Chapter 572: Do You Have Any Other Choice?
The main hall was filled with nearly all of Jin Yang's prominent figures. Aside from the bedridden Old Master Yu and Old Master Zeng who couldn't attend, even Peng Chunli, the head of the Peng Family who wasn't involved in this matter, was present.
While he had secured powerful backing and seized a prime opportunity for his family's advancement, Peng Chunli remained a native of Jin Yang. His roots were here, preventing him from standing completely apart from everyone else.
The atmosphere was grave, with attendees grouped by familiarity, exchanging information in hushed tones. The consensus was that disaster loomed. What was the Seven Constellation Bureau? An entity that only appeared during major crises! Now they had taken complete control of Jin Yang. If punishments were to be doled out for this affair, none of them would escape unscathed.
Peng Chunli sat in isolated silence, acutely aware of the subtle exclusion. Yet he remained unperturbed. Even the strongest relationships relied on mutual benefit. After this incident, his Peng Family would be transformed beyond recognition. Temporary distance meant nothing—they would come seeking him later.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, movement at the door drew his attention along with others'. Yu Weiwei of the Yu family had arrived.
Though the Yu family's affairs hadn't been publicly disclosed, neither were they deliberately concealed. Seeing Yu Weiwei dressed in plain clothing evoked mixed reactions—it was both expected and surprising. She was now the only capable manager left in the Yu family, and given her connection with Hua Zhi, her presence could only be beneficial.
After offering a junior's salute to the assembly, Yu Weiwei took the lowest seat and fell into silence, which gradually spread through the gathering.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting." Hua Zhi's voice preceded her appearance at the doorway. The entire assembly rose to greet her.
Walking through their midst with a slight nod, Hua Zhi took the central seat.
Her clear gaze swept across the room as she picked up a dossier from a basket, tapping it lightly against her palm. "I vividly remember when I first came to Jin Yang, the young master of the Zeng family proudly declared that the capital couldn't compare to their 'little capital' of Jin Yang. His expression particularly stuck with me. I thought then that if anyone destroyed the Jin Yang he took such pride in, he would fight them to the death. Now it occurs to me that he'd first have to battle himself."
The room grew so quiet one could hear a pin drop, everyone seemingly holding their breath—making the footsteps outside particularly distinct.
Xu Ze stood at the doorway holding a basket in each hand, uncertain whether to enter or retreat.
Just as Jia Yang moved to take them, the young mistress said, "Come in. I'll need your assistance later."
"Yes." Xu Ze moved to stand behind Hua Zhi.
"I won't elaborate on the rise and fall of families in Jin Yang. You've all weathered significant storms and can easily grasp this matter. Some of you might even owe thanks to the Chao Li Tribe—without profiting from their influence, your families might never have reached this stage. As for whether Jin Yang would collapse from this... I doubt anyone gave it much thought."
Hua Zhi glanced back and instructed, "Show these documents to everyone. Lord Xu, please provide them with a clear and concise explanation."
"Understood." Well-versed in the matter, Xu Ze delivered a penetrating summary, each word striking true.
Observing their shifting expressions, Hua Zhi felt somewhat reassured. When interests were at stake, people naturally prioritized themselves—but no one truly wished ill upon their homeland.Jin Yang was their root. They were born here and would die here. They had never considered: what if this root were gone? Or what if the root rotted away?
Through the Seven Constellation Bureau, she had investigated and found Jin Yang to an extremely insular place. Any family that managed to put down deep roots here had ancestors who were at least native Jin Yang people; otherwise, they could never enter their circles. Take Zhu Ling, for example—though he clearly shared interests with these established families, he was never truly accepted by them. In their conversations, there was even a hint of disdain toward him. In their eyes, the Zhu Family were country bumpkins, and worse, outsiders. They weren’t willing to include him in their games.
"Every bit of your growth has been fed by sucking the blood of Jin Yang. But one day, that blood will run dry. When you’re standing on barren land, what good is sitting on a mountain of gold? Will you become a dragon crossing the river? But nowhere else will be your hometown, Jin Yang. Whether you take these words to heart or dismiss them as empty talk matters little to me. My hometown is not here. What I’m about to say next is the real reason I’ve gathered you here today."
Hua Zhi set down her teacup, the crisp sound seeming to echo in their hearts. "In recent years, whatever you’ve gained by collaborating with the Chao Li Tribe, you must now return—every last bit of it, and then some. Consider it paying to ensure your safety."
This demand was expected. Even if Hua Zhi hadn’t brought it up, they would have had to do it anyway, given their involvement with the Chao Li Tribe. If they were imprisoned for this, they’d have no grounds to protest. But would paying up truly guarantee their safety?
Someone spoke up, "I’ll be the one to ask, Miss: if we hand over the silver, will it really ensure our safety?"
"The Seven Constellation Bureau will do its utmost to mediate. Although your actions have harmed Jin Yang’s foundation, you were deceived by the Chao Li Tribe, which somewhat mitigates your responsibility."
"I dare to ask one more thing, Miss: can your words be trusted?"
Jia Yang frowned and was about to speak, but Hua Zhi raised her hand to stop him. "Do you have any other choice right now?"
"I don’t mean to underestimate you, Miss, please don’t be angry…"
Hua Zhi shook her head. "Your opinion of me is irrelevant. The path is laid out before you—whether you take it is your own affair. I can also tell you plainly: your silver will not be itemized in detail. I will pool it all together and take it directly to the capital. The official record will state that the Jin Yang families, though deceived by the Chao Li Tribe, acknowledged their wrongdoing and surrendered all ill-gotten gains. You are not individuals in this matter—you are a collective, representing the stance of Jin Yang’s families in this affair. The implications, good or bad, are for you to ponder. I give you one day."
Hua Zhi stood to leave, unwilling to engage further. As she passed Yu Weiwei, she said softly, "Come with me."
When they had walked some distance away, Hua Zhi turned back. "Why did you come anyway? Didn’t I have Bao Xia relay a message to you?"
"My father woke up. He said that even if our Yu Family suffers because of this, we cannot stand apart at a time like this."
"Did he take the antidote? Is he feeling better?"
"Yes, much better." Yu Weiwei offered her first smile in two days, her voice softening slightly. "My father wanted to thank you in person, but I told him you were busy and that he could wait until you have time."
"There’s no need for thanks. Your family was innocent in this."
Innocent, yes. But who would remember the Yu Family’s innocence later? They would only recall her connection with the young lady. Yu Weiwei lowered her head, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "When are you leaving?""In a few days, we'll need to wait for someone to take over."
"Will you... not come back after this?"
"I will." Hua Zhi smiled at her. "I'll come again."
Yu Weiwei was taken aback for a moment, then smiled along. "Alright, it's settled. I'll manage the Yu family well and wait for you to visit our home."
"It's settled."
PS: Kongkong wants to know - which sentences or passages from the book "Cherishing Hua Zhi" left the deepest impression on you? What words moved you the most? Ladies, please share your thoughts in the book review section.
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