Chapter 10: Covert Persuasion

Hua Zhuo followed her father to the study, her mind occupied with thoughts of the imminent arrival of relatives. However, she found herself unable to voice her concerns and could only cling to Hua Xu, urging him to tell stories. As she listened to the tales, she pondered ways to buy some time.

San Chun smiled and said a kind word, then went to lift the curtain. The timing was just right; as soon as she raised the curtain, Hua Zhuo rushed in like a gust of wind

Hua Zhuo displayed a look of being startled, slowly pouting his lips, with his eyes gradually turning red.

Thus, Hua Zhuo perked up her ears, listening intently. When Hua Xu reached the section detailing her great-grandfather's life experiences, a series of questions flowed from her like the incessant waters of a new river, one after another.

Regarding the wishes of her great-grandfather, it seems that her father still cares quite a bit. This realization brought Hua Zhuo a moment of quiet joy, as it presented the best opportunity for a breakthrough. She did not intend for Rong'an Hall and Rongchang Hall to reconcile; it was sufficient for her to maintain superficial interactions.

Hua Zhuo laughed heartily, her small body bouncing and skipping as she ran outside, exclaiming, "Daddy is bad, he wants to hit Zhuo'er, I will go find mother."

However, every time he thinks of his two beautiful sisters being lost, especially Hua Jue, whose body could not even be recovered, and how their parents died of grief as a result, he cannot forgive Rongchang Hall. He would rather die without the face to meet his grandfather than have any dealings with Rongchang Hall while alive. He will consider reconciliation only after his son grows up and inherits Rong'an Hall.

Hua Xu realized that he should not take out his anger on his daughter. In a moment of panic, he hurriedly rummaged through a large pile of items on his writing desk to appease her. Hua Zhuo looked at the inkstones, brushes, rice paper, and paperweights, and couldn't help but chuckle. Her father was too adorable, trying to use these things to cheer her up. Not to mention that she was no longer the eight-year-old child she once was; even if she were still that same child, these items would not be enough to amuse her.

"You are just a child, what do you understand?" Hua Xu's face turned a shade of dark green.

This matter should not be mentioned again

Jiu Hui heard the sound and walked in. First, she bowed, then spoke softly and gently: "The master has instructed me to follow. Although the young lady runs quickly, I am steady on my feet."

It was said that a beating was warranted, yet not a single finger was laid upon anyone; it was merely a gesture of raising the hand as if to strike.

Mother ... ... Mother ... ...

Fang was just discussing household matters with Aunt Shuangcheng and was feeling tired. She leaned on the couch, closed her eyes to rest, and from a distance, she heard Hua Zhuo's voice. She opened her eyes again, propped herself up, and said to Sanchun: "This girl, what is she making such a fuss about again? If the master hears her, she will surely get scolded once more."

Father, is it because Rongchang Hall treated great-grandfather poorly that great-grandfather also disliked them? But why, before great-grandfather passed away, did he want Rong'an Hall to reconcile with Rongchang Hall? Did he regret it?

Hua Xu watched their figures fade into the distance, yet his eyes were filled with deep contemplation. When his daughter suddenly mentioned Rongchang Hall, was it merely a coincidence? Remembering the events of the past, his expression darkened, revealing a hint of long-standing resentment. However, Zhuo Er's words were also valid; his grandfather's dying wish was for Rong'an Hall and Rongchang Hall to reconcile. His failure to comply was indeed unfilial. Despite his reputation for filial piety, he felt uneasy and morally deficient regarding this matter.

"This is not your fault either..." Hua Xu's voice paused for a moment, "In any case, let's not mention this matter again. Rongchang Hall is Rongchang Hall; it has nothing to do with us"

Mr. Fang saw her running quickly and hurriedly called out, "Slow down, slow down, don't fall." Then he raised his voice again, "Who is following behind? Why aren't you holding onto the young lady?"

