Shaking her head, the Empress Dowager rose with Yu Xiang's support and began pacing slowly within the hall. "Those few were already wary of him. If he continues entangling himself with the Hua family, they'll surely grow even more intolerant."
Such words could be spoken by the Empress Dowager but not by Yu Xiang, who only skirted the issue: "The Heir has always acted with thorough consideration. How could he be unaware of Your concerns? He must have a foolproof plan."
"There's no such thing as a foolproof plan in this world. He's merely thinking of getting past my approval first. Once he clears this hurdle, he'll have free rein to act."
Yu Xiang smiled. "Doesn't that precisely show The Heir's closeness to you? Others respect you as Empress Dowager, but in my observation, he treats you just like an ordinary grandmother and grandson in a common family."
Exactly so. The Empress Dowager's eyes softened at these words. It was often said there was no familial affection in the imperial family—a belief she shared and had personally experienced. Yet she knew the sincerity behind Xi'er's every call of "Grandmother." That child!
No wonder he treated that Hua family girl differently. However domineering and sharp she might be toward others, she guarded her own people like precious jewels. Xi'er, having gone through such experiences, had been drifting alone all these years. Someone like Hua Zhi probably made him feel secure.
She also believed that if that girl truly took Xi'er to heart, she would spare no effort to protect him.
Sighing, the Empress Dowager settled on the daybed. "I always find myself doting on Xi'er a bit more. Keep a closer watch for me."
"Yes."
The festive atmosphere grew increasingly dense, peaking on New Year's Eve. Every household displayed couplets bearing auspicious meanings, while children dressed in red clothes and wore red strings laughed and played from one end of the street to the other, their joy infectious enough to make onlookers smile involuntarily.
Another year's end arrived, with only minor ailments and no major disasters—a true blessing.
The Hua family's gates were adorned with green couplets. Both masters and servants wore small mourning tokens, moving busily yet orderly between courtyards.
Hua Zhi straightened her younger brother's collar and nudged him outward. "Go now, it's almost time."
Hua Bolin was displeased. Why couldn't women participate in ancestral worship? Clearly, Elder Sister should be the Chief Officiant!
But however unhappy he felt, he knew the ancestral rites couldn't be delayed, so he obediently hurried toward the ancestral hall.
Hua Zhi stretched lazily. The court had sealed official documents on the 27th, and she had allowed herself several days of idleness—this was the life she most desired!
Why bother breaking conventions to participate in ancestral worship?
Shaoyao entered and whispered close to her ear: "Yan Ge is at the East Corner Gate. He says he needs to see you."
A flicker of surprise crossed Hua Zhi's eyes, but she didn't delay, immediately rising to go to the East Corner Gate.
On the snowy ground, Gu Yanxi's white cloak nearly blended into the surroundings. His expression was ice-sculpted, his entire being radiating coldness.
Only when the gate opened and he saw Hua Zhi emerging did he unconsciously thaw.
"Lu Xiansheng." Hua Zhi gave a slight bow, pretending not to notice his unusual demeanor.
"I need to be away for some time."
"Understood." Hua Zhi showed no surprise. "I'll find another..."
"Wang Rong will come in my place." Sensing his own abruptness, Gu Yanxi softened his tone. "He's my companion, more trustworthy than others."
This wasn't a demand from him—in fact, he was doing her a favor. Hua Zhi had no reason to refuse.Gu Yanxi gazed at the face that had occupied his thoughts, stepping closer until only half a step separated them. Lowering his voice, he said, "While I'm away, please keep a close watch on Shaoyao. Don't let her agree to meet anyone who comes looking for her."
Hua Zhi's heart skipped a beat. "Is someone causing trouble for her?"
"Some want to cut off my... master's right arm, while others wish to recruit her for their own use."
"I understand. Don't worry, I won't allow her to go out."
Gu Yanxi's gaze softened further as he looked at her. "I'm heading to the Flame Country—something seems amiss there. If all goes well, I'll return within a month. If you encounter any issues, discuss them with Shaoyao. Don't underestimate her; she knows how to handle things."
Hua Zhi didn't ask what would happen if things didn't go smoothly, simply nodding in agreement before saying, "Please ask Lu Xiansheng to wait a moment."
She turned and gave Bao Xia some instructions. Bao Xia returned inside, while Su Momo took a small step forward—close enough not to interrupt their conversation yet maintaining proper distance.
Gu Yanxi felt a flicker of anticipation, worried that silence might make Hua Zhi uncomfortable. He continued their previous topic: "After your reminder, I sent people to investigate in the Flame Country. They've been very cautious—over nearly a year, they've only used half of that small iron mine. On the surface, they're legitimately producing farm tools. Without your warning, my investigators wouldn't have focused in that direction and eventually uncovered something."
Watching Hua Zhi listen attentively, Gu Yanxi couldn't help but recall how eloquently she had spoken at Yinshan Pass. If the timing were better, he would have recommended her for imperial recognition before the Emperor.
"I've been ordered to assess the severity of the situation. If it's serious... the southern regions may face unrest for some time."
"The south cannot fall into chaos." Hua Zhi frowned slightly, sensing something amiss but unable to pinpoint what. Her information network was inadequate—she needed to improve in this area.
"I'll contain the situation within the smallest possible scope and minimize the impact. The Flame Country wouldn't dare confront the Great Qing Dynasty directly." As he spoke, Gu Yanxi suddenly realized something felt off—he had come to bid farewell, so why were they standing here discussing state affairs?
Hua Zhi continued along the same line of thought: "The Great Qing isn't a hostile neighbor, and the Flame Country lacks the strength to swallow us. Lu Xiansheng, I feel something isn't right."
Gu Yanxi truly admired her perceptiveness. Though he knew he shouldn't continue this topic, he couldn't help responding: "I suspect the Flame Country is colluding with other nations."
Hua Zhi feared war—better a dog in peace than a man in chaos. She knew her limitations; she could protect her family in peaceful times, but if war broke out between nations, they would all be like meat on a chopping block.
While they were relatively safe in the capital—always the last place affected in any dynasty—the men of her Hua family were in the northern territories.
"Don't worry, war won't break out. At least not for now."
Hua Zhi looked up at the man who stood a head taller, her eyes unconsciously revealing unease.
Her rare vulnerability stirred in Gu Yanxi an impulse to comfort her by stroking her hair. His tone softened further: "Fortunately, with your warning, we're prepared. They aren't ready yet and won't act for some time."
"When both sides are prepared, there will still be war, won't there?""Since one side already has the intention to fight, if we don't engage we'll have to endure their invasion. To prevent the flames of war from reaching Daqing, we must bring the battle to their territory. His Majesty is absolutely clear-headed about this."
Hua Zhi felt somewhat relieved.
At that moment, Bao Xia and Fu Dong each came carrying a bundle. Hua Zhi signaled for them to give it to Gu Yanxi, saying, "After the funeral ceremonies, there was quite a bit of meat left. Since the Hua family must observe mourning and cannot consume meat, I had Fu Dong make it into meat jerky. When traveling, Mr. Lu can keep it with you for emergencies."
Gu Yanxi didn't decline politely. Having eaten many of Fu Dong's preparations at the Hua residence, he knew well her culinary skills.
Swinging onto his horse, he looked down at Hua Zhi from his elevated position and said softly, "Wishing you all the best for the coming New Year in advance."
Hua Zhi bowed her head in a curtsy. "The same to you, Mr. Lu. Have a safe journey."
PS: Much love to you all, ladies.
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