Blossom in Adversity

C180. Night Outing.

Chapter 180: Night Outing

During the winter, Fu Dong showed off his culinary skills by preparing a table full of dishes, predominantly vegetarian. He sent for Bai Lin and Ah Jian over with the help of the maid.

In formal settings, it was customary not to talk while eating, a rule that Hua Zhi always adhered to. However, she didn't place much importance on that in private. Her companions followed suit, but refrained from speaking with food in their mouths.

Shao Yao ate quickly, not missing a beat in her conversation. With every bite, she criticized the palace meals. To outsiders, it seemed as though the palace was a place of hardship.

Ah Jian nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring Shao Yao's disdain for the palace fare. He also found the palace food to be unappetizing.

As Hua Zhi listened, she inexplicably felt pity for the people in the palace. It was truly...

As she lifted a morsel of food to her mouth, a piece of food was placed in her bowl. Hua Zhi looked up sharply.

Gu Yanxi put down his chopsticks and met her gaze. "Eat more."

Hua Zhi forced a smile and dutifully ate, even if the food tasted like wax. She didn't want to disappoint the concern of others.

Gu Yanxi understood her forced smile, always one step ahead in anticipating the potential consequences of a situation. He couldn't fathom the depth of her anger or sadness, nor how much psychological preparation it took for her to maintain a composed demeanor at home.

She didn't share her anger or sorrow with others, prioritizing her family's well-being and assuming a strong, burden-bearing role. He didn't know if Hua's family cherished her, but he truly did.

The meal was lively, with Shao Yao belching loudly and insisting on a late dinner. Hua Zhi couldn't resist her pestering and reluctantly agreed.

Shao Yao's eyes lit up, realizing that Gu Yanxi had taken them out for a reason. Seeing Hua Zhi only eat half a bowl of rice confirmed her suspicions. Under the pretense of having Little Six's health checked, Shao Yao dragged the two children away.

Hua Zhi stood up and bowed respectfully. "I thank Mr. Lu on behalf of the entire Hua family."

"It's unnecessary. I'm glad I could help," Gu Yanxi replied as he helped her sit back down. "It's all in the past. Don't let it bother you. She's not worth it."

"I know she's not worth it, but it still makes me furious," Hua Zhi shook her head, unwilling to share more. She wasn't accustomed to confiding in others or complaining. Instead, she focused on solving her problems.

Gu Yanxi glanced outside. "Song Chenghao came to offer condolences today."

"I didn't pay him any attention. I have a feeling he'll have his eye on the Hua family," Hua Zhi asserted, adamant that Song Chenghao wouldn't get involved with her family's reputation or business.

"Won't you visit the Song family?"

"Why not? It's a perfect opportunity to sever ties with the Song family," Hua Zhi stated firmly.

"Do you plan to go in person?"

"This matter requires my personal attention."

"Do you realize that once you show your face, you won't be able to stay out of trouble?"

"Because of this face?" Hua Zhi laughed. "Mr. Lu overestimates me. Any girl from the Hua family is just as impressive as I am."

Not by a long shot, excellence isn't just about appearance, but also demeanor, words, actions, and aura. If Hua Zhi was blessed with good looks, she would overshadow all the educated maidens in the capital. They knew what Hua Zhi knew, and she knew what they didn't, so how could they compare?

However, Gu Yanxi didn't voice his thoughts. He wasn't worried about future rivals but rather the potential troubles that would come with Huazhi stepping into the limelight.

Those who kept an eye on the Hua family knew about the canned goods business and the thriving Green Moss Alley. An outstanding figure like Hua Zhi wouldn't be able to keep her ownership of these trades a secret once she stepped outside.

And then...

Some people might not be able to resist taking action, whether it be using people for their own benefit or destroying them without anyone benefiting, thus cutting off the possibility of the Hua family turning things around.

Gu Yanxi looked at Ah Zhi with intense eyes and asked, "Have you thought about the consequences?"

"I have, but I cannot stop eating because of fear of choking, and besides, I cannot hide it anyway." Those who have grudges against or owe favors to the Hua family are all masters in their own right. She cannot hide her movements from them.

They may not be interested for the time being, but once her wealth grows and they can no longer resist, will they stand idly by?

They will not.

They will do everything in their power to get their hands on it. Human nature has always been inferior. Instead of being passive, she might as well put herself on the table from the beginning and make everyone want a piece, but no one can have it.

Furthermore, she has the Zhu family behind her, as well as a certain force brought in with every deal she makes. With a balance of power from all sides, there may not be anyone daring to touch her.

Not to mention the Seven Stars Bureau. The profits from this mushroom trade are not small. It was agreed from the beginning that it would be used in exchange for protection, so it cannot be considered taking advantage.

Gu Yanxi said no more. He had said that Ah Zhi could do as she pleased, and he would not stand in her way.

Turning his head to look at the sky again, he smiled softly, looking gentle all over. "Would you like to go out for a walk?"

Ah Zhi looked surprised at the already dark outside. "Now?"

Gu Yanxi nodded.

Ah Zhi hesitated for a moment before nodding. She was feeling suffocated today, and going out for a walk would do her good.

As for the taboo of physical intimacy between men and women, well, it had no hold over her.

After a quick tidy-up, A Zhi put on her veil and got ready to leave. The maidservants were all anxious, looking at Suyun Mama. Was it appropriate to go out at this late hour, risking their reputation?

Suyun Mama gestured for everyone to stay and approached A Zhi alone. She whispered gently as she adjusted Ah Zhi's dress, "Miss, please bring this old slave along."

Ah Zhi had not said anything yet when Gu Yanxi agreed, "Come with us."

Suyun Mama breathed a sigh of relief and quietly glanced at Gu Yanxi, who did not seem to have any malicious intentions.

Outside the side gate, there was a black carriage waiting, with no markings on it. Chen Qing stood by the side, suppressing his excitement, holding the horse. His eyes lit up when he saw the three of them coming out, and he bowed respectfully.

The interior of the carriage was quite spacious, with room for the master, the servant, and three people.

Swinging slightly, A Zhi lifted the curtain and looked outside. It was curfew in Daqing Dynasty, but it seemed not quite late, with many people still on the streets.

"Come to think of it, this is the first time I have been out at night," Ah Zhi said with a hint of emotion as she let the curtain fall. "There are probably not many young ladies who have had this experience, thanks to Mr. Lu."

"If you like, I will take you out often in the future."

A Zhi shook her head. "Most of the time, I actually enjoy a peaceful life in a small corner of the world, cooking good food, reading good books, and painting when I feel like it. That's the kind of life I find most comfortable."

Gu Yanxi nodded. "As you wish."

"..."

A Zhi felt like the two words "Mr. Lu" sounded like he was flirting with her, didn't they?