Of course they do. Xiaoliu nodded solemnly, "It's not easy for them."
"The most difficult thing for them is that they have no place to go. The people of Daqing are loyal to Daqing, and the people of Chaoli are loyal to their tribe, but who should these people be loyal to? Even if they have a heart that wants to be loyal, who should they give it to? They cannot choose where they were born, and cannot decide their own future. Their life and death are controlled by others. It is more than easy for them to live a life without any hope."
Hua Zhi looked at the obedient boy in front of her with gentle eyes, "Xiao Liu, you need to be more open-minded. No matter what his bloodline is, no matter which tribe he comes from, as long as he is on the territory of Daqing, he is a member of Daqing. He must obey the laws of Daqing and be restricted by Daqing. Daqing must also protect him and not let him be bullied and have nowhere to turn to for help. The people will not be submissive as they should be. Only when you truly love the people like your own children will they trust you and rely on you. Don't think that the people are easy to fool. They can tell the difference between good and bad, but you are powerless. If they are not good, they can't do anything to you. They can only distance themselves from you. Think about it carefully when you have time."
"Yes, Master." After a pause, Xiao Liu added, "I understand what you mean."
"It's good that you understand. If you really can't figure it out, you can change your position and put yourself in my shoes." Hua Zhi lowered her head and smiled, "I'm not good at being a teacher, and I don't know what to teach you. I can only explain the reasoning behind it when it happens. If you don't understand something, just ask directly."
"Yes, I love listening to you talk about this. It is more straightforward and easier to understand than the words of sages spoken by those old masters."
"There must be a reason why the words of the sage have been passed down to this day. You should listen to them. I also grew up watching the words of the sage. You must not take them lightly."
Xiaoliu smiled and agreed, then changed the subject, "Everything has been fine at home since you were away. I've been there often. Yingchun and the others are very capable and have managed the house in perfect order."
Hua Zhi was amused by his constant calling her "family", and felt warmed at heart. Although it had only been a little over a year, Xiaoliu really regarded her as a member of the family, which was great.
"No matter how good they are, they are still mine. Don't think anything of them."
"I really have this idea." Xiao Liu asked tentatively, "Master, can't you give me one?"
"They have been with me since they were little, and their personalities are like mine. They just want to live a comfortable life, and they don't have any ambitions at all. Before the Hua family got into trouble, they were still begging me not to marry them off. How could maids who don't even want to get married be willing to change their families to serve you? I won't force them."
Xiaoliu sighed, "I knew it."
Hua Zhi laughed, "Before I went to Jinyang, didn't the emperor reward you with two hundred palace maids? Are you complaining that you don't have anyone to serve you? Even if they don't suit your taste, Madam Sun will never let you down."
"There are many people, but only a few are useful. Moreover, with Yingchun and the others as good examples, how can I look down on them? Not to mention Yingchun, even the second-class maids in your courtyard are better than them, Master."
Hua Zhi just smiled. She knew the strengths of the people she had trained. Compared to a stone that moved with a push, her maid was much more flexible. But she couldn't give her the person away. She couldn't put anyone around the prince, even if this person had a close relationship with her and was her disciple.
The carriage stopped. Hua Zhi's heart beat faster as she looked at the familiar alley outside. After being away for more than a month, she was finally home.
The corner door opened, and Liu Xiang came out quickly. She arrived just in time to help the young lady down. When she stood firmly, she bowed down and was about to pay her respects. Hua Zhi held her back and said with a smile: "Okay, you've only been away for a short time, why do you need to pay your respects? Is everything okay at home?"
"Yes, everything is fine at home." Liu Xiang bowed to the Sixth Prince again.
At this time, several people came out from the door, led by Butler Xu and Nanny Su, who had half white hair. Hua Zhi suddenly remembered that two years ago, her grandfather had made a bet with Butler Xu on who would grow gray hair first between the master and the servant. The last time she went to Yinshan Pass, her grandfather didn't seem to have as many white hair as Butler Xu. She didn't know how he is now.
She personally went forward to help the old butler up. Just as she was about to speak, she heard the sound of wheels. Hua Zhi looked back and saw another carriage driving into the alley. After it stopped, Zhu Fang walked out. She was also frightened by the scene in front of her and hesitated to get off.
Baoxia immediately went forward to serve, while Huazhi looked at Xiaoliu and said, "You should go meet Chenqing outside the palace. If you have time, come over for dinner."
"Okay." Xiaoliu bowed with both hands, "Student, take your leave."
After watching them leave, Hua Zhi walked inside and said, "This Miss Zhu wants to stay at home temporarily. Madam Su, please clean up the yard."
"yes."
The time she spent outside was enough for everyone in the family to know that she was back. She first kowtowed to her mother, then went to the ancestral temple to burn incense, and accompanied her mother for a delicious meal at neither noon nor evening. In the peaceful environment, the fatigue from running around outside surged up all at once, and she stopped talking halfway through a sentence.
Zhu turned her back and wiped her eyes, then called Lin Shuang to come over and help her lie down on her bed.
A few days ago, news from the capital was flying everywhere. Her sister-in-law's family came to inquire about her and found out that her daughter had done such a big thing in Jinyang. It was so big that she couldn't believe it. She couldn't understand how such a timid person like herself could give birth to a daughter as bold as Zhier.
She was also excited, but only when she saw it in person did she realize how hard it was to do those things that were only easy to talk about. Zhi'er was always calm in front of her, and she could keep a straight face even after returning from a trip to Yinshan Pass. But now she fell asleep in front of her, which showed how tired she was.
Signaling the maid to be gentler, she wrung out the handkerchief and gently wiped her daughter's face. She felt the thin calluses on her fingertips while wiping her hands and felt even sadder. She was obviously brought up in pampered condition, and she had suffered so much in places that she couldn't see before to ensure the stability of the Hua family. If she wasn't such a useless mother, how could she let her work so hard? Even if she could help a little, it would be nice!
"Madam..."
Zhu covered her eyes for a moment and whispered in a hoarse voice, "Go to the Zhu family and tell my mother that you don't need to tell Zhi'er about the marriage of the girls in the Hua family. This matter will be handled by me and Wu."
Biting her lip, Zhu said, "Tell my mother that Zhi'er is back and she is extremely tired. I don't understand what is going on outside, but Daddy has to help his granddaughter and not let her be bullied."
Lin Shuang couldn't help but smile. The old lady should have cried with relief. "Don't worry. Now that our girl is back, there are plenty of ways to shut up those people outside."
PS: Double update. The subsequent plot will probably take place in the capital city.