Hua Zhi exhausted all her strength and leaned in Yan Xi's arms. She had done the best she could, but no matter how powerful the eldest daughter of the Hua family was, she could not control people's birth, old age, sickness and death. No matter rich or poor, all beings were equal in this regard.
The two of them were like two little animals licking each other's wounds, revealing their deep-hidden wounds to each other without any concealment. After comforting each other enough, they were still the majestic and powerful protectors.
Because they have no one to protect them.
"Azhi."
"kindness?"
"Here in the capital... you still have to bear the brunt of the trouble."
Hua Zhi looked up at him quietly. What she was afraid of was never the responsibility on her shoulders, but the changes around her. She was afraid of the changes in people's hearts, and she was also afraid that someone would suddenly disappear from her side.
Gu Yanxi lowered her head and clasped her hands together. "The late emperor has passed away, and the new emperor is still young. The Chaoli tribe will not let go of this opportunity. I am afraid I can't stay in the capital for long. The Seven Stars Division must check for deficiencies in various places to prevent them from finding an opportunity to take advantage of."
This is understandable, and Hua Zhi cannot stop it, but "There are hundreds of officials in the capital, and the Queen Mother, it has nothing to do with me. Now the other princes have no power to compete, you don't have to worry about someone else making trouble."
"I trust you more." Gu Yanxi looked up and smiled at her. "Grandmother's heart is Daqing first, and then the prince. All the officials have their own plans. I only believe that you will think about Xiaoliu wholeheartedly and plan for him. I will hand over all the manpower and secret agents in the prince's mansion to you. You will be at your disposal. Add the people that the prince can call on, and it should be enough if anything happens."
Hua Zhi didn't respond immediately, "Did something happen that I don't know about?"
"No, it's just..." Gu Yanxi held her hand and pressed it against her chest, "I don't feel good here, I need to prepare in advance."
Hua Zhi looked at him for a moment before nodding slightly, "I understand. I will do my best."
"I'm sorry, knowing me doesn't make you feel any easier, it makes your burden even heavier."
Hua Zhi lowered her head and smiled, "Who made me willing?"
Gu Yanxi was stunned for a moment, then laughed. These were truly the most beautiful words he had ever heard. Ah Zhi didn't say anything casually, but once she did, it made people want to give their hearts to her.
After all, this was the imperial palace, and staying for a day was against the rules. The next morning, Gu Yanxi sent them back home. He was still wearing mourning clothes, so he did not enter the Hua family. He said outside the door: "There is no need to go to Yinshan Pass again. Both I and the prince will find a way to get your family back as soon as possible."
Hua Zhi has been thinking about this problem for several days. She wants to go, after all, she hasn't been there for a long time. She doesn't know how her grandfather is doing, but she knows her own health well. She is afraid that she can't withstand the long journey after continuous weakness. If she really collapses, who will she show it to? She will have to bear the consequences herself.
"Okay, I understand. I'll write a letter to my grandfather and send it through Qisusi to comfort him."
Gu Yanxi breathed a sigh of relief and readily agreed. He would do anything for Azhi, but he was afraid that she was too stubborn and wanted to take on everything on her own.
The situation was completely different when Yan Xi was there and when he was not. Hua Zhi slept soundly and spent two days basically in bed, which even disturbed Shaoyao to come. The empress dowager was finally able to relax a little and slept well for half the night. Xiao Liu felt relieved to see his greatest backer and finally had the confidence to face his suddenly changed identity. And the Qisu Si finally looked like what the Qisu Si should be.
With the return of one person, it seemed as if everyone's energy and spirit had returned.
On the day when the Spring Examination was held as scheduled, Hua Zhi entered the palace.
"After the Spring Examination, there will be the Palace Examination. Has Your Highness chosen the test questions?"
The prince picked out a file, opened it and looked at it, then handed it over, "Here are all the test questions, please take a look, Master."
Hua Zhi did not shy away from it. After taking it and flipping through it one by one, she asked, "Your Highness, have you decided which question to choose?"
"I want to come up with a question of my own."
These test questions are indeed too mediocre. Hua Zhi closed the paper and put it aside. "These students will be your highness's first batch of disciples, and will surely become Daqing's loyal subjects in the future. It is best for your highness to wish for them."
"Then these..." The prince pointed at the file, his eyes hesitant.
Hua Zhi smiled and said, "Your Highness, you will be a king whose orders will move the whole world. No one can tell you what to do or how to act. No one can influence you, not even the Queen Mother, the Regent or me. We can only assist you, not tell you what to do."
"What if my decision is wrong? Will Daqing be buried with me?"
"We exist to take responsibility for your mistakes while you are still able to make them, and to teach you not to make them again in the future."
The prince stood up and walked aside. Hua Zhi did not consider his emotions or comfort him as she did in the past. She just stood up and stayed with him, waiting for him to accept this fact.
"The pressure on the tutor must be very great." The prince turned around and looked at the tutor who seemed to be in better spirits. "You are the only tutor of the prince. If I am well, no one may remember your credit. If I am not well, everyone will point the finger at you and put the blame on you. It is really a thankless job in every way."
"I do have pressure. I am worried that I don't have enough knowledge and can't teach you more. But you don't have to worry about other things. Concubine Zhen has taught you very well. Your Highness, you have a solid foundation. How can you be good in the future?"
Mother, the prince couldn't help but miss the quiet woman with a beautiful smile. Yes, the tutor is a bit like mother. This resemblance does not refer to appearance, but the feeling. They are both truly people without ambition. They only wish for freedom, but neither of them has ever obtained it. One died in the deep palace, and the other was also trapped in this deep palace because of him.
"The question for this exam is how can you allow others to sleep soundly beside your bed?"
Hua Zhi bowed and said, "As your Highness says."
"I regret not having enough knowledge when I need it. Please, Master, start teaching from tomorrow."
"yes."
On the other side, Gu Yanxi finally freed up his hands. He came to Ruyue Palace, and Chen Qing followed closely behind him, carrying the fourth prince who looked as miserable as a dead dog.
Looking at the tightly sealed room, Gu Yanxi waved his hand, and someone immediately came forward to remove the board on the door.
Haoyue inside rushed over immediately after hearing the noise, "Who? Is there anyone there? Who are you?"
No one responded to her words.
Haoyue didn't need to respond. She was ecstatic just by listening to the noise near the door. She was almost driven crazy by the endless darkness and silence. No matter who the person outside was, even if it was a dog, she would thank it.
After a while, the noise stopped.
Haoyue was anxious and quickly pressed close to the door to listen. As soon as she pressed close, the door was pushed open from the outside. She couldn't retreat in time and sat down on the ground. The light shone in. She shed tears and endured the stinging feeling to look at the person at the door. He was so tall, so imposing, and could come and go freely in the palace...
Gu Yanxi!