Chapter 287: The Vast Hua Family

The Hua family’s side branches had been left out in the cold by the Empress Dowager, receiving little care or consideration.

When their properties were confiscated, they were forced to scrape together what they could and rent a modest place in the cheaper, less desirable eastern part of the city. It wasn’t much, but it was all they could afford in those desperate times.

When the main branch of the Hua family reestablished itself, the old matriarch stepped in. She took charge, moving the side branches into a larger and more respectable mansion in the city’s southern district. Then Hua Zhi, who now held the reins of the family, ensured they didn’t struggle further. With wealth at her disposal, she directed her fourth aunt to cover the rent every month without fail.

Hua Zhi had considered outright buying the property for them, but the price of acquiring all three grand mansions required a substantial fortune. That kind of money was tied up elsewhere—other pressing matters demanded her attention, and she couldn’t afford to funnel it all into this cause, not yet.

Thanks to this support, the fourth branch was finally able to breathe. Financial constraints that once loomed over them had eased, and a newfound sense of prosperity began to take root. The joyful occasion brought a whirlwind of activity—members of the family, from both side and main branches, had gathered in force two days ago to lend a hand.

Today, the atmosphere was electric. The normally shut front doors were flung wide open. Servants and visitors buzzed in and out, turning the mansion into a hub of noise and movement. It was a rare sight—a symbol of the family’s resurgence.

Hua Zhi’s carriage arrived without hesitation, rolling directly into the front courtyard. By her side was the ever-present Suyun Mama, a senior figure in the Hua household with authority that no servant dared question.

The moment the carriage stopped, people recognized Hua Zhi’s arrival. The steward rushed to alert the family in the backyard, leaving the rest to keep the chaos in check.

Suyun Mama stepped out first, her commanding presence drawing bows and greetings from the servants. She returned their respect with a slight nod before lifting the curtain of the carriage. Yuanchun helped Hua Zhi step down, her gaze scanning the courtyard with a cool intensity that made everyone lower their heads.

The steward approached, bowing deeply. “Liu Xin greets the young lady.”

“No need for formalities,” Hua Zhi replied curtly as she descended from the carriage. She wore a lake-blue robe, her hair swept into an elegant fairy bun. Her makeup was minimal—just enough to highlight her natural beauty, understated yet refined.

The steward straightened and spoke quickly. “The masters are all in the backyard…”

“Lead the way,” Hua Zhi ordered, her tone sharp and decisive.

“Yes, young lady,” Liu Xin replied, already moving to guide her. There was no room for hesitation in the presence of someone like Hua Zhi.

This was Hua Zhi's first time stepping into this mansion, and the moment she laid her eyes on it, she immediately knew what it was: not small, but definitely not impressive. It had been renovated, sure, but she couldn’t even begin to imagine what it had looked like when they were at their lowest point—before they fell from grace.

"The Eldest Miss has arrived," someone announced. As she crossed the second gate, Hua Zhi saw the Fourth Madam leading the family members—both main and side branches—toward her.

Hua Zhi gave a quick bow, calling her Fourth Grandaunt, a title she had been taught to use with respect.

The Fourth Madam, a warm smile on her face, helped Hua Zhi back up and insisted she greet the other women in the group, some of whom were older and required the proper respect of being called "aunties."

Hua Zhi, keeping her composure, returned the greetings with a half bow. She knew the drill—status was important, but showing respect to the elders was non-negotiable.

Seeing her maintain such decorum seemed to please the Fourth Madam even more. A sensible and responsible figurehead for the side branches was something they desperately needed.

"Everyone’s inside waiting. Shall we go?" the Fourth Madam suggested.

"Of course," Hua Zhi replied, walking beside her. As they moved down the covered corridors, Hua Zhi couldn't ignore the obvious wear and tear: chipped paint in some places, clean enough but undeniably showing signs of wear. It was a subtle reminder of the fall from their former glory.

Even though the Hua family, side branches included, lived in luxury now, there was something undeniably missing—an air of grandeur that once existed but was now nothing more than a faint memory.

“I’ve managed to save up some money,” Hua Zhi said, her tone a bit more serious, “but I can’t move you to a new place just yet. I need the funds for investments, and I also need to keep things low-key for now, so we don’t attract unwanted attention.”

