Madam Zhu gently stroked her daughter's hair tied atop her head. Ever since she started wearing the Official Uniform, even in women's attire, her hair was mostly tied up like this. Whenever urgently summoned to the palace, she only needed to change into the Official Uniform and could leave immediately.
As a woman, she mostly resided in the outer courtyard, while her own quarters had nearly become decorative. This had become so routine that everyone found it unremarkable, and even outside gossip was far outweighed by admiration.
This was her daughter. The pride she felt daily was matched only by the heartache whenever she saw her. The child who two years ago had a relaxed expression and full cheeks now withered like a flower after blooming—no matter how carefully tended, the decline could not be halted.
Madam Zhu thought, whatever her daughter wanted, she would give it to her. Even if the men of the Hua family returned and dared to obstruct, she would fight desperately to secure it. This family had been preserved because her daughter sacrificed everything she had—they could only support her fully!
Clutching her daughter's hand tightly, Madam Zhu swallowed her tears. Though her reddened eyes betrayed her, she still mustered a mother's resilience. "Do whatever you wish. Your mother will always stand by your side."
Hua Zhi tilted her head, observing her mother for a long moment before smiling and embracing her. "My mother is truly beautiful, more so than anyone in the world."
Madam Zhu shot her a mock-stern glance but couldn't help smiling along. Yet this smile couldn't conceal the ache in her chest. If possible, she would rather her daughter remain as quiet and proper as before—not so capable, without achieving such great renown—so long as she could be healthy and live a peaceful, smooth life.
Though the maids were quick and efficient, even the cleverest housewife couldn't make a meal without rice. The place had been abandoned for two years, and many things needed to be brought over from the main residence. Hua Zhi didn't rush them. Propped against a pillar with cushions behind and a cover over her, she lay drowsily. Everyone instinctively softened their movements.
The sunlight at that moment was just right, casting a halo around her as it shone upon her.
Gu Yanxi paused mid-step at the sight, his anxious heart suddenly soothed. Such a person—no amount of kindness felt sufficient, no depth of devotion seemed enough.
Yu Lao, who arrived a step later, sighed. He knew all too well the state of the young lady's health. Medicine could treat illness, but when a person's willpower was so strong that even sickness retreated, he was powerless. Yet the illness had only withdrawn, not vanished—waiting to strike back when her strength waned.
Hua Zhi slowly opened her eyes and, seeing the two figures not far away, smiled and sat up slightly. Being stared at like that would wake even the deepest sleeper.
After carefully examining her condition and having her move her hands as much as possible, Yu Lao pondered for a moment and said, "Daily acupuncture from now on should bring some recovery. But whether full restoration is possible, this old man cannot guarantee."
Hua Zhi wasn't surprised. She suspected nerve damage but didn't know if it was permanent or recoverable. Though there were no advanced instruments here, she had confidence in Yu Lao's medical skills. Ancient acupuncture was truly remarkable—pity so many exquisite techniques weren't passed down.
Perhaps she could compile them all when she had time? Hua Zhi's eyes lit up, suddenly finding this an excellent idea.Unable to get a definite answer, Gu Yanxi grew quite anxious, yet he refrained from pressing further in front of A Zhi, merely asking, "Shall we start today or..."
"I have the silver needles with me. Let's begin today."
Just then, Bao Xia arrived with a group of maids carrying numerous bundles. Hearing this, she immediately wiped her reddened eyes and said, "Please wait a moment, this servant will prepare the space right away."
As she spoke, Bao Xia took out a soft cushion and placed it behind the young lady. Though it was July and they had just walked some distance, leaving them sweaty, the young lady showed no sign of heat under her blanket—her hands were even cold. Hastily, Bao Xia fetched another blanket and tucked it around her, trying to preserve whatever warmth she could.
"Alright, I'm fine." Watching the tears drip onto her, Hua Zhi smiled soothingly. "From now on, I'll stay home and not go anywhere. I won't bother with business anymore. You'll take care of me with good food and drink, won't you?"
"You must keep your word!"
"I will, I definitely will."
Bao Xia wiped her tears. "We servants can manage the business; you needn't worry about it. There's nothing we can't do for you, except serve as the Grand Tutor in your stead."
Bathed in sunlight, Hua Zhi leaned against the large pillow, smiling and nodding in agreement, her gentleness beyond compare. Yet, Bao Xia's tears fell even faster, though she couldn't quite explain why.
"This servant will go tidy up the room. It won't take long."
Watching the maid wipe her tears as she walked away, Hua Zhi knew she had frightened them. But the thought of living a lazy, carefree life from now on lifted her spirits, filling her heart and eyes with anticipation.
Upon learning that acupuncture was to be performed, the ladies from various branches of the family came. Though none of them would avoid treatment for any reason, their eldest young lady was still unmarried, and now the procedure was to be done in the presence of the Regent King, which made them somewhat uneasy.
Just as Madam Zhu was mustering the courage to ask the Regent King to step aside, she saw him stride forward, dismiss the maids, remove his shoes, climb onto the bed, and sit at the headboard. He then pulled Hua Zhi to lie across his lap, drew the bed curtains in full view of everyone, and soon, a bare arm emerged from within.
Everyone...
Seeing the lingering blue and purple marks on that arm, the ladies pretended not to know that there were now two people inside. Even after all this time, the traces remained—how severe it must have been before. Compared to that, their minor reservations seemed trivial.
Inside, the drawn curtains created a small, secluded world. They could vaguely see the shadowy figures outside, but due to the poor light, those outside could only make out blurred shapes within.
Hua Zhi boldly pulled the man down and kissed him on the lips, her eyes curved into smiles as she gazed at her reflection in his eyes, silently mouthing, "Don't worry, I'll get better."
Gu Yanxi kissed her lips repeatedly to calm his own heart. How could he not worry? The once sharp-eyed A Zhi now couldn't hide the weariness in her brow, her entire body exuding fatigue. She, who never used to daydream, now often drifted off, her reactions slower than before. How could he not worry?
Hua Zhi's smile was tender. She nuzzled against his chest and patted the spot over his heart, whispering, "This place can only hold me."
"Of course, there will be no one else."
Hua Zhi looked up, her smile spreading from her lips to her eyes. "Don't be afraid. I promise I won't leave you. Your future will definitely include me."
The seven-foot-tall man's voice grew hoarse. "It's a promise."
"It's a promise."The two lightly high-fived. Seeing the worry between the man's brows fade slightly, Hua Zhi fell asleep contentedly.
So very sleepy indeed!
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