Chapter 4: The Direct Lineage of the Fahrenheit Family

Baixiu just entered with a bowl of porridge and, upon hearing this, smiled and said: "Miss, you are not afraid of hardship. Let me take a look; today, the sun seems to be rising from the west."

Hua Zhuo's face flushed; only by experiencing true hardship can one understand that the bitterness of medicine is not true bitterness, but the bitterness of the heart is the real suffering

Although she is in the body of an eight-year-old, she is no longer that pampered, willful, and ignorant girl from years ago. How could she still have the audacity to let Baixiu feed her porridge

Between the lines, it is evident that the family is leveraging the influence of other legitimate branches to pressure the Rong'an Hall, forcing my father to yield. However, my father is a proud man and cherishes his daughter even more; he cannot swallow this humiliation. Thus, he decided to establish a new ancestral hall in Jiuli Creek, and he also sent a letter to inform the main family Rongchang Hall and other legitimate branches.

Later, my father was transferred to Huainan Prefecture as the Prefect, distancing himself from the capital, and naturally paid even less attention to Rongchang Hall. Rong'an Hall had other direct ties with Rongchang Hall, which led to a complete breakdown in relations, resulting in a lifelong estrangement.

Upon learning the truth of the matter, my grandfather was so enraged that he spat blood on the spot. He initially intended to rush to the main family to confront them, but realizing that his second daughter was still at Rongchang Hall, he suppressed his anger. He planned to bring his second daughter back before confronting the main family and the other three legitimate branches. However, to his surprise, the main family acted even more swiftly and had already sent his second daughter into the palace. Before long, more tragic news arrived: his second daughter had violated palace rules and was executed on the spot.

Reflecting on these matters now, I realize that they are all the bitter fruits of my own making. If I had been a bit more sensible at that time, instead of adding fuel to the fire, I would have advised my father to reconcile with our relatives. Even if reconciliation was not possible, maintaining a superficial relationship would have prevented the situation where, after my father fell, she could not even seek a modicum of assistance. Furthermore, if Rong'an Hall had not severed ties with our relatives, how would those behind the scenes have dared to push the children of the prestigious Hua family out as scapegoats?

I only need the two of you here. Tell Liu Momo that I will obediently take my medicine, not cause any trouble or make noise, and let her go to Afu's side to take care of him

Hua Zhuo carefully considered the pros and cons of this matter and finally made up her mind. This time, with the relatives coming, she was determined to persuade her father to endure the momentary anger. Even if they could not reconcile with the relatives, at the very least, they should not let things escalate to the point where both families would sever ties and establish separate ancestral halls as they had in the past

By the way, did Liu Mama go to see A Fu...?

Qiqiao spat and said, "Eight Beauties, what nonsense are you talking about? The young lady's illness can only be cured with medicine. What nonsense about the sun setting in the west? Be careful, or Liu Mama will hear and twist your face."

Miss, you have fallen into the water, and it makes you even more empathetic towards others

The family, though devoid of affection and loyalty, is still a large tree capable of providing shelter from the wind and rain

Ba Xiu chuckled and responded before leaving. Qi Qiao also nodded quietly beside her; ever since the young lady woke up, it seemed as if she had grown up overnight, becoming much more sensible.

Who would have thought that it was only upon arrival that one would realize the family intended to use the daughter of the Hua family for a marriage alliance. Coincidentally, that year coincided with the royal selection of talents, and the family, with the notion that casting a wide net would surely catch a few big fish, took all the eligible daughters from the four major legitimate branches. If it had ended there, it would have been acceptable; as long as the families were well-matched and it was a good family, the grandfather would have accepted it. However, how could he have anticipated that his two beloved daughters, after arriving at Rongchang Hall for only a short time, would suffer the loss of one? It was said she died of a sudden illness, but the grandfather had his doubts and sought to investigate. He eventually learned that his eldest daughter had been lured by the legitimate daughter of Rongchang Hall and the daughters of the other three legitimate branches to go horseback riding. If it had only been that, it would have been acceptable; as long as the families were well-matched and it was a good family, the grandfather would have accepted it. However, how could he have anticipated that his two beloved daughters, after arriving at Rongchang Hall for only a short time, would suffer the loss of one? It was said she died of a sudden illness, but the grandfather had his doubts and sought to investigate. He eventually learned that his eldest daughter had been lured by the legitimate daughter of Rongchang Hall and the daughters of the other three legitimate branches to go horseback riding, and they deliberately whipped the horse, causing his eldest daughter to fall off and break her neck on the spot.

The visitors from the family were also aware of that particular case, and they were left utterly embarrassed on the spot. At that moment, Hua Zhuo had just heard from Liu Momo about the matter concerning the two aunts, which infuriated her. In a fit of temper, she impulsively exclaimed, "What a shabby place, I can go there anytime. You should give up on that thought. If Rongchang Hall truly lacks daughters, I have plenty of maids at home; I can just pick a few to send over." Her words were even more outrageous, directly comparing the esteemed daughters of others to her own maids.