Hua Xu was both amused and exasperated by her childish words. After holding back for a long time, he finally managed to put on a serious face and said: "How can a young girl utter such an indecent word as 'butt'? You should be punished for that"

Father, could it be true that my great-grandfather was able to compose a seven-step poem at the age of seven? That would indeed make him a child prodigy

Hua Zhuo's questions came one after another, leaving Hua Xu almost no time to respond. After finally explaining everything with great difficulty, it was only upon hearing the last sentence that his expression darkened, and his demeanor became particularly serious

We need to reconcile with Rongchang Hall, as this is the wish of our great-grandfather. Father, let us send someone to speak with Rongchang Hall, reminding them that we are all family and should not be angry with each other, alright? This way, our great-grandfather will be pleased watching from above

In the name of my mother, a batch of offerings is to be sent to Rongchang Hall. Without further ado, it is merely to represent my great-grandfather in honoring my great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother, presented before their tablets. Although my great-grandfather was adopted into Rong'an Hall and is no longer the son of my great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother, the bloodline connection cannot be erased. Even if my father were to find out, he would likely have no reason to oppose it, as he places the utmost importance on filial piety. Although he is no longer the son of my great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother, the bloodline connection cannot be erased. Even if my father were to find out, he would likely have no reason to oppose it, as he places the utmost importance on filial piety

This is a test. If Rongchang Hall accepts, it indicates that Rongchang Hall is still willing to reconcile with Rong'an Hall. With this beginning, there will be many ways to deepen the connection in the future. If Rongchang Hall refuses, then one should abandon that thought and give up on Rongchang Hall, while considering other ways for the father to avoid the great disaster five years later, such as reminding the father to check whether there are any issues with the Xinjiang dam.

It is settled, my lord cannot be without someone by his side; you may return to the study to attend to him

The young lady is still quite young, just at the age when she loves to jump around.

Jiu Hui was a maid serving in the study. At Huaxu's command, she immediately followed Huazhuo, who had been standing outside the door, without haste.

Hua Xu, a big man, would not tell any stories. Unable to withstand her persistent nagging, he randomly pulled a book from the bookshelf and decided to read it to her.

In early spring, a chuckle escaped, as Jiu Hui is famously slow-paced, whether in speech or in walking, everything is done at a leisurely pace

It is said that Hua Zhuo bounced and skipped all the way back to the Fang family, not genuinely intending to report a complaint. Rather, she had just engaged in a nonsensical argument with Hua Xun. Although she did not persuade her father to reconcile with Rongchang Hall, she certainly did not expect that this would enable her father to let go of the grievances he had harbored for many years. However, by observing his expressions and reactions, she noticed a fleeting look of unease on her father's face when she mentioned her great-grandfather's last wishes.

Hua Zhuo took a glance and was surprised to find it was a travelogue of the Southwest, instantly brightening her eyes. She remembered that this travelogue was originally written by a scholar during his travels across the world. The Southwest Taiping Prefecture was precisely the place where her great-grandfather served as the governor. In this prefecture, there were three counties and twenty-eight districts, a position of great authority and prestige. Moreover, since this scholar lived in the same era as her great-grandfather, it was inevitable that he would include her great-grandfather's life experiences in the book. The reason her family would keep this book was precisely because it mentioned her great-grandfather. Not only her great-grandfather, but the entire Hua clan was also referenced in the text.

Hua Zhuo pouted and said, "If you don't mention it, then don't mention it. Father is unfilial, oh, my great-grandfather will spank Father in heaven"

Hua Zhuo's expression fell, displaying an innocent look, as he argued: "Is Father going to go against Great Grandfather's last wishes?"

Father, please do not be angry; I, Zhuo'er, understand my mistake

Be careful of your step, Jiuhui, follow the young lady, and do not let her fall

However, this method has too many variables. Even if we investigate, what good will it do? If the higher authorities do not allocate funds, we cannot proceed with the repairs. Even if funds for river repairs are allocated, who knows who will siphon them off? It is uncertain if even one-tenth will reach my father. If the funds are insufficient, the new river embankment cannot be repaired properly, and in the end, my father will still be the one to suffer.

This is indeed the perfect entry point, truly a blessing from heaven for her

Oh? How does the book say that my great-grandfather was born in Rongchang Hall? Why did he leave home to travel at the age of eighteen and not return for a full six years?

She called out as she ran into the Fang family residence, temporarily setting aside distant matters. What was urgent at the moment was whether she could persuade the Fang family to send a batch of offerings to Rongchang Hall

Upon seeing her, Fang let out a sigh and said, "When a hasty person encounters a slow one, if nothing goes wrong, it truly is a blessing from Amitabha."

Ah, so it turns out that my great-grandfather was adopted into the Rong'an Hall... But why did he never return to the Rongchang Hall afterwards? Even though he was adopted, he should at least have gone to see his biological parents...