Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C377. Carrying the Coffin to Force.

Chapter 377: Forcing the Hand with a Coffin

"I stand here as living proof," Hua Zhi declared boldly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Since the head of the family refuses to step forward, I’ll carry the coffin and make them come to me."

As her words hung in the air, she strode forward, her presence daring and resolute. Behind her, the Hua family servants hoisted the coffin, their readiness to storm in evident in their every move.

The steward, caught between duty and fear, hesitated. Hua Zhi’s uncompromising stance left him at a loss. He was no match for someone so willing to risk everything. Just as he faltered, unsure how to respond, an authoritative voice cut in from the shadows.

"Don’t overstep your bounds."

An elderly woman from the Wei family emerged, leaning on her cane with a commanding air. Her gaze swept over Hua Zhi like a judge appraising a miscreant. "Young lady, your audacity is astonishing. Do you really think you can force the Wei family into a matter that has nothing to do with us?"

Hua Zhi didn’t flinch. Her lips curled into a wry smile as she fired back. "Allow me to ask, Old Madam, if I were to speak out, would you accuse me of disrespect? And if I stayed silent, would you take my silence as an admission of guilt?"

The old lady blinked, momentarily taken aback by Hua Zhi’s pointed logic. "I wouldn’t stoop to such petty behavior," she replied curtly.

"Glad we’ve cleared that up," Hua Zhi replied smoothly, her tone dripping with mock politeness. "I’m here to settle this matter, not to grovel or exchange pleasantries." Her sneer was sharp enough to cut stone. "If the Wei family wishes to maintain their honor, let the eldest son come out. Everything will be resolved then and there."

The old lady’s expression darkened. "Bold of you to think you can dictate terms to us. What position does my Wei family hold in your eyes?"

"Then answer me this," Hua Zhi shot back, her voice firm. "Is the eldest son of the Wei family here, or not?"

The old lady opened her mouth to respond, but Hua Zhi raised a finger in warning. "Careful, Old Madam. Remember, the heavens are watching. One lie, and the eldest son may find himself cursed by the gods."

"You—!" The old lady’s face flushed with anger, but Hua Zhi pressed on mercilessly.

"I’m listening," Hua Zhi taunted, her tone almost playful but underpinned with steel.

"Such insolence," the old lady hissed, her composure slipping. "Raised to be sharp-tongued and treacherous—typical of the Hua family!"

Hua Zhi leaned in, her eyes cold and unyielding. "Sharp-tongued? Treacherous? Maybe. But beware, Old Madam—I bite." Her voice turned icy as she added, "If my younger sister is unharmed, fine. But if she’s suffered even the slightest injury, I swear the Wei family won’t see the end of this."

The old woman scoffed, though her bravado wavered. "Such big words from a mere criminal’s daughter!"

"Exactly—a criminal’s daughter!" Hua Zhi shouted, taking another defiant step forward, the coffin looming behind her like a shadow of vengeance. The sight of it unsettled the old lady, who instinctively retreated, her composure cracking.

"If you won’t bring him out, Old Madam," Hua Zhi said, her voice low and ominous, "then I’ll find him myself."

"Niece, stop right there."

The commanding voice belonged to a middle-aged man with a scholarly air, courtesy of a neatly trimmed short beard. This was Wei Chenzhe, Wei Chengxi’s father.