Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C209. A Nighttime Raid on the Old Mansion.

Chapter 209: A Nighttime Raid on the Old Mansion

Shao Yao couldn't sit still any longer. Seeing their leisurely conversation, she decided to go find Xiao Liu.

Amidst the swirling mist, Hua Zhi looked up, her eyes filled with a clear and obvious smile. "I wonder how Yang Qi will convince Yang Zheng that he truly wrote the divorce decree?"

"Yang Zheng will eventually believe him, after all, there's no benefit for Yang Qi in lying about this matter. But he'll also be suspicious, as those in high positions are rarely without doubt."

"Then let him doubt. He can't come and ask me if Yang Qi really wrote the divorce decree."

Gu Yanxi truly adored Ah Zhi's rather arrogant demeanor. "Yang Qi won't just take this huge loss and do nothing."

"I remember you told me that Wang Rong is very precise in his actions and won't leave any trace."

"Of course. Wang Rong was originally from the Ministry of Punishment. He's most skilled in those methods."

"What does Yang Qi have to do with me?" Hua Zhi blinked, her eyes filled with a mischievous glint. "And what evidence does he have to convict someone? If he's going to bring up my Second Aunt not returning to the Yang family, then let me ask you this: doesn't everyone in the capital know that he beat her until she was covered in bruises? My Hua family cares for our own. If we don't want her to go back and be beaten, what right does anyone have to say anything?"

A smile played on Gu Yanxi's lips. So, she had thought of everything. This was a woman well-equipped to protect herself.

Leaving the Hua estate, Gu Yanxi didn't go to the palace. Instead, he headed north towards the city.

Hua Lin Lane was now reduced to a single household, a stark contrast to its former bustling scene. Gu Yanxi looked up at the Hua family's gate, recalling the chaotic scene of the family's downfall. A belated pang of heartache struck him. If only he had met Ah Zhi earlier, if only he had known he would love someone so deeply, he would have done anything to prevent the Hua family's misfortune.

Yet, as Ah Zhi had said, if the Hua family had remained unscathed, she would have become a wife of the Shen family by now. In that sense, the family's downfall was perhaps a blessing in disguise.

Suppressing this dark thought, Gu Yanxi ignored the seal and scaled the wall. Relying on his knowledge of the city's architecture and the living habits of various families, he quickly found Hua Zhi's courtyard.

The courtyard was a little messy, but the house inside was surprisingly tidy. The furniture was covered in dust, as if the owner had simply gone on a long journey.

Gu Yanxi gazed greedily at the place where Ah Zhi had once lived, imagining her reading, laughing, painting, or experimenting with recipes with Fu Dong. She always managed to make the best of any situation, no matter her circumstances.

In the peaceful days of the Hua family, she must have been a sheltered young miss, oblivious to the world outside.

Looking around, Gu Yanxi didn't stoop to searching for Ah Zhi's personal belongings. He simply picked up a handkerchief left on the bed and tucked it into his bosom.

Seeing the smooth, wooden chessboard on the cabinet, he couldn't help but walk over and stroke it for a moment. He then found the chessbox and examined it. Some of the pieces seemed to be missing, but Ah Zhi would surely be delighted to have these old things in her hands again.

Gu Yanxi wandered around the room a few more times before leaving with the items and heading to the right side room.

That side faced the morning sun, and tea leaves should be stored in a dry place, so they must be there. As expected, he found the tea leaves in the tightly sealed jars without much effort. At a glance, there were six large jars.

With two claps of his hands, two people entered from outside. He carried out the first two jars, and the others understood and carried out the remaining four.

Just as he was about to leave, he remembered something and went to the left side room. He had followed Fu Dong to get something before, so he had a general idea of her storage habits.

Sure enough, as soon as he entered the room, he smelled various odors, especially a sour smell. After moving the stone off the large jar, a sour and spicy smell filled the air. He could tell it was pickled cabbage just by the smell. He couldn't help but swallow and scoop out half a piece, tearing off a small bit and putting it in his mouth. It was very good, not spoiled at all.

The Imperial Uncle's appetite has still been rather poor lately. He can finish a bowl of rice if he has this particular dish. Grandmother is quite fond of it too. He feels awkward about asking Ah Zhi for it all the time, so having these [ingredients] will make it easier for him to ask.

Worried that the taste might have changed, he didn't bother to open the other jars to see what was inside. He simply had people move them away.

Being the mischievous person he is, he placed the items directly in the ear room of the front courtyard without a word. Lan Qiao, the new maid who had taken over Fu Dong's cooking duties, was startled when she went to fetch something and saw the extra items. Fortunately, she had been with Hua Zhi for many years and was quite brave. She covered her mouth, said nothing to anyone, and quickly went to the back courtyard to inform the young lady.

After learning what had been added, Hua Zhi had a pretty good idea of what was going on. She calmly reassured Lan Qiao, "It's fine, we can use whatever is usable."

Having been with Hua Zhi for many years, Lan Qiao gradually came to her senses. These large jars and pots were too familiar. She couldn't help but think about it, but there was nothing she could say, no matter how much she thought about it!

She agreed and went back to open one of the jars. When she saw that it was full of yardlong beans, she was overjoyed. She scooped some out, chopped them finely, and mixed them together. It would be perfect for porridge. This tasted so much better than what they had made recently.

Hua Zhi went to the ear room and stroked the jars and pots that had been used for several years, a slight smile playing on her lips. Her mood improved greatly.

Ying Chun was a little worried, "Miss, isn't this going to be a problem if someone finds out...?"

"There are engravings of the Hua Manor's old residence on them? These heavy things, could I possibly have carried them here myself?" Hua Zhi shifted the blame completely. She didn't even admit to arranging Yang Qi's affairs, and she certainly wasn't going to admit to something she didn't do.

Ying Chun suddenly turned her head and called out, "Mr. Lu."

Hua Zhi turned and patted the large jar, "How did you think to bring this over as well?"

"Naturally, I have a request. Could you spare me some? Grandmother and Uncle Emperor are quite fond of this."

"If one didn't know any better, they'd think there was some rare delicacy inside," Hua Zhi chuckled. "Bao Xia, pack some up and send it to Fu Dong. She'll be delighted. And pack a little for Mr. Lu as well, but just a small amount."

Bao Xia covered her mouth and giggled in agreement.

Once they were outside, Hua Zhi explained, "This stuff goes bad easily if it's left out for too long. Once you take it back, chill it. It'll be fine for a few days, but it tastes best in a large jar. You can come and get some every few days."

Gu Yanxi replied softly, his tone gentle. He knew better than anyone that Hua Zhi would explain this to him. It was proof that she had him on her mind. She wouldn't waste words on someone she didn't care about. No matter what he thought, she wouldn't mind.

"Speaking of which, it just occurred to me. This year when we go north, I can teach the servants there how to make this. I mean, they don't have to eat it every day, but it would make a great side dish. And about the tea leaves, Grandfather loves them, but they're so fragile. They can't withstand such a long journey. I need to figure out a way to take some with us."