Blossom in Adversity

C96. I Promise.

Chapter 96: I Promise!

Winter nights are long, but they always come to an end.

The faint light of dawn, reflected in the snow, was brighter than usual, casting a bright glow. The surroundings were covered in a blanket of white.

The snow began to drift down again.

Hearing movement next door, Gu Yanxi left through the window. A gentle breeze carried snowflakes through the window, only for them to disappear in an instant.

Seeing him as she stepped out, Hua Zhi appeared somewhat helpless. "It's snowing."

Gu Yanxi didn't try to persuade her to postpone her departure. The snow in the north wouldn't stop falling after just one snowfall; it was normal for it to continue for three to five days. Hua Zhi was worried about her family, so she wouldn't wait.

"Try to wear more layers."

"I already find it difficult to walk." Hua Zhi laughed, and when Hua Pingyang came out from the adjacent room, she quickly greeted him.

"I won't be going down. I'll have the innkeeper send breakfast up."

The breakfast here was already more substantial than in the capital, and today's meal was even more so, with large bowls of meat served early in the morning.

Hua Pingyang picked up a piece of meat and placed it in her bowl. "On a day like this, you can't bear it without eating some meat. Eat a few more pieces. Mr. Lu as well, eat a bit more. You've been on the road, and we appreciate your efforts."

"It's my duty." Gu Yanxi didn't refuse Hua Pingyang's gesture, picking up a few pieces and eating slowly with grace.

He was indeed a true noble, with his father being the emperor's full brother from the same mother and his mother being the duke's legitimate daughter. Even though his mother had passed away early, he was later raised by the emperor himself. His treatment was on par with the prince, and apart from the emperor, he didn't need to consider anyone else's opinion once he officially took charge of the Seven Star Bureau.

However, after harboring feelings for Hua Zhi, all his identities, honors, and nobility became a burden rather than a privilege.

Hua Zhi didn't care about any of that. Understanding this, he concealed his identity, but she was indifferent even to the imperial authority that others feared. She just hid it well, and no one realized her disrespect.

Hua Zhi!

Gu Yanxi's peripheral vision caught sight of the person beside him—she picked at her food in small bites, clearly lacking appetite but forcing the meat down her throat. Perhaps even she hadn't realized that she wasn't good at rejecting kindness from others.

And this was his opportunity.

After drinking a cup of hot tea after the meal and estimating that the city gate would soon open, Hua Zhi prepared to depart.

Outside the inn, the members of the Hua family were all there.

The elders stood under the eaves to avoid the snow, while the younger generation stood in the snow, occasionally stamping their feet and taking a few steps to ease the cold.

Hua Zhi came out wearing a large cloak. She was about to put on her hood when she saw the group of people. She didn't bother with the hat and quickly walked over to her grandfather, rubbing his hands. Fortunately, they weren't too cold.

"How long have you been here? Didn't I say I would come over?" she asked.

"Just arrived. I came to see you off." Hua Yizheng looked at his fully armed granddaughter, knowing she would face many challenges on her journey back. Waiting for them for a bit was nothing.