Chapter 360: Hua Zhi's Speculation

Chen Qing gave a small nod, his expression one of calculated gratitude. "This official is grateful, miss, for your understanding. However, there is one more thing I’d like to trouble you with," he said, his tone smooth, almost too polite.

Hao Yue’s smile didn’t falter, though a flicker of something unreadable passed over her face. "Of course, sir. Please, do speak," she responded, her voice sweet like honey, with just a touch of a warning underneath.

With a subtle flourish, Chen Qing slid a piece of paper onto the table, his eyes never leaving her face. On it were three sets of birthdates—each more cryptic than the last.

Hao Yue's gaze swept over the paper briefly, and her smile faded just enough to be noticeable. She leaned back slightly, her eyebrows arching in the kind of casual curiosity that only someone of her position could afford. "And what, pray tell, is the significance of this?" she asked, her tone calm but with an edge of something... pointed. She may know a great many things, but diving too deep into the lives of the nobility was a bit beyond her usual scope—unless, of course, they were of some particular importance.

"These," Chen Qing said with an air of finality, "are the birthdates of the fourth, fifth, and sixth princes. I would appreciate it if you could provide the most detailed divination you can, miss. I’m sure whatever aspect you feel is most pertinent will do."

Hao Yue’s initial reaction was a breath of relief, as if the pressure had momentarily lifted. But she didn’t dive into the divination. Instead, she gave him a measured smile and leaned in ever so slightly. "I’ve just completed my third divination of the day," she explained with a patient tone, as if talking to a child who should know better. "You’ll have to come back tomorrow for the results. I do hope that won't be too inconvenient."

Chen Qing didn’t seem phased by the delay. He rose smoothly, his bow not too deep but just enough to show respect—perhaps more for his own comfort than hers. "Very well, miss. I shall trouble you no more for today," he said with feigned deference. "I’ll verify the details you’ve mentioned as soon as I can." His voice was polite, but it held the kind of sharp edge that suggested he wasn’t one to leave things unfinished.

With a final glance, he turned and walked out, his footsteps echoing as he made his way toward the corner. There, he paused and watched—his eyes narrowing as Hao Yue gracefully stepped out, her movements light and confident, clearly satisfied with how the day had unfolded.

A servant signaled from the other side, and Chen Qing, almost as if in slow motion, emerged from the shadows and slipped into a nearby room. With a deliberate click, he closed the door behind him, then, with a practiced air of casualness, peeled off his mask and muttered, "Your Highness."

Gu Yanxi, barely acknowledging the formality, shot him a sharp glance. "So, what did she have to say, in the end?"

Chen Qing inhaled deeply, his posture suddenly folding into something resembling contemplation—perhaps even hesitation, though that would be far too much to expect from someone so well-practiced in the art of nonchalance. His voice lowered as if reluctant to reveal something unsavory. "She said... the Purple Star is dim and seems to be shifting."

Hua Zhi, who had been quietly simmering, shot up from her seat like someone who'd just been pricked with a needle. "She said shifting, not falling, right?" Her voice was sharp, almost too eager, as if she couldn’t resist diving into the implication.

Chen Qing was a little puzzled. The two terms seemed similar, but their meanings were vastly different. Shifting merely meant moving position, with the root remaining unchanged, while falling represented the imperial power passing into someone else's hands.

Glancing at the Shizi, Chen Qing confirmed.

Gu Yanxi, meanwhile, remained motionless, his fingers pressing into the armrest with a silent precision that would’ve been impressive if it weren’t so damn foreboding. He tugged Hua Zhi back down, a slight exhalation escaping his lips. "Whether it's shifting or falling, it’s irrelevant. She can't control any of that. You don’t need to—"

"Yan Xi, don’t make the mistake of underestimating her," Hua Zhi cut him off, her voice uncharacteristically crisp, even harsh. It wasn't a plea; it was a warning. "Just because she’s been right so far—well, that doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. Don’t get fooled. I’m sure you’ve seen her network by now, but think about it: even with all her supposed followers, there's no way she knew about Wu Yong’s condition or Tong Yi's affair. No one knows, or at least, no one should. She must have something more than just luck to be daring enough to send herself your way."

Her words dripped with a biting edge, each one a subtle dig at the complacency they seemed to be drifting toward.

Gu Yanxi didn't underestimate Hao Yue either, but he simply didn't like her. Upon hearing this, he adjusted his attitude. "Do you think she's really good at divination?"

"Whether she is or not, as long as the results are beneficial to us, we'll be happy. Take advantage of her eagerness to perform while you can. By the way, were those birthdates really those of the princes?"

"They were all fake."

Hua Zhi wasn't surprised that the prince's birthdate wasn't easily revealed. But she was taken aback to hear about it from Yan Xi. "This is a deliberate test. Hao Yue probably isn't unaware of this, we'll just have to see how she responds."

