Blossom in Adversity

C192. Crisis.

Chapter 192 Crisis

With everything arranged properly, when Hua Zhi turned around, Mr. Lu was nowhere to be seen. The study door was open, and as she walked a few steps inside, she saw him sitting there in a commanding manner.

"Mr. Lu, is there something you need at this hour?" Hua Zhi asked as she sat down across from him.

Looking at the tea set on the table that had not yet been tidied up, Gu Yanxi thought back to the sight of the two of them laughing and chatting happily when he arrived, and for some reason, he felt a sense of discomfort.

He knew that Hua Zhi was not someone frivolous, but he could tell at a glance that she admired this new Mr. Zheng. This made him feel a sense of crisis like never before. He had never felt this worried before because he knew that proud as Hua Zhi was, there were very few people in the capital city that she would fancy.

But now, there was one.

He and Hua Zhi shared a disdain for imperial power and did not strictly adhere to rules. In some ways, they could even be considered like-minded. And yet, these were precisely the reasons why their relationship had the biggest problem. Hua Zhi's disdain for imperial power was something he possessed and could not let go of. His surname was Gu.

But for Hua Zhi, it was precisely the imperial power he possessed that kept her separated from her family, with no clear prospect of reunion.

At this moment, the sense of crisis almost overwhelmed him.

"Mr. Lu?" With no response, Hua Zhi curiously called out again, wondering if the emperor was in trouble. That would be a good thing!

"Is this the other teacher from your clan school?"

"Yes, Mr. Zheng Zhi."

Gu Yanxi's gaze shifted to the small teacup in front of him. "Very outstanding?"

Hua Zhi found his question strange but answered, "If Mr. Lu is referring to his knowledge, then yes, he is outstanding. But what I value more is his experience of adventuring outside for many years. Children born and raised in the capital cannot assume that the world is only as big as the capital."

Gu Yanxi wanted to keep Zheng Zhi and Hua Zhi separate.

"Some things are better left unsaid behind closed doors, so as not to be overheard by outsiders."

Hua Zhi realized how careless she had been and how easily someone outside could have eavesdropped on their conversation. If it had been the Sixth Prince or someone from the imperial harem standing outside, these words could have been used against her.

While there might not be immediate consequences, who knew what the future held?

Hua Zhi inclined slightly. "Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Lu. I will be more cautious in the future."

"It's not your fault."

Hua Zhi furrowed her brows. "Is Mr. Lu planning to accuse Mr. Zheng?"

"What if?" Gu Yanxi raised his head and met her gaze.

"To be punished for his words, which is not the act of a wise ruler."

"I am not a ruler, it does not concern me whether I am wise or not."

Hua Zhi felt a strange sensation in her heart. Was Gu Yanxi trying to challenge her?

Was it because of Zheng Zhi?

"Do you dislike Mr. Zheng?"

Gu Yanxi hesitated, feeling embarrassed. He did indeed dislike Zheng Zhi, but he couldn't articulate the reason why.