Hua Zhi hadn't intended to speak in the Emperor's defense, but she understood Yan Xi's stance clearly. To him, the Daqing Dynasty was likely what the Hua family was to her. Now that they had reached this point, she naturally had to protect what he protected. Since he didn't want General Sun to turn against the Daqing Dynasty, she had to help fulfill that wish.
Deep down, she also hoped the Daqing Dynasty would remain stable, even if the potential turmoil originated from the imperial family itself.
Of course, she wasn't so presumptuous as to think her few words could quell the Sun family's anger. The key still lay with the Sixth Prince.
She had never believed that covering things up was beneficial. The Sun family would eventually learn the truth. Rather than letting them hear mixed truths and falsehoods from other sources, it was better to tell them the full story directly. Though they would be furious, knowing that both Gu Shizi and the Emperor intended to protect them would already halve their anger. The remaining half would largely dissipate upon seeing the safe and sound Sixth Prince. Containing the situation within manageable limits was precisely why Gu Yanxi had agreed to her approach.
Thinking back, she couldn't recall exactly when they had started discussing state affairs together like this. She didn't know whether to attribute it to Yan Xi's immense trust in her or her own profound trust in him.
At the thought of Yan Xi, a faint smile surfaced in Hua Zhi's eyes, softening her expression further.
Old Madam Sun, however, mistook that gentle look as directed at her. Though it should have made her happy, her nose suddenly stung with emotion.
She thought of her ill-fated daughter—that sensible child had been equally resilient, yet equally tender toward her. Ah, these devouring luxuries of nobility!
"Madam?" Hua Zhi looked at her puzzledly as she wiped the corner of her eye, reviewing her own words and actions but finding nothing inappropriate.
Old Madam Sun shook her head, offering no explanation. Some people, merely mentioning them brought sorrow. "Your father used to call me Auntie when he was young. You should call me Grandaunt—that's what the generational order dictates."
Hua Zhi's lips parted slightly, but the title "Grandaunt" stuck in her throat. Even with two lifetimes combined, she was still young at heart. Being asked to address someone who appeared so youthful as "Grandma" felt impossible.
"What? Unwilling?"
Hua Zhi tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, somewhat embarrassed. "You look too young. I truly can't bring myself to say it."
Old Madam Sun was taken aback, then burst into laughter—every wrinkle on her face smoothing out with delight. Joy sparkled from the depths of her eyes, spreading to the corners of her lips and the arches of her brows, blooming like fresh flowers.
Here was a woman whose beauty resided in her bones. Her wrinkles not only failed to diminish her charm but added a grace borne of time. Even Hua Zhi, accustomed to all varieties of beauties, couldn't help but inwardly marvel at this elderly yet undiminished lady who truly embodied the saying: true beauty lies in the bones, not the skin.
It had been a long time since Old Madam Sun had felt so lighthearted. Hua Zhi's words moved her more than a thousand compliments from others could. Moreover, she could tell Hua Zhi hadn't said it to flatter her—the girl genuinely couldn't utter the term. Recalling their interactions, from their first meeting until now, Hua Zhi had consistently addressed her as "Madam Sun," unlike others who used "Old Madam Sun." Such details revealed her sincere perspective.
She truly liked this young woman.
Old Madam Sun gazed at Hua Zhi with a beaming smile. "Did you want to call me Auntie instead? That would confuse the generations."
Hua Zhi lowered her head slightly and softly murmured, "Grandaunt."
Old Madam Sun's smile widened further, responding with a clear, cheerful acknowledgment.Just as she was about to tease her a couple more times, the maid waiting outside announced, "Miss, Lu Xiansheng is here."
Both of them looked outside simultaneously through the curtain—one gazing at the taller figure, the other at the shorter one.
Bao Xia lifted the curtain. The Sixth Prince was about to politely step aside when he felt a gentle push from behind, and the two entered the private room one after the other.
Upon seeing his grandmother, Gu Chengqian's nose tingled with emotion. All the grievances, anger, and sorrow he thought he had digested surged up instantly, reddening his eyes before he could even speak.
Old Madam Sun had been holding herself together, but the sight of her usually sensible grandson in such a state made her spring to her feet. She hurried over, wrapped him in a protective embrace, and her eyes instantly turned sharp. "It's alright, it's alright now. Don't be afraid."
Hua Zhi gave a slight curtsy to Old Madam Sun and turned to leave. At a moment like this, any words would have been superfluous.
Gu Yanxi immediately followed her.
Hua Zhi glanced back at him, waiting for him to catch up and walk beside her—this was the distance he preferred most.
Then, she gently hooked her pinky finger with his. The drooping sleeves concealed their hands. She wore an expression of nonchalance, while Gu Yanxi was momentarily surprised before eagerly intertwining their fingers one by one until they were fully clasped.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the stairs as someone ascended. Hua Zhi's hand twitched, and Gu Yanxi gave it a firm squeeze before letting go.
"Miss, the Zhu Family, Qin Family, and Lu Family have arrived together."
Together? Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow, exchanged a glance with Gu Yanxi, and they headed downstairs together.
By then, the carriages of all three families had entered the courtyard. Zhu Shan helped Old Madam Zhu alight from the carriage, while Zhu Ziwen stood outside to receive them. Nearby, Zhu Haocheng, the eldest son of the Zhu Family, Lu Boxi, the eldest son of the Lu Family, and Qin Gongyang, the eldest son of the Qin Family, were exchanging pleasantries.
As if by prior arrangement, all the families had sent their eldest sons, accompanied by four or five younger members. The only exception was Old Madam Zhu, who, out of deep affection for her grandson, had come in person.
Observing the mix of elders and youths from each family, they almost simultaneously realized this and exchanged knowing smiles. Whether driven by interests or emotions, since they had all come here, they could be considered half-allies—at least for the moment.
After exchanging greetings, the group turned their attention to the exquisitely maintained, quaint little building. The young woman who had invited them emerged from the doorway—neither shy nor delicate, but composed and graceful as she approached and bowed to everyone in a circle.
Old Madam Zhu, leveraging her seniority, stepped forward and took her hand, her face beaming with kindness. "The moment I heard there were delicious treats, I insisted on coming. You must take care of this old grandmother's teeth and serve something easy to chew."
"Of course, I'll make sure you enjoy the meal," Hua Zhi replied with a smile to the others. She then supported the old lady and led her directly upstairs.
Gu Yanxi stood casually by the entrance, having subdued all his imposing presence. At that moment, he appeared to be the most inconspicuous guard, and no one gave him a second glance as they passed by.
"Cousin, are there any restrictions on the first floor?"
Hua Zhi looked down at Zhu Ziwen by the staircase and the younger members of the families who were clearly interested in the first floor. She shook her head and said, "This is simply a place for dining. There are no particular restrictions or formalities. Feel free to look around.""Then we won't stand on ceremony." The response came from Lu Shuangrui, the eldest grandson of the Lu family. Already married with children, he was the most senior among the young attendees.
Truth be told, all families were giving Hua Zhi face by not only sending descendants from the main branches but also bringing along their young daughters. Whether to express trust or for other reasons, this demonstrated their attitude—they intended to maintain connections with Hua Zhi.
PS: I genuinely feel my romantic subplots have improved.
OpenNovel