The next day, Hua Zhi went to the other residence as usual, still losing more than she won. She played the part of a wealthy patron seeking amusement perfectly, and everyone who saw her would exchange a few pleasantries.
During the break, a woman who had won a considerable amount from her the previous day came in from outside. Hua Zhi remembered her husband’s surname was Lü.
After greeting everyone, Madam Lü sat beside her and whispered, “Have you heard? Yu Weiwei has locked up her newlywed husband.”
Hua Zhi’s heart stirred. “Where did you hear that?”
“It’s practically common knowledge now. They say Qi Qiu wanted to continue pursuing the imperial examinations, but Yu Weiwei wouldn’t allow it—she even forbade him from studying with a tutor.”
This isn’t right!
Hua Zhi knew very well how capable Yan Xi’s people were. If such rumors were spreading, they would have known about it. That meant the news hadn’t been circulating before she left home. Yet, within about an hour of her arrival at the residence, it had become widespread. Someone was deliberately spreading it!
Hua Zhi immediately thought of Zeng Xianglin. Was he trying to use the power of rumors to force Yu Weiwei to release him?
“If you ask me, Yu Weiwei is being foolish. If her husband is talented and succeeds in the imperial examinations, how could she lose out? With the influence of the Yu and Zeng families, there’s no fear of him flying away once he’s free. Why go to such extremes and embarrass herself?”
Hua Zhi frowned deeply. “What if the rumors are false?”
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I doubt they’re false.” Seeing her worried expression, Madam Lü urged, “If you’re concerned, why not go see her? Maybe she needs someone to talk to!”
“Would that be appropriate?”
“What’s the harm? You’re just showing you care, aren’t you?”
Hua Zhi thought for a moment, then stood up. “Then I’ll trouble you to take my place. There should still be some chips left. If you win, the winnings are yours; if you lose, the losses are on me.”
Madam Lü, having achieved her goal, smiled gleefully and feigned reluctance. “How can I accept? That’s not right.”
“It’s fine. I’m not sure if I’ll be back later. It wouldn’t be good if my absence ruins the game for everyone.”
“That’s true. I’ll hold your spot for you until you return.”
Hua Zhi agreed with a smile, fully aware that these words were mere formalities, though both spoke as if they meant every word.
Using the excuse Madam Lü had provided, Hua Zhi openly went to the Yu residence.
Yu Weiwei was surprised to see her. Before she could speak, Hua Zhi said, “I heard some unpleasant rumors outside. What’s going on?”
“No need to be so tactful. You mean the rumors about me locking up my husband, right?”
“You two seemed fine the last time I saw you. How did things suddenly…”
Tears welled up in Yu Weiwei’s eyes. She turned and instructed, “Go keep watch outside. Don’t let anyone in.”
Xiao Tao bowed and left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her. Hua Zhi glanced at Shaoyao, who understood and stood by the door to monitor any outside activity.
Yu Weiwei pretended to sob a few times, then sat beside Hua Zhi and whispered, “Why did you come so suddenly? Is something wrong?”
“The rumors spread all at once. Someone must be behind it.”
“No need to guess—it’s Zeng Xianglin.” Yu Weiwei sneered. “Does he think he can force me to yield like this? In his dreams!”
Hua Zhi reminded her, “He’ll likely show up soon under the guise of concern. Not to see you, but your parents, to persuade you through them.”Yu Weiwei bit her lip. Her parents were her weak spot. If they truly came to persuade her, she would have no choice but to comply.
Hua Zhi didn’t tell her what to do either—she wasn’t her subordinate. Instead, she leaned closer and asked almost inaudibly, “Does the Yu family own a silver mine?”
Yu Weiwei looked at her in surprise, unsure of the meaning behind the question.
“We’ve uncovered something that might be related to your father’s poisoning.”
Yu Weiwei immediately grew attentive. After a moment’s thought, she said, “I’ll have to ask my father. I can’t be certain if he has handed over all the family’s assets to me.”
“How is your father doing now? By the way, I have something for you—I didn’t get a chance to give it to you yesterday.” Hua Zhi handed her a small bottle of medicine. “It’s a remedy prepared by Ling Niang. It should help your father.”
Yu Weiwei took it and tucked it into her sleeve, whispering, “Not well. He spends most of the day unconscious.”
“Ling Niang said the poison can be cured. Don’t worry.”
Yu Weiwei nodded, let out a long sigh, and squeezed Hua Zhi’s hand. “I feel much more confident now. If there’s anything else you need me to do, just say so.”
“You mentioned Qi Qiu was studying a topographic map earlier. I’m a bit concerned about that. He’s been in the residence for over twenty days—did he leave any clues behind?”
“No, I searched carefully. He had so few belongings, it was as if he were merely a guest at our home. Apart from necessities, he didn’t even have an extra set of clothes.”
“In any case, you can’t keep him locked up forever. Once you release him, keep a close watch on him.” After a moment’s thought, Hua Zhi beckoned to Shaoyao. “Give Weiwei some medicine for self-defense, and leave her some antidotes too, so she won’t fall victim again.”
Shaoyao rummaged through her bag and handed her two paper packets and a small bottle. “The bottle is for you. If something feels off, take two pills—they can alleviate most common poisons. The top packet causes blindness, and the bottom one induces sleep. Just sprinkle it directly.”
“Thank you.” Yu Weiwei carefully stored them away. These were life-saving items—who knew when they might come in handy.
Not wanting to arouse suspicion by staying alone together for too long, Hua Zhi stood up to leave. Yu Weiwei rubbed her eyes fiercely until they turned red, then pinched the flesh on her inner thigh and twisted it hard. Tears immediately streamed down her face—it was unclear how much force she had used.
On her way back, Hua Zhi stopped by a teahouse. As expected, people were discussing the Yu family’s affairs. She visited two different places, and both were the same, showing how widely the rumors had spread.
When she returned home, before Yan Xi could say anything, Hua Zhi took the initiative to explain her visit to the Yu residence.
Gu Yanxi nodded. “Indeed, the silver mine is split with the Zeng and Yu families each holding forty percent, and the remaining twenty percent going to Zhu Ling.”
“Just as I thought. What’s strange is that Yu Weiwei doesn’t seem to know about the silver mine. Her father, aware that his time is limited, urged her to marry and handed over the family’s assets to her. If that’s the case, why would he omit the silver mine?”
“It might not be an omission. He likely knew Yu Weiwei might not be able to protect it.”
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. “Does he suspect Zeng Xianglin?”
“The Yu family has only one daughter. It’s possible he gave up the silver mine to ensure her safety. I’ve borrowed troops from the Green Willow Battalion to keep an eye on the mine. Most of the Seven Constellation Bureau’s agents have returned to Jin Yang. Zeng Xianglin should be making a move soon.”
“Is the gambling den deal about to be signed?”"Tomorrow morning, if Zeng Xianglin wants to take over Peng Fangming's silver and establishments, he'll either have to turn him into an ally or eliminate him through foul means. The Peng Family isn't without foundations after all, so he probably won't choose the second option." Gu Yanxi gave a cold smile. "But if he wants to make Peng his ally, he can't keep all his cards hidden."
PS: Wanting to wrap this up quickly, seems I wrote in a bit of a rush.
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