It was still early and the city gate had just opened. After the early wave of people had passed, the city gate became deserted.
Wu Yongyuan came over when he saw the group. Shaoyao and he had become friends after playing in the sandbox. When she saw him leave the others behind and ride towards him, she asked, "Why are you here?"
"I'm here to see you off." Wu Yong did not hide anything. He had a good intention and was not afraid of the prince finding out.
"You are such a good friend." Shaoyao lifted her veil and showed a big smile. "When you go to the capital, I will definitely treat you well."
"It's a deal." Wu Yong looked at the face that he found scary when he first saw it and didn't know what was wrong with his vision. Now he found it particularly cute. He knew that he couldn't keep her. The situation was full of crises and he didn't want to keep her here. He only hoped that he could survive this turmoil. By then, even if he had to shamelessly refuse, he would still be able to get this person.
And now, he could only wave at this person and say, "Take care."
"You too, take care." Shaoyao was very generous to her own people. Thinking that as a border guard, he might have to go to the battlefield at any time, she searched her body and gave him all the medicine she could give, and patiently told him the effects of each one.
Hua Zhi leaned against the man and whispered, "Did you see that? Someone is really bold."
"I see."
Hearing some gnashing of teeth in the voice, Hua Zhi smiled. Yes, he was quite bold to even covet her grass.
Gu Yanxi gently squeezed the horse's belly and rode forward to interrupt their conversation, "Gu Chengde is gone?"
Wu Yong was already inferior in status, and now he fell in love with someone else's sister. He rubbed his nose and said, "Yes, he took my token and left the city half an hour ago. It can be seen that he is in a hurry to go back."
This reaction made Gu Yanxi feel relieved. She nodded and said, "In that case, goodbye."
Shaoyao waved to Wu Yong carelessly and chased after the two men on horseback in front without looking back. Wu Yong stood there for a long time before turning around and leaving. Before his wish could be fulfilled, he had to stay alive first.
***
This journey was more tiring for Hua Zhi than any other time before. She had already lost blood and energy, and her physical strength was greatly reduced. In addition, she had been in great shape during this period of time, so her body almost fell apart at the end of the day. Even though Gu Yanxi took good care of her and Shaoyao took great pains to look after her, she still lost a lot of weight when she returned to the capital.
Hua Zhi didn't say a word, but everyone knew that her journey was not easy.
Things are different now. Gu Yanxi was afraid of attracting attention, so he didn't dare to send the person back directly. He put the person down on the horse in a deserted place outside the city.
"There may be some storms in the capital these days. If something happens and it's inconvenient for me to come, I'll ask Wang Rong to pass the news to you."
"Got it." Hua Zhi climbed onto another horse and pulled the reins closer to Lin Ying. "It has been more than three months since Bingzhou has had any rain. Remember to ask the Imperial Observatory about the situation. Otherwise, you can ask Haoyue. The north cannot have trouble at this time."
Knowing that Ah Zhi was worried that the drought in the north would threaten Yinshan Pass, he nodded and said, "I've got that in mind. Don't worry. Haoyue said there would be floods in the south but didn't say there would be drought in the north. We should be able to get through it."
"I hope so." Hua Zhi looked at the sky and said, "It's getting late. You should go first."
Gu Yanxi glanced at Shaoyao, who understood, "I will take Zeng Han to the Prince's Mansion first."
Shaoyao is well-known among those who are interested. Normally, it would not matter if people knew that she and Hua Zhi were in contact. Even the emperor would treat her with favor. But now it is not possible. Zeng Han also needs to settle his father's lawsuit first.
For safety reasons, Gu Yanxi left two strangers to escort Hua Zhi back.
Hua Zhi entered the city before the gates closed and went straight to her home. The servants were all happy to see her. The Hua family, which had been so quiet and even a little trembling, seemed to come alive. Several maids cried when they saw her.
Hua Zhi didn't know that her fourth uncle had sold her out yet. Seeing them laughing like that, her eyes narrowed. "Isn't it just that you came back a little late? Why are you crying? Is everything okay at home?"
"All good." They had discussed it all before, so they wouldn't say it out loud. Knowing that the young lady would definitely go to pay her respects to the eldest lady first, Yingchun stepped forward and helped her walk inside. "Today is Fourth Uncle's grandmother's birthday. Fourth Lady has been there and hasn't returned yet, but she should be back soon."
"What a coincidence." Hua Zhi was so exhausted that half of her body was hanging on Yingchun. "Go get me some hot water. Go greet my mother and I'll rest. I've walked so fast, I need to slow down."
"yes."
The eldest lady was so happy to see her daughter that she burst into tears. Her children had all gone on a long journey, and she had been worried these days. But seeing her daughter's face full of fatigue, she had no time to care about her emotions. She had to put aside the biggest issue and immediately asked Yingchun to help the girl back to the house to rest.
The maids in Hua Zhi's courtyard were very efficient. Once notified, they would be ready immediately. Hua Zhi was first fed a bellyful of soup, and then was helped behind the screen.
When Yingchun was about to undress, she suddenly remembered her fresh wounds and quickly held her hand, saying, "I want to soak for a while longer. Go get me some hot water and don't ask others to come and serve me."
"… yes."
As soon as Yingchun went out, she was surrounded by several big maids. Baoxia asked in a low voice, "Did you see anything? Where is the young lady hurt?"
Yingchun shook her head with a sullen face, "The young lady sent me out."
They were not even allowed to look, which showed how serious the injury was. They looked at each other, feeling worried and sad.
"Alright, let's all go. Miss, if you don't guard against us, you'll be exposed eventually."
Although she said so, Yingchun didn't expect the opportunity to come so soon. After waiting outside for a long time without hearing the young lady's call, she called twice through the door. There was still no movement in the room. She immediately became anxious and rushed behind the screen without thinking. She was relieved to see that the young lady was just asleep.
Hua Zhi opened her eyes dazedly when she heard the noise. Seeing it was Yingchun, she yawned with her hand covering her mouth. She stood up with her eyes half closed and waited for someone to serve her as usual, completely unaware that her injuries were completely exposed.
Yingchun covered her mouth, reacted quickly, lowered her head, took a dry towel and walked behind the young lady to wipe it gently.
The wound was still itchy, and when the dry towel touched the wound, Hua Zhi rubbed it subconsciously. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind. She opened her eyes abruptly and pulled the person behind her to the front to take a look. What could she say about the tearful face she saw
"Why are you crying? You're almost well now." Hua Zhi pressed the handkerchief in Yingchun's hand against her face. "Don't tell anyone, especially not my mother."
"… yes."
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