When Gu Yanxi visited in the evening, Hua Zhi told him about the Xie family's matter.
"I know this person. He extricated himself quite skillfully during Fang Hongzhi's case—adept at social climbing and handling relationships. Although he serves in the Ministry of Revenue, he maintains connections with all the other ministries." Gu Yanxi tapped the table with his knuckles. "I happened to investigate him before. Not only is he accomplished in his official career, but he also manages most of the Xie family's businesses."
Hua Zhi smiled wryly. The rule forbidding officials from engaging in commerce had always been nonsense. As long as one wasn't as blatant as her in running businesses, who would know what other families were doing?
"He's not the only one interested in my ventures, but he's the only one who would stoop to such methods. Someone who can adapt readily and has thick skin is most suited for officialdom."
"I'll have someone look into this marriage matter later." Gu Yanxi took her hand in his. "Wu Yong's memorial arrived today. Yinshan Pass has been formally divided into two sections—the front for military camps and the rear for residential areas. Wu Yong secured several official positions for the Hua family, which the Emperor approved."
This was the best news Hua Zhi had heard in a long time. Some of the worry in her heart finally eased. With official positions, they wouldn't be easily bullied at Yinshan Pass. However, "What is the Emperor's attitude?"
"The Emperor knows the border cannot be compromised. He was once a wise ruler, though he's grown somewhat confused in recent years. A Zhi, don't be prejudiced against him."
"I hold no prejudice. The Hua family wishes to be loyal ministers but encountered less than wise rulers—that's our fate. Grandfather and the others have no regrets; even at the border, they think of Daqing's welfare. I simply lack such lofty awareness."
Hua Zhi tried to withdraw her hand but couldn't, so she stopped struggling. Her smile was faint, indeed without the hatred Gu Yanxi feared. A Zhi was different from anyone he knew—she held too little reverence for imperial authority. Though she usually appeared no different from others, in her heart, the Emperor was just an ordinary person. That's why she dared say things like waiting for the Emperor to die.
"Let's not discuss this. I'll assign you several stewards. The personnel transferred from my side will be under their management. Even if discovered later, it won't give people grounds for criticism."
Hua Zhi raised her eyebrows. "Will they listen to me?"
"How dare they not?" Gu Yanxi leaned closer. "I told them to regard you as they regard me."
Pushing away his undeniably masculine face, Hua Zhi turned away. "I refuse to be seduced by looks."
Gu Yanxi was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. His face could stop children from crying in others' eyes, yet A Zhi called it seduction. His A Zhi always knew how to pluck the deepest strings of his heart so effortlessly!
Hua Zhi lowered her head, also smiling. If her impulsive words could make Yanxi happy, then they weren't wasted.
Gu Yanxi acted quickly. The next morning, three stewards were brought in by Wang Rong. Upon seeing Hua Zhi, all three performed deep bows.
Hua Zhi quickly considered the situation and accepted the gesture. Some people shouldn't be treated too familiarly—this required proper measure.
The three stewards were similar in age, all around thirty years old. Their names were easy to remember: Lu Da, Lu Er, and Lu San.
Hearing their surname, Hua Zhi understood they were likely dowry servants from Yanxi's mother. She didn't inquire further, simply acknowledging their bows before asking, "How many people are under your management altogether?"
"Replying to the young lady, there are one hundred fifty people in total, with fifty under each of us."Hua Zhi couldn't help feeling somewhat envious that they could casually produce a hundred and fifty people, given how desperately short-handed she was. "I won't need you for now. Carry on as usual during this period, and I'll inform you once I've established the regulations. Additionally, regardless of whatever rules you followed before, under my command, you must abide by my rules."
"Yes," replied Lu Da. "Our master has instructed us to follow the Eldest Miss's orders in all matters."
Pleased with their attitude, Hua Zhi nodded. "Ying Chun, explain things to them."
"Yes."
Having decided to visit Hai Wei today, Hua Zhi didn't want to delay any longer. To her surprise, just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she saw Hua Ling and her sisters approaching together. Spotting her, they immediately quickened their pace, clearly intending to speak with her.
Though resigned, Hua Zhi had no choice but to stop and wait.
"Elder Sister," the three greeted in unison. Hua Ling asked, "Are you going out, Elder Sister?"
"Yes, I need to make some preparations for the new business. Do you need something?"
The three exchanged glances before Second Miss Hua Xin stated their purpose. "Elder Sister, we've studied the account books thoroughly, but some things can only be truly understood by seeing them firsthand. So we were thinking... of visiting the estate."
"Very well."
None of them had expected their elder sister to agree so readily, and all the reasons they had prepared were swallowed back unspoken.
The sun broke through the clouds, its rays scattering the gloom. Hua Zhi was momentarily dazzled by the light and instinctively narrowed her eyes. "In business, seeing is believing. No amount of hearsay counts for much. Mr. Wang isn't busy at this hour—I'll ask him to take you there. Bringing along a few guards should suffice. After all, this is the imperial capital; there aren't many like Young Master Wei around."
"Yes, thank you, Elder Sister. We'll return as quickly as possible."
"No need to rush. One day probably won't be enough. Stay there tonight, and I'll have Mr. Wang pick you up tomorrow afternoon."
The three grew excited and responded cheerfully in agreement.
Hua Zhi smiled, turned to leave, but after two steps paused and looked back. "Explain things clearly to your mothers. Don't be vague. They'll only stop worrying if they know what's going on."
"Yes."
Ever since cartloads of seafood arrived that day, Hai Wei had been bustling with activity. The capital wasn't coastal, so people usually only saw dried seafood. Such an abundance of fresh seafood was a first for almost everyone. Crowds gathered outside the door just to catch a glimpse, and over two days, word spread rapidly throughout the city about a soon-to-open restaurant called Hai Wei—essentially free advertising.
As Hua Zhi stepped down from the carriage, she wondered if it was just her imagination, but she could already smell the ocean at the doorstep—a hint of salt, a touch of fishiness, but not unpleasant.
"Miss," Fu Dong hurried forward to greet her.
"Is everyone here?"
"Yes." Fu Dong supported her as they walked inside, adding, "Don't worry. With a few more days of targeted training, they'll all be ready to work independently."
"If you say they're usable, then they're certainly usable," Hua Zhi laughed. Back when she first planned this venture, she had Fu Dong train a group of cooks, focusing particularly on preparing fresh fish. Most of them had some foundational skills and picked things up quickly.
However, they were all female cooks, so they might struggle with tasks requiring physical strength.
The group headed straight to the kitchen, where the smell of the sea grew stronger the further they went. Seeing the fish and shrimp swimming happily in their separate tanks, Hua Zhi suddenly felt a surge of satisfaction. So many of them!"Miss," Chen Momo bustled forward, full of energy, "Everything you asked to be prepared is ready. It was delivered yesterday, and the other party said if there's anything unsatisfactory, it can still be modified."
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