Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C235. Being Followed.

Chapter 235: Being Followed

The Sixth Prince's two guards followed closely behind. Once they were out of sight, Hua Zhi turned to the other two guards, "One of you should follow them secretly. No matter what happens, your primary duty is to protect him."

The two were not from the Seven Stars Division but were personally assigned by Gu Yanxi. The taller one was named Yu Tao, the other Wang Cheng. They had been given strict instructions before leaving and without hesitation, Wang Cheng followed.

Letting the Sixth Prince out of her sight, Hua Zhi was not without worry. However, she had brought him out not merely for a scenic tour. She hoped he could see the other side of life, a life worlds apart from his own, to see things a prince would never have the chance to see.

Selfishly, she also hoped that this obedient child could have a unique experience before he had to shoulder the burdens of his status. An experience free from constraints, devoid of complex thoughts. It was a privilege only the young could enjoy, for once one became an adult, simplicity was a distant dream.

Because everyone, without fail, would eventually grow into the person they disliked most as children.

Just like her.

A sudden wave of melancholy washed over Hua Zhi.

Shao Yao, the most sensitive to her emotions, dismissed Bao Xia and clung to Hua Zhi, comforting her, "Hua Hua, don't worry. I've given Little Six many useful items. Even if he runs far, I can find him."

Thinking of the items she had given, Hua Zhi felt a sense of reassurance. With the guards following, Little Six's intelligence, and the items Shao Yao had provided, he should be safe.

Pulling Shao Yao onto her lap, Hua Zhi looked into her clear eyes, "The things I need to do are rather boring. Tomorrow, don't follow me. Go have some fun."

Shao Yao did find it uninteresting and agreed, "Then I'll go to the pharmacy here tomorrow. Master said the people here have a special way with rheumatism."

"Alright, I'll have Xu Ying follow you. You're not good at handling those trivial matters, so you don't need to worry about them with him around."

Shao Yao smiled and agreed, she enjoyed being taken care of by Hua Zhi. Even if what Hua Zhi said wasn't a problem for her.

Hua Zhi stroked her uneven face and smiled, not revealing the deeper reason. Although women had little status in the capital, the situation in the north was generally better than in the south. In the south, especially in Jingzhou, women were treated as mere servants.

If it weren't for the tall and imposing guards behind her, Xia Jiang might not have treated her with respect. It was her imposing demeanor that had initially intimidated him.

Shao Yao was a female physician, and it was even more unusual for a woman to be a physician in Jingzhou. She didn't want Shao Yao to be bullied when she couldn't see her.

The next day when Xia Jiang saw Hua Zhi, she was only accompanied by two people. Without asking any questions, he confirmed that she had not contacted any other shipping companies and his enthusiasm for Hua Zhi increased. The young lady's attitude clearly indicated her sincerity in the deal, rather than playing one against the other. He appreciated her sincerity and was willing to make concessions during the negotiations.

With both parties eager to cooperate, the negotiations went smoothly, and the terms were quickly finalized. While waiting for the middleman, Hua Zhi inquired about the An'tai Shipping Company.

"An'tai? Miss has excellent taste. Among the few companies I wanted to recommend to Miss, An'tai is one of them." Xia Jiang was in a great mood after securing this deal. This young lady was indeed generous, placing an order for two years at once. Having such a long-term contract, even in difficult times, one could persevere, even against the powerful Zheng family.

Selfishly, securing this deal would almost guarantee his succession as the head of the Xia family. Thus, he was willing to share more information.

"The owner of An'tai is surnamed Wu, named Wu Zheng. His family used to run an escort agency, but for some reason, they switched to this business. Perhaps due to his background, he is very forthright and generous, never arbitrarily lowering prices. The small fishermen all like to sell their fish to him. Even here in Xiangyang, he has a reputation, and many wealthy families prefer to buy fish from him. According to my family's steward, the fish from An'tai Shipping Company is fresher than others."

"Young Master's recommendation is highly regarded."

"Haha, if I can cooperate with him, I would be happy too. It would save us a lot of trouble."

It was indeed true. Hua Zhi nodded, but she did not immediately agree that An'tai would be the sole partner. Hearing is believing, and she needed to see it for herself.

Xia Jiang took another chance to glance at her. Everyone loved beauty, and he was no exception. "However, the situation over there is more complicated than ours. If you really go there, young miss, you still need to be more cautious."

Hua Zhi looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Being watched like this, Xia Jiang, who had not intended to say more, couldn't help but say, "There's an old fishing business over there called Yu Shun, which is very domineering. An Tai has always been able to barely maintain a balance by teaming up with another fishing business. This deal of yours is too big, I'm afraid someone will be envious."

"How are their goods?"

Xia Tia said meaningfully, "My family has never bought from them."

Not buying was enough to explain everything. Hua Zhi nodded slightly, "Thank you, young master, for telling me the truth."

"I still say the same thing, I hope the person you connect with is easy to talk to, otherwise our trading company won't be happy either."

"Young master is a clear-headed person."

The middleman came in accompanied by the manager, and Hua Zhi stopped talking and braced herself to finalize the contract.

After the deal was finalized, Hua Zhi declined Xia Jiang's invitation. As soon as she got into the carriage, she drank several cups of water in a row before her throat felt less sore.

Bao Xia helped Miss lie on her lap and massaged her temples with moderate force. Just as Hua Zhi was enjoying herself, she heard Yu Tao's voice, "Young miss, there's someone following us."

Flower Zhi opened her eyes and frowned slightly. Xia Jiang was a smart person, and since the deal had already been made, there was no reason for him to send someone to follow her. "Is it the same person as yesterday?"

"No, I've noticed him outside the trading company before, and he should not be from the trading company."

Flower Zhi thought back on her words and actions since arriving in Zhenyang. Except for the fact that it was obvious at a glance that she was an outsider, she shouldn't have shown anything else.

"When we get back to the inn, you follow him and see what he's up to."

Yu Tao hesitated before agreeing. If he left, there would be no one around the young miss. Thinking that the inn was still safe, he dared to agree.

When they returned to the inn, the lobby fell silent as usual because of their mistress and maid's return. Many overt and covert gazes fell on Hua Zhi, but Hua Zhi didn't even glance at them and went straight upstairs, and no one stepped forward.

People are always curious about new people and things, especially a woman like this who was different from what they knew. They were too used to submissive women, and Hua Zhi's indifference to them was like a stimulant for them, and everyone wanted a piece of her.

———TN:
A reminder to Rate, Vote and Follow ;)