Chapter 428: The Wei Family Issues a Challenge
After a moment of silence, Gu Yanxi changed the subject. "Today is the day the provincial exam results are announced."
Hua Zhi calculated—indeed, it was time for the results. She had completely forgotten about it, as it had little to do with her. While her grandfather and father might recognize some candidates, she knew none—well, except for one participant she was acquainted with. "Did my cousin pass the exam?"
"Yes, Yu Xiasheng ranked second."
"The same Yu Xiasheng who helped Hua Ling?"
"Correct."
Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised, yet it made sense. A person's actions reflect their character. She didn’t know much about Yu Xiasheng’s literary talent, but the fact that he stepped in to help despite knowing the odds were against him, and later remarked that the pain kept him awake, showed he hadn’t wasted his time studying the classics.
"I hope he excels in next year’s metropolitan exam."
"If even the second-ranked scholar can’t pass, I’ll have to investigate whether there’s any foul play." Gu Yanxi lowered his gaze and brought up another, less pleasant matter. "The Wei Family is holding a Pure Conversation Gathering in three days."
They actually dared to host one? Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. "Do they have backing?"
Gu Yanxi found it difficult to respond and remained silent.
"On one hand, they’re pushing me to the brink, and on the other, they’re digging into the Hua family’s fortune. How capricious." Hua Zhi picked up her teacup, took a sip, and barely managed to swallow it. "Brew some fresh tea."
Liu Xiang quietly entered and busied herself with the task.
Gu Yanxi could clearly see A Zhi’s displeasure. Though he wasn’t responsible for the situation, he still felt guilty and could only grasp her hand in a pleading manner.
Hua Zhi shot him a sidelong glance and let out a soft hum, unable to bring herself to take her frustration out on him. "Have the invitations already been sent out?"
"Most likely."
"Then I’ll wait and see how grand an affair they can pull off."
As they spoke, footsteps echoed from outside. Liu Xiang hurried out—her young lady was still holding hands with someone and couldn’t be seen like that.
The visitor was Steward Xu. After inquiring, Liu Xiang returned to report, "Young Lady, Official Chen requests an audience."
Hua Zhi couldn’t recall which Official Chen he was and asked, "Which one?"
"Official Chen Dayi."
Hua Zhi withdrew her hand and stood up. "Please escort him to the main hall."
"Yes."
"Are you in a hurry to leave?" Hua Zhi glanced at the man.
Gu Yanxi smiled. "No, I’ll wait for you to return."
Walking back to the desk, she retrieved some documents and placed them on the table, giving them a light pat. "Take a look at these in the meantime. I’ve drafted some plans."
Gu Yanxi gently embraced A Zhi before settling into the large chair. "Go ahead. His visit at this hour is likely related to the Wei Family’s Pure Conversation Gathering."
Chen Dayi had indeed come about the gathering. The usually composed man was too agitated to sit still, pacing back and forth. Upon seeing Hua Zhi, he clasped his hands and spoke bluntly, "Have you heard, Miss, that the Wei Family is hosting a Pure Conversation Gathering?"
"I just learned of it." Hua Zhi gestured for him to sit and took a seat herself. "Have you received an invitation, Official Chen?"
"Exactly." Chen Dayi’s face flushed with anger. "I am my teacher’s student, and yet they had the audacity to send me an invitation. This is utterly insulting!"
"Precisely because you are Grandfather’s student, the Wei Family would be all the more eager to invite you."
"How could I possibly attend!"
Hua Zhi smiled. "Why not? You’re not the one at fault here."
Chen Dayi frowned. "If I go, what would that say about my loyalty to my teacher?"
"The very purpose of a Pure Conversation Gathering is to engage in scholarly discussions."Chen Dayi's eyes lit up. Among aristocratic families, very few truly participated in the imperial examinations. They had plenty of alternatives - the Imperial Academy being an excellent option. Aside from a handful, who would willingly subject themselves to that cutthroat competition?
The Hua family was one of those rare exceptions. Every generation of the Hua family took part in the imperial examinations. The teacher had been personally selected as the top scholar by the Emperor, and the eldest Hua brother was also a palace graduate. Therefore, the Hua family's Pure Conversation Gatherings were genuinely free from any political discussions. Precisely because of this, they had been esteemed for so many years and tolerated by the Emperor.
The Wei Family? What did the Wei Family have!
"Young Mistress is right. Pure Conversation Gatherings should indeed focus on scholarly discussions. Though I may lack talent, I am still a humble palace graduate. I believe I can hold my own in academic matters - why not attend once?"
Hua Zhi lowered her head and took a sip of tea. People must first disgrace themselves before others disgrace them. Those without the capability yet still striving for recognition only invite ridicule. She didn't mind adding fuel to the fire, making it burn even brighter.
Since he was an unrelated man, Chen Dayi didn't stay long to avoid suspicion. Before leaving, he said, "Now that the Hua family relies entirely on you, Young Mistress, you must take good care of your health."
Hua Zhi was momentarily taken aback, then touched her forehead and smiled in acknowledgment.
After seeing Chen Dayi off, she had just reached the study door when she saw the steward striding briskly across the courtyard. She decided to stop and wait.
"Young Mistress, the Wei Family has sent an invitation."
The Wei Family? A sudden thought flashed through Hua Zhi's mind. She took the invitation, opened it, and immediately laughed in anger. How dare the Wei Family send such an invitation knowing full well that the Hua family currently had no adult male members! What were their intentions?
"Where is the messenger?"
"Waiting in the reception room."
Hua Zhi returned to her room, pulled out a name card, and swiftly wrote a few lines with flying brushstrokes. She threw down the brush and handed the card to the steward without waiting for the ink to dry. "Give this to him."
"Yes." Steward Xu glanced subtly at Gu Yanxi before turning to leave.
"What happened?" Gu Yanxi brought his teacup to her lips, waiting until she had taken several sips before asking.
Hua Zhi gestured with her chin toward the name card on the desk. "See for yourself."
Gu Yanxi frowned after reading it. "This can't be the Emperor's intention. He's currently eager for you to focus entirely on making money for him - he wouldn't do something to distract you."
"I know it's not his idea. He just chose a rather unsuitable person to try and take over everything from the Hua family." Hua Zhi smiled. "This can't be blamed on me for not serving him diligently. Since the opponent has challenged, I can only accept the battle."
"I'll return and mention this to the Emperor, to make the Wei Family..."
"No need. Don't return to the palace. Leave the city directly later. And," Hua Zhi looked at him steadily, "Yan Xi, from now on, don't speak on my behalf before the Emperor. I'm beginning to understand his mindset now - the more you stand by my side, the more he'll target me. If you don't mention me and appear less concerned about me, he'll feel more comfortable."
Gu Yanxi smiled bitterly. "I used to think I was omnipotent, but since meeting you, I feel like I can't accomplish anything.""That's not true." Hua Zhi immediately refuted, "That's not how it is. If it weren't for you, I would have died countless times already. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have progressed so smoothly, and the Hua family wouldn't have established its footing so quickly. The things you say you couldn't accomplish are all related to the Emperor. This isn't because you're incapable, but because you have no choice. He is the Emperor and you are his subject; he is the elder and you are the junior. You're constrained by him in every aspect. Yet even so, you've exhausted every means to help me. Yan Xi, half of what I've achieved today is supported by you."
PS: The next chapter will undergo major revisions, so it'll probably be very late. Well, ladies, keep those monthly votes coming!
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