The last vestiges of daylight lingered in the sky, and Gu Yanxi knew it was time for him to leave.
As they bid farewell at the courtyard gate, Hua Zhi suddenly asked, "Does Cao Cao also bear the surname Gu?"
Gu Yanxi remained silent for a moment before nodding.
"Her face... who was it that ruined it? A stepmother? Or her own father?"
"Why do you ask?"
Hua Zhi smiled faintly. "In families like yours, aside from being harmed by your own kin, who else would dare to touch you?"
Bearing the surname Gu meant being, at the very least, a member of the imperial clan. In this society where imperial authority reigned supreme, even she, an otherworldly visitor, would steer clear of them, let alone the natives here, whose reverence for imperial power was evident in every aspect of their lives.
Gu Yanxi had no rebuttal. Hua Zhi's words were undeniably true—those of the imperial family could only be harmed by their own; no one else would have the audacity.
"My grandmother is still alive."
Those unfinished words conveyed too many unavoidable circumstances. Hua Zhi felt indignant on Shaoyao's behalf, yet she couldn't say Gu Yanxi was wrong. She could only drop the subject, offering a deep bow in silent farewell.
Gu Yanxi looked at her and said softly, "I have never forgotten for a single moment."
He didn't mention that he hadn't returned to his residence in years. He didn't defend himself by explaining how he had suppressed the prince's manor all these years, or how he had targeted that woman's maternal family. He didn't even mention that he had left the son born to that woman without a clear status for years, only allowing him to be recorded in the family registry after the boy pleaded with his grandmother. Nor did he reveal that his imperial uncle was aware of all this and had condoned his actions. He had no desire to let Hua Zhi know that, after rushing into the flames to carry Shaoyao out, he had nearly slain his own father.
Yet no matter how much he had done, the fact remained that he had failed to avenge Shaoyao.
Returning to her study, Hua Zhi sat in the darkness for a long time, thinking of the Sixth Prince, the Hua family, Shaoyao, and Gu Yanxi. She had thought her heart would be as still as water, yet her heartbeat was distinctly faster than usual.
She had come perilously close to the highest echelons of this world, entangled with a member of the imperial family and even hiding a prince in her home. It was as if, in her former society, she had suddenly become involved with the highest-ranking official. She couldn't remain calm.
In such a situation, she needed to be even more composed. She must not let herself believe she was somehow extraordinary or that the Hua family could reverse their fortunes because of this. Hua Zhi warned herself inwardly—she could never tie the fate of the Hua family to such elusive connections.
Even if it was unavoidable, she must not drag herself or the Hua family into it. It was a quagmire—no, a swamp. Once caught, it would mean utter ruin. The Hua family was too weak, too fragile.
Taking a deep breath, Hua Zhi rose and opened the door.
Outside, Ying Chun and Bao Xia stood guard on either side, while under the corridor, two figures—one large, one small—were crouching. They immediately stood up when they saw her.
"Hua Hua..."
Hua Zhi patted Shaoyao, who had sidled up to her, and turned her gaze to the Sixth Prince.
The child looked at her with longing eyes, his expression a mix of desire for closeness and hesitation. Knowing his background, Hua Zhi felt a pang of sympathy. No matter which world it was, the unfortunate always had their own unique misfortunes—the only difference being that some brought it upon themselves, while others were forced to endure.
"A Jian, why are you out of bed?"In an instant, the Sixth Prince's eyes lit up, growing brighter and brighter. He didn't dare admit he had eavesdropped on her conversation with Brother Yan Xi outside, nor did he dare reveal the extent of his hopes. He could only muster all his self-control to avoid appearing overly delighted, yet he still couldn't suppress the joy that curved the corners of his lips and eyes, his tone lifting with laughter, "I've been **lying down for a few days and wanted to take a walk."
"You can't leave this courtyard, understand?"
"Yes, I won't go out."
Hua Zhi smiled at him. "Ying Chun, prepare a meal. I'm hungry. Cao Cao, A Jian, both of you come and eat with me."
"Elder Sister, why haven't you eaten at this hour?" Hua Bolin asked with concern as soon as he stepped into the courtyard, only then noticing the extra person by his sister's side.
He had grown quite accustomed to the various people always appearing around his elder sister and greeted A Jian with an exceptionally bright smile.
A flicker of amusement shone in Hua Zhi's eyes as she beckoned him over. When he drew near, she introduced them, "This is A Jian. A Jian, this is Berlin. He's the only one who comes here regularly. You're around the same age and can chat more often."
"A Jian." Hua Bolin asked no further questions, offering a proper, respectful bow with genuine cheerfulness. His sincerity prompted an equally heartfelt smile from A Jian. "Berlin, I may trouble you often in the future."
"The feeling is mutual."
The two shared a smile, feeling no strangeness despite their first meeting—one trusted his elder sister implicitly, believing anyone she valued must be worthy; the other held a blind fondness for Hua Zhi, convinced those close to her couldn't be far from admirable.
Hua Zhi watched them with a smile, waiting until their pleasantries concluded before leading everyone to the side room.
Fu Dong was setting the table with Liu Juan and complained upon seeing her, "Miss, you're too late today. The dishes have been reheated several times—they're nowhere near as good as when freshly made."
"Yes, yes, I won't do this again," Hua Zhi soothed the usually good-tempered maid, her smile widening as Fu Dong's expression softened at her words. It was for the sake of preserving Fu Dong's simple joy that she would strive with all her might to prevent the Hua family from falling into despair.
After the meal, Hua Zhi nodded subtly to her brother. Understanding her cue, Hua Bolin moved closer to A Jian to chat. For the Sixth Prince, this was a novel experience—devoid of ulterior motives or wariness, they conversed freely and unreservedly, a feeling utterly delightful.
He soon realized Hua Bolin was remarkably knowledgeable and scholarly. Though confident in his mastery of the studies from the imperial tutor and his own avid reading, he was astounded that Hua Bolin could engage with every topic he raised, offering unique insights. While inwardly startled, he found it fitting—despite the Hua family's downfall, their accumulated refinement remained, and Hua Bolin's demeanor lived up to his mother's high praise of the family.
Hua Zhi waited for nearly an hour before her brother returned, clearly indicating their lively conversation, especially with Bolin looking as if he had met a kindred spirit.
"Elder Sister."
Hua Zhi pushed a cup of tea toward him, refilling it without scolding him after he drained it in one gulp.
"Elder Sister, who is that person? He's incredibly sharp—I almost couldn't keep up with his train of thought."
"Almost couldn't keep up means you did keep up, doesn't it?""Of course, I was taught by you, Elder Sister." Hua Bolin lifted his little chin, his face full of pride.
Hua Zhi chuckled softly but didn't tell him that was a prince. She merely said, "He will be staying here for some time, but he cannot leave this courtyard. You must not tell anyone about A Jian's presence—this could bring trouble to the Hua family. Do you understand?"
Hua Bolin straightened his posture, his smile fading completely. "Can't we send him away?"
"If we send him away, his life will be in danger. Do you still want to send him away?"
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