The Yunlai Tavern was located on the main street, occupying a vast area. Its three-story structure stood out prominently among the predominantly two-story buildings in the vicinity.
The private rooms on the third floor of Yunlai Tavern had always been the most sought-after, requiring reservations at least two months in advance. Moreover, access to the third floor was restricted to those of a certain status.
It was no wonder everyone wanted to go up to the third floor. In the entire capital, Yunlai Tavern was the only establishment that stood facing the imperial palace from a distance. The psychological satisfaction of such a position could be bought with money, and hosting guests there brought immense prestige. Its renowned reputation spread far and wide without any need for deliberate promotion.
After learning about Yunlai Tavern, Hua Zhi felt like giving a thumbs-up to the mastermind behind it. By tapping into human weaknesses, they naturally attracted a steady stream of customers.
Hua Bolin had come precisely for this matter. After listening, he said, "Elder Sister, I’ll go with you."
"The Daqing law states that scholars and officials are not permitted to engage in commerce."
"But…"
Hua Zhi tilted her head slightly and looked at him. "Do you dislike me appearing in public?"
Hua Bolin remained silent for a moment. "I could never dislike anything about Elder Sister. It’s just… I don’t want others to gossip about you."
"I only care about what you think. What does it matter to me how others see or speak of me?" Hua Zhi laughed freely. She had already emerged from a world of gossip and rumors, and she didn’t mind stepping back into it. With her thick skin and resilience, harming her was no easy task.
Hua Bolin felt he might never catch up to his elder sister. But if he didn’t strive hard, he might even lose the right to call her "Elder Sister."
"I’ll be handling this matter over the next couple of days. You go attend your lessons."
"Yes, Elder Sister."
Hua Zhi reached out and straightened her brother’s collar. "Our family is large, with so many people inside and out. Though I manage the household, I only have two eyes and two ears. It’s inevitable that I might miss some things. You must keep an extra watchful eye for me, especially regarding matters at the Clan school. Do not overlook them."
"Yes, Elder Sister, I will."
"And as for Sui’an, you must guide him to integrate into the Hua family and blend in with his siblings. Don’t let him feel like he’s merely staying here as a guest."
Hua Bolin nodded firmly. His father was thousands of miles away, but their bond remained, and they still cared for each other. In contrast, his cousin’s father was close by yet treated him like an enemy. His cousin’s situation was far worse than his own. Moreover, he had Elder Sister to rely on and family by his side, while his cousin had nothing but a mother who needed his care.
But it didn’t matter—from now on, he would have more. Their Hua family was far better than the Yang family.
Soon, Du Cheng brought good news: Bai Mingxia had arranged to meet her tomorrow morning at the hour of Si at Yunlai Tavern.
No one in the Hua family stopped Hua Zhi from going out, though Madam Zhu insisted on placing a Veiled Hat on her head. Not wanting her face to attract trouble, Hua Zhi let her mother have her way.
Just as she was about to board the carriage, a horse clip-clopped over. Recognizing it as Lu Xiansheng, Hua Zhi paused and waited.
Shadowtreader was very fond of Hua Zhi and nudged right up to her as soon as he saw her.
Lifting the edge of her Veiled Hat, Hua Zhi patted Shadowtreader’s head and asked, "Lu Xiansheng, you are…"
"I’ll go with you."
Hua Zhi didn’t ask how he knew she was going out. "It’s just within the capital. There’s no danger."
Gu Yanxi said nothing but showed no sign of being persuaded.
Not wanting to be late, Hua Zhi said no more and stepped onto the carriage using the footstool.Gu Yanxi's eyes sparkled with amusement. Hua Zhi's weakness was her inability to firmly reject those who meant well for her. Even if she was unwilling deep down, she could never bring herself to outright refuse once she knew their intentions were good.
In the private room on the third floor of Yunlai Tavern overlooking the main street, Bai Mingxia stared at the tea leaves floating and sinking in his cup, his thoughts drifting far away.
