Most commoners lived in poverty, even at home they mostly ate porridge and rarely had solid meals, let alone meat—that was a luxury reserved for festivals. Now, with such favorable news, everyone who heard it was eager to participate.
Moreover, since it wasn’t yet the busy farming season, far more people responded to the call than expected. Even working in the rain didn’t deter them, as summer showers were nothing to fear.
Almost the entire population of Xiangyang County was mobilized, creating a scene of bustling activity.
The rain came and went, but the river showed no signs of receding. Gu Yanxi’s scouts, sent to investigate upstream and downstream conditions, had all returned. Learning that the upstream situation was no better than Xiangyang’s, yet no Water Report had been issued, he didn’t act recklessly like Shaoyao. Instead, he reported the matter to Song Qi, the acting governor of Jingzhou, for handling.
Along with this, he submitted the charges against the magistrate of Xiangyang County and recommended Xu Yangjun for the post.
Having arranged these matters, Gu Yanxi had no intention of lingering in Xiangyang. "The flood season in Jingzhou can last until September. We’ve done all we can here; there’s no need to stay. I plan to go to Lingzhou to assess the situation there."
After a pause, he added, "Wu Xing has successfully formulated Black Powder. Its power... is immense."
Hua Zhi’s heart sank, but her expression remained calm. "It would be perfect for blasting mountains and digging canals."
"...Mm. Will you accompany me?"
"Even if I go, I won’t be of much help. I’m not skilled in such matters. The Ministry of Works must have experts in this field."
Gu Yanxi shook his head. "We’re just going to survey Lingzhou and relocate the people in advance. We can’t fully trust Haoyue, but we can’t dismiss her words entirely either. Since she used this to prove her abilities, she wouldn’t undermine herself. Knowing Xiangyang might face a breach, we must prepare ahead."
Hua Zhi understood: while the river couldn’t be dredged immediately, leveraging Lingzhou to avert Xiangyang’s crisis wasn’t impossible.
Thinking of Haoyue, Hua Zhi pondered further, "By telling you this, was she hoping you’d find a way to save Xiangyang?"
"She’s not that noble. She probably thought even if she told me, the problem couldn’t be solved. She only mentioned August without specifying a date, and with Xiangyang so vast, she didn’t indicate where the breach might occur. Could I force hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes?"
A thought struck Hua Zhi. "Is she waiting for you to beg her?"
"If not for your idea, I might have had to do just that." The coldness in Gu Yanxi’s eyes faded, his tone softening. "Will you come to Lingzhou with me?"
Hua Zhi had always been more swayed by gentleness than force. With Gu Yanxi speaking so softly, she couldn’t refuse. Delaying their journey north a little longer wouldn’t cause any major issues.
Traveling by water was no longer feasible. Hua Zhi had Xu Ying settle the boat fare and pack their belongings, planning to depart early the next morning. Jiang Huanran wanted to follow, but Gu Yanxi had him tied up, thrown into a carriage, and sent back to the capital by his subordinates, without even a chance to bid Hua Zhi farewell.
Hua Zhi wasn’t bothered. They were both in the capital and would meet again eventually. Besides, the Jiang Family and Hua family weren’t political rivals; bringing the Jiang Family onto their side might even be advantageous.The rain had ceased last night, and today brought splendid weather once more. Shaoyao was accompanied by Bao Xia, Xu Ying was escorted by Yu Tao, while Hua Zhi naturally shared a mount with Gu Yanxi. Once all preparations were complete, they emerged through the main gate to find someone waiting outside.
It was Xu Yangjun.
Assuming he had come to see Yan Xi, Hua Zhi descended the steps and stood waiting.
To her surprise, Xu Yangjun approached her directly, halting three paces away to offer a respectful bow. "Greetings, Miss Hua."
Hua Zhi was momentarily taken aback. What could this mean...?
Xu Yangjun presented a bulging parcel with both hands. "A humble token of regard. I hope you won't disdain it, Miss."
Understanding dawned upon Hua Zhi. This marked the second time she had genuinely felt the glory carried by the Hua family name. The first had been during her grandmother's passing - a scene she would never forget.
Not all of these people had necessarily received direct favors from the Hua family, yet each consciously upheld the traditions passed down through generations. They regarded the Huas as the benchmark for scholars and held them in heartfelt respect. That she, as a woman, was still being presented with travel provisions by Xu Yangjun was entirely due to the protective aura of the Hua name.
Her heart swirling with complex emotions, Hua Zhi personally accepted the parcel. "This humble woman thanks Lord Xu."
This acknowledgment of her identity made Xu Yangjun's heartbeat quicken. During his rare moments of leisure these past days, his thoughts had constantly returned to the young lady's status. They hadn't been without concerns - with the Xu family's precedent serving as warning, they greatly feared the Hua family might meet similar fate. Even if the Huas were to regain prominence someday, all that the family name represented might be lost forever.
While some might secretly rejoice at the prospect of replacing them, for scholars like him, the Hua family was irreplaceable. Since they first learned to read and write, they had grown up hearing tales of the Huas' deeds, using the family's standards to guide their own conduct. As they climbed step by step upward, the Hua family remained steadfast there, firm as bedrock.
To put it more profoundly, the Hua family represented their faith as scholars.
Therefore, when the Hua family produced a daughter who handled affairs no worse than any man, who kept the family standing firm, showing no signs of collapse even a year after their misfortune, their joy knew no bounds. In correspondence with friends, they frequently expressed profound admiration.
Previously, he had never imagined he would have the opportunity to meet her. Only upon seeing her did he understand how she could sustain such a great family. A daughter of the Huas ought to be exactly like this.
Xu Yangjun bowed deeply. "I pray you take good care of yourself, Miss."
Hua Zhi returned the courtesy with equal gravity. "This humble woman accepts your kindness."
Xu Yangjun hastily waved his hands and stepped aside, his refined face flushing crimson. "I don't deserve this, truly don't deserve it..."
Hua Zhi's bow wasn't merely for him alone, but for all the countless scholars. They upheld the Hua family's integrity, and in the future would surely become allies to her brothers. Even when her family members returned someday, they would similarly need their support to emerge from this low point.
Gu Yanxi mounted his horse and rode over, extending his hand toward Hua Zhi.
Placing her hand in his, Hua Zhi found herself effortlessly lifted and settled before him in the saddle.
Pulling up her hood, Hua Zhi inclined her head. "Take care, Lord Xu."
Xu Yangjun cast a quick glance at the intimate pair before bowing in farewell. "Take care, Miss Hua."
Shadowtreader took the lead galloping toward the city gates, the rest of the party closely following. The Sixth Prince brought up the rear, watching the visibly moved Xu Yangjun with profoundly mixed emotions.The Hua family was raided and exiled by the Emperor, yet among the common people and the scholars, the Hua family's status remained completely unchanged. They were still revered and respected, and because Sister Hua was a daughter of the Hua family, even the usual slight disdain for women vanished. This was the will of the people.
Father Emperor, are you aware of this?
Or... was it precisely because you were aware of this that the Hua family met with such misfortune?
The Sixth Prince dared not dwell deeper on these thoughts and spurred his horse to catch up.
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