Wu Yong continued to visit every day, enduring Hua Zhi's teasing gaze with clenched teeth. Seeing his persistence, Hua Zhi didn't interfere. She didn't mind someone treating Cao Cao well—given Cao Cao's oblivious nature, unless he confessed outright, she'd remain unaware. At least Cao Cao wouldn't be the one suffering.
Hua Yizheng, wise with age, easily saw through Wu Yong's intentions. One day, as the pair sparred again, he ambled over to his granddaughter. "Are you just going to let this continue?"
"He won't gain any advantage." Whether emotionally or martially, Shaoyao might be slightly less skilled than Wu Yong, but she had more than a few tricks up her sleeve.
Hua Zhi turned to him. "Grandfather has heard the rumors outside?"
"How could I not?" Hua Yizheng glanced at the child engrossed in a book by her feet. "If you don't mind, we can only follow suit."
"You'll need to get used to it. When we return to the capital, don't be shocked by my reputation." Hua Hua half-joked, half-warned.
"No matter what, you're still a daughter of the Hua family."
Yes, always a Hua daughter—even if she earned a notorious name for the family's sake. Hua Zhi smiled, though she wondered if the Hua family would remember that when the time came. But even if they forgot, it didn't matter. All she sought was a clear conscience.
"What is Shaoyao's relationship with The Heir?"
Since Yan Xi's identity had been guessed, Hua Zhi saw no need to hide it. "Grandfather knows about the incident at Ling Wang's residence back then, right?"
"Who in the capital doesn't? It caused quite a stir."
"Shaoyao is the blood-soaked younger sister The Heir carried out of the mansion that day."
It was her?! They had all assumed the child died—but she was disfigured? No wonder she interacted with The Heir so familiarly.
"Miraculous Doctor Yu saved her, though she doesn't remember what happened. Later, he took her as his disciple, and she mastered medicine."
The grandfather and granddaughter had never discussed Gu Yanxi's identity before. Seizing the opportunity, Hua Yizheng asked, "Given The Heir's status, what are your plans? And his? If the Emperor learns of your relationship, I'm afraid..."
"No plans. We take one step at a time. If we can keep walking together, we will. If the Emperor becomes an obstacle, so be it. He understands my resolve, and I understand his constraints. Whatever the outcome, we hold no resentment or hatred. That's enough."
"Can you truly feel no resentment or hatred?"
"Why not?" Hua Zhi rested her chin on her hand, watching the travel-worn man stride in, her eyes and face lighting up with a smile. "When we're together, we give our all—understanding, supporting, and uplifting each other. It's not that our feelings are misplaced; it's just that we can't defy overwhelming power. What is there to resent or hate?"
Hua Yizheng sighed at the newcomer, offered a slight bow, and left without another word.
Indeed, someone who saw her own emotions so clearly wouldn't resent the family for hindering her marriage. If Zhi Er were that narrow-minded, she wouldn't have carried the Hua family this far, nor would she have captivated The Heir.
"Why are you here again? I thought we'd meet in the capital."Gu Yanxi looked down at the person who appeared to be in good spirits. The courtyard was small, and the distance was close enough for him to clearly hear her words. For a moment, he didn’t know whether to be angry at her sharp insight or to marvel at her carefree attitude.
In the end, he simply bent down and leaned in to give her a gentle embrace. "If I hadn’t come, how could I have heard those words? I feel like I’m always at risk of being abandoned."
"You’re being audacious, acting like this in front of my family," Hua Zhi said, yet she returned his embrace. "If there ever comes a day when I marry, the groom will be none other than you. Does that make you feel a little more secure?"
Gu Yanxi’s body stiffened abruptly. He released her and lowered his head to meet her smiling eyes, his voice hoarse as he said, "That day will surely come. I’ll be waiting for it."
Under his intense gaze, Hua Zhi felt a bit embarrassed. She coughed lightly and averted her eyes. "Go pay your respects to my grandfather."
"As you wish."
The Hua family stared at the two in astonishment. Wasn’t this public flirting? Yet, strangely, they didn’t find anything inappropriate about it!
Hua Zhi happened to glance down and met Zeng Han’s gaze. Only then did she truly feel a bit flustered—exchanging sweet nothings in front of a child…
When she looked up again, Shaoyao was enthusiastically giving her a thumbs-up, while Wu Yong looked as if his jaw had dropped in shock.
Feeling as though she had done something extraordinary, Hua Zhi stood up and feigned nonchalance as she returned to her room.
Meanwhile, as soon as Gu Yanxi entered the study, he performed a junior’s salute.
Hua Yizheng accepted it and gestured for him to take a seat.
Thinking of finishing his official business quickly to return to A Zhi’s side, Gu Yanxi remained standing and went straight to the point. "The incident at Yinshan Pass has traces of the Chao Li Tribe behind it. By the Emperor’s oral decree, the Hua family is to assist General Wu in strictly guarding Yinshan Pass. The Second Prince, incited by others, acted against the Hua family. The Emperor has already placed the Second Prince under house confinement in his residence, awaiting further investigation and punishment."
Hua Yizheng stood up upon hearing the words "oral decree." After listening, he knelt and bowed in the direction of the capital. "This guilty subject accepts the command."
Gu Yanxi found the term "guilty subject" extremely grating. Yet, even so, his uncle the Emperor showed no intention of reinstating the Hua family. He could only restrain himself and advise Hua Yizheng to do the same. "Elder Sir, the time has not yet come."
Hua Yizheng bowed deeply to Gu Yanxi. He knew that without The Heir’s mediation, the task of guarding Yinshan Pass might not have been openly assigned. With this oral decree, no one could conceal the Hua family’s efforts at Yinshan Pass. If the Hua family were to be reinstated, it would be with undeniable merit.
Gu Yanxi stepped aside to avoid accepting the bow. "It is enough that Elder Sir does not blame me."
"I understand the reasoning and will not be ungrateful. Thank you, Heir."
"All I have done is for her wishes." Gu Yanxi cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave.
"All I have done is for her wishes." Hua Yizheng murmured the words and suddenly laughed, stroking his forehead. It seemed he didn’t need to worry so much about Zhi Er—those two!
Hua Zhi had already prepared tea and was waiting. Hearing footsteps, she looked toward the door. Their eyes met, and Gu Yanxi paused for a moment before entering the room.
Hua Zhi didn’t ask about the outcome of his visit. Instead, she changed her mind, took back the teacup she had placed opposite her, and poured him a cup of plain water.
Gu Yanxi raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"You need to rest."Having traveled thousands of miles back and forth in such a short time, with a stop in the capital, it was clear he had barely rested along the way. Though he still appeared as sharp as a sword, anyone would be exhausted—no matter how resilient they seemed.
Warmed by such an ordinary remark, Gu Yanxi's expression softened. The hard shell encasing him silently cracked, revealing the tenderness within. He took A Zhi's hand and nodded obediently.
Hua Zhi suddenly felt her heart ache unbearably. "I'll make you something to eat. Have a meal before resting."
"Alright."
PS: I'll be in Hangzhou for an interview tomorrow—hope one update is forgivable? Will make up for it when I return. Hangzhou friends, come see me at the venue!
OpenNovel