Though she said all the right things, deep down Yu Hua was still a little scared. In this life, she had grown up pampered as a young lady, with no practical skills. If she really left the Yu household, she’d have no means of support.
Yu Jinghong felt a pang of sadness. “This girl really comes to collect her dues… but she is my own daughter, after all.”
It’s just going to be work as a “beast of burden,” right? I’ve endured it for nine previous lives. Hades, you really have made my life miserable!
Far away in the underworld, the King of Hell was dealing with official business when he suddenly sneezed several times in a row. “Who dares insult me behind my back?”
King of Hell? My daughter even knows the King of Hell… And “beast of burden”? It’s just going to court once. How bad can that be? Shen Yanchu wondered.
Yu Jinghong had heard Yu Hua use the term “beast of burden” more than ten times in her thoughts, so he wasn’t too curious.
“Hua’er, think carefully. The imperial edict may be issued tonight. You still have the chance to change your mind. Once it’s issued, there’s no turning back,” Yu Jinghong said seriously.
Yu Hua gritted her teeth. I’ve made up my mind. Tomorrow, I’ll go to court with you.
The life of a beast of burden is about to begin… But I still have half a day to enjoy myself. I better make the most of it—this might be my last chance!
Yu Jinghong brightened. “Hua’er, you’re really sensible after all!”
Before parting, he gave her a final piece of advice: “Right now, you’re still free. Do whatever you want. I won’t stop you—but only until midnight!”
Yu Hua felt a bit annoyed. Why does it sound like I only have this afternoon to live, like I’m going to die tomorrow?
“Huamei, brush my hair. Dujuan, go to the Gu residence and deliver this letter to Zhizhi.”
Yu Hua had already made her plans: she would spend her last carefree hours eating and exploring!
The two maids swiftly went about their tasks.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yu Hua stood openly at the entrance of the Yu household, waiting for Gu Zhizhi.
Previously, whenever she left the mansion, it had to be in secret—climbing walls or crawling through dog holes.
Speaking of the dog hole, it was amusing: Yu Qingshan would often sneak out through it after eating her snacks.
Gu Zhizhi was her best friend, the legitimate daughter of Prince An, a family that had wealth only in money.
Prince An was the emperor’s younger brother and one of the most leisurely princes.
Soon, a luxurious carriage arrived at the Yu household gates.
Inside came Gu Zhizhi’s bright and cultured voice: “Hua’er, get in!”
Yu Hua climbed into the carriage. Gu Zhizhi teased, “My dear little sister, it’s the first time I’ve seen you openly stand at your own gate. Why not crawl through the dog hole today?”
“It’s because Father had something to ask me. He finally allowed me to play freely today,” Yu Hua replied, slightly annoyed.
“I never thought the Minister would have to ask his own daughter for a favor. I’m curious… what could it be?”
Yu Hua leaned on Gu Zhizhi. “Zhizhi, I won’t have good days anymore. That old man, my father, is sending me to court.”
Gu Zhizhi put an arm around her waist. “Impossible! You’re a girl—and only twelve! How could you go to court?”
“That old man said I’m going to serve as a lucky charm at court. I don’t understand either. I’ll have to get up early every day. Baby feels troubled!”
“If the Minister agreed, then there must be a reason. But don’t worry—when you’re off duty, I’ll accompany you around. We’ll have plenty of time.”
“Zhizhi, you know those old foxes at court—they’ve lived a thousand years each and are all very clever. What am I supposed to do if I go?”
“Didn’t your father say? You’re just a lucky charm. Stand there, say nothing, do nothing. Isn’t that enough?”
“Easy to say, but sometimes doing nothing and saying nothing doesn’t mean no one will pull you along anyway.”
“All right, all right. Hua’er, tell me anything in the future. Don’t forget my background,” Gu Zhizhi said reassuringly.
“You’re the best, Zhizhi. From now on, I’ll rely on you for everything.”
“No problem. I’ll take care of you.”
At that moment, a maid called from outside: “Misses, we’ve arrived.”
The two girls got out of the carriage. The carriage stopped in front of Fuju Pavilion, the most luxurious restaurant in the capital, frequented only by the rich and noble.
“Hua’er, today you can eat and drink as much as you want. I’ll pay.”
“Wonderful! Love you!” Yu Hua said, forming a heart with her fingers.
Gu Zhizhi, puzzled by the gesture, asked, “Hua’er, what’s that hand sign?”
“It means ‘I love you!’”
“You’re clever indeed. I love you too,” Gu Zhizhi replied, making the same gesture.
They were escorted to a lavish private room, where a servant promptly asked, “What would you ladies like to eat?”
“Hua’er, you decide!”
“Bring everything from your signature dishes, one by one.”
The servant hurried off.
“Hua’er, don’t eat too much. Later we still have to go shopping for snacks.”
“My appetite is huge. No matter how much comes, I can eat it all. Beautiful people and delicious food should never be wasted. Zhizhi, you’re the beauty, and these dishes are the food!”
“You little girl, you sure know how to talk,” Gu Zhizhi said with a laugh.
The food arrived quickly. Yu Hua, staring at the colorful and fragrant dishes, couldn’t help but drool.
“You don’t need to be polite in front of me. Eat, drink, and don’t worry about appearances,” Gu Zhizhi said.
Yu Hua immediately grabbed her chopsticks and devoured the food with gusto, looking completely unrestrained.
Meanwhile, Gu Zhizhi ate elegantly, chatting occasionally, fully showing her upbringing as a refined young lady.
Host, can’t you consider your image? the system reminded her.
Guagua, what do you know? Zhizhi treats me like a real sister. I won’t care about appearances around her, Yu Hua thought.
They had grown up as best friends. Gu Zhizhi was used to hearing Yu Hua’s inner voice, though she was slightly surprised to hear another voice she couldn’t see.
But thinking of the imperial decree sending Yu Hua to court, it made sense.
No wonder—the emperor wants little sister Hua’er to go to court.
And the auspicious clouds! Gu Zhizhi realized why the emperor had chosen Yu Hua. She usually slept until noon, so she would never notice the clouds covering her courtyard.
Yu Hua soon had a mouthful of food in every bite, while Gu Zhizhi helped wipe her hands and mouth.
“Zhizhi, you’re starting to feel like my mother, always taking care of me.”
“Hua’er, don’t overthink. We’ve been best friends since childhood. I’m two years older, so it’s natural for me to look after you.”
“Maybe you have a point there,” Yu Hua admitted.