Hua Zhi watched their retreating figures, feeling an inexplicable sense of tragic heroism well up inside her. All humans have selfish desires, and the Grand Tutor was no exception, yet when faced with greater righteousness, he did not retreat.
This is the nature of the Central Plains people. They possess all manner of flaws, fighting tooth and nail for their respective interests. But when confronting external enemies, their backbone remains unbreakable. Even if defeated today, enduring for one year, ten years, or a hundred years—even if it takes generations—they will ultimately reclaim their homeland.
Sometimes they are so detestable you wish to eradicate them all, yet at other times they command such profound respect that one can't help but admire them.
"Your Highness."
The sound of greetings nearby brought Hua Zhi back to reality. Turning to see the Crown Prince, she refrained from commenting on his untimely appearance. As the ruler of a nation, he ought to remember the sacrifices his subjects made for Daqing.
"Grand Tutor, I wish to approach closer."
"Your Highness must not." Minister of War Chen Yuanqing hurriedly intervened. "A nobleman does not stand beneath precarious walls. Your safety is of utmost importance."
Ignoring him, the Crown Prince stubbornly sought an answer from the Grand Tutor.
Shen Qi's gaze remained fixed on Hua Zhi. He could guess her response. Sure enough, the woman smiled faintly. "This subject will accompany Your Highness."
"Lord Hua!" Minister Chen's voice rose sharply.
Hua Zhi turned to look at him. "Does the Minister not believe a Crown Prince who chooses to advance rather than retreat demonstrates greater responsibility?"
Chen Yuanqing fell momentarily speechless. Who could deny this? Were the Crown Prince to only know how to evade crises, they would have genuine cause to worry about Daqing's future.
"This humble subject is also willing to accompany Your Highness." Shen Qi stepped forward to stand on the other side of the Crown Prince.
A slight smile touched the Crown Prince's lips as he strode forward.
Hua Zhi silently pointed to the position behind the Crown Prince. Seeing Shen Qi understandingly guarding the rear, she quickened her pace to stand before the Crown Prince, protecting him from both front and back. While she agreed to let the Crown Prince take risks, she would not truly place him in danger.
Several senior ministers followed suit, feeling more pleased than concerned. The Grand Tutor was right—a Crown Prince who chose to advance rather than retreat was truly Daqing's blessing!
But before they could approach closer, an arrow forced the Grand Tutor into the open. Had Xue Liang not swiftly intervened with his whip, the force of that arrow would have pierced straight through the Grand Tutor.
Xue Liang shielded the Grand Tutor behind him, back slightly bent, poised for action.
A low voice emerged: "Two hundred years ago, Hua Jingyan breached our capital. Today, his descendant again thwarts our clan's great undertaking. The Elder commands: Invite Lord Hua inside for discourse."
All eyes turned to Hua Zhi.
In the stillness, the voice emerged again, laden with sarcasm: "What? Is Lord Hua afraid?"
"I was merely contemplating which of your great undertakings I've disrupted."
"We await."
The Crown Prince grabbed the Grand Tutor's arm, shaking his head repeatedly. The enemy had laid such an elaborate trap in the streets precisely to claim the Grand Tutor's life. If she entered now, how could she possibly survive!
Hua Zhi smiled faintly, patting his hand reassuringly before extending hers toward the nearest Seven Constellation Bureau agent. "Give me several portions of black powder."
The agent hesitated, uncertain whether to comply. Everyone could guess her purpose in requesting black powder at such a moment.
Xue Liang, supporting the Grand Tutor as they returned, intervened on the agent's behalf: "This subordinate will make proper arrangements. There's no need for you to resort to this!""I have no strength left." No, it would be more accurate to say she had lost her strength long ago. The wound on her left side seemed to have reopened despite being stitched, the pain having long since turned numb. She raised her hand, and only then did the crowd notice her dagger-holding hand trembling uncontrollably. "I can no longer wield it. Fetch me something to carry a few portions of black powder—I'll use it for self-defense."
Even a grown man would feel distressed at this sight, let alone the young Crown Prince, who had to clench his jaw tightly to keep his teeth from chattering.
