Gu Yanxi hadn't shown up for two days. Though it wasn't unusual for him to disappear for several days at times, for some reason, Hua Zhi felt particularly unsettled this time.
She kept feeling their last conversation hadn't reached proper closure, yet couldn't pinpoint exactly what remained unresolved. Eventually, she set the matter aside and carried on with her daily routine. Whenever she had free time and Mr. Zheng had no classes, they would play a game of chess. Both employed bold, expansive strategies, with victories alternating between them.
Hua Zhi excelled at occasional unexpected moves, while Zheng Zhi was adept at setting deep traps. Each game left them both feeling thoroughly satisfied. Consequently, Zheng Zhi began spending more time at the Hua residence. Even when Hua Zhi was occupied, he didn't mind—he would simply sit in the study and play chess against himself, or revisit his lost games to explore new strategies for turning defeat into victory, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Watching him, Hua Zhi suddenly found herself missing Shaoyao.
These two would probably get along quite well.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Hua Zhi heard the familiar voice calling from the courtyard, "Hua Hua, I'm here!"
Hua Zhi was already smiling before she spoke. Setting aside her tasks, she went to the door and embraced the person rushing toward her. "Finally managed to get out for some fresh air?"
Shaoyao coquettishly nestled against her, though her eyes darted shrewdly toward Zheng Zhi when Hua Zhi couldn't see. She had a mission this time!
Zheng Zhi returned her gaze, though his mind was still preoccupied with the chess game, giving his expression a slightly dazed quality.
Oh? He wasn't afraid of her. Shaoyao felt pleased and found it hard to dislike him.
Hua Zhi instructed Bao Xia to fetch some snacks and led Shaoyao inside. Noticing Zheng Zhi, she introduced them: "Cao Cao, this is Mr. Zheng, the new teacher at the clan school. Mr. Zheng, this is Shaoyao, a doctor."
"A female doctor? How rare." Zheng Zhi stood up and cupped his hands in salute. "Capable people always know other capable people. I imagine Miss Shaoyao's medical skills must be exceptional."
Such flattering words! Shaoyao tried to contain herself but couldn't help breaking into a wide grin.
Zheng Zhi smiled, immediately seeing through her personality. Tactfully, he didn't stay to interrupt their conversation. Where others might have exchanged pleasantries, he simply cupped his hands and strode away with a flick of his sleeves, appearing remarkably... dashing.
Shaoyao ran to the door and watched him leave the courtyard before clinging to the doorframe and turning back with a pitiful expression. "Why do I suddenly feel like following him to wander the martial world!"
Hua Zhi's laughter overflowed from her eyes. This Mr. Zheng indeed carried the chivalrous spirit of martial artists—when he acted so unrestrained, he hardly seemed like a scholar.
Shaoyao sniffed, ran out to take pastries from Liu Juan, then cheerfully bounded back. Munching on the treats, she asked, "Will this Mr. Zheng be staying with the Hua family from now on?"
"Most likely. Grandfather spent considerable effort to invite him here. They've agreed on a three-year arrangement."
Three years! That's so long! Shaoyao's eyes darted mischievously as she ate.
Hua Zhi pinched her cheek. "Speak properly! No scheming!"
"Mmmph mmmph..." Shaoyao reclaimed her cheek and swallowed the pastry in her mouth before finally managing words. "What's his background? Is he married with children? Won't he cause any trouble for you?""Second Uncle said he was originally from the capital but left for certain reasons. It was only because he owed Grandfather a great favor that we managed to invite him here. From Second Uncle's tone, it seems he isn't married and is exactly thirty this year."
Shaoyao already knew all this—Yan Ge had investigated thoroughly, even uncovering details about his conduct when traveling abroad. She also knew he hadn't been wealthy over the years, yet he somehow managed to roam the world without stealing or robbing. Sometimes he'd settle in small towns as a teacher for months, accepting no tuition fees. His carefree appearance wasn't just superficial; his character was genuinely impeccable.
But precisely because of this, Yan Ge found himself helpless. He couldn't abuse his authority to drive a morally upright man out of the capital without cause, especially now that he had become the Hua family's clan school teacher. If Yan Ge really did such a thing, he'd never get past Hua Hua's disapproval.
Shaoyao was equally anxious—this was her future sister-in-law! What if someone else seized the opportunity...
No, she had to return quickly to stand guard! She absolutely couldn't give this Zheng Zhi any chance!
"Hua Hua, I'll be back in a few days to keep you company."
Hua Zhi poured her a cup of tea. "Is everything settled at the palace?"
"Mostly resolved, and my master is there."
So the Emperor was out of danger? Hua Zhi buried a faint trace of regret and didn't press for details.
But Shaoyao chattered on, "To cleanse all the elixir residue from the Emperor's system, my master and I exerted tremendous effort. Fortunately, Yan Ge discovered it early—any later and no one could have saved him."
"It's good that he's recovered."
"It's not that simple." Shaoyao set down her pastry, her appetite gone, her voice softening. "The damage to his foundation is irreversible. You haven't seen how the Emperor looks—the Empress Dowager appears younger than him now."
Shaoyao grew listless, omitting that the Emperor had at most two years left. She felt deeply saddened.
"Yan Ge will likely need to remain regent for a while longer. You don't know—he truly dislikes this role."
Yet many coveted it, even resorting to patricide and fratricide, employing every means possible. Hua Zhi picked up a pastry and brought it to Shaoyao's lips, waiting for her to take a bite before saying, "Everyone has their own destiny..."
"Hua Hua," Shaoyao interrupted, "Hua Hua, don't dislike Yan Ge."
"I don't—"
Shaoyao stubbornly cut her off. "Don't dislike him."
Hua Zhi fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "I don't dislike him."
Shaoyao visibly relaxed, fidgeting with her hands as she looked down. "Yan Ge started martial arts late, when his bones were already stiff. But to lead the Seven Constellation Bureau, he had to defeat everyone. He trained desperately, accumulating countless internal injuries to reach where he is today. He hasn't read as many books as you, nor can he compose poetry, but he's truly good, Hua Hua. He's very good—please don't disapprove of him..."
Seeing Shaoyao's almost fearful expression, Hua Zhi suddenly understood why Gu Yanxi was so tense. He wasn't truly angry with Zheng Zhi; he was merely wary, guarding against him. He was likely afraid another man might grow closer to her than he was.This man, who had known blissful innocence in childhood, confronted the darkest facets of humanity in his youth, and endured countless hardships thereafter, was clumsy and timid in matters of the heart. His unease affected Shaoyao, making even this carefree girl—who would treat a collapsing sky as a blanket—reveal such an expression.
If she had ever doubted the depth of Gu Yanxi’s sincerity toward her, at this moment, she understood with absolute clarity.
This man had laid his heart bare before her, leaving it to her to trample upon or cherish.
He had surrendered all initiative.
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