Upon leaving the Palace of Blessings and Longevity, Hua Zhi encountered Lai Fu waiting outside. "Grand Tutor, His Highness the Crown Prince requests your presence."
Hua Zhi wasn't surprised. If Little Six hadn't known about her entry into the palace, she would have worried about his control over the imperial grounds.
"Is your health improving, Eunuch Lai?"
"Yes, Miraculous Doctor Yu sent an antidote. With gradual recuperation, I should recover fully." Lai Fu bowed deeper. Though still appearing haggard, his tone conveyed relief. With the Sixth Prince ascending the throne, most of his aspirations had been realized. Moreover, the Crown Prince only had Xiao Shuang as a reliable attendant, who hadn't undergone palace castration and thus faced inconveniences within the palace. Unless Xiao Shuang voluntarily underwent the procedure, he would likely remain outside serving the Crown Prince.
Now that Lai Fu was serving the Crown Prince directly, he estimated he'd be needed for some time. Regardless of duration, maintaining this connection would secure his future.
Both being prudent individuals, they refrained from unnecessary conversation in the deep palace and proceeded silently to the Calm Heart Hall where the Crown Prince resided.
"Master... Grand Tutor." Little Six rose promptly upon seeing her.
Not wishing to make either uncomfortable, Hua Zhi performed a simple curtsy instead of a formal bow.
As expected, Little Six appeared pleased.
Lai Fu perceptively served tea personally and withdrew to an appropriate distance with the other attendants. Having spent half his life in the palace, he knew precisely what precautions to take - he neither left nor dismissed anyone from the room.
Having consumed nothing at the Empress Dowager's quarters, Hua Zhi felt quite thirsty. She drank half a cup of tea before her thirst was somewhat quenched.
"Will there be no Eastern Palace establishment?"
"Several senior ministers discussed this with me earlier. They suggested foregoing the Eastern Palace and having me reside in the Calm Heart Hall for now." Little Six looked expectantly at his mentor. "When will Grand Tutor begin my lessons?"
"The Empress Dowager summoned me precisely to discuss this. Her intention is for daily two-hour lessons at the Palace of Blessings and Longevity." Hua Zhi paused before adding, "That was my proposal."
"Why the Palace of Blessings and Longevity?"
"The Crown Prince and I..." Hua Zhi hesitated, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "Should I refer to myself as 'your subject'? I'm not quite accustomed to it."
Little Six smiled. "There's no need for that, Grand Tutor. This natural manner suits us better. If you started addressing yourself formally, I'd likely find it more uncomfortable."
Indeed, Little Six hadn't been using royal pronouns either. At heart, he hoped to maintain their familiar dynamic. Turning these thoughts over, Hua Zhi continued normally: "The entire court knows of our close relationship, but I cannot exploit this recklessly to avoid unnecessary gossip. Holding sessions at the Palace of Blessings and Longevity eliminates such troubles, benefiting us both."
Little Six was intelligent - more so than most. Though Hua Zhi had spoken circuitously, he immediately grasped her meaning. The palace accelerated maturity; comprehending worldly affairs by age ten was commonplace. Even when overlooked previously, he had understood all he needed.
To claim he'd never entertained any thoughts... that would be untrue. Such an exceptional person, admirable in every aspect, whose mere presence brought peace and security. But he saw clearly that the greatest barrier between them wasn't Yan Xi, but rather that the Grand Tutor held no such feelings toward him. She hadn't treated him differently when he was a prince, nor would she now that he was Crown Prince.The Grand Tutor appeared gentle in nature, yet possessed an unyielding resolve. If he dared to employ any underhanded tactics, matters would inevitably spiral into the worst possible outcome. Some things remained beyond even an emperor’s control, let alone the human heart—the most elusive treasure in the world, which could never be coerced.
What he possessed now was already scarce; losing any more would leave him with nothing. He had no desire to become like his father—pitiful in life and tragic in death. He yearned to grasp this warmth and hold it firmly, for as long as possible, trading the flicker of hope in his heart for one—no, several—family members who would wholeheartedly care for him. It was a fair exchange.
"Very well, as the Grand Tutor suggests, shall we begin daily at half-past Chenshi?"
Hua Zhi calculated the timing and nodded—the hour was indeed suitable. "This matter is not urgent. The most pressing issue at hand is the late emperor’s funeral. As for the affairs of the inner palace, do not intervene. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager will handle them."
"I understand."
Hua Zhi was taken aback. Though she had mentally adjusted to the change, upon seeing him in person, she still forgot that this child was no longer the Little Six of before. A crown prince on the verge of ascension needed no instruction from her on how to conduct himself.
Then... how exactly was she to fulfill the role of Grand Tutor?
"The Spring Examination is approaching. The candidates have already gathered in the capital, yet under the current circumstances... Grand Tutor, what do you think should be done?"
Hua Zhi composed herself. Even with her own uncertainties, she did not conceal her thoughts. "After over a decade of diligent study, they have finally reached the day to offer their lifelong learning to the imperial court. Most of them have traveled great distances, and those with modest means face mounting expenses for each extra day spent in the capital. Missing this opportunity might mean they never return to the capital again. Moreover, their morale must be soothed. These matters may seem trivial, but they are deeply intertwined with the stability of the empire. These candidates are the future pillars of our nation. I believe it is best to hold the Spring Examination as scheduled. Though it coincides with the late emperor’s passing, this act carries no disrespect."
Little Six was not surprised by the Grand Tutor’s response. Coming from the Hua family, she instinctively championed scholars, and her reasoning was sound. He nodded and said, "Lord Zhu mentioned this matter today, implying that the Spring Examination should not be delayed. However, some argue that it is inappropriate to proceed under the circumstances. After consideration, it does seem better not to postpone it."
"When the late emperor appointed me as Grand Tutor, he also stipulated that I must not participate in court politics. Henceforth, you need not consult me on such matters to avoid breaching protocol and giving others grounds for criticism."
"You are my Grand Tutor. Is it not your duty to resolve your student’s doubts? This is not a court setting, so it cannot be considered political involvement."
He had truly grown up. Watching Little Six confidently navigate the gap between policy and practice, Hua Zhi smiled. This was for the best—the living should not be bound rigidly by the rules of the dead.
Finishing the remaining half-cup of tea, Hua Zhi looked up. "Your Highness, have you reviewed Jin Yang’s memorial?"
Little Six nodded. "Yes, the silver has been recorded and stored in the treasury."
"That is only a portion of it." Hua Zhi rose and bowed solemnly. "Yan Xi and I feared that an excess of silver might tempt the late emperor to resume his canal projects, so we discreetly withheld a portion equivalent to what was delivered. That silver is now en route back. When it arrives, I implore Your Highness to dispatch trusted personnel to verify the accounts."Little Six understood the Grand Tutor and motioned for her to sit down, saying, "Does the Grand Tutor have plans for the use of this silver?"
"Stockpile grain."
Little Six pursed her lips. A battle with the Chao Li Tribe was inevitable—it was time to start preparing.
P.S.: Dozing off during the day leads to... delays at night.
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