Fastest Update of Cherish Hua Zhi!
Hua Zhi was someone who could sit still, but Shaoyao was not.
Once they had traveled a fair distance from the city and were free from prying eyes, she shed her wedding attire, revealing a riding outfit underneath.
She popped out of the carriage and was about to call for someone to bring her a horse when she saw Wu Yong riding alongside with a smile, leading another horse by the reins.
Seeing the reins offered to her, Shaoyao raised an eyebrow, took them, mounted the horse in one swift motion... and galloped away.
Wu Yong’s smile instantly froze on his face.
“Hua Hua, Hua Hua!”
Hua Zhi, who had been leaning against Yan Xi’s chest reviewing accounts, sat up helplessly. “We’ve barely left the capital, and she’s already restless. It’s just as well that at Yinshan Pass, her status is the highest—no one can boss her around.”
Gu Yanxi leaned back against the carriage wall, stretching his legs discreetly to relieve the numbness. “If you didn’t know her temperament, you wouldn’t have agreed to this marriage.”
That was true. Hua Zhi lifted the window curtain and waved at the figure galloping toward them. She watched as Shaoyao reined in her horse, made it rear up, then turned and raced off in another direction. Her carefree, joyful demeanor was infectious, making one smile unconsciously.
If she were confined in the capital, they probably wouldn’t see such a lively Shaoyao.
“Elder Sister.”
Hua Zhi leaned out the window, watching her younger brother Berlin ride closer in his official uniform. Her heart swelled with pride but also ached with pity. Despite all her efforts to protect him, Berlin had matured too quickly, voluntarily shouldering responsibilities far beyond his years without anyone pushing him. He wanted to be capable of protecting her when she stepped down, and she knew it.
“Father said this was where you caught up with them during their exile back then.”
Hua Zhi had completely forgotten about it. Now reminded, she looked around and laughed. “It really is.”
Hua Berlin looked at his elder sister, who had noticeably relaxed since her marriage, feeling both happy and sad. He wished she could remain as formidable and respected as she had been these past years, so her great talents wouldn’t go to waste. Yet, he also hoped she could live as leisurely as she did now—protected by the Regent, reading books, drinking tea, teaching—free from any worries.
Those who had benefited from her and now gossiped about her, confidently claiming she wouldn’t step down after the Emperor’s wedding, had no idea how much she longed for a quiet life. The things others valued might not even compare to a single book she cherished.
“Back then… were you afraid, Elder Sister?” Seeing her calm, untroubled smile, Hua Berlin couldn’t help but ask.
“Afraid? Of course I was. But at the time, there was no room to dwell on fear—only tasks that had to be done immediately and those that could wait.” Hua Zhi propped her head on her hand and smiled. Looking back on those events now, she admired her own courage. If she had to do it all over again, she might not have the same bravery and sense of responsibility.
“Berlin!”
The siblings turned toward the voice and saw Shaoyao, who couldn’t even sit properly on a horse, standing on the stirrups as she rode toward them. “Come on, let’s race!”
Hua Zhi covered her eyes. “Has she forgotten she’s a bride who just got married? Her groom is watching not far away.”
Hua Berlin burst out laughing. “Then I’ll have to forget I’m the Emperor’s envoy for now too. Elder Sister, I’m off.”Hua Zhi waved her hand, her expression one of feigned disapproval while her eyes brimmed with laughter. Having left the confining capital behind, what harm was there in being a little unrestrained outside? Even if someone were to complain, she believed the Emperor would understand—he probably only regretted not being able to join this journey himself.
"Shall we go out too?"
Hua Zhi shook her head and turned to lean against the carriage, gazing at her husband. "No rush, the journey is still long."
Gu Yanxi indulged her, pulling her back into his embrace. "You barely slept last night—rest awhile."
Nuzzling against his chest, Hua Zhi chuckled softly. "I suspect Wu Yong will chase after her."
And indeed, Wu Yong did give chase. Unlike the well-prepared Shaoyao, he was still clad in his wedding attire, looking as though he were pursuing a runaway bride. The sight drew laughter from many.
Though the road was long, the parting had not yet come, and so the journey was filled with joy.
Shaoyao, unburdened by a bride’s reservations, galloped freely each day, rendering the carriage nearly useless. Wu Yong progressed from trailing behind her to actively racing alongside her. Their conversations grew livelier, their laughter more frequent—clearly, they had found the right way to be together.
Hua Zhi, too, no longer remained cooped up in the carriage. Sometimes she rode with Yanxi, other times they rode side by side. Whether it was the exercise or the cheerful mood, she showed no signs of fatigue along the way; instead, her complexion seemed to glow even more. Delighted, Gu Yanxi increasingly—and perhaps intentionally—encouraged her to ride with him.
But even the longest journey must eventually end.
Four days before the auspicious date, the grand procession arrived at Yinshan Pass.
At that time, Yinshan Pass was adorned in festive decor to celebrate the garrison commander’s joyous occasion. The Wu family had guarded this place for generations, earning both the people’s trust and prestige. Now, with General Wu marrying the sister of the Regent, it was clear how highly the imperial family regarded him. As residents of Yinshan Pass, they rejoiced for him.
And when Hua Bolin presented the imperial decree announcing the relocation of the frontier fortress five li outward and the renaming of Yinshan Pass’s inner city as Nuo City, their joy escalated into euphoria. Cheers of "Long live the Emperor!" resounded far and wide. Though unspoken, everyone understood: Nuo City would be a true city, and a city could no longer serve as a place of exile. A city required countless talents and workers—they finally had a future to look forward to!
Who wouldn’t want to live with their head held high? Who wouldn’t dream of one day standing openly before their former families? Political downfall was never a matter of right or wrong, and none of them were truly irredeemable. If only they could have a chance to rise again, if only…
In a quiet corner, Hua Zhi observed the fervent gazes and nearly palpable ambition of the crowd and remarked with a smile, "I never expected the Emperor to give Shaoyao such a grand gift."
Gu Yanxi was equally surprised, but even more so by her reaction. "This wasn’t your idea?"
"I only learned of it just now." How could she have proposed such a significant matter? Hua Zhi shook her head. "This is excellent. What I feared most was that he might be manipulated. Though young, he already has firm judgment and broad vision. Perhaps the Great Qing is truly on the verge of a golden age under his rule."
Who could deny it? Gu Yanxi smiled as he watched Hua Bolin approach. "Or perhaps he wanted to surprise you."
"Grand Tutor."
Hua Zhi’s smile faltered slightly at the address.
Clad in his official uniform and crowned prematurely, the young man stood tall and poised. He bowed deeply. "The Emperor wishes to ask you: Now, can you rest assured?"Of all the possibilities, this was the only one Hua Zhi had never anticipated.
Her lips moved slightly, but in the end, she could only nod to her younger brother and say, "Yes, the Emperor is wise. I am quite at ease."
Hua Bolin straightened up, shedding his adult demeanor and laughing with his usual youthful exuberance. "This was entirely the Emperor's idea. He deliberated for a long time before making the decision. He said you would surely be pleased if you knew."
"Yes, I am very pleased." How could she not be? The people of Nuo City had a promising future ahead, and so did Daqing.
P.S.: Huh, there's another chapter. Too much rambling.
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