No one from the Zhu family came, which surprised Hua Zhi.
"Lord Zhu is a sensible man." Gu Yanxi leaned against the headboard, looking rather spirited—perhaps finally freed from the burdens and responsibilities weighing him down. "Given how things have developed, others might still consider ways to distance themselves from the Hua family, but the Zhu and Hua families are inextricably linked. Since this is the inevitable outcome, why spoil your New Year's Day by visiting?"
That made sense. Hua Zhi nodded thoughtfully.
"Besides, aren't you accompanying your mother to her maternal home tomorrow? Lord Zhu can afford to wait one day."
"I'd rather believe Grandfather wants me to enjoy the New Year."
"That's not wrong either." Gu Yanxi smiled and nodded. "The capital isn't that large. Those from deeply rooted aristocratic families have known each other since childhood, yet most end up estranged or turning hostile for their own interests. Even those who maintain ties are often bound by mutual benefits. When their interests are threatened, their first thought is how to extricate themselves. Old Master Zhu and Old Master Hua are exceptions. Back then, Old Master Hua went to great lengths to help Old Master Zhu regain his standing, and now Old Master Zhu is doing his utmost to protect the Hua family. Such is true friendship—it will surely become a celebrated tale in years to come."
"That sounds quite beautiful." Hua Zhi blinked. "Are you returning to the Heir Apparent Residence?"
"I had Chen Qing move all my belongings out. People need to know I wasn't just making empty threats."
Hua Zhi opened her mouth but found she had no constructive advice to offer. Yan Xi was not impulsive; every decision he made was carefully considered. He didn't need others to tell him what to do—and that included her.
She only needed to support him.
Shaoyao entered with medicine, marveling at how the two interacted like close friends. It was her first time seeing a man and a woman get along so naturally, and she thought it couldn't be better. Just watching them made her feel she had so much—more than anything in the world could replace.
"Are you planning to drink that yourself?" Hua Zhi turned to tease her.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Shaoyao giggled, trotted over, shoved the medicine into Yan Ge's hands, and nestled close to Hua Hua to cling to her.
Hua Zhi once again felt like she had raised a daughter—one two years older than her current body.
Pulling her to sit down, Hua Zhi handed the preserved fruits to the man who had drunk the medicine without flinching. "Won't it be a problem if Cao Cao doesn't return to the palace?"
"We can't drag her back to be executed." Gu Yanxi picked a preserved fruit and put it in his mouth. The bitter medicine hadn't bothered him, but he now tasted how sweet the fruit was.
"I'm not going back to the palace. Even if an imperial decree comes, I won't go." Shaoyao snorted. She didn't sit properly either, settling by Hua Zhi's legs and resting her head on them, thoroughly enjoying this intimate, secure posture.
"Yu Lao should be back soon."
Shaoyao shrank her neck, feeling guilty. While others had disciples serving their masters, in her case, the master served the disciple. Her master would surely scold her.
While the atmosphere here was harmonious, the palace was so tense that servants and eunuchs walked on tiptoe. Those needing to sneeze or cough stifled themselves, afraid any noise might bring disaster upon them.In the Palace of Blessings and Longevity, the Empress Dowager sat in full ceremonial attire with her eyes closed. She had not changed out of it since the imperial descendants paid their morning respects. In her old age, she needed these robes to ward off the sinister forces lurking around.
Zhinang hurried in. "Your Majesty, Moon Consort has sent word that she is unwell and wishes to summon the imperial physician."
"How many in the palace are truly well? It's the New Year—let the physicians have some peace during the festivities."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Zhinang went to prepare tea. The Empress Dowager only opened her eyes when the fragrance reached her, accepting the cup and holding it beneath her nose.
The tea reminded her of its maker. Gazing down at the leaves swirling in the cup, she asked, "Is Yan Xi still at the Hua residence?"
"Yes, it is said he hasn't left."
"Not that he could leave. To thrust himself toward that position—he truly has the heart for it." Her hand trembled, spilling some tea. As if unaware of the heat, she waved away Zhinang's attempt to take the cup and drank two sips. Yet no amount of hot tea could warm the chill in her heart.
Whenever she recalled her grandson stabbing himself, and the two young women supporting him as they navigated the palace's winding corridors, she shuddered. That was her grandson—the Heir who had rendered immense service to the Daqing Dynasty. In such a state, not even a palanquin was prepared for him. How it chilled more than just her heart!
"I truly wish to tear Haoyue limb from limb!"
Zhinang softly counseled, "You'll have plenty of opportunities to deal with her later, but not now. If not for the imperial family's dignity, you must endure for the Heir's sake. The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind—we mustn't let others profit."
The Empress Dowager closed her eyes, suppressing her bloodthirsty impulse. Just as she was about to speak, an announcement came from outside: "The Emperor has arrived."
Setting down the cup, she drew a long breath, stood, straightened her robes, and took two steps forward—neither overly familiar nor distant, exactly as usual.
"Your son pays respects to Mother."
The pallid Emperor gave a perfunctory bow, which she casually acknowledged. "It's the New Year today. Will you join this old mother for a meal?"
The Emperor's expression softened. "This son has been neglectful. As Mother wishes."
Zhinang immediately went to make arrangements. Lai Fu glanced up and ushered the other attendants out.
After a moment of silence, the Empress Dowager spoke first. "If you've come to take Haoyue away, don't feel uneasy. Take her."
The Emperor's gaze darkened. "Do you suspect she was involved?"
"What if she was? What if she wasn't? Since she's your favored consort, I wouldn't deprive you of your pleasure. Rest assured, I've only confined her—nothing more."
"Mother blames your son."
"This old mother aches for her grandson. Surely the Emperor can understand." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Yet I must still stand by your side. This heartache is merely words."
The Emperor stared into emptiness, repeating, "You blame your son."
The Empress Dowager pinched her brow, restraining herself to keep her tone from sharpening. "I always believed a rift could never occur between you and Yan Xi. That child is forbearing—respecting you, valuing you, considering the greater picture. You've always treated him with exceptional affection, more than all the princes combined. How... did it come to this? Don't claim you were blinded by a woman's charms. Even I know you dislike Hua Zhi. Who put this thought in your head?"The Empress Dowager looked up, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Who has incited you to forget that Gu Yanxi is the most loyal person under heaven to you, your own nephew?"
The emperor’s face stiffened, his mouth opening and closing, yet not a single word came out.
He wanted to say he hadn’t forgotten—he just hadn’t expected the imperial family to produce such a devoted soul.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside, and mother and son simultaneously fell silent, turning their attention toward the noise.
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