Hua Zhi suddenly felt as light as a swallow, all soreness and pain vanished, and she practically floated toward the Clan school.
The closer she got, the clearer the voices became—clearly not just one group of children, but two.
One group was reciting the Analects, the other the Spring and Autumn Annals.
The advanced class had no teacher present, yet the swaying heads and chanting voices were perfectly synchronized. In the beginner class, Berlin stood on the platform leading the children in reciting the Analects.
Fireworks seemed to explode in Hua Zhi’s mind, so dazzling that the world appeared to her in vibrant colors. She thought, with descendants like these, how could the Hua family not prosper!
With these children, no gloom, no matter how heavy, could overshadow the sky above the Hua family!
Having listened a bit too long, Hua Zhi arrived late. Everyone else was already waiting for her, and the elders, such as the two highest-ranking great-aunts, wore displeased expressions.
Wu Shi knew her niece better than anyone—if not delayed by some matter, she wouldn’t do something that invited criticism. Before anyone else could speak, she smiled and said cheerfully, "You summoned us here, yet you’re the last to arrive. What kept you?"
"I went to the Clan school," Hua Zhi replied calmly, taking her seat at the head of the table. "All the children are there, not a single one missing."
Qi Shi was taken aback. "Wasn’t it on your orders, Eldest Miss? My Ran’er went first thing in the morning."
"These children have been through a lot lately. Even if I want them to advance, I wouldn’t deny them rest. But knowing they’re eager to learn is a good thing—no reason to stop them. I’ve sent word to Mr. Mu; the Clan school will resume classes tomorrow."
Though they pitied the children, not a single woman in the room opposed the idea. The Hua family had been scholars for generations, and it was a consensus among all Hua women that the family’s sons must study.
Hua Zhi returned to the main topic. "I called everyone here to discuss a few matters. First, Liu Xiang, show them."
Liu Xiang took the ledger of condolence gifts from her young mistress and handed it to the nearest great-aunt. The two great-aunts flipped through it together before passing it on.
Hua Zhi said nothing, sipping her tea unhurriedly as she waited for everyone to finish reading.
After Wu Shi finished, she passed the ledger to the younger Hua Xin, lowering her head to hide her reddened eyes. Her own natal family… had only contributed a hundred taels!
"The total condolence money is five thousand nine hundred and fifty taels. Grandmother’s funeral expenses came to about two thousand six hundred taels. The remaining funds will go into the family accounts. Currently, Nian Qiu is managing the Hua family’s accounts."
Madam Zhu’s lips twitched, but she pressed them tightly shut, remembering her mother and brother’s advice. She would follow Zhi Er’s lead.
"Should we hire an accountant?" Xia Shi tentatively suggested.
"Nian Qiu was trained by me personally. She knows everything an accountant would, and more. The family accounts are open—you may inspect them anytime. I don’t trust outside accountants. Don’t forget, after the Hua family’s misfortune, all our accountants left without a trace. Moreover, the Hua family’s current accounts are not suitable for outsiders to know."
Hua Zhi’s decision was final. She moved on to the second matter. "Starting tomorrow, Second Sister will be in charge of household purchases. Fourth Sister will manage the storerooms. Third Sister, you will handle all supplies for the Clan school. These duties will rotate every three months."
The Hua family had never expected Hua Zhi to delegate authority so soon after taking charge. Purchases and storerooms were understandable—these had always been managed by the women of the household. But entrusting a young lady with the Clan school’s supplies…Hua Ling never expected her elder sister to assign her this task. Surprised and trembling with excitement, she thought: What is the clan school? It's the foundation of a family. Yet Elder Sister entrusted her with its trivial matters first—didn't this mean Elder Sister actually recognized her abilities?
After all, the first step is always the hardest. If Elder Sister didn't believe she could handle it, why would she specifically choose her?
Lost in her excitement, Hua Ling failed to notice her focus had strayed from the main point.
Hua Zhi offered no further explanation, simply stating, "If there are no objections, this matter is settled."
Since every branch had gained benefits, no one raised any dissent.
"The third matter: after the New Year, I'll start a new business venture that will involve the collateral branches of the Hua family. I'm informing you in advance—voice any objections now. Once we proceed, I won't entertain further opinions."
Xia Shi had been wary of Hua Zhi since that incident, but seeing benefits being shared elsewhere, she couldn't hold back. "We haven't even stabilized ourselves yet. Why include them?"
"Because they also bear the Hua name."
"There are plenty of people named Hua," Xia Shi muttered inwardly, but didn't dare speak further.
The previously silent Second Aunt suddenly interjected, "Elder Sister's decision is naturally sound, but perhaps we could proceed more gradually? After all, the manors are still stocked with all those canned goods."
Every Hua family member knew the canned goods weren't selling. They had invested their own silver in them, so how could they not be concerned? The success of Green Moss Alley had boosted their confidence, but their joy was short-lived when another business venture immediately dealt them a heavy blow. They all feared their silver would be lost.
Hua Zhi wasn't surprised they brought this up and calmly reassured them, "I will sell them. They won't end up worthless."
"Then... will the Green Moss Alley business also go into the common accounts? What are the specific arrangements?" Xia Shi immediately felt embarrassed after asking and quickly added, "I'm not trying to claim shares—I just want to know if all family businesses will enter the common accounts."
"Correct. From now on, all family businesses will go into the common accounts."
So they would also share in that golden goose? Xia Shi's face lit up with joy, and all her objections vanished.
The others likewise had no objections. Even if they couldn't benefit immediately, as long as the business existed, they would eventually receive their share.
"Aunts, don't remain idle either. Discuss and properly handle the seventh-day memorial for Grandmother. Additionally, around the sixth or seventh month next year, I'll travel north again. If you have spare time, make more clothing and socks—both light and heavy varieties. Fourth Aunt, please inform the other branches about this as well. The weather will be favorable then, and I might rent a caravan from the carriage company, so we can bring more supplies."
Task by task, she assigned responsibilities—no one was overlooked, no obvious favoritism shown. Knowing their duties brought everyone peace of mind, and their conversations with those around them unconsciously carried smiles.
Hua Zhi watched quietly, her expression softening. She loved this family. Because they cared, because they all hoped for the Hua family's prosperity, they could unite so easily.
Even the weakest hand becomes powerful when clenched into a fist.
"Elder Sister, Young Master Biao has arrived."
Sui An? Hua Zhi looked toward the doorway, numerous thoughts flashing through her mind, finally settling on Second Aunt's tear-streaked face.When Yang Suian entered with a bruised face, Hua Zhi suddenly had a bad premonition. The room fell silent, and the harmonious atmosphere instantly vanished.
Third Aunt abruptly stood up. "What happened? Who did this to you?"
PS: Only one update today, will make up for it tomorrow.
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