Green Moss Alley had gained quite a reputation in the capital. When the newly revitalized alley opened its doors to visitors, passersby didn’t mind sparing a little time to explore inside.
Chen Qing had always been adept at handling affairs. Instead of letting crowds surge in all at once, he had people lead the way whenever someone hesitated at the entrance. Driven by herd mentality, those who were initially uncertain followed along.
Once the alley grew crowded, a virtuous cycle took hold. There was no longer any need for him to arrange guides to draw people in, as passersby felt less hesitant and gave in to their curiosity.
By the time the sun climbed higher, the alley was bustling with activity, showing signs of prosperity.
Thus, momentum had been established.
As long as the food offered wasn’t too unpalatable, this place was bound to become a destination for capital residents—and that was the one thing Hua Zhi was least concerned about.
Standing by the inner canal and observing the steady stream of people entering and leaving the alley, Hua Zhi instructed Chen Qing, “We must maintain good relations. It’s fine to be humble—the Hua family no longer enjoys its former glory—but there’s no need to grovel. We seek harmony to prosper, not to trample the Hua family’s dignity underfoot.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“I trust you to handle matters well. For any issues regarding food, consult Fu Dong directly from now on.”
“Yes.”
Hua Zhi boarded the carriage, lifted the window curtain, and glanced at Gu Yanxi standing tall outside. “There are matters at home, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Gu Yanxi cupped his hands in a respectful salute. “Please proceed as you wish, Miss.”
Watching the carriage depart into the distance, Gu Yanxi turned and met Chen Qing’s scrutinizing gaze. The warmth in his demeanor gradually faded. “Speak your mind if you have something to say.”
Chen Qing didn’t dare admit he’d been amused by his master’s earlier demeanor. Fortunately, he did have a matter to report and quickly replied, “The Prince requests your return to the residence.”
“Return to the residence?”
Chen Qing promptly slapped his own cheek. “The Prince invites you to his residence. I suspect it’s regarding His Highness’s birthday celebrations.”
“I have no time.”
“Heir, wouldn’t this give people grounds for criticism…”
“So what?” Not a trace of Gu Yanxi’s earlier gentleness remained. His eyebrows arched sharply, and a turbulent aura rolled off him. “Does he truly expect me to perform some farce of familial affection and filial piety with him?”
Having followed the Heir through thick and thin, Chen Qing had no desire to see him suffer even the slightest injustice. Remembering that the Emperor would back the Heir in any situation and that the Empress Dowager stood as his protector—leaving the Prince powerless—he decided against further persuasion. If anyone dared speak ill of the Heir, there were plenty who would defend him.
“The Prince also mentioned Shaoyao, saying…”
“Go tell Gu Yeyan that if he dares lay a finger on Shaoyao again, I’ll immediately send his son to the southern border.”
“…Yes.”
Gu Yanxi gazed at the vibrant Green Moss Alley, recalling a pair of eyes from a rainy night. The raging turbulence in his heart slowly settled. In this world, there were people like Gu Yeyan—those who deserved death yet lived on—and there were people like Hua Zhi, who lived with clarity and purpose.
Upon returning home, Hua Zhi went straight to the clan school. Entering the corridor, she saw Mr. Mu listening under the eaves, nodding repeatedly.
Hearing movement, Mu Qing turned and smiled at her with a nod. The two stood under the eaves for a while, listening. Berlin’s voice was clear and steady, carrying the unique vitality of youth. He didn’t just recite texts rigidly but brought the dry content to life. Though he lacked gravitas, his style was perfectly suited for teaching children aged six to eight—a fact evident from the children’s engaged responses.
Exchanging gestures of invitation, they stepped into the covered corridor."I initially thought the young lady's suggestion was absurd—how could such a young child be a teacher? It seemed like child's play. Now I see I was mistaken. Though Berlin is young, he performs his duties as a teacher with remarkable seriousness."
"It's merely a temporary solution born of necessity. Consider it an elder brother guiding his younger siblings. As the eldest brother in the family now, it's Berlin's responsibility to look after them well."
Mu Qing stroked his short beard, gaining deeper respect for the previously unknown young lady. Her courage and determination alone surpassed that of many men.
Hua Zhi suddenly curtsied to Mu Qing. "I have decided to depart in four days. I must trouble you to take extra care of matters at the Clan school."
Mu Qing quickly made a gesture of assistance. "Please don't stand on ceremony, young lady. As I receive compensation from the Hua family, it is my duty to fulfill a teacher's responsibilities. Moreover, Berlin is my only disciple—for his sake alone, I would naturally devote my utmost efforts."
Hua Zhi didn't offer further thanks, as excessive gratitude would only create distance.
"The journey ahead is long, young lady. Please take care of your health. When facing difficulties, don't push yourself too hard—as long as the Green Mountains remain, there will be no shortage of firewood."
"Yes, I will remember your advice."
As dusk approached, just before the second gate was locked, Nian Qiu received the account books from Chen Liang. Returning to tally them, she stared in disbelief. Ignoring Bao Xia's urging, she recalculated with the account books in hand, her expression still dazed.
Bao Xia pushed her impatiently. "Speak! You're worrying me to death."
Nian Qiu stammered, "M-Miss, today's total earnings were three hundred twenty-two taels."
Not only the maids in the room, but even Hua Zhi was surprised. "After deducting costs?"
"Yes, after costs. Net profit."
So one should never underestimate small-scale businesses—when managed well, they can become highly profitable ventures!
Consider that she hadn't done any promotion yet, and few people knew this alley had become a snack street. Once word spread from ten to a hundred people, business would truly flourish!
Ying Chun blinked. "Does that mean we'll recover our investment soon?"
Nian Qiu hugged the account books and nodded excitedly. Including the shop purchase, they had only spent a few thousand taels—they would recover their investment in less than a month!
"This servant will develop more food items." Fu Dong was so excited she became incoherent, then ran off immediately, with Liu Juan following close behind.
The maids exchanged glances, covering their mouths as they laughed.
"Ying Chun."
"Yes, this servant is here."
"Gather all our available silver. Exchange half for gold bars and half for gold melon seeds. Besides what we need for the journey, keep no cash at home. With daily income from Green Moss Alley, there should be no problems."
"Should we also exchange the silver earned from Green Moss Alley these past few days?"
"Yes. While I'm away, you must manage the accounts carefully. Anyone who wants to see the account books must wait for my return."
Ying Chun hesitated. "What if Fourth Aunt wants to get involved..."
"She won't." Hua Zhi spoke with certainty. While she wasn't sure about others, she had confidence in Fourth Aunt. "Be cautious of Second Aunt and Third Aunt. By the way, Liu Xiang, go summon Nanny Lin."
"Yes."Hua Zhi swept her gaze over her personal maids. "You are my people, representing my face. Anyone who bullies you is slapping my face in return. You have my permission to fight back fiercely—I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens. Hold nothing back. Remember, if you show weakness even once, you’ll never be able to stand firm again. But if you remain unyielding to the end, others will fear you. Understood?"
They nodded solemnly. Ying Chun responded, "Yes, Miss. We will guard the household and await your return."
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