Blossom in Adversity

C78. Before the Shadows.

Chapter 78: Before the Shadows

As Huazhi walked out of the inn's gate, she saw Gu Yanxi patting the head of a black steed amidst the swirling snowfall, as if whispering softly to it.

Seeing the man smile when he sees her, leading the horse towards her, "Today, let Shao Yao take you."

Hua Zhi kneeled in gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Lu."

Whether it was the man's concession or consideration towards her, she was grateful.

Gu Yanxi raised his lips, saying little as he handed over the reins.

Shao Yao watched nervously from the side, last time she got kicked when she got too close, Hua Zhi didn't have her experience... Why was it a kick when facing her and a nudge when with Hua Zhi?!

Where was the majesty of the Horse King?

Hua Zhi grabbed the reins, unable to resist the fondness in her heart as she gently stroked it. The smooth feel of its glossy fur was exquisite. She didn't learn horsemanship here; she used to own a horse in a stable run by a partner. Whenever she felt troubled or tired, she would ride it for a lap and all her worries would vanish.

But every horse she had seen couldn't compare to the one before her. Not to mention its unparalleled features, it was beyond comparison in every aspect.

"Do you like it?"

"Anyone would like such a magnificent steed. Does it have a name?"

"Lin Ying, a casual choice."

If it was chosen casually, wouldn't it be 'Chasing Clouds to Catch the Moon'? Lin Ying, if derived from 'the full moon under the bow, stars merging at the tip of the sword,' then Mr. Lu is a man of chivalry. Such a man wouldn't serve a nefarious master, so she didn't have to worry about aiding tyranny in the future.

Gu Yanxi observed her fondness, a light smile in his eyes. Women who loved horses were rare, and even rarer were those liked by Lin Ying. With its temperament, he could persuade it to be ridden by others, but couldn't make it display such an attitude.

Turning to look at Shao Yao, who was both anxious and fond, he knew that in the past when Lin Ying kicked her, it had shown mercy. Its ferocity was rare even among the Horse Kings.

"Mount up; today's journey is longer than yesterday, and the snowstorm is heavier. We can't delay," Gu Yanxi said.

Shao Yao tentatively patted Lin Ying, and although it snorted loudly, it didn't kick her. Relieved, Shao Yao chuckled and patted it a few more times.

"Hua Zhi, you go first."

Huazhi stepped on the stirrup and noticed that the saddle was slightly different from yesterday, softer to the touch, offering more comfort. There were two additional stirrups, meant for two people to step on. Without thinking, she knew who did this. Hua Zhi leaned towards Mr. Lu on the horse.

Gu Yanxi raised an eyebrow and took the horse she rode before, "Let's go."

The further they traveled, the more difficult it became. Even though the snow stopped, the cold didn't relent. Hua Zhi persevered, trying to maintain a dignified appearance even as the six servants from the Hua family she brought along looked disheveled.

Inside the inn, Hua Zhi, lost in thought, held a cup of hot tea and stared at the map. There were still three hundred miles to go, but it felt like a thousand miles away.

A steady and forceful knock sounded on the door—it was Mr. Lu.

Hua Zhi set down her teacup and stood up, "Please come in."

Gu Yanxi immediately noticed the map on the table and opened both doors before asking, "Are you worried about the road ahead or afraid that I might lead the wrong way tomorrow?"

Hua Zhi shook her head, inviting Mr. Lu to sit down, "I have complete faith in Mr. Lu. It's just that the weather is worsening, and I worry that the servants may not be able to bear it. When has the capital ever seen such heavy snow? They aren't accustomed to traveling outside, so they must be worn out by now."

This was the most surprising aspect. If the servants of the Hua family were weak, could the eldest daughter of the Hua family be weak as well? Clearly, even the servants couldn't endure, but the eldest daughter, who had been nurtured in seclusion, could still sit here worried about others.

Gu Yanxi thought so, but didn't reveal it, asking instead, "Do you have a plan, Miss?"

"With only another two or three days left of the journey, I thought it might be best to stay here for an extra day tomorrow. Everyone can rest up and then continue the journey. What do you think, Mr. Lu?"

"Miss, while you show concern for the servants, have you considered the consequences once the tightly strung bow is loosened?"

"If the bow is always strung, it will break."

This reasoning was sound, and Gu Yanxi couldn't refute it. He nodded and said, "Why don't you ask everyone whether they want to rest for a day or continue?"

Hua Zhi pondered for a moment, then stepped over to knock on the neighboring room. However, the door that opened belonged to the room next to that one.

“Miss Hua,” said a servant, struggling to smooth down his disheveled hair. Hua Zhi recalled his name was Dongzi. “Are they all in that room?”

“Yes, Miss Hua. Is there something you need? I can call everyone out...”

“Let's go inside. It's cold out here,” Hua Zhi replied.

As the others who had reached the door exchanged glances and retreated, Shao Yao, who had disappeared for a moment, suddenly emerged to cling to Hua Zhi's arm and lead her inside. Gu Yanxi stood by the door with his arms crossed, observing the expressions of those people and foreseeing the decision they would make.

The skill of training servants in the Hua family was unmatched in the entire capital.

"I didn't expect such heavy snowfall when I came out. Is everyone holding up well?" Hua Zhi inquired.

"Even the eldest Miss can endure it, how could we be more delicate?" Dongzi, who had finally tidied his hair, spoke on behalf of the group. "In fact, we have already adapted quite well these past few days. The eldest Miss need not worry about us."

Shao Yao guided Huazhi to sit down, while the servants respectfully stepped back a few paces.

Hua Zhi scanned the room. "Everyone must be tired after these days. I suggest we rest here for a day. What do you all think?"

Dongzi and the others were surprised by the eldest Miss seeking their opinions. Their hearts beat a little faster as they stammered, "We will follow the eldest Miss's decision."

Hua Zhi smiled. "I propose resting for a day. Mr. Lu believes that resting now will only lead to more difficulties later on. That's why I want to hear your thoughts. Feel free to speak your minds."

All eyes turned to Dongzi, a topic they had just discussed.

Dongzi, whose hair was almost standing on end again, struggled to articulate his words. Why did he have to be the one to speak to the eldest Miss?

He felt nervous, knowing that they all admired the eldest Miss for her journey through snow and storm, never looking down on them. If it weren't for her perseverance, they wouldn't have lasted even a day!

Following their gaze, Hua Zhi looked at Dongzi and asked, "What do you think, Dongzi?"

"Dongzi and the others were just discussing this earlier. We all agree that it's better to continue enduring this hardship until the end. If we let go of this resilience now, we might never be able to pick ourselves up again."

"In that case, majority rules. Rest well and continue our journey tomorrow."

"Understood."

———
Author's Note:

Writing on the plane nearly made me sick from all the turbulence!

Editing in the car, using my phone hotspot to upload, and still managing to give the readers a double update.