Blossom in Adversity

C76. Riding Together.

Chapter 76: Riding Together

After a night of rest, the wound on her thigh had improved significantly. She didn't feel any pain when she touched it, but the fatigue from the recent travels was still weighing on her spirits.

Perhaps her exhaustion was evident, as Shao Yao had been quieter than usual. When breakfast was served, she made sure to put the best portions in Hua Zhi's bowl first.

Although Hua Zhi didn't have much of an appetite, she forced herself to eat more. The cold weather required her to consume more calories to keep warm.

As the sky brightened, Hua Zhi adjusted her cloak and was about to ask Shao Yao about Mr. Lu's whereabouts when Gu Yanxi appeared, covered in snow, carrying a large package. "The snow is getting heavier," he remarked.

Knowing that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, Hua Zhi smiled, "Then let's brave the snow together."

Gu Yanxi gave her a deep look and opened the package, revealing a strikingly red fur coat.

Hua Zhi's mind raced, and she looked at Gu Yanxi in surprise.

"I've found a friend," he said.

Gu Yanxi glanced at Shao Yao. Shao Yao caught on to the meaning of that look and quickly approached Hua Zhi, removing her cloak and replacing it with the thick fur coat without giving Hua Zhi a chance to refuse. It was a firm gesture from start to finish.

Feeling the warmth of the fur against her shoulder, Hua Zhi accepted the gesture, "Thank you."

Gu Yanxi observed Hua Zhi's pale face against the fiery red fur collar. He thought back to that rainy night, remembering her fragile yet determined face and her unwavering gaze. Her complexion hadn't improved much since then.

Outside, the snowstorm intensified. Hua Zhi took a deep breath, put on her hat, mounted her horse, and nudged its sides, urging it to start moving.

The biting cold wind on her face, the icy breath entering her body through her nose – Hua Zhi held onto the reins tightly, telling herself that she would soon be reunited with her family.

Gu Yanxi's horse occasionally galloped to the front, and every time he turned to see Hua Zhi's radiant eyes, he felt a sense of being touched by her gaze. He felt like he had discovered a huge treasure, secretly cherishing it without wanting anyone else to find out, experiencing a sense of joy within.

He couldn't put into words this feeling that could only be sensed, but he knew he liked being in this state.

It was this attentiveness that led him to be the first to notice when Hua Zhi almost fell from her horse. Without thinking, he leaped from his horse and onto hers, circling her and steadying her in his arms.

"Hua Hua!" Shao Yao hurriedly rode up, "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

Hua Zhi forced a smile, "My hands and feet are numb."

"If you had fallen, it would have been disastrous for you," Shao Yao was frightened, "Yan-ge, hold the horses, I'll..."

Gu Yanxi's gaze was too intimidating, causing Shao Yao to swallow the words 'take care of Huazhi' and nervously gulp before changing her words, "I'll check if Hua Zhi is injured."

"I'm fine," Hua Zhi reassured Shao Yao. Being carried like this wasn't ideal, but she didn't care about traditional gender norms. However, it was impractical during this era. "Mr. Lu, perhaps we should find a place to rest. A quick stretch should help me feel better."

"If we have to dismount periodically, we won't reach our destination today. Let's continue on," Gu Yanxi suggested.

Hua Zhi thought about it and realized that today's journey was already long. If they stopped every now and then, they might only cover half the distance. However, there was another solution. "I don't want to trouble Mr. Lu. Can you lead me for a bit?"

“You're both riding ordinary horses, which can't carry two people."

It was the plain truth, and Shao Yao couldn't argue with that. She nodded at Hua Zhi, signaling agreement, “Our horses can't compare to Brother Yan's.”

After making his move without giving Hua Zhi a chance to react, Gu Yanxi encircled her waist and leaped from her horse to his own. His horse, with its exceptional intelligence, slowed down voluntarily to match its rider's actions.

Hua Zhi's heart pounded uncontrollably as Gu Yanxi lifted her into his cloak. He created more space between them, and his formerly secure arms now offered a gentle embrace, ensuring she didn't feel the slightest offense.

“Hold on tight, we're picking up speed,” Gu Yanxi instructed.

Hua Zhi nodded, reaching out for the reins instinctively. She forgot that this wasn't her previous horse; the reins were in Gu Yanxi's hands. When she grasped the reins, she inadvertently touched the man's hand and quickly retracted her hand, apologizing.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Gu Yanxi, with a subtle smile where Hua Zhi couldn't see, responded, “It's okay. Place your foot on mine, for better stability. Don't worry about stepping on me.”

Despite her efforts to stabilize herself, without a place to exert pressure due to the situation, Hua Zhi's body leaned back as the horse trotted on. Initially trying to sit upright, she eventually gave in as time passed. Since she was the one being benefitted from, she didn't mind anymore, assuming Mr. Lu wouldn't mind either.

Gu Yanxi didn't mind at all. In fact, he subtly shook the reins to make the horse move faster.

Despite the severe weather, it turned out to be the most relaxing day for Hua Zhi along the journey. They arrived at the relay station earlier than expected.

Back in the room after dinner, a large bucket of hot water awaited Hua Zhi. Eagerly, she stripped off and soaked in the tub. The wound on her thigh, which had scabbed over, reopened during the day and looked slightly red and swollen. She didn't linger in the bath and rose once she felt the warmth inside out.

Shao Yao seemed to be listening outside, knocking as soon as Hua Zhi finished dressing and entered with medicine in hand.

Looking at Shao Yao from behind, Hua Zhi suddenly asked, “Does Mr. Lu have a family?”

Shao Yao paused in her movements, lifting her head to glance at Hua Zhi before continuing, “Why do you ask that? Could it be...”

“You're jumping to conclusions,” Hua Zhi chuckled, reaching out to touch the back of Shaoyao's head, “It's inappropriate to share a ride. If Mr. Lu is married, I'll have to figure something out tomorrow. I can't keep troubling him, lest you think I have inappropriate intentions.”

Shao Yao felt relieved and huffed, “Why would it be inappropriate? Even if he has a family, it's his responsibility, not yours. But Hua Zhi, don't think too much. He's not married. If he were, and dared to take you for a ride, I definitely wouldn't agree. Even if we had to go slower, I wouldn't let anyone take advantage of you.”

Hua Zhi smiled warmly at her friend, whose arm was draped affectionately around her. She ruffled her friend's hair.

"Huahua," Shaoyao asked carefully, sealing a porcelain jar, "What do you think of Yan Ge?"

"I don't think much of it," Hua Zhi replied. "I've never planned on getting married. When the time is right, I'll find a cozy little house, watch the sunrise and sunset, and live a leisurely life."

She didn't want to guess what Mr. Lu meant. She just hoped these words would reach his ears.