Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 150 She is bad
The Shou'an Courtyard of the Xue Mansion was filled with a strong smell of medicine.

Old Madam Cui leaned on the couch, holding Xue Sui's hand, her voice sounding a little weak.

"Sixth girl...you said my illness...ahem...could it be that it can't be cured..."

"Don't worry, Grandma."

Xue Sui had a gentle expression. He slowly pressed the old lady's tiger mouth acupoint and whispered to comfort her, "With Doctor Shu's careful care, grandma will surely live a long life and enjoy a long life of blessings."

Old Mrs. Cui sighed and began to complain.

It tells about her daughter, Concubine Xue Shufei, who was very filial, pregnant with the prince, but unfortunately died in the palace.

He also talked about the narrow-minded eldest daughter-in-law and the increasingly difficult situation of the Xue family.

She no longer treated Xue Sui as an outsider and spoke from the bottom of her heart.

Xue Sui comforted her with gentle words.

"Grandma, please take care of yourself. The Xue family is a big tree that depends on you for support..."

There was a slight noise behind the screen.

Tianshu coughed lightly, wrote the prescription and came over, and Mrs. Cui stopped talking.

He stood behind the screen in his snow-white robe, bowed slowly, and did not approach rashly.

"The old lady's heart meridians are stagnant and her liver fire is stagnate. She needs to stop worrying and rest so that she can calm down and recuperate..."

Xue Sui reached out to take the prescription written on the yellow paper, took a close look at it, and then handed it to Qian.

"I'll have to trouble you, Aunt San, to take care of the decoction. It's inconvenient for me to stay in the mansion for long."

A daughter who is married off is like water that has been poured out. Qian Shi naturally understood her situation. While arranging for someone to get medicine for the old lady, she also ordered someone to prepare return gifts for Xue Sui and Doctor Shu...

Every time I came back, Qian was very considerate.

Xue Sui also became much closer to her...

As they were talking, there was a sudden noise outside.

The little girl's crying screams mixed with Xue Yueman's angry curses, scaring the thrushes in the woods so much that they flapped their wings and flew around.

Nanny Wei lifted the curtain, walked into the room, and couldn't help sighing.

"Madam, the Eighth Miss is making a fuss again! She wants to marry Guo Silang desperately..."

Xue Sui and Tian Shu looked at each other and said nothing.

Qian showed annoyance and deliberately raised her voice.

"Listen, old lady, since the eighth girl is so infatuated with the fourth son of Guo, why not fulfill her wish? Anyway, the second branch of the Guo family is now prosperous, so being a concubine won't be a disgrace to her."

"Nonsense!" Old Madam Cui panted anxiously and tried to get up from under the quilt, but Xue Sui gently held her hands down, so she had to lie back down, saying bitterly:

"Although the eighth girl is not a legitimate daughter, she is still a daughter of the Xue family. Guo Zhaoxuan has no official title at all, and relies entirely on the protection of his ancestors... ahem..."

Before he could finish his words, the door was slammed open.

Xue Yueman rushed in anxiously, and knelt heavily in front of the couch with a plop.

"Grandma! My granddaughter and Mr. Guo have a bond that is as strong as gold. He treats me with all his heart. I beg you to make the decision for me..."

"Sincerity?" Xue Sui wiped the silver needle slowly and then put it into the needle bag, mocking him, "When Fourth Master Guo spent a fortune on the courtesan at Zuixianlou last month, how much is the sincerity in Eighth Sister's mouth worth?"

Xue Yueman raised her head suddenly, "Don't talk nonsense! Sixth sister, you deliberately slandered Guo Lang in front of grandmother, what is your intention..."

"Shut up!" The old lady pointed at Xue Yueman, her hands trembling slightly. "If he really meant it, why would he push you out to ward off disaster after a murder happened in Puji Temple, totally disregarding your reputation and dignity?"

"grandmother……"

Old Mrs. Cui felt a splitting headache and waved to Nanny Wei.

"Take this fool to the ancestral hall and make her kneel down! No one is allowed to bring her food without my permission!"

Two old women came forward and forcibly took Xue Yueman away.

Xue Sui leaned over and gently tucked the corner of the quilt for the old lady. "Grandma, Eighth Sister is just being stubborn for a while. She will figure it out. You, old lady, please don't get angry and hurt yourself..."

Xue Yue turned back with tears in her eyes, "Xue Liu, you don't have to be a good person..."

Xue Sui smiled slightly.

She is not a good person.
-
After leaving Xue's Mansion, Xue Sui exchanged greetings with Tianshu for a moment in Fu'an Lane, then bowed and said goodbye, got on the carriage, and went straight back to Prince Duan's Mansion.

