Gossip is never consistent in its direction. Within a couple of days, the rumors had shifted, with voices accusing the Hua family's eldest young lady of disregarding propriety gaining overwhelming momentum.
Hua Zhi closed her doors and paid no heed, but Gu Yanxi would not tolerate it. Following the trail, he uncovered quite a few people fanning the flames behind the scenes. As expected, the Song family and the Feng family were involved, but surprisingly, Chen Zhi and Yu Zhengyao also had a hand in it.
These two men, already ostracized by scholars and students to the point of having no place to stand, still found the leisure to tarnish the reputation of their mentor's granddaughter!
Gu Yanxi did not resort to using his authority to suppress them. Instead, he publicly exposed the matter, letting everyone know just how despicable their character was, completely cutting off their escape routes.
This infuriated the young masters in the capital who had only recently caught sight of a fresh beauty. The Song family was in mourning, so they were temporarily spared. The Feng family was also not directly confronted. Chen Zhi and Yu Zhengyao bore the full brunt of their anger. The young masters went to extremes, hiring people to procure dozens of buckets of manure from who knows where and splashing it from the outside in, leaving both households unbearably foul. Yet, even under these circumstances, the two men dared not step outside. With their deeds exposed, they couldn't imagine what they would face if they ventured out.
But even with both households reeking, Chen Dayi still went and fought with his two senior brothers. The usually refined scholar was so enraged that he pointed at their noses and cursed them loudly. He truly never expected his senior brothers to be involved in such a scheme—tarnishing the young lady's reputation! How could they face their teacher!
The matter did not end there.
Zhu Zuwen, the eldest grandson of the Zhu family, led his servants, holding their noses, and publicly smashed down the doors of both households. They also demolished most of the walls before striding away.
No one pitied or sympathized with them.
While some people engaging in kicking others when they're down is inconsequential—after all, they are unrelated—it is unforgivable when done by those close to them. Chen Zhi and Yu Zhengyao had been taught by Old Master Hua for so many years, yet they stooped to such behavior while the Hua family was in distress, earning nothing but contempt.
Chen Zhi could no longer endure it. He immediately packed his belongings and left the capital with his family and servants. Yu Zhengyao, however, merely moved to another residence and lived in seclusion. He refused to believe that anyone would remember such a trivial matter forever. Eventually, it would be forgotten, and he was willing to wait!
Gu Yanxi seized the opportunity to visit the Hua family and informed her of the two men's whereabouts, adding, "Neither of them has gone into hiding. If you need to find them, it would be easy."
"It would be best never to see them again. If my grandfather returns, I hope they never appear before him."
Gu Yanxi understood her meaning and nodded slightly. Later, he made sure Yu Zhengyao was also driven out of the capital.
"Miss, Second Uncle is here."
He arrived quite quickly. Hua Zhi glanced at Gu Yanxi. "I need to speak with Second Uncle. Please make yourself at home, Lu Xiansheng."
Gu Yanxi did not want to leave so soon and casually found an excuse. "Shaoyao wants some pastries and asked me to bring some back for her."
"Nian Qiu, go tell Fu Dong to make more of the pastries Shaoyao likes."
"Yes."
"Please make yourself at home, Lu Xiansheng."
Hua Zhi stood and left the room. Gu Yanxi followed her out and narrowed his eyes at the sight of Zhu Haodong hurrying into the courtyard. If he recalled correctly, only the eldest son of the Zhu family had entered official service. Among the capital's prominent families, it was customary for the most talented to pursue official careers while the less gifted managed the family's businesses, ensuring prosperity through both official and commercial means. The Zhu family was likely no exception.Zhu Haodong hadn't expected to see a male guest here either. He paused mid-step, his gaze turning scrutinizing as he looked at Gu Yanxi. Zhi Er had just emerged from the same room as him—what was this fellow's relationship with her?
"Second Uncle."
Only then did Zhu Haodong shift his gaze away. Recalling the rumors circulating in the capital and observing his unflappable niece before him, he felt a surge of complex emotions. Outsiders only saw her commanding presence—how could they understand the immense inner strength required to shoulder the burden of the entire Hua family, with its women and children?
Hua Zhi led him into the study. Zhu Haodong asked with feigned casualness, "That person earlier was..."
"A business partner."
"Someone you're doing business with?"
"Yes." Hua Zhi deftly changed the subject. "Have you tested that formula yet, Second Uncle?"
Zhu Haodong's face flushed slightly. Had he not successfully produced the item, he wouldn't have rushed over in such haste. But now wasn't the time for embarrassment. He retrieved an oilpaper package from his sleeve and unwrapped it. "Is this it?"
Hua Zhi picked it up and sniffed. "Not bad for a first attempt. It can be refined further. Have you tried using it?"
"Yes, your aunt personally tested it. She kept praising it." Zhu Haodong seemed to see a gold mountain looming before him. "Zhi Er, how do you plan to handle this business venture?"
"Does Second Uncle intend to bring in other partners?"
Zhu Haodong looked up at his decisive niece. "You think we should involve others?"
"It's a unique product. The enormous profits will inevitably attract envy. If you believe the Zhu Family can handle it alone, then there's no need to involve others. If you're uncertain, I agree to bringing in one more family. Let me be clear—I want thirty percent of the profits. Whether you keep the rest or share it with others is your decision."
After a moment's thought, Zhu Haodong said, "It would be better to bring in another family. But I need to discuss the choice with your grandfather."
"Agreed."Hua Zhi rose and picked up three plain sheets of paper from the desk—a business proposal written in terms this era would understand, containing nothing ahead of its time yet innovative."
"Please take a look, Second Uncle."
Zhu Haodong read it through three times, gave her a profound look, and said solemnly, "I'll study this carefully."
"Use what you find helpful. Discard the rest if it's not suitable." Hua Zhi sipped her tea, utterly unconcerned about the tremendous value she had just handed over.
Zhu Haodong stood. I won't disappoint your goodwill toward your maternal family. I'll return now to consult with your grandfather. I'll inform you once we've decided on the partner."
"I trust both your judgment and Grandfather's discernment."
When she saw him out, Gu Yanxi was still there. Zhu Haodong glanced at him several times before hurrying away.
Gu Yanxi ambled over leisurely. "That was quick?"
"Business discussions between willing parties need only a few words." Hua Zhi looked at him. "How are things with the Lu family?"
"They're delighted with this windfall. They wanted to meet you, but I declined. I assumed you wouldn't be interested."
"No rush. The shop will open soon. We can meet there then to get acquainted."
Gu Yanxi had thought the same. "Have you set a date?"
"Not yet. According to Du Cheng, preparations are nearly complete. I'll inspect it tomorrow. If it meets my standards, we can choose an opening date."Going out tomorrow? Gu Yanxi instinctively wanted to say he would go along, but after a moment's thought he restrained himself. What good would it do if he followed? Could he cover A Zhi up and prevent others from seeing her?
Now that too many people were paying attention to A Zhi, it wasn't appropriate for him to stay by her side. His identity couldn't be exposed - it would bring no benefit to either him or A Zhi.
PS: I don't understand why writing this book is so difficult!
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