The sky was still early, the city gates had just opened. After the first wave of early risers passed through, the gate area grew quiet.
Wu Yong spotted the approaching party from a distance and hurried over. Shaoyao, having developed a camaraderie with him through their sand table games, broke away from the others and urged her horse toward him. "What brings you here?"
"To see you off." Wu Yong made no attempt to hide his intentions. He had set his heart on her and wasn’t afraid of The Heir knowing.
"Good friend." Shaoyao lifted her Veiled Hat, revealing a broad smile. "When you come to the capital someday, I’ll make sure to treat you well."
"Deal." Wu Yong gazed at the face he had initially found startling, wondering where his judgment had gone wrong—now it seemed utterly endearing to him. He knew he couldn’t keep her here, especially with dangers looming everywhere. All he hoped was to survive the coming turmoil; then, even if he had to resort to shameless persistence, he would win her over.
For now, he could only wave to her. "Take care."
"You too, take care." Shaoyao was generous to those she considered her own. Considering his position as a border garrison commander who might head to battle at any moment, she rummaged through her belongings and gave him all the medicine she could spare, patiently explaining each one’s effects.
Hua Zhi leaned close to her man and whispered, "See that? Someone’s got the gall of a lion and courage of a leopard."
"I noticed."
Hearing the edge in his voice, Hua Zhi chuckled. Indeed, how bold—daring to covet her dear Cao Cao.
Gu Yanxi nudged his horse forward, cutting short their conversation. "Has Gu Chengde left?"
Already inferior in status and now with designs on the other man’s sister, Wu Yong rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Yes, he used my token to leave the city half an hour ago. He seemed in a hurry to return."
This reaction eased Gu Yanxi’s mind somewhat. He nodded. "In that case, farewell."
Shaoyao waved cheerfully at Wu Yong and chased after the pair ahead without a backward glance. Wu Yong stood rooted for a long while before finally turning away. Before his wishes could be fulfilled, he first had to survive.
This journey proved more arduous for Hua Zhi than any before. Already weakened from blood loss and reduced stamina, and further softened by recent comfortable living, she felt nearly broken by the end of each day. Despite Gu Yanxi’s careful protection and Shaoyao’s meticulous care, she had visibly slimmed down by the time they reached the capital.
Though she never complained, everyone knew how taxing the trip had been for her.
Times had changed. Fearing unwanted attention, Gu Yanxi didn’t dare escort her directly home. He dismounted with her at a secluded spot outside the city.
"There might be some turbulence in the capital these coming days. If anything happens and I can’t come personally, I’ll have Wang Rong deliver messages to you."
"Understood." Hua Zhi climbed onto another horse and drew the reins closer to Shadowtreader. "Bingzhou hasn’t seen rain for over three months. Remember to ask the Imperial Astronomer about the situation, or consult Haoyue if needed. The northern borders can’t afford chaos right now."
Knowing A Zhi was concerned the northern drought might threaten Yinshan Pass, he nodded. "I’ll remember. Don’t worry—Haoyue mentioned floods in the south but said nothing of northern drought. They should pull through."
"Let’s hope so." Hua Zhi glanced at the sky. "It’s getting late. You should go first."Gu Yanxi glanced at Shaoyao, who understood his meaning. "I'll take Zeng Han to the Heir Apparent Residence first."
Shaoyao was well-known among certain circles. Normally, it wouldn't matter if people knew of her association with Hua Zhi—even the Emperor showed her special favor. But now was different, and Zeng Han needed to resolve his father's legal matters first.
For safety's sake, Gu Yanxi left two unfamiliar guards to escort Hua Zhi back.
Entering the city just before the gates closed, Hua Zhi headed straight home. The servants' faces lit up with joy at her return, and the previously tense and quiet Hua family suddenly came alive. Her senior maids burst into tears upon seeing her.
Unaware that Fourth Uncle had already betrayed her, Hua Zhi smiled warmly at their display. "I'm just a little late returning, why all the tears? Is everything well at home?"
"Everything's fine," they chorused, having agreed beforehand not to reveal anything. Knowing their young mistress would first pay respects to the Madam, Ying Chun stepped forward to support her. "Today happens to be Fourth Aunt's birthday. Fourth Madam hasn't returned from there yet, but she should be back soon."
"What perfect timing." Exhausted, Hua Zhi leaned half her weight on Ying Chun. "Have someone draw hot water for me. After greeting Mother, I need to rest. The journey was rushed—I need to recover."
"Yes, miss."
Madam Hua wept with joy at seeing her daughter. With both her children away, she had been unbearably worried these days. But seeing her daughter's unmistakable fatigue, she pushed aside her own feelings—nothing mattered more than letting her rest immediately, instructing Ying Chun to help her back to her quarters.
Even the junior maids in Hua Zhi's courtyard were efficient. The moment word came, they had everything prepared perfectly. Hua Zhi was first made to drink plenty of broth before being assisted behind the screen.
When Ying Chun moved to undo her garments, Hua Zhi suddenly remembered her fresh wounds and quickly stopped her hand. "I'd like to soak longer. Could you fetch more hot water? Tell the others they needn't attend me either."
"...Yes."
The moment Ying Chun stepped out, the senior maids surrounded her. Bao Xia whispered urgently, "Did you see? Where is Young Miss injured?"
Ying Chun shook her head grimly. "She sent me away."
That she wouldn't even let them look meant the injuries must be severe. They exchanged worried, sorrowful glances.
"Enough, everyone disperse. Since Young Miss doesn't normally hide things from us, the truth will come out eventually."
Despite saying this, Ying Chun didn't expect the opportunity to arise so soon. When Hua Zhi didn't summon her after a long wait, she called out twice through the door. Hearing no response, she rushed behind the screen in alarm, only relaxing when she saw her mistress had merely fallen asleep.
Roused by the noise, Hua Zhi drowsily opened her eyes. Recognizing Ying Chun, she covered a yawn and stood up half-asleep, automatically waiting to be dressed—completely unaware she was exposing her full array of wounds.
Ying Chun covered her mouth, quickly lowering her head as she moved behind Hua Zhi with a dry cloth, gently patting her dry.
The wounds still itched. When the cloth brushed against them, Hua Zhi instinctively shifted. Suddenly, realization dawned. Her eyes flew open as she pulled the maid around to face her—the tear-streaked face needed no explanation."Why are you crying? I'm almost fully recovered." Hua Zhi pressed the handkerchief in Ying Chun's hand back onto her own face. "Don't speak of this to anyone, especially my mother."
"...Understood."
PS: Are the book reviews still not showing?
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