Hua Zhuo felt somewhat heavy in body and dizzy in head, realizing that his illness would not be easily cured. He said, "Qiqiao, I understand that good medicine tastes bitter; I will no longer complain about the bitterness of the medicine"

At that time, my father was only seventeen years old, independently supporting the large Rong'an Hall. Fortunately, he was mature for his age; although he faced many difficulties, he managed to get through it. He observed filial piety for three years, living in a humble dwelling by the graves of his grandparents, earning a reputation for his devotion. He diligently studied and, after fulfilling his filial duties, went to the capital to take the imperial examination, where he achieved the rank of the third place, gaining fame throughout the land. The following year, he married my mother, the Fang family, and the couple shared a deep emotional connection and love. Only then did my father's life become comfortable and smooth. However, those who deeply resented Rong'an Hall disregarded blood ties, causing the deaths of two younger sisters and leading to the grief of my father and mother. Therefore, even though he spent several years in the capital, he never set foot in Rong'an Hall, and even when Rong'an Hall reached out to him, he completely ignored them.

Hua Zhuo's fair face revealed a hint of helplessness, and she could only let Ba Xiu feed her a bowl of porridge. Qi Qiao took a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and, noticing Hua Zhuo's helpless expression, couldn't help but turn her face away to stifle a laugh. Every time Ba Xiu put on a pitiful look, no one could do anything about this girl.

The family head was immediately infuriated and left in a huff. Not long after, Rongchang Hall sent someone to deliver a message, reprimanding my father. It stated that although each hall has its own leadership, they ultimately share the same ancestral shrine. How could one allow their daughter to humiliate the daughters of other legitimate branches? Is it that only the daughters of Rong'an Hall are cherished, while the daughters of other legitimate branches are deemed inferior to even the maids? Regardless of any misunderstandings between the two halls, it would be best to resolve them. As long as your daughter formally apologizes to the sisters of the other legitimate branches, the family will no longer pursue this matter. Otherwise, when it comes time to pay respects at the ancestral shrine, the heads of each hall will gather before our ancestors to discuss this matter clearly.

Ba Xiu chuckled and said: "Old Madam Liu would never hear this; it is only because she is not here that I dare to speak so recklessly. Miss, this porridge is quite fragrant; open your mouth, and I shall feed you."

Hua Zhuo once had two aunts, who, like her, were cherished in the Rong'an Hall, where offspring were not plentiful. Even daughters were held in the mouth and cradled in the hands, as precious as jewels. When her great-grandfather was still alive, he foresaw the signs of decline in the Rong'an Hall. Therefore, before his passing, he advised her grandfather to find ways to reconcile with the main family and other legitimate branches. Her grandfather kept this in mind, but there was no suitable opportunity for a time. Just then, the Rongchang Hall sent someone to fetch the daughters. Her grandfather thought this would be a good opportunity to reconnect and mend old ties, so he sent both of his beloved daughters, whom he cherished in his palm, over.

During the time when Rong'an Hall was presided over by its great-grandfather, the relationship with the family and other legitimate branches was somewhat distant; however, during festivals and holidays, there were still interactions, and it had not reached the point of complete estrangement. The real rift occurred thirteen years ago. At that time, the family also sent someone to invite the young lady of Rong'an Hall to stay for a while.

"Eight Excellence." Hua Zhuo called her.

"Afu is seriously ill." Ba Xiu wrinkled her nose, "The master is all alone, and his condition is not as good as yours, Miss. You are able to eat, speak, and laugh at this moment, while he has been burning with fever and is still in a daze. Liu Momo is currently preparing medicine for him. Oh dear, I almost forgot, the medicine for the Miss has already been prepared, I will go fetch it right away."

Miss, do you find me displeasing?

This time, Rongchang Hall sent someone to fetch the daughter of Rong'an Hall. Not to mention that I am currently ill and unable to go, even if I could, my father would never agree. A man as rigid and traditional as he is actually said to the representative from the family, "I, Rong'an Hall, have already lost two daughters for your Rongchang Hall. No matter what, this last one must be kept to support me in my old age." This clearly shows the extent of my father's hatred towards Rongchang Hall. Traditionally, it is only sons who support their parents in old age; there is no concept of daughters doing so.

She was already ill and quite young, unable to withstand such contemplation. She had intended to ponder how to subtly advise her father, but after exhausting her mental strength, she could no longer hold on and unknowingly fell asleep again. When she awoke, it was already the next morning.

Qiqiao had already risen early, diligently fetching water to cleanse her face and mouth. She remarked, "The weather is nice today; the sun came out early, and the snow on the ground has melted a layer. It is said that it gets colder after snow, and indeed it feels even colder than yesterday. The porridge is warming on the stove, simmered carefully with red dates and adzuki beans, and a small spoonful of brown sugar has been added. It smells both fragrant and sweet. First, we will eat the porridge, then take the medicine, so it won't taste bitter."

Grandfather collapsed to the ground in a fit of anger and never opened his eyes again. Grandmother, who had always been in poor health, cried inconsolably and passed away that very night, following Grandfather.

Hua Zhuo leaned back and said, "I can eat by myself, you don't need to feed me."

It was precisely because of a thoughtless remark made by Hua Zhuo that Rong'an Hall established a separate ancestral hall, completely offending Rongchang Hall. From that point on, Rong'an Hall severed ties with Rongchang Hall, and the other three main branches were equally furious, no longer concerning themselves with Rong'an Hall's affairs. Consequently, when the New River embankment collapsed later, my father was secretly plotted against and pushed forward as a scapegoat. Not a single person from our family or the other three main branches came forward to defend him, which led to my father's inexplicable death on the way to being escorted to the capital, leaving me with no place to turn.

In my memory, it was Afu who jumped into the lotus pond to rescue her. Although she later recovered from her illness, Afu sustained a lung injury and developed a chronic cough.