"By the way, Grand Tutor, I'd like to discuss something with you."
Hua Zhi nodded. "Your Highness, please speak."
The Crown Prince glanced at Berlin. "I wish to have Berlin as my study companion. Having him accompany me during daily lessons would make them less tedious."
Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised, yet found it reasonable. The two had always gotten along well—closer than most biological brothers. They shared a room, slept in the same bed, wore each other's clothes, traveled together, faced dangers together... Even among ordinary people, such companionship was rare, let alone for a crown prince. It was natural for His Highness to value this bond.
However, "Your Highness's favor toward the Hua family is well known. But I am already the Grand Tutor, and if Berlin also becomes your study companion... wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
"Even if I do nothing now, outsiders would still think I'm giving the Hua family undue advantages. I might as well make it official—at least then their accusations wouldn't be entirely baseless."
...Such compelling logic left her speechless!
Hua Zhi turned to Berlin. "What do you think?"
Berlin initially intended to say he'd follow his elder sister's arrangements, but seeing Little Six—no, the Crown Prince's sparkling eyes, he closed his parted lips. Such expressions were common in the Hua household, but since entering the palace, he'd noticed how those with elevated status often had diminished light in their eyes. The Crown Prince seemed less happy than when he lived with the Hua family.
This was the Crown Prince, but he was also Little Six. Hua Berlin grinned at him. "Elder Sister, I'm willing."
Before Hua Zhi could respond, the Crown Prince jumped excitedly on the spot, approaching Berlin to playfully punch his chest several times, his joy overflowing.
Watching the Crown Prince like this, Hua Zhi silently swallowed her objections. Very well, a study companion it would be—just some additional gossip to handle, something she could manage.
Of course, this matter wasn't theirs to decide alone. Before the lesson, she personally went to report this to the Empress Dowager.
"It was the child's own request, wasn't it? Why didn't he come tell me himself?"
"My teaching method involves questioning students about previous lessons. He's currently reviewing, and I didn't wish to interrupt him."
The Empress Dowager shook her head with an amused smile. Did Hua Zhi think she knew nothing? Most personnel in Calm Heart Hall had been transferred from her Palace of Blessings and Longevity. She didn't need to deliberately inquire—she would learn what needed knowing. This Hua Zhi truly protected her own—who would believe the Hua family's eldest young lady could be so partial, even shielding the Crown Prince this way.
But this was good, excellent indeed. A warm-hearted Grand Tutor would never steer the Crown Prince toward selfish cruelty.
"This matter is for the Crown Prince to decide. If he finds it suitable, that's sufficient. I have no wish to bind his hands and feet like some aloof supreme ruler. Henceforth, there's no need to report such matters to me. I trust your judgment and believe the Crown Prince is no fool."
"Yes. Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your trust."
When news spread of Hua Berlin becoming the Crown Prince's study companion, officials collectively drew sharp breaths. They knew the Crown Prince favored the Hua family, but with the sister as Grand Tutor and brother as study companion—how far would this go? The Hua family were meritorious subjects—Hua Zhi's meritorious service for supporting the emperor, her lifesaving deeds, and teaching contributions were all substantial. They acknowledged this, but wasn't this arrangement becoming excessive?
Hua Zhi closed her doors to visitors, offering no comments. But the Crown Prince couldn't avoid scrutiny—someone submitted a memorial about it during court assembly.The Crown Prince held the memorial without reading it, gazing down at the rows of neatly aligned court officials from his elevated position. He had no intention of being suppressed his entire life like his father. There was no inherent right or wrong in this matter—he aspired to be an enlightened ruler, to have his decrees carry the weight of mountains, and to command the obedience of all officials with a single word. If he yielded to their demands and retracted his previous statement today, there would inevitably be countless retractions in the future. He refused to allow that!
He would not become a monarch like his father!
