Although Hua Yizheng was unaware of the current specifics at home, the fact that Berlin had brought someone so quickly indicated that Yu Lao—renowned as a divine physician—likely resided with them regularly. The old master's mind raced through several considerations before settling on a plan, casting a meaningful glance toward his smoothest-tongued son who had recently emerged from the family temple.
Hua Pingyang initially froze in confusion, but upon noticing his father's gaze lingering on Zhi Er, he began to understand.
After completing the four diagnostic methods of observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking, Yu Lao turned to Hua Zhi. "There's no need for concern, Elder Sister. The venerable elder is merely fatigued. In fact, I observe his constitution appears more robust than others of his age. After some days of recuperation, he should recover completely."
Hua Zhi immediately felt relieved and smiled. "Previously, Shaoyao accompanied me to Yinshan Pass and provided Grandfather with meticulous recuperative care. The credit should go to her."
Hearing his disciple's name mentioned, Yu Lao also smiled. "Who knows when that girl will return."
"It should be soon." Even if Shaoyao possessed the capability to guard the borders, the southern defenses wouldn't be entrusted to her—neither she nor Yan Xi would permit it.
"Zhi Er." Hua Pingyang stepped forward, first cupping his hands respectfully toward Yu Lao. "Your fourth uncle wishes to ask you something."
Hua Zhi had always been close with her fourth uncle and nodded without suspicion. Addressing Yu Lao, she said, "With the family banquet today, it wouldn't be proper to keep you here. I'll arrange for someone to escort you back to the Heir Apparent Residence shortly."
Yu Lao nodded with a understanding smile.
Hua Zhi made a apologetic curtsy and called Berlin over, instructing him, "You shall personally escort Yu Lao there later."
"Yes, Elder Sister."
After bowing to her grandfather and father to take leave, Hua Zhi moved to stand beside her fourth uncle.
Watching as Hua Pingyang led her away into the distance, Hua Yizheng composed his expression and turned to Yu Lao who awaited his words. "Might the Divine Physician enlighten us about Zhi Er's current health condition?"
Hua Pingyu and Hua Berlin watched Yu Lao with tense anticipation.
"Even if you hadn't asked, I intended to speak of this. Elder Sister's body currently resembles a bowstring stretched to its limit—no one can predict when it might snap. This isn't a matter treatable with medication, for medicine cures illnesses, and Elder Sister currently has no disease."
Yu Lao sighed heavily. He had revised prescriptions multiple times to no avail. "Over these past two years, she has sustained injuries on several occasions, severely depleting her vital energy and blood. Were it not for my disciple exhausting every means to nourish her constitution, her condition would be far worse. Yet despite such physical state, each time she's injured, she recovers with remarkable speed. For instance, when her shoulder wound reopened multiple times in the palace recently, even suturing couldn't stop the bleeding. I feared it would fester, yet it didn't. After just days of care, she regained strength—a recovery rate typical of those with robust health. But Elder Sister's constitution absolutely cannot be described as robust. Anomalies always signify something unnatural."
Shaking his head, Yu Lao regarded the three solemn-faced family members. "Elder Sister has endured extraordinary hardships—she reached her current position through sheer force of will. Such perseverance is rare even among men, let alone women. Naturally, I too wish to prevent her physical collapse. After extensive contemplation, I believe there's only one method worth attempting."
Hua Pingyu immediately rose and bowed with clasped hands. "We beg the Divine Physician to speak plainly. Our gratitude would be boundless."Yu Lao rose and helped him up. "These days, not only the Emperor, the Heir, and the Empress Dowager have repeatedly instructed me to carefully tend to the young lady's health, but other officials also openly or discreetly urge me whenever we meet. I dare not be negligent. The solution is both simple and straightforward: now that the pillars of the Hua family have returned, the burden on the young lady can be lifted. However, my thought is to let her continue bearing it for a while."
Hua Yizheng, being astute, understood immediately. "You mean to let her keep feeling the pressure?"
"Exactly. Then we can gradually ease it later. We cannot let her relax all at once. I fear that if she loosens up too quickly, she might collapse entirely."
