Chapter 274: A Gift for the Journey

The populace was largely impoverished. Even in their own homes, they ate watery porridge more often than dry rice, and meat was a luxury reserved for festive occasions. When such a lucrative opportunity presented itself, those who heard the news were naturally eager to participate.

Furthermore, as it was not yet the busy farming season, the number of people who came to answer the call far exceeded expectations. Even the summer rain could not deter them from their work.

Almost the entire Xiangyang County was mobilized, creating a bustling atmosphere.

The rain fell intermittently, but the river showed no signs of receding. Gu Yanxi had sent people to investigate the situation upstream and downstream, and upon learning that the conditions upstream were no better than those in Xiangyang but that no flood warnings had been issued, he did not act rashly as Shao Yao had. Instead, he reported the matter to Song Qi, the acting governor-general of Jingzhou, and asked him to handle it.

He also submitted a list of the Xiangyang County Magistrate's crimes and recommended Xu Yangjun as his replacement.

With these matters settled, Gu Yanxi had no intention of staying in Xiangyang any longer. "The flood season in Jingzhou can last until September. We've done all we can; there's no need to stay here. I plan to go to Lingzhou and see what the situation is like there."

Pausing, Gu Yanxi added, "Wu Xing has successfully produced black powder. Its power is... immense."

Hua Zhi's heart sank, but her expression remained calm. "It would be perfect for opening mountains and digging rivers."

"...Yes, accompany me?"

"Even if I went, I wouldn't be of much help. I'm not skilled in this area. The Ministry of Works should have experts in this field."

Gu Yanxi shook his head. "I'm just going to see the situation in Lingzhou and evacuate and relocate the people there in advance. We can't fully trust Hao Yue, but we can't completely disregard her either. Since she used this matter to prove her ability, she wouldn't want to shoot herself in the foot. If she knew that Xiangyang might burst its banks, she would have made some preparations.

Hua Zhi understood. A river couldn't be dug in a short time, but if they could use Lingzhou to alleviate the crisis in Xiangyang, it was not impossible.

Thinking of Hao Yue, Hua Zhi couldn't help but ponder further, "Did Hao Yue tell you all this because she hopes you can find a way to save Xiangyang?"

"She's not that virtuous. She probably thought even if she told me, it wouldn't solve the problem. She only mentioned August, not a specific date. Xiangyang is so vast, and she didn't say where the dam would break. Could I possibly force hundreds of thousands of people to leave their homes?"

A flash of insight crossed Hua Zhi's mind. "She's waiting for you to beg her?"

"If I didn't have your solution, I might have to beg her," Gu Yanxi's cold expression softened, and his tone became gentler. "Would you accompany me to Lingzhou?"

Hua Zhi was someone who was easily swayed by kindness rather than harshness. How could she refuse such a soft request from Gu Yanxi?

A little later to the north wouldn't matter; it wouldn't delay anything important.

Since traveling by water was no longer an option, Hua Zhi had Xu Ying settle the boat fare. They packed their belongings and prepared to leave early the next morning. Jiang Huanran wanted to follow, but Gu Yanxi had him tied up and thrown into a carriage to be sent back to the capital, not even giving him a chance to say goodbye to Hua Zhi.

Hua Zhi didn't mind. They were both in the capital, and they would have plenty of opportunities to meet in the future. Besides, the Jiang and Hua families weren't political enemies; bringing the Jiang family into her boat wouldn't be a bad idea.

The rain had stopped last night, and today was another beautiful day. Shao Yao accompanied Bao Xia, and Xu Ying accompanied You Tao. Naturally, Hua Zhi rode with Gu Yanxi. With everything prepared, they came out of the main gate and saw someone waiting outside.

It was Xu Yangjun.

Hua Zhi thought he was here for Gu Yanxi and stood there waiting after getting off the steps.

Unexpectedly, Xu Yangjun walked towards her and bowed respectfully three steps away, "Greetings to Miss Hua."

Hua Zhi was slightly taken aback.

What was he...?

Xu Yangjun handed her a bulging package with both hands, "A small token of my respect, please don't disdain it, Miss."

Hua Zhi understood immediately. This was the second time she had truly felt the glory brought by the Hua family surname. The first time was when her grandmother passed away, and she would never forget that scene.

They might not have all personally received favors from the Hua family, but they all unconsciously followed the orally transmitted traditions, regarding the Hua family as the benchmark for scholars and respecting them from the bottom of their hearts.

The fact that she, as a woman, was still given a parting gift by Xu Yangjun was thanks to the blessings of the Hua family.

Her heart was filled with mixed emotions. Hua Zhi took the gift with her own hands, "This little girl thanks Mr. Xu."

This was an acknowledgment of her identity, and Xu Yangjun's heart pounded a little faster. For days, whenever he had a spare moment, his thoughts turned to the young lady's status. They weren't without their worries. The Xu family's downfall was still a fresh wound, and they feared the Hua family would suffer a similar fate. Even if the Hua family were to rise again, everything the Hua surname represented would be irrevocably lost.

Perhaps others would gloat at the prospect of taking their place, but for scholars like them, the Hua family was irreplaceable. Ever since they learned to read and write, they had grown up listening to tales of the Hua family and had held themselves to the family's high standards. As they climbed the social ladder, the Hua family remained a steadfast presence, like an immovable rock.

To put it bluntly, the Hua family was the scholars' faith.

Therefore, when a Hua daughter emerged who could manage the family affairs with the skill of a man, and when the Hua family continued to stand tall, showing no signs of collapse even a year after their troubles began, their joy was immeasurable. Whenever they corresponded with their friends, they couldn't help but express their admiration.

But he had never imagined that he would have the chance to meet her. Only after seeing her did he understand why she could shoulder the weight of such a large family. A Hua daughter, indeed, she was everything she should be.

Xu Yangjun bowed deeply, "I hope the young miss will take care of herself."

Hua Zhi returned the courtesy solemnly, "I am so grateful."

Xu Yangjun quickly waved his hands to decline, his usually refined face flushing red, "You're too kind, too kind..."

Hua Zhi's gesture was not just for him, but for countless scholars. They were the backbone of the Hua family's reputation, and they would undoubtedly be a source of support for her brothers in the future. Even if her family were to return one day, they would need the scholars' backing to rise from the ashes.

Gu Yanxi mounted his horse and rode over, extending his hand to Hua Zhi.

Hua Zhi reached out, and Gu Yanxi pulled her into his embrace.

Pulling up her hood, Hua Zhi lowered her head, "Take care, Mr. Xu."

Xu Yangjun glanced quickly at the intimate pair and bade farewell, "Please take care of yourself, Miss Hua."

Lin Ying led the way out of the city, followed closely by the group. The Sixth Prince brought up the rear. He watched Xu Yangjun, whose expression seemed filled with a mix of excitement and other complex emotions, and felt a deep sense of turmoil.

The Hua family had been exiled by the Emperor, but their status among the common people, especially among the scholars, remained unchanged. They were still revered and respected. Even the usual disdain for women was absent when it came to Hua Zhi.

This was the sentiment of the people.

Did the Emperor know about this?

Or perhaps... was it precisely because he knew about this that the Hua family had suffered such a calamity?

The Sixth Prince dared not ponder this thought further. He spurred his horse and caught up with the others.

———TN: "Because he's the damn old-school emperor. What else did you expect?"