Blossom in Adversity

C199. Sincerity.

Chapter 199: Sincerity

Hua Zhi did not intend to speak up for the Emperor, but she understood Gu Yanxi's attitude.

The Great Daqing Dynasty was probably equivalent to the Hua family to Gu Yanxi. Since they had come to this point, she naturally had to defend what he defended. He did not want General Sun to have any misgivings about the Great Daqing Dynasty, and she had to support that.

From the bottom of her heart, she also hoped that the Great Daqing Dynasty would not be thrown into chaos, even if the root cause of this chaos was the royal family.

Of course, she didn't arrogantly believe that she could calm the Sun family's anger with just a few words. The focus was still on the Sixth Prince.

She never believed that concealing the truth was a good idea. The Sun family would eventually learn about this matter, and it was better to disclose the truth to them rather than have them find out from elsewhere.

Although they might be angry, knowing that Prince Gu and the Emperor were protecting them would calm half of the Sun family's anger. The other half would dissipate when they saw the unharmed Sixth Prince. Controlling the situation to the best of their abilities was what convinced Gu Yanxi to agree to her approach.

Speaking of Gu Yanxi, a smile crept into Hua Zhi's eyes, making her features appear even softer.

However, Madam Sun thought that smile was directed at her, and although she was genuinely happy, her nose suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

She thought of her own unfortunate daughter, a sensible child who was both strong and gentle towards her. The burden of wealth and status was such a devouring thing!

"Madam?" Hua Zhi looked at her in confusion as she wiped her eyes, not realizing anything amiss in her own words and actions.

Madam Sun shook her head, not offering further explanation. Some people, when mentioned, just brought sadness to one's heart. "Your father used to call me 'aunt' when he was young, so you can call me 'grandaunt' according to our ranks."

Hua Zhi's mouth opened slightly, but she couldn't bring herself to call her 'grandaunt'. Even when adding up the generations, she was still younger than Madam Sun. It was just too unnatural for her to address this seemingly younger person as 'grandaunt'.

"Why? Unwilling?" Madam Sun asked.

Hua Zhi smoothed her hair at her temple, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "You are too young, I simply can't say it."

Madam Sun paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. Every line on her face relaxed, and the smile that blossomed from deep within her eyes spread to her lips, then to her eyebrows, like a flower blooming.

This was a beauty that radiated from within, where wrinkles did not detract from her beauty, but added a depth and charm brought by years. Even though Hua Zhi was accustomed to various types of beauties, she couldn't help but admire the fact that this woman, despite her age, had not lost any of her allure.

Madam Sun had not felt this carefree in a long time. Hua Zhi's words touched her more than a thousand praises from others could. She could sense that Hua Zhi's words were not meant to flatter her but were genuine.

From the moment they met, Hua Zhi always addressed her as "Madam Sun" and not "Old Madam Sun" like others did, indicating her true feelings.

She truly liked this girl.

Madam Sun smiled warmly at Hua Zhi. "If you still want to call me 'aunt,' it will mess up our ranks."

Hua Zhi lowered her head and softly called her 'grandaunt'.

Madam Sun's smile broadened, and she responded cheerfully.

Just as she was about to tease her a little more, a maid standing outside reported, "Miss, Mr. Lu has arrived."

Both women looked outside, one focusing on the taller figure and the other on the shorter one through the curtains.

Bao Xia raised the curtain, and the Sixth Prince was about to offer a polite gesture when he felt a light push from behind. Both entered the room, one in front and the other behind.

Upon seeing his grandmother, Gu Chengqian's nose tingled. All the grievances, anger, and sadness he thought had faded surged back up, causing his eyes to redden before he could even speak.

Madam Sun, who had been trying to hold back, immediately stood up when she saw her usually sensible grandson in such a state. She took a few steps forward and embraced him, her gaze becoming sharp in a protective stance. "It's okay, it's alright, don't be afraid."

Hua Zhi bowed slightly to Madam Sun and quietly left. At this moment, any words would be superfluous.

Gu Yanxi immediately followed.

Hua Zhi glanced back at him and waited for him to walk up and stand beside her. This was the distance this man liked the most.

Then, she gently hooked her little finger around his, letting their hands be covered by the hanging sleeves. She looked nonchalant, but Gu Yanxi was surprised for a moment, then immediately intertwined his fingers with hers, until their fingertips were locked together.

The sound of footsteps echoed on the stairs as someone ascended, Hua Zhi moved her hand slightly, and Gu Yanxi squeezed it harder before letting go.

"Miss, the Zhu family, Qin family, and Lu family have arrived together."

Together?

Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow and shared a look with Gu Yanxi before they walked downstairs together.

The carriages from the three families were parked in the yard. Zhu Shan helped the Old Madam Zhu out of the carriage while Zhu Ziwen was waiting outside. Over there, the eldest son of the Zhu family, Zhu Haocheng, the eldest son of the Lu family, Lu Boxi, and the eldest son of the Qin family, Qin Gongyang, were exchanging pleasantries.

As if it had been arranged, the eldest sons of each family had come, accompanied by several younger generations. The only difference was probably the eager affection of Old Madam Zhu, who had come in person.

Looking at the members of each family, they almost simultaneously thought of the same thing, exchanged glances, and smiled. Whether for profit or sentiment, since they had come here, they could be considered half of one's own people, at least for the moment.

After exchanging pleasantries, everyone turned their gazes towards the intricately arranged yet quaint small building. The hostess invited them out from the door without any shyness or coyness, and with a dignified grace, she approached the group and bowed respectfully to them.

Old Madam Zhu, based on her seniority, approached and pulled her up, smiling kindly, "I heard there's good food here, so I came on my own accord. Please take care of this old lady's teeth and offer something easy to digest."

"Yes, I will make sure you enjoy yourself," Hua Zhi smiled at the others and led the elderly lady inside, guiding her up the stairs.

Gu Yanxi casually stood at the doorway, now appearing as the most inconspicuous of guards, having subdued his imposing aura. As others passed by him, nobody spared him a second glance.

"Cousin, is there any taboo on the first floor?"

Hua Zhi looked down at Zhu Ziwen by the staircase and the younger generation from the various families showing interest in the first floor, shaking her head, "It's just a place to eat, nothing to be concerned about. Feel free to look around."

"In that case, we won't be polite." The response came from the eldest grandson of the Lu family, Lu Shuangrui, who was the oldest among the young people present, having already married and formed a family.

Speaking of which, each family was giving face to Hua Zhi. The younger generation they brought were all direct descendants, and they had even brought their own young ladies. Whether it was to show trust or for other reasons, this attitude demonstrated their willingness to engage with Hua Zhi.

———
TNote:

Shénniang: This term typically refers to the wife of one's father's brother.

Shú nǎinai: This term is used to address the wife of one's father's brother one generation older.