Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 198 Conferring the Title of Concubine

Xuanzheng Hall.

Emperor Chongzhao sat upright on his dragon throne and slammed the urgent report from the frontier onto the imperial desk, making a loud thud.

"Idiots! A bunch of idiots!"

"The Xizi royal court has deployed 100,000 troops at Chishui Pass, but the pass's general and the border commander are still shirking their responsibilities!"

"Look at these are the important officials I personally appointed to guard the border! They are all mediocre people who have used all their skills to embezzle power and exploit the military funds!"

The officials below bowed their heads, holding their breath, their breathing stagnant.

The Minister of War's hand, holding the imperial tablet, trembled slightly. Unbeknownst to him, beads of sweat had already slid down his deeply lined face and into his court robes.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. General Lu has been ordered to lead elite troops out of the pass to defend against the enemy. He should be able to rebuild the defenses and bring back good news soon..."

Emperor Chongzhao snorted angrily and frowned as he rebuked him:

"All talk and no action is just empty rhetoric."

Before the words had even finished, Li Zhaozhen entered, his sleeves fluttering as he wore a dark court robe that gleamed coldly in the morning light.

"Father, I request permission to lead 30,000 Xuanjia Iron Cavalry to raid the flank of Chishui Pass and support General Lu..."

Emperor Chongzhao's expression turned slightly cold.

His gaze fell on Li Huan, who was following closely behind and bowing respectfully.

"What does Prince Duan think?"

Li Huan flicked his wide sleeves, calmly took half a step forward, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am also willing to lead 30,000 light cavalry to rush to the aid from the Chishui River pass."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhao seemed satisfied, and his expression softened slightly.

"You two possess such loyalty and courage, which is a blessing for Great Liang. But Great Liang has countless capable generals; why should the prince personally venture into dangerous territory?"

His gaze darkened slightly, and he changed the subject.

"But the beloved daughter of the Princess Protector of the Nation has been captured in the Western Frontier, and her fate remains unknown. If this gets out, it will damage the prestige of our Great Liang..."

Upon hearing this, Li Huan glanced at Li Zhao out of the corner of his eye and bowed in response.

"I've heard that Your Highness has captured Ashina's nephew, the enemy chieftain. Why not use him as a hostage in exchange?"

"Absolutely not!" Imperial Censor Zhou Zhongping stepped forward in alarm, his white beard trembling with rage.

"How could my mighty Celestial Empire be exchanged with barbarians? Your Majesty—"

He bowed deeply, the hem of his official robe sweeping across the gold bricks, and declared, "We will behead Hakemu in front of the enemy lines to establish our military might. Then we will raise a mighty army to wipe out the Xiz bandits and restore our national prestige!"

Zhou Zhongping was known for his uprightness.

This statement immediately drew opposition from two high-ranking officials, led by the Minister of War, who were considered appeasement factions.

The court was filled with heated arguments.

Li Zhao and Li Huan stood on either side of the imperial steps. One of them lightly tapped his jade belt with his knuckles, exuding righteousness; the other stroked his thumb ring, his expression inscrutable.

The air pressure inside the hall was stagnant.

Only the swirling smoke from the gilded incense burner soothes the soul.

"My dear ministers, there is no need for argument. I have my own plan for this matter." Emperor Chongzhao's gaze swept over Li Zhao, a hint of doubt flashing in his dark and unfathomable eyes.

"The Crown Prince deserves immense credit for the great victory at the Yongding River, which resulted in the interception of the Xiz merchant caravan and terrified the enemy..."

Li Zhao bowed with his hands clasped and eyes lowered, his tone respectful.

"Your Majesty, I was fortunate enough to defeat the enemy, but it was merely by following the map; it is hardly a great achievement..."

He suddenly looked up, a smile flashing in his eyes.

"The one who truly deserves the credit is someone else."

Emperor Chongzhao raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Your Majesty," Li Zhao said in a clear voice, a slight smile playing on his lips, "this time, I also benefited from the influence of Minister Xue of the Ministry of Justice."
"If it weren't for Minister Xue's swift and decisive actions, meticulously piecing together the clues to pinpoint the thieves' whereabouts, I would have been unable to see through the Xiz people's feint attack."

He deliberately emphasized the words "Minister Xue," glanced at Li Huan out of the corner of his eye, and smiled faintly.

