Blossom in Adversity

C155. Playing With Fire.

Chapter 155: Playing with Fire

"Did Shao Yao forget everything when she woke up?"

"Yes, and she suddenly became interested in poison skills. She wanted to be the first female general of the Great Daqing Dynasty."

Hua Zhi sighed inwardly. All were heartbroken individuals with their own sorrows. How many people sailed smoothly throughout their lives?

Gu Yanxi looked at the box of human skin masks and steered the conversation back. "Even if royal individuals are thousands of miles away from that position, there are some things they inherently understand. The more my uncle values me, the more cautious the older princes become toward me. I can only stay out of sight, avoid making connections with anyone. After the incident at home, I volunteered to train at the Dark Guard camp. Your grandfather may have seen me, but it was probably from a distance several years ago during a temple ceremony. Not recognizing me isn't surprising. And how many royal offspring would ruin their appearance? That's cutting off their own prospects, isn't it?"

Hua Zhi suddenly understood. Mr. Lu's face wasn't ruined by someone else; he had scarred it himself. One of the requirements for appointing officials in the Great Daqing Dynasty was having an unblemished appearance - not even a scratch was allowed, let alone a wound like his that marred half of his face.

"So now they don't fear you anymore?"

Gu Yanxi laughed. He knew he didn't have to explain too clearly, Hua Zhi was sharp in political matters to a frightening extent. "They fear, but not the same kind of fear. I currently oversee the Seven Stars Bureau."

Hua Zhi had heard her grandfather mention the Seven Stars Bureau, describing it as a double-edged sword hanging over the heads of officials. Its existence was necessary, but the drawbacks were undeniable. She recalled that the Seven Stars Bureau didn't exist at the founding of the Ming Dynasty, but was established after several generations. Only the Emperor could command this sword, and its leaders were always from the royal family, loyal to the Emperor generation after generation.

If the East Factory and West Factory were like insane dogs the Emperor listened to, the Seven Stars Bureau was the Emperor's most effective trump card, representing absolute trust from the Emperor once one became its leader.

The rarity of this trust was not lost on Hua Zhi.

She lowered her gaze, thinking of her family far away.

"Ah Zhi, some things cannot be rushed, but that doesn't mean there is no opportunity."

Hua Zhi met his gaze as she had always assured her family that she would find a way to bring them back. But she knew how difficult it was. The Emperor's words were absolute in this world where imperial power reigned supreme. Thunder and rain were all royal favors, and everyone had to accept it, holding their noses.

She even considered that if there was no other way, she could wait for the old Emperor to die and the new one to ascend the throne. By changing the Emperor, his absolute authority could be broken.

She needed to earn more money and slowly find a breakthrough from there. And now, it seemed like she had found it.

The curve of Gu Yanxi's lips lifted into a smile. He liked how focused Hua Zhi was looking at him, even if it was because she had a request.

"I will ask Little Six (Xiao Liu) to stay."

Countless thoughts flashed through Hua Zhi's mind, unsure if Mr. Lu's words were just literal or...

Gu Yanxi stood up, looking down at her unchanged expression, but seeing the turbulent waves in her eyes. Such sharpness was a pity if she wasn't a man, yet he was grateful she was a woman.

"I hope you can cultivate the second Hua Bailin, Hua Zhi. No matter who eventually takes that position in the future, the Hua Bailin you cultivate will have unlimited potential."

"Mr. Lu." Hua Zhi stood up and called out to the retreating figure. "You are playing with fire."

Gu Yanxi turned to face her. "No, it's just that the always impartial Seven Stars Bureau has shown bias now. Given the current situation, who wouldn't take the opportunity? Xiao Liu is better than those others, and besides, our success or failure doesn't matter to you and me."

Watching him leave and the door close, Hua Zhi sat down, taking a sip of the now-cold tea. She understood Mr. Lu's intentions.

If this plan succeeded, the Hua family would reap the rewards. Bringing back her family was a sure thing then. Even if it failed, she had only taken in a prince with nowhere else to go. With the leader of the Seven Stars Bureau already informed, Mr. Lu would likely find a suitable opportunity to pave the way forward.

A motherless prince who relied on an uncle's son but couldn't be touched by the outside world – whoever ascended the throne would have to appease him. The Hua family, inadvertently helping the sixth prince, would also be protected. With this in mind, this plan had great potential!

Unconsciously, she filled another cup of tea and brought it to her lips. As the cold tea slid down her throat, she closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn't rush, she couldn't panic. She needed to proceed with caution.

Liu Juan had come for the third time. Seeing the study door still closed, she approached quietly and asked, "Sister Ying Chun, has Miss not come out yet?"

Ying Chun glanced at the tightly shut door and nodded gently. "She should be ready soon. Tell Fu Dong to prepare."

"Yes."

Just as they were speaking, the door creaked open and Hua Zhi emerged, shielding her eyes from the bright sunlight. "Has it passed mealtime again? Is Fudong about to smash the pot?"

Liu Juan covered her mouth and chuckled. "Knowing you were discussing important matters, Sister Fu Dong has been waiting for your word to start cooking. I'll go tell her now."

Ying Chun noticed the weariness in her mistress's face and stepped forward to support her, murmuring, "You haven't rested for even a moment this morning. You must rest properly after the meal."

"It wasn't that busy. Where's Caochao? She hasn't come out of her room?"

"She has. She asked me to tell you that she needs to fetch some medicinal herbs and will be back later. Please save her dinner."

It was clearly an excuse. When did she ever need to fetch her own herbs?

A word was all it took for someone to bring them. Hua Zhi didn't call her out on it. Thinking of Mr. Lu's earlier reaction, she frowned. She suspected it had something to do with Caochao.

When Fu Dong came to set the table, Huazhi said, "Prepare more of Caochao's favorite dishes this afternoon. She's not in a good mood, so try to cheer her up."

"Yes, I'll make her favorite fried meatballs."

"I think she loves everything you make." Seeing the maid blush, Hua Zhi laughed. "Is everything going well in Green Moss Alley? Has the account book shown an increase in profits?"

"Yes. The weather has improved recently, and more people have been going out. I taught them a few new dishes, and they're selling very well." Fu Dong's eyes were filled with joy. She had always felt like the least capable of the four senior maids, but now she could use her favorite skill of cooking to earn money for her mistress, and she was overjoyed.

A thought struck Hua Zhi. "You could try making dishes according to the seasons, but don't rely solely on the seasons. The taste is key. If it tastes good, people will be drawn to it. Peach blossoms are in bloom now, right? Let's start with peach blossom cakes. Limit the quantity each day, and stop selling them once the blossoms have fallen."

"Yes."

At the mention of food, Fu Dong's eyes lit up, and she no longer seemed timid.

Hua Zhi picked up her chopsticks and added, "You could also make a few jars of peach blossom wine. I'll use it to toast my grandmother when the mourning period is over."

"Yes."