Chapter 381: The Emperor's Concerns

The incident caused quite a stir, sparking a wave of chatter among the scholars gathered for the exams. For a while, their focus shifted entirely away from their studies, centering instead on the eldest daughter of the Hua family.

Opinions were mixed. Some criticized her boldness, calling her too aggressive, but the majority seemed entertained, even delighted, by her actions. Her reputation had preceded her, but witnessing her in action was another matter altogether—an eye-opener, to say the least.

Wasn't it true that she had stood her ground against Mr. Wei, as rumors suggested?

And those who dared to call her a shrew—were they blind to the circumstances?

Was it wrong for her to stand vigil at home, waiting for her younger sister, whose reputation had been dragged through the mud, to return?

Sure, some labeled her as overbearing.

But consider this: if she hadn't been, would the Hua family in the capital have survived the vultures circling them?

Was it really wrong for her to shield her family, to push back against their oppressors, and to take charge when no one else dared to?

And then there were the younger Hua family’s children—identically dressed, their clothes smeared with ink from the school.

What did that say about them?

That they hadn't forgotten their roots.

And how they rallied around the eldest granddaughter of Hua family was proof of the values she had instilled in them.

With heirs like that, could the Hua family ever truly collapse?

Sure, some still clung to the belief that women should depend on men, but even they couldn't deny the Hua family's need for someone like her. Brutal as it may sound, sacrificing the eldest granddaughter to protect the family seemed justified—especially since she had volunteered herself for the role.

And because it was her choice, no one had the right to criticize her. She had shouldered the burden with grace, and in doing so, she had ensured that the Hua family lived to fight another day.

The news that had spread throughout the city had even reached the unpredictable Emperor in the imperial palace.

"This is quite amusing," the Emperor chuckled, his brows furrowed, "How did a nest of scholars like the Hua family raise such a daughter?"

Lai Fu no longer dared to speculate on the Emperor's thoughts. Upon hearing this, he lowered his waist even more, not daring to respond.

The Emperor chuckled another two times and then, in a leisurely manner, asked, "I heard that the eldest miss of the Hua family is known as the god of wealth, able to turn stones into gold?"

Lai Fu smiled and carefully considered his response, "Whether she is truly so powerful, this old servant does not know. I have only heard that the few deals she made this year have been profitable, allowing the branches of the Hua family to move from the east to the south of the city. So far, I have not heard of the Hua family facing any embarrassment due to financial difficulties."

"Oh? She supports the branches too?"

"Yes, before, a girl from the Hua family voluntarily offered herself to the son of the Feng family to be his concubine. This information came from the mouth of the son of the Feng family."

"A daughter of the Hua family as a concubine?" The Emperor's smile turned slightly cold. "Is she not afraid of angering Hua Jingyan?"

Lai Fu lowered his brows and eyes, "The eldest miss of the Hua family publicly severed her ties with her on the day she left the house."

The Emperor was caught off guard, though he didn’t let it show. Both sisters from the Hua family had chosen paths that spoke volumes about their values—one had been cast out for becoming a concubine, while the other was prepared to sacrifice everything to shield her family. Different choices, but both driven by an unyielding sense of principle.

“I hear the Hua family has been receiving quite a few invitations from scholars,” the Emperor remarked, his tone measured but curious.

Lai Fu, acutely aware of the Emperor’s unpredictability, felt sweat trickle down his back. He had no way of gauging how His Majesty felt about Hua Zhi, so he tread carefully. “Yes, Your Majesty. The eldest miss of the Hua family has sent identical replies to all the invitations, inviting the scholars to meet on the seventh day of the ninth month.”

The Emperor already knew about the invitations—and their replies. What caught his attention was the timing. The scholarly gathering was traditionally held on the ninth day, yet Hua Zhi had deliberately chosen the seventh. She wasn’t naive. She must have known the Hua family had lost the standing to host such an event. In any case, the timing was bold. After all, in past years, these gatherings always took place after the autumn exams.

So what was her goal?

To rally support for Hua Yizheng?

With the body of a mere woman?

No, she wouldn't overestimate her abilities like that.

The Emperor's eyes were full of interest, and he was beginning to anticipate what would happen next.

A eunuch stepped forward to announce, "Your Majesty, Mr. Wei has come to seek your forgiveness."

The Emperor frowned, dismissive. "I won't see him," he declared, but after a moment’s pause, his expression shifted. "No—on second thought, tell him I trust him. Let him act as he sees fit."

"Understood," the eunuch replied.

Lai Fu, standing to the side, felt his heart skip a beat. Just what angle was the Emperor playing?