"What if she figures it out and then gives her the real one?"

"Two truths and one lie."

"Xiao Liu's is fake." Hua Zhi stated matter-of-factly. Knowing more, you'll realize Gu Yanxi is extremely protective. Since he's sheltered Xiao Liu, he wouldn't give anyone a chance to harm him. Even if he doesn't believe in metaphysics, he would never give out Xiao Liu's birthdate to anyone.

This shows his attitude towards the other two princes.

"Let me think."

Gu Yan Xi gestured for Chen Qing to wait and not disturb Ah Zhi.

Hua Zhi found herself sinking deeper into this messy quagmire, as though she were drowning in a labyrinth of her own mind. If she was going to entertain the idea that Hao Yue had been reborn, then surely her past life must have been a cushy one in a noble family. How else would she know about Wu Yong and the ins and outs of the imperial palace?

But hold on, if she really was some noble lady reborn, wouldn't she be living it up in her original family? Or at least, that's the assumption anyone with half a brain might make.

Let’s think about it differently. If she were reborn from someone with ties to celestial masters—maybe someone with connections or favor from the right people—then perhaps she could’ve wormed her way into the nobility's attention, gradually made her way to the capital, and maybe even into the palace itself. Sounds plausible, right?

But here's the catch: it doesn't quite add up. She’s lived through one life already, which means her experience, her way of talking, the way she handles things—it should be miles ahead of everyone else her age.

And yet, where’s the sharpness, the cunning, the cutting edge you'd expect from someone who’s seen the game?

Where’s the calculated, backstabbing nature of someone who has survived the political wilds of the imperial court?

Because based on what she saw today, Hao Yue’s nothing but a reckless, overconfident rookie.

Let’s be real—some things that even a Duke’s daughter would know, Hao Yue doesn't seem to have a clue about. So yeah, it's safe to say her background is something a bit out of the ordinary—probably higher than any of us could guess.

But then, if she flip this whole thing around, there’s another thought: this girl is still so... green. That means she must have been pretty young when she died the first time, barely out of her teens. No more than twenty, she’d bet.

So young, it almost stings...

Hua Zhi looked at Yan Xi and asked urgently, "How old is the Fourth Prince? Is he married?"

Gu Yan Xi answered directly without asking any questions, "He's sixteen this year, and he'll likely be choosing a concubine soon."

"What about the Fifth Prince?"

"Twelve, it's still early."

That is to say, only the Fourth Prince is of marriageable age. Could it be that...

"Perhaps we can gave the Fourth Prince's birth chart to her."

Gu Yanxi didn't know what Ah Zhi was thinking but nodded, signaling to Chen Qing to follow through.

If Hao Yue was indeed connected to the Fourth Prince, she couldn't be the primary consort. While they said it was a selection process, the primary consort would definitely be from a few designated families. A secondary consort, however, could be someone the prince personally favored. It shouldn't be difficult for Hao Yue to achieve that.

If this hypothesis were correct, as a secondary consort of a prince, she would have access to a lot of information. If she was also a favored concubine, she would know even more.

Perhaps The Purple Star has shifted to Gu Yanxi, which explained her desperate attempts to forge a connection, even at an inopportune time. And Yuan Shifang's role as a stepping stone was indeed perfect.

Hua Zhi took a deep breath, "My guess is a bit far-fetched, and I need to observe further to confirm if it's correct. I'll tell you when I know more."

Gu Yanxi agreed to everything she said.

"Steward Chen, please find an opportunity to ask Hao Yue about the Hua family's situation. Don't mention me directly; just lead her to talk about the Hua family members."

"Yes."

On the way back, Hua Zhi was silent, clearly lost in thought. Gu Yanxi watched her with a smile and didn't interrupt. He was quite pleased with Ah Zhi's reaction. Bringing Ah Zhi to listen to this conversation was indeed to borrow her brain to find some clues. Hao Yue's existence was too unpredictable; he wanted to silence her every time he thought of her. Only a dead person was the safest.

"Oh, right." Hua Zhi suddenly remembered something and looked up at Gu Yanxi, "I heard from Ying Chun that the mushroom yield on the estate is quite high. The people we sent there can now manage it. We should start expanding this business."

"I'll have Chen Qing coordinate with your family's steward."

Hua Zhi rested her chin on her hand and smiled, "Steward Chen really is a jack-of-all-trades."

"Your maids are pretty good too."

They both couldn't help but laugh at this mutual flattery.

——— TNote:

In ancient Chinese astronomy and astrology, the Purple Star (紫微星, Zǐwēixīng) held a very special place. It was often associated with the emperor and imperial authority. Its position in the sky was believed to have profound implications for the fate of the empire.

The shifting of the Purple Star was often interpreted as a sign of significant changes in the fortunes of the imperial house. It could suggest a decline in imperial power, a rise of a new dynasty, or even a change in the emperor's personal fortunes.