Hua Zhi didn't inquire further when she emerged without seeing Lu Xiansheng. She had never considered Lu Xiansheng a subordinate of the Hua family. Privately, she regarded him as external assistance brought by Shaoyao.
Since he was external help, she only needed to remember the favor owed, without overstepping her bounds.
"Yan Ge has booked an inn—the very one that person pointed out earlier."
The residence was occupied entirely by men. Although they were family, it wasn't entirely convenient, so staying at an inn was most suitable. Hua Zhi nodded and turned to ask Chen Shan, "When is the curfew here?"
"Replying to the Eldest Miss, it's at exactly You hour."
That would be five o'clock. Given the weather, it would likely be completely dark by then. Hua Zhi took out a silver note and handed it to him. "You must know where to find good food. Go and arrange for several fine tables of dishes."
"Yes, I'll go right away."
Hua Yizheng emerged from the room and, seeing Chen Shan dart off without a trace, chuckled. "Quite sharp, knowing your words carry weight now."
"If he lacked that much perception, he might as well have returned to the capital." Hua Zhi turned around and saw her grandfather wearing her cloak, which was too short for him, while hers was too long. Without hesitation, they swapped.
Hua Yizheng was a man who recognized quality. He had known it was fine goods just by looking, but holding it in his hands, he understood its worth was beyond measure. "Won't you return it?"
"I bought it from him. It's too cold here—we can't do without a decent cloak."
"Your grandfather isn't so fragile."
"Yet it's a fact that your health isn't what it used to be."
"..." Hua Yizheng shook his head with a wry smile, choosing not to argue. This version of his granddaughter felt refreshingly new to him. In the past, not only would she not argue, but getting her to speak more than a few words had been a challenge—like a silent gourd, unafraid of stifling herself.
As dusk approached, members of the Hua family returned one after another. Seeing Hua Zhi, they were stunned, then brimming with an indescribable excitement. Even those from distant branches who had harbored past grievances now beamed with joy, eager to glean news of their families just from looking at Hua Zhi's face.
Hua Zhi skipped formal greetings altogether. No one cared about etiquette at that moment; their eyes burned with anticipation, hoping she would share more about home.
Hua Zhi seemed to have forgotten that she might not make it back to the inn in time. She addressed each person individually, sharing news of the family members they cared about and informing everyone that the Hua family had reopened the clan school, with every eligible child enrolled without exception.
Amid the excitement, someone remarked, "At least those teachers haven't eaten the Hua family's provisions all these years for nothing. They've proven themselves worthy of our family."
Hua Zhi's throat was dry and sore from speaking. She seized the chance to lower her head and drink tea, avoiding the topic. But the Hua family had stood firm in the capital for so many years—the older generation could hardly miss her evasion.
The room fell into silence.
Hua Yizheng spoke for everyone, asking, "What is the current state of the clan school?"
Since asked, Hua Zhi didn't hold back. "Currently, the only teachers at the clan school are Mr. Mu and myself."
"Could it be... only Mu Qing came?" Hua Pingyu couldn't conceal his anger. "Were invitations sent to everyone?"
"Yes, in Grandmother's name. Some made excuses to decline, while others ignored them entirely. Mr. Mu responded immediately upon receiving the invitation and even borrowed help from me to bring his family to the capital. No matter what, he's committed to being a teacher."The men of the Hua family were not amused by her lightheartedness. They were all thinking the same thing: how had their relatives left in the capital managed during such turbulent times, and what role had this young woman—who remained composed under so many gazes—played in it all?
Someone wanted to ask how a woman could possibly serve as a clan school teacher, but seeing her travel-worn appearance, the words died in their throat.
Before seeing her, they hadn’t dared imagine any family member would come. Women were expected to stay within the inner quarters—it was common for them to fear getting lost even wandering around the capital without servants. Yet Hua Zhi had traveled thousands of li to Yinshan Pass and appeared before them.
If she could journey such a great distance, what was becoming a clan school teacher? A person personally taught by the Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy was surely more qualified than any ordinary scholar to be a teacher.
Chen Shan slipped in by the door, looking as if he had something to say but hesitating to speak.
Hua Zhi stood up. "The food is getting cold. Let’s eat first. I’ll be staying here for a few more days—we can discuss matters tomorrow. Grandfather, I must head to the inn now. Curfew is about to start."
Hua Yizheng checked the water clock and said urgently, "It’s already time. Let your Fourth Uncle escort you—he knows many people around here."
Hua Pingyang immediately rose and went to his niece’s side. Hua Zhi did not refuse. She curtsied to the room, and those of her generation quickly stepped aside while the elders gestured to help her up.
As she stepped out of the room, Hua Zhi saw Lu Xiansheng and Shaoyao talking.
Shaoyao ran over and grabbed her arm. "Hua Hua, are we going to the inn now?"
"Yes, it’s getting dark. We should hurry."
Dongzi and the others had been taken by Chen Shan to the servants’ quarters to rest. Only Hua Zhi, her two companions, and Gu Yanxi’s horse—which kicked anyone who came near—were staying at the inn.
The streets, bustling earlier, were now empty. Doors on both sides were tightly shut, and the thick snow piled on the roofs gave Hua Zhi the illusion of stepping into a fairy tale.
The clip-clop of hoofbeats approached. A patrol squad, having spotted their group, came straight toward them and surrounded them.
"Who are you? Do you not know curfew is in effect?"
Hua Pingyang quickly stepped in front of the group and replied respectfully but firmly, "I am Hua Pingyang of the Hua family, escorting my niece who has just arrived from the capital to the inn up ahead. It is not that my niece disregards the rules, but our family was so eager for news of our loved ones that we lost track of time. I beg your understanding, Officer."
The man on horseback suddenly dismounted. Gu Yanxi subtly stepped forward to the left, while Shaoyao moved to the right, both ready to act if needed.
"Remove your hood."
Hua Pingyang naturally refused. A daughter of the Hua family was not to be casually looked upon, especially not this niece he had watched grow up. Even if the Hua family had fallen from grace, they would not allow themselves to be trampled upon.
Hua Zhi stopped her Fourth Uncle, who was on the verge of exploding, and calmly removed her hood. She curtsied and said, "This humble daughter of the Hua family has broken the curfew. I beg your leniency, Officer, as I am newly arrived here."
Gu Yanxi frowned slightly. He couldn’t bear to see Hua Zhi like this. Though it wasn’t exactly humiliation, she didn’t deserve such treatment. She could stand aloof, remain indifferent, or stay detached—but she shouldn’t have to lower herself this way.The expected obstruction did not come. The man glanced at Hua Zhi, confirmed she was indeed a female family member, then signaled his subordinates to withdraw. After mounting his horse, he instructed, "Proceed quickly. Do not linger outside."
Hua Pingyang was momentarily stunned before promptly complying. As if fearing unforeseen changes, he hurriedly led his niece toward the inn.
Watching their figures disappear into the darkness, the deputy officer urged his horse forward. "Boss, is that the Hua family's young lady? Her features are clearly more than just delicate - were those people blind during the day?"
"After traveling thousands of miles, would she not employ some self-preservation tactics?" The leader turned his horse around to continue patrol duties. Recalling the man beside Hua Zhi, he frowned slightly. That dangerous glint in his eyes wasn't something ordinary people possessed - had he truly harbored ill intentions earlier, he would likely have been subdued already.
PS: I'm aware the recent updates haven't been adequate. I'll strive to post another chapter today, though it will probably be quite late. Readers may prefer to check back tomorrow.
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