Born and raised in the capital, he was familiar with most of the younger generation from prominent families. As the third son of the Bai family, he never lacked people trying to get close to him, but few could truly be considered friends. Hua Pingyang was one of them.
Their family backgrounds and circumstances were similar—both brimming with unfulfilled ambitions. Hua Pingyang was relatively better off; at least his elder brother didn't guard against him like a thief. As long as he stayed away from official career pursuits, he could live as he pleased. Bai Mingxia, however, had no such luck.
His elder brother, though inferior to him in every way, couldn't tolerate him. Whenever Bai Mingxia attempted anything, his brother would send people to interfere. Over time, Bai Mingxia grew weary of struggling and took over the family business, completely abandoning his former aspirations.
Yet even after retreating so thoroughly, his dear elder brother still suspected him of embezzling family funds. Not only had he replaced all the accountants with his own men, but he also personally inspected the accounts from time to time. Despite these blatant actions, their father merely offered verbal warnings, and their mother urged Bai Mingxia to yield further. No one noticed he had already been pushed to the edge of a cliff.
Sometimes, he really felt like overthrowing his brother, stepping on him, and making him see just how vast the gap between them was.
A soft knock on the door brought Bai Mingxia back to reality. He straightened up and gestured for his servant to open the door.
The woman who entered wearing a veiled hat exuded composure even with her face hidden.
Bai Mingxia had heard of Hua Zhi. After drinking too much, Hua Pingyang had repeatedly lamented that his niece was born a woman. Now, seeing her, Bai Mingxia thought it was fortunate she was female—otherwise, with the Hua family lacking male support and having lost its matriarch, who knew what would have become of them?
His gaze shifted to the man who followed her in and stood leaning against the wall. Bai Mingxia frowned slightly. Who was this? How could a young lady from the Hua family be accompanied by an unfamiliar man?
Hua Zhi removed her veiled hat and handed it to Bao Xia, then bowed gracefully. "Hua Zhi pays her respects to Young Master Bai."
"No need for formalities. Please, have a seat." This was Bai Mingxia's first time meeting Hua Zhi. She was indeed as beautiful as rumored, but what impressed him more was her demeanor—neither humble nor pushy, neither impatient nor disrespectful. She didn't place herself beneath him nor overestimate herself. Instead, she positioned herself as his equal, ready for a dialogue on level terms.
An equal dialogue. Bai Mingxia smiled. How interesting.
"I heard you went to the northern regions. Did you see Yue Zhi?" (Yue Zhi was Hua Pingyang's courtesy name.)
Hua Zhi didn't ask how he knew about her trip to the north and simply nodded. "Yes, I saw him. Fourth Uncle said Young Master Bai is a righteous person and that I could seek your help if I encountered difficulties."
Bai Mingxia smiled again. Knowing Yue Zhi well, he doubted those were his exact words. "Since you've come to me, I assume you need assistance. Tell me what it is."
"Rather than asking for one-sided help, I'd prefer to cooperate with you, Young Master Bai." Hua Zhi glanced at Xu Jie, who brought two porcelain jars to the table. After removing the seals and opening the lids, a fruity fragrance filled the air, growing stronger in the enclosed space.Bai Mingxia, who managed the family's business dealings, had always paid close attention to this area. He had heard about the Hua family opening a shop but having no customers, yet he did not intervene. He preferred that the Hua family refrain from attempting to expand outward; in the current situation, keeping their doors tightly shut and fading from others' conversations was what the Hua family ought to do.
At this moment, he didn't even glance at the two plump, glistening little items in front of him, instead looking directly at Hua Zhi and saying, "If the Hua family is short on money, I can cover it. No matter the amount, I can afford it."
"A family that relies on outsiders to survive is already finished." Hua Zhi slightly raised her head, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Even if this business fails, I can still support the Hua family."
PS: Since the ladies all want to read together, Kongkong will update for everyone at once.
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