Although the charter had been issued, not to mention Hua Zhi and Gu Yanxi, even Shaoyao knew that it would be no easy task to implement it. The salt issue alone would cause such a huge shock. Reform has always required bloodshed since ancient times, not to mention that there would be more than one reform, which would affect the interests of so many people, and the backlash that would be caused can be imagined.
But it still has to be done.
Hua Zhi touched the rim of the teacup, "Seventh Consulate should not stand in the open. All matters from now on, no matter which one, must be ordered by the emperor himself. First, this is legitimate and no one can find fault with it. Anyone who dares to go against it will be directly charged with treason. Second, I don't want you to attract hatred. Seventh Consulate should be above all other ministers. If you get too close, people will lose their fear. You have done too much before."
"That's what I had planned. I used to want to share his worries and think of him first so that he wouldn't suffer. Now that he still has the energy to work hard, I think there's no need for me to interfere."
Gu Yanxi's tone was indifferent. All these years of hard work had already exhausted him. If now was not a good time to withdraw, he would really be willing to let it all go and stay by Azhi's side every day doing nothing.
Hua Zhi lowered her eyes to hide her pleasure. Making Yan Xi feel cold towards the emperor was her biggest gain since this incident happened.
"I won't go to the palace. Yan Xi, you go and report. I have accepted this matter, but I hope no one will tell me what to do. And when I need cooperation, he must let others cooperate with me. In addition, let Xiao Liu return to Beijing. I want to take Xiao Liu with me."
"If you bring Xiaoliu with you, the emperor will think you want to push him to the throne."
"If I don't do this, the emperor won't think so? Ha, since you have already joined the Sixth Prince's party, what if I do it more obviously? Or will you watch when other princes make moves?"
Gu Yanxi had a smile in his eyes, and he said slowly: "I will take care of them."
"There are only six princes in total, so let the emperor have no other choice. I think compared to making him famous forever, this is a trivial matter that is not worth mentioning." Hua Zhi was smiling, but Yan Xi seemed to see her fangs showing. For some reason, he felt that this sharp Azhi was her true self. Compared with her usual peaceful appearance, this kind of Azhi made him unable to take his eyes off.
After the general framework was set, the two of them filled it in a little more, and Gu Yanxi didn't return to the palace until the agreed time was almost up.
As Ah Zhi expected, the emperor did not refuse, but only asked, "Do you think so highly of Xiaoliu?"
"If it was Xiao Wu who was sent to Ah Zhi at that time, then Xiao Wu would be the one favored. Since he is already a party of the Sixth Prince, there is no need to think too much."
The emperor was speechless. It was true. Ever since he knew that Little Six was sent to the Hua family, in his mind Hua Zhi had been a member of the Sixth Prince's party. Now it was just a transition from secret to open. What was the difference? Even if Hua Zhi said that she supported other princes, would he still believe it
With a light laugh, the emperor said, "I believe Hua Zhi can really do it."
Gu Yanxi looked at his nose and his heart, remaining silent.
The emperor's good mood collapsed in an instant. No matter how much he planned, he never thought of really distancing himself from his nephew.
"Yan Xi, you should know how I treat you."
"For every good minister you have done, I have repaid you tenfold."
The emperor was so angry that he slammed the imperial table and said angrily: "Do you still want to settle accounts with me?"
Gu Yanxi knelt on the ground, closed his eyes and said in a trembling voice, "The king is the king, the minister is the minister, I have recognized my status and dare not think too much."
With a loud bang, the emperor once again swept everything on the imperial table to the ground. His vision went dark and he held on to the imperial table tightly to avoid losing his composure.
"Your Majesty! I'll go call the imperial physician..." Lai Fu was very anxious. He helped the man sit down and was about to run out.
The emperor raised his hand to stop him. He felt very uncomfortable looking at his nephew who was kneeling without moving. In other days, Yan Xi would have rushed forward, but even after Lai Fu said this, he still didn't raise his head.
Thinking that he was only trying to gain a good reputation after his death but was treated like this by his nephew who had always been close to him, the emperor disliked Hua Zhi even more and felt sad at the same time. Could it be that the uncle-nephew relationship they had had for so many years was not as good as their little love affair? If he didn't need Hua Zhi now, he would definitely make her regret coming to this world!
The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt. The emperor snorted coldly, pushed Lai Fu away and strode away.
Gu Yanxi stood up only after he heard no more noise. He looked at the empty seat and left the imperial study after a while. Feelings couldn't just disappear like that, but the feeling of closeness was really gone.
***
Hua Zhi coaxed Shaoyao out, closed the door and sat down at the desk.
She knew that she should list the rules as soon as possible, including where to start, who to involve, etc. However, when she picked up the pen, she found that her mind went blank and she couldn't concentrate no matter what.
I feel scared and also angry.
Putting down the pen, Hua Zhi leaned over the desk to comfort herself. It was no big deal. She had died once, so every day she lived longer was a gain. She had already made a lot of money, so she should just consider it as the price she had to pay to live one more lifetime. Yes, this was the price she paid to live another lifetime here and get everything she had.
Hua Zhi took a deep breath and raised her head. If she really did all these things, it would benefit the country and the people. No matter which god or Buddha brought her here, she would have paid back a little.
After calming herself down, Hua Zhi picked up the pen again. She had no time to waste.
The next morning, Hua Zhi asked someone to deliver a letter to Zhu's house. After a short rest after lunch, she went to Zhu's house.
Zhu Bowen came back early after getting the news. In the past, Zhi'er would wait for him at home no matter what happened. But today she sent someone over to arrange a time, which might be no trivial matter. I don't know if something happened in the Hua family or if something went wrong with her business.
The old lady often travels around the mansions, and she feels more relieved than the old man that she has not heard any rumors. Maybe there is something good? If there is something good about that girl, she will definitely not miss her family.
"The eldest girl is here." The old woman who was looking out the door smiled when she saw the eldest girl led by the housekeeper. When she got closer, her smile suddenly turned into an exclamation, "Is the eldest girl sick or what?"
The old lady was so angry when she heard this that she hurried to the door. Hua Zhi also walked to the door at that moment. Before she could salute, she was stopped. "What happened? Why do I look like I'm injured?"
"It was a little bumpy, it's okay, don't worry." Hua Zhi helped her grandmother walk inside. She wanted to bow to her grandmother but was stopped by her grandmother. "Don't be so pretentious. Tell grandma what happened. Who bullied you?"
"No, I fell down when I was walking. It wasn't a serious fall, just a little skin broken. The maids were afraid that I would be disfigured, so they had to do this." Hua Zhi said half-truthfully, "Zhi'er will take it off for you to see and put your mind at ease."
"No, no, your maids did the right thing. You have to be careful and not leave any marks."