Shaken by this news, the fluster and chaos in Hua Zhi's heart vanished. Knowing Yan Xi was valued was one thing, but realizing he might be groomed for a specific purpose was entirely different.
"Aren't the princes envious?"
"Only Lai Fu knows the full situation. Even if others suspect, they wouldn't dare question the Emperor. As for me..." Gu Yanxi smiled coldly. "The imperial family has always feared the Seven Constellation Bureau. When I wear my mask, they keep their distance."
And rightly so. The existence of the Seven Constellation Bureau was like a blade hanging over the heads of princes and nobles. Hua Zhi understood this well and asked more directly, "Will you take that position?"
"No." Gu Yanxi's reply was swift and firm. "Look at my uncle's life—what is there to envy? The princes covet that position, while ministers wish to cover his eyes, plug his ears, and silence his mouth. He guards against everyone, even sleeping with half an eye open. What joy is there in living like that, day after day, year after year?"
Hua Zhi lowered her head, noticing the man's dark robes and remembering their current posture. She gently pushed him away, and Gu Yanxi, understanding, released her and sat in the nearest seat.
Sensing the topic was too heavy to continue, Hua Zhi changed the subject. "Any news from Haoyue?"
Gu Yanxi looked at her intently. "Not a single male from the exiled Hua family remains. The women and children left in the capital are sheltered by the Zhu family in a secluded corner. Scholars and students across the land are outraged. Haoyue warned me that during this year's Autumn Examination, some students will seek justice for the Hua family. She also said the second prince will lose his chance entirely because of this."
Just as expected! Hua Zhi clenched her hands, her eyes cold and sharp. If not for her acquaintance with Yan Xi, if they hadn't journeyed to Yinshan Pass together, if she hadn't stubbornly persevered, if Yan Xi hadn't returned with reinforcements in time—not a single soul from the Hua family would have survived.
"A Zhi."
Hua Zhi looked up at the man.
"She doesn't know about you." Gu Yanxi smiled. "Chen Qing tried to guide her, but she still remains unaware of your existence, lumping you with the other women of the Hua family. If she were truly skilled in prophecy, then A Zhi, you are outside her predictions. Or rather, you are the variable."
The variable of the entire Daqing Dynasty.
"If it's because of me, this variable, that the Hua family suffered no casualties, then I am honored to be that variable." Hua Zhi was willing to accept this role, to shine brightly and become a useful variable for Daqing, if only to stay far from the dangers of turbulent times. "What are your thoughts on the Autumn Examination?"
Gu Yanxi had clearly pondered this question. "Although scholars are currently restrained in their stance on the Hua family, the Autumn Examination will gather literati from across the land. If someone deliberately stirs trouble then, it could lead to actions unfavorable to the Hua family. I'll have Chen Qing personally monitor the situation to prevent anyone from muddying the waters. Additionally, as per tradition, many students will send visiting cards to the Hua family. This year, even though they know the men are gone, whether to show their respect for the family or for other reasons, this custom will likely continue. Do you have any plans?"
Hua Zhi thought for a moment. "What is the Emperor's current attitude toward the Hua family?"
"Suppression."
Hua Zhi nodded. "As expected. But if I engage in some business with the scholars, I doubt the Emperor can object, even if he wishes to suppress the Hua family."Gu Yanxi was taken aback. Knowing A Zhi as he did, she certainly wouldn't truly intend to profit from the scholars. Then what was she...
"If the Hua family maintains proper conduct, harbors no resentment toward the court nor any personal bitterness, without any aggrieved parties, how could they incite discord?"
Hua Zhi wore a sly smile, clearly having already devised a plan in her mind. Gu Yanxi chuckled softly and gently touched the corner of her lips without pressing further. A Zhi's straightforward approach might seem easy to counter, and her problem-solving methods appeared rough, yet they were effective.
"By the way, I've reserved two-tenths of the profits from the seafood business for you."
Gu Yanxi frowned and was about to refuse, but Hua Zhi stopped him, explaining, "I still need to borrow your name in Zhenyang. You'll likely need to send trusted people there to establish a base. I also need to rely on you to produce some ice. It stays hotter there longer than in the north, and we can't do without ice on the ships."
"Even so, there's no need to share profits with me. Your ice-making method is practically a no-cost business, and the silver it's brought in for me this year is no small amount."
"Yan Xi, I don't want to take advantage of you. Even if I do, it's only when you don't suffer losses. That way, I can feel more at ease." Hua Zhi tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and looked up at the man, her eyes sparkling in a way that made refusal impossible. "I want us to be equals. I want to be able to face you openly at all times, without feeling inferior due to guilt."
"...Alright, as you wish." Everything as you wish. Eventually, all that I have will be yours.
As it was getting late, Gu Yanxi couldn't stay much longer. Remembering she had sun-dried some mushroom powder that day, Hua Zhi went to the side room to fetch some, then asked Ying Chun to pack some pickled vegetables and other items for him to take back. Without needing explicit instructions, Gu Yanxi knew these were for his grandmother. A Zhi was always tender with those she considered her own, especially when it came to the elderly and children.
Early the next morning, Hua Zhi kept Fu Dong back alone.
"I want to make some dried meat. Lan Qiao hasn't done this before, so take some time to teach her. We're pressed for time, so make as much as possible. Don't worry about having leftovers—this product will sell easily."
Fu Dong bit her lip and said softly, "I can gradually step back from managing the vegetarian kitchen. I'll personally oversee the dried meat production."
"I trust you to handle it, but Fu Dong, you need to learn to delegate, just as I've learned to delegate to all of you. Don't be afraid others won't do it well. I've always allowed mistakes, haven't I? You can supervise the final quality."
Blushing, Fu Dong agreed. Her mistress's words reminded her of the past—how they had started out trembling with nervousness at every task, and now each of them managed significant responsibilities. Wasn't this precisely because their mistress had dared to delegate? She really should learn this well. After all, she would still be overseeing the final product, and if something wasn't done right, they could always redo it.
"Besides the dried meat, we also need to fry some noodles."
The so-called fried noodles were the simplest form of instant noodles. She used to occasionally make some to satisfy cravings, and surprisingly, the maids all quite liked them. However, she hadn't made any since entering the mourning period. Just mentioning it now made Hua Zhi's mouth water. She thought that once the mourning period was over, she would eat her fill properly.
"Make as much as possible here too. The weather is cooling down now, so it'll keep well."
"Yes."
"The pickled vegetables will probably be used up this time. We'll need to make more this year when we prepare them.""This is exactly Fu Dong's area of expertise," she said softly yet with clear determination. "Yes, this servant had the same thought. I've already mentioned it to Ying Chun before - to prepare more large jars. Since our home has limited space, this servant plans to secure an area at the mushroom plantation specifically for this purpose. These pickled vegetables have been particularly popular at the vegetarian restaurant lately. If we start supplying them to the seafood section as well, small quantities might not meet the demand."
"You may handle this matter as you see fit."
"Yes."
PS: Recently I've entered a period of burnout, feeling almost physically nauseated at the sight of my computer. This always happens when I've been writing a book for too long. I'm trying hard to push through this phase - not to complain, just to explain the situation. One update today, will make up for it tomorrow.
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