Xue Yuechen was standing at the door of the hanging flower, chatting happily with a noble lady.

She was wearing a royal blue brocade dress today, her hair was tied up high, the flower ornaments between her eyebrows sparkled, and her every move showed the demeanor of a dignified and dignified mistress.

"Sixth sister, you've arrived at the right time." Xue Yuechen saw Xue Sui approaching from the corner of his eye, and smiled, "This is Madam Luo from the Duke of Zheng's Mansion. She has brought the third girl to visit us today."

When Madam Luo heard this, she smiled even more brightly and said to Xue Sui, "The other day the palace got a few pieces of floating brocade. I thought the color would match Madam Ping'an, so I brought two pieces to buy Madam a piece of clothing."

These words were spoken gently and politely, but they really praised Xue Sui.

Xue Sui knew that Luo was expressing her gratitude for what happened at the coming-of-age ceremony.

Reciprocity is the norm, and this is how most interactions between noble families work.

However, although she did not hate Luo, it was difficult for her to be honest with her because she had a good son, Guo Zhaohuai.

She lowered her eyes and bowed respectfully: "Thank you Madam for your concern."

Xue Sui was dressed simply today, wearing a plain skirt with a light green gauze dress on the outside, and only a green jade hairpin in her hair. Her eyebrows and eyes were clear and refined, which made Xue Yuechen's outfit look a little more formal.

Xue Yuechen glanced at her, invited Luo into the flower hall, and served tea.

A few people were talking when they suddenly heard the jingling of rings and a young girl came in briskly with her maid. Her skirt fell to the ground as she walked, and she had a smile on her face. It was the young and graceful Miss Guo San.

"Mrs. Ping An, you are finally back. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Guo Yunrong walked forward and bowed to Xue Sui with a very friendly attitude.

Luo smiled and scolded: "My daughter is just unruly, please don't be offended, Madam."

Xue Yuechen fiddled with the floating leaves in the teacup and continued, "I think the third girl is lively and cute, straightforward and very likable. Has she chosen a good family?"

Guo Yunrong immediately became shy and her cheeks flushed.

Luo shook her head. "With her temper, I'm afraid no young master can control her. How can he dare to marry her?"

Guo Yunrong pouted in dissatisfaction, blinked her eyes, and said playfully: "Mother is talking to the princess. I would like to ask Madam Ping'an to go to the new Persian embroidery shop in the West Market. Is that okay?"

Luo looked at Xue Yuechen, and seeing her nod and smile, she said with a smile in her eyes: "Then you have to ask Madam Ping'an what she thinks. Not everyone is as noisy as you."

Luo's love for his daughter is beyond words.

Xue Sui smiled and said, "Miss Third is so kind, it would be disrespectful to refuse."
-
"The new Persian embroidery shop in West Market has glowing luminous brocade..."

Along the way, Guo Yunrong shared what she saw and heard.

Those novel and interesting things that the ladies in Beijing talked about with great relish also helped Xue Sui gain a lot of knowledge.

When Xue Sui left Shangjing, Guo Yunrong was only five years old, and Xue Sui did not have a deep impression of her. She found it hard to dislike Guo Yunrong, but she did not approach her just to make friends...

Her timely action at the coming-of-age banquet was just a clever arrangement on her part according to Lu Xi's plan.

The emcee had been in the Duke of Zheng's mansion for five or six years. She was not someone who was greedy for money. It was just that Lu Xi had chosen the wrong person...

Of course, Xue Sui did this just for Guo Zhaohuai.

——Guo Yunrong’s biological brother.

The man who, together with Pingle, trampled on her like a pig and a dog ten years ago.

Compared to You Zhimu and Yao Wei, Guo Zhaohuai has become much more stable since he became an adult. And because of his prominent family background, he is not as fawning and flattering to Pingle as others...

Xue Sui did not originally list him as the primary target for revenge.

It was just the development of events that pushed him to the forefront.

Gu Jie is still useful if he is kept around, and since we have Aunt Chun's favor, we are too lazy to touch him for now.

Xue Yueying is pregnant and has not yet given birth...

At the moment, Guo Zhaohuai is a good breakthrough point.

So, on the night after returning from the coming-of-age banquet, Xue Sui put the page with Guo Zhaohuai in the "King of Hell's Album" in the front.

"Stop, stop, stop, it's right here..."

The fifteen-year-old girl was innocent and always smiled when she spoke.

