Chapter 473: Mourning Removal Turmoil (1)
Although they were guests, Old Madam Sun was the elder. When the news reached the inner courtyard, all four branch wives came to pay their respects.
Old Madam Sun maintained utmost courtesy throughout, and it was only after a harmonious lunch that she took her leave.
Hua Zhi and Little Six jointly examined the Sun family's financial records. While the amount seemed substantial to ordinary people, it was truly modest for a major clan.
"General Sun reportedly poured considerable funds into filling the military pay deficit—it appears this wasn't an exaggeration."
Little Six pressed his lips together and murmured, "It's true. Grandfather couldn't bear seeing soldiers go hungry, so over the years he secretly covered countless shortages."
"If even the strategically vital Shou'ai Pass receives such treatment, one can imagine the embezzlement and delays in other garrisons." Hua Zhi showed no surprise. If this were modern times—ha! Who would dare!
"Leave these with me for now." Hua Zhi rested her hand on the stack of account books. "I'll decide how to handle them after reviewing. If we want to take over the salt smuggling operation, this silver won't be enough."
"I'll follow Sister Hua's arrangements." Little Six hesitated. "If Father learns I'm involved in salt smuggling, given his dislike for me..."
"The benefits far outweigh the risks for the imperial family. Even if discovered, you'd be praised for your foresight. Don't worry."
After some thought, Little Six understood—if the imperial house controlled illegal salt trade, who could ever restrain them again?
Hua Zhi extracted the roster. "Give this to Yan Xi. Have the Seven Constellation Bureau investigate their backgrounds to prevent infiltration."
Little Six naturally agreed—these people were strangers to him, and he wouldn't dare employ them blindly!
...
On the twenty-fourth, heavy snow fell just like the previous year.
Hua Zhi wore plain mourning garments, freshly picked white blossoms tucked behind her ears, making her already cool demeanor appear frostier.
Su Momo entered, announcing, "Young Miss, the Qin family sent word—First Master delivering the spirit house is already en route."
Hua Zhi studied her reflection. Perfect timing—no one could turn him away under these circumstances.
"Open the main gates to receive him."
Su Momo secretly sighed in relief and hurried off. As someone originally from the Qin family, though she'd left years ago, she disliked seeing the two families estranged. Even after Qin's previous actions... now that they'd offered reconciliation, it was best for the young lady to accept.
Hua Zhi stood, a heavy cloak settling over her shoulders. "We'll likely have many visitors today. Inform the kitchen to prepare extra meals."
"Yes."
Stepping outside, icy air carrying snowflakes rushed at her, scattering all warmth.
Hua Zhi tightened her cloak and approached the waiting crowd.
Wu Shi came forward, hesitating to speak.
"Their actions are their concern; ours are ours." Hua Zhi gently adjusted the flower behind her ear. "Simply perform the mourning removal rites as required."
Wu Shi took a deep breath, clenched her jaw, and nodded firmly. She'd received word from her maternal family yesterday and knew other branches were similar. She'd guessed their purpose—ordinarily they could be refused entry, but during mourning removal, more relatives meant greater honor for the deceased. However much the Hua family secluded itself, they couldn't turn people away today.
Wasn't this exactly what they relied on? Wu Shi felt bitter indignation yet remained silent—among those taking advantage were her own closest kin."If anyone insists on speaking unpleasant matters today, there is no need for you to raise your voices in argument. Simply say the one in charge of the household is present and direct them to me." Hua Zhi took the hand warmer Ying Chun handed over and slipped her hands inside. "Fourth Aunt, please keep a close watch on the rear courtyard. Second Sister and Third Sister, lend a hand."
The three sisters standing at a moderate distance were momentarily stunned, but Hua Xin and Hua Ling quickly nodded in acknowledgment.
"Fourth Sister, stay with my mother. Do not let her be alone with those who harbor ulterior motives."
Hua Rong, who had thought she was being excluded, breathed a sigh of relief and responded clearly.
Hua Zhi then turned her attention to the group of children. "Bai Yu, when the time comes, you will all go to the ancestral grave."
"Yes."
Her gaze fell upon Zeng Han, and Hua Zhi took two steps forward. "Xiao Han, do you wish to go as well?"
Zeng Han nodded. Though his surname was Zeng, in his heart, he considered himself a member of the Hua family. He believed he should partake in the duties expected of the Hua family.
"Then you may go. As the older brother, take care of the younger ones."
The children straightened their chests and responded in unison—caring for their younger brothers was a task they were already well-practiced in.
Hua Zhi smiled approvingly at the children before heading toward the front courtyard.
What should have been a family affair had now been turned into a stage for intrigue and deception. If Grandmother were aware in the afterlife, she would surely feel resentful—or perhaps she would blame Hua Zhi for her unwillingness to yield.
But how could she yield!
The moment she showed the slightest hint of retreat, those people would cling to her like leeches, not letting go until they had drained her dry.
Only with unyielding strength could she shatter the tentacles they extended, making them understand the meaning of pain.
Want to suck her blood? They would have to see if she was willing! Even during her period of laying low, she had never been afraid. Now, with the Emperor's banner behind her, she knew how to play the part of the fox borrowing the tiger's might.
The front courtyard was more bustling than usual. The snow in the yard had already been swept once, and the drifting flakes had not yet accumulated again. Servants hurried back and forth, making preparations. Hua Zhi stood still for a moment, observing the scene, before continuing forward.
Steward Xu, upon seeing his eldest young lady, was about to approach when a figure moved faster than him. "Sister Hua."
Little Six was also dressed in plain white. Hua Zhi suddenly recalled that since arriving at the Hua family, Little Six had never worn brightly colored clothes. His attire was mostly similar to Berlin's—the clothes she had prepared for him were like this, and even those sent by the Sun family, he only chose plain ones to wear. Reflecting on it now, it was indeed thoughtful.
"Many people are likely to come today. Would you prefer to spend the day at the Sun family?"
Little Six hesitated and asked, "May I go to the Hua family ancestral grave with you?"
Hua Zhi smiled. "Of course, but be cautious. Offer a stick of incense and avoid giving anyone a reason to criticize you."
Little Six's face instantly lit up with a smile. "Yes, I understand."
At that moment, Steward Xu also approached. "Eldest Young Lady, shall I open the main gate now?"
"Open it."
Hua Zhi removed her hand warmer and handed it to Bao Xia. Step by step, she steadily walked to the front of the courtyard, facing the gate as it slowly swung open.
Soon, Qin Gongyang came into view. He was not alone; several nephews of the Qin family accompanied him. Behind them, several servants carried a massive paper house for the deceased. Hua Zhi's gaze lingered on the extravagant paper house before settling on Master Banruo, who stood behind it.
Hua Zhi bowed gracefully. "Greetings, Cousin. You are very thoughtful.""Please, no need for formalities." Qin Gongyang made a symbolic gesture of assistance with his hand, looking at this niece who had quietly caused such a stir. He had disagreed with distancing from the Hua family back then, but his mother had looked down on Hua Zhi's involvement in trade and stubbornly persuaded his father to reduce their interactions. Who could have known that while she excelled in business, her talents extended far beyond it? By the time the Qin family realized this, it was already too late.
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