Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C295. Presented Before His Majesty.

Chapter 295: A Direct Approach to His Majesty

The moment Lai Fu stepped out of the Hall, his eyes locked onto the Shizi standing a short distance away. Without hesitation, Gu Yanxi took the lead and strode forward, while Lai Fu followed in silence. As he moved, he threw a quick glance back at the main hall. The dim interior stood in stark contrast to the bright, harsh light outside.

When they reached the veranda, Lai Fu lowered his body slightly in a respectful gesture but his voice was loud, sharp, and purposeful. “Your Highness, when you have a moment, send someone to notify me. I’ll accompany you to collect the night pearls.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just have them sent to my residence in a few days,” Gu Yanxi responded, his tone dismissive but clear.

“Understood.”

Lai Fu’s gaze shifted quickly, making sure no one else could hear as he lowered his voice to almost a murmur. “His Majesty asked me to investigate if the mushrooms are truly cultivated by the Hua family’s daughter. But I’m sure His Majesty wants more than just that. Do you have any specific instructions, Your Highness?”

Gu Yanxi’s response was curt but firm: “Erase all links to me from the investigation. Don’t involve anyone else. Just report on Green Moss Alley.”

Lai Fu’s eyes narrowed in understanding. “Got it.”

He knew what this was about. Hua Zhi, no doubt, had ties to other families, but if the Shizi wanted to shield the Hua family’s daughter, Lai Fu wouldn’t question it. Decades of dealing with old man Hua had given Lai Fu a clear read on the situation. As long as it didn’t threaten the Emperor’s interests, he was willing to play along with the Shizi’s wishes.

The two parted ways without any more words. Word of what had gone down in the palace was sure to spread to the Emperor’s ears, and when he heard it, he barely reacted—just waved off the servants who’d delivered the report. Yanxi, the focus of all this attention, was treated with unusual favor, not just by the Emperor but by his sons, who respected Yanxi deeply. Of course, it would be strange if Lai Fu hadn’t tried to curry favor with them too.

That night, Lai Fu showed up with the file and handed it over to the Emperor. He hadn’t even gotten halfway through before the Emperor burst out laughing. “They’ve managed to take over an entire street? These people really know how to work the market.”

“Exactly. I went there myself today to check it out. That street was a dead zone before—most of the shops were vacant. But that Hua girl has guts. She sold off the mansion that was given to Matriarch Hua by the Empress Dowager, bought the entire street, and tore down the shop by the inner river. Now, that dead-end street is packed with customers, mainly food businesses. The snacks they sell are one-of-a-kind. When I visited, the street was swarming with crowds, long lines everywhere. They’re thriving, sire,” Lai Fu reported.

The Emperor leaned back, clearly enjoying the news. “I’m dying to see Hua Yizheng’s face when he finds out,” he chuckled. He was always careful with the Hua family’s reputation, especially among the scholars, but he saw through their façade. Hua Yizheng, after all, was like a rock in a latrine—irritating, but ultimately harmless.

The Emperor’s thoughts turned a little more reflective. He found himself remembering the old man Hua. After all these years, he thought back to the first time he’d walked into court, the eyes of all the officials on him. Hua Yizheng had been in the back, and the Emperor had been struck by his presence. The Hua family had a certain elegance, a natural nobility. And now, in the blink of an eye, that once-proud figure in the capital had aged beyond recognition.

A laugh escaped the Emperor. “Isn’t he on death’s doorstep by now? The man’s practically finished.”

He tossed the file aside, clearly impressed. “They’ve got fire, I’ll give them that. They make their name proud. Let the Empress Dowager know—she’ll be thrilled.”