The fourth madam’s gaze swept over the mansion’s pillars, noticing the worn, less-than-ideal spots. She let out a deep sigh and said sharply, "Eldest granddaughter, don’t bother explaining this to me. Even though I've spent my life confined to the inner courtyard, I understand the basics of life. Things may not be as good as they once were, but compared to the He family, we’re doing just fine. I heard their old mansion—rescued by Feixin—was sold off recently. Now they've all moved to the eastern part of the city. We're moving out, and they're moving in. When I think of that, how could I possibly want more? I'm content with what we have."

Hua Zhi couldn’t help but smile when she saw Fourth Grandaunt—slimmer, but more lively than before. It was moments like these that made her work tirelessly for her family. Her resolve deepened as she walked into the main courtyard and saw the smiles on everyone’s faces. It reminded her that no matter the effort, it was all worth it.

After exchanging pleasantries, Hua Zhi was quickly surrounded and ushered into the main hall. Everyone insisted she take the seat of honor, but with a smile, she shook her head and walked over to her mother, helping her into a more humble seat. Hua Zhi sat beside her and said firmly, "A daughter shouldn’t sit higher than her mother. This is fine."

The room erupted in laughter, and no one pushed further. In fact, Hua Zhi’s gesture made them even more pleased.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Fourth Branch smiled and said, “I’ll go get Qin’er.”

But Hua Zhi immediately stopped her. “Don’t worry about the bridal gown. It’s heavy. I’ll go see her later.”

Her casual words hit different when they were heard by others.

If the Hua family hadn’t fallen apart, the eldest granddaughter of the Hua family would’ve been married two months ago. The bridal gown was probably already finished before everything went to hell. She knew damn well the weight that gown carried.

As her mother turned to wipe away her tears, Hua Zhi suddenly realized she'd stepped on a landmine with her words. Grabbing her mother’s hand, she quickly shifted gears. “Alright, since everyone’s here, let me get something off my chest. I’m heading north in four days…”

A daughter-in-law from the Fourth Branch interrupted her, “Again?”

Hua Zhi didn’t flinch. She nodded, unbothered by the interruption. “Yes, I’ll be going every six months from now on. Remember that. If you’ve got anything to send, get it ready. For this trip, prepare as much as you can by mid-year. I’ll have bodyguards take it up there. Don’t overdo it, though—the weather’s going to be worse by the end of the year. Keep it simple. And there’s one more thing you need to remember.”

She locked eyes with them, her expression sharp. The room went still. “Not a single word about Grandmother’s death in any of your letters. Now that everyone knows I’m in charge, if they ask about anything, you talk to me. No exceptions.”

She didn’t bother explaining why. They all got it. The only person they really had to hide it from was Old Master Hua.

Could you imagine him finding out his wife of decades was gone, and he wasn’t even there to say goodbye?

The Third Aunt from the Fourth Branch dabbed at her eyes, forcing a smile. “Don’t worry, we understand.”

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

On such a cheerful day, Hua Zhi wasn’t about to ruin the mood by saying anything negative. Instead, she shifted the conversation to share what she’d gained from her recent trip south.

The room lit up with excitement when they heard that the family was about to launch another business venture. There was an almost blind trust in the eldest granddaughter’s business instincts. Every single business the Hua family had started under her guidance had turned into a goldmine.

Take Green Moss Alley as an example. It started as a small business but quickly grew into an absolute hotspot. People flocked to it from all over, lining up non-stop from dawn to dusk, no matter the weather.

The mention of Green Moss Alley naturally brought up Li Lai Lane, which was nearly completed. Since both the third branch and the main branch were nearby, they asked cautiously, “Do we need to send some help to Li Lai Lane?”

Hua Zhi responded smoothly, just as they were bracing for bad news, “The staff for Li Lai Lane have already been training for over a month.” Then, with a glint in her eye, she added, “But the new business will definitely need more hands. Each branch should send ten people.”

At that, the third aunt couldn’t help but clap her hands in excitement. “Perfect! Don’t worry, eldest daughter. We’ll send our best, without a doubt!”