July 18th, an auspicious day.
In the inner chamber of Calm Heart Hall, Gu Chengqian, the sixth son of the late emperor and Crown Prince of Daqing, stretched out his arms as Lai Fu assisted him into the nine-clawed dragon robe symbolizing his status.
Daqing revered black as the supreme color. When enveloped in the black robe, the last traces of boyishness seemed to vanish entirely.
Gu Chengqian gazed absently at the twelve-beaded crown tassels held by Berlin in the mirror, only snapping back to reality when Berlin approached. He turned, took the crown tassels in his hands, and strode directly outward. Berlin and Lai Fu exchanged glances before hurriedly following.
The outer hall contained only a handful of people: the Empress Dowager, the Grand Tutor, the Regent, and the Grand Tutor.
Gu Chengqian first bowed to his grandmother, then approached the bowing Grand Tutor and helped her rise. Placing the prestigious twelve-beaded crown tassels in her hands, he lowered his head and said, "I ask the Grand Tutor to crown this student."
This was a breach of protocol, as everyone present knew, yet no one reminded them.
Hua Zhi was also aware, but seeing the young boy before her exposing his neck, with even the fine hairs at his temples clearly visible, she hesitated only briefly before raising her hands to place the crown. As she carefully adjusted it, she softly delivered her admonition: "Men are crowned at twenty, but you cannot wait until then. From now on, you are the Son of Heaven whose words become law. You will be intimately connected to Daqing's fate, and all its people will be under your protection. Stand straight."
Hua Zhi patted his back. "Do not be afraid. You have never been alone. Walk forward boldly—it matters not if you stumble. You must endure minor injuries. The Grand Tutor believes that the Little Six who hastily became Crown Prince without being led astray will surely bring a golden age to Daqing and become its brilliant ruler."
Gu Chengqian blinked, the dangling beads of the crown concealing his slightly reddened eyes. He had been afraid, but now he was not.
"This student dares not forget the Grand Tutor's words."
Hua Zhi smiled, her gaunt cheeks gaining a faint flush from the expression.
Gu Yanxi glanced at Lai Fu, who understood and stepped forward to whisper, "The hour approaches."
Gu Chengqian nodded slightly. "The Grand Tutor is frail. Showing your face will suffice; there is no need to follow afterward."
All present had witnessed the late emperor's accession and knew how grueling the ceremony could be. Given Hua Zhi's current wind-thin physique that seemed ready to collapse, the Crown Prince's consideration was not exceptional. Even had he not mentioned it, others would have suggested it.
The entire court held complex feelings toward Hua Zhi. Her excellence was beyond question, yet her brilliance made other men feel utterly useless. Moreover, she knew precisely when to withdraw. Since the events concluded, she had not appeared publicly, with rumors stating she was recuperating under the Empress Dowager's care and that even Miraculous Doctor Yu's treatments had shown little improvement.
While many remained skeptical, when they heard movement and turned to see the very person they had been contemplating enter in court attire, her custom-made Official Uniform hanging loosely and her face appearing smaller than a palm, doubts vanished.
Zhu Bowen immediately approached, stopping her from bowing as he asked, "Are you feeling better?"
Hua Zhi nodded greetings to those watching. "Much improved."
"Today will likely be strenuous. Can you endure it?""Your Highness has permitted me to leave midway." Hua Zhi touched her left arm, wondering if it was her imagination—she felt her left hand lacked strength, probably due to her injury... right?
As the music began, Zhu Bowen couldn't say more and whispered a reminder not to push herself before returning to his position. Hua Zhi and Gu Yanxi also went back to their places.
The first ritual for the new emperor's ascension was to worship heaven. Hua Zhi had only stood for a short while and bowed three times before being personally assisted by Lai Fu onto the carriage returning to the inner palace. She didn't refuse this kindness, as she'd already felt her strength waning from recent indulgences, though she regretted not witnessing the grand scene of "long live the emperor" in person.
Back in the palace, the atmosphere felt particularly desolate compared to the Altar of Heaven. The thought of Little Six being confined here for decades made her sigh. Sometimes, one couldn't blame rulers for being shortsighted—how could they see beyond when trapped in such a limited space?
Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong probably traveled south repeatedly because they were stifled by the palace, Hua Zhi mused with whimsical thoughts. Perhaps she'd even encourage the emperor to tour Jiangnan someday, to show him the world extended far beyond the capital.
Well, Xiao Liu'er had followed her north and south, then stayed in Xiangyang for months—surely his perspective wouldn't be so narrow...
"Greetings to the Empress Dowager."
The salutations brought Hua Zhi back to reality. She too bowed to this woman who held the highest status yet loneliest position in the realm.
The Empress Dowager gestured for her to rise. "I saw you standing still from afar—were you lost in thought?"
"My mind wandered a bit." Hua Zhi changed the subject. "And you are..."
"Just strolling about. This palace is too quiet."
Quiet indeed—even palace maids and eunuchs were only visible in the distance. Hua Zhi's heart ached anew for Xiao Liu'er, who would spend his entire life in this place.
The two women with different thoughts walked along the covered corridor one after another. Suddenly the Empress Dowager said, "You should marry once you've recovered."
Hua Zhi was surprised. She had always believed the Empress Dowager valued the late emperor's decrees most highly—indeed, she often held herself to such standards. But now...
"Children Yan Xi's age are already seven or eight, yet he remains unmarried. I understand why, and it pains me." The Empress Dowager stopped, leaning against the railing to watch the blooming flowers competing for attention. "I also owe you an apology. I believe even after marriage, you wouldn't neglect the new emperor."
"Your Majesty, please believe I harbor no ambition." Hua Zhi also gazed at the clusters of flowers. "I only wish to be a carefree idler—to eat my fill without worries is the life I desire most."
The Empress Dowager chuckled. Indeed, only someone truly without ambition could possess such talents yet remain completely unknown until sixteen. Had the Hua family not faced disaster, who would have known they concealed such a person as Hua Zhi?
With the new emperor's ascension came a general pardon, yet the Hua family wasn't included.
During the morning court, the new emperor personally read an edict: "Hua Yizheng and his clan have served meritoriously guarding the borders. They are hereby restored to their official positions, and all confiscated Hua family properties shall be returned. So decreed."
Hua Zhi wasn't present at court. When Yan Xi told her the news, she covered her eyes briefly. Two years—what she had sought was finally granted. Little Six had brought his family back in the most honorable way!
Her home... her home had returned.Hua Zhi was brimming with impatience. "I want to leave the palace! I want to go home!"
Gu Yanxi knew exactly where she meant to return. Without another word, he led her toward the old residence.
The moment they entered Hualin Alley, Hua Zhi could no longer restrain herself. Even as she spoke of getting off the carriage, she had already leaped down. Seeing the seal on the main gate had been torn away, she nearly threw her head back and roared at the sky to vent her exhilaration.
Her home had returned!
And her family would soon be back too!
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