Blossoms in Adversity

Hua Zhi's gaze swept around, taking in everyone's expressions. She anticipated that such situations would continue to occur in the future.

But so what? To use an overused phrase, matters that can be resolved with money aren't truly problems—and for her, this held equally true.

Those still willing to marry into the Hua family under these circumstances demonstrated commendable character. Such families were worthy matches, and she was more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Wu Shi cleared her throat lightly and steered the conversation back with a smile, "May I ask what business the young mistress intends to pursue?"

Exchanging a meaningful glance with Wu Shi, Hua Zhi replied, "I've learned a method for cultivating fungi from books. If done properly, it can yield harvests year-round."

The group stared in astonishment. Wu Shi asked, "The same mushrooms we eat? Aren't those foraged from the mountains? They can be cultivated?"

"What we commonly consume is just one variety. As long as we can source other types of fungi, they can be cultivated as well."

Hua Zhi spoke with unwavering confidence, for the former Hua family had built its fortune precisely through this trade. Though she had never personally handled the work, she had witnessed laborers performing every step under her father's supervision during her childhood—every procedure remained crystal clear in her memory.

Fungus cultivation had been her chosen path to prosperity from the very beginning. However, the timing hadn't been right last year; she needed quick returns then, which was why she postponed it until now.

Thinking of her silent yet gentle father from that lifetime, Hua Zhi lowered her gaze. Good people never lived long—he had performed countless good deeds yet still departed early. Those who reaped benefits without effort and remained insatiably greedy only faced retribution through her sacrifice.

She had no desire to become as shameless as them, but neither did she wish to emulate her father's path—it simply wasn't worth it.

"Young mistress, can they truly be cultivated?"

Snapping out of her reverie, Hua Zhi nodded gently. "They can."

Fourth Aunt immediately pressed, "What do we need to do then?"

"Each household must contribute ten servants—preferably those bound by life contracts who prove capable. You may decide the specific selection criteria yourselves."

"We understand this matter well, young mistress. Rest assured, we'll choose the most competent hands from our households for you."

Hua Zhi smiled and interjected, "There's no need to include managers and supervisors—that would be wasting talent. Their time will come later."

Fourth Aunt nodded in agreement. "Very well, we'll follow your lead."

"Steward Xu."

Xu Dongjin bowed deeply. "Yes, young mistress."

"I entrust these people to you. Train them as you would our own servants, with Xu Jie assisting you."

"Understood."

The three aunts harbored their doubts, but the young mistress had demonstrated such remarkable aptitude in profit-making over recent months that they held an almost blind trust in her. Moreover, their three families wouldn't bear a single coin of expense—only providing ten servants each. They stood to lose nothing if the venture failed, yet would share in the profits if it succeeded. By any measure, this constituted an excellent bargain. Only fools would oppose the young mistress.

"Let me be perfectly clear from the outset." Hua Zhi's eyes swept across the three aunts. "All decisions regarding this matter rest with me. I expect no one will attempt to override me using seniority later."

Fourth Aunt promptly assured her, "We understand the principle of not undertaking tasks beyond our capabilities. Set your mind at ease, young mistress—should anyone dare sabotage your efforts, I'll be the first to hold them accountable."

The other two nodded repeatedly in agreement.Hua Zhi nodded slightly. "Let's set aside whether this venture will succeed for now. We need to establish rules for profit distribution first. Our branch has decided that until the Hua family men return, all earnings will go to the common family fund. To me, the uncles from collateral branches are also Hua family men, so this rule applies universally."

So all earnings would go to the common fund? Then what difference would it make to include their three families?

The three grandaunts exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Of course they longed for the Hua family men to return, but having been punished by the Emperor, their homecoming seemed too distant. They still needed to survive until then.

"But since you have no other sources of income, I can't let you work for nothing. So for this particular business, I've decided that your three families will each receive ten percent of the profits. The remaining seventy percent will go to the Hua family common account. I need capital to generate more wealth, and when the time is right, I'll use these funds to grease various palms. We must try every possible method—who knows, it might bring them back."

The three women, who had initially felt their share was too small, fell silent. Though they were inner household women, those who married into the Hua family were at least literate. Their backgrounds meant they understood court affairs better than ordinary people, and they knew how costly Madam Hua's casual mention of "greasing palms" would actually be.

They were already receiving unearned benefits—how could they have the face to ask for more?

After exchanging looks, Fourth Aunt spoke: "Then we'll shamelessly accept."

Hua Zhi was pleased they didn't haggle and voluntarily explained: "Don't underestimate ten percent. If this business succeeds, even one-tenth could provide you with comfortable lives free from want."

"We trust in your capabilities, Madam Hua."

"Thank you for your trust. But rules must be established—every business under my management will have separate account books that you may inspect anytime."

Hua Zhi's complete transparency dissolved the last traces of discontent in their hearts. Fourth Aunt stood up first. "We'll return immediately to gather and send over our people."

Hua Zhi rose as well, and everyone else in the room stood up. "I trouble you three elders."

The three departed briskly, and the atmosphere in the hall relaxed somewhat with only family members remaining.

Madam Zhu felt heartache for her daughter, taking on new tasks before finishing the old ones. She murmured, "You can't grow fat in one bite—how many projects have you accumulated already?"

Wu Shi agreed. "Exactly right. Don't pressure yourself too much. Though we can't help with major matters, we can assist with minor ones. Assign us whatever you can—don't carry everything yourself."

"This matter can't be delayed. If we're late, we'll miss the season." Hua Zhi smiled. "Most of the time I just think and talk—others do the actual work. It's not tiring."

If only it were as simple as you make it sound, Wu Shi sighed inwardly, stopping Madam Zhu from saying more. Once their Madam Hua decided something, no one could dissuade her.

Hua Zhi took a sip of tea. "I need to visit the estate tomorrow. I'll trouble you to manage household affairs, Fourth Aunt."

Remembering how she'd stayed at the estate for a month last time, Wu Shi frowned. "Surely not for another month?"

"No, I'll definitely return in three days."

"Fine. I can manage for three days."Hua Zhi laughed, "I can't compare to you when it comes to managing the household. This is a perfect opportunity for you to take the younger sisters under your wing and teach them. I truly have nothing to offer."

Wu Shi shot her a mock glare before breaking into a smile, "You say you have nothing to teach, so why do I hear those three spending all their time at your place?"

Moreover, everyone could see their progress. Though they still retained their competitive spirit, it now carried a refreshing vigor. While not quite matching Zhi Er, they already surpassed most young ladies from ordinary families.

For this, their mothers were deeply grateful.

Hua Zhi merely smiled, playfully blinking at Wu Shi in a gesture of surrender, making everyone in the room chuckle.

PS: Last day of April! Thank you, dear readers, for continuing to love Kong Kong. Hope to still receive your affection next month—please remember to cast your guaranteed monthly votes for Kong Kong. There might be bonus updates tomorrow, hehe.