Although the plan had been drafted, not only Hua Zhi and Gu Yanxi, but even Shaoyao knew that implementation would be far from easy. The salt reform alone would inevitably cause significant upheaval. Throughout history, reforms had always required bloodshed, and this time, multiple changes were involved, affecting the interests of many. The backlash was predictable.
Yet it had to be done.
Hua Zhi traced the rim of her teacup. "The Seven Constellation Bureau should not step into the open. All subsequent matters, regardless of their nature, must be ordered directly by the Emperor. Firstly, this lends legitimacy and leaves no room for criticism—anyone who dares oppose can be charged with rebellion. Secondly, I don’t want you to attract resentment. The Seven Constellation Bureau should remain above the officials; getting too close would diminish their fear. You’ve already done too much."
"That was my intention as well. In the past, I sought to share his burdens, anticipating his needs to spare him hardship. But since he still has the energy to stir up trouble, it seems my efforts are no longer necessary."
Gu Yanxi’s tone was indifferent. Years of exhaustive efforts had left him weary. Were it not for the poor timing, he would gladly relinquish everything to stay by A Zhi’s side, doing nothing at all.
Hua Zhi lowered her gaze to conceal her satisfaction. Yanxi’s disillusionment with the Emperor was the greatest gain from this situation.
"I won’t enter the palace. You go and report, Yanxi. I agree to this matter, but I expect no one to interfere with my decisions. Moreover, when I need cooperation, he must ensure others comply. Also, recall Little Six to the capital. I want him by my side."
"If you take Little Six with you, the Emperor will assume you intend to push him for the throne."
"Would he not think so even if I didn’t? Since we’re already labeled as the Sixth Prince’s faction, what does it matter if I make it more obvious? Or will you stand by when other princes scheme?"
A faint smile touched Gu Yanxi’s eyes. "I will deal with them."
"There are only six princes. Let’s leave the Emperor with no other choice. Compared to securing his legacy for posterity, this is trivial." Hua Zhi smiled, yet Yanxi felt as if he saw her baring fangs. Strangely, this sharp-edged A Zhi seemed more like her true self than her usual calm demeanor, and he found himself unable to look away.
After settling the broad framework, the two refined the details. Gu Yanxi returned to the palace only when the appointed time approached.
As A Zhi had predicted, the Emperor did not refuse but asked, "Do you have such faith in Little Six?"
"If it had been the Fifth Prince sent to A Zhi’s side, then it would be him we favored. Since we’re already firmly the Sixth Prince’s faction, there’s no point overthinking it."
The Emperor fell silent. It was true—ever since Xiao Liu’er was placed with the Hua family, he had regarded Hua Zhi as part of the Sixth Prince’s faction. Now, it was merely shifting from covert to overt. What difference did it make? Even if Hua Zhi claimed to support another prince, would he believe her?
With a light laugh, the Emperor said, "I am beginning to believe Hua Zhi can truly accomplish this."
Gu Yanxi kept his eyes downcast, remaining silent.
The Emperor’s good mood shattered. For all his scheming, he had never intended to alienate his nephew.
"Yanxi, you know how I have treated you."
"Every kindness you have shown me, I have repaid tenfold."The Emperor, flushed with anger and humiliation, slammed the imperial desk and snapped, "Do you intend to settle accounts with me?"
Gu Yanxi knelt on the ground, bowing low. He closed his eyes, his voice trembling slightly, "The sovereign is the sovereign, the subject is the subject. I have recognized my place and dare not overstep."
With a crash, the Emperor swept everything off the imperial desk once more. His vision blurred, and he gripped the desk tightly to maintain his composure.
"Your Majesty! This old servant will summon the imperial physician immediately..." Lai Fu grew frantic, supporting the Emperor to sit before rushing out.
The Emperor raised a hand to stop him. Watching his unmoving nephew still kneeling, his heart churned with mixed emotions. In the past, Yanxi would have rushed forward without hesitation, yet even with Lai Fu's words, he did not even lift his head.
The thought that he, who had always been close to his nephew, was treated this way over a mere desire for posthumous fame made the Emperor resent Hua Zhi even more while feeling deeply wounded. Could it be that years of uncle-nephew affection were no match for their trivial romantic entanglements? If not for his current need to use Hua Zhi, he would have made her regret ever being born!
The more he brooded, the more unsettled he became. The Emperor snorted coldly, pushed Lai Fu aside, and strode out of the room.
Only when all sounds faded did Gu Yanxi rise to his feet. He gazed at the now-empty seat for a moment before also leaving the imperial study. Though feelings could not vanish overnight, the sense of closeness had truly been lost.
Hua Zhi coaxed Shaoyao out and closed the door before sitting at her desk.
She knew she should quickly draft a plan—where to start, who was involved—all needed careful consideration. Yet, when she picked up the brush, her mind went blank, unable to focus no matter how hard she tried.
It was a mix of lingering fear and indignation.
Setting the brush aside, Hua Zhi leaned over the desk, comforting herself. It was nothing serious. Having died once already, every extra day of life was a gain—and she had gained abundantly. Consider it, she thought, the price paid for living an extra lifetime here. Yes, this was the cost of being reborn in this world and attaining all she had.
Taking a deep breath, Hua Zhi lifted her head. If she truly carried out these tasks, it would benefit the nation and its people. Whichever deity or Buddha had brought her here, she would be repaying a small part of that debt.
Steadying her resolve, she picked up the brush again. She had no time to waste.
Early the next morning, Hua Zhi sent a message to the Zhu Family. After lunch and a short rest, she went to visit them.
Zhu Bowen, having received the news, returned home early. In the past, no matter the matter, Zhi Er would wait for him at home. Today, however, she had sent someone to arrange a meeting, which hinted at no small matter. He wondered if something had happened to the Hua family or her business.
The Old Madam, who often socialized in various households, had not heard any rumors and was thus more at ease than her husband. Perhaps it was good news? That girl would never leave her maternal family out of any good fortune.
"The eldest young lady has arrived." The matron watching at the door smiled upon seeing the steward leading Hua Zhi over. But as she drew closer, the smile turned into a gasp. "Eldest young lady, are you ill? What happened?"
The Old Madam, hearing this, hurried to the door just as Hua Zhi reached it. Before Hua Zhi could bow in greeting, the Old Madam grabbed her hands. "What's wrong? You look injured!"
"I just had a minor fall. It's nothing serious, please don’t worry." Hua Zhi supported her grandmother inside. When she tried to bow to her grandfather, her grandmother stopped her. "No need for formalities. Quickly tell your grandmother what happened. Has someone bullied you?""Nothing of the sort. I wasn't paying attention while walking and took a tumble, but it wasn't serious—just a minor scrape. My maids insisted on dressing it up like this, worried I might get a scar," Hua Zhi said, mixing truth with fabrication. "Zhi Er can unwrap it to ease your mind."
"No need, no need. Your maids did right by you. One must be cautious about such things—we certainly can't risk leaving any marks."
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