The news of Hua Zhi's return to the capital had spread since her appearance at the docks, and the Zhu family was naturally aware of it.
Today was originally a rest day, but knowing that Zhi Er had returned with silver, Zhu Bowen, as the Minister of Revenue, had to immediately enter the palace. The old lady sighed as she helped him change into his court robes. "She’s suffered so much outside, and when she returns to hear such rumors spreading in the capital, how heartbroken she must feel."
Zhu Bowen raised his arms to put on the court attire. He wanted to comfort his wife, but when he opened his mouth, he found himself also wanting to sigh. Human nature isn’t necessarily evil, but when one’s own interests and position are involved, attacking others has nothing to do with right or wrong.
In this matter, Zhi Er had clearly contributed to the state, yet the opposition stubbornly picked faults with her based on legal technicalities. Even if he wanted to protect her, he couldn’t overturn them on this point. What’s more, the Emperor remained silent and unresponsive, allowing the rumors to spread like this. Not only Zhi Er, but even he felt disheartened.
Must they wait until Jin Yang falls into the hands of the Chao Li Tribe? Must they wait until the Chao Li Tribe marches into the capital before they understand the severity? But by then, what use would urgency be?
Zhi Er’s disadvantage lies in her foresight and clarity—she cannot play the fool. Even when wronged, she still does everything in her power to prepare. Though some have wronged her, she thinks more of those who have treated her well. She knows that if Da Qing falls, none of them will escape.
Thinking of the current situation, Zhu Bowen finally couldn’t hold back a sigh. "Enough, what’s the use of saying all this? Rather than wasting time, it’s better to help her find a few good matches. There are still several unmarried girls in the Hua family."
"Those branch families of the Hua family are strange too," the old lady complained. "Why must they leave such matters for Zhi Er to decide? It’s also because Zhi Er spoils them—everything inside and out falls on her. Even if she had multiple selves, it wouldn’t be enough for all her responsibilities." Though she grumbled, she began to give it serious thought. There wasn’t much else she could help with, but this was something she could focus on.
Zhu Bowen hurried off to his government office.
But even as the palace gates were about to close and he had no choice but to leave, he still hadn’t received a summons from the Emperor. Looking back at the high city walls, Zhu Bowen’s heart sank. Could it be that the Emperor had no intention of depositing the silver into the national treasury and was still planning to use it for the canal project?
It never crossed his mind that the Emperor might not even know the silver had returned.
Madam Zhu looked at the maid who had come to request instructions, then turned to glance at her deeply sleeping daughter. "Can’t it wait until tomorrow?"
"It’s the Sixth Prince, madam. He seems very urgent." Ying Chun had no desire to wake her obviously exhausted mistress, but if the matter weren’t critical, why would the Sixth Prince disturb her at such an hour? She wasn’t afraid of being scolded; she was afraid of ruining her mistress’s plans. After all her mistress had sacrificed, if things went wrong because of her, no amount of atonement would suffice.
Madam Zhu bit her lip, sat on the edge of the bed, and looked at her daughter, who hadn’t moved an inch since falling asleep. She opened her mouth several times before finally managing to speak. "Zhi Er, Zhi Er..."
Hua Zhi was sleeping deeply, but having just returned from outside, her vigilance remained. She woke after her mother called twice, her eyes clear the moment they opened.
"Mother, what is it?"
Madam Zhu looked at Ying Chun, who quickly stepped forward to report. "Miss, the Sixth Prince is here. He says it’s urgent."
Hua Zhi’s heart tightened, and the last traces of drowsiness vanished instantly. As she threw off the covers and got out of bed, she asked, "What time is it?""The first quarter of the Hour of Xu."
So it had only been about two hours since they entered the palace. What could have gone wrong in such a short time?
After hastily tidying up, Hua Zhi hurried to the front courtyard and discovered that not only had Little Six come, but Chen Qing was also present. To avoid suspicion, he had never visited the Hua family at night before.
"Master." Little Six, who had been pacing back and forth in the room, immediately approached her upon seeing her.
"What happened?"
"We submitted our request for an audience shortly before the Hour of Wei, but there has been no response from the palace until now." Little Six took the tea from Nian Qiu and personally handed it to his master. "Chen Qing tried to contact Lai Fu through other channels but failed as well."
Hua Zhi looked at Chen Qing, who nodded. "I used both the Seven Constellation Bureau and the Heir's connections, but neither yielded any results."
Hua Zhi's mind raced. By this calculation, the Emperor had not been seen for several days. Was he refusing to meet, or was he unable to?
"Has something like this ever happened before?"
"Never." Chen Qing understood the gravity of the situation. "Miss Hua, what should we do?"
Hua Zhi furrowed her brow in thought for a moment. "What about Zhu Ling?"
"I had him taken to the Heir Apparent Residence."
"Have him contact others in the capital who share his status and ask if they know anything. Also, Yan Xi once said that if he was absent, you should seek out the former chief, Gu Yelin. Go there personally, right now. This matter cannot be delayed. If anything seems amiss, report to me immediately."
"Yes."
As soon as Chen Qing left, Little Six couldn't help but ask, "Master, has something happened to Father Emperor?"
"With no precedent to follow, I cannot be certain." Hua Zhi rubbed her throbbing temples. "In the past, if the Emperor did not hold court, he would always have Yan Xi take charge. There has never been a situation like this."
"Then..."
"Precisely because there has never been such a situation, we must be extra cautious. We need to prepare for the worst..." Hua Zhi suddenly fell silent, recalling a historical event: Crown Prince Liu Ju of Emperor Wu of Han was falsely accused and, unable to contact the emperor, was forced to raise an army. He had no rebellious intentions but acted believing his father was under control and needed rescue. Yet, even Emperor Wu came to believe he was rebelling, and he ultimately died at the hands of schemers.
If they took unnecessary actions now, would they become the next Liu Ju?
She didn’t want to think so pessimistically, but once the thought entered her mind, she couldn’t help dwelling on it. It was as if she could hear the enemy sharpening their blades. Hua Zhi felt a chill and instinctively tightened her shawl.
"We will do nothing for now. Tomorrow is the grand court assembly. If the Emperor still does not appear, continue submitting your request for an audience."
"I understand, Master."
"Return now. Remain calm at all times. When faced with trouble, remember your status as a prince. A prince should be someone who supports the people, not one who hides behind others. In a narrow path, the brave prevail. Do not let fear paralyze you before anything even happens."
"Yes, Master."
The two had come in haste and left just as quickly. Ying Chun brought a hand warmer and placed it in the young lady’s hands, saying softly, "Fu Dong is preparing some food. Please eat something before you rest."
Indeed, one must eat well and rest properly to have the strength to confront others. Hua Zhi felt utterly helpless. The enemy likely saw her as exhausted and hoped she would make a misstep in this state. If Haoyue wasn’t behind this, she’d write her surname upside down!
"Summon Wang Rong."
Wang Rong arrived swiftly."Go to the Zhu Family now and inform my maternal grandfather that there seems to be some trouble in the imperial palace. Ask the elder to unite with veteran officials in tomorrow's court session to exert pressure—see if we can force the Emperor to show himself."
"Understood."
PS: Wrapping things up, so I keep revising and cutting—apologies for the slower output.
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