After getting off the carriage, Guo Yunrong almost half-pulled Xue Sui and walked into the threshold of the Persian Embroidery Shop. She was very excited and pulled Xue Sui to the second floor...

The windows of the attic on the second floor were half open, and the silk curtains moved without wind.

A young man stood by the window, his figure standing proudly in front of a sandalwood stand filled with Persian brocade. His black brocade robe with python pattern was coated with a layer of gorgeous golden light, which crushed his sharpness in the backlight.

Guo Yunrong was slightly startled.

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince."

Her cheeks were flushed by the flowing light. "Is Your Highness the Crown Prince also here to choose Persian fabrics?"

Li Zhao turned around calmly, his eyes beneath his sword-like brows like a cold pond.

He didn't say anything, his eyes glanced at Xue Sui beside Guo Yunrong, and his thin lips curled up slightly.

"I am here to choose a birthday gift for the Queen Mother."

To choose a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager, they actually came from the common people?

Guo Yunrong met his gaze, her cheeks flushed, and she leaned forward slightly and asked, "Your Highness, have you chosen someone you like?"

Li Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a trace of impatience: "I haven't found anything that I like yet. Although there are many materials, they are not satisfactory."

Guo Yunrong said, "I know of a Persian golden brocade silk that can be made into a nine-layer phoenix pattern shawl. It is very luxurious and elegant. Your Highness, would you like to take a look and see if it suits your taste?"

Seeing that Xue Sui remained silent, like a stone statue, without any reaction, Li Zhao nodded.

"You might as well take a look."

Guo Yunrong's face showed joy, nervousness and excitement, but it was obvious that she admired Li Zhao. There seemed to be stars in her eyes, and she looked like she was in love for the first time.

"Your Highness, come and take a look..."

As she spoke, she smiled and said, "When I entered the palace that day, the Empress also said that the Persian fabrics have unique patterns and are more exquisite than ordinary embroidery patterns."

The pattern on the cloth showed a dark green background with moon-white scales, and in the sunlight, a phoenix spreading its wings could be seen faintly embroidered.

Really chic.

Li Zhao nodded slightly.

"This pattern seems to be inspired by the auspicious beasts on the eaves of the imperial city. It is quite auspicious. The old queen may find it appealing."

Guo Yunrong continued, "The Queen Mother worships Buddha, and this pattern is in line with Buddhist scriptures."

Li Zhao nodded, "Thank you Miss Guo San for your recommendation."

"Your Highness, you are too polite." Guo Yunrong's ears turned red as if blood was about to drip out. In a panic, her embroidered shoes accidentally caught on the tassels on the carpet, and she fell towards the sandalwood frame full of clothes.

Li Zhao frowned slightly, put his hands behind his back, and did not move.

"Be careful!" Xue Sui was quick-witted and quick-handed. He held her waist and turned around to avoid the falling cloth.

Guo Yunrong felt that she had made a fool of herself. Her face turned red with shame and her voice was as thin as a mosquito.

"Madam saved me again."

Xue Sui curled his lips: "It's just a piece of cake."

Li Zhao glanced at Xue Sui and his expression turned cold.

"Blessing!"

He asked Lai Fu to pay the bill with an expressionless face, and then turned to look at the scenery outside the window.

Guo Yunrong was terrified and very uneasy.

Xue Sui said nothing more and picked up a piece of brightly colored Persian fabric, intending to take it back and give it to Xue Yuechen.

"Miss San, do you want to buy anything else?"

Guo Yunrong was absent-minded. He glanced at Li Zhao and shook his head.

"No, let's go back."

After coming out of the Persian Embroidery Shop, Guo Yunrong seemed to have lost her soul.

Xue Sui guessed that her heart must be beating like a deer at this moment, and her mind was full of the handsome prince. He understood what she meant, but just smiled slightly and did not point it out.

"Madam Ping'an..." Guo Yunrong suddenly spoke, looking embarrassed, "Did I say something wrong just now? Your performance... was also very bad?"

Xue Sui raised his eyes: "Why do you say that?"

Guo Yunrong lowered her head slightly and bit her lower lip gently. "Just now I saw His Royal Highness the Crown Prince examining those materials with a wandering gaze. I couldn't tell if he really liked them. I thought, maybe I said something wrong, that's why he suddenly changed his expression and became cold..."

Xue Sui thought carefully about Li Zhao's actions just now and smiled indifferently.

"I think he likes it. Otherwise, as a prince, there is no need to waste your breath on it..."

Guo Yunrong blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed and shy.

"I hope Madam will keep her mouth shut about what happened today..."

