Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C385. The Hua Family, Known for Producing Scholars.

Chapter 385: The Hua Family—Breeding Scholars and Business Savvy

Hua Zhi had always been the kind of person who did exactly what she said she would. So, true to her word, the moment she got home, she brought Hua Ling along. Knowing full well that her own schedule didn’t allow for hands-on tutoring, she handed over the detailed account book for their thriving canned goods business and left Hua Ling to figure it out on her own.

Hua Ling, however, stared at the book like it was written in some alien script. Should she dive in or not? The hesitation was real.

"Don’t look so worried," Hua Zhi said with a smirk, her tone laced with mock nonchalance. "I’m not afraid of you learning from me. In fact, if you can get a grip on this business, I’ll hand it over to you. No strings attached. Think about it—you gain some skills, and I make more silver. Win-win, right?"

Though still feeling like she’d just been thrown into the deep end, Hua Ling tightened her grip on the book and nodded with determination. "I’ll work hard and learn everything I can."

"Good. Take your time." Hua Zhi gave an encouraging nod before shifting gears and diving into a different topic with Ying Chun, her right-hand person. The canned goods could wait; there were bigger fish to fry—literally.

The seafood business was next on her radar. Timing was everything, and she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was off. By now, the ship carrying their stock should’ve docked. So where was it? Rain and rising water levels in the south could’ve thrown a wrench into the works.

"Any news from the dock?" she asked, her sharp eyes betraying a hint of unease.

"I’ve already sent someone to check," Ying Chun replied calmly. "Ships from the south have been arriving recently, so the waterways should be open. Ours might just be a bit delayed."

Hua Zhi exhaled slowly, nodding. "Let’s hope so. We need to be ready to handle the stock the moment it lands. The quality has to be flawless if we want this seafood venture to make waves."

"Don’t worry," Ying Chun said with quiet confidence. "Everything’s in place. We’re ready whenever the ship is."

Hua Zhi leaned back slightly, her fingers tapping against the table. Plans were in motion, but patience was never her strong suit. For now, all they could do was wait.

Hua Ling stole a glance at Ying Chun. Though technically still slaves, the Hua family no longer saw them as mere servants. Unlike the others, these two wielded the authority to make business decisions on behalf of their mistress, a privilege unheard of for anyone else in their position. Their skills alone set them apart.

They weren’t scholars, but they repaid their eldest sister's trust with genuine loyalty—a living testament to the saying: “A gentleman would lay down his life for a friend.” Yet, as Hua Ling’s eyes wandered over the intricate numbers in the account book, a pang of envy hit her. She caught herself, though, shaking the feeling away. After all, wasn’t everyone envious of something?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Chen Liang dashed in with the day’s earnings from Liyun Lane. The maidservants gathered around Hua Zhi, buzzing with excitement as she tallied the numbers.

“It’s double what Green Moss Alley made when it first opened,” Nian Qiu remarked, handing her the ledger.

Hua Zhi blinked in surprise. She had expected profits to surpass those of Green Moss Alley but hadn’t anticipated this kind of success. The numbers were impressive, no doubt—but now came the trickier part: deciding how to allocate the spoils.

Studying the account book, Hua Zhi weighed her options. The capital’s elite had their eyes on this flourishing business, and finding a partner to share the risks wouldn’t be hard. But was it necessary?