"I have spent over a year in close companionship with Hua Bolin of the Hua family. We studied under the same teacher at the Hua family’s clan school, were both punished by the Grand Tutor to copy texts, and had our palms struck. We spurred each other academically, staying up late into the night reading secretly to avoid falling behind. My study companion must not only be intelligent but also keep pace with me, inspiring and urging me to continually advance. I ask you, esteemed ministers, aside from Bolin, who else is capable of this? Is it the sons and nephews of the Liu family? Or the disciples of the Li family?"
No one responded. They had already fallen far behind—the Hua family had seized every advantage of timing, location, and harmony, leaving them unable to catch up.
"I do indeed hold the Hua family in high regard, and why shouldn’t I? When I was in dire straits, it was the Grand Tutor who brought my wounded self into his home, tended to my injuries, and provided me with a stable, worry-free life. When it grew cold, he had clothes tailored for me; when it turned hot, he ensured I drank cooling tea. Everything the Hua family’s sons received, I received as well. Such kindness in times of hardship is a rarity in one’s lifetime—I am merely showing a little extra favor to the Hua family. What is objectionable about that?"
The clear, youthful voice of the young man resonated through the hall. He spoke unhurriedly, and even his questioning was gentle, as though... he cared not for anyone’s opposition.
"Or has the Hua family, relying on my favor, violated laws, disrupted order, or oppressed the people?"
Silence still filled the hall.
Gu Yanxi and Duke Dingguo stood at the forefront, each occupying their own space, both with downcast eyes as if hearing nothing. Gu Yanxi, needless to say, found it inappropriate to speak on this matter. Duke Dingguo, however, had his own understanding. He had learned of this matter earlier than the other court officials and had immediately sought an audience with the Empress Dowager. Her stance was clear: the Crown Prince was to decide, the Hua family was trustworthy, and they should defer to the Crown Prince’s wishes.
Thus, Duke Dingguo refrained from further interference. Having known Hua Yizheng for decades, he trusted the Hua family’s integrity. What pleased him more, however, was the Crown Prince’s conduct. Though the matter itself was minor, the Crown Prince recognized that he could not retreat and articulated his stance so effectively that the court officials were left speechless. For a prince of his age, this was remarkably impressive and boded well for the future.
And so, the matter passed with much thunder but little rain. Hua Zhi continued to escort her brother into the palace daily, returning home alone afterward, while Bolin remained in the palace to assist the Crown Prince with affairs, not returning until nightfall.
Equally busy, Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi, though both in the capital, had little time to meet. Gu Yanxi reorganized the Seven Constellation Bureau and conducted a thorough investigation of the imperial palace, keeping him constantly on his feet. He could only manage to squeeze out time each evening to have dinner with A Zhi at the Hua residence.
"Haoyue has confessed."
"Hmm?" Hua Zhi looked up, puzzled. What had Haoyue confessed to?"That's right, I haven't had the chance to tell you." Gu Yanxi sighed softly, "At first I only suspected, but just now through some probing I confirmed it. Those methods Haoyue used involving child blood were guided by someone. She confessed today that it was one of her female officials who suggested it to her. But everyone in Like Moon Hall has already been dealt with by grandmother, so the clues are essentially cut off again."
Hua Zhi furrowed her brows, "What could be the motive of someone giving such advice? Could it be the Chao Li Tribe again?"
"I can't think of anyone else it could be besides them."
After a moment's thought, Hua Zhi shared her suspicion that there was something unusual about Ling Wang's residence. "I just feel that such a ruthless character has been acting too weak these past few years. Especially after becoming a mother, she hasn't tried every means to become Ling Wang's official consort. Instead, she appears to be transforming into an obedient virtuous wife and mother. This doesn't make sense - for her son's sake, she should strive to become the legitimate consort as soon as possible. Otherwise, her son will forever remain an illegitimate child. Yet she hasn't taken any action in this regard, which I find abnormal."
Gu Yanxi nodded slightly, "Chen Qing mentioned your arrangements regarding Ling Wang's residence to me. We'll proceed as you suggested. I'll send people to investigate her background more thoroughly."
PS: Just catching the tail end of the day to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. The groundwork has been laid, and the plot will progress quickly from here. Don't worry, ladies. Ah, actually Kongkong is quite anxious.
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