Chapter 286: Beckoning Fingers
Though Hua Zhi claimed not to be anxious, Steward Xu couldn't stop worrying and immediately returned to his room to ponder the matter.
Hua Zhi gestured for Fu Dong to approach. "Keep an eye out for suitable locations nearby as well. I'll soon be heading north. If we haven't found a shopfront before I depart, don't stop searching. Around mid-August..."
Hua Zhi suddenly remembered Haoyue's prediction that Xiangyang's dikes would breach in August. Unlike Yan Xi's skepticism, she believed it—this was Haoyue's first prophecy since appearing in public, and if it proved false, it would ruin her own reputation.
"It might be slightly later. Ingredients from the south should arrive around September. Our timeline is tight. If you find a suitable shopfront, it's best to purchase it outright. Discuss this among yourselves and handle the accounts through Nian Qiu. Additionally, some of the seafood deliveries will likely arrive alive. I've arranged for seawater to be prepared, so the shop needs a spacious backyard with partially covered areas."
After a moment's thought, Hua Zhi added, "I'll find time to draft a layout. Adapt it flexibly and arrange things as you see fit."
Fu Dong memorized everything carefully and nodded in acknowledgment.
Gu Yanxi appeared at the doorway. Hua Zhi glanced at him, exchanged a few more instructions with Fu Dong, then dismissed her.
The senior maids, including Su Momo, maintained a discreet distance when Gu Yanxi was present, observing from afar to preserve their mistress's propriety.
Su Momo served tea before standing outside the door.
"There's no fire to put out that requires immediate attention. You should rest properly first."
"If left unresolved, it'll just linger on my mind. That's more unbearable." Hua Zhi emerged from behind the desk and sat beside Yan Xi. "Look who's talking—you're no less busy than I am, yet here you are."
They exchanged glances and laughed wryly—two kindred spirits doomed to toil.
"I discussed Ling County matters with the Emperor. He fully supports your proposal."
"Of course he'd agree to something that promises eternal glory. I just hope he doesn't rush implementation and make decisions that exhaust the people and drain resources."
Gu Yanxi's smile gradually faded. Had he not persuaded his imperial uncle using the Chao Li Tribe as leverage, the Emperor would indeed have commenced construction immediately. With full state coffers and an era of apparent prosperity, all he lacked was such an enduring legacy.
But until the Chao Li Tribe was eliminated, this project could not proceed.
"I didn't report Haoyue's matter."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. "Keeping her for your own use?"
Gu Yanxi gently smoothed her brow. "She must remain within Daqing's borders but cannot fall into ambitious hands. If the Emperor learned of Haoyue's existence, it would unleash a storm of bloodshed. Were she one of us, it might be different—but she's not. I don't trust her."
Hua Zhi understood his concerns and abandoned her teasing tone. Haoyue was a ticking time bomb—they might not need to use her, but they must keep her under control.
"What if the Emperor learns from other sources..."
"Not for now."
Meaning the risk remained. Such individuals were best silenced permanently, but Hua Zhi also understood Yanxi's reason for keeping her alive. If her prophecy came true in August, Yanxi would inevitably extract more information from her. Moreover, since she dared lure the Seven Constellation Bureau into her scheme, she must possess her own trump cards—until these were uncovered, she couldn't be touched.
A formidable opponent, Hua Zhi thought. Not someone to be trifled with."The matter of Ling County - I've had the Seven Constellation Bureau record your contributions, but haven't mentioned anything to the Emperor yet. The timing isn't right."
Hua Zhi looked at Yan Xi's grave expression. "What's happened?"
How could Gu Yanxi explain that since his return, he'd found the Emperor's suspicion had grown even deeper, even toward the Empress Dowager... If he mentioned the Hua family now, not only would it bring no benefit, but it might make the Emperor focus on the Hua family again, which would be disastrous.
He simply changed the subject. "I saw Shen Qi."
Hua Zhi blinked. "And then?"
Gu Yanxi just looked at her without speaking, his expression actually showing some grievance. Seeing such a masculine face with that expression was... quite indescribable.
Hua Zhi covered her eyes, unable to bear looking any longer, and confessed honestly, "He happened to be at Uncle Bai's place, so he came along with them. Since we were going to discuss the northern expedition anyway, his coming made sense."
Gu Yanxi knew what kind of person A Zhi was - she would never get involved with Shen Qi again even if she remained single her whole life. But the moment he saw Shen Qi, his heart soured unbearably, and he wanted to beat him up.
Even now, he felt like his whole body was emitting a sour smell, comparable to the pickled vegetables Fu Dong made.
Hua Zhi was good at criticizing people but not at comforting them. Seeing he was still unhappy, she moved closer, tugged at his sleeve, hooked his pinky finger and pulled it. Feeling his finger immediately tighten around hers, she smiled and started talking about her business with Bai Mingxia.
"At that price, I make half the profit. If the volume increases, the profit will be considerable. But if he's troubled by complications, I'd rather not make this money."
Gu Yanxi was so soothed he felt like he was soaking in honey, all his temper gone. Thinking about the Bai family's situation, he said, "Bai Mingxia probably plans to separate from the family."
"Would Old Master Bai agree?"
"If he doesn't agree, someone will make him agree. Besides, he's suppressed Bai Mingxia for many years and feels guilty toward him. If separating would let his youngest son roam free under wide skies and seas, he might not disagree. He might even compensate Bai Mingxia generously."
That made sense. Putting herself in their shoes, if one son was given prospects, wouldn't the other be given more money? Any objections from the Bai family's eldest son would be dismissed.
Thinking this, Hua Zhi felt relieved - this business deal was eighty percent likely to succeed.
Hua Zhi moved her hooked finger and felt it held even tighter. "About this northern expedition..."
"I'm going with you."
"Actually, I can go alone. Dressing as a man and being cautious in speech and action should avoid trouble."
Gu Yanxi shook his head. "I'm going with you."
"But with so many things happening now, can you be away?"
"The Seven Constellation Bureau is different from the imperial guards and secret guards. Everyone there can work independently. They won't be in chaos without me." Gu Yanxi moved his hand, the hooked fingers turning into his big hand holding her small one. "The Chao Li Tribe is a major threat, but it can't be resolved quickly. Compared to the Chao Li Tribe, I'm more worried about you."
"Making it sound like I'm some troublemaker."
A smile appeared in Gu Yanxi's eyes. "You don't cause trouble, but trouble comes to you. I'll feel more at ease if I go with you."
Hua Zhi indeed lacked confidence. If he wanted to follow, so be it - she was almost getting used to being followed. "Tentatively set to depart in five days. Can you arrange that?"
"Yes."
Su Momo coughed outside. Gu Yanxi glanced at the water clock. "Are you going out tomorrow?""My cousin is getting married tomorrow. This is the first joyous occasion for the Hua family since the incident, and the only one left. If I weren't home it would be one thing, but since I'm here, I must attend."
Gu Yanxi took note of this, thinking he must send someone with a gift later. He stood up while pulling Hua Zhi to her feet as well. "Stop working and go rest."
"I know, I know, I'm going right away."
PS: Didn't finish writing by the third watch - setting a flag just invites embarrassment. Will make it up tomorrow morning.
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