At the estate, Hua Zhi was listening to Dongzi report on the information he had gathered.
"It's said the Emperor has fallen ill, and the court is currently being overseen by the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau. The officials who were arrested earlier are being executed today. I went into the city early and managed to catch a glimpse," Dongzi glanced at the young lady, afraid of frightening her and thus refrained from going into detail. He changed the subject, "It's also said the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau has promoted many officials. The whole city is talking about it. Oh, and one more thing—the former Crown Prince, who was under house arrest, has been stripped of his imperial surname and exiled to the northern border."
Hua Zhi nodded slightly, "You've worked hard."
Dongzi hurriedly bowed and withdrew.
The faint hope in her heart had now solidified. Hua Zhi's expression softened, and she let out a gentle sigh before instructing, "Pack up, we're preparing to return."
Before leaving, Hua Zhi revisited the rooms where the mushroom spores were cultivated, gave a few more instructions to the elderly caretakers, and then set off for home.
Upon entering the city, she lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. The strict martial law had eased, and there were no patrolling soldiers in sight, but the streets were noticeably emptier, with pedestrians moving hurriedly.
"Green Moss Alley is likely affected, but it's only temporary. Fu Dong, go there tomorrow to reassure them."
"Yes."
The Hua family was also unsettled. Although the situation had little to do with them, it was natural for a household of women and children to be frightened by such major upheavals in the capital.
Due to the martial law, Mr. Mu had not come for two days. Fortunately, the academy had extended the students' break because of this, so Yang Suian temporarily took over teaching the older class. The clan school remained filled with the sound of reading.
Perhaps because the children remained calm, the adults, though anxious, did not lose their composure. It was only when Hua Zhi's carriage arrived at the front courtyard and they received the news that they hurried out to greet her. Seeing her standing there quietly with her usual gentle smile, their hearts gradually settled.
Madam Zhu stepped forward to hold her daughter's hand. She was never one with words, but her joy was evident.
Wu Shi laughed, "If you hadn't returned soon, your elder sister-in-law would have gone looking for you at the estate."
"As if you weren't worried yourself," Madam Zhu chided her with a glance, though her mood had clearly lightened. "You must be tired. Go and rest. Come to my place for dinner tonight."
"Alright, Berlin and I will join you this evening," Hua Zhi replied, not acknowledging the suggestion to rest. She glanced at Fourth Aunt.
Understanding her meaning, Wu Shi interjected, "Elder sister-in-law, let's return to our rooms. Zhi Er will manage on her own."
Madam Zhu was easily reassured and, after a few more words of advice, returned to the rear courtyard with Wu Shi. The front courtyard, with its many servants and attendants, made her somewhat uncomfortable.
The others, not wanting to delay Hua Zhi, exchanged a few words with her before dispersing.
Hua Zhi entered the courtyard and paused when she saw the room where the Sixth Prince was staying. She turned and signaled for the courtyard gate to be closed.
Once the gate was securely shut, she knocked lightly, "A Jian."
The door opened immediately, revealing the Sixth Prince with a happy expression. "Sister Hua, you're back."
"Just returned. May I come in?"
The Sixth Prince quickly stepped back and nodded repeatedly. As Hua Zhi entered, she noticed his habitual move to close the door and felt a pang of sadness. "It's fine, leave it open. The courtyard gate is closed."
Only then did the Sixth Prince stop and obediently sit opposite Hua Zhi as she indicated.
Hua Zhi observed the belongings in the room that clearly belonged to more than one person. "Has Berlin been staying here these past few days?"
"Yes.""Having your meal? Has anyone come to keep you company?"
"Not yesterday. He said my cousin is very sharp and might notice, but he did bring me food."
Quite cautious indeed. Hua Zhi looked at this child who was so well-behaved he hardly seemed like a member of the Gu family. "How have you been these past few days? Has anyone else barged in?"
"No one except Berlin has come. I've been quite well." Though confined to the room, with furnishings far less luxurious than those in the palace, and without any attendants, he still felt perfectly content. Berlin would seize every opportunity to chat with him, and there were books to read. He felt light all over, completely unlike the constant vigilance required in the palace.
Hua Zhi nodded slightly and, without holding anything back, recounted everything she knew about the palace and court affairs. At the end, she said, "If you wish to return, I can contact Lu Xiansheng. I believe he should have a way."
The Sixth Prince remained calm, showing neither urgent concern nor the slightest unease. He simply asked, "Will my staying cause trouble for the Hua family?"
Hua Zhi paused, then shook her head. "No."
"Then I won't go back."
Hua Zhi nodded again, neither probing nor pressing further. "Berlin will be joining me for dinner with Mother tonight. I'll have Fu Dong prepare something delicious for you. How is your wound healing?"
"Only a little painful now. It itches."
"Is the medicine sufficient? Shaoyao has gone to the palace and likely won't return for a while."
The Sixth Prince replied softly, "It's enough. Sister Shaoyao left several bottles, enough to last until my wound heals."
"That's good. Let me know if you need anything. If there are places you can't reach to apply the medicine, ask Berlin for help."
"Berlin has been helping me apply it these past few days."
The child seemed far too well-behaved. Hua Zhi instinctively raised her hand to pat his head but halted mid-air, suddenly remembering his status. Uncertain whether to withdraw or proceed, she froze awkwardly.
The Sixth Prince bit his lip, mustered his courage, and reached out with both hands to grasp her suspended hand, placing it on his head. He kept his head slightly lowered, revealing only the tips of his flushed ears.
Hua Zhi gently ruffled his hair, just as she had done with Berlin when he was young. She didn't know what kind of person this child would grow into or what direction his relationship with the Hua family would take. But in this moment, he was merely a child starved of affection, seeking closeness. Despite the myriad thoughts swirling in her mind, she couldn't bring herself to exploit such a harmless child.
This was just as well. Exploiting others was one thing, but if she were to exploit even a child, she would despise herself.
Her collaborator was Lu Xiansheng. Any cooperation would be between them. As for the Sixth Prince, she would treat him with sincerity.
Withdrawing her hand, Hua Zhi said gently, "I'll have a maid come later to take your measurements. The weather is warming up, and you'll need a few sets of spring clothes. It won't do to keep wearing Berlin's old garments."
"Berlin's clothes fit me just fine." The Sixth Prince lifted his head, his eyes glistening. With his naturally handsome features, he looked as innocent as a little white rabbit, even less like a member of the Gu family.
"He'll get new clothes too. You can swap and share." Hua Zhi stood up. "I have some matters to attend to. Once I've dealt with them, no one will disturb you, and you can step outside for some fresh air."
"Alright."Watching Hua Zhi leave the room, the Sixth Prince gently closed the door. His smile gradually faded as he placed a hand on his head for a moment, then a slow grin spread across his lips again.
Though Sister Hua still maintained some reserve due to his royal status, her care for him was genuine—he could feel it. She would inquire about his meals and clothing, ask if his injuries had healed, and speak to him with gentle smiles.
He didn't want to return—the palace held nothing for him.
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