NOVPUBGu Zhi frowned as she looked at the petite figure of the gentle girl completely hidden under the veiled hat.
She couldn’t believe such bold words came from her.
Since Gu Zhi had known Shen Roujia, she had never been one to lack propriety.
Gu Zhi quietly reminded, “Jiao Jiao…”
Shen Roujia waved her hand gently. “Lady Miao Yin is an elder; please don’t misunderstand. I don’t mean to force anything.”
To everyone’s surprise, Hua Zui raised her hand to stop Gu Zhi from speaking further.
She looked up with determination, staring at Shen Roujia through the veil.
“Alright.”
Shen Roujia almost lost her balance upon hearing this. “W-what?”
She had thought that someone as proud and upright as Hua Zui would never agree to such a condition.
“No, I mean, I was just saying it casually. I didn’t mean to insult you.”
Hua Zui smiled gracefully. “I understand. Everyone has their principles.”
Shen Roujia felt utterly misunderstood. What principles? She just didn’t want to get entangled with Hua Zui!
For someone as dignified as an elder, to agree to such a condition for a mere score—how could she be so spineless?
Gu Zhi, seeing Shen Roujia frozen in place, immediately grasped her intent and couldn’t help but find the situation amusing.
“Aunt Hua…”
Hua Zui’s gaze softened as she looked at the konghou.
“Initially, I wasn’t skilled in playing the konghou. My fame came from the pipa. Now, I just want to compose a piece for my late husband, but I’ve hit a wall.”
Another tragic love story…
Shen Roujia sighed softly. “Since that’s the case, I shouldn’t go back on my word, but…”
Hua Zui, seeing her relent, couldn’t help but ask, “But what?”
Shen Roujia straightened her back and spoke slowly, “But regarding my identity, I don’t want it to be known outside. If any news about Jiao Jiao leaks, our relationship ends here.”
Hua Zui’s eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly, “Alright, alright.”
Shen Roujia extended her hand, “Please bring me the original composition.”
—
Meanwhile, Xu Zening was polishing a jade piece with silk.
“She seems to be enjoying herself.”
A man in black kneeled before him, responding in a muffled voice, “But with Miss Gu by her side, the Crown Princess is exceptionally safe.”
Xu Zening hummed lightly.
“Any news from the Hundred Sages Pavilion?”
The man in black hesitated, then slowly shook his head. “No.”
Xu Zening tightened his grip on the jade.
“Just the new House of Elegant Flowers, which has been around for only a few years, and you can’t figure it out?”
The man in black replied respectfully, “Your Highness… House of Elegant Flowers hasn’t shown any hostility towards us.”
Xu Zening released the jade without further comment. “Leave and ensure the Crown Princess is well protected.”
The man in black bowed and vanished into the shadows.
—
Elsewhere, Gu Zhi, after settling Shen Roujia, went to Hua Zui’s room.
“Aunt Hua.”
Hua Zui’s expression softened upon seeing Gu Zhi.
“Zhi Zhi, the person you mentioned before, is it Jiao Jiao?”
Gu Zhi nodded without hesitation. “Yes, I took this opportunity to resolve all your issues.”
Hua Zui was slightly taken aback. “I didn’t expect Jiao Jiao to be from the Hidden Pavilion.”
Seeing her animated expression, Gu Zhi couldn’t help but laugh.
“Aunt Hua, you haven’t changed a bit.”
Hua Zui gently patted Gu Zhi’s shoulder. “Zhi Zhi has grown up.”
Gu Zhi didn’t respond, only hesitating with concern. “Just, about Jiao Jiao, please keep her matters confidential. She is an orphan, struggling to survive in the capital. It’s not easy for her.”
