Chapter 175: Connecting with the Lu Family
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Gu Yanxi finally broke the silence that wasn’t awkward. “Little Six has no more questions.”
Hua Zhi continued pouring tea without looking up. “When Lu Xiansheng says ‘no problem,’ does it mean he can return or that he can stay?”
“He’ll stay. His Majesty has ordered Little Six to follow me and will no longer intervene.”
“Even if he did it to protect A Jian, I still find it heartless.” Hua Zhi poured out the remaining tea from the covered bowl and set it aside, then looked up at Gu Yanxi. “For A Jian, this is a form of exile in disguise.”
Gu Yanxi smiled. She was already protective of him—this weakness of A Zhi’s had likely been noticed and skillfully used by Little Six, who came from the palace. “His Majesty intends for Little Six to eventually take my position.”
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. “That’s quite different from Lu Xiansheng’s decision.”
“I am the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau, but I also handle matters in the imperial court. As long as he learns everything he needs to, he’ll be secure in any position he holds.”
It made perfect sense. Hua Zhi found herself unable to argue—how could she? The proof was right before her eyes.
“I heard you plan to install underfloor heating in the clan school?”
Hua Zhi wasn’t surprised he knew. He probably kept close tabs on every little movement in the Hua family. In the past, she would have resented it, feeling monitored, but times had changed. Now, such protection was exactly what she needed.
“The winters are cold. The children’s fingers get too stiff to hold brushes, and they can’t concentrate.”
“Have you found someone to do it?”
Noticing A Zhi’s gaze, Gu Yanxi’s eyes held a hint of amusement. “I’ll have my people handle it. You needn’t worry about any other issues.”
“I couldn’t ask for more.” With a household full of women, Hua Zhi was concerned about her family being disturbed and wary of the wives and concubines developing inappropriate thoughts upon seeing outside men. She had originally planned to wait until Wu Da and the others finished the underground cellar at the estate, then have him learn the skills to handle this task as well.
Hua Zhi remembered something and stood up, walking around to the back of the desk. She took several banknotes from a drawer and placed them in front of Gu Yanxi. “I should have returned this to Lu Xiansheng long ago, but we recently acquired another shop, and only now do I have some flexibility. Here’s the first installment.”
Each banknote was for one thousand taels, five in total. This only covered the debt from the gold bars. As for the two cloaks, Hua Zhi had no intention of settling them with money. She knew their value was beyond measure and planned to return the favor by making new ones once she acquired suitable fur. She didn’t want to take too much advantage of him.
Gu Yanxi didn’t press the matter, knowing A Zhi wasn’t short on silver.
“There’s a business venture for which I’d like to seek Lu Xiansheng’s protection.”
“The one from your estate?”
“Yes.”
Gu Yanxi rubbed his warm teacup thoughtfully. “I’ll connect you with the Lu family.”
“For this venture, I want Lu Xiansheng’s protection.” Hua Zhi’s expression remained unchanged, but her tone was so firm it surprised Gu Yanxi. “This business is too profitable. I don’t trust anyone else.”
Flattered by her trust, Gu Yanxi immediately agreed without hesitation.
He had originally intended to use this opportunity to connect the Hua family with the Lu family. His protection would cost A Zhi nothing—he would give as much as she needed. By aligning with the Lu family, the Hua family would gain an additional layer of security in the future.He was well aware of the Lu family's situation. Back when his mother passed away, the compensation from the Emperor was substantial, and his uncle was even promoted two ranks. However, high positions without real authority were merely nominal. Still, the rank itself carried weight, and with the Duke Anguo keeping things in order, no one dared to look down on them.
Currently, there were six dukes in the Daqing Dynasty, but only Duke Dingguo held actual power—and this Duke Dingguo was surnamed Gu.
The Lu family had never excelled at managing finances over generations. In recent years, they had only dared to rely on income from their manors, avoiding any involvement in capital businesses. Yet, living in the capital was expensive, and social obligations alone cost a fortune. The family was already feeling the strain, so he could only offer generous gifts during festivals. If he tried to give anything at other times, his grandfather would refuse.
