As they spoke, they arrived at the Grand Empress Dowager's residence.
Having changed out of the luxurious robes symbolizing nobility and freed from the ever-present constraints of the palace, the Grand Empress Dowager felt unprecedentedly lighthearted. Her smiles became more frequent, making her appear no different from any kind and amiable matriarch of a prominent family.
After taking a sip of tea, the Grand Empress Dowager accepted a small box from her lady-in-waiting and handed it to Hua Zhi. With a warm smile, she gazed at the perfect couple and said, "May you share a lifetime of harmony and grow old together."
"Thank you, Grandmother."
After the couple bowed once more, Gu Yanxi helped A Zhi to her feet. His natural care and devotion moved the Empress Dowager deeply—these two had fought tooth and nail for their present happiness, leading everyone to unanimously overlook the late Emperor's decree without a single objection.
The three moved to the dining table and sat in a triangular arrangement. All were perceptive individuals, understanding much without needing explicit words. By addressing her as "Grandmother" rather than using her formal title, they naturally interacted as ordinary grandparents and grandchildren would, bridging the distance that formalities often created and fostering a closer familial bond.
"Although the Emperor has been taught exceptionally well, he is still young and at an age where he relies on his loved ones. Even as a member of the imperial family, there is no need to worry about such formalities at this time." The Grand Empress Dowager rose and took a few steps forward. "Not every dynasty's daughter-in-law possesses the capabilities of a Grand Tutor. You have the right to act with special consideration. Grandmother hopes you will remain as self-assured as ever."
Hua Zhi curtsied and responded respectfully. Even without these words, she would have done so, but being so supported warmed her heart.
The Grand Empress Dowager helped her up and sighed softly. "That child is likely uneasy at heart, but as the Emperor, how can he voice such concerns? You must pay closer attention and not distance yourself from him. After all, there are very few people he can trust and feel close to."
"Yes."
"You see things clearly, and that puts my mind at ease." The elderly woman smiled again. "As for that palace, I have no desire to return. I hope you won't mind if I stay here for good."
"Yanxi would be delighted if you stayed permanently." Hua Zhi glanced at her husband, who had remained silent with a gentle expression. "Now that you've finally left the palace, there's no need to confine yourself to the residence. On fine days, you can stroll within the city or beyond. There are several villas—you may go wherever you wish. When we all have more free time, even traveling to farther places is possible."
The Grand Empress Dowager, who had been confined her entire life, felt a ripple of emotion in her eyes. Just the thought filled her with longing. If such a day could truly come...
She lowered her head, blinked away her tears, and suppressed the anticipation in her heart. Nodding with a smile, she said, "Then Grandmother must take good care of herself to enjoy it."
"May you enjoy boundless happiness and longevity."
The Grand Empress Dowager's words lingered in Hua Zhi's mind. After paying her respects at the palace, she paid closer attention and noticed that while the Emperor's smile and demeanor remained unchanged, his fleeting glances—always avoiding her gaze when she looked back—were clearly testing. The young Emperor was uncertain whether the Grand Tutor would be different after marriage.
This uncertainty tugged at Hua Zhi's heartstrings.
After turning the thought over in her mind, she spoke naturally, "Your Majesty, do you recall when I asked you and Berlin to investigate commodity prices among the common people?"
The Emperor nodded. Of course, he remembered—it was his first such experience, one he would never forget."Your Majesty must not underestimate such trivial matters. Price fluctuations are closely linked to the common people, and from them one can discern the quality of harvests." Hua Zhi smiled. "Though Your Majesty sits high in the imperial court with a broad view, you remain distant from the populace. If someone were to cover your ears and blindfold your eyes, you would only know what they wish you to know. But if you understand all commodity prices, you could discern where disasters strike, where calamities occur, and whether the people live in stability. Who could then cover your ears or blindfold your eyes?"
The Emperor's eyes sparkled with unusual brilliance. Could the Grand Tutor be implying...
"Of course, frequent visits among the people as before would be impossible - Your Majesty's safety outweighs all else. But occasional trips to the common markets, in my opinion, would bring far more benefits than drawbacks."
