Knowing that his master was not well-informed about the outside situation, Gu Yanxi selectively shared the important details before taking his leave at dusk.
Chen Qing approached, draping a cloak over his master and gesturing toward the carriage with his chin. "The young lady instructed that you should rest."
Gu Yanxi smiled, patted Shadowtreader’s neck, and boarded the carriage.
"Compile a summary of the key matters and deliver it personally to the master as soon as possible."
"Yes." Chen Qing took the driver’s seat, flicking the reins to set the horse in motion. "Have you persuaded the old chief to come out of retirement?"
"The capital is of utmost importance. If I’m not here, I need someone authoritative to keep watch. You stay by A Zhi’s side and assist her. In any situation, prioritize A Zhi’s safety above all." Inside the carriage, there was a blanket and a warm hand warmer. Holding it to warm his hands, he chuckled—only A Zhi still treated him like an invalid.
"Yes."
Hua Zhi had also had a demanding day. All her businesses reopened today. The food house was manageable, as it only accepted reservations from the sixteenth onward, preparing the same number of tables as before. Fu Dong remained in charge of the cooking here, while Hua Zhi had already handed over the seafood restaurant to Liu Juan, only stepping in to oversee critical moments.
The seafood restaurant, however, was different. From the moment it opened, it was packed with customers, with no seats available by noon. Fortunately, they had purchased the adjacent shop before the New Year and converted it into a waiting area. A brazier in the center kept the space warm, and customers sat in order before moving next door when their turn came.
She had considered merging the two spaces, but the shop was small, barely fitting two tables. A full merger would be too troublesome, so she had set the idea aside for the time being.
As for Green Moss Alley and Oriole Cloud Alley, there was no need to mention—every shop had queues, with people crowded shoulder to shoulder. If not for the rule prohibiting queues from blocking the alleyways, the lanes would have been completely congested.
Hua Zhi made her rounds everywhere. The situation was overwhelmingly positive, and she could almost hear the crisp clinking of silver coins filling her pockets.
People could not do without food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, especially when it came to eating. One might buy fewer new clothes, but skipping meals was not an option. Those with a little extra money were willing to spend it to satisfy their cravings.
Seeing such bustling scenes, Hua Zhi felt a growing urge to add one or two more ventures to her family’s businesses. After much hesitation, she decided to hold back for now—she could not afford to give the Emperor any grounds for criticism.
After the meal, Gu Yanxi held a teacup and said, "I’ve had people investigate those families. The Yuan and Yu families are quite suitable, with clean reputations in both family conduct and personal character."
"That’s good. There are several girls in the Hua family’s collateral branches who are of marriageable age. I’ll consult with Grandmother to see which family would be a better match for Second Sister." Hua Zhi suddenly laughed. "We’re busy selecting candidates, but who knows if they’d even consider the Hua family in its current state?"
"They certainly would. A Zhi, you’ve protected your family exceptionally well, and everyone can see that." Just as her grandfather had said, while Hua Zhi braved the storms outside, the rest of the Hua family continued their studies or maintained their roles within the household, leaving no room for criticism. No one had expected Hua Zhi to shield her family to this extent, yet she had done it, transforming herself into an impenetrable wall standing guard at the forefront.Gu Yanxi took A Zhi's hand and kissed it. Her grandfather had mentioned that nowadays, everyone in the capital felt somewhat tender-hearted toward A Zhi. As men, they acknowledged they couldn't have done better than her, let alone a woman traveling abroad with all its inconveniences. The respectful address of "Eldest Miss" from everyone revealed their underlying admiration.
His A Zhi, through her own efforts, had made those arrogant people dare not look down on her. If they ever discovered what she had accomplished behind the scenes, their jaws would drop in astonishment. Gu Yanxi swelled with pride—such an exceptional person was his!
Hua Zhi didn't think she was particularly remarkable; she had simply done her best.
"By the way, let me show you something."
Hua Zhi stood up and brought over a piece of paper with a drawing on it. "This is sugarcane. It's called different names in various regions, like sweet cane or sugar cane. Do you recognize it?"
"I've never seen it before. What is it used for?"
"It can be processed into sugar. The cost isn't high, and the sugar quality is excellent. In some places, children even chew on it as a sweet treat, so it doesn't fetch a high price. If I remember correctly, it should be available in Yangzhou and Jingzhou."
"Since it's not a rare item, someone must have seen it. I'll have my subordinates inquire about it." Gu Yanxi carefully folded the paper. "Is this a major business opportunity?"
"What's the current price of sugar?"
"Well... I'm not sure about that."
"Forgive me for asking the impossible, Heir." Hua Zhi smiled. "From what I know, the cheapest sugar costs at least two hundred wen per jin, while better quality can reach three or four hundred wen. If I can produce sugar superior to what's currently on the market, don't you think that would be a significant venture?"
"Yes." Gu Yanxi loved seeing A Zhi speak with such confidence, as if she were glowing. "Do you plan to offer this business to the Emperor?"
"Mm. Only when he's content can we live comfortably. Since we just offended him, we need to appease him somehow."
Gu Yanxi chuckled softly. This method of appeasing His Majesty would likely be very effective.
Hua Zhi shot him a sidelong glance. Did he think she wanted to do this? If she could keep such a profitable business for herself, she could just lie back and collect money.
However, while she could hand over the business, the process could be drawn out. First, they needed to find the sugarcane, then cultivate it in large quantities. After that, they would have to gradually refine the production method. None of this could be rushed. If they could produce sugar by the end of the year, it would be a success.
All she needed to do was show the Emperor how lucrative this venture could be. As for the progress, he would find out later. Let him be happy for now, so she could enjoy some peace for a while.
Two days later, Gu Yanxi left the capital.
Before departing, he came to bid farewell to A Zhi. "If anything happens, have Chen Qing handle it. If the Emperor gives you trouble, don't confront him directly. Even for my sake, endure it for a while, alright?"
"I understand. I won't throw an egg against a stone."
Drawing her gently into his arms, Gu Yanxi whispered in her ear, "Yu Lao has returned. Shaoyao doesn't need to go back to the palace. I've asked my master to keep an eye on things in the capital. If any urgent matters arise, have Chen Qing take you to him. He can be trusted."
"Alright." Hua Zhi wrapped her arms around his waist. "Don't you have anything else to say to me?"
Gu Yanxi sighed. How could he not? There was too much, and he didn't know where to begin. If possible, he wished he could take her with him, keeping her within his sight to feel at ease.
He kissed the side of her ear, his voice growing even softer. "I adore you. Since the day we met, my heart has never been my own again."Gu Yanxi chuckled softly, "Otherwise why would I have volunteered to come here as a martial instructor? I just wanted to see you more, understand you better, and be closer to you. If I hadn't been simmering you gently like warm water all this time, how could I have found a place in your heart?"
Hua Zhi secretly smiled, then lifted her head to give him a kiss. "I adore you too, no less than you adore me."
Gu Yanxi caught her lips and kissed her tenderly for a long moment before releasing her. "Take good care of yourself. Don't get hurt, don't fall ill, don't be sad, and most importantly, don't let anyone break your heart. I've never made you sad."
"I promise," Hua Zhi pressed her hand against his chest. "Protect yourself well. If you come back injured, I'll make you pay for it."
"As you command, my fiancée!"
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