Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C225. This is My Level.

Chapter 225 This is My Level

Even if she was tired, Hua Zhi woke up at the usual time.

Servants always get up earlier than their masters. Some had already finished a set of fist techniques, while others were waiting for the young lady to get up. Hua Zhi didn't know how they assigned tasks to themselves. She didn't care as long as they didn't cause trouble.

"Huahua, let's practice together." Shao Yao approached after Huahua finished her fist techniques. Huahua's movements were so strong that Shao Yao felt a bit itchy to try.

Hua Zhi also wanted to test the results of her six months of practice. With a smile, she agreed. The two of them set up a formation in the courtyard, and the maids inside and outside the house surrounded them eagerly. They had also endured hardships over the past six months. Although they were used to the daily morning exercises, they still vividly remembered the pain of practicing in the freezing cold winter.

But what they remembered even more was that as long as their young lady was at home, they never missed a practice. They all hoped that their young lady's hard work would not be in vain.

Shao Yao used the same set of fist techniques. She had heard countless times of Huahua's bravery. Although she held back her strength when attacking, she did not underestimate her opponent.

However, after a few moves, she frowned. Huahua's weaknesses were too obvious – lack of strength. But her strengths were also evident – quick reflexes. Even if Shao Yao struck first, Huahua always managed to barely block her attacks, although she would be forced to take a few steps back due to her lack of strength. Overall, it was not as good as Shao Yao had expected.

Shao Yao stopped and looked puzzled, "It's different from what I heard."

Hua Zhi, with a blush on her face and a thin layer of sweat, smiled and said, "This is my level."

"Why were you so powerful at the Zhuangzi? I know that person. At that time, he escaped from Yan Ge's hands and had some skill."

"He was after my life. I had to fight for it. You are not my enemy, so I cannot fight you to the death." Hua Zhi took the handkerchief handed by Bao Xia to wipe her sweat, thought of something, turned her head, and asked, "I remember that the sand table in the old house was made by a servant who was good at woodworking. Is he still at the Hua family?"

Bao Xia was surprised, thought for a moment, and said, "He is, but I need to check if he is at home or has been sent out."

"It's good if he's at home. Let him find some free time to make two more according to the original style, even larger is fine."

"Okay."

"What sand table?" Shao Yao asked, walking over.

Hua Zhi was surprised that she didn't know what a sand table was. This thing should be common in a military family... right?

Shao Yao's expression suggested that she had at least heard of it.

Looking at Peony's expression, Huazhi suddenly wasn't sure if this common knowledge was indeed common here.

When Grandfather saw the sand table, what kind of expression did he have? Huazhi tried hard to remember, but she didn't pay much attention at the time. She vaguely recalled that her grandfather, who usually ignored her, had come to her courtyard those days.

"Huahua?"

"Just something children play with. Once it's done, you'll see." Hua Zhi decided not to dwell on it since it wasn't something that would affect people's lives or harm the Hua family.

Shao Yao perked up when she heard it was for playing. After breakfast, she disappeared, and Hua Zhi didn't bother to ask where she went. Since she had decided to go south, she needed to quickly arrange things at home. Mid-year, she would have to go to the northern region. Her time was not ample.

"Steward Xu looks quite well."

Xu Dongjin bowed, with a pleasant smile on his face. His eldest son had a way out, and his youngest son had been summoned by the head of the family to listen to him. As long as he didn't make a mistake or misstep, with the temperament of the eldest daughter, she wouldn't treat him unfairly. Before coming, he had made up his mind. Even if he had to step down now, he would happily agree.

"Although I want you to enjoy your retirement, the family currently cannot do without you. You may have to work for a while longer."

Xu Dongjin was taken aback. Wasn't Xu Jie supposed to...

Ying Chun handed him a piece of paper, which he instinctively took. Lowering his head to look, he saw several names, all of whom were stewards in the mansion.

"These people have good character and capabilities. I will trouble you to choose one to be by your side and teach them well. They need to understand everything that needs to be known and handle things properly. Whom do you think is suitable?"

Xu Dongjin knew that the choice of stewards in the house was not solely determined by the eldest daughter but was selected collectively by the capable maids around her. The eldest daughter only made the final decision, showing that she was not a despot.

So he did not evade the responsibility and, after careful consideration of the names, said, "I think Li De is the most suitable. His parents are in the mansion, his wife is also from a reputable family, his siblings have gone to the northern region with us. The honor and disgrace of the family are all tied to the Hua family. Although he may not be as clever as Xu Qiang, the ability to remain calm as a steward is more important. Other things can be slowly honed."

"In that case, it will be Li De." Huazhi immediately agreed, "Stewardship responsibilities will be handed over to you, Li De."

"It's my duty." Being entrusted with the task of training the steward who would succeed him was the greatest trust placed in him. Xu Dongjin wished he could pass on all his decades of experience to Li De to make him useful to the eldest daughter as soon as possible.

As one thing led to another, when there was a moment of respite, the sun had already shifted to the west. Voices from the courtyard could be heard, including from Sixth Prince and Sui'an, with Shao Yao being the loudest, of course.

She walked out into the courtyard and smiled when she saw the situation. The person's movements were fast, and the sand table was already made. Walking closer, she noticed that this sand table was much more refined than the one in the old house and was also larger, probably about two meters in length and width.

"Cousin." Yang Sui'an was the first to see her. The restraint of youth had all but disappeared from his face without the constraints, and there was a youthful openness when he smiled.

Hua Bailin and Sixth Prince turned to greet her, one calling her eldest sister, the other calling her sister.

Smiling at them, Hua Zhi looked at Sui'an, "Have you rested?"

"Yes, Master had something to attend to, so we were let off early today."

"Good. Mr. Zheng asked for a day off, so tomorrow, you will go to the clan school for a day, leaving the Confucian lesson for Bai Lin."

Yang Sui'an readily accepted with a smile. He thoroughly enjoyed this interaction, not feeling the need to be formal because he was not surnamed Hua. He did not treat himself as a guest, but rather as if he belonged here, feeling that this was his home, and he was no different from the other cousins in the Hua family.

In the Hua family, he usually felt that the two-day break was passing too quickly.

Bai Lin, who couldn't wait any longer, eagerly interjected, "Eldest sister, let's have a match."

"Are you sure?" Hua Zhi glanced at everyone present. She didn't know when Gu Yanxi had arrived, but he was standing on the side, looking at the sand table with a furrowed brow, lost in thought.

Hua Bailin didn't want to lose face, and it had been a long time since he played, so he felt both itchy and eager. Besides, she was his eldest sister, not someone else.