"It was Minister Xue who personally led the Imperial Guards of the Ministry of Justice to storm the Zhang residence, capture two spies from Xizhe, and interrogate them overnight. This led to the discovery that the bandit leader had bribed Zhang Huaiyi, the River Conservancy Commissioner, to bypass the Yongding River, which lent my son a helping hand..."

Emperor Chongzhao nodded and looked at Xue Qingzhi.

"Minister Xue is becoming more and more shrewd in his role as acting Minister of Justice."

Xue Qingzhi was suddenly called out by name, and felt as if he had been struck by lightning. Cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

He had just visited Li Huan and told him about Zhang Huaiyi. Immediately afterwards, Li Zhao publicized it extensively in court and even tried to pin the credit on him.

This is clearly putting him on the hot seat!
But under the watchful eyes of everyone, in front of the emperor and several high-ranking officials, he had no choice but to accept the credit, whether he wanted to or not...

After all, the fact that two Xiz spies were caught that night is recorded in the Ministry of Justice's files, and the evidence is irrefutable and cannot be denied.

In fact, he still doesn't know who the person who passed on the message to him was. If he had known beforehand that this unexpected "credit" would be so troublesome, he wouldn't have personally stepped in to take on this mess...

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty is filled with trepidation."

Xue Qingzhi's voice trembled as he stepped forward and replied, "I was merely following procedure in investigating the case; it was my duty, and I dare not claim credit..."

Emperor Chongzhao stroked his beard with satisfaction and looked at him with a kind expression.

"Minister Xue, you have rendered great service, and I should reward you handsomely..."

When Xue Qingzhi caught a glimpse of Li Huan's smile out of the corner of his eye, he felt a chill run through his body and immediately collapsed to the ground.

"Your subject is willing to give your life to repay Your Majesty's grace."

Li Zhao gave a half-smile.

Li Huan suddenly stepped forward calmly: "Your subject has something to report."

Emperor Chongzhao nodded slightly: "Speak."

Li Huan knelt down, lifting his robe, and said solemnly, "Your son was suddenly struck by a terrible illness the other day, his entire body covered in unbearably itchy red rashes, and even the physicians were helpless. Fortunately, Lady Xue prepared a medicinal ointment and took meticulous care of him, which allowed him to recover. Your son dares to—"

He glanced at Xue Qingzhi and said, “First, Lord Xue uncovered the secret report, and then Lady Xue miraculously cured the patient. Your Majesty, I humbly request that you bestow upon Lady Xue the title of my concubine, to recognize her merits and show the Emperor’s great favor.”

The hall fell silent instantly.

The ministers exchanged glances, their gazes shifting between uncertainty and apprehension as they looked at Xue Qingzhi.

Xue Qingzhi himself was also taken aback.

Even if it was his achievement, how did it end up on Xue Liu's head?
Prince Duan said it was to highlight the Xue family's prestige, but in reality, he didn't want him to be promoted. In the end, it was because he harbored resentment towards him.

Li Zhao sneered.

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and the metallic taste of blood welled up in his throat. The love-corrupting poison hidden in his chest and abdomen burned his internal organs like a sharp blade, causing excruciating pain...

But the voice was clear and cheerful, like shattered jade thrown into a pitcher...

"It was clearly Lord Xue's achievement, but how come in my brother's mouth it's been used to benefit your Prince Duan's family..."

Li Huan remained unfazed, kowtowing and prostrating himself before Emperor Chongzhao, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. Although the young Lady Xue is virtuous and kind, and beloved by me, my request for a reward is not out of personal affection, but solely to commend the Xue family's upright character..."

Emperor Chongzhao's wise eyes swept over his two sons.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, "This young Lady Xue is indeed a remarkable woman of both talent and virtue. Since Prince Duan is so devoted and loyal, and Minister Xue has rendered outstanding service, I cannot allow such a gem to be tarnished. Guards, draft the decree..."
-
Tanqiu Courtyard.

Xue Sui and Xiao Zhao were grinding the dried mugwort into powder and sorting it into fine silk bags when Ruyi hurriedly entered carrying a lacquer tray.

"Miss, someone from the palace has arrived! Please go to the front hall to receive the imperial decree."

Xiao Zhao nearly knocked over the mortar and pestle.

Jinshu frowned and said, "According to etiquette and imperial decree, this should be handled by the Princess Consort. Why are you asking the young lady to go?"

Ruyi shook her head, "This servant does not know either."

Xue Sui asked, "Has Your Highness returned to your residence?"

Ruyi shook her head again, "Judging from what Aunt Emerald said, it's a very happy occasion. The Princess has already gone to the main hall and is urging you to hurry up, so as not to delay things."

