Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C208. Subsequent Strategy.

Chapter 208 Subsequent Strategy

Hua Xian looked at the divorce decree handed to her by Hua Zhi in disbelief, trembling as she held it in her hands, tears streaming down her face.

The family that had burdened her for half a lifetime had finally completely drifted away from her.

Even Elder Third Concubine, her eyes now red, dared not ask how the eldest granddaughter had obtained this divorce decree. She was not ignorant and clueless to the ways of the world to have entered the Hua family. Having followed the old master for many years, she understood the implications of when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. If the Yang family dared to lay a hand on Xian'er, they would not let her go easily without stripping some skin off the Huazhi family.

She did not know the price the Hua family had paid to give Xian'er her freedom back.

Hua Xian was at a loss for words, "Huazhi, I... I..."

"I will have Fourth Aunt arrange another courtyard for you. From now on, you are still a member of the Hua family, with no ties to the Yang family."

"I-I can stay here..."

"Thank you, eldest granddaughter, for your consideration for Xian'er." Elder Third Concubine interrupted her daughter, her voice slightly trembling. "Thanks to you, or else Xian'er might have truly been dragged to her death by the Yang family."

"Let's not talk about these family matters. I have things to attend to, so I will take my leave. Fourth Aunt will prepare the new courtyard for you, and you can discuss any ideas with her."

Hua Zhi bowed slightly and took her leave.

Hua Xian was still in a state of disbelief, pinching herself pitifully and calling out, "Mother..."

Elder Third Concubine glared at her, but her smile weakened the power behind that glare. With this major issue resolved, she felt like all her wishes had been fulfilled.

"Why can't you come here anytime you want? Having your own courtyard is when you truly return to the Hua family. That will be completely your own territory, not just attached to mine. From now on, An'an will also have a place to truly call his own."

"I have already caused a lot of trouble for the Hua family. I feel it wouldn't be right to make any more demands..."

Elder Third Concubine opened her mouth to say more but thought better of it. That was just how she was - she couldn't change. As long as she could stay by her side peacefully, that was better than anything else. She lived day by day, and if she was gone one day, An'an would still be there. The fact that things had come to this point already filled her with contentment.

The sky had darkened, and usually by this time, Hua Zhi would have returned to the back courtyard, with both gates locked. But today was different - after being busy for so long, none of them had even had dinner yet.

The side room was filled with a table full of dishes, mostly vegetarian.

Shao Yao buried her head in her food for a while before suddenly looking up and saying, "Huahua, who replaced Fu Dong?"

"I thought you wouldn't care." Hua Zhi smiled and served her with the communal chopsticks, also giving Gu Yanxi some. "There's a little girl who's been following Fudong for four or five years. She's not as creative as Fu Dong, but she's learned a few of Fu Dong's skills, so she can still cook for me."

"No wonder it tastes almost the same, but it's still not as good as Fu Dong's."

Hua Zhi understood what she meant. With the same ingredients, the same process, and the same heat, the taste could still be different. It could be said that they hadn't put their heart into it, or it could be said that some people were naturally more attuned to a particular dish, and the taste they made was just different. Fu Dong belonged to the latter category.