Blossom in Adversity

C141. Where Did the Problem Lies.

Chapter 141: Where Did the Problem Lies

Bao Xia entered with the medicine box and handed it to Shao Yao, who opened it and remarked, "Your method of using alcohol to clean wounds is quite effective. I used it on my companions later, and there were fewer cases of fever and pus formation, although it is a bit painful."

Despite mentioning the pain, her actions were not gentle. Unlike Hua Zhi, who diluted alcohol with water to clean, Shao Yao poured the alcohol directly onto a clean soft cloth and applied it to the wounds.

The child cried out silently in pain, involuntarily tensing and trying to avoid the cloth, but Shao Yao persisted, and he instinctively gripped the edge of the bed, forcing his body back into Shao Yao's care. He could tell she was a physician.

Shao Yao gave him an approving glance and continued deftly.

After wiping him down with alcohol, the child's whole body turned red, with some areas even swelling. Shao Yao sprinkled powdered medicine from the box and wrapped his body in a cloth, instructing him, "Endure the pain and itchiness."

Ah Jian nodded, his eyes reddened, looking pitiful, but he never shed a tear.

Fu Dong entered with porridge, and Hua Zhi led Shao Yao to the study room, asking the unsettled Shao Yao, "Did you find out anything?"

Shao Yao shook her head, leaning on the table and looking at Hua Zhi, "Yan Ge has been gone for two months."

Hua Zhi watched the wisps of steam above the teacup, realizing that it would be two months in three days since he left, far exceeding his promise of one month. She hadn't stopped worrying, but she couldn't bring herself to ask.

"Caocao, can you get the most detailed map?" she asked.

"I can." The map in the Shizi's hand was as comprehensive as the one in the imperial palace, showing the entire Daqing Dynasty. "I'll go get it now," Shao Yao said, getting up.

But Hua Zhi stopped her, saying, "There's no rush at the moment. I promised Mr. Lu not to let you leave the mansion. We've already broken that agreement today, so we can't make any more mistakes."

Shao Yao suddenly felt overjoyed. She had a caring brother and a friend like Hua Zhi who always had her best interests at heart. The past and unhappy memories no longer mattered to her.

She took Hua Zhi's hand and smiled, "I'll have someone bring it."

Wang Rong went to the Shizi's study without hesitation, knowing that he was supposed to bring the map. Before leaving, the Shizi had left instructions that anything the Hua Family's eldest daughter wanted should be given to her.

The map was large, spread out and occupying an entire room. Hua Zhi cleared the table and laid out one section of the map.

Shao Yao also looked on, pointing to a mountainous area. "I've been here with my master. There are many treasures inside, but most people will die if they enter."

"Due to miasma?" Hua Zhi asked.

"Yes," Shao Yao replied, unsurprised that Hua Zhi knew about miasma. Hua Zhi seemed to know everything.

"Do you have the corresponding antidote?"

"Naturally. This is no challenge for me. Rest assured, Yan Ge must have brought it with him."

As Hua Zhi examined the map, her fingers tracing over various locations, she realized that she wasn't a military general, had never commanded troops, and her expertise didn't extend to this domain. She hadn't been born into a family of warriors, with servants at her disposal who could easily handle three or five ordinary people, or organize a group with high combat strength. She even had to rely on external help for martial matters.

What she did have was a visionary outlook that was ahead of its time, honed over many years of navigating the business world. However, with just a map, she couldn't discern the intentions of the Yan Kingdom.

For the Yan Kingdom, the Daqing Dynasty was a formidable entity. Even if they harbored great ambitions, they wouldn't consider annexing the Daqing Dynasty until it had declined, unless they were certain that the Daqing Dynasty's strength would deteriorate significantly and rapidly.

A country's decline doesn't happen overnight; historically, it takes several generations of mismanagement to bring down a dynasty. While the Daqing Dynasty's power might not be what it once was, it still far exceeded that of the Yan Kingdom.

So, where could the problem lie?

To the east, the Chaoli Kingdom?

To the north, the nomadic tribes?

Or perhaps, within the country itself?

Hua Zhi's mind flashed to the mischievous princes, but she dismissed the thought. Surely, no matter how much they fought and schemed, the country would remain intact and loyal to the Gu family.

Hua Zhi pondered where the Yan Kingdom's confidence truly stemmed from. She felt she was overthinking, as these were not matters she should be concerned with. However, ever since Mr. Lu had not returned as promised, a sense of unease had lingered within her.

Perhaps it was her fear of war that made her worry that the things she dreaded most might actually come to pass.

Folding the map layer by layer and gently placing it on the table, Hua Zhi lifted her head with a clear and composed expression, hiding any trace of inner worries. In every era, there were always those who bore the burdens of unspeakable hardships and sufferings, whether in peaceful times or amidst bloody turmoil. With people like Mr. Lu, border defenders, and loyal ministers, she knew that the sky above her head would not collapse.

"Hua Zhi?"

Hua Zhi smiled, "If this child causes trouble, then the Hua Family cannot afford to keep them. Nobody in the Hua Family can afford to provoke anyone at the moment."

"Rest assured, I can handle minor troubles, and Yan Ge can handle major ones. Besides, I also want to know whose child this is," Shao Yao said coldly. "If they were kidnapped, it would be one thing, and I could consider it a good deed. But if their own family tortured them to this extent..."

In that case, even the heavens couldn't turn a blind eye, and she would have to take matters into her own hands!

A gentle knock on the door interrupted their conversation. "Miss, someone is seeking an audience with Miss Shao Yao."

"That was quick," Shao Yao headed towards the door, but Hua Zhi quickly stopped her. "Mr. Lu said you shouldn't leave."

"I won't go. I'll have Wang Rong deliver my message for me," Shao Yao replied.

Hua Zhi finally let her go and watched as Shao Yao was blocked by Wang Rong as soon as she reached the courtyard gate.

Shao Yao turned back to look at Hua Zhi and whispered, "Tell the visitor that if I don't go to their master, he'll live until the day Yama calls for him. But if I go, I guarantee he won't see the sun tomorrow. Not a word less. If they still insist, then I'll go."

"Shao Yao..."

Shao Yao smiled, "They're practically asking for trouble. What harm is there in me seeing them off? Go quickly, and if Wu Bi comes, inform me immediately."

Wang Rong reluctantly ran the errand, while Shao Yao returned to Hua Zhi, saying, "Hua Zhi, I'm hungry."

"Go find Fu Dong, I can't conjure up food for you," Hua Zhi replied.

"As you wish."

Hua Zhi gradually suppressed her smile. She could see through Shao Yao's avoidance, but she refrained from probing further. The agonies that could be spoken of were not truly agonizing; it was only those deep, heart-wrenching pains that one could not bear to touch or discuss. It was better for them to decay and fester within the heart without being mentioned.

She only hoped that Shao Yao would never have to think of those memories again.

Glancing at the maps scattered on the table, Hua Zhi couldn't help but think of Mr. Lu, who was currently missing in action. She wondered what he had encountered to delay his return, and she could only hope for his safety.