Xue Sui paused, then pondered, "Change clothes."
-
Inside the main hall of the Prince's Mansion.

Xue Yuechen led the women of the household, holding their breath and waiting with their heads bowed and sleeves tucked in. The vermilion lacquered screen beside them cut the sunlight into mottled fragments, which wandered among their clothes.

"Lady Ping An, receive the imperial decree—"

Xue Sui responded.

Everyone knelt down in unison.

The imperial eunuch Wang Chengxi, his face solemn, gently unfurled the bright yellow scroll in his hand, his voice piercing the stagnant air. "...The six daughters of the Xue family come from distinguished families of high rank and noble lineage. While married, they are filial to their parents and respectful to their elders; after marriage, they are dutiful to their superiors. Furthermore, they are skilled in medicine and herbal remedies, benefiting the household. I commend their virtues and hereby bestow upon them the title of Consort of Prince Duan, granting them the sustenance of a Consort. They are instructed to diligently cultivate the virtues of womanhood to assist the royal family. Respectfully yours!"

Its sound was like gold and jade, its lingering resonance echoing around the beams.

Everyone knelt on the ground, holding their breath, completely silent.

Xue Yuechen glanced at Xue Sui out of the corner of her eye and saw that her back was ramrod straight. She couldn't help but gently pinch her handkerchief and a smile appeared on her face.

"Sister, aren't you going to accept the imperial decree?"

Xue Sui responded, prostrated himself in gratitude, and raised his hands above his head.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Wang Chengxi placed the imperial edict in her hand, and Ruyi quickly stepped forward to give her the reward money.

Just then, Li Huan stepped into the courtyard with a smile.

"I came back just in time."

Wang Chengxi, all smiles, stuffed the money pouch into his sleeve and bowed to Li Huan.

"Congratulations, Your Highness! His Majesty's grace is boundless, and his favor is growing daily. This is truly a cause for celebration."

Li Huan smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch."

Wang Chengxi said "I dare not," then hunched over and said with a forced smile, "Then I will go back and report. Your Highness is always busy, so please take good care of yourself and rest your mind."

"Please take care, sir."

Li Huan had someone escort Wang Chengxi out of the mansion. He glanced at everyone in the hall, walked up to Xue Sui, and personally helped her up.

"Are you satisfied now, Consort Xue?"

His eyes held a gentle warmth, his smile tender, yet his gaze seemed to hold the chill of ice.

"I told you long ago that I would not wrong you."

What an extremely cunning man.

Isn't this going to drive a wedge between her and Xue Yuechen?
He wouldn't be satisfied until he made the sisters fall out and fight like the snipe and the clam.

Xue Sui withdrew his hand without showing any emotion, curtsied and smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes.

"Your Highness is too kind. I was merely doing my duty. I am deeply unworthy of His Majesty's favor..."

She looked up at Xue Yuechen, a faint smile on her face.

"If it weren't for the Princess's excellent guidance and constant reminders, how could I have known when to advance and when to retreat, and how could I have discerned the bigger picture, thus avoiding making a mistake in the Prince's affairs..."

This is a trap for him, implying that he is biased towards one side over the other.

They stabbed him in the back.

Li Huan raised an eyebrow, met her gaze, and noticed the subtle coolness in her eyes. He smiled, turned around, and gently put his arm around Xue Yuechen's shoulder, pulling her half into his embrace.

"Your Highness is kind and magnanimous, as I am well aware of. You two sisters are a perfect match, two beautiful women in one, a blessing to me. From now on, you two must work together to manage the affairs of the royal palace..."

Xue Yuechen forced a smile, "This concubine will heed your teachings."

"Thank you for your trouble, my beloved consort." Li Huan's smile remained unchanged as his fingertips brushed against the screw-shaped hairpin in Xue Yuechen's hair, his tone gentle yet cold.

"The celebration of the conferment of a concubine's title must be handled according to etiquette. Choose an auspicious day to hold a banquet so that your sister can have a grand occasion and not be looked down upon."

Xue Yuechen frowned slightly. "The border has been unsettled recently. If we hold a large banquet, it might invite criticism."

Li Huan waved his hand to interrupt, "It's just a casual family gathering, no need to worry. When the time comes, we'll invite the fifth brother, the fourth brother, and a few other brothers and relatives to the manor for a lively celebration."

At this critical juncture, the prince insisted on hosting a banquet.

