that the servants and attendants who were tasked to help wouldn’t return empty-handed.

Of course, Shao Yao was the most diligent among them all.

Once she dashed into the kitchen again, Liu Juan, cheeks flushed with a smile, handed her a plate of prepared fried meatballs, "Fu Dong said that no matter what is made, a portion will be sent to you. So stop running around."

Shao Yao giggled, her mouth still covered with crumbs from the pastries she had eaten earlier, looking silly no matter how you looked at her.

She no longer needed to wear the veil in the Hua family. At first, some were afraid to look at her face, but after seeing her greedy and clingy behavior towards the eldest Miss, they couldn't bring themselves to fear her anymore.

Hua Zhi didn't bother with her, letting her be free as long as she didn't think about leaving.

Inside the room, Ying Chun checked the hourglass once more and whispered, "Miss, it's time to go."

"Mm," Hua Zhi responded, her movements flowing without pause.

Ying Chun sighed inwardly, feeling unable to express her heartache. She had said she would take a rest until the fifteenth, but after just two days of rest, she took up her pen again.

After a while, Hua Zhi finally put down her pen, frowning slightly at what she had written. Was she overreacting a bit?

But if she didn't do this, she would be too passive.

Already slower than others by so much, and with such weak strength, if she didn’t think of some means of self-preservation, even if the border remained peaceful, with the character of those princes, the Hua family would not be left undisturbed.

"Miss, everyone has arrived."

"Let's go."

In the main hall of the Hua family’s courtyard, three tables were set up. At this time, everyone had already taken their seats except for the main one.

Seating arrangements were not based on age or gender as before, but according to Hua Zhi's suggestion, with families sitting together. It was a bit novel for everyone, but they all thought it was nice. A family reunion dinner was meant for the family to be together, after all—who was closer than children to their parents?!

Bai Jun, envious of the food, asked softly, "Mother, why isn't the eldest sister here yet?"

Wu Shi patted his hand and replied gently, "The eldest sister is very busy. She will be here when she’s done."

"The eldest sister is always very busy."

"Yes, she is busy. When you grow up quickly, you can help her, and she won't be so busy anymore."

"I know. Sixth Brother says we all have to become very capable to help the eldest sister."

Childish words, but they sounded proud yet poignant.

Hua Zhi was still in plain white attire, carrying a hand warmer in her sleeves as she entered the room. Everyone sitting stood up, including the old master's concubines who were two generations older, as a show of respect.