Chapter 16: A New Beginning
Fortunately, it proved successful. Berlin was not rigid in his thinking and was quick-witted, yet influenced by the values of this world, he remained loyal to the court and the imperial family. Even at his most indignant, he would only say, "What fault did Grandfather have? What fault did the Hua family have?"
Unlike her, she harbored resentment toward the imperial family. Having been born and raised under the red flag, she had received an education entirely different from that of this world, which was why she felt such hatred.
Taking a sip of cold tea, Hua Zhi returned to their earlier topic. "If Grandfather made any mistake, it was merely in saying a few words he shouldn't have. The emperor may have punished him in a fit of anger, but once the matter passes, there might still be room for reconciliation. I will definitely find a way to bring our family members back."
Hua Bolin nodded vigorously, not at all thinking that his elder sister was overreaching by saying such things. "I... Elder Sister, what should I do?"
"What was it that you were so urgently coming to see me about earlier?" Hua Zhi suddenly changed the subject.
"Elder Sister, I..."
"I don't recall teaching you to speak hesitantly. Or is there some tutor who taught you to speak like this?"
Hearing this, Hua Bolin no longer cared whether his thoughts were appropriate and immediately blurted out his earlier plan, "I want to go study at an academy!"
"I won't stop you from going to an academy, but not now." She couldn't bear to let her own child face ridicule and humiliation at such a critical time. She disliked such methods of tempering one's character and didn't believe that such experiences were necessarily beneficial.
"I've already asked Steward Xu to send invitations to the tutors of the clan school. We'll see how many show up. No matter what, the clan school must be reestablished. During this time, you should spend more time reading with your younger brothers and not let your studies lapse." After a pause, Hua Zhi added, "This includes not only the children of our main branch but also those of the collateral branches. Your elder sister hopes you can be a good older brother and bring everyone together. You are the future of the Hua family. The more accomplished you become, the greater the chance that Grandfather and Father will return."
"I'm more than willing," Hua Bolin said, biting his lip. "But they might not be willing to come."
"They will come." No matter how much resentment the elders held, no one would want to hinder their children's education.
Hua Bolin, however, was not as optimistic. He was not entirely naive and understood the current state of the Hua family. Even if some tutors from the clan school felt nostalgic, how many would actually come? As for hiring new ones, it was likely no one would be willing.
But seeing how much his elder sister had to worry about, he swallowed his concerns. At worst, he would study on his own. Although other possessions had been confiscated, the books remained. When they left the old residence, they had brought most of Grandfather's books with them. He refused to believe he couldn't achieve something through his studies!
"I understand, Elder Sister. Don't worry, I'll take good care of my younger brothers."
Hua Zhi looked at Hua Bolin as if he were a young cabbage forcibly ripened before its time. She felt a pang of pity, but she had no intention of changing things. This era had no tolerance for naivety. Circumstances were a breeding ground for growth. The Hua family had fallen from grace overnight, and even without being pushed, he would mature rapidly.
Still, it pained her heart!
Hua Zhi raised her arm to pat his head but, as she drew near, changed her mind and placed her hand on his shoulder instead. No matter how much it hurt her, she refused to show weakness in her words. "There's much to do at home. With you helping me shoulder the most important responsibilities, I'll feel much lighter. When you're not busy, remember to visit Mother more often.""Yes, Elder Sister." Hua Bolin, entrusted with this responsibility, stood even straighter, his face filled with determination. Managing a bunch of youngsters—who would dare disobey!
"Elder Sister, you must be busy. I'll go study now."
"Go ahead. Remember to get up and move around after reading for a while."
"I will."
Watching her younger brother, tall and straight like a young poplar, walk away into the sunlight, Hua Zhi's lips curved into a smile. With such a brother and a grandmother willing to entrust her with most of the family's assets, she would spare no effort to ensure the Hua family prospered.
Bao Xia, seeing her young mistress's smile, beamed as well. "Look at Sixth Young Master, so full of vigor and spirit. Anyone who didn't know would think he's heading off to battle!"
"Our young master has no need to go to battle." Ying Chun deftly poured a fresh cup of tea for her mistress and began massaging her fingers. "Young Mistress, Xu Jie and the others have arrived. I had them wait in the side hall."
"Bring them in. It's already August, and some matters won't wait."
"Yes."
As Xu Jie was Steward Xu's son and had previously served as a minor steward, he naturally took the lead among the three.
"Greetings, Miss."
All three were born into servant families, with their entire households residing in the estate. Hua Zhi saw no need for formalities and got straight to the point. "From now on, you will report directly to me."
"Yes, Miss. Please give your orders."
"Xu Jie, you and Zuo Fei should prepare to travel to the Jiangnan region as soon as possible. According to geographical records, the area is abundant in citrus fruits. In previous years, merchants have shipped them north via waterways. Purchase as many as you can and have them shipped to the capital."
Xu Jie hadn't expected such a task. To ensure clarity, he asked, "How many would 'as many as possible' be? Does Miss have a specific number in mind?"
"As many as you can acquire. On your return journey, you may hire a team from a security agency for escort."
This was a major undertaking! Was Miss planning to enter the fruit trade? Xu Jie wanted to inquire further, but recalling his father's advice, he swallowed his questions and responded firmly, "Understood."
Nian Qiu stepped forward and handed him a banknote. Xu Jie's heart trembled at the amount—one thousand taels! Miss trusted him to such an extent!
"Miss, rest assured, I will carry out this task flawlessly!"
"I entrusted it to you because I have faith in you." Hua Zhi turned to Liu Yueming. "I recall that by the end of August, fleshy peaches are sold everywhere in the capital. Are they ripe around this time?"
"Miss, they should be ready for harvesting in about seven or eight days."
Hua Zhi nodded. "Go around the surrounding areas and see if you can secure the fleshy peaches before they're harvested. Once picked, have them delivered directly to the estate in the southern part of the city. Have you been there before?"
"Yes, I once accompanied Third Master there."
"Good. Have all the fleshy peaches delivered there."
"Yes."
Nian Qiu handed him two bags of loose silver, which Liu Yueming accepted with both hands.
"Pay a deposit and draw up a contract. Have them bring the contract to the southern city estate for payment upon delivery. The contract must specify that if anyone substitutes inferior goods, we reserve the right to withhold subsequent payments."
"Yes, I've noted it down."
Hua Zhi did not mention what to do if the funds were insufficient. Doing business required initiative—it wasn't a matter of being pushed into action. These three were the ones she intended to cultivate as her public-facing agents. There would be many situations in the future where they would need to make decisions independently. She had no use for puppets."Set off as soon as possible, Xu Jie. Select two people from home to bring along. If you encounter any trouble, prioritize safety."
"Yes."
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