In the imperial palace, Shaoyao ran out of the hall, sneezed, rubbed her nose, and then went back inside to continue burying herself in tinkering with the prescription.
The Fourth Prince glanced at her, took the tea from Lai Fu, and handed it to his father. "Is Shaoyao feeling unwell?"
Shaoyao completely ignored him. She’d be delighted if she were unwell—it would mean she could leave the palace sooner. Hmph!
The Emperor, half-reclining on the bed, watched Shaoyao, who sat with a bold, unladylike posture, his eyes showing a hint of indulgence. "I hope you haven’t caught my illness."
"I’m perfectly healthy!" Shaoyao slapped the completed prescription into Lai Fu’s hand. "Fetch the herbs. I’ll brew them myself."
Lai Fu looked toward the Emperor, who voiced his suspicion, "Would the Imperial Medical Bureau dare tamper with my medicine?"
"I’m afraid they don’t understand how to preserve the potency," Shaoyao replied without a hint of hesitation, as if it were perfectly natural to speak this way about the entire Imperial Medical Bureau. To her, this was her prescription, and she knew best how to handle it. Besides, the Emperor’s body was too fragile; she had to carefully maintain the balance and didn’t dare entrust it to anyone else.
The Emperor chuckled and signaled Lai Fu to fetch the herbs. Compared to the imperial physicians, he indeed trusted Shaoyao more.
The Fourth Prince shot Shaoyao a dark look, then turned to speak with his father when an announcement came from outside: "Your Majesty, Moon Consort has arrived."
"Oh? Let her in."
Haoyue entered dressed in a white palace gown, her expression calm. The Fourth Prince rose to greet her, but she only gave a slight nod in return. Only when facing the Emperor did a trace of concern appear on her face. "Are you feeling better?"
"Nothing serious," the Emperor replied, taking her hand—one aged, the other youthful, a stark contrast. Haoyue glanced at their hands and averted her gaze.
"I’ve come to keep you company and ease your boredom."
"I sleep more than I’m awake. I won’t keep you here suffering. Your visit is enough—go back and rest."
Haoyue didn’t leave immediately, staying to chat for a while before departing. By then, the Emperor’s energy was waning, and the Fourth Prince seized the opportunity to take his leave, quickly catching up to Haoyue.
"I heard you suffered from headaches a few days ago, Consort. I hope you’re feeling better now?"
Haoyue’s lips curved slightly. "Does the Fourth Prince not know my identity before entering the palace? How could the esteemed Seven Stars Cult Leader fail to cure such a minor ailment?"
The Fourth Prince hadn’t expected her to openly acknowledge her identity and found her somewhat unique. He smiled and said, "I only knew that the Consort was once privately detained by the head of the Seven Constellation Bureau. The Seven Constellation Bureau has always held certain privileges, but I didn’t expect the matter to be dropped so lightly."
"What is the Fourth Prince implying?" Haoyue stopped and looked at him. She had no desire to interact excessively with the Fourth Prince—it would benefit neither of them. But lately, she had been restless. In the inner palace, it was too difficult to meet an outsider. She had waited a long time without any opportunity to see that person. Hearing the Fourth Prince mention it, she couldn’t help but want to know more—to find out… how he felt about her entering the palace.
The Fourth Prince glanced around, his smile still in place but his voice lowered. "This isn’t the place to talk."
Haoyue studied him for a moment, then turned to leave. "It has been so long since I entered the palace, and I have yet to formally pay my respects to the Noble Consort. That was remiss of me. I should go and visit her."The Fourth Prince smiled with satisfaction. His men had discovered that Haoyue had frequent interactions with the leader of the Seven Constellation Bureau while still detained in Yuzhou, and their meetings had only increased since arriving in the capital. He refused to believe there was nothing between them, and today’s probing confirmed it.
If Haoyue had some special relationship with that person... The young prince’s smile deepened with implication.
By mid-October, layers of clothing had been added one after another. This year seemed unusually cold.
Hua Zhi received the first batch of winter tea processed according to her method. She brewed a pot, took a sip, and frowned.
Seeing her expression, Gu Yanxi immediately asked, "Does it taste off?"
"A bit bland." After another sip, she set down the small cup. "But it’s still far better than brick tea. Next year, we’ll see which of Ying Chun and the others can spare time to personally demonstrate at various tea gardens. We mustn’t waste my good tea leaves."
"I think it tastes quite good."
"How much tea have you even tried?" Hua Zhi teased him. "Do you think people will accept this flavor?"
"Anyone who’s tasted it finds it acceptable and considers brick tea nearly undrinkable now." Gu Yanxi smiled. "You don’t need to worry about lack of demand."
"I’m not too concerned. Good products never lack buyers. Just make sure the accounts are kept clear. Besides, the tea merchants must be growing restless."
"I’ve already instructed that if anyone approaches, they should be informed of our agreed terms."
Hua Zhi nodded, picking up the small teapot to warm her hands. "How are the mushroom sales in Yuzhou?"
"Selling as well as in the capital. As the weather cools and vegetables become scarcer, business will only improve." Noticing how she shivered despite her thick layers, Gu Yanxi called out, "Liu Xiang, light the stove."
"It’s only October." Hua Zhi laughed helplessly. Lighting the stove this early seemed excessive.
"You’re cold."
Hua Zhi couldn’t argue. She truly felt chilled, a deep cold seeping from her bones leaving her hands and feet icy.
"Still planning to go north in November?"
"Perhaps a bit earlier. Several business matters are arranged, and your people can handle follow-ups. I trust them."
Gu Yanxi frowned, unable to suppress his concern. If she felt this cold at home, how much worse would the journey be? Yet he knew persuading A Zhi was impossible. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Then let’s leave earlier. Are your preparations complete?"
"Almost. This year we don’t need to bring frostbite ointments, and many supplies can be acquired there, so we’ll travel lighter."
Gu Yanxi decided firmly, "We depart in four days."
Hua Zhi considered it and agreed, though she asked, "Will you accompany me again this year?"
"Of course. I’d never let you go alone."
"But the Emperor..."
"With the major changes at Yinshan Pass and the addition of fifty thousand new recruits, I have valid reasons to inspect the situation."
Hua Zhi chuckled. "You don’t need to convince me—just the Emperor."
Gu Yanxi smiled too. "He’s also concerned. He’ll permit my going."
Hua Zhi’s eyes curved with amusement, but the thought of the long journey made her legs feel weak. She couldn’t help missing certain modern conveyances. Shadowtreader was an excellent horse, but even the finest steed chafed her thighs, jolted her bones sore, and offered no shelter from wind or snow.
Yet she had to go.Knowing she was heading north again, the family was happy but couldn't help feeling distressed. Though secluded in the inner courtyards and unaware of the storms outside, they could see how busy the eldest young lady had been and how the weather grew colder with each passing day. They ached for a young woman like her to travel through wind and snow, and merely imagining such hardship made them shiver.
Yet no one could persuade Hua Zhi.
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