The Emperor was immensely willing, yet he knew no court official would consent. He instinctively glanced at the Regent.
Gu Yanxi naturally wouldn't oppose A Zhi's decision. He well understood how exceptional an emperor trained by A Zhi's methods would become, so he nodded without hesitation: "I concur. Knowing these matters, how could Your Majesty ever be deceived by subordinates?"
The Emperor was overjoyed. With the Regent's support, this matter was essentially settled. Even if only occasional outings were permitted, it eased the restlessness of being confined daily within palace walls.
"I recall there's a market not far from Great Clumsy Temple." Hua Zhi spoke with perfect composure, as if mentioning the most ordinary matter. "The troubled times have passed, and we now enjoy favorable weather. When Your Majesty goes there, you might as well offer incense at Great Clumsy Temple."
Gu Yanxi nearly laughed aloud. This was truly... after such roundabout phrasing, it ultimately came down to not wanting the Emperor to feel unsettled, finding ways to put his mind at ease.
Watching the Emperor's unsuccessfully suppressed smile, warmth filled Gu Yanxi's heart. This person he had finally married - only through contact did one discover how tender her heart was, how good she was to those she considered her own.
Even as a mere observer he felt this way, so the Emperor's heart overflowing with warmth was understandable. Perhaps it was too much, too full, making his heart ache and his nose tingle. Hugging his joy, the Emperor secretly thought: How wonderful, the Grand Tutor remains just as before!
Leaving the palace, the two proceeded directly to Great Clumsy Temple. Neither being fond of pomp, they hadn't sent advance notice. Only after they had offered incense in the main hall did Master Banruo receive word and hurry over.
In the quiet room, Hua Zhi set down her teacup, accepted a box from Ying Chun, placed it on the table and opened it. Sandalwood prayer beads lay quietly inside.
"By the Buddha's grace, I passed through the barrier of life and death."
Master Banruo looked down at the box, shaking his head with a smile. "The Princess Consort was always destined for such blessings."
Hua Zhi didn't argue. She didn't believe in gods or ghosts, yet maintained reverence. Whether this was mere coincidence or true divine protection, she felt grateful. In this matter, she was quite willing to believe she had received good reward for being good.
Gu Yanxi took over the conversation: "We request the Master to reconsecrate them."
"As should be." Master Banruo closed the box and set it aside, then raised his head and chanted a Buddhist invocation. "Recently, more people have been seeking tonsure at Great Clumsy Temple. While we open our doors to all visitors, we cannot turn them away. If this disturbs Your Highnesses' peace, we beg your forgiveness.""An increase in those seeking tonsure?" Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised. Are times that difficult now? Although the new Emperor has ascended the throne, there hasn't been any turmoil, so why are more people becoming monks?
Master Banruo sighed, "If it weren't for the fact that Great Clumsy Temple has always maintained a fixed number of monks without increase or decrease, there might soon be more monks than worshippers."
"Have you asked why they want to become monks, Master? Are their families unable to make ends meet? Wait..." Hua Zhi suddenly stopped herself as she remembered something. "If I'm not mistaken, shortly before the late Emperor passed away, he issued a new decree stating that ordained monks with official certification could exempt their families from land tax."
Master Banruo nodded with a bitter smile. While this was beneficial for monks, if exploited, good intentions could turn into negative consequences.
This wasn't actually a new policy unique to the Daqing Dynasty. Throughout history, many dynasties had granted special treatment to monks. Who could be more superstitious about ghosts and deities than the Emperor himself? Hua Zhi thought with cold mockery internally, though she maintained a neutral expression outwardly. As a royal consort, she needed to preserve some dignity for her husband.
She raised her eyes to look at her husband. "This matter isn't too big or too small. I think it would be perfect for the Emperor to practice handling such affairs."
Gu Yanxi's mind worked quickly as he nodded in agreement. "My lady speaks wisely. I shall send someone to report this immediately."
Master Banruo's gaze shifted between the two, suddenly feeling rather superfluous in their presence.
PS: Returning, beginning to update side stories.
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