Hua Zhi also consumed medicinal cuisine in the palace, prepared and delivered personally by Shaoyao.
Although the two now frequently saw each other in the palace, they lacked the carefree environment and time they once enjoyed. Shaoyao was unhappy about this, but understanding the gravity of the situation, she never complained—only clinging tightly to Hua Zhi whenever they met.
However, she was now overjoyed. "Grandmother has permitted me to accompany you."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow at the address. Shaoyao had always referred to her as the Empress Dowager; she hadn’t expected this change.
Shaoyao leaned close to whisper in her ear, "Grandmother asked me to change how I address her. She said there aren’t many left in the Gu family, and Yan Ge urged me to agree."
Hua Zhi lightly tapped her arm in admonishment—such words shouldn’t be spoken in front of the Crown Prince. As she prepared to apologize on Shaoyao’s behalf, the Crown Prince laughed first. "Sister Shaoyao remains as genuine as ever, no matter the circumstances. It’s truly refreshing."
Shaoyao waved her hand dismissively. "Not entirely. I used to dare to hit you, but I don’t dare now."
Hua Zhi didn’t know whether to laugh or scold her. Even striking a prince was no small matter! Though... she herself had once rapped the Crown Prince’s knuckles.
Seeing the nostalgic expression on the Crown Prince’s face, Hua Zhi refrained from restraining Shaoyao. Someone who cherished the past valued old bonds—far better than those who severed ties upon gaining power.
After resting briefly to digest their meal, night had fallen outside. Hua Zhi suggested, "Let’s go now. We’ll likely need to spend some time there."
The Crown Prince glanced down at his conspicuous bright yellow robes that revealed his status and stood up. "I’ll change clothes."
As they were already in Calm Heart Hall, several attendants waited in the outer chamber. Hua Bolin sidled over and whispered, "Elder Sister, may I ask the Crown Prince if I can secretly bring out a few books?"
"Aren’t they available outside?"
Hua Bolin nodded. "They’re rare books."
Hua Zhi didn’t forbid him, only reminding, "Be mindful of limits."
"Yes, I understand."
Setting down her teacup, Hua Zhi straightened her younger brother’s robes. "You’ve worked hard."
Hua Bolin shook his head repeatedly—his efforts were nothing compared to his elder sister’s. A few days earlier, he had discreetly asked Sister Shaoyao about Hua Zhi’s health. Shaoyao revealed that if Hua Zhi could set aside all responsibilities and recuperate for a year or two, she would fully recover. Before their grandfather and father returned, he wanted to shoulder more responsibilities so his elder sister could rest more. He didn’t expect immediate recovery—just that her health wouldn’t worsen further.
Soon, the Crown Prince emerged wearing a blue robe that appeared slightly worn. Hua Zhi recognized it—he had often worn it while living with the Hua family. Over the past year, he had grown rapidly, often outgrowing clothes after just a few wears. Later, she had ordered new garments made with extra length, and now this one fit him perfectly.
"Let’s go." The Crown Prince’s expression held a rare lightness these days, as if changing clothes had transformed everything.
Hua Zhi smiled, feeling a surge of hope. If Little Six could remain unchanged... that would be ideal.
Hua Lin Alley, once bustling with activity, had grown quiet since the Hua family’s misfortune. The lane remained clean—devoid of weeds and moss, even outside the Hua residence. If not for the prominent seal on the gate, no one would guess this was a confiscated property.Hua Zhi pressed her lips together, turned around, and bowed to the Lin family. These subtle gestures of goodwill were only revealed to her today—truly thoughtful.
Hua Bolin followed with a deep bow of his own.
They did not touch the official seal on the main gate. Hua Zhi led the group to the side entrance, where the Crown Prince stepped forward to remove the seal, instructing Lai Fu to carefully store it. It would need to be reattached upon their departure.
After two years of vacancy, the decay of the Hua family’s meticulously maintained residence was starkly evident.
Spiderwebs draped everywhere, thick dust coating surfaces at a touch, broken and dangling wooden planks, toppled rockeries, and overturned potted plants… Hua Zhi gazed at her former home, momentarily unsure where to step.
Hua Bolin clenched his fists, resisting the urge to right the fallen bonsai. Turning away, he said, "Elder Sister, let’s cut through the garden directly."
But would that truly avoid the desolation? Untended for two years, the garden’s state would likely be worse than here—at least the visible decay here was confined to a smaller area.
"No detours. We’ll proceed this way. Your Highness, watch your step."
They crossed the main hall and walked along the covered corridor for some time before glimpsing the Hua family’s two famed structures—the Library and the Scholarly Discussion Hall.
The two buildings stood merely a hundred paces apart, connected by a dedicated covered walkway.
Hua Zhi suddenly smiled. "During every Pure Conversation Gathering, the Library’s doors were flung open. If debates reached an impasse, scholars would rush through this corridor to the Library, seeking ancient texts to substantiate their arguments. Grandfather once said our ancestors who built these halls declared, 'Let people get drenched in rain—but never the books.'"
The Crown Prince, long yearning to see the Scholarly Discussion Hall, brimmed with anticipation. "Might I visit the Scholarly Discussion Hall?"
"The Hall never turns away scholars. Berlin, accompany His Highness inside."
"Yes."
Watching their figures disappear beyond the doorway, Hua Zhi headed to the opposite Library. Even if the Crown Prince hadn’t asked, she would have suggested it. She intended these two buildings to demonstrate the Hua family’s loyalty and utter lack of ambition. While his eyes could still see and ears still hear, she aimed to plant this seed in his heart. With time, it would take root and flourish, so that even in old age, he would remain convinced the Hua family would never rebel against his Gu lineage. One instance of confiscation and exile was already one too many.
Pushing open the Library door, she stirred clouds of dust. Shaoyao moved to pull her back, but Hua Zhi shook her off. Through the swirling grime, her heart ached at the sight of books strewn across the floor. In her sixteen years with the Hua family, she had spent countless hours here. Amid the scent of ink, even idle moments felt soothing. Now, dust smothered that fragrance, and classical texts once punishable for a dog-eared page lay discarded everywhere. Hua Zhi resolved to restore the Library before her grandfather’s return. If he witnessed this… how devastated he would be.
Stepping inside, Hua Zhi frowned at the cleared pathway and stacked books along its edge. "Someone has been here."
Shaoyao followed her gaze and nodded in agreement. "Indeed, someone has."
Neither voiced the visitor’s identity. Only one or two individuals would openly come here and tidy the books—inevitably bearing the surname Gu.Squatting down, Hua Zhi picked up the books one by one and stacked them to the side, while Shaoyao stood a bit farther away, handing books to her. Before long, the Crown Prince and Berlin came over from the Scholarly Discussion Hall and, seeing the situation, immediately joined in to help without a word.
Hua Zhi stood up, looking at the tilted bookshelves and the books scattered all over the floor below. She clapped her hands and said, "Let's go. What we're looking for is on the second floor."
PS: The New Year celebrations are finally over. Starting tomorrow, there will be double updates.
OpenNovel