Chapter 236: Drugging
Back in the room, Bao Xia immediately closed the door, her heart pounding like thunder. Those people’s gazes had been far too brazen!
Hua Zhi pushed open the window and looked outside. The weather here was too humid, and her body felt slightly unaccustomed to it, though it wasn’t unbearable.
The water kettle had been filled before they left. Bao Xia poured a cup and handed it to her young lady. “Miss, please drink some more.”
Hua Zhi took it absentmindedly but paused as she brought it to her lips. She glanced down at the cup. “Is this water from our room?”
“Yes.” Bao Xia grew a little nervous. “Miss, is something wrong?”
Hua Zhi shook her head slightly. She was simply accustomed to caution and dared not easily consume anything from outside in this unfamiliar place. “Set it aside. Wait until Cao Cao returns.”
“Yes.”
Hua Zhi sat down at the table, watching Bao Xia, who had grown quiet after leaving her familiar environment, and sighed inwardly. People were probably all like this—only when they had nothing to rely on could they truly grow. She wanted to protect those around her and let them live according to their hearts, but when circumstances were like this, everyone had no choice but to adapt. There was no other way.
A knock sounded at the door. Bao Xia glanced at her young lady, and Hua Zhi nodded in response.
Walking to the door, Bao Xia called out, “Who is it?”
“I’m an inn attendant.”
“What is it?”
“Replying to the young lady, someone has sent me to deliver a name card to you.”
Bao Xia looked at her young lady, her eyes filled with anxiety. She understood the principle that a powerful dragon could not suppress a local snake, and they were far from being a powerful dragon. In the capital, anyone who wanted to harm their young lady would have various reservations, but in this remote southern region, who could say for sure?
Without a second thought, Hua Zhi refused. “Please inform the sender that I am merely passing through and do not wish to disturb anyone.”
Footsteps gradually faded away. Bao Xia made sure the door was securely closed before walking back, whispering, “Miss, I’m a little scared.”
If possible, she truly wished her young lady would never leave the capital. Only now, far from home, did she realize that even if the Hua family had fallen, the capital was still safe for them. There, they had old acquaintances and the foundation the Hua family had built over the years. Even if there were conflicts, they had a sense of security. Unlike now, even locked in this room, she felt surrounded by danger.
Hua Zhi patted her hand but said nothing.
She wasn’t necessarily at ease either, but this was the path she had to take. Even if there were mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, she had to tread it. There was no better road to take.
When the door knocked again, the master and servant exchanged a glance. Bao Xia suppressed all her fear and walked to the door to ask, “Who is it?”
“I am Qin Gang of Zhenyang. I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting the young lady for a conversation.”
Just as Bao Xia was about to politely decline, Hua Zhi spoke up. “On what grounds are you inviting me? And in what capacity? Or is it a custom in Zhenyang to invite passing young ladies for conversations?”
The man’s voice faltered before he continued, “You misunderstand, miss. I merely admire your elegance and mean no offense.”
“Oh?” Hua Zhi glanced at Bao Xia, who bit her lip and opened the door. The table faced the entrance, and as the door swung open, their eyes met.
Hua Zhi did not avert her gaze; instead, the corners of her lips curled upward, though her eyes remained cold and devoid of warmth. “I’ve only heard of peerlessly elegant courtesans being eagerly invited by young masters. Could it be that you, sir, mistake me for someone in the trade of flesh?”Bao Xia was momentarily stunned, then glared furiously at the people outside. She hadn’t even considered this possibility before—how dare they look down on her young lady like this! Absolutely despicable!
Qin Gang hadn’t expected this woman to be so sharp-tongued. It was entirely unexpected, yet he felt such behavior suited this young lady perfectly. If she were the timid, submissive type, how could she carry herself with such poise?
He wisely refrained from stepping inside, instead bowing respectfully outside the door. “Young lady, you’ve truly misunderstood. Your elegance and grace are beyond compare to those people…”
“Is it a custom in Zhenyang for prominent young gentlemen to invite young ladies for private conversations?”
“Of course not…”
Hua Zhi’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Then, Young Master Qin, please leave.”
Bao Xia promptly shut the door, blocking their view. She pressed her ear against the door, listening for a moment until she was sure they had left, then let out a sigh of relief. “Young lady, once this starts…”
“It will buy us some time.” By making her stance clear, she ensured that even if those people tried to approach again, they would need a more respectable excuse. All she needed was to stall until Shaoyao or Yu Tao returned.
She could protect herself if she were alone, but she couldn’t guarantee Bao Xia’s safety. For now, she had to rely on delaying tactics.
Bao Xia pursed her lips. “Are we still staying here?”
“It wouldn’t matter if we moved elsewhere.” Zhenyang was only so big—no matter where she went, she couldn’t shake off those determined to pursue her. Her retreat would only invite more aggressive advances. If that Qin Gang had dared to step over the threshold, it might have been for the better. Killing the chicken to scare the monkeys could have deterred the more timid ones.
What a pity.
The door was knocked on again. Bao Xia, now accustomed to the routine, called out, “Who is it?”
“It’s your subordinate.”
Yu Tao was back! Hua Zhi’s heart settled, and Bao Xia eagerly pulled the door open, her face bright with relief as she dragged him inside. “You’re finally back! I thought it was those persistent people again.”
Yu Tao was still pondering her words when the young lady asked, “What is that man’s background?”
“I followed him all the way and saw him enter the Zheng Shi Shipping Company.”
Hua Zhi understood immediately. On their first day in Zhenyang, Xu Ying had thoroughly investigated the Donglai Shipping Company and learned that the Zheng Shi Shipping Company was their competitor—and one with powerful backing.
This man could not be offended, but neither could she meet him. A plan began to form in her mind. Hua Zhi glanced at the sky outside—Shaoyao should be back soon.
As if on cue, Shaoyao’s voice rang out before she even appeared, calling “Hua Hua, Hua Hua!” as she pushed the door open. Her cheerful tone was unmistakable.
Hua Zhi’s expression softened as she beckoned Shaoyao to sit beside her. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Very much! I met a wonderful old physician. He answered all my questions and taught me so much.” Shaoyao took off her hat and picked up a cup of tea from the table, gulping it down. The moment it touched her lips, she spat it out, bringing the cup to her nose to sniff. Her eyes darkened with turmoil—the scent always reminded her of unpleasant memories.
Bao Xia asked nervously, “Young Lady Shaoyao, is there a problem?”
“Something’s been added to it.” Shaoyao turned to Hua Hua, immediately reaching to check her pulse. Though she could see Hua Hua sitting calmly and knew she was likely fine, she wouldn’t rest until she confirmed it.
“I didn’t drink it.” Hua Zhi reassured the nearly tearful Bao Xia with a glance. “What was put in it?”"The sleeping draught was used in small amounts, just enough to make you unconscious for about two hours." But for those with ill intentions, this time was sufficient for them to accomplish many things. Shaoyao stood up, ready to head out—whoever was behind this, the innkeeper couldn't escape responsibility.
"Cao Cao, that's not the priority right now." Hua Zhi grabbed her hand. "I need to avoid the Zheng family."
"Why avoid them?"
OpenNovel