Chapter 382: Scholar

Physician Chu spoke of Hua Zhi’s purpose for coming, "The scholar your caretaker brought looked quite bruised, but fortunately, the injuries are not severe. Madame Suyun, on the other hand, appears less serious but may actually be more severe, especially considering her age and a back injury. She may need some time to recover."

"Don't worry, I will ensure Suyun Mama is well taken care of. However, the scholar..." Hua Zhi furrowed her brow, "The autumn exams are approaching soon, will it affect him?"

Physician Chu stroked his beard, "It may pose some hindrance. Although no bones were injured, it still hurts quite a bit."

If that were truly the case, then there would be a great debt of gratitude owed, but she had to admit that he had helped Hua Ling. Exchanging a favor for Hua Ling's innocence was worth it.

"Is he still here?"

"Yes, I thought you might come, so I left him here. He also came to the capital to take the exams but was delayed due to some matters. The inn is now full, so it might be difficult to find a place. I have given him directions and sent a servant to find a place for him to stay."

Hua Zhi stood up and bowed, "Thank you."

"No need for thanks, I have also received much help from the Elder Hua." Physician Chu also stood up, "He is in the backyard."

Behind the clinic stood a modest two-story house, home to Physician Chu's family, who occupied the second courtyard. One section of the property served as a bustling pharmacy, with medicinal herbs spread out to dry in the open air. On the left side, two apprentices and two medicine boys were lodged, while a neatly maintained but vacant room was designated as a resting space for patients. Currently, a scholar had taken up temporary residence there.

To avoid raising any eyebrows, Physician Chu took it upon himself to accompany her, with two maids trailing close behind.

The sound of movement alerted those inside the room, prompting them to stand. At first, they assumed it was just the physician returning, but they were visibly startled to see an unexpected female guest. The scholar, momentarily caught off guard, quickly tidied his appearance, brushing himself off as if to make sure he looked respectable before exhaling in relief.

Hua Zhi couldn't help but notice his instinctive display of respect. It spoke volumes. People who naturally carried themselves with such courtesy rarely lacked integrity. And of course, someone without good character wouldn’t have stepped forward to help in a perilous situation.

Physician Chu broke the silence, introducing her with a calm authority: "This is the eldest miss of the Hua family."

The eldest miss of the Hua family?

Before Hua Zhi had the chance to reply, the scholar had already bowed, his tone polite but slightly tentative. "I am Yu Xiaosheng. It is an honor to meet you, Miss."

This was the second time Hua Zhi had witnessed the reverence scholars seemed to have for her family name, the first being back in Xiangyang.

She returned the gesture with measured poise. "Sir, I must thank you for your kindness and bravery in aiding my sister during her time of need."

Yu Xiaosheng's expression shifted as realization dawned. The girl who had nearly fallen victim to misfortune was from this Hua family?

His thoughts raced, and indignation flickered across his face. "Has the young lady been safely rescued? I... I am deeply ashamed I couldn’t do more to help."

Misinterpreting his anger as frustration over the chaotic incident, Hua Zhi offered reassurance without hesitation. "Thanks to your efforts in delaying them, my sister is safe now. She specifically asked me to convey her gratitude to you."

"I really can’t accept such gratitude. It’s more than I deserve," Yu Xiaosheng stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment as he waved his hands dismissively. In his eagerness, the sharp movement aggravated his injury, and a fleeting grimace of pain crossed his face. But just as quickly, he straightened up, acting as if nothing had happened, attempting to brush it off with nonchalance.

Seeing his awkward sincerity, Hua Zhi’s tone softened naturally. "Sir, your injury isn’t minor. If it affects your performance in the upcoming autumn exams..."

Yu Xiaosheng interrupted, his voice calm but resolute. "There’s no need for such concern. My teacher reminded me before I came here that passing the exams on the first attempt is a blessing, but failure isn’t the end of the road. If I don’t succeed, I’ll simply work harder and try again in three years. Besides, this small injury won’t erase everything I’ve studied. Sometimes, a little pain sharpens the mind. Who knows, it might even help me perform better."