Xue Liang finally placed three bowl-sized portions of black powder into a pouch.
"Give me the firestarter too."
"Your Excellency!"
"For unforeseen circumstances." Hua Zhi chuckled lightly. "Don't worry—if there's a chance to live, no one would choose death. But if it truly comes to that, I'll at least take a few down with me."
Xue Liang couldn't bring himself to hand it over, but Hua Zhi eventually snatched it directly from his grasp. Tucking it into her robes, she turned to face the crowd. "Might I ask for a promise from all of you?"
Zhu Bowen's throat felt tight with emotion. Clearing it softly, he rasped, "Speak."
"If one day His Highness wishes to allow the Hua family to return to the capital, I ask that none of you officials obstruct it for any reason."
This was Hua Zhi's greatest concern. Though the Crown Prince had begun governing, he was only twelve. Without the support of his court officials, he could achieve little. But if those present agreed, the others wouldn't matter.
The Grand Tutor solemnly gave his pledge. "Old Master Hua's unwavering dedication to the public good is known throughout the court. No one would stand in the way."
"In that case, I am at ease." Hua Zhi sighed with a relaxed smile. This day had been unbearably long—she was so exhausted she could barely feel her own feet.
Lifting the black powder that still felt heavy to her, she patted the hand gripping her arm tightly. "I am not important enough for them to trade the Wise Man's life for mine. Do not worry."
"I will accompany the Grand Tutor."
"Silly. Adding you would only give them a greater advantage." Hua Zhi laughed. "Yan Xi has toiled for Daqing for years—do you intend to burden him with all this? Can't you let him rest?"
"Grand Tutor!" The Crown Prince's eyes reddened, unwilling to release his hold. He was terrified—terrified that if he let go, he would lose his Grand Tutor forever!
"I have yet to assist you in becoming a wise ruler, await my family's return, or marry Yan Xi. How could anything happen to me?" Hua Zhi gazed toward the Palace of Blessings and Longevity. "I will not allow my life to be filled with so many regrets."
She would fight with every ounce of her strength to survive, even if there was only a sliver of hope.
"My hand hurts."
The Crown Prince instinctively released his grip. Hua Zhi smiled, cradling the black powder against her chest as she moved forward. "Xue Liang, deploy the troops well."
"Yes."
Xue Liang gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm. With Qu Qi gone, he was now the only bureau chief of the Seven Constellation Bureau present. The weight of responsibility rested entirely on him—he dared not imagine the consequences if the Grand Tutor were to fall inside.
No one spoke. All eyes followed the figure that was far from imposing. As Hua Zhi's maternal grandfather, Zhu Bowen trembled slightly, tears streaming down his aged face unnoticed.To say they had been particularly close before would be an exaggeration. She deliberately concealed her talents, seldom even stepping outside her door, visiting the Zhu Family only a handful of times each year. But over the past two years, he had watched this young woman stubbornly hold the family together, witnessed her progress step by step to where she was today, observed her shoulder burdens of gratitude that were never hers to bear and strive to repay them, and seen her protect one person after another. At some point, without realizing it, he had begun to take pride in her. This girl, who never cared what others said about her, likely had no idea how many people had changed their views on women because of her. It was she who showed the world that women could compete with men for their place under the sun!
Yet now, he was watching with his own eyes as she walked into an invitation with no visible path to survival, utterly powerless to stop her.
PS: Writing this brought a sting to my nose.
In the comments section, some readers wondered how so many enemies in the palace could go unnoticed. Actually, there were earlier subtle clues: after the late emperor’s passing, the Empress Dowager confined the palace consorts to a few specific halls, forbidding them to move about freely. Thus, many palaces stood empty. Moreover, Yu Xiang was no ordinary matron—unmarried, she had served the Empress Dowager her entire life and enjoyed her deep trust. Her presence represented the Empress Dowager herself; even the late emperor had shown her deference. In the depths of the palace, the power of such a status is easy to imagine. Concealing the whereabouts of the Chao Li Tribe members was not difficult. Also, let’s not forget that the Chao Li Tribe members were highly skilled—sneaking into the palace was far from impossible for them.
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