Doctor Chu mentioned her purpose for coming, "The scholar your family's guard sent over looks covered in bruises, but fortunately his injuries aren't severe. Su Momo appeared less seriously hurt but is actually in worse condition due to her age—that fall injured her back, and she'll likely need proper rest for some time."
"Rest assured, I'll have someone take good care of Su Momo. But the scholar..." Hua Zhi frowned slightly, "The Autumn Examination is approaching. Could this affect him?"
Doctor Chu stroked his beard, "I'm afraid it might pose some hindrance. Though no bones or tendons were damaged, the pain is quite real."
If that were the case, the debt of gratitude would be substantial—yet she had to acknowledge it. He had indeed helped Hua Ling, and a single favor in exchange for her sister's virtue was worth it.
"Is he still here?"
"Yes. I thought you might come, so I had him stay. He also came to the capital for the examination but was delayed and arrived late. With all inns fully occupied now, finding lodging is difficult. I gave his servant some directions to seek accommodation."
Hua Zhi rose and bowed, "Thank you."
"No need for formalities. I've received much kindness from Old Master Hua in the past." Doctor Chu also stood, "He's in the backyard."
Behind the clinic stood a two-courtyard residence where Doctor Chu's family lived in the inner court. The front courtyard housed a medicine room on one side, with herbs drying in the yard filling the air with their fragrance. The left wing accommodated Doctor Chu's two apprentices and two medicine assistants, while the remaining room—though unoccupied—was kept tidy for occasional use by patients needing rest. The scholar was currently there.
To avoid impropriety, Doctor Chu personally accompanied them, with two maids following closely.
Hearing movement, the occupant inside had already risen. Initially thinking only Doctor Chu had arrived, he was surprised to see female company and hurriedly checked his appearance, relieved to find himself presentable.
Hua Zhi felt a flicker of approval at his manner—someone who instinctively showed respect likely had decent character. Of course, someone with poor character wouldn't have intervened knowing the ruffians outnumbered him.
Doctor Chu made introductions, "This is the eldest young lady of the Hua family."
The Hua family's eldest young lady? Before Hua Zhi could respond, he bowed first, "This humble scholar Yu Xiasheng pays his respects to the young lady."
This was Hua Zhi's second encounter with a scholar showing reverence toward the Hua family, the first having been in Xiangyang.
She returned the courtesy, "I extend my gratitude for your noble intervention in aiding my distressed sister."
Yu Xiasheng finally understood what had transpired—the girl cornered by scoundrels and nearly driven to suicide was actually a Hua family daughter? Had the Hua family's circumstances... deteriorated to this extent?
Anger surfaced on his face, "Is the young lady safe now? That time truly... I am ashamed I couldn't be of more help."
Assuming his anger was directed at such incidents occurring in the imperial capital, Hua Zhi replied, "Your valiant resistance bought crucial time for our guards to arrive. My sister is now safe and asked me to convey her gratitude."
"I am unworthy, truly ashamed." Yu Xiasheng flushed, waving his hands emphatically until the motion tugged at his injuries, twisting his face in momentary pain before he composed himself.
Facing such a person, Hua Zhi's tone naturally softened, "Your injuries are not light. If they hinder your upcoming Autumn Examination...""There's no need for such formality, Miss." Yu Xiasheng's expression remained composed. "Before my departure, my mentor advised that success in the imperial examination would be fortunate, but failure should not breed resentment toward heaven or others. I can simply strive for another three years and try again. Moreover, how could the knowledge I've acquired be forgotten over such a minor injury? Perhaps the pain might even sharpen my mind, leading to better performance in the exam."
With such an admirable mindset, it was only a matter of time before he achieved greatness. If Grandfather knew of such a scholar, he would be immensely pleased.
"By the way." Yu Xiasheng retrieved a parcel from the cabinet, opened it, and took out a letter. "My mentor once had the honor of receiving guidance from Old Master Hua and has always remembered this kindness. He entrusted me with this letter for you, Miss."
Hua Zhi had received several such letters these past few days. In the past, they would have been letters of recommendation—when descendants or students of those acquainted with her grandfather came for the examinations, they would bring these to pay respects to him. Regardless of the depth of the relationship, given Old Master Hua's character, he would offer assistance when needed, honoring these old ties.
But to do so now, knowing the Hua family had fallen from grace, was not about seeking protection. Instead, it was a statement of their stance: whether the Hua family faced confiscation or exile, they still recognized them as the leaders of the literary world.
In this moment, Hua Zhi once again felt that the Hua family's years of perseverance had borne fruit.
Hua Zhi bowed slightly in silent gratitude.
Yu Xiasheng, caught off guard and unable to avoid the gesture, accepted it awkwardly, not knowing what to do with his hands and feet.
After finally managing to have Yu Xiasheng accept her thanks, they left the medical clinic as dusk was falling.
Hua Zhi dragged her leaden legs into the carriage, leaned against the soft cushions, and sighed with relief that the day was finally over. Almost as soon as her eyelids closed, she fell asleep. Ying Chun took out a thin quilt from the corner and covered her mistress, then lifted the curtain to instruct the coachman to drive slowly.
In the dimly lit carriage, exchanging a glance with Bao Xia, both fell into a somber silence. Their young mistress was truly exhausted, burning the midnight oil every day—accomplishing more than most people would in a lifetime.
Upon arriving home, Ying Chun decided to have the carriage enter directly through the main gate into the front courtyard. She called for a sturdy maidservant, and together with Bao Xia, carefully helped their mistress onto the servant's back. Hua Zhi opened her eyes briefly, confirmed she was home, and fell back into a deep sleep.
Hua Ling had been waiting for her elder sister's return to ask about the scholar's condition. Seeing this, she bit her lip and silently stepped forward to help prepare the bed.
She didn't know if her elder sister was always this tired, but she knew today's exhaustion was for her sake.
Perhaps pushed to her limit, Hua Zhi slept so soundly that she didn't change positions all night. When she opened her eyes again, the sky seemed brighter than usual.
"Of course it's bright—it's already past mid-morning." Ying Chun grinned from ear to ear, delighted to see her mistress sleeping so soundly.
"Is it that late already?" Hua Zhi felt languid all over, her mind empty of pressing matters. Reluctant to leave this state of utter comfort, she decided not to rush getting up, stealing a half-day of leisure.
"Yes, you slept very deeply." Ying Chun brought tea for her to rinse her mouth and fed her a cup of water before continuing, "The First Madam and Fourth Madam came by, and the Third Young Lady visited once too. But seeing you sleeping so well, they all instructed me not to wake you.""Nothing urgent? How is Third Sister's spirits?"
"The maid said she seems fine, and I haven't heard of anything urgent."
Good, that's enough. Hua Zhi didn't want to think too much about it; her mind needed to rest and reboot.
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