Blossoms in Adversity

Chapter 638: Exhausted Slumber

This time, Hua Zhi didn’t engage in small-scale efforts. Within just a few days, she established a massive workshop. The labor force was requested from Wang Rong, and she didn’t inquire where he sourced them from, only knowing that these individuals had now signed lifelong contracts with the Heir Apparent Residence. As for the accountant, she had Nian Qiu temporarily take on the role.

She was also aware of the craftsmen’s concern that "teaching apprentices would starve the master," so she didn’t ask the artisans to teach their skills to the servants. Instead, she had them break down a toy into several components, which were then assigned to different servants to produce. Finally, these parts were assembled by others. The craftsmen’s worries immediately vanished. Once the entire workshop was operational, the output rate was unexpectedly high. On the very first day, despite their lack of familiarity, they managed to produce four hundred toys, albeit not particularly refined.

The few exquisitely crafted ones were intended by Hua Zhi for sale in affluent circles. These required the artisans to meticulously carve and refine each piece individually, prioritizing quality over quantity. Naturally, the prices were exorbitant. She wasn’t concerned about being unable to sell them; even if no one wanted them, she would forcefully promote them and make them pay.

From preparation to receiving payment, it took only seven days.

"It’s not enough yet. Go ask Wang Rong for more people." Hua Zhi supported her head with her hand, eyes closed, her mind constantly racing. "Tell Wang Rong to find some craftsmen. These people must sign lifelong contracts with the Hua family."

Ying Chun noted it down with a charcoal pen, clutching her small notebook as she asked, "What about the Ministry of Works…"

"The Ministry of Works has a keen eye for spotting opportunities. They quickly recognized the potential profitability of this workshop and want to get involved. I won’t give them the chance to control me."

So that’s how it is. Ying Chun nodded. "Understood. This servant will ensure the personnel are in place as soon as possible."

"I heard Uncle Bai has returned to the capital. Invite him to come here."

"Yes."

Bai Mingxia had barely set foot in the capital when he was summoned to the Hua residence. Initially intending to tease her a little, he swallowed his inappropriate remarks upon seeing how thin Hua Zhi had become, her cheeks sunken in. He sighed softly and said, "If you work yourself to collapse, how will the men of the Hua family face you when they return?"

"It’s just these past few days of poor sleep. I’ll rest immediately after discussing matters with you, Uncle."

"Then I’d better leave quickly." Bai Mingxia chuckled wryly and followed Hua Zhi to sit down. Though he admired the complete set of tea utensils that caught his eye, he didn’t ask Hua Zhi to brew tea. He couldn’t bear to trouble her. Even though he had just returned to the capital, he was well-informed about the current situation.

"Uncle’s business is growing larger and larger."

"Enough, let’s get straight to the point. Don’t beat around the bush with me."

Hua Zhi indeed cut to the chase. "I’ve recently opened a workshop that sells toys. I’d like to use your connections to distribute them across the nine provinces."

"Didn’t you say the quantity was small and even the capital struggles to secure enough through competition?"

"I’ll increase production. These items aren’t like food that’s consumed and gone. Once someone buys one, they can play with it for a long time, possibly never buying a second one in their lifetime. Relying solely on the capital market isn’t feasible."

Bai Mingxia nodded slightly. "I understand what you mean. Don’t worry, I’ll take on this matter."

"Let’s keep things clear. I can’t let you suffer losses, Uncle. Similar to the canned goods, we’ll negotiate a price acceptable to both parties. Markets outside the capital will be yours. However, I hope you won’t set the prices too high for these items. I need to focus on volume sales."

Bai Mingxia looked at her meaningfully. Those in the know were aware that Hua Zhi was generating revenue for the Ministry of Revenue, yet she never mentioned it herself, as if this venture were truly for her own profit."I have another business deal in hand, but I'm unsure if Uncle Bai still has the capacity to take it on." Hua Zhi had no idea what Bai Mingxia was thinking—her mind was currently occupied only with silver.

Bai Mingxia nodded. "Go ahead, I've made some connections over the years. They won't turn down profitable ventures."

"Soap."

"The kind produced by Zhu Family's workshop?"

A glimmer of spark returned to Hua Zhi's eyes. "That's my formula. I promised them the capital's share would remain untouched, but everything beyond the capital belongs to me. Since you're familiar with this product, you know how popular it is. I needn't elaborate on its profitability."

Bai Mingxia understood perfectly. There was a vast market beyond the capital, and he had already reaped substantial benefits from just the canned goods venture over the past year—enough to build a silver mountain. If he could secure these two businesses as well, the Bai family's current assets would pale in comparison.

"Same terms as the canned goods?"

"Identical, but I want volume—massive quantities."

"Very well. Give me some time to contact my associates and raise the silver."

Hua Zhi nodded. "As quickly as possible."

Bai Mingxia stood up. "I'll return in three days. You need proper rest—one cannot endure such exhaustion indefinitely. It will consume you."

"Indeed, I shall do so immediately."

Hua Zhi slept until dusk the following day, waking with limbs like jelly and devoid of strength.

She remained motionless, simply lying there, stealing a moment of idle tranquility from her hectic life.

Until voices reached her ears: "Still not awake? Didn't Miraculous Doctor Yu say it was merely deep sleep? How can her body endure going so long without food or drink?"

That was... the Crown Prince? As the thought formed, the door opened. Ying Chun entered first, followed closely by His Highness.

Forcing herself upright, she saw the Crown Prince hastening to her bedside. His face lit up upon seeing her conscious. "You're awake! Send for Miraculous Doctor Yu at once."

The doctor had been staying at the Hua residence for nearly a day. This was Hua Zhi's first encounter with him since the palace coup. Due to her actions during that incident, she always felt ashamed to face him—virtuous physicians never used their knowledge to harm others. While she hadn't exactly caused harm, her intentions had been less than pure.

"Excessive anxiety. This isn't the first time this has happened, is it?"

Ying Chun hurriedly responded from the side: "No, Young Miss has fallen into such deep sleep before."

"Your body can no longer bear the strain. It's instinctively repairing itself through hibernation. As a physician, though I know you won't heed my advice, I must still urge you to set aside your worries and rest properly. Continuing like this will render even the most meticulous recuperation ineffective."

The Crown Prince hung his head in guilt. It was his incompetence that had burdened the Grand Tutor so.

"My family, my betrothed, my younger sister—they're all at the border. How can you expect me to set that aside?" Hua Zhi looked toward the Crown Prince. "As his teacher, I bear the responsibility of supporting my student when he cannot yet shoulder the burden. These loved ones are all we possess in this lifetime. When I have the capability to protect them, I must do my utmost."

Miraculous Doctor Yu could only shake his head. Greater ability brought greater responsibility—this young woman was simply too capable, bearing burdens that weren't originally hers to carry. "Continue with the Medicinal Cuisine. I'll modify the prescription. Stop the medicine—all remedies carry some toxicity. It does your body no good."

"I shall follow your advice."

As the doctor followed Fu Dong to review the Medicinal Cuisine prescription, the Crown Prince moved closer, seeming to want to say something. His lips parted, then closed again.Hua Zhi smiled faintly, "Just tired. I'll recover after sleeping it off. Has there been any military news from the front lines?"

"Not for now. The Grand Tutor needn't worry. I'll let you rest – take a few more days to recuperate."

After some thought, Hua Zhi didn't push herself. "Then this subject will rest two more days. If anything arises, just have Lai Fu come find me."

PS: Third watch. Konjac's scientific name is Amorphophallus konjac. To prevent nitpicking, let it be known that konjac matures early in August by the solar calendar, while all dates in this book follow the lunar calendar.