This clearly shows how much he valued this concubine.

Xue Yuechen smiled and reluctantly agreed.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will do my best to prepare and will not disgrace you."
-
Within two days, news spread throughout the capital that Xue Qingzhi had captured the thief and was rewarded with a hundred acres of fertile land, and that Xue Sui had cured Prince Duan's strange illness with her medical skills and was made Prince Duan's concubine.

For many years, Xue Qingzhi had been criticized in court for being lazy and incompetent, and for rising to power by relying on the legacy of his father, the late General Xue, and by currying favor with his relatives. Suddenly emerging as a promising talent, he felt both proud and somewhat uneasy.

Rumors spread like wildfire, and the Ghost Festival arrived in the blink of an eye.

As night fell, a light drizzle fell, and the bustling capital city returned to tranquility.

The tavern closed, and the streetlights gradually went out.

Watermarks clung to the bluestone slabs of Tanqiu Courtyard, and beads dripped from the eaves tiles. Two lanterns, bathed in the rain and mist, resembled two crescent moons floating on the water.

Xue Sui sat by the window, his sheep-hair brush dipped in ink, writing on the Xuan paper. One name after another was written across the paper, making a soft rustling sound.

Suddenly, the door knocker rang softly, and Jinshu entered, her head covered with a damp cloth, carrying a sandalwood box in her hands.

"Miss, the Princess Protector has sent someone with some gifts."

The fact that Wenjia sent the item at this hour must have a deeper meaning.

Xue Sui put down his pen, took the box, and opened it. Inside was a copy of "Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica" with an indigo cover. The spine was embroidered with herbal patterns in silver thread. As he turned the pages, a leaf gracefully slid down, like a newly sprouted fern bud...

A thought flickered in her mind, and she bent down to pick it up.

The leaf hairs were wet, revealing the faint veins, which, reflected in the dim light, looked as if fresh dew had dripped down...

New leaves of the "Love Silk Flower"?

Li Zhao.

It is Li Zhao.

"Miss, what is this..." Xiao Zhao looked at Xue Sui stroking the leaf with her fingertips, a hint of doubt on her face.

Xue Sui smiled slightly, tucked the leaf back into the book, and put it back into the box.

"Giving you a book on a rainy night shows my deep affection. Wenjia is very kind. I will personally visit you another day to express my gratitude."

She looked out the window; the autumn wind was bleak, and the autumn rain was lingering…

"Ruyi, go and get that jar of plum wine, and also get some honey. It's cold today, and the rainy night is damp and heavy, so it's perfect to eat something sweet to warm up."

Ruyi responded and left.

Xue Sui lowered his eyes and instructed Xiao Zhao in a low voice.

"Send all the idlers out of the courtyard."

Xiao Zhao was taken aback, then nodded.

Xue Sui's gaze turned cold. "Pay special attention to Prince Duan's two spies. Tonight, you and Jinshu need to be extra vigilant."

Xiao Zhao and Jin Shu exchanged a glance.

"Don't worry, young lady. I will certainly guard the gate strictly."

Xiao Zhao accepted the order and went down to her post.

Xue Sui sat at the table, looking at the character "Li" on his hand, which was blurred by the moisture, and his gaze gradually deepened.

Jinshu came over and draped a cloud brocade cloak over her shoulders.

"Young lady, you've abstained from alcohol for so many days, why are you drinking again?"

Others may not know, but Jinshu does. Alcohol would exacerbate the lingering ailment caused by her love affair, making the girl uneasy. Therefore, she rarely touched even her favorite plum wine.

Xue Sui raised his hand and pressed his temple, smiling faintly.

I suddenly have a craving.

Jinshu hesitated, then sighed with heartache as she saw her young mistress's shadow stretched thin and elongated by the candlelight on the screen.

The autumn rain outside the window pattered against the banana leaves.

Xue Sui stared at the candlelight, lit the paper covered with names, and watched it turn to ashes.

She knew that in this game of chess, Li Zhao was not a pawn to be manipulated at will...

She wanted to give Li Zhao the credit for intercepting the Xiz caravan and capturing the leader of the assassins, thus binding him to her own treacherous schemes. But Li Zhao refused to accept it and forcefully pushed Xue Qingzhi aside instead…

Xue Sui witnessed Li Zhao's true character once again.

When they turn bad, they're truly bad.

When they go mad, they become ruthless, even willing to sacrifice themselves.

Two chapters combined into one, a bit like Kakashi, so please forgive the slow updates...

Mwah~