Gu Yanxi wanted to say, "I am willing to carry the entire Hua family for you, and I am willing to be relied on by you, so don't leave any room for me, just trust me." However, when he met Azhi's unflinching and seemingly tenacious eyes, he swallowed all the words.
If his Ah Zhiruo would be dependent on others like the others, how could the Hua family be in the situation it is today, and how could they have the ruthlessness to risk their lives.
He thought he was different from others, and thought he thought highly of Azhi, but now he realized that he was just like those ordinary people, selfishly wanting to trap a person who could fly high by his instinct.
Gu Yanxi smiled bitterly, he had become greedy.
"Let Peony go with you."
Huazhi was happy to take Shaoyao with her, but she still asked, "Can she leave?"
"Sure, it's enough to have her master in charge of the palace." Gu Yanxi paused and turned the subject back to "This sand table..."
"You can use this door however you want, but you don't need to take me with you. Now is not the right time."
Seeing that she had finally let go of that energy, Gu Yanxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded in agreement, "I'll remember it. It will come in handy someday."
The two looked at each other and understood each other.
Gu Yanxi suddenly smiled and said, "Want to play a game?"
Hua Zhi raised her eyebrows and said, "I'll keep you company."
In the yard, Berlin was fighting against Shaoyao. Although Shaoyao was still getting familiar with the rules, Berlin had to take every step very carefully in order to fight on equal terms. Gu Yanxi was a little frightened watching this.
Ever since Shaoyao made up her mind to become a female general, she has been reading books on military strategy all day long. Although she has neglected them over the years, even her uncle the Emperor once said that Shaoyao had talent and a solid foundation. But now, Berlin, who is only ten years old, can actually fight with her.
He couldn't help but look at Ah Zhi who was smiling faintly. She really taught Bolin so well. If...
When his eyes fell on Xiaoliu, Gu Yanxi had a plan in mind.
In the end, Shaoyao won, although it was only a pyrrhic victory. She rolled up her sleeves and raised her head excitedly: "Let's do it again."
Hua Bolin was about to accept the challenge when Hua Zhi spoke up, "I'm going to play a round with Mr. Lu."
When there were other people around, Hua Zhi still habitually called him Mr. Lu. Gu Yanxi liked this name very much and walked forward to push the peony away.
Hua Bailin was more observant. When he saw his elder sister coming over, he hurriedly gave up her seat. He also wanted to see if this gentleman who defeated him so easily was a match for his elder sister.
Not being familiar with Yan Xi's habit of deploying troops, Hua Zhi took every step in an ordinary way, just taking the word "steady" to the extreme. Gu Yanxi also only made tentative moves. Both of them were people with a strong sense of the overall situation, and neither of them could use surprising troops. For a moment, it was impossible to tell who had the upper hand.
After looking at each other, the two men ended their test at the same time. The pace of deploying their troops increased significantly. As one advanced and I retreated, it seemed as if the sound of golden spears and iron horses could be heard. The battle was tense and no one took a step back.
Hua Zhi used cavalry and fell into the trap set by Gu Yanxi. As soon as Gu Yanxi's snake formation was set up, Hua Zhi ate the head and tail of the snake, leaving only the torso unable to move.
In the end, both sides had almost emptied their armies, but neither side was able to invade the other's territory.
It was already dark at this time, and all the lanterns in the yard were lit. There were also several maids holding lamps next to the sand table, smiling and illuminating the place.
But the fighting spirit had not faded. Hua Zhi's hands were shaking slightly. She hid her hands in her sleeves and looked up at the man who was also looking at her. She thought she was a peace-loving person, but now she had to admit that whether it was her nature or she was forced into this way by the living environment in her previous life, she was actually quite combative in her bones.
"Azhi has the ability to lead troops."
"No, I'm only good at talking about it on paper." Hua Zhi smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling, and it was obvious that she was truly happy.
Gu Yanxi did not argue with her. The more he understood Azhi, the more certain he was that if an army was really handed over to her, she might be able to train it. If Azhi was born in troubled times, she would definitely be a hero.
Hua Zhi, who had no idea that she was being labeled as a tyrant, rubbed her wrist and said, "Set the table, we'll eat here today."
The maid took the order and left.
Hua Zhi looked at Berlin who was still in a daze. Although she did not intend to attack him, it might be good for him to know that there are always people better than you, and not everyone would show mercy to him like her, his sister.
Hua Zhi turned to look at the Sixth Prince, "How much did you remember from this game?"
The Sixth Prince raised his head, licked his dry lips, and said, "About half."
"Very good, you remember half of it and Berlin Dang remember the other half, go back to your room after dinner and review it." Hua Zhi tied up a belt that he had torn loose at some point, "There is one in your courtyard too."
The Sixth Prince nodded gently, as if he was afraid that if he used too much force the belt he had just tied would come undone.
Except for Hua Zhi who was eating with relish, everyone else seemed a little absent-minded. Even Shaoyao, who always regarded eating as the most important thing in life, was distracted for a rare time.
After the meal, they ran away even faster. In the room where only two people were left, Gu Yanxi carefully chose her words and said what was on her mind, "When you go south this time, I want Xiaoliu to stay with you."
"Can."
"..." All the persuasive words in her heart were blocked, and Gu Yanxi coughed lightly, "I thought you wouldn't agree."
"Why not? If possible, I would like to take Berlin with me, but if the Hua family leaves me, he can't leave me." Hua Zhi looked at the row of travel notes on the bookshelf, "No matter how many books you have read, it is better to go out and take a walk to see what the outside world is like. Only by seeing them with your own eyes can you know that some places are far better than what is described in the books, and some places are difficult to survive. No matter what Ah Jian will be like in the future, it won't hurt for him to see these."
Hua Zhi turned her gaze back with a smile in her eyes, "Besides, I went out to discuss business this time, not to kill or burn people, so my life is not in danger."
"By water?"
"Yes, there is a businessman from the south who comes to the north twice a year. He sells out all the goods along the way and then brings back some medicinal herbs and other things from the north. I have someone pass a message to him. I will meet him at the dock tomorrow."
"Go with him?"
Hua Zhi shook her head. "I had originally planned to do so, but I estimated that he would have to stay in Beijing for at least half a month. I couldn't wait any longer, so I could only ask him about the situation there. If he has a way, that would be even better. As long as there is a possibility of negotiation, I can make him interested."
If I can wait for half a month... Gu Yanxi suppressed the desire in her heart and said, "I will send a few more people to you."
Hua Zhi did not refuse. Even for the Sixth Prince's safety, she did not dare to be careless. "We can't have too many people. It will attract attention."
"I know, just two people." Add to that Shaoyao, who can do the work of several people, and it will be enough.
PS: After taking the medicine, my mind is a mess. I can’t show the second chapter to anyone. I have to rewrite it after the effect of the medicine wears off. I’ll update it tomorrow.