Blossom in Adversity

C57. The Eavesdropping Master.

Chapter 57: The Eavesdropping Master 

After finishing their martial arts training, there was a fifteen-minute break to have some pastries and rest before starting their studies.

Gu Yanxi glanced at Hua Zhi entering the family clan school, then leisurely made his way over. Everyone in the front yard knew he was the martial arts teacher invited back by the eldest daughter, so no one stopped him.

His footsteps drew him nearer to the source of Hua Zhi’s voice. It was a clear, soothing melody, each syllable a gentle caress upon the soul. Her words, like a silken thread, woven with ancient wisdom, pulled him inexorably towards her. It was a voice that could captivate even the most hardened heart. It was so engaging that one couldn't help but listen intently.

Leaning against a pillar, Gu Yanxi squinted at the sky. It was a pity that Hua Zhi was born a girl, if she were a boy, the Hua family would be unstoppable! Even this difficulty would probably be resolved by her first, as being confined to the inner courtyard limited her.

It wasn't until the children's laughter emerged that Gu Yanxi realized he had been standing there listening for half an hour. It was too late to slip away, so he walked out openly from behind the pillar. He didn't see Hua Zhi but saw Mu Qing instead.

They had exchanged brief, hurried greetings in the morning and both knew each other's identities.

Respecting each other's character, Gu Yanxi took the initiative to salute, "Lu Yanxi greets Mr. Mu."

Mu Qing returned the gesture, "Mr. Lu."

They exchanged a glance, smiled, and went their separate ways. Teachers relationships were as calm as water, no need for deep conversations at the moment.

Not seeing Hua Zhi come out, Gu Yanxi took the opportunity to walk away and headed towards the courtyard where Hua Zhi rested during breaks from teaching. At a glance, he saw Shao Yao grinding herbs in the courtyard.

He didn't want to intrude, so he waved to get her attention, "Where did these herbs come from?”

"I had someone deliver them. Oh, Hua Hua gave me this." Shao Yao proudly lifted a book from the pouch where she usually kept various herbs and placed it in front of Gu Yanxi.

“The Rao Medical Classic?” Gu Yanxi's heart skipped a beat.

He had been searching for this ancient medical text, a treasure trove of knowledge, for years. To find it here, in the Hua family's library, was both a surprise and a revelation. The Hua family was known for their vast collection of books, their shelves a testament to generations of scholarly pursuits. It was not entirely inconceivable that such a rare and valuable text would reside among their holdings.

Gu Yanxi's curiosity was piqued. "Did they bring all the books out?"

"They brought out most of them. Hua Hua said that out of the twenty carts of items they brought over, fifteen carts were filled with books. She asked me to read this one first, and she will look for more for me. There should be more."

Gu Yanxi didn't admire many people, but the ancestors of the Hua family were an exception. Since the founding of the Daqing Dynasty a hundred and seventy years ago, there were only five families with a legacy of over a hundred years. The other four families had fallen at some point, with the most unfortunate almost breaking their legacy. Only the Hua family continued steadily until now.

For generations, the emperors have mentioned the ancestors of the Hua family. Hua Jingyan, who once held high positions as a statesman, was a wise man.

As long as the Hua family remained loyal to their ancestors and followed the family rules, the Hua family would never fail, no matter how many generations of mediocrity came along. Their rise was only a matter of time.