Chapter 323: Wu Yong's Thoughts
For several consecutive days, Hua Zhi spent more time asleep than awake—her body was undergoing self-repair. Shaoyao had also added some sedative herbs to the medicinal cuisine, as Hua Hua suffered too much pain when conscious, and she couldn't bear to see it.
The Hua family would come to speak with Hua Zhi whenever she was awake. After four or five days, when she finally slept less and her complexion was no longer deathly pale, Shaoyao would carry her outside every morning and evening to bask in the sunlight.
Witnessing it firsthand, Hua Zhi finally understood how the Hua family had lived after being exiled.
Every morning, from the eldest grandfather to the youngest eleven-year-old cousin, the entire Hua family would first study for half an hour. Then, the older generation would go to various government offices, while the younger generation would change into durable tops and trousers, tucking the cuffs into their shoes. Each carrying a shovel, they would go to work together.
At Yinshan Pass, there were mines, stone mountains that needed quarrying, and city walls requiring annual reinforcement. Those exiled here either went to the mines or the stone mountains.
Initially, half of the Hua family was sent to the mines, where they had to descend into shafts—work that was both dangerous and dirty. Hua Pingyang used the gold bars Hua Zhi had given them to gradually negotiate, pulling his family members out of the mines one by one. During that period, the Hua family, who had never endured hardship, truly suffered.
Later, Hua Pingyang exhausted all means to free the elders, followed by his own generation. However, the younger ones had to remain for the time being. Human hearts are easily unbalanced—if the entire Hua family improved their situation, they would incur jealousy in Yinshan Pass. While others couldn't harm them directly, they could make life uncomfortable.
Thus, the younger generation of the Hua family now works at the stone mountains. After more than half a year, they've adapted. In long robes, they still resemble scholars, but in short jackets, one can already see small bulges on their arms.
Hua Zhi couldn't help but wonder if their formidable ancestor could have ever imagined that one day his descendants would develop such muscular physiques.
Basking in the warm, gentle sunlight felt incredibly soothing. After a long time without such leisure, Hua Zhi let her thoughts wander until she heard footsteps and looked over.
Dongzi hurried over to report, "Eldest Miss, General Wu requests an audience."
Hua Zhi smiled and raised her voice, "The Hua family's threshold is low now—no need for formal requests. Please come in, General Wu."
Shaoyao, who was pounding herbs inside the house, poked her head out holding the mortar. "Hua Hua, we don't need to entertain anyone. Just focus on recovering."
"It's fine, I'm free anyway." Hua Zhi tilted her head and looked at her. "You little painted cat, go wash your face."
Shaoyao instinctively wiped her face, which only smeared the marks further.
When Wu Yong approached and saw her like this, he chuckled. Shaoyao shot him a glare before ducking back inside.
Why could Hua Zhi laugh but not him? Wu Yong rubbed his nose and turned to the gently smiling woman. Who would have thought that someone who appeared every bit the proper noble lady would possess such courage and determination.
"General Wu, did you come to see me for something?"
"There is a small matter." Wu Yong glanced back, and his deputy understood, stepping out of the courtyard to summon several guards carrying an object. Hua Zhi understood immediately.
"This was made according to The Heir's instructions. He said it was your idea, Eldest Miss, and that you also devised the rules. I wonder if you could teach me how to use it?"Hua Zhi lay still, her gaze fixed on the sky with a hint of helplessness. She could only console herself that stealing a moment of leisure in this fleeting life was a joy—she had already stolen several such moments, and that was enough.
"What did Yan Xi say?"
To address him so directly? Wu Yong smiled meaningfully—this was truly remarkable.
An orderly brought a chair, and Wu Yong sat opposite Hua Zhi with the casual ease of speaking to someone familiar. "The Heir said this is merely the young lady's playful creation, but it has already been implemented in the five garrisons of the capital. It will gradually spread to the nine provinces' stationed troops. This general is fortunate to have gotten a head start over the others."
"If it's just a playful creation, then treat it as such."
Wu Yong assumed Hua Zhi was being modest and waiting for praise. He was about to offer a few flattering words to the one so cherished by the Heir when she added, "But even in play, there can be winners and losers. General Wu, are you aware of the rules?"
"The Heir has no patience to explain to others. This general awaits the young lady's guidance."
Hua Zhi smiled and called over her shoulder, "Cao Cao."
Shaoyao poked her head out again and, before Hua Zhi could speak, declared, "I don’t want to talk to this person who keeps saying 'this general'."
Hua Zhi grinned. "After you explain, you can play."
Shaoyao’s eyes lit up. Play freely? Hua Zhi nodded at her.
Wu Yong didn’t understand their cryptic exchange but had a bad feeling about it. However, when he saw the plain-faced girl bouncing over with her multicolored face, he dismissed his unease. "Does Lady Shaoyao know how to play too?"
"Yes." As she rolled up her sleeves, Shaoyao secretly thought, I know it very well—just wait until I wipe the floor with you and send you running in defeat!
Hua Zhi patted her hand and pulled her sleeves back down. "Wash your hands and face first."
"Okay." Shaoyao dashed off, and Wu Yong’s eyes unconsciously followed her.
Hua Zhi was about to speak but narrowed her eyes at his reaction, swallowing her words. Could it be that there really were people in this world who looked beyond appearances to inner qualities?
Shaoyao rushed back, her face still dripping with water. Unbothered, she wiped it with her sleeve and went to the sand table to look for the teaching pointer. Finding none, she ran to the kitchen and rummaged for a stick. As she explained the rules, she gestured over the sand table with an air of commanding the world—both amusing and endearing.
"Wu Yong, why do you keep staring at me? Did you even hear what I just said?" Shaoyao banged her stick loudly. She was used to being stared at, but Wu Yong’s gaze lacked the usual distasteful undertones. He was so strange—what was there to look at? Was her face not clean? He should just say so.
Hua Zhi closed her eyes as if asleep, but her ears were pricked, catching every sound from their direction. Though she was immensely amused by Shaoyao, she held back her laughter, waiting for Wu Yong’s response.
Wu Yong cleared his throat and wiped his nose. "There’s something in your hair."
"In my hair?"
"Yes, here." He pointed to his own right temple. "A bit higher—not there. Let me help you."
Wu Yong walked over and brushed her hair lightly. "There, it’s gone."
"What was it?"
"Just some dust." Hiding his hand behind his back, Wu Yong said, "I remember everything you explained earlier. Please continue."
Shaoyao shot him an annoyed look but went on with her explanation.Hua Zhi opened her eyes, watching Wu Yong's retreating figure with thoughtful contemplation. These elaborate tactics might fool Shaoyao, but they couldn't deceive her. She had clearly seen when Shaoyao emerged from the room earlier—there was nothing on her head. Could it be that Wu Yong had genuinely taken a liking to Shaoyao?
His taste wasn't bad, but she recalled Wu Yong was the only male heir of the Wu family. Was it possible he hadn't married yet?
Even if he were unmarried, his household was likely filled with concubines and maidservants, wasn't it?
Instantly, Hua Zhi dismissed the thought. Shaoyao would be better off staying with her.
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