Hua Zhi's heart swelled with a bittersweet tenderness. She moved closer and gently stroked her younger brother's neck, but her expression remained firm despite his hopeful gaze. "The northern frontier is much colder than the capital. Grandfather is advanced in years—have you considered what might happen if he falls ill there? Although I previously set aside some silver for them, Grandfather isn't just responsible for our immediate family branch. He must also care for the collateral relatives affected by his circumstances. That silver won't be enough. Moreover, in such a bitterly cold place, even with money, many necessities cannot be purchased. I must bring them from the capital."
"But must it be you, Elder Sister? Our family has many servants—couldn't we send them instead?"
"They don't bear the Hua surname." Hua Zhi sighed softly. Berlin didn't understand—only a member of the Hua family could provide the reassurance needed to ease their worries completely.
"Don't worry, your sister won't embark on this journey without careful planning. Now let's return to our earlier discussion. While I'm away, will you take on the role of teacher for our younger brothers? Can you do this?"
Hua Bolin nodded fiercely. How could he let Elder Sister worry about such trivial matters when she was about to travel so far away?
A smile surfaced in Hua Zhi's eyes. "Then let's discuss the second matter. First, let me ask you—what do you think of Mr. Mu?"
"He's excellent, better than all the other teachers."
"Would you be willing to become his disciple?"
Hua Bolin's eyes lit up. "Would Mr. Mu accept me?"
"Accepting a teacher is a significant matter. Naturally, I had to consult you first. If I made the decision but you turned out to dislike Mr. Mu, wouldn't that be well-intentioned but misguided? Of course, if you don't capture Mr. Mu's favor, it would simply mean you lack the destined teacher-student connection. You mustn't hold any resentment in your heart—do you understand?"
"Yes, Elder Sister."
Hua Zhi tapped his forehead. "One moment crying, the next laughing—aren't you ashamed? Go wash your face."
After classes ended, Hua Zhi stopped Mu Qing as he was preparing to leave. To avoid impropriety, they discussed the matter in the covered corridor.
Mr. Mu clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "I hope the young lady won't laugh at my frankness, but I've grown quite fond of the Sixth Young Master. I merely thought it would appear opportunistic to raise the matter now, given the circumstances. The Hua family has maintained distinguished scholarly traditions for centuries—how could their descendants rightfully become disciples of someone as ordinary as myself?"
"In my humble opinion, you truly deserve the title of 'Teacher.'"
No praise carried more weight for Mu Qing than these words—they represented the highest commendation for his years of dedication to teaching.
He bowed solemnly, and Hua Zhi quickly stepped aside to avoid accepting such formal respect.
"Then I shall report to Grandmother and select an auspicious day for this happy occasion."
"As the young lady wishes."
Gu Yanxi, relying on his keen hearing, had caught most of their conversation despite the distance. He silently applauded Hua Zhi's decision in his heart.
He had just investigated Mu Qing's background—the man had come from talent-rich Yangzhou where he achieved top honors in two imperial examinations consecutively. He had come to the capital aiming for the highest scholarly honor.
His fall from grace years ago resulted partly from youthful arrogance and partly from others resenting his brilliance. Hua Yizheng, recognizing his talent, had managed to secure such a remarkable person to teach at the Hua Clan School. Becoming his disciple would be no loss.
"Yan Ge, aren't you leaving yet?"Before the hosts could urge departure, his own companion was already urging him." Gu Yanxi looked at Shaoyao, who was restlessly grinding herbs in a small mortar, and inexplicably felt the sentiment of a father marrying off his daughter.
"What happened at the Clan School this morning?"Shaoyao first covered her mouth and giggled for a while. When she lowered her hand, there was a ring of medicinal stain around her mouth. "The Hua family's second and third young ladies have also become teachers at the clan school. Guess how it went?"
Gu Yanxi didn't need to think. "Naturally, not well."
"I secretly went to listen..." Seeing The Heir frown, Shaoyao quickly explained, "Well, not exactly secretly. I was on the other side of the clan school, separated by a wall. They didn't know I could hear them."
"This is the Hua family. You must act cautiously and not cause trouble for Hua Zhi."
"I know." Shaoyao also felt she had acted somewhat improperly, her voice noticeably lacking confidence. If someone had discovered her, Hua Hua would definitely be in an awkward position. She needed to be more careful and not embarrass Hua Hua.
Gu Yanxi looked toward the covered corridor. "What did you hear?"
"They spoke haltingly and disjointedly, far worse than Hua Hua—like comparing heaven and earth. They think they're so impressive, hmph." Her proud expression made it seem as if she were the one from heaven. Gu Yanxi glanced at her before turning his gaze back to Hua Zhi.
Being well-read doesn't necessarily mean one has truly learned; having learned doesn't necessarily mean one can explain clearly. Just because Hua Zhi could easily handle the role didn't mean others could. If being a teacher were truly that easy, there wouldn't have been only one female teacher like Hua Zhi recognized over so many years.
Seeing Hua Zhi approaching, Shaoyao picked up her alms bowl and went to meet her. "Hua Hua, Fu Dong said she's making braised pork tonight."
"Fu Dong's improving culinary skills must be thanks to you." Using a handkerchief to wipe Shaoyao's face, Hua Zhi looked at Gu Yanxi. "I happen to have something to discuss with Lu Xiansheng."
Gu Yanxi raised an eyebrow. "Please speak, eldest young lady."
"Among the guards and servants, has Lu Xiansheng noticed any with potential for development?"
Gu Yanxi currently taught two groups in the Hua family: the Hua family children, whose lessons were in the morning, and the Hua family guards and servants. The servants were specially selected by Hua Zhi—both loyal and physically robust, so if properly trained, they could hold their own if trouble arose.
"If I may ask, what does the eldest young lady intend to do? That way, I can better determine the standards for potential."
"They need to endure long journeys and handle one or two ruffians." Hua Zhi's expression remained calm as she used her handkerchief to wipe the spot on Shaoyao's face where she had just scratched.
Gu Yanxi almost immediately understood what Hua Zhi wanted these people for. He mentally reviewed the list, adding and subtracting as he considered, then asked, "How many people does the eldest young lady need?"
"Four to six."
"No problem."
"Then I'll trouble Lu Xiansheng to increase the training intensity for these individuals. I'll need them in some time."
"Understood."
Hua Zhi gave a slight bow and moved past him toward the inner courtyard. After a few steps, she paused and turned back. "If this young lady wishes to exercise and strengthen her body, might Lu Xiansheng have any advice?"
Before Gu Yanxi could respond, Shaoyao exclaimed, "I'll teach you, Hua Hua! I'll teach you!"
Hua Zhi was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. "That's right, how could I forget you? Then I won't trouble Lu Xiansheng."
Gu Yanxi bowed with impeccable grace to take his leave. Before departing, he cast a light glance at Shaoyao, who shivered, belatedly realizing she might have done something wrong.After thinking it over and realizing she hadn't done anything wrong, she latched onto Hua Zhi again, "Hua Hua, what would you like to learn? I know lightness skills that are perfect for gathering herbs. I also know swordplay, though I don't get to use it often. Oh, and I know a palm technique too - it looks absolutely beautiful when performed. Hua Hua, let me teach you! You'd make it look even more stunning."
"..." A beautiful palm technique was the last thing Hua Zhi wanted to learn.
PS: Updated a bit earlier today. Though it might seem like taking advantage while pretending innocence, Kongkong mentioned that enthusiasm isn't just about monthly votes - I'd love to see more active comments from you ladies!
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