Xue Sui chuckled: "Don't worry, Third Miss, Xue Liu never talks too much."

Guo Yunrong was somewhat touched, "Mrs. Ping An is very considerate."

Xue Sui was stunned and couldn't help laughing out loud.

"You haven't seen my bad side yet."
-
Since that day, Xue Sui hadn't seen Li Zhao for many days.

During this time, Li Huan came to play chess with her twice and asked if there was any progress on the antique dealer in Jiuling Marsh. Xue Sui just perfunctorily answered and was not in a hurry to give an answer...

Li Huan was suspicious by nature.

He may not easily believe in things that are too easy to get.

After several days of sultry weather, a heavy rain finally fell.

After the rain, the heat dissipated, and Xue Sui went to the Xue Mansion again to visit the old lady.

Old Mrs. Cui's health improved a little, but the eighth girl in the mansion became even more violent.

Since being punished to kneel in the ancestral hall and being humiliated, Xue Yueman has become even more desperate, crying and making a scene, not wanting to eat or drink, and losing weight. After Fu Shi was no longer the head of the family, she no longer cared about the marriage of her concubine's daughter, so the whole matter fell on the shoulders of the old lady.

Xue Qingzhi was furious and threatened that if Xue Yueman insisted on becoming a concubine, she should get out of the house as soon as possible...

When Xue Sui went to Shou'anyuan, Xue Qingzhi came to visit the old lady. He sighed in front of the old lady's bed and was worried about the eighth lady's affairs.

The old lady shook her head helplessly.

"If all my children were like Liu Yatou, I would be less worried."

Xue Qingzhi glanced at Xue Sui and fell silent with a complicated expression.

This old man is a deep-minded person, he can see things more clearly than the old lady.

But due to emotional considerations, the father and daughter have to pretend to be close.

Xue Sui stepped forward and bowed, then said softly, "If grandma and father are really in trouble, why don't I take care of everything for my eighth sister..."

When the old lady heard this, she immediately sat up from the bed.

"Sixth girl, do you have any good ideas?"

Xue Qingzhi glanced at her and frowned, "A daughter of the Xue family must never be a concubine."

So, isn’t she, Xue Liu, the daughter of the Xue family?

Xue Sui sneered in his heart, but the corners of his mouth slightly lifted up, bringing a smile, "My daughter has a slight friendship with Madam Luo of the Duke of Zheng's Mansion, and also has some dealings with Miss Guo San of the Duke of Zheng's Mansion. Perhaps I can make a suggestion and change the Duke of Zheng's Mansion's view of Miss Eight, so as to help this pair of lovers be together?"

The old lady showed a look of surprise and said, "That's great. The ancestors have shown their power. The Xue family is really blessed to have a little girl like you."

Xue Qingzhi was skeptical, and always felt that something was wrong, but he still nodded reluctantly.

"You are thoughtful."

Xue Sui sneered in his heart.

After having dinner at home, he saw Wen Jia's maid Dong Xu waiting for him outside.

"Sixth Miss, the princess invites you to have a chat at the old place."

Every time Wen Jia came to see her, he would be in the backyard of Hongfu Casino.

The most dangerous place is the safest. It is hard to imagine that two people who are not very familiar with each other in front of others would meet in such a place.

When Xue Sui arrived, the tea in front of Wen Jia had already gone cold. She looked anxious and at a loss.

Xue Sui asked with concern, "Princess, is there anything difficult?"

Wen Jia said: "Alim sent someone to the palace to find me, saying that King Xizi was bewitched by flatterers and sent the Wolf Fang Death Soldier to sneak into Shangjing to assassinate the royal family and behead important officials of the court..."

Xue Sui asked: "Does the high priest know about this?"

Wen Jia nodded. "The high priest was promoted by the old King Xizi. He and the current King Xizi, Ashina, are not of the same mind. The high priest advocates peaceful trade to ensure the peace of the people of the two countries, and does not want to engage in armed conflict with Daliang. But King Xizi is ambitious and insists on his own way. He wants to stir up trouble and create chaos in Shangjing..."

She lowered her head.

"My mother was extremely worried when she heard about this."

King Xizi is the half-brother of Wan Zhaoyi and the uncle of Wen Jia. Not only is the conflict between him and the high priest Amon Rah deepening, but Wan Zhaoyi is caught between Daliang and Xizi, which is more difficult than dancing on a knife's edge.

Two chapters combined into one, see you tomorrow.

Li Zhao: Actually, I am also very bad.

Xue Sui: In Miss Guo San's eyes, the prince is a very good man.

Li Zhao: Xue Ping'an is jealous!