Blossom in Adversity

C149. Acquainted in Obscurity.

Chapter 149: Acquainted in Obscurity

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and Gu Yanxi knew it was time for him to leave.

As they bid farewell at the courtyard gate, Hua Zhi suddenly asked, "Is Caocao also surnamed Gu?"

Gu Yanxi remained silent for a moment before nodding.

"Whose hands destroyed her face? Stepmother? Or her own father?"

“Why do you ask?”

Hua Zhi's smile was faint. “People like you, apart from being harmed by your own, who else could dare to harm you?”

With the surname Gu, at the very least, one was a royal relative. In this society where imperial power reigned supreme, even someone like her from another world would avoid them. Let alone the natives here, whose reverence for the imperial authority was evident in every aspect.

Gu Yanxi had nothing to say in rebuttal. Hua Zhi's words were too accurate. In the royal family, besides being harmed by one's own, no one else had the audacity.

“My grandmother is still alive.”

An unfinished sentence revealed too much that was unspoken. Hua Zhi felt indignant for Shao Yao in her heart, but she couldn't say that Gu Yanxi was wrong. She could only drop the topic, bow deeply in farewell, and depart without a word.

Gu Yanxi watched her, softly saying, “I have never forgotten, not for a moment.”

He didn't mention that he hadn't returned home in years, nor did he justify the suppressions he had imposed upon the Prince Mansion and He even allowed that woman's son to remain of unknown status for years until the day he pleaded before his grandmother to be included in the family records.

He didn't speak of how his imperial uncle knew all of these things and turned a blind eye to his actions. He didn't want Hua Zhi to know that after rescuing Shao Yao from a fire years ago, he had almost killed his own father in a fit of rage.

Yet, no matter what he did, he still couldn't avenge Shao Yao.

Hua Zhi returned to the study, sitting silently in the darkness for a long time. She thought of the Sixth Prince, the Hua family, Shao Yao, and Gu Yanxi. She thought she could keep a calm composure, but her heartbeat was noticeably faster than usual.

She was now intimately close to the highest echelons of this world, entangled with a member of the imperial family who also concealed a prince at home. It felt as if, in her past society, she suddenly became involved with the highest-ranking leader, making it impossible to maintain composure.

In such a situation, she needed to remain even more composed. She couldn't assume she was exceptional or that the Hua family could turn the tide. She warned herself internally that she must not rely on transient bonds to sustain the Hua family.

Even if she couldn't avoid it, she must not involve herself or the Hua family. It was a quagmire, no, a swamp; once you entered, it would be a disaster. The Hua family was too fragile to withstand it.

Exhaling deeply, HuaZhi stood up and opened the door.

Ying Chun and Bao Xia stood guard on either side of the door, while two others crouched in the corridor, immediately standing as they saw her.

“Huahua...”

Hua Zhi patted Shaoyao as she approached, then looked at the Sixth Prince.

The child looked at her with eager yet hesitant eyes, a sight that tugged at Hua Zhi's heart knowing his background. In any world, unfortunate people each had their own misfortunes; some were self-inflicted, while others were forced upon them.

"Ah Jian, why are you out of bed?"

In an instant, the Sixth Prince's eyes lit up, becoming brighter and brighter. He didn't dare mention that he had overheard the conversation between her and Yanxi outside, nor did he dare reveal his expectations. He tried his best to contain his excitement, but his smile was evident, his tone upbeat and laced with amusement. "I've been in bed for a few days, wanted to come out for a walk."

"You can't leave this courtyard, do you understand?"

"Yes, I won't go out."

Hua Zhi smiled at him. "Ying Chun, prepare the meal. I'm hungry. Caocao, Ah Jian, come and eat with me."

"Why hasn't eldest sister eaten yet at this hour?" As soon as Hua Bailin stepped into the courtyard, he heard his sister's words and quickly asked with concern. It was only after speaking that he noticed an extra person beside his sister.

He was already accustomed to various people appearing by his sister's side. With a brilliant smile for Ah Jian, Hua Bailin replied without further questioning.

Amused, Hua Zhi waved him over and, as they approached, introduced him. "This is Ah Jian. Ah Jian, this is Bai Lin. He's the only one who comes over here. You're of similar age and can talk more often."

"Ah Jian." Bailin didn't ask much, simply bowing courteously and warmly. Ah Jian, feeling genuine, smiled. "Bai Lin, don't hesitate to visit in the future."

"The pleasure is mine."

The two shared a smile, despite meeting for the first time, there was no sense of unfamiliarity. One trusted Hua Zhi deeply, while the other harbored a blind admiration for her, believing anyone close to her must be exceptional.

Hua Zhi watched with a smiling gaze, leading them inside after the pleasantries.

Fu Dong was setting the table with Liu Juan, who complained upon seeing her, "Miss, you're late today. The food has been reheated several times, it won't be as good as when freshly prepared."

"Alright, I won't do it again next time." Hua Zhi smiled, soothing the good-natured maid. To preserve Fu Dong's simple happiness, she would spare no effort to prevent the Hua family from falling into dire straits.

After dinner, Hua Zhi nodded at her younger brother, Hua Bailin understood and engaged with Ah Jian. For the Sixth Prince, it was a novel experience as they conversed without hidden motives, talking freely and openly without restraint, a feeling of pure happiness.

It dawned on him that Hua Bailin was knowledgeable and well-educated, surprising him as they discussed a variety of topics. He realized that despite his extensive education in the study room, Hua Bailin had absorbed the same knowledge and shared unique insights.

It startled him, yet it felt natural. Though the Hua family had fallen from grace, their years of heritage remained intact, and Hua Bailin's performance was a testament to his mother's praise of the family.

Huazhi waited for nearly half an hour before her younger brother arrived, only to find them engrossed in conversation, with Bai Lin looking like he had found a kindred spirit.

"Eldest sister."

Hua Zhi pushed the tea towards him, watching as he drank it all in one go without reprimand, before refilling his cup.

"Eldest sister, who is this person? He's so impressive, I could barely keep up with his thoughts."

"Barely keeping up means you kept up?"

"Of course, I was taught by you, eldest sister." Bai Lin lifted his chin, a proud expression on his face.

Hua Zhi chuckled, not revealing that he was a prince, and simply said, "He will be staying here for a while, but he cannot leave this courtyard. And remember, you must not disclose Ah Jian's presence to others, as it could bring trouble to the Hua family. Understand?"

Bai Lin straightened up, his smile fading. "Can't we send him away?"

"If we send him away, his life will be in danger. Do you still want to send him away?"

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