At lunchtime, the Crown Prince and Berlin arrived together and, as had become customary over the past few days, instructed servants to set the meal here. Everyone else had grown accustomed to this and went about their respective tasks.
Hua Zhi had injured her arm but didn't necessarily need to remain bedridden. Never one to be delicate, she would join them at the table during meals each day, accompanying them while partaking of medicinal cuisine.
Gu Yanxi sat beside A Zhi, watching as her eyes lingered on various dishes. He could only steel himself and pretend not to notice. This medicinal cuisine recipe was newly prescribed by Yu Lao, specifically tailored to her injury recovery. The formula had numerous dietary restrictions, and fearing it might counteract the medicine's efficacy, he hadn't dared let her eat anything else these past few days.
After the meal, the Crown Prince didn't rush to leave. "The Grand Tutor has fallen ill. According to the palace physicians who examined him, he hasn't been well since that day at the palace. He simply forced himself to carry on due to the heavy state affairs without letting anyone notice, until he could no longer maintain the facade."
"The Grand Tutor is no longer young, and he endured great hardship that day." Having faced crisis together, Hua Zhi felt an inexplicable comradery with the Grand Tutor. "As a pillar of the state, the Grand Tutor cannot be compromised. Your Highness might consider asking Yu Lao to examine him."
This was precisely what the Crown Prince had in mind. Taking a sip of tea, he mentioned several court matters—nothing too heavy, just enough for the Grand Tutor to provide some guidance without overtaxing her. His consideration was becoming increasingly subtle, yet although Hua Zhi's energy was limited, she remained aware of all essential matters. Not only had Yanxi informed her of some things, but she could also deduce others herself.
The major affairs at court still revolved around the war, and discussing war inevitably led to the topic of military provisions. The Ministry of Revenue faced no less pressure than the Ministry of War.
As the room fell quiet, Hua Zhi rose and walked to the window, gazing at the vibrant blossoms outside. "Nian Qiu, return home and work with Ying Chun to gather all available silver we can mobilize. Deliver it to my maternal grandfather. Also, sort through the accounts of that toy workshop and submit an initial payment to the Ministry of Revenue. Additionally, hand over all the grain we previously stored."
"Yes."
Even if Daqing intended to annex the Flame Country, as a major power it couldn't appear too greedy in doing so. Even with the Flame Country's ruler in their custody, they would inevitably need to engage in numerous exchanges before establishing terms. She wondered how resilient the Flame Country's ruler would prove—it would be ideal if he weren't too stubborn. This matter shouldn't drag on beyond a month, and even if he proved resolute, the Seven Constellation Bureau should have methods to handle it. Thus, they only needed to prepare sufficient military provisions for this period. Moreover, the konjac was nearly ready for harvest.
While she could assist with grain supplies, troop numbers were beyond her help. They had already conducted three rounds of conscription, and the Ministry of War was preparing for a fourth selection. With Daqing's population of forty million, excluding the elderly, weak, women, and children, they simply couldn't sustain multiple wars. Thinking this, she reflected that the ancient lack of family planning was correct—population remained the primary productive force.
Sighing, Hua Zhi lifted her right hand and gently pressed her left shoulder.
As the saying goes, walls have ears. News of Hua Zhi nearly depleting the family savings accumulated over two years spread like wildfire to countless households. Subsequently, all families connected to Hua Zhi made their own contributions. Though none matched Hua Zhi's substantial offering, the combined total proved considerable.
With someone leading the way, all officials—whether willing or not—began to take action. Hua Zhi hadn't anticipated such an outcome. Upon hearing about it, she smiled wryly. It seemed some things remained constant across time and place: certain actions might yield no immediate benefits, but failing to act would undoubtedly be remembered.Ying Chun, who had stayed home to let Nian Qiu take her place entering the palace, handed the medicinal tea to her young mistress. "From what this maid has learned, Young Master Bai contributed a substantial share."
"You mean Bai Mingxia, Uncle Bai?"
"Yes. Yesterday, Young Master Bai sent his steward to settle previous accounts. Since we're fairly familiar with him, he quietly mentioned that the Bai family later summoned Young Master Bai back and gave him quite a scolding."
Hua Zhi sneered. With such limited foresight from its head, the Bai family's decline was imminent. She just wondered what excuses they'd use to wheedle Uncle Bai when that time came—though Uncle Bai was no pushover nowadays.
The matter didn't end there. Afterwards, wealthy households followed suit, and eventually even common families contributed however they could. It seemed the entire city had pooled resources to raise a colossal sum, significantly alleviating the Ministry of Revenue's financial strain.
Though the war continued, the people's hearts remained steady—this was the best possible outcome.
Nor did the war drag on indefinitely. First came victory reports from the western front: the Li Kingdom, lacking sustained momentum, had been driven back to their homeland by the former chieftain reclaiming lost territory. Within days, triumphant news finally arrived from the northern frontier.
"I sent men to raid the grassland tribes' stronghold. Now their chieftain is dead, leaving only a three-year-old heir. They'll be embroiled in chaos for quite some time." Meeting A Zhi's sparkling gaze, Gu Yanxi smiled. "Caught between internal and external strikes, they managed to retreat with less than half their forces. It'll take them thirty to fifty years of recovery to bounce back."
"So... stability has returned?"
Gu Yanxi nodded. "Stability has returned."
Hua Zhi gripped his hand. "Does that mean... you can come back now?"
"Yes. I can return."
Dizziness washed over Hua Zhi—she had waited through it all!
Holding her close, Gu Yanxi kissed her ear. "The court ministers wish to capitalize on this auspicious turn to hold the coronation ceremony in three days."
"So soon? Can preparations be completed in time?"
"The Ministry of Rites has long been prepared."
Indeed, with the late emperor having passed away for some time, the Ministry of Rites had likely been making systematic arrangements all along. Hua Zhi looked up and asked, "Should I leave the palace then?"
"No need. As the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, your presence is required that day." His hand resting on her back felt bony prominence—so thin it was almost sharp. Whether illusion or not, Gu Yanxi could scarcely detect any warmth radiating from A Zhi's body, stirring panic within him.
Hua Zhi smiled faintly. The ascension of a young sovereign was a historic moment—she too wished to witness it firsthand.
"Her Majesty intends to replace all palace personnel. After the Crown Prince's enthronement, the palace gates will open wide to recruit new maids. Once they're properly trained and competent, all previous staff will be released."
"That's one approach." Hua Zhi nodded slightly, then frowned. "But His Highness is only twelve. It's best to keep certain types at a distance. While 'adding fragrance to red sleeves' may be romantic, it's still far too early for such notions."
"Her Majesty is guarding against that very strictly. No one will succeed."
"Good." Her voice gradually faded. Gu Yanxi's heart lurched as he looked down—sure enough, A Zhi had suddenly fallen asleep again.
Pressing his lips tightly, he gazed at her sunken cheeks, utterly helpless. Though her body was recovering, everyone could see she was unwell. Yu Lao said her strings were stretched too taut, nearing breaking point. Any intervention would only accelerate the collapse—leaving him utterly powerless.Now he hadn't even once mentioned to the Crown Prince about bringing the Hua family back. He feared that once the Hua family returned, A Zhi would lose this vital energy, making the situation even worse. However, with the crisis at Yinshan Pass now resolved—and the Hua family having contributed half the credit for its defense—they only needed to wait for the Crown Prince to ascend the throne and issue the decree. Then the Hua family could rightfully return to the capital. But if by that time A Zhi's health still hadn't improved...
Gu Yanxi dared not dwell on it further.
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