Exiting Haoyue Hall, Lai Fu spotted the Heir not far away at a glance.
The two exchanged a look, and Gu Yanxi took the lead in walking forward. Lai Fu glanced back at the main hall, which appeared even darker under the contrast of the sunlight outside, and silently followed.
On the covered corridor, Lai Fu bowed deeply and said clearly, "Your Highness, whenever you find the time, just send someone to inform this old servant, and I will lead you to retrieve the night-luminescent pearl."
"No hurry. In a couple of days, you can deliver it directly to my residence."
"Yes."
Lai Fu swept his peripheral gaze around and spoke almost under his breath, "The Emperor has ordered this old servant to investigate whether the mushrooms were truly cultivated by the Hua family's daughter. I suspect His Majesty wishes to know more than just that, so I will likely need to investigate further. Does Your Highness have any instructions?"
"Remove all parts related to me. Do not involve others. Report Green Moss Alley."
"Yes." Lai Fu understood clearly. It seemed Hua Zhi was still involved with other families, but the Heir intended to protect the Hua family's daughter. Having dealt with Old Master Hua for decades, he knew his temperament all too well. Given the Hua family's current situation, any further involvement was merely for self-preservation. As long as it posed no threat to the Emperor, he was happy to grant the Heir this favor.
The two parted ways without further interaction. Naturally, events in the imperial palace could not escape the Emperor's notice. After listening to the report, he merely dismissed the informant. Given his special treatment of Yanxi, even his own sons showed Yanxi considerable courtesy, so it was no surprise that Lai Fu would seek to curry favor.
That evening, Lai Fu delivered the dossier to the Emperor's desk. Before even finishing it, the Emperor laughed, "She turned trading into an entire street? She truly is skilled at business."
"Indeed. This old servant made a special trip to see it today and asked around. It was originally a dead-end alley, with most shops vacant before. No business could thrive there. That Hua family girl has courage—after selling the residence the Empress Dowager had arranged for Old Madam Hua back in the day, she bought up the entire alley. Then she demolished the shop facing the inner river, turning the dead end into a thoroughfare. The entire alley now deals in food, and since most of the snacks are unique and unavailable elsewhere, when this old servant visited, the alley was packed with people, queues everywhere. The business is truly booming."
"I'd love to see Hua Yizheng's expression when he finds out." The Emperor was in good spirits. Though he was wary of the Hua family's standing among scholars, he also knew their character. Hua Yizheng was like a stone in a latrine—stubborn and infuriatingly rigid—but he harbored no disloyal intentions.
Suddenly, the Emperor felt a pang of nostalgia for the old man. Having been ruler and subject for decades, he still remembered his first court session, looking down at the assembled civil and military officials, his heart pounding. His gaze had lingered on Hua Yizheng, positioned further back. The Hua family members all possessed fine features, but his aura of noble refinement made him stand out. In the blink of an eye, that once-celebrated figure of the capital had aged.
The Emperor scoffed. Hadn't he aged too? So old that death was not far off.
With waning interest, he tossed the dossier aside. "She has ambition, worthy of the Hua name. Later, go and inform the Empress Dowager. Let her share in the joy."
"Yes."Gu Yanxi now almost always had his evening meals at the Hua family residence, and Lan Qiao had grown accustomed to preparing several dishes tailored to his taste.
"Cao Cao left early this morning, saying she had matters to attend to outside."
"I assigned her a task." This was to prevent her from constantly sticking to A Zhi's side, unable to be shooed away.
Hua Zhi set down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth. "Will she be joining the journey north this time?"
"Do you want her to go?"
"Grandfather is getting older, and the others have never endured hardship before. I'd like Cao Cao to keep an eye on them."
Gu Yanxi had originally not planned to send Shaoyao, but immediately changed his mind. "I'll leave a message for her to catch up with you after she returns."
"Will this interfere with your affairs?"
"Not at all."
Hua Zhi didn't inquire further. Although she desired an equal partnership in love, she had no intention of becoming an invincible iron woman. There should be opportunities for her boyfriend to show his care.
"I've spoken with the Emperor's uncle about partnering with you in the mushroom trade."
Hua Zhi looked up. Was this really alright?
"Eunuch Lai Fu is on good terms with me. What should be reported will be reported, and not a single word that shouldn't be will reach above."
Meaning Lai Fu was one of their own. Hua Zhi instantly understood - of course, Yanxi wasn't reckless. He wouldn't expose her without having some cards up his sleeve.
As they were discussing this, Liu Xiang announced from the doorway, "Miss, Mr. Mu and Mr. Zheng are here."
Hua Zhi quickly rose to greet them. While Mr. Zheng would occasionally wander over for a game of chess, Mr. Mu strictly observed propriety. Though he previously had a resting room in this courtyard, he had stopped coming to avoid impropriety since she spent so much time here.
Eventually, she had two rooms prepared for the gentlemen in the Clan school compound. If she didn't go there herself, she might not see them for days. His visit now was likely about that one matter.
After exchanging greetings, Mu Qing went straight to the point. "Berlin told me he wishes to travel, and that you've agreed, Miss. Don't you think he's rather young for such distant journeys?"
Before Hua Zhi could respond, Zheng Zhi interjected, "I see nothing wrong with it. Having such courage is commendable. He'll have companions, and it's not like he'll come to harm."
Clearly they had argued about this before. Ignoring Zheng Zhi, Mu Qing addressed Hua Zhi directly. "I'm not opposed to travel for education - at certain stages, one must see the world to broaden horizons. But Berlin is too young. I implore you to reconsider carefully."
Hua Zhi suddenly recalled her grandfather's words: Mu Qing possessed exceptional talent and character, but his youthful experiences had created psychological barriers that restrained him.
Indeed, this appeared to be true.
As a teacher, concern for students was natural, but excessive worry made one overcautious.
Zheng Zhi, by contrast, had grown up wild and free. Had both entered government service, Zheng Zhi would have undoubtedly advanced further.
Guiding them to seats, Hua Zhi explained to Mu Qing, "Berlin won't just have Sui'an accompanying him - Little Six is going too. Not only will Little Six bring guards, I'll also send additional people to follow discreetly. They'll handle minor troubles themselves, but will be protected if real danger arises."Hua Zhi smiled. "Without weathering the storm, how can one see the rainbow? Since Berlin is willing to charge into the storm, I naturally must grant him his wish."
Mu Qing still wore a disapproving expression. "But he's only eleven years old..."
Hua Zhi continued smiling.
Suddenly, Mu Qing found herself unable to voice any further objections. Berlin might only be eleven, but the young lady herself was merely sixteen - and she had already shouldered the responsibility of supporting the entire Hua family.
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