After court began, Emperor An Yi appeared distracted, and so did all the officials below.
“What’s the matter with everyone? Why do you all look so listless? Did no one get enough rest?”
The officials remained silent.
“I’m speaking—didn’t you hear me? Minister Li Ai, explain yourself.”
Li Ai stood and replied, “Your Majesty, last night a wild cat kept me awake in my courtyard.”
“Minister Zhao Ai, and you?”
“I saw an injured cat last night and stayed up to treat it, so I didn’t rest,” Zhao Ai said.
“Minister Chen Ai, I don’t want to hear about your animals,” the Emperor interjected.
Several officials gave similar excuses; one even said his pig had given birth.
“Ministers, such enthusiasm! Each of you has an excuse,” the Emperor said with mock exasperation.
“All guilty, Your Majesty!”
Officials knelt in unison.
“Enough, rise! Even I am distracted today. Tell me, what is it that truly troubles us all?”
“Majesty, could it be that Your Majesty is also unwell or troubled?” one minister ventured.
A senior minister stepped forward: “Your Majesty, everyone here knows what is on your mind. As for the excuses about animals, that is clear to all.”
Officials exchanged knowing glances.
“Then who can solve this matter?”
“There is only one person who can lift the spirits of all here.”
“Who? Zhao Ai, speak quickly.”
“Of course, Minister Yu of the Ministry of Revenue.”
Yu Jinghong had kept his head low all along, hoping to avoid notice, but he could not escape. He reluctantly stood.
“Minister Yu, the responsibility is yours. Make the court lively again—do not disappoint me or the officials!”
“I will do my utmost…” he replied.
After court, Yu Jinghong went to Fuju Inn to buy Yu Hua’s favorite braised pork to comfort her.
When he returned to the Shangshu Mansion, he saw Shen Chuyan, Yu Qingshan, and Yu Qingyun pacing anxiously in the courtyard.
“Madam, what’s the matter?” Yu Jinghong asked.
“Sir, Yu Hua was too frightened and locked herself in her room. We just managed to bring Miss Gu inside to comfort her,” Shen Chuyan said.
“I failed to arrange protection in advance. I went straight to buy her favorite meal to soothe her fragile heart,” Yu Jinghong explained.
Yu Qingyun knelt. “Father, we brothers also erred. Punish us as you see fit.”
Yu Qingshan followed suit.
Shen Chuyan sighed. “I hope Miss Gu can help her open her heart.”
“Madam, Yu Hua is perceptive and thoughtful. She’ll be fine,” Gu Zhizhi reassured them inside Yu Hua’s room.
Holding Yu Hua, Gu Zhizhi gently wiped her tears and promised, “No one will ever harm you again.”
Suddenly, Yu Hua’s stomach growled.
Gu Zhizhi smiled, “Our little Yu Hua is hungry. Food first—people need strength.”
Yu Hua reluctantly nodded. Gu Zhizhi, understanding her well, called out, “Dujuan, Huamei, prepare her favorite dishes!”
Yu Jinghong handed the hot food from Fuju Inn to Huamei, who entered the room with Dujuan.
“Miss, these are all your favorites,” Huamei said, placing the dishes on the table.
Seeing braised pork, braised pork knuckle, and braised tenderloin, Yu Hua’s stomach growled even louder.
“Dujuan, Huamei, serve her quickly!” Gu Zhizhi urged.
The girls helped Yu Hua to the table.
“Miss, you must be starving. These were just brought from Fuju Inn, still warm,” Huamei said.
“Yes, and the attackers are dead. The elder brothers dragged the body out to feed the dogs. You should be relieved. Eat first,” Dujuan added.
Yu Hua began to eat.
Yu Jinghong then summoned Yu San, a young, fair-faced, sharp-featured boy.
“Yu San, from now on, you are to be Miss Yu Hua’s secret guard. Protect her at all times. If anything happens, you will answer to me.”
“Yes, sir!” Yu San replied. He was one of Yu Jinghong’s most skilled protégés.
At the Imperial Study, Emperor An Yi summoned Li Shun.
“Select two highly skilled guards from the Inner Court. Secretly protect the Anshun Envoy and record any notable events around her, but do not let her know.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Half an hour later, Long Qi and Long Wu silently appeared atop Yu Hua’s room, ready to guard her.
Yu Hua now officially had three secret guards: Yu San, Long Qi, and Long Wu, ensuring her safety in the palace and mansion alike.