Nan Hua looked at her grandfather. She knew that he wanted to know her plan, but if she told him, she might need to explain more things that shouldn't be said. How could she possibly say to him that she was not his granddaughter but instead someone from the future?
She had already treated herself as Nan Hua.
Every single day that passed for the past year had made her contemplated whether she should tell him or not. But in the end, she didn't. The entire concept of transmigration itself was strange.
Not to mention…
Her servants didn't even notice the difference of her minor habits. It was strange considering that Xiao Yun, Mu Yan, and previously Bai Yin were close to her. No matter how good she was at acting, it was impossible for her to know the minor and small unconscious habits of the original Nan Hua.
Yet, they didn't notice anything strange. It was as if all the small habits she had was exactly the same as the original Nan Hua.
Thus, she chose to continue living as Nan Hua and slowly reveal herself to her grandfather. That way, he would only think of her change because of the training she had with the other shadows.
"Grandfather, I…."
"You don't have to tell me." Old Master Nan patted Nan Hua's head tenderly. "Whatever you plan to do, I'll always support you, Hua'er."
"Mhm."
Nan Hua stayed silent. The only one who showed her warmth in her life were her grandfather, her twins, her aunt, and her two cousins in this world plus her fiancé and his grandmother. Being cared by others felt strange for her, but she wanted to strong enough so that she could protect them too.
This world was dangerous and if one wished to survive, they would need to have enough power. Being alone was not enough.
"Go to sleep. It's late."
"Yes, Grandfather." Nan Hua obediently walked to the door.
"I'll give some excuse to the court for me to visit Heng Xing City," Old Master Nan added before Nan Hua walked past the door. He smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Grandpa will support you."
"Mhm, thank you, Grandfather."
"Don't be so polite."
Nan Hua nodded then walked out of the room.
Old Master Nan stayed in his position and sighed. He looked at Hou Liang. "Has that brat from Zhang Family get permission?"
"Replying to Master, Zhang Dan Shui had already obtained permission and will leave to Heng Xing City soon. In addition, there'll be another group of escorts through the same way."
Hou Lin had reported to him about Zhang Dan Shui. In fact, Old Master Nan had sent someone to watch over the young man because of his granddaughter's movement. After knowing that Zhang Dan Shui asked for permission to be transferred to Heng Xing City and asked for fund to develop the city, he had a guess that Nan Hua would ask too.
As he had expected, she came to him directly.
"She's already doing everything by herself now, huh?" Old Master Nan lamented slightly.
"Master, at least Miss still ask for your help."
Old Master Nan rolled his eyes. "I'm not complaining!"
Hou Lin glanced at Old Master Nan then said nothing else. Seeing how Old Master Nan sulked, he knew that Old Master Nan wanted to do everything for his granddaughter but worried that she wouldn't like it. In the end, he could only help her a bit from the sidelines.
He felt that the old master should have just asked the young miss if he wanted to be more involved in her plan. There was no need for him to act as if he was not curious, was there?
Though, Hou Lin would not dare to say this in the slightest bit.
He still treasured his life.
…
After a few days, Old Master Nan got the permission he required to visit Heng Xing City. His excuse? He was already old and wished to travel around the villages around the Capital City to recuperate. Since there would be an escort who would transport some officials to some of the areas that got damaged from the rebellions before, he would tag along.
"We're going?" Nan Luo was stunned when he heard from Old Master Nan that they would be leaving the city soon.
Old Master Nan nodded. "Yes, we're going to visit Heng Xing City."
"Why that city?" Feng Ao Si tilted his head.
"Father, are you going to bring me along?" Nan Si Qiao asked another question.
"Can I bring some books?"
Hearing the three of them asking questions directly, Old Master Nan was speechless. He proceeded by answering their question one by one. "It's too tiring to stay here and yes, you're going to come, Qiao'er. Ah Kuai, you may bring some books but focus more on your surroundings."
Feng Ao Si tilted his head, not understanding the reason while Nan Si Qiao nodded. She had long gotten used to her father's sudden whim. In any case, it was not a big deal for her to change the pace for some time.
On the other hand, Feng Ao Kuai was speechless. It was one thing for him to stay inside and read books but he didn't recall neglecting his health. His grandfather's words sounded as if he didn't know anything aside from reading.
"Hmm, since we're going to go, should I begin to prepare?" Nan Luo asked curiously.
"Yes."
"Hua'er, do you want to play some games later? I can bring the go board."
"Go board?" Feng Ao Kuai's interest piqued up. "Can you play the game? How about a go with me?"
Nan Luo turned to look at Feng Ao Kuai and felt a sudden crisis. He knew very well that he was not his cousin's match. Just recalling the time when he challenged Old Master Nan to a game already sent chills on his back. He knew very well that he had experienced a crushing defeat in Old Master Nan's hand.
"I'm not too good."
"Don't worry, I'm not good either." Feng Ao Kuai smiled faintly.
Nan Luo looked at his cousin suspiciously but still nodded his head. The two of them agreed to play a game after their routine practice.
But in the evening, Nan Luo regretted agreeing to the point his intestine turned green. Looking at the board that was filled with black color, Nan Luo really wanted to flip it over. He was white but Feng Ao Kuai somehow managed to 'eat' most of his stones to the point that he couldn't even fight back.
And the expression on Feng Ao Kuai's face… made him want to deliver a punch to the man's face.
"Ugh, you're still playing?" Feng Ao Si asked as he walked from the backyard. His eyes landed on the go board with distaste. He couldn't play well and his younger brother often bullied him. If not for the fact that he could overpower Feng Ao Kuai in some things, he would have long feel deflated.
Nan Luo looked at Nan Hua, who also walked in after changing her clothes. Her cheek flushed slightly after strenuous exercise. "Hua'er! Come and help me!"
Nan Hua glanced at her twin brother then to the board in front of them. The white was in crisis even though it had the first move's advantage. Right now, the point was utterly crushed by Feng Ao Kuai to the point that it would be impossible for one to make a comeback.
"Hua'er wants to play too?" Feng Ao Kuai asked in a low tone. His expression was still as calm and unreadable as ever.
Nan Hua took the pieces and put it on the board. "Sure."
Clack!
"Don't you want to play a new one?" Feng Ao Kuai responded.
Nan Hua shook her head and continued to place the stones. She didn't need to think anymore since she had finished thinking.
Seeing that Nan Hua was trying to revive the stones again, Nan Luo was stumped. He thought that it was already a dead end but after looking at the stones that Nan Hua placed, he came to realize that the stones came back to live…
Even Feng Ao Kuai's expression turned serious after some time. He then realized that he couldn't bring it back to him and thus, the points were given to Nan Hua at a large number.
Clack! Clack! Clack!
More stones were placed and in the end, Feng Ao Kuai couldn't respond back.
Nan Hua was calm as she watched the stones in front of her. While Feng Ao Kuai's skill was not bad, she could easily deflect his attack by relying on her skill. There were also methods to bring up the dead stones as long as one knew the tricks.
Thus, Feng Ao Kuai lost.
Though, Nan Hua felt that she was bullying him since she was technically 18 years old in her mental age.
"How did you turn it back around?" Feng Ao Kuai asked in quivering tone, clearly losing his composure.
Nan Hua looked at Feng Ao Kuai. "I'm using the gaps.. As long as they're still there, there's still hope."