Chapter 7: Repaying Blessings
Third Aunt’s face turned pale, Fourth Aunt—who had been crying nonstop—finally stopped her tears, and Second Aunt clutched her handkerchief tightly, clearly frightened as well.
“It would be best if Third Aunt refrains from saying such things in the future, lest you bring trouble upon yourselves. Grandmother is aware of your concerns, but rest assured—as long as we have solid food to eat, you won’t be left with only watery porridge. Isn’t that right, Grandmother?”
“Of course. The Hua family shares a common fate. Now that such a misfortune has occurred, we must support one another even more. We cannot let others say that without men to uphold it, the Hua family has lost all dignity. Today has been difficult for everyone, so I won’t keep you. Return home, comfort your families, and arrange for someone to send warm clothes to your husbands. The northern regions grow cold early—we mustn’t let them freeze upon arrival. As for other matters, we will inform you once we’ve settled on a plan.”
The women were terrified by Hua Zhi’s words and no longer had the heart to linger. After offering their apologies, they departed together.
Su Momo’s eyes were red, yet a smile graced her lips. No wonder the old saying goes, “Adversity reveals true hearts.” When these people enjoyed benefits in the past, why did they remain silent? Now that disaster has struck, they come wailing, feigning blindness to the fact that Old Madam could barely remain seated.
Thankfully, the eldest young lady had returned. With just a few words, she had skillfully intimidated them. How capable their eldest young lady was!
Old Madam patted Hua Zhi’s hand. “Don’t hold it against them. In such times, everyone is panicked. They’re simply afraid they won’t be able to survive.”
“As you say.” Hua Zhi signaled Su Momo to help her support Old Madam. “Everyone has had a fright today. Let’s take a moment to recover. We can discuss matters tomorrow. How about having dinner in our respective rooms tonight?”
“You decide. Have you forgotten that I’ve already handed the household authority to you?”
“I feel uncertain if I don’t consult you, Grandmother.”
It wasn’t uncertainty at all—every detail was clearly and properly arranged. Old Madam felt comforted. Heaven had not abandoned the Hua family. Even if she were to falter one day, she need not fear the family falling apart.
After escorting her grandmother to her room, Hua Zhi immediately went to her mother’s quarters. Her tearful mother had likely cried until her eyes were swollen—and indeed, that was the case.
The tears, which had just subsided, began to fall like beans again at the sight of her daughter. Hua Zhi sighed, took the damp handkerchief from her mother’s hand, and attempted to dry her tears. Finding it soaked through, she asked a maid to fetch a fresh one.
“Father is fine. For his sake, you should save your tears. What if you have none left when you see him again?”
“What nonsense.” The Madam was amused, but her tears did not cease. “I’m so useless. I can’t help at all, and now you have to comfort me.”
“Just by staying here safe and sound, you give me peace of mind. You are my mother—you are my strength.” Hua Zhi gently wiped her mother’s tears. Her mother might not be particularly capable, but she was truly devoted to her husband and children—gentle, virtuous, and soft-spoken. Hua Zhi would always remember when she first had her monthly courses; her mother, fearing she might be scared, came to sleep beside her, whispering comforting words and holding her close as she taught her about womanhood. It was the warmest moment she had experienced in both her lifetimes.
“Mother, I’m not afraid at all. The Hua family will be fine.”"Yes, it will be fine, it will be fine." The lady tightly grasped her daughter's hand and nodded vigorously. After hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but ask, "Will your father... truly be able to return?"
"Yes, Grandfather's crime is not punishable by death. He will definitely return." Even if he couldn't, she would spare no effort to bring them back.
The lady was immediately comforted by her daughter's words and nodded repeatedly. "Yes, he can return, he will definitely return. I won't cry, Zhi Er. Mother won't cry. Don't worry about me, just focus on your own affairs. I won't cause you any trouble."
"This isn't causing trouble. It reassures me. If anything happens, you must still tell me. Don't keep it bottled up inside."
The lady touched her daughter's face, which, though smiling, could not conceal her exhaustion, and her heart ached so much that her tears fell even faster. Her daughter, who had been delicately raised in the inner chambers and seldom even stepped outside, was now running about for the sake of the entire family's livelihood. And this was only the beginning—who knew what would happen in the future? And then there was her marriage...
Pushing these thoughts to the back of her mind, the lady squeezed her hand tightly. "Go back to your room and rest properly. Nian Qiu, give your young lady a good massage, or she'll likely be sore all over tomorrow."
"Yes, Madam."
"Then I'll return to my room. Please try to eat some dinner, Mother. Your health is important."
"Mother knows. Go on quickly."
Hua Zhi took a few steps toward her own courtyard but suddenly remembered her pregnant Fourth Aunt and how worried she must be. She had no choice but to change direction. She had to live up to Fourth Uncle's trust.
Nian Qiu felt sorry for her young lady, who had been busy all day without even a sip of water. She wanted to say something, but after opening her mouth, she ultimately closed it again. Her young lady was now the head of the household and had to consider the bigger picture.
The fourth lady of the Hua family came from the Wu family in the capital. Her maiden name was Haitang, and with her round face, she had a naturally blessed appearance. Her father was Wu Zhen, a vice minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Though not quite equal to the Hua family, her family background was still respectable, and her upbringing was naturally good—otherwise, she would not have caught the Old Madam's eye.
Though Hua Pingyang was somewhat of a libertine, he truly treated his wife well. No matter how much he indulged outside, he never neglected his lawful wife at home, spending at least half of each month in her chambers. The couple's relationship was excellent.
In her three years since marrying into the family, Wu Shi gave birth to her eldest son in the first year and was now carrying another child. Perhaps it was the strength of motherhood that enabled her to hold up despite such a major crisis, and the baby in her womb remained stable.
When Hua Zhi arrived, Wu Shi was forcing herself to sip some soup mouthful by mouthful. Upon seeing Hua Zhi, she quickly put down her bowl and made to stand up. The two were not far apart in age, and since her husband doted on this niece, she loved her by extension, and they had always gotten along very well.
Hua Zhi hurried forward two steps to support her and help her sit back down. "How are you feeling? Any discomfort in your belly?"
"All is well. The child is considerate of me and is very stable." The lady looked at her with intense eyes. "And your Fourth Uncle... how is he?"
"Don't worry. With Fourth Uncle's capabilities, he'll adapt faster than anyone else in the Hua family." Hua Zhi smiled wryly. "With an elderly father above, an elder brother who knows nothing about managing household affairs, and younger generations below who have never suffered hardship, he dares not do poorly."
Wu Shi naturally believed in her husband's abilities. If not for the fact that the Hua family already had two Hanlin scholars and a Chancellor of the Imperial Academy—already drawing enough attention—with her husband's talents, what official position could he not hold?
Taking Hua Zhi's hand, Wu Shi gave it a gentle squeeze. "This entire large family... it all depends on you now.""Of course I must protect my own family. Fourth Aunt, please don't overthink things. Just eat well, drink well, make some baby clothes, and take good care of yourself while waiting for the child's birth. The Hua family won't collapse."
After sharing some food with Fourth Aunt, it was completely dark by the time Hua Zhi left. Thinking back on this endlessly long day, she sighed inwardly. There are no free blessings in this world - having enjoyed fifteen years of privilege from the Hua family, it was now her turn to repay them.
But right now, all she wanted was a good night's sleep.
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