Blossom in Adversity

C169. Meeting Under the Setting Sun.

Chapter 169: Meeting Under the Setting Sun

Busy all day, Hua Zhi finished her meal and stepped out of the house. She looked up at the golden-red sunset in the sky and quietly admired its beauty.

Bao Xia hurried out and helped the Miss put on her cloak, murmuring, "It's still cold at this time of year; you mustn't be careless."

Hua Zhi obediently let her fasten the cloak and then turned to Suyun Mama who was following behind, "The weather is fine, and it's rare for everyone to come over here. Let's all go out for a walk and get some fresh air."

Suyun Mama bowed and went inside to call the others, not interfering with young lady's decisions despite her respect for her mistress.

Their young lady didn't need such interference.

It was the first time the Hua family's servants had gone out since arriving at the estate. Though the maids were usually composed, they were still young and somewhat curious as they looked around. Dongzi kept a close eye on them to ensure their safety.

It was early spring, and the land had just thawed, so there wasn't much green to be seen. Despite the lack of scenery, everyone was in high spirits.

It had been a long time since they had felt this relaxed. For days, they had been on edge, unable to relax even for a moment. Now, in this desolate yet expansive place, it seemed like they had all let go of their worries.

As she listened to the maids chatting behind her, Hua Zhi walked towards the setting sun. She thought about how once everything was green here and the estate's affairs were in order, she might invite the girls from home, who had been cooped up for months, to stay for a few days.

The sound of hooves approached, and Dongzi and the others quickly ran up to shield their Miss, alertly looking in the direction of the sound. Hua Zhi felt somewhat satisfied; it seemed that the martial arts lessons of the past few months had paid off.

She also looked in the same direction, feeling more confident than the worried guards beside her. With Mr. Lu's arrangements in place, unauthorized people wouldn't be able to approach. Since the newcomers hadn't been stopped, it seemed they were friendly.

As the sun began to set, the man on the tall horse approached slowly, silhouetted against the light. Hua Zhi couldn't quite make out his expression, but out of politeness, she gave a faint smile.

Little did she know that under the setting sun, her smile was incredibly beautiful. The sense of tranquility, the feeling that things were just as they should be, made Gu Yanxi feel as if this person appearing here was waiting for his return, thawing the icy heart he had endured throughout the day.

It had been a while since Lin Ying had seen Hua Zhi. Now, the horse nudged towards her for a pet, and Hua Zhi patted its large head, then looked up at the man who remained silent. Their eyes met and neither averted their gaze.

Hua Zhi's steadfast demeanor completely calmed the rebellious emotions in Gu Yanxi. He dismounted and patted Lin Ying's back, letting the horse roam freely.

"Have things been going smoothly at the estate?" he inquired.

"Quite well," Hua Zhi replied, swallowing a more straightforward response in consideration of their surroundings.

A faint smile played on Gu Yanxi's lips as he began walking forward, knowing he had something to discuss. Hua Zhi gestured for the others to stay put and followed him.

Bao Xia was eager to follow, but this was outside and it wouldn't be good for their Miss's reputation if they were seen too close. Ying Chun stopped her and looked to Suyun Mama.

Suyun Mama furrowed her brow, then said, "Let's not get too close, but we must stay within sight."

This suited them all, and they followed at a distance, just as they had previously guarded the estate.

The atmosphere was silent but not stifling. Gu Yanxi glanced sideways at the person walking slightly behind him, then slowed his pace to allow her to catch up. He enjoyed walking side by side with Ah Zhi. Although she would initially adhere to rules, she would eventually forget and fall into step beside him, as if that was her natural state.

Soon enough, the distance between the two had decreased from a step to half a step.

"Shao Yao is going to stay in the palace for a while," Gu Yanxi stated.

"Mm."

"Today, she waited so long for your meal that her neck almost stretched out in impatience," he joked.

"...I imagine the palace won't skimp on her food and drink," Hua Zhi replied.

"No comparison," Gu Yanxi agreed, noting that despite the luxury of the palace fare, the flavor could not compare to the distinct taste of the Hua family's dishes, even when served cold.

Stopping in his tracks, Gu Yanxi turned to gaze at the group following them at a distance. He seemed to believe that those who cooked in the palace had hearts filled with power and wealth, resulting in a stale taste in the food.

Following his gaze, Hua Zhi softened her expression.

"The First Prince colluded with the heavenly masters and presented the emperor with golden pills, which he has been taking for two months now," Gu Yanxi revealed.

Hua Zhi suddenly understood. No wonder Mr. Lu had been furious – but two months of taking golden pills, though not ideal, wasn't a major issue. In history, many emperors had obsessed over alchemy and eternal life, and though they eventually perished, they had lived for decades. Two months was nothing compared to that.

"Shao Yao mentioned that the pills are several times more potent than standard golden pills, and it's a move for the emperor's sake," Gu Yanxi continued.

Hua Zhi paused for a moment, then understood the unspoken meaning in his words. The emperor was nearly fifty, and given the average lifespan of the Great Daqing Dynasty emperors, he didn't have many years left. If someone tampered with the pills...

It was ruthless, truly showing the family's lack of compassion.

"Shao Yao also said that the pills were too aggressive, damaging the body's foundation, even her master would have a hard time repairing it," Gu Yanxi stated, turning to watch the evening sky. "Outsiders think the current situation is due to the emperor's delay in naming a crown prince, but few know that the emperor actually wishes for the eldest prince to be the crown prince more than anyone else. He's the son he personally groomed, but no matter how he taught him, even going so far as to sacrifice other sons as stepping stones, the eldest prince hasn't progressed whatsoever over the years, even regressing. The emperor can't afford to make a waste like him the crown prince. By the time he diverted his attention away from the eldest son, he realized that the other grown sons had become formidable wolves."

Hua Zhi listened to these secrets she shouldn't be hearing and remained silent in the vast emptiness that seemed perfect for conversations. She knew that Mr. Lu simply needed a listener.

"I only handed over insignificant evidence that barely implicated The First Prince," Gu Yanxi confessed. "I didn't tell the emperor about The Second Prince's involvement with the northern border or that The Third Prince may have had a hand in the Yan Kingdom's affairs. He only has a few sons, and I couldn't let him lose three at once."

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the evening glow faded, the sky quickly lost its brightness. Gu Yanxi gazed at the quiet woman before him and said, "While the world sees the emperor as the most noble figure, I see him as the most pitiful. Apart from his sovereign authority, he has nothing."