Chapter 61: The Tree Wants to Remain Quiet, but the Wind Won’t Stop (1)
In the end, Hua Zhi only learned one set of fist techniques from Shaoyao. Having previously studied close-quarters combat, she found it easy to pick up.
Not wanting to alarm others, she practiced only in her own courtyard. The maids who had experienced the incident at the estate also wanted to learn, and Hua Zhi permitted them all. After all, one can never have too many skills—learning is never a loss.
With the mistress and senior maids all practicing, the other maids, young and old, dared not slack off. Even the rough-handed servants learned a few moves. As the women's army instructor, Shaoyao was full of enthusiasm every day, especially after discovering Hua Hua’s remarkable talent, making her eager to impart all she knew.
While strengthening their bodies, the day of the apprenticeship ceremony arrived.
Mu Qing was well aware of the Hua family’s circumstances and cared little for formalities, insisting on simplicity.
Hua Bolin, dressed in brand-new clothes, bowed three times before a portrait of the sage, then knelt and kowtowed three times to Mu Qing, who sat solemnly above, and offered him tea. With that, the ceremony was complete.
Mu Qing gifted him an exquisite set of the four treasures of the study. In high spirits, even his admonitions were delivered with a smile: "As my disciple, you must conduct yourself with integrity and act with purity. Do not rely on clever tricks in your studies—there are no shortcuts in learning. What you gain is directly proportional to what you put in; it is the fairest of pursuits. I am pleased to see you have already settled your mind, and I urge you to persevere with even greater effort."
"Yes, Master. I will remember your teachings."
Mu Qing nodded in satisfaction, his smiling eyes turning to the Old Madam, who sat observing the ceremony. "I must shamelessly ask a favor of you, Old Madam."
"Please speak, sir."
"I have been in the capital for seven years. When I left, my child was only three years old. Now that I have decided to stay, I plan to bring my parents, wife, and child here for a reunion. I sent word some time ago for my family to prepare, and by my calculations, they should have everything in order by now. Although my family has modest means, my parents have never traveled far. Thus, I wish to borrow a few of your people to escort them safely to the capital."
How could the Old Madam refuse! Ever since learning that Mr. Mu had initially planned to return home, she had worried he might resign one day. But now he intended to bring his family here—clearly, he had no plans to leave. At the very least, they could count on this teacher to stay!
Exchanging a delighted glance with her equally pleased granddaughter, the Old Madam rose and bowed. "The Hua family is deeply indebted to you, sir."
Mr. Mu quickly sidestepped the gesture. "Not at all. To be honest, I am the one benefiting."
"Your request is our command, sir. Zhi Er, select a few capable individuals to ensure Mr. Mu’s family arrives safely in the capital."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Hua Zhi pondered for a moment, then went to seek out Lu Xiansheng.
Upon learning it was to escort family members, Gu Yanxi promptly assigned five men to her. It was impossible to train them in such a short time, and these five were not specifically selected for Hua Zhi’s training, but they were capable enough for escort duties. In terms of loyalty, the Hua family’s servants were quite reliable.
Just as Hua Zhi was about to express her thanks, a sudden thunderclap exploded across the sky, so loud it seemed to shake the ground. The sky, still early in the morning, darkened abruptly, nearly as black as night. Remembering something urgent, she hurried toward the clan school.
Without a second thought, Gu Yanxi followed her.As soon as she stepped onto the corridor, Hua Zhi saw Mu Qing emerging from the senior class. Spotting her, he paused, nodded in acknowledgment, then retreated back inside. With the eldest young lady present, there was no need for him to worry.
Due to Hua Bolin's apprenticeship ceremony that morning, Hua Zhi had allowed the junior class children to study independently, permitting them to either read or practice calligraphy as they pleased.
Thunder rumbled incessantly, one clap after another, while enormous lightning bolts seemed intent on splitting the sky in half. The classroom flickered between light and shadow. Though the children remained in their seats, their unease was palpable.
Hua Zhi went straight to Hua Bozhen, who sat at the very front, gathering the trembling child into her arms before taking his seat. She then beckoned to the other children who were putting on brave faces, "Come to Elder Sister."
The children rushed toward her in unison—some leaning against her, others clutching her sleeves or the hem of her dress, a few settling at her feet. Within moments, they had calmed down, their fearful expressions mostly faded.
Previously, they had hardly any impression of this elder sister. But through recent interactions, they had developed respect for her, and even more, affection. During her lessons, they felt particularly clever because her teaching was exceptionally easy to understand. They no longer feared attending classes at all. Although there were many sisters at home who treated them kindly, they all understood that Elder Sister was different from the others. They couldn't quite explain why, but even when she required them to study and practice writing, they simply preferred her more.
When the thunder first struck, they had hoped Elder Sister would come. And now she had indeed arrived—holding them, protecting them!
Gu Yanxi leaned against the doorway watching this scene, his eyes softening inexplicably.
It was his first time encountering someone with such contradictory temperament and actions. Though she appeared aloof and detached, she could bring so much warmth to those around her. Though she had been forced to shoulder these responsibilities, she seemed willing and devoted. Anyone else would likely have clung desperately to the marriage alliance with the Shen Family, doing everything possible to escape the quagmire of the Hua family.
Listening to her gentle words comforting the frightened children, Gu Yanxi turned to look outside. Such thunder was rare, and such heavy rain was unusual too.
When hurried footsteps sounded, Gu Yanxi's heart skipped a beat, suddenly filled with foreboding.
The maid didn't notice him at all, rushing into the room and exclaiming, "Eldest Young Lady! Fourth Aunt was startled by the thunder and it disturbed her pregnancy. The midwife says she might be going into labor!"
Hua Zhi patted the child in her arms, "Liu Xiang, go find Shaoyao and ask her to examine Fourth Aunt."
Understanding the urgency, Liu Xiang immediately dashed out. Just as she reached the doorway, the young lady's voice followed her, "Remember to bring her hat."
"Yes."
Hua Zhi needed to go too. She gently set the child down and was about to speak when more footsteps approached the door. Frowning slightly, she looked over and her heart sank upon recognizing Chunxiang, the maid who served the Old Madam.
"Eldest Young Lady, the Old Madam was frightened by the thunder."
Hua Zhi pressed her thumb against her tiger's mouth, then crouched down to look at the group of little ones. "Still afraid?"
"Not anymore, Elder Sister. Please go check on Grandmother. We'll study properly."
"So good."
Leaving the room, Hua Zhi wasn't surprised to see Lu Xiansheng still there—he was permitted in this area.
Giving a slight bow, she summoned a young maid while walking toward the inner courtyard and instructed, "Find Liu Xiang. Tell her to take Shaoyao to see Grandmother first."
"Yes."At that moment, Ying Chun hurried over to greet her. "Miss, Bao Xia has taken people to lock all four corner gates. No one is allowed to enter or leave without your written order. I have already asked Steward Xu to take a headcount of the household servants. Except for some essential personnel, everyone else is confined to their rooms. Nian Qiu and Fu Dong have gone to the rear courtyard to check the numbers in each household, using your name to request all the wives and concubines to keep their people under control. Do you find these arrangements acceptable?"
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