Chapter 295: A Direct Approach to His Majesty

The moment Lai Fu stepped out of the Hall, his eyes locked onto the Shizi standing a short distance away. Without hesitation, Gu Yanxi took the lead and strode forward, while Lai Fu followed in silence. As he moved, he threw a quick glance back at the main hall. The dim interior stood in stark contrast to the bright, harsh light outside.

When they reached the veranda, Lai Fu lowered his body slightly in a respectful gesture but his voice was loud, sharp, and purposeful. “Your Highness, when you have a moment, send someone to notify me. I’ll accompany you to collect the night pearls.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just have them sent to my residence in a few days,” Gu Yanxi responded, his tone dismissive but clear.

“Understood.”

Lai Fu’s gaze shifted quickly, making sure no one else could hear as he lowered his voice to almost a murmur. “His Majesty asked me to investigate if the mushrooms are truly cultivated by the Hua family’s daughter. But I’m sure His Majesty wants more than just that. Do you have any specific instructions, Your Highness?”

Gu Yanxi’s response was curt but firm: “Erase all links to me from the investigation. Don’t involve anyone else. Just report on Green Moss Alley.”

Lai Fu’s eyes narrowed in understanding. “Got it.”

He knew what this was about. Hua Zhi, no doubt, had ties to other families, but if the Shizi wanted to shield the Hua family’s daughter, Lai Fu wouldn’t question it. Decades of dealing with old man Hua had given Lai Fu a clear read on the situation. As long as it didn’t threaten the Emperor’s interests, he was willing to play along with the Shizi’s wishes.

The two parted ways without any more words. Word of what had gone down in the palace was sure to spread to the Emperor’s ears, and when he heard it, he barely reacted—just waved off the servants who’d delivered the report. Yanxi, the focus of all this attention, was treated with unusual favor, not just by the Emperor but by his sons, who respected Yanxi deeply. Of course, it would be strange if Lai Fu hadn’t tried to curry favor with them too.

That night, Lai Fu showed up with the file and handed it over to the Emperor. He hadn’t even gotten halfway through before the Emperor burst out laughing. “They’ve managed to take over an entire street? These people really know how to work the market.”

“Exactly. I went there myself today to check it out. That street was a dead zone before—most of the shops were vacant. But that Hua girl has guts. She sold off the mansion that was given to Matriarch Hua by the Empress Dowager, bought the entire street, and tore down the shop by the inner river. Now, that dead-end street is packed with customers, mainly food businesses. The snacks they sell are one-of-a-kind. When I visited, the street was swarming with crowds, long lines everywhere. They’re thriving, sire,” Lai Fu reported.

The Emperor leaned back, clearly enjoying the news. “I’m dying to see Hua Yizheng’s face when he finds out,” he chuckled. He was always careful with the Hua family’s reputation, especially among the scholars, but he saw through their façade. Hua Yizheng, after all, was like a rock in a latrine—irritating, but ultimately harmless.

The Emperor’s thoughts turned a little more reflective. He found himself remembering the old man Hua. After all these years, he thought back to the first time he’d walked into court, the eyes of all the officials on him. Hua Yizheng had been in the back, and the Emperor had been struck by his presence. The Hua family had a certain elegance, a natural nobility. And now, in the blink of an eye, that once-proud figure in the capital had aged beyond recognition.

A laugh escaped the Emperor. “Isn’t he on death’s doorstep by now? The man’s practically finished.”

He tossed the file aside, clearly impressed. “They’ve got fire, I’ll give them that. They make their name proud. Let the Empress Dowager know—she’ll be thrilled.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

*

Lately, Gu Yanxi’s dinners were practically always at the Hua family’s place. Lan Qiao had gotten so used to it that she’d started making meals specifically to suit his tastes.

"Caocao left early this morning. Said she had some business to handle."

"I gave her a task," Gu Yanxi replied, making it clear he didn’t want her trailing Hua Zhi around all the time, but at the same time, he couldn’t exactly push her away.

Hua Zhi set down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and asked, "Is she heading north this time?"

"You want her to?"

"Grandfather’s getting old, and none of the others have ever been through any real hardship. I want Caocao to show them how it’s done."

Gu Yanxi hadn’t originally planned to send Shao Yao anywhere, but after hearing Hua Zhi’s words, he immediately changed his mind. "I’ll send her a message to go as soon as she gets back."

"Will this mess with your plans?"

"No."

Hua Zhi didn’t press the issue. She wanted a partner in love, not an invincible, emotionless powerhouse. She knew that if her boyfriend was showing certain behaviors, she had to let him take the lead when needed.

"I told the Emperor about our mushroom business partnership," Gu Yanxi added, casually, as if it were no big deal.

Hua Zhi looked up, surprised. "Really?"

"Eunuch Lai Fu and I have a good relationship. If something’s important, I let him know. But if it’s not meant to be shared, it stays between us."

"So, Laifu’s on our side," Hua Zhi mused. It made sense. Yanxi wasn’t the impulsive type; he wouldn’t expose her to danger unless he had a solid plan behind it.

Just as they were deep in conversation, Liu Xiang’s voice cut through from the door. "Miss, Mr. Mu and Mr. Zheng are here."

Hua Zhi quickly stood up to greet them. Mr. Zheng often stopped by to play a game of Go with her, but Mr. Mu? He was more reserved, with his own room here in the courtyard. Still, he usually kept his distance because of her frequent presence.

Later, she had two new rooms set up for the teachers at the clan academy. If she didn’t go there, she’d hardly see them for days. His visit today, though, was probably to discuss that one issue.

After the usual pleasantries, Mu Qing cut straight to the chase. “Bailin wants to go on a journey, and the eldest miss has given her approval. But honestly, I think he’s too young for such a trip. At his age, it’s too soon for him to be traveling far.”

Before Hua Zhi could say a word, Zheng Zhi jumped in, his voice sharp, “What’s the problem? It’s good that the kid has courage. And with his brother traveling with him, what harm could come of it?”

It was clear they’d already argued over this before. Mu Qing didn’t even acknowledge Zheng Zhi, keeping his focus on Hua Zhi. “I’m not saying he shouldn’t travel eventually. Everyone has to go out into the world at some point to expand their view, but at his age? I’m asking you to reconsider, eldest miss.”

Hua Zhi paused, a thought striking her. She remembered what her grandfather had said about Mu Qing—he was a man of both talent and integrity, but the scars of his past had held him back from acting decisively. It seemed that truth was staring her in the face now.

As a teacher, worrying about a student was natural, but excessive worry could easily turn into hesitation.

Zheng Zhi, on the other hand, was a man who had carved his own path. If either of them were to enter the government, there was no question that Zheng Zhi would rise higher.

She gestured for them to sit down, then addressed Mu Qing with a calm but firm tone. “It’s not just Sui’an going with Bailin—Xiao Liu will be joining them too. And not only will Xiao Liu bring his guards, but I’ll also be sending some of my people to follow them discreetly. They can handle minor risks, and if any real danger arises, the guards will protect them.”

Hua Zhi’s smile was soft but determined. “You can’t see a rainbow without facing the storm. Since Bailin is ready to brave it, I’ll support him.”

Mu Qing still seemed unconvinced, shaking his head. “But he’s only eleven…”

Hua Zhi smiled again, this time with more confidence.

Mu Qing went silent, realizing that his argument had no weight. Bailin was eleven, but the eldest miss, at just sixteen, was already carrying the weight of the entire Hua family on her shoulders.

What right did he have to question her judgment now?