The scent of spring grew increasingly rich, and the heavy winter garments had already been put away. Only Hua Zhi still clung to her hand warmer.
"The household registrations and shops in the city have all been recorded. Following your orders, I have lifted the curfew, though few people ventured out today." After reporting on Jin Yang's current situation, Zhu Ling added, "My colleagues have asked me to inquire on their behalf—what should they do next?"
"Nothing. Wait for the new administrator to arrive."
Zhu Ling wanted to ask for himself as well, given that his situation was clearly more complicated than the others. But he swallowed his words. How to deal with him was likely beyond the authority of the Hua family's eldest daughter.
"Miss." Chen Qing hurried in from outside. "Someone has arrived from the capital."
Finally, they're here. Hua Zhi stood up, and Bao Xia immediately brought over a cloak to drape over her shoulders. "Do you recognize them?"
Chen Qing's expression was grim. "Zhao Jingyu of the Zhao family—a follower of the Fourth Prince."
A buzzing filled Hua Zhi's mind. A follower of the Fourth Prince? She was firmly aligned with the Sixth Prince, yet the Emperor had sent someone from the Fourth Prince's faction to take over the stabilized Jin Yang she had worked so hard to secure?
Closing her eyes briefly, Hua Zhi turned to Zhu Ling. "Prepare yourself. You will accompany me to the capital immediately."
Zhu Ling felt a surge of joy but hesitated before asking, "May I bring my daughter along?"
"Of course. We won't be returning here."
"Yes, I will make the preparations at once." Zhu Ling left with a face full of delight. No matter who took over Jin Yang, staying behind would only bring him trouble. Though the capital might not be much better, he trusted the Hua family's eldest daughter before him—and the Seven Constellation Bureau behind her—more than any other officials.
Chen Qing stepped closer and asked in a low voice, "Miss, what should we do?"
"Nothing. Just take the silver and Zhu Ling with us." Hua Zhi let out a cold laugh. "They want Jin Yang? Let them have it. Inform our people—we leave in half an hour."
"Yes."
Hua Zhi's heart was heavy with frustration—for herself and for Yan Xi. They had schemed tirelessly to uproot the Chao Li Tribe, and Yan Xi's fate remained unknown. Yet the Fourth Prince, with a few petty maneuvers in the capital, had claimed this territory for himself. Whether this land produced sugar or poison, she could not swallow her resentment.
Hearts may lean one way or another, but they should not be chilled so deeply.
"Miss..." Bao Xia stepped forward, unsure of what to say. Even she felt it was unjust—for her lady and for the Heir. Would they now have to remain in the capital, scheming to claim others' achievements? Why should they endure hardship and toil only for others to reap the rewards?
Hua Zhi adjusted her cloak and lifted her chin slightly. "Return to my room. I must change."
The main gate of the Jin Yang government office stood wide open, guarded by two manor soldiers on either side.
A grand procession approached, and a carriage came to a halt directly in front of the office. A servant lifted the curtain, and a man with a trimmed beard stepped out, bending slightly. He stood on the carriage footboard for a moment, hands clasped behind his back, his attempt to flatten his lips failing to conceal his smug satisfaction.
Of course, he was pleased. What was Jin Yang? It was a "little capital." Even after years of devastation by the Chao Li Tribe, its foundation remained. How many in the court had fought for this place? What did it matter how long Hua Zhi had struggled here? In the end, it had fallen into his hands. How could he not be delighted?
Clearing his throat lightly, he stepped down from the carriage. With a glance, his servant understood and approached the guards. "This is Lord Zhao, the new administrator of Jin Yang. Hurry and announce his arrival."The Manor Guards exchanged uneasy glances, and one quickly ran inside to report. Though insignificant themselves, they had enough perception to recognize the visitor's ill intentions. Having followed the eldest young lady in her duties these past days, they had found the experience thoroughly satisfying and didn't wish to see this practical yet soft-spoken young lady suffer any disadvantage.
Hua Zhi had changed into formal attire, her hair coiled into a bun with light makeup applied. Upon hearing the Manor Guard's report, Chen Qing clenched her fists in anger, but Hua Zhi remained unperturbed. Setting down the hand warmer she had been holding, she smiled faintly. "Tell him that the entire Jin Yang government office has been dismissed from top to bottom, leaving no one qualified to receive him. Please invite Magistrate Zhao to enter on his own so we may proceed with the handover."
The Manor Guard looked startled and uncertain, unsure how to proceed.
Hua Zhi quickly realized she was putting the soldier in a difficult position. She could leave after this, but this common soldier still needed to make a living here.
"Chen Qing, you go."
"Yes."
Chen Qing delivered the message verbatim without altering a single word. After waiting at the entrance for a moment, Zhao Jingyu—who had imagined various scenarios of his grand reception—felt his face darken. But upon reflection that he was essentially reaping the benefits of others' labor, he decided he ought to be magnanimous. After all, he was the one gaining advantages while the other party had suffered significant losses—shouldn't they be allowed to express their displeasure?
This thought cheered him up, and he nodded reservedly to Chen Qing. "This official failed to provide advance notice, so I cannot blame you."
"..." Chen Qing barely suppressed a derisive laugh. Blame them? Blame the Seven Constellation Bureau? The Bureau had accomplished great merits in this affair—what gave Zhao Jingyu the audacity to blame them? If this was meant to intimidate the eldest young lady, it was even more laughable. The young lady had stabilized Jin Yang—any successor with even a modicum of sense should at minimum maintain surface courtesy, if not express some gratitude.
In the main hall, Hua Zhi sat in the host's seat, taking occasional sips from her teacup. When footsteps approached from afar, she merely raised an eyebrow slightly at the entering figure before deliberately setting down her cup and rising to offer a slight bow. "Magistrate Zhao."
Zhao Jingyu returned the gesture with clasped hands. "Eldest Young Lady, I've long heard of your renowned reputation."
Hua Zhi smiled. "I fear it's not necessarily a favorable reputation. Since Magistrate Zhao has arrived, you may take over matters now, and I can return."
"Now, now—I've only just arrived and you're already leaving. People might think you hold some grievance against me."
"Magistrate Zhao jests. Let us proceed with the handover." Hua Zhi glanced back, and Zhu Ling stepped forward understandingly, presenting several dossiers. "These document the arrangements made during this period. You may inquire with others regarding other matters."
As Zhao Jingyu's attendant accepted the documents, he looked back at Hua Zhi. "Is this all that requires handing over?"
Hua Zhi arched an eyebrow. "What does the Magistrate mean...?"
Zhao Jingyu had come precisely to reap the rewards and claim credit—his purpose was clear. He stated directly, "While in the capital, I heard substantial silver belonging to the Chao Li Tribe had been discovered. May I ask its whereabouts?"
"Naturally, it remains where it should be."
"What does the Young Lady mean by this? As the newly appointed Chief Administrator of Jin Yang, matters within this jurisdiction fall under my authority—I should be informed."
"Magistrate Zhao need not attempt to intimidate me with your administrative position." Hua Zhi smiled as she produced Yan Xi's official seal, raising the banner of the Seven Constellation Bureau. "Could it be that the Chief Administrator of Jin Yang presumes authority over the operations of the Seven Constellation Bureau?"Zhao Jingyu felt a surge of old blood stuck in his throat, unable to rise or fall, and for a moment his heart ached. Why was the seal of the Seven Constellation Bureau's leader in the hands of a woman?!
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