Shaoyao deftly made the bed. Though it still wasn't perfectly tidy, it was much better than on the first day. Hua Zhi didn't mind her efforts, and Zeng Han minded even less.
Servants were cleaning in the courtyard and paused when they saw them emerge. Chen Shan approached, "Miss, is there anything you need?"
"Bring two lamps."
"Yes."
The servants held the lamps on either side as Hua Zhi used a teaching pointer to guide Shaoyao in creating various terrains on the sand table. The commotion naturally drew the attention of those inside, and many gathered around.
Hua Zhi didn't mind. She had intended to teach them anyway—whether today or tomorrow made no difference.
But she never expected Zeng Han's understanding to be so profound. Not only did he grasp the game rules, but he also engaged Shaoyao in battle with remarkable skill. Even if Shaoyao was going easy on him, it was astonishing—after all, he wasn't even four years old!
Even in the Hua family, four-year-olds were only just beginning their education!
This child, this child actually...
Did Zeng Xian even know what a genius son he had? If he had properly nurtured him, why would he have needed to risk his life doing such things?
Suddenly, Hua Zhi felt grateful that Zeng Xian didn't know how clever his son was. If he had raised him, it would hardly have been a blessing for the Daqing Dynasty.
"I lost." Zeng Han's usually expressionless little face now showed a hint of dejection.
Hua Zhi patted his head. "You've already won. Sister Shaoyao couldn't do anything at your age."
Zeng Han looked up, a glimmer of light in his eyes.
Shaoyao pouted. She knew that whenever there was a little one around, Hua Hua would inevitably push her to the background.
Exchanging a glance with her grandfather, Hua Zhi returned to the house first. Now wasn't the time to talk.
Children fall asleep quickly. Listening to the child's steady breathing, Shaoyao whispered, "Zeng Han has the makings of a fine military commander."
"It's too early to say that. Zeng Xian's influence on him is too strong. Have you ever seen a four-year-old so composed? He lacks the playful heart a child should have. When I give him toys, his joy isn't in receiving something or the toy itself, but in the fact that I gave it to him."
Hua Zhi sighed softly. "If his temperament remains like this, he should stay with me. As long as I'm safe, I'll ensure his safety. There's no harm in him living an ordinary life."
"Are you worried he'll become as reckless as his father?"
"His father was originally normal—his madness was forced upon him. That isn't hereditary. As a physician, do I need to remind you of that?"
Shaoyao nuzzled apologetically. "That's not what I meant. Aren't you concerned he's been influenced by Zeng Xian?"
"Growing up in an atmosphere of hatred, how could he not be affected? But he's still young. A better environment might change him. I don't want to steer him toward a certain path just because he shows talent in some areas. It's unnecessary. Children should live as children. Adults should bear the weight of the world. Though Zeng Xian somewhat imposed his kindness on us, it's true he helped the Hua family. This child is his only legacy—I must care for him diligently. Besides, don't you feel for such a young child bearing all this? Don't think I haven't noticed you sharing your treats with him. Be careful—don't overfeed him. His stomach isn't as big as yours. You could probably eat a whole table yourself."Hua Zhi poked Shaoyao's forehead, making her shrink back under the covers—not from pain, but from guilt.
"And don't think I didn't notice you sneaking meat into the Medicinal Cuisine. I haven't touched meat in over half a year. Next time, use less—it made me uncomfortable."
Shaoyao had expected a scolding, but to her surprise, Hua Hua didn't blame her. She immediately giggled with delight, knowing Hua Hua always had her best interests at heart.
Hua Zhi gently pinched her cheeks but didn't mention how nauseous she'd felt after the first bite. Seeing Shaoyao's anxious expression from the corner of her eye made any discomfort insignificant. If not for her wellbeing, why would Shaoyao knowingly break the mourning rules?
Observing mourning was merely a formality. She wasn't one to rigidly adhere to conventions—her body needed nourishment to recover. Breaking the taboo meant nothing. If her grandmother's spirit existed, it wouldn't blame her. True filial piety came from the heart, not outward displays.
Hearing steady breathing beside her, Hua Zhi smiled. Such a child—excited one moment, fast asleep the next.
Perhaps from oversleeping recently, Hua Zhi hadn't been resting well these past two days.
Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, softly illuminating the child's face. He lay curled up, sleeping peacefully.
The child's displayed intelligence astonished her. The Hua family children were all clever—like Berlin, whose rare brilliance would have made him a top student even without effort in modern times. Little Six, forced by circumstances, had become exceptionally sharp early on. Yet neither matched Zeng Han's genius.
She'd sensed it these past days—he mastered everything instantly. Today, he'd already started reading books independently, though Zeng Xian never taught him characters and she'd only casually instructed him recently. The fact he could spend entire days slowly turning pages spoke volumes.
She initially thought him well-suited for the Hua family and promising scholarly material, but his talents extended beyond that.
Hua Zhi felt a headache coming on. Extraordinary intelligence in children brought complications, especially with his traumatic past. While most wouldn't remember events from age three, she intuited Zeng Han retained those painful memories—his father's death included. Without proper guidance, she genuinely feared he might develop antisocial tendencies.
The responsibility felt heavy. Hua Zhi sighed—she'd need to devote more attention to him.
Early next morning, she ordered a small sand table made to Zeng Han's waist height.
As Zeng Han remained in mourning before the seventh-day ceremony, Hua Zhi straightened his clothes and softly advised, "Don't let others see when you play with it."
"Others?"
"Whoever you consider others."
Zeng Han nodded. "Wu Yong is."
Hua Zhi smiled. "Alright, Wu Yong is."
"Tell me what you want to learn. I'll teach you what I know. For what I don't, we'll hire tutors when we return to the capital."
Zeng Han gazed steadily at her. Hua Zhi met his eyes unwavering.
After a moment, he lowered his head. "Aren't you afraid I'll become like my father?"
"Will you?""I don't know." Zeng Han looked up, his expression stubborn yet tinged with grievance. "Why would I become like my father? I'm not Zeng Xian?!"
Hua Zhi was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. "Yes, you are Zeng Han. Just live as the person Zeng Han wants to become."
PS: May we all live as our true selves.
OpenNovel