Chapter 71 : I will take good care of the elderly lady.

The Nurturing Hall was a refuge established by the court in various regions. Even with changes in dynasties and emperors, the Nurturing Hall was never dismantled. Generally, wandering orphans and elderly individuals could go there to receive meals.

Due to the overwhelming number of orphans and the elderly, the conditions at the Nurturing Hall were not ideal. Typically, they could provide two bowls of gruel a day, and residents lived in abandoned courtyards. It was merely a place to find shelter and stave off hunger.

For the homeless children, this was already a significant benefit. It represented their only hope for survival.

The boy standing before them appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen years old. His face was dirty, and his tattered clothes were an indistinguishable shade of gray. Though small in stature, he seemed nimble, which was a trait that the Nurturing Hall appreciated. Such children not only could work but could also go out to earn money to support more kids.

Cui Yunzhao had previously learned about the Nurturing Hall and regularly made donations. In her past life, she had visited a few times and found the environment to be relatively decent. She had been to the Nurturing Halls in Boling, Fulu, and Bianjing, and by the time she reached Bianjing, conditions had improved significantly, with three meals provided daily.

This left a strong impression on her, so she always considered the Nurturing Hall a good place for wandering children. She had never noticed anything wrong with it.

However, judging by the boy’s reaction, it seemed things were not as straightforward.

Cui Yunzhao exchanged a glance with Huo Xinzhi, then took a half step back to appear more gentle and harmless, trying to avoid provoking him. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke softly, “I’ve been to the Nurturing Hall and seen the conditions inside. I thought it was quite good.”

Her tone was soothing “Especially with the cold weather, the Nurturing Hall at least provides shelter from the wind and rain, making it warmer than this shed outside.”

She genuinely had the children’s best interests at heart, even adding, “The aunts there seem quite kind.”

Clearly, she had researched it well.

Seeing her kind demeanor, the boy became less resistant, though he remained on guard, still bristling with defensiveness.

“It’s not good there,” he replied curtly, refusing to elaborate.

Cui Yunzhao didn’t press him further. Instead, she asked, “How many children are there with you? Have you figured out how to get through the winter? It looks like it’s going to snow again in a few days.”

At this, the boy visibly grew agitated.

He shot a cold glance at Cui Yunzhao and turned away, saying, “It’s none of your business.”

“What are you so nosy for?” he snapped. “You gave me the pastries, so they’re mine. You all should just go.”

Cui Yunzhao didn’t move.

She pointed to the children behind him and stepped forward cautiously, saying, “The shed is too flimsy. It’ll get colder with the snow, and the children won’t be able to handle it.”

The dirty boy suddenly jumped up, grabbing a nearby carrying pole and brandishing it at Cui Yunzhao and the others.

“Stay back!”

He appeared fierce, acting as a guardian for the younger children behind him.

“I can take care of them, you don’t need to worry!”

Cui Yunzhao sighed.

She didn’t know what the boy had been through, but it was clear he had never encountered kindness before, making him overly suspicious and unable to accept even the slightest goodwill.

Cui Yunzhao proposed, “I know you can take care of them, you’re doing well. But this winter is harsh, and it will snow again soon.”

She emphasized her point, but the boy still shook his head. “I’m not going with you.”

Cui Yunzhao understood that she couldn’t take them with her today and couldn’t arrange a place for them to stay right away. So, she gently asked, “Can you tell me what’s wrong with the Nurturing Hall? If it’s truly bad, I can have someone look into it.”

The boy hesitated for a moment but quickly bared his teeth in defiance. “No!”

“Can’t you just not ask?”

Cui Yunzhao sighed again.

If he didn’t want to say, then he didn’t have to. She could investigate on her own.

Cui Yunzhao negotiated, “I’ll go buy some food and warm clothes for you. Can you wait for me?”

The boy seemed taken aback by her kindness.

Listening to the children behind him breathing like little cats and sniffling, he finally lowered his head.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

At that moment, he was able to express gratitude.

Cui Yunzhao smiled and said, “I’m not a ma’am.”

She didn’t give her name, leading Huo Xinzhi and Wang Huzi out of the alley.

When they returned to Lin Xiu Gu, she had already organized the items she had gathered.

She seemed anxious and worried, and when she saw the three of them return safely, she sighed in relief.

“It’s good that you’re okay.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled and explained that they encountered a few orphans and wanted to buy them some things.

Since they were not far from home, Cui Yunzhao intended to have someone take Lin Xiu Gu back.

But Lin Xiu Gu waved her hand dismissively, saying, “I can easily carry this little bit, you all go ahead with your business.”

Having been through life’s trials, she advised Cui Yunzhao, “If you buy clothes, get used ones instead of new, the more worn, the better.”

Orphaned children living on the streets had no means of self-protection, and if they received new clothing, it might be taken from them.

Cui Yunzhao took her words to heart and walked her a few steps forward before she and Huo Xinzhi went to look for a grocery stall.

She instructed Wang Huzi to buy some durable steamed buns, wrapped in oil paper, and then to get a few rough ceramic bowls to take to the children.

Cui Yunzhao and Huo Xinzhi began to sift through items at the grocery stall. The goods on display were things ordinary families no longer needed, including bedding, though it was all somewhat worn and patched.

Worried that the children might leave, they didn’t linger too long and purchased a few old cotton jackets of various sizes and two quilts. They then headed back towards the alley.

By this time, Wang Huzi had returned.

The three of them peeked inside and saw the boy still holding the carrying pole, standing by the wall and appearing very alert, which made the situation feel a bit tricky.

Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment, then placed the clothes a little farther down the road and instructed Wang Huzi to leave the food on top of the bedding. The three of them then stepped back half a pace.

