Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C288. Speak with Integrity.

Chapter 288: Speak with Integrity

Hua Zhi saw a few servants standing outside, waiting for orders. She smoothly stood up and declared, "I’ll go check on my cousin."

Wei Shi, the eldest daughter-in-law of the fourth branch, nodded quickly, grateful for Hua Zhi’s willingness to help. She led her toward the place where her cousin was staying.

Before leaving, Hua Zhi shot a glance at her mother, Zhu Shi. Without a word, her mother simply waved her hand, signaling Hua Zhi to take care of her duties.

The moment Hua Zhi stepped out, the room buzzed with conversation. The third aunt of the Fourth Branch sighed dramatically and muttered, "It’s hard for the eldest daughter. Just look at how much weight she’s lost after this trip."

Not just thinner, Zhu Shi noticed the faint trace of worry on her daughter’s face. She could’ve sworn she smelled something off earlier.

Hua Zhi was good at hiding it, but what injury was she hiding?

Zhu Shi’s concern only deepened. The way Hua Zhi carried herself, it seemed like the girl was holding it together, but how much longer could she keep it up?

Zhu Shi’s thoughts wandered to the younger girls who were already married off. It hurt her more than it should. Her own daughter, Hua Zhi, should’ve been married by now, but...

Wu Shi, sensing Zhu Shi’s frustration, gently squeezed her hand. "Eldest sister, why don’t you go check on Bailin and Sui’an? The Hua family’s reputation depends on them today. There can’t be any mistakes."

Zhu Shi, forcing herself back into focus, nodded in agreement. "You’re right. I’ll go check on them."

Meanwhile, as the preparations for the wedding continued, Hua Zhi, following Wei Shi's lead, made her way to the courtyard where Hua Qin lived. Unlike the main branch, where everyone had their own space, here, several sisters shared the same courtyard.

As Hua Zhi entered, the other girls stood up, bowing respectfully. Wei Shi sent a few of them off and led Hua Zhi toward Hua Qin’s room. But as they walked, one of the taller girls deliberately blocked their path, throwing a look of pure jealousy and resentment at Hua Zhi.

If she hadn’t been rejected, she would have been the one walking down the aisle by the end of the year. It was supposed to be her day. But Hua Zhi had promised to treat everyone fairly. If Hua Qin got her share, so would she!

That silver was her guarantee.

How could her future not be bright?

She’d be married off too, no doubt about it.

The room was decked out with all the trimmings for the occasion, and there she was—Hua Qin, sitting on the bed in her grand wedding attire. The moment she saw Hua Zhi, her face lit up, and she jumped up with a smile, “Cousin!”

“Sit down,” Hua Zhi replied, her voice sharp. “Just looking at you makes me tired.” She had felt the same when she first slipped into her wedding dress. It was massive, easily weighing twenty pounds. The phoenix crown, perched on her head, was so heavy it felt like she couldn’t even move her neck.

Hua Qin’s smile only got brighter, her makeup making her look even more radiant.

After exchanging a few formal words, Wei Shi made a quick exit, leaving the two cousins alone in the room.

Hua Zhi wasn’t particularly close to Hua Qin. They only saw each other a handful of times each year. If they were in a good mood, they could chat, but most of the time, they wouldn’t exchange a single word for months.