Blossoms in Adversity

"This is already very good." Hua Yizheng stroked his beard and nodded, emphasizing once more, "This is already quite good. You're very thoughtful."

"I can't take care of everything perfectly. If you need anything, you must tell me. I'll try my best to get whatever I can. Don't think it's too much trouble—I certainly don't." Hua Zhi smiled. "I'm very good at making money, so don't worry about me not being able to afford it."

Suppressing the ache in his heart, Hua Pingyang chuckled, "I've never seen anyone praise themselves like that. Don't worry, we won't stand on ceremony with you."

Hua Zhi opened the large bundle she had brought, which contained four smaller bundles of varying sizes. She took out the smallest one and unwrapped it as she explained, "This is powdered shiitake mushrooms. Adding a little when cooking will enhance the flavor. One of the carts in the convoy is full of dried goods—there's this mushroom powder, dried shiitake mushrooms, and I also collected some dried seafood. I'll leave instructions on how to prepare them, so the servants can follow them."

Next, she opened a box and handed it directly to her grandfather. "Tea. There's more in the convoy, but I brought some for you first to satisfy your craving."

Hua Yizheng was overjoyed. He opened the box and took a deep breath, then gently sifted through the leaves. "It doesn't look like this year's new tea."

"It's from last year. Someone helped me sneak these out from the old residence—things they overlooked during the confiscation."

As if she had merely commented on the pleasant weather, Hua Zhi took out the largest bundle and opened it. From the sound and shape, the Hua family could already guess what it was.

Stacking the gold bars of uniform length neatly, Hua Zhi said, "These are best used only for bribes or connections. If you really need to use them yourselves, break them into smaller pieces before spending them, or it might attract too much attention. I also brought some silver notes, which should be enough for your daily expenses."

Unwrapping the last bundle, rolls of silver notes came into view. Hua Zhi continued, "There are various denominations. Although silver notes might not buy everything in a place like this, they should still help make life a little more comfortable."

The father and his sons watched and listened, their hearts filled with indescribable emotions. They wanted to say something but felt that any words would be superfluous.

Hua Pingyang cleared his throat lightly. "Has the family started a new business?"

"Yes, I’ve been cultivating mushrooms at the estate in the east of the city. These shiitake mushrooms are one of the varieties. Two people from the convoy will stay behind—they’ve brought spore seeds. I want them to try growing mushrooms here to see if it works. If it does, you’ll have more vegetables to eat in winter."

Yinshan Pass had only two seasons: winter and spring. The long winters were not only bitterly cold but also offered limited food options. The Hua family, raised on fine rice and flour, had struggled greatly last year. By the end of winter, everyone had lost several pounds, and it was only after the weather warmed and they could replenish themselves that things improved.

Having an additional vegetable option was a good thing. From Zhi Er's description, it was clear there would likely be more than one variety. Still, Hua Pingyang remarked, "We don’t seem like exiles here—more like we’re here to enjoy ourselves."

"Then your standards for enjoyment are far too low," Hua Zhi retorted immediately. "But we can’t stand out too much either. The mushroom powder will last a long time, so you can share some. If the mushrooms grow successfully, you can decide how to handle them. They grow quickly and produce abundantly."

"...Alright." Hua Yizheng agreed. Zhi Er had considered everything so thoroughly that aside from saying "alright," he didn’t know what else to say."In a few days, Shaoyao will arrive. I'll have her examine everyone's health then." Hua Zhi looked at the silent man who had once been the family's pillar. "While we're in the capital, we don't worry about other things—only that you might fall ill. Only with good health can we speak of other matters. Even if it's just for the sake of all of us working so hard to restore the Hua family, I beg Grandfather, Father, and Uncles to take care of yourselves."

"Don't worry, we understand this reasoning well."

Hua Zhi's smile remained on her face, and her words were always light and effortless, as if everything was simple and easy for her. However, even the most obscure illegitimate child, Hua Pingyuan, in this room had once navigated the world of fame and fortune in the capital—how could they not know the hardships involved?

But since she didn't wish to speak of it, they wouldn't ask.

Hua Pingyu suddenly said, "Tell us about that Lu Xiansheng."

Being questioned by her biological father about her romantic interest made Hua Zhi somewhat uncomfortable. Though she lost some of her earlier ease, she remained composed.

She had known this was coming and had already prepared what to say.

"His background is complicated, and it's not convenient for me to reveal it for now. But he holds no ill will toward the Hua family. He has offered us protection both openly and discreetly, and he treats me the same way."

After a pause, Hua Zhi added, "I know what Father wants to ask, but neither of us is in a position to discuss marriage at the moment. If I were to marry, it would only be after the Hua family has no more worries. It's still too early to talk about this now."

Hua Pingyu shook his head. "I'm not concerned about his identity. You've always had your own judgment—as long as you know his background and find him trustworthy, that's enough. What I care more about is his attitude toward you. Is he good to you?"

"Without comparison, I don't know where the definition of 'good' lies. As long as we're in the capital, no matter how busy he is, he will have dinner with me. When I'm in trouble, he rushes to my side immediately. When I traveled north, he arranged everything and accompanied me. Whether it's his own matters or those related to me, he discusses them with me and never interferes with my actions under the guise of caring for me."

Speaking of it, Hua Zhi realized how good Yan Xi was—better than she had thought. She lowered her head with a soft smile. "But the reason I gave him the chance to get close to me is that he never treated me as a man's accessory. There is no hierarchy or superiority between us. So far, I believe he deserves to be called 'good.' As for the future..."

Hua Zhi smiled. "We can't even predict what will happen the next moment, let alone the distant future. All we can grasp is the present."

This was far too perceptive. Hua Pingyu opened and closed his mouth, finally saying only, "As long as you won't regret it, no one has the right to criticize you."

With even her father holding this attitude, the others naturally refrained from offering further opinions. Knowing that she wouldn't marry without considering the Hua family's situation, they wouldn't say her actions were improper.

Hua Yizheng nodded. "If it's suitable and he's willing, you might as well invite him over for a meeting. We should also thank him for his care toward you and the Hua family."

Hua Pingyang quickly added, "Yes, I already invited him this morning. He probably didn't want to disturb our reunion and said he would come over for dinner."

Hua Zhi winked at her fourth uncle, thanking him for his words in favor of Yan Xi. Hua Pingyang glared at her but ultimately couldn't bring himself to make things difficult for her.

He knew his niece well—if she hadn't developed feelings, she wouldn't have shown such a gentle smile. Recalling the scene from that morning, Hua Pingyang sighed inwardly.He did not approve, but he was even more unwilling to go against Zhi Er's wishes to stop her. Zhi Er was not one of those girls who needed a man to decide her fate—she could bear all the consequences. Besides, she still had them. At worst, she could simply remain the eldest young lady of the Hua family for life.

PS: Every time I update three chapters, I revise until I feel half-dead. The comments section says it's great, but why are my results dropping like this? Are those who say it's good just trying to comfort Kongkong...