Hua Yizheng nodded slightly. "I understand what must be done. I will continue to trouble you, Miraculous Doctor, to watch over her closely. Zhi Er has exhausted herself for the Hua family. No matter what, I must ensure her well-being."
As he spoke, Hua Yizheng stood and bowed deeply to Miraculous Doctor Yu. Hua Pingyu did the same. Having been born and raised in the capital and witnessed the rise and fall of noble families, they knew all too well how difficult it was for a family that had been disgraced and exiled to regain its footing in this ruthless place. Yet Zhi Er had not only managed it but had also aided them in the distant northern lands. As a woman, she had established herself in the court and become the Emperor's Grand Tutor. The hardships she must have endured to reach this point were beyond anyone's imagination except her own.
They could not simply thank her—they could not even put their gratitude into words, for that would belittle her efforts. She had never done any of this for their thanks. What she protected was this family, every single person in it. Every member of the Hua family must remember this.
Yu Lao felt comforted by their sincerity. He returned the bow. "I will spare no effort."
After seeing the doctor off, father and son stood in place for a long time without speaking. They had returned—after two years of longing, they were finally back. But only upon their return did they truly understand the price the Hua family had paid for this unjust calamity.
Meanwhile, Hua Pingyang led the others to the garden. Noticing the soil was still damp, he smiled. "This place must have been completely neglected before."
Hua Zhi smiled faintly. "I wouldn't know. Before the Emperor returned the residence to me, he had already ordered the entire grounds, except the inner courtyard, restored."
"I heard the new Emperor spent over a year by your side."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. "What is Fourth Uncle trying to ask?"
"Your protective nature really shows. Shouldn't you be protecting me instead?" Hua Pingyang chuckled. "After being away for two years, with Father and Eldest Brother reentering the court, is it wrong for me to gather some information?"
"If Fourth Uncle had asked directly, I would have answered directly. There was no need to beat around the bush." Hua Zhi's eyes sparkled with amusement, clearly enjoying their banter. This was how their uncle-niece relationship had always been—informal and unreserved.
"The late Empress taught him exceptionally well. Back then, he was somewhat timid, lacking a mother's protection, and would instinctively retreat to safeguard himself. Later, I took him on a journey, and he traveled with Berlin as well. With more experiences, that timidity was gradually worn away. Rest assured, Fourth Uncle, the Emperor will grow into a wise ruler—broad-minded, ambitious, far-sighted, and benevolent."
"Aren't you afraid that in the future...""Don't worry. I am his appointed Grand Tutor, and the two assisting ministers are the Regent and the Grand Tutor. Both publicly and privately, they will spare no effort in supporting him. With the Empress Dowager overseeing the inner palace, no one will have the chance to lead him astray."
Zhi Er's confidence came from herself. Realizing this, Hua Pingyang couldn't help but chuckle. He found it somewhat difficult to connect the crisp-speaking person before him with the niece who only wanted to enjoy good food and read good books.
However, since Zhi Er held such high regard for the new emperor, he must not be lacking. He trusted Zhi Er's judgment—now, no one in the Hua family would doubt Zhi Er's insight.
"Father still says I'm not suited for officialdom, but if I'm willing to leave home and establish my own household, he won't interfere in this matter anymore."
"I used to feel indignant on Fourth Uncle's behalf. I thought that with Fourth Uncle's abilities, if he entered officialdom, he would surely perform better than my father. But now I agree with Grandfather's view." Hua Zhi looked seriously at her fourth uncle. "It is precisely because Fourth Uncle is too capable that he cannot enter officialdom. The Hua family practices concealing one's strengths and biding one's time. Even if the one serving in office is a bookworm who only knows how to study, that's acceptable. The Hua family doesn't need slickness—this is why our family has been able to pass down through generations to this day."
PS: One update today. The subsequent content needs to be written in one continuous flow. Remember to follow that public account, everyone. Search for "Giant Kun" in the public account—not adding in friends—then click into the historical review about Giant Kun, and you'll find the special event for Cherish Hua Zhi. Everyone, participate enthusiastically!
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