“Hide the clothes well so other beggars don’t see them,” Cui Yunzhao advised the boy.

After considering, she added, “I have a grain shop on Listening Water Street. If you truly have no food, you can look for Manager Sun at the shop, I’ll have a word with him.”

Seeing how they were acting, the boy, while still cautious, relaxed his expression a bit.

He pressed his lips together and after a moment said, “Thank you.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled.

“Hopefully, we’ll meet again.”

She understood the children wouldn’t stay in that alley for long. They would wander around, finding places to hide from the wind and rain for a few days, changing locations if spotted by beggars.

The children had their own survival strategies. They didn’t want to go with Cui Yunzhao, and she could only do her best to help.

Once they exited the alley, Huo Xinzhi remarked, “So pitiful.”

Cui Yunzhao looked up at the sky, what had been a clear blue expanse was now suddenly overshadowed by dark clouds, turning the day gloomy.

“Yes, truly pitiful,” she agreed.

In this world, there were far too many people in need. It was impossible to save everyone one by one. Only by changing the way of the world, perhaps, could more lives be saved.

Cui Yunzhao exchanged a glance with Huo Xinzhi. They didn’t speak, but they both saw the determination reflected in each other’s eyes.

When they returned home, the two newly hired servants had already arrived.

In the house, there were still two guest rooms available. Liu Sanniang was in the front courtyard serving and shared a room with Fu Pozi. The other servant, Fu Pozi, said she would only place a few things in the room since she needed to be close to the elderly lady.

She clearly understood her responsibilities.

Cui Yunzhao nodded, having prepared several sets of clothing for the servants beforehand, and directed them to change into them.

She then took the two women to greet Lin Xiu Gu before sending Liu Sanniang to find Fu Pozi, who would guide her in her duties.

This left only Fu Pozi in the room.

Her expression was stern, exuding an air of authority without needing to raise her voice.

Cui Yunzhao observed her for a moment before speaking slowly, “Fu Pozi, earlier at the Gathering of Treasures Pavilion, there were some things that were inappropriate to say. Now, I’d like to discuss the elderly lady’s temperament with you.”

Fu Pozi’s expression sharpened. “Please, Ninth Young Lady, go on.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled slightly. “The elderly lady is aging and behaves like a child, when she doesn’t get what she wants, she tends to cry and fuss.”

“However, she is in poor health, and the doctor advised her to avoid rich foods and sweets. Unable to stop her at home, we came up with a plan.”

Cui Yunzhao’s words were soothing and flattering. If one didn’t know the Huo family, they would think her a dutiful and kind mistress.

Fu Pozi looked at her delicate features, quickly lowering her gaze. “Yes, Ninth Young Lady.”

Cui Yunzhao felt satisfied.

She continued, “The elderly lady often reminisces about her grandfather and father. My mother also thinks this hinders her recovery, so she had the servants tidy up the back courtyard and set up a special Buddhist altar for her.”

“From now on, the elderly lady will move to the altar, reciting scriptures for her grandfather and father during the day and resting quietly at night. This way, her health will surely improve.”

Upon hearing this, Fu Pozi fully understood.

She immediately bowed to Lin Xiu Gu and Cui Yunzhao, saying, “Don’t worry, ma’am, Ninth Young Lady, I will take good care of the elderly lady, ensuring her meals are strictly vegetarian.”

Fu Pozi added, “Additionally, I will monitor the elderly lady’s health, accompany her during prayers, and stay by her side while she sleeps, making sure she never feels lonely.”

Her words were eloquent.

Cui Yunzhao couldn’t help but be surprised.

She thought for a moment and asked, “Fu Pozi, do you have anyone else in your family?”

At this, Fu Pozi’s expression dimmed.

“I lost them all, long ago.”

She paused before offering a faint smile to Cui Yunzhao.

“My husband passed away early, and my two children also perished in the chaos of war. I came to Boling to make a living, willing to do any kind of work.”

She had even cared for those with madness.

Hearing this, Cui Yunzhao sighed in sympathy.

“If that’s the case, Fu Pozi, would you be willing to stay here and work? The elderly lady is getting on in years, and there’s no one to keep her company at home. With you by her side, we can feel more at ease,” Cui Yunzhao said.

Fu Pozi looked a bit surprised.

After a moment, a rare look of joy appeared on her face, and she hurriedly bowed to Cui Yunzhao. “Ninth Young Lady, you are very kind.”

Cui Yunzhao waved her hand and looked at her earnestly. “Fu Pozi, I have only one request.”

Before she could finish, Fu Pozi quickly replied, “Ninth Young Lady, don’t worry. I will take good care of the elderly lady.”

She emphasized the word “care,” and Cui Yunzhao exchanged a smile with her.

Su Da and Su Er were efficient. After they finished talking with Fu Pozi, they all went to the back room to see how it was arranged.

The back courtyard was small, only about a third the size of the front yard, but it had a lush osmanthus tree.

There were two guest rooms in the courtyard: one had been set up as a Buddhist altar with tablets for the late grandfather and Huo Zhan, while the other was the elderly lady’s bedroom.

Inside, the cabinets, boxes, and beds were neatly arranged, and the floor was clean. Even the bedding was new, leaving no room for complaints.

After examining the setup, Fu Pozi said to Cui Yunzhao, “Ninth Young Lady, it might be better to convert this room into a water room and add a short corridor between the bedroom and this room. That way, the elderly lady can be more comfortable.”

With this arrangement, the elderly lady wouldn’t need to leave the back courtyard at all.

Cui Yunzhao nodded and instructed Su Da and Su Er to take care of it. Then she said to Fu Pozi, “The elderly lady will surely love it here.”