"As for the Lu family, if Lu Xiansheng trusts me, I am willing to offer a twenty percent share of the profits from the shop on Zhuangyuan Street in exchange for their protection."
"There's no need for that..."
Hua Zhi shook her head. "So many businesses in the capital are backed by intricate networks of connections. If not the Lu family, I would have to seek another."
Given the Hua family's current circumstances, they couldn't protect an overly lucrative venture. And Hua Zhi, in both her lifetimes, had only engaged in major enterprises.
Gu Yanxi understood her reasoning and took out the five thousand taels in silver notes he had just put away. "Consider this as the Lu family's contribution. You can distribute the dividends to them accordingly."
After a brief consideration, Hua Zhi took three of the notes. "Only twenty percent of the profits. Lu Xiansheng should have confidence in the ventures I undertake."
"Naturally. I will have someone from the Lu family discuss the details with you later."
"I assume Lu Xiansheng can represent the Lu family."
Gu Yanxi was momentarily taken aback but quickly grasped her meaning. Indeed, if A Zhi were willing to socialize openly, she wouldn't have remained so low-profile all these years.
"Very well, I will take charge."
Hua Zhi inclined her head slightly in gratitude and poured him another cup of tea.
Gu Yanxi glanced at the row of tea canisters on the table and remarked meaningfully, "Even if A Zhi did nothing else, this tea alone could be a significant business."
"If Lu Xiansheng is interested, I can teach you the method of roasting tea."
"A Zhi must know this is a highly profitable venture."
"My grandfather once bought a small tea garden for me, and all these teas come from there. After the garden was confiscated, the remaining tea leaves are all here." Hua Zhi looked up with a faint, mocking smile. "I have plenty of ways to make money, but I don’t intend to taint this one with commercial motives. However, I won’t stop others from profiting from it."
Feeling the sting of her indirect reproach, Gu Yanxi felt a pang of guilt. "I will retrieve that tea garden for you."
Hua Zhi shook her head. "One must be free of worries to nurture the spirit. In my current state of mind, any tea I roast would be ruined. Let’s not waste it. I’m not joking—if you wish to use this for profit, I’ll teach you the method."
Seeing her sincerity, Gu Yanxi thought for a moment but still declined. "I’m too preoccupied for now. Let’s set it aside for the future."
Hua Zhi didn’t press further. Having repaid the silver and lightened her debt of gratitude, she was in good spirits.
"Who’s outside? Go and fetch A Jian."
Su Momo’s voice responded, "Yes, this old servant will go at once."
The Sixth Prince entered, dressed in brand-new clothes, and greeted everyone obediently. Nourished daily by Fu Dong’s excellent care, his cheeks were rosy, his complexion radiant, and his energy high—clear signs that he was thriving in the Hua household.Gu Yanxi, seeing him like this, grew increasingly convinced that his ambitions might very well succeed.
"His Majesty has permitted you to accompany me, Chenggian. If you do not wish to return to the palace, you need not go back."
Upon hearing this, the Sixth Prince's heart raced wildly. Of course, he was overjoyed at the prospect of not having to return, yet he also felt sorrowful. It wasn't his fault, yet in the end, he was the one who could no longer go back.
He didn't yearn for that cold, impersonal place. What pained him was that no one cared where he was—in the palace, his presence made no difference, and after he left, his absence went unnoticed. He was like the ornate carvings and jade decorations found everywhere in the palace: seemingly precious, but ultimately insignificant.
PS: Sorry for the late update. I made some adjustments to the plot. Dear readers, please don't expect daily updates—Kongkong would be drained dry! Stories naturally have slower periods, and during these times, I've wrapped up many details that didn't need extensive elaboration. No filler content here! I really need to break the habit of laying too many subtle hints—tying them all up is exhausting, and I'm always afraid I'll forget some. Please be gentle with me!
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