Without Hua Zhi as the backbone, the Hua family became increasingly cautious, with almost no one entering or leaving except for necessary daily purchases.
Wu Shi set down the account book and looked at Ying Chun and the others, who were busy yet orderly. "By my count, the eldest young lady should be returning soon."
The senior maids immediately brightened up. In their mistress's absence, they had been on edge every day. Though they performed the same tasks when she was present, having her nearby brought them peace and confidence.
Liu Xiang hurried in. "Fourth Madam, Wang Rong requests an audience."
Wu Shi knew the family's martial instructor was surnamed Wang, but he had always been extremely proper. During her recent visits to the front courtyard, he had deliberately kept his distance, let alone approached her directly.
Anomalies often signaled trouble. Steadying herself, Wu Shi replied, "Please admit him."
Wang Rong entered without looking around, keeping his eyes lowered as he paid his respects. He presented a bundle with both hands. "Our master entrusted this to me at the eldest young lady's request. The details are explained in the letter for Fourth Madam."
"Zhi Er hasn't returned?"
"No."
"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Wang." Wu Shi accepted the bundle with a nod.
Wang Rong bowed and withdrew.
The topmost letter in the bundle was addressed to her. Wu Shi immediately recognized her husband's handwriting.
As she unfolded the letter and read the familiar script, her heart ached with nostalgia. But as her eyes moved down the lines, that ache transformed into shock! Her hands began trembling involuntarily.
Ying Chun and the other maids exchanged uneasy glances.
Biting her tongue to regain composure, Wu Shi reread the entire letter from beginning to end. After a moment of silent reflection, she handed it to Ying Chun. The master was right—while the entire household needn't know everything, shouldn't know what Zhi Er was enduring abroad, someone should record these events and share her burdens.
The maids gathered to read together. Bao Xia choked up upon seeing the contents. "Injured again? How could she be injured again? Every trip brings new wounds—how can her body possibly recover?"
Wu Shi recalled the medicinal scent that had clung to Zhi Er after her southern journey. "How was Zhi Er injured before? I remember you accompanied her on that last southern trip, Bao Xia."
Bao Xia wiped her eyes. "The young lady forbade us to speak of it."
"I already know. I just want clearer details."
Eager to make the family aware of their young mistress's hardships, Bao Xia readily explained: "It was over a business deal. A disreputable local firm harassed us after failing to secure the transaction. The young lady avoided confrontation to prevent conflict with locals, but the man grew persistent—he became enamored with her. He intercepted us at the docks as we departed. That's when she was injured."
Remembering what her husband had written, Wu Shi asked, "When did Zhi Er learn self-defense skills? The Hua family never employed a martial instructor before."
Ying Chun, worried Bao Xia might reveal too much, interjected vaguely, "She practiced on her own."
"What hardship she's endured," Wu Shi sighed. Without those self-defense skills, who knows what terrible price the Hua family might have paid. "Let's keep this quiet to avoid alarming everyone. We'll follow Zhi Er's wishes and say Fourth Master has fallen ill, requiring her care."
"Yes."Wu Shi took the letter back and read it once more, deeply exhaling. From now on, she would need to pay closer attention to the affairs of the Hua family's inner household. Even if people spoke ill of her, it didn't matter—as long as it meant Zhi Er wouldn't have to worry about the inner household after dealing with external matters.
By the time August arrived, the temperature at Yinshan Pass had noticeably cooled, especially at night when even a thin quilt felt a bit chilly.
Away from the imperial city, there was no need to be cautious in every matter, and the people around her were no longer women and children requiring constant protection. Hua Zhi finally didn't have to remain so tense, and her sleep improved significantly. During her recovery period, she even gained a little weight.
The happiest during this time were undoubtedly the younger generation of the Hua family. They no longer had to go to work. Although they had adapted over the past year, not having to chisel or carry stones was truly wonderful!
Practice riding and archery? No problem—they had trained in these before, though they weren't particularly skilled.
Study military strategy? Excellent—military strategy books were still books, and they had all read a few volumes to some extent.
Sand table deduction? Fantastic—this was even more fun than some of the games they had played in the capital!
The previously quiet Hua residence became noticeably lively. While transcribing military strategy books, Hua Zhi would observe the battles, getting a good grasp of everyone's capabilities. Wu Yong also fulfilled his promise, giving each member of the Hua family a special token and ensuring they each showed their faces to be remembered. With their faces and tokens, they could freely enter and exit the military camp.
Hua Zhi felt she should return the favor, so she copied Mr. Siqing's military strategy book into two sets—one for her own family and one for Wu Yong. However, she only transcribed the first volume, as she had only finished reading that far and hadn't fully mastered it yet. She never skimmed through books carelessly.
Wu Yong, naturally, recognized its value. For him, such a generous gift was impossible to refuse, and he even hoped to obtain the second volume.
"I will bring a copy for General Wu next time I come."
Wu Yong gave her a deep look and bowed solemnly. "Thank you, Miss, for your generosity."
"No need to thank me, General Wu. I am merely sharing another's kindness. I'm sure Mr. Siqing would not want his life's work to gather dust."
"…"
The two exchanged pleasantries in a roundabout manner, while Shaoyao, listening nearby, yawned—these two were truly boring.
Seeing her reaction, Wu Yong smiled. "Shall we play a couple of rounds?"
Shaoyao immediately perked up, skipping and running outside. "Let's try a different terrain today."
Wu Yong cupped his hands and turned to follow.
"General Wu."
Wu Yong turned back. "Is there something else, Miss?"
"Nothing too important." Hua Zhi rubbed her wrist, which had been sore from holding a brush frequently during this period without anyone to assist her. "Shaoyao has a childlike heart. Please focus on your own duties, General Wu, and don't let this delay you. I've recovered somewhat and can play with her now."
"I haven't been delayed at all. Currently, Shaoyao is the only one who can match me in battle. Every day, sparring with her brings me some progress, and I am more than willing to play a few rounds with her daily."
"Has General Wu forgotten one thing?"
Wu Yong felt a sense of foreboding and did not respond.
"Men and women are different. I can shield her from the gossip outside, but the one truly affected by it will always be her."Rumors were already spreading through the city that Wu Yong had taken a liking to the Hua family's eldest daughter, which explained his daily visits lasting one or two hours each time. It appeared a happy event was imminent.
Hua Zhi didn't care about the gossip outside. She had even refused Hua Pingyu's attempts to dispel the rumors. Such matters were trivial and she could handle them, but she wasn't pleased to see Wu Yong and Shaoyao growing too close. No matter how careless Shaoyao might be, she was still a woman—a woman in full bloom—and Hua Zhi feared she might develop feelings.
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