There was an unshakable determination in his words, a quiet optimism that spoke volumes. Hua Zhi couldn’t help but feel admiration for him. With such a mindset, it was only a matter of time before he achieved greatness. She thought of her grandfather and how pleased he would be to meet someone with such promise and character.

"Oh, by the way." Yu Xiaosheng turned to the cabinet, retrieved a small package, and carefully pulled out a letter. "My teacher, who once had the honor of learning under Mr. Hua, has never forgotten the kindness he received. He asked me to deliver this letter as a token of his gratitude."

Hua Zhi’s heart stirred. It wasn’t the first time she had received a letter like this in recent days. Most were introductions from individuals who had crossed paths with her grandfather in some way. Even though the Hua family’s status had declined, these gestures weren’t just about seeking favors—they were a statement of respect.

Her grandfather, Elder Hua, was the kind of man who repaid kindness with kindness, ensuring anyone who sought his help was treated with dignity, no matter how tenuous the connection. It was an unspoken code, and seeing this letter reminded Hua Zhi of her family’s enduring reputation in the scholarly world.

At that moment, she felt a quiet pride. Despite the setbacks and struggles, the Hua family’s steadfastness over the years was finally bearing fruit in ways that truly mattered.

Hua Zhi bowed silently in thanks.

Yu Xiaosheng, feeling awkward, finally accepted the gratitude. By the time they left the clinic, it was already dark.

*

Hua Zhi climbed into the carriage, her legs heavy as though weighed down by iron. The day had drained her completely, and as she sank into the plush cushions, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. She was so close to nodding off that it felt inevitable. Ying Chun, ever attentive, pulled out a light blanket from a corner, draped it gently over her, and then leaned out to instruct the coachman to drive slower.

Inside the dim carriage, Ying Chun exchanged a quiet look with Bao Xia. Neither said a word, but the thought was mutual—Miss Hua Zhi was utterly spent. Anyone else working at this relentless pace would’ve buckled long ago, they silently agreed.

When they finally reached the family residence, Ying Chun guided the carriage through the main gates and into the front yard. A sturdy maid appeared promptly to help Hua Zhi down, taking great care as though handling fine porcelain. Confident now that she was safely home, Hua Zhi succumbed to the exhaustion fully, slipping into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Meanwhile, Hua Ling had been waiting for her eldest sister’s return, eager to ask about the scholar’s condition. But seeing Hua Zhi’s state, pale and utterly wiped out, she bit her lip and wordlessly turned to help prepare the bed.

She didn’t know if her sister was always this tired or if today was especially rough, but one thing was clear—the strain of it all had been for her sake.

Hua Zhi slept so soundly that she didn’t stir all night, completely still in the same position. When she finally woke, the brightness of the room seemed almost startling.

“It’s no wonder it’s bright—it’s already past the seventh hour,” Ying Chun greeted her with a wide grin. Watching her mistress finally get some proper rest was a rare and satisfying sight.

“Past the seventh hour?” Hua Zhi murmured, her voice groggy as she stretched lazily. Her body felt heavy, her mind sluggish, unwilling to shake off the comfort of this rare indulgence. Deciding to savor the moment, she leaned back and let herself bask in the sheer luxury of doing absolutely nothing.

“Yes, you slept so deeply. It was nice to see.” Ying Chun handed her a cup of tea to rinse her mouth, her tone light but warm. “Fourth Madam and Fourth Miss dropped by earlier, and Third Miss came as well. They saw how soundly you were sleeping and told us not to disturb you.”

“No pressing issues, then? How’s Third Sister doing?” Hua Zhi asked, her voice soft and unhurried.

“Third Miss seems fine—no urgency at all,” Ying Chun assured her.

Relieved, Hua Zhi let herself sink back into her thoughts—or rather, the absence of them. No rush, no plans, no demands. For now, she let her brain idle, savoring the brief and stolen bliss of a morning without responsibilities.