Hua Zhi knew her grandmother was still worried, so she explained how she had handled the situation, what medicines she had used, and the dietary precautions she had taken, behaving as obediently as ever. However, Old Madam, having managed the household for many years, possessed exceptionally sharp perception. Unnoticed by Hua Zhi, she subtly signaled to the steward with her eyes.
Understanding her meaning, the steward stepped out briefly and returned to report, "Old Madam, the manager from the outer shop has something to report. What would you like to do…"
"Have him wait in the flower hall. I’ll go there now."
"Yes."
Old Madam stood up. "You two grandparents can chat for now. Zhi Er, are you free to stay for dinner tonight?"
Hua Zhi rose as well. "I’m afraid not today, Grandmother. Please forgive me. I’ll come another day to keep you company."
"Why bother with such formalities? You’re already busy enough—who would blame you?" Adjusting Hua Zhi’s clothes, Old Madam sighed quietly. "Alright, go talk with your grandfather."
Watching her grandmother leave, Hua Zhi bowed slightly to her grandfather. "This matter is of great importance. Please find a place where we won’t be disturbed."
Zhu Bowen’s heart sank. He led her to the study.
At the corner, Old Madam, who should have left, watched the grandfather and granddaughter disappear from sight before turning in another direction. She whispered instructions, "Zhinang, send someone to investigate if anything has happened in the capital recently. Go to the Hua family and try to get some information from the young mistress, then ask Lin Shuang."
The maid named Zhinang acknowledged and supported her as they walked forward, softly comforting her, "It probably isn’t anything serious, or it would have spread throughout the city by now. Don’t overthink it. Even if the young lady’s business encounters any trouble, with you here, how could she suffer any loss?"
Old Madam shook her head and said no more. Hua Zhi’s temperament could not be adequately described as steady and calm, but today she was clearly agitated. Moreover, everyone around her was capable—how could she have fallen for no reason? She even suspected it wasn’t a fall at all. However, this was ultimately a Hua family matter, and Hua Zhi clearly did not want her to know. She could only step aside and ask her husband later—he wouldn’t hide it from her.
In the study, Hua Zhi revealed everything without holding back.
Even Zhu Bowen, who considered himself well-versed in the ups and downs of officialdom, was so startled he could no longer remain seated. He paced back and forth to ease his shock. "Does anyone else know about this?"
"The head of the Seven Constellation Bureau, Shaoyao, you, and me."
Zhu Bowen knew of Shaoyao, the female doctor, but the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau…
He looked at his granddaughter. "The one with the scar on his face?"
"Yes."
At that moment, Zhu Bowen felt both pleased that his granddaughter had confided in him and troubled. The matter was too significant—Hua Zhi’s secret engagement with the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau was a serious affair, and placing such a heavy burden on her was an even greater concern.
"What is his stance?"
"He stands with me."
"Are you certain?"
Hua Zhi did not rush to answer. After turning the question over in her mind a few times, she nodded. "Yes, I trust him."
"Very well. I promise you, if the Emperor gives the order, I will mobilize the Ministry of Revenue to fully support you. Even if the Emperor fails to keep his word, I will do everything in my power to assist you."
Tears welled in Hua Zhi’s eyes as she bowed sincerely.
Zhu Bowen helped her up and asked, "Do you regret what you’ve done this past year?""No regrets." Hua Zhi didn't need to think twice—even if it drew the Emperor's schemes, she had no regrets. "If time could turn back, I would still step forward to support the Hua family, though I'd be more cautious."
Zhu Bowen felt deeply comforted. He had been worrying needlessly—if she were so easily crushed, she wouldn't be the eldest daughter of the Hua family. Still...
He sighed inwardly. Subjects do not speak of their sovereign's faults; even if the ruler truly erred, ministers could only grit their teeth and accept it. Better to focus on solving the problem.
"Have you decided where to begin?"
"I have a general plan and have already reported it to the Emperor. But if I'm to be the money bag, I need capital first. The assets I currently hold are far from sufficient." Hua Zhi looked at her grandfather. "Once the funds arrive, I'll initiate several projects simultaneously. I'll likely need to trouble the Ministry of Revenue frequently—please be prepared."
"Tell me your plans so I know what to expect."
Hua Zhi organized her thoughts, starting with tea. "First, we need to acquire tea gardens. It's already September—if we move quickly, we can harvest winter tea by October. Though winter tea isn't as prized as autumn or spring tea, if processed well, it will sell."
"Using your method?"
"Yes."
Zhu Bowen sat down, tapping the armrest of his chair. "Once your tea appears on the market, it will be highly sought after. Have you considered how to handle the various interests this will affect?"
"No business should become a monopoly. If others wish to participate, we can negotiate—they need only share their profits with me."
Zhu Bowen nodded. Over the years, his granddaughter had often gifted him tea. The first time he received it, he had hinted—both openly and subtly—that it could be a lucrative venture, but Hua Yizheng had mocked him for being money-obsessed. When he saw Zhi Er focusing on food businesses this past year, he assumed she hadn't gotten around to tea. Now he realized this venture involved too many vested interests—the current Hua family couldn't afford to touch it.
But now things were different. With the Emperor's backing, what business couldn't they undertake?
"If we can dominate this market, the profits will be enormous."
"Nowadays, I only pursue large-scale ventures. This is the first. Next is grain—I plan to lease several plots in the south under my personal name to trial double-cropping rice. I know the late Emperor attempted it and failed, but let me finish. The Seven Constellation Bureau will arrange to bring experts from the Flame Country. They cultivate three seasons there and have far more experience with timing than our farmers. The southern climate is suitable—success is not impossible."
Zhu Bowen remained skeptical. If the Flame Country could harvest three seasons, why wouldn't others envy it? Yet all previous attempts had failed. He opened his mouth to dissuade her, but seeing his granddaughter's determination, he swallowed his words. He couldn't bear to discourage her. Not just in their dynasty—if one looked through historical records, when had any woman ever shouldered such burdens? The Emperor truly...
Suppressing his disrespectful thoughts, Zhu Bowen nodded. "If this succeeds, history will record your achievement."
"What use are empty accolades? If it truly succeeds, the credit will be yours, Grandfather."
Zhu Bowen laughed heartily. "Would I steal your accomplishments? If Hua Yizheng found out, he'd tear this old face of mine to shreds when he returns.""If you don't take advantage, the benefits will fall to the Emperor, and I'm not happy about that." Hua Zhi's tone was indifferent, yet Zhu Bowen could distinctly sense her suppressed anger. Indeed, with Zhi Er being coerced by the Emperor into accepting this task due to her vulnerabilities, it was unlikely she would willingly channel all advantages toward him.
However, "Keep your emotions in check. If outsiders notice, it would be a grave offense."
Hua Zhi pressed her lips together and acknowledged the warning. She knew her grandfather meant well. While the Emperor currently needed her services and might overlook her disrespect, he wouldn't hesitate to target those close to her—or even seize upon any misstep as justification to act.
This realization doused the simmering anger that had plagued her for two days like a bucket of ice water. Only then did Hua Zhi grasp the magnitude of her error. Without her grandfather's reminder, had she arrogantly assumed the Emperor wouldn't touch her and acted recklessly... Just imagining the potential consequences sent a chill down her spine.
How could she have forgotten? This was an era of imperial authority where a single decree from the sovereign could unleash rivers of blood.
OpenNovel