Blossom in Adversity

C167. The Sibling.

The 167 Chapter: The Sibling

The cool moonlight bathed the surroundings, as Shao Yao sat on the steps outside the Imperial Study, nibbling on beef jerky that was given to her by Fu Dong when she was called back from Zhuangzi.

She wondered if Huahua would send her food every day. The meals in the palace were too unappetizing for her to even take a single bite.

Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up and raised her hand in greeting.

"Where's Uncle Emperor?" he asked.

"Put him to sleep," came the reply.

"..."

He didn't bother asking how she managed to do so. As long as Shao Yao was in charge of that matter, it was fine. Sitting beside Shao Yao, Gu Yanxi took off his mask and set it aside, welcoming the refreshing cold air that greeted him.

"It's been a while since the punishment hall was last opened," Shao Yao remarked, sniffing the faint scent of blood on him. It wasn't too strong, indicating that Gu Yanxi hadn't personally gotten his hands dirty.

Gu Yanxi glanced at the beef jerky in her mouth and asked, "Why isn't there any in my food box?"

"I got it from Fu Dong when I left Zhuangzi," Shao Yao replied, handing him two sticks. She felt a pang of guilt – there wasn't much beef jerky left, and Huahua said that they wouldn't make it again until the mourning period was over.

Shao Yao's eyes darted around, and she playfully nudged the person next to her. "Hey Yan-ge, isn't beef jerky delicious?"

"Just say what you want to say," Gu Yanxi replied.

"Hehe, since Huahua is observing mourning, do you think I should ask her to teach me how to make it myself?" Shao Yao suggested.

Gu Yanxi was also intrigued. If possible, he would love to make beef jerky a standard provision for the Seven Star Division when they went out, as it was compact and filling. It would also be durable, making it a convenient option in emergencies.

"Just ask her for Fu Dong," Gu Yanxi suggested.

"But she still needs Huahua's approval. The maids are very considerate."

The maids of the Hua family were indeed rare gems. While the masters were sincere in their mourning, many cannot, not to mention of the servants always found ways to sneak in some meat dishes on the side.

Among all households, the Hua family was the only one strict to their mourning where the only meat dish allowed was eggs, meant for the children.

Gu Yanxi nodded in agreement. He knew that if Shao Yao brought up this request to Hua Zhi, she would surely approve. Perhaps they could arrange for Fu Dong to teach this skill to the staff in his own residence, thus reducing the burden on Hua's household in the future.

He was confident that Ah Zhi would agree, as she was the kind of person who would simply give away lucrative businesses like the ice-making trade at the drop of a hat. To her, what mattered most were people who showed kindness towards her, whether they were family, friends, or even strangers.

Shao Yao continued to munch on the beef jerky, casually picking up one of the memorials and skimming through it. With a disapproving click of her tongue, she remarked, "This accusation is truly half-hearted."

Gu Yanxi raised his head to gaze at the bright moon in the sky, the glaring evidence was right there, there was no need to list the accusations, it would be a favor to them if they were directly dealt with.

"Why didn't they just clean up the Yu family as well?"

"Uncle Emperor's anger needs someone to bear."