The carriage rocked and swayed along the road, making Hua Zhi feel rather uncomfortable. Shaoyao rummaged through her snack bag and pulled out a sour plum, stuffing it into Hua Zhi’s mouth. The sourness made Hua Zhi’s features scrunch up tightly, and Shaoyao burst into laughter at the sight.
Hua Zhi poked her cheek and lifted the curtain to look outside. “How much longer until we arrive?”
Assigned to accompany Hua Zhi were the familiar Yu Mu and Jia Yang. Yu Mu replied, “Young Miss, it should take about another quarter of an hour.”
“This road is really something. Is this the same route used for delivering mushrooms into the city?”
“Yes,” Yu Mu handed the reins to Jia Yang and focused on answering Hua Zhi’s questions. “At first, the shipments were small, but by the time they grew larger, everyone had already gotten used to it.”
Hua Zhi felt as though she had forgotten something, and now, as they spoke, it suddenly came back to her. “Who was given a share of the profits from this business?”
“It’s the local influential family, Song Jia. The eldest son of the Song family, Song Qianqiu, holds the position of Clerk in the Official Records Office at the local government and receives thirty percent of the profits.”
“What kind of person is he?”
“The master described him as someone skilled in self-preservation.”
Hua Zhi nodded slightly. Since Yan Xi had chosen him, he likely wasn’t the type to engage in criminal activities. With his status, he was more than capable of protecting this business.
It was amusing to think about it—people couldn’t live without clothing, food, shelter, and transportation, yet no one ever believed that opening a clothing store, a food shop, or an inn and carriage service could make a fortune. The prominent families even looked down on such endeavors. When she first started her business, some accused her of willingly degrading herself. Later, although they learned her business was profitable, they surely had no idea just how profitable it was.
The mushroom business was the same—unassuming in appearance but highly lucrative. Only those who truly shared in the profits knew this.
Most of the people handling this business in Jin Yang were Gu Yanxi’s subordinates, but the key managers in charge of mushroom cultivation techniques came from the Hua family. When they saw Hua Zhi, they could hardly believe their eyes. One of them even rubbed his eyes in disbelief, and upon confirming it was indeed the young miss, he hastily knelt to pay his respects.
Hua Zhi raised her hand in a gesture to stop them. “Is everything going well?”
“Yes, we’re all doing fine. We’re earning even more here than in the capital,” the servant replied, shifting awkwardly. “It’s just that we miss our parents a little.”
Those who chose to come here were unmarried servants born into the Hua family, with their families still part of the household, truly sharing both honor and disgrace.
“You can arrange a schedule among yourselves to return home once every four months, staying for about four days each time. The travel expenses for the round trip will be covered by the Hua family.” Seeing their stunned expressions, Hua Zhi smiled. “You’re far from home, earning money for me. I can’t possibly treat you unfairly.”
Overjoyed, the servants bowed deeply to the young miss once again.
To Hua Zhi, this was merely a drop in the bucket. Her approach to managing subordinates had always been: if you want the ox to run fast, you must feed it well. But to the servants, this was an act of consideration and kindness from the young miss. As they accompanied her to the mushroom cultivation site, they were exceptionally enthusiastic, answering her questions in great detail.
There was no basement here; the cultivation area was entirely above ground. Compared to the capital, the scale was relatively smaller. Still, achieving this level in just a few months was quite impressive. After all, the capital was teeming with prominent families, while Jin Yang, though nicknamed “Little Capital,” now retained only a hollow reputation.
This visit was merely for show, to gain official approval from those who mattered and avoid arousing suspicion. After thoroughly assessing the situation, they returned to the city.She wasn't in a hurry to return either. Patting the carriage compartment, she informed Yu Mu, "Head to that place in the northern part of the city where Jin Yang's noble ladies and matrons gather to have fun."
"Yes."
Shaoyao's eyes lit up. "Hua Hua, are you taking me to play?"
"Just to make an appearance. Women's tongues aren't that tight—we might pick up some information from them. I just don't know if anyone still remembers me."
Apparently, some did.
The moment Hua Zhi stepped down from the carriage, someone exclaimed in surprise, "Aren't you that person Weiwei brought along? The one who supposedly returned to the capital?"
Hua Zhi recognized her—Wang Yu, who was quite close to Yu Weiwei. Among the regulars here, Wang Yu visited most frequently; you'd run into her four out of every five times.
Hua Zhi curtsied gracefully and smiled. "I'm Hua Ling. I arrived yesterday. Is Miss Yu here as well?"
"How could she be? She hasn't come since she got married." Wang Yu approached and glanced at Shaoyao. "And this is...?"
"My cousin. She's not much of a talker. I brought her along to broaden her horizons."
Wang Yu had just arrived herself. Hearing this, she led the two inside. "There's a new game in Jin Yang lately—much more fun than before. Quite a few people have been coming here recently. Stick with me; don't bother with anyone you don't know."
"Thank you."
Wang Yu gave her a look. "No need to thank me. After you left, Weiwei said she considered you a friend. We've known each other since childhood, so since she's not here, I ought to look out for you a little."
Hua Zhi felt a stir of warmth and developed some fondness for that Yu Weiwei. Their acquaintance had merely been for amusement, and her own intentions hadn't been entirely pure. Yet, unexpectedly, she was still receiving care in Weiwei's absence.
"Last time I left, I heard she was about to get married. So, she's married now? Why so quickly?"
A mocking smile tugged at Wang Yu's lips. "There are always those who covet what isn't theirs. She grew tired of it. As for the details, you'll have to ask her yourself. I shouldn't speak for her."
"I'll certainly pay her a visit."
As they chatted, they reached their destination—the same room as before, with both familiar and new faces.
The regulars still remembered this generous spender; they'd all won money from her before and were extremely welcoming, greeting her warmly.
Hua Zhi responded to each in turn, her gaze lingering intentionally or unintentionally on the White Jade Mahjong set.
Her expression perfectly matched the crowd's taste. Someone laughed, "She clearly knows what's good. Do you know how to play?"
Hua Zhi shook her head. "This wasn't what we played last time."
Wang Yu sat at an empty table and waved her over. "This thing didn't even exist when you were last here. It's more fun than dice and easier to learn. Let me explain the rules, and after watching a few rounds, you'll get it."
Hua Zhi pulled Shaoyao over to listen. Shaoyao, now playing the role of the quiet cousin, remained completely silent throughout. Hua Zhi pretended to understand the rules and asked if Shaoyao had grasped them; Shaoyao simply nodded.
Wang Yu called over someone to make a full table of four, and they began playing.
Hua Zhi acted like a novice, while Shaoyao was a genuine beginner. They played for fairly high stakes and, as newcomers, naturally lost quite a bit.
Seeing Hua Zhi pay up as readily as before, and coupled with her quiet demeanor and lack of prying questions, the ladies and young matrons—many of whom were currently strapped for cash—grew much friendlier toward her. When she prepared to leave, they even arranged to play together again another day.
"Wait."By the stables, Hua Zhi was about to board the carriage when Wang Yu rushed out after her. She signaled for Shaoyao to go up first, then turned and asked, "Is there something you need, Miss Wang?"
PS: Hua Zhi is using Hua Ling's name here, this isn't a mistake. I'll try to keep this plot point concise and not drag it out too long.
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