If His Majesty was aligning with the Wei family, Lai Fu could practically see himself digging his own grave. But claiming the Hua family had his favor? That didn’t make sense either—there wasn’t a clear justification for it.

Breaking the tense silence, the Emperor casually remarked, "Lai Fu, what do you think about having that Hua girl earn some money for me? I’m a little short on silver these days."

Lai Fu couldn’t tell if the Emperor was serious or joking, so he tread carefully. "It would be her greatest honor to serve Your Majesty," he answered, as neutral as possible.

The Emperor let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, don’t be so sure. Someone trained by Hua Yizheng is bound to have the same fiery streak as that stubborn old man."

Lai Fu dropped into a deep bow, wisely holding his tongue.

The Emperor, fortunately, didn’t dwell on the matter. Instead, he mused aloud, "Send someone to keep an eye on that Hua girl on the seventh day of the lunar month. See what she’s up to."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Lai Fu responded, bowing once more as he backed away.

Just as he reached the doorway, the Emperor’s voice rang out again, measured and deliberate. "Lai Fu, my Yanxi cannot be wrong. If something goes awry, it’s someone else who’s to blame. Don’t forget that."

Lai Fu’s heart thundered in his chest. The words were a clear warning, yet he couldn’t bring himself to react visibly. He stood frozen, barely daring to breathe.

"Go."

Dismissed at last, Lai Fu stepped outside and leaned against the nearest pillar for support, his legs trembling beneath him. He exhaled slowly, still shaken. The Emperor’s message was clear as day—don’t even think about cozying up to the Shizi!

The Emperor held the Shizi in high regard and would not allow even a whisper of threat to tarnish his standing. In fact, offering this veiled warning was already a rare show of generosity on the Emperor’s part.

Now, he had to find a way to alert the Shizi—without mentioning that the Emperor had taken an interest in the eldest Miss’s extraordinary talents. That topic was a landmine best left untouched.

Lai Fu’s head snapped up, a sudden realization dawning.

Could it be?

Had the Emperor noticed something?

A cold shiver ran down his spine, sweat soaking through his back.

Meanwhile, in the imperial study, the Emperor’s smile remained intact, but the chill in his eyes was impossible to ignore. To him, Yanxi was flawless, the epitome of perfection. And anything that fell short of his exacting standards?

He’d deal with it himself. Ruthlessly.

———TN: Absolutely not! Don’t even think about laying a finger on Hua Zhi, you old geezer!

*

Hua Zhi, carrying a bundle of gifts, stepped into the Chu family clinic—a place she hadn’t visited in what felt like ages.

Physician Chu glanced at the young woman, noting how much her presence had shifted. She exuded a determination that hadn't been there before. Relief flickered across his face, but it was tinged with pity. He knew this resolve only came from being pushed to the edge. If Elder Hua were aware of the situation, it would surely weigh heavy on his heart.

“Physician Chu,” Hua Zhi greeted with a respectful bow, her voice calm yet polite. “You’re looking a little under the weather.”

“I caught a cold recently,” Physician Chu replied with a faint smile as he gestured for her to come in. “Been coughing a lot these past few days. How is Elder Hua?”

“He’s doing well,” Hua Zhi replied as she crossed the threshold. “Grandfather specifically asked me to thank you. Your medicine has worked wonders. This year, though, I need to trouble you with another request—could you prepare as much frostbite medicine as possible?”

Physician Chu looked at her thoughtfully. “Even if the entire Hua family used what I’ve already given you, there would still be more than enough.”

Hua Zhi settled herself into the room with a quiet grace. “There are too many people over there suffering from frostbite—soldiers and civilians alike. Barely anyone has hands or feet that aren’t damaged. That’s why I’m here today. Your frostbite medicine works so much better than what’s available. Would you consider selling me the formula?”

Physician Chu understood immediately. Without hesitation, he reached for a sheet of paper and a brush. “No need to talk about selling it. Just take it.”

In an era where medicine was as much about morality as science, Hua Zhi appreciated his gesture. She made a mental note to dig up a rare formula from Shao Yao to return the favor later—something equally valuable to match the kindness.

“I’ll send this formula directly to General Wu,” she said, sincerity lacing her tone. “It’ll be a blessing to everyone in the region.”

Physician Chu’s smile deepened, pride mingling with humility. “It’s an honor to play a small part in helping the soldiers on the frontlines.”

“Physician Chu, your character is truly admirable.”

He chuckled softly. “You’ve done me the same kindness before, don’t forget. That method you shared with me for using alcohol to reduce fevers? You didn’t stand on ceremony then.”

Hua Zhi, never one for idle chatter, let the conversation trail off there. Some words didn’t need to be said; actions spoke well enough.