Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 201 Hidden Blade
Li Huan beckoned to a eunuch and handed him the visiting card.

Shortly after, Wang Chengxi strode out and conveyed the emperor's oral edict.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness Prince Duan, and Lord Gu, please enter the hall for an audience."

In the warm pavilion of the Zichen Palace, Emperor Chongzhao tapped his knuckles on the gilded name card on the table. His brows were furrowed and his face was covered with frost. The wisps of smoke from the incense burner in the palace made people's temples throb.

"King Xiz had just stationed his troops at Chishui Pass when the High Priest immediately sent envoys to sue for peace. What kind of show is this?"

The emperor raised his eyes and glanced at the three people in the hall, then reached for a teacup, his bright yellow sleeves drooping down.

"Tell me, did this envoy from Siz come with sincerity, or with his head?"

Gu Jie glanced at the name card on the table, then respectfully replied with his hands at his sides, "Your Highness, the High Priest and King Xiz are only superficially friendly."

"What a perfect example of outward harmony but inner discord!"

Emperor Chongzhao put down his teacup, picked up the name card, glanced at it, and then slammed it heavily onto the table.

"You two should discuss how to deal with this."

Below the steps, Li Zhao and Li Huan stood like twin peaks, one on the left and one on the right.

Li Huan wore a court robe with python patterns, his expression gentle and smiling.

"Your Majesty believes that internal strife has already broken out in the court of Xizi. The High Priest wants to use the power of Daliang to overthrow Ashina. His visit here is ostensibly for peace talks, but in reality, it is for protection. If our court sits back and watches the two fight like the snipe and the clam, and then sends troops when they are both exhausted, we will surely be able to reap the benefits."

"Your Majesty's insight is profound." Li Zhao stepped forward and cupped his hands, as if strolling leisurely. "However, since the Xiz envoy has come with a visiting card, if we suddenly treat him coldly, it would make our Great Liang appear to lack the virtue of benevolence, be petty, and lose our manners."

Li Zhao glanced at him, paused deliberately, and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect. “Father, the fighting at Chishui Pass has not yet ceased. If we treat the envoys lightly, we will inevitably give others grounds to say that our dynasty is afraid of Ashina’s 100,000 iron cavalry.”

Emperor Chongzhao's sharp gaze swept over the two sons below the steps, then suddenly turned to Gu Jie.

"Does Minister Gu know the whereabouts of the Xiz envoy?"

Gu Jie lowered his eyes, his voice steady and calm: "Your Majesty, the envoys have checked into the Honglu Temple post station, presented their visiting cards, and requested an audience with Your Majesty."

Do you know the details of the envoy's background?

The secret letter in Gu Jie's sleeve burned his palm: "Your Majesty, I have already ordered someone to investigate thoroughly."

Emperor Chongzhao leaned back heavily in his chair and chuckled softly.

"Then let them wait at the post station. I will summon them when I wish to see them."

Li Huan and Li Zhao exchanged a glance, both seeing wariness in each other's eyes.

With the situation at Chishui Pass still unclear, the emperor's move was clearly intended to stabilize the overall situation.

The questioning just now wasn't really about hearing their opinions; it was clearly a test of their stance.

The atmosphere inside the hall suddenly turned frigid.

Emperor Chongzhao stared at the three young men standing below the steps, raised his sleeve and waved his hand.

"Your Highness, please stay. The rest of you may leave."

After everyone had left, Emperor Chongzhao suddenly slammed the name card onto the table.

"Do you think I don't know? The gunpowder of the Xiz caravan turned into yellow sand—that was your doing! Amonlah's sudden sue for peace was also your doing, Your Highness!"

Li Zhao knelt down, his back straight, his eyes gleaming.

"Your subject dares not. King Xizi wanted to use gunpowder to disrupt the capital, but your subject merely played along, luring the snake out of its hole. As for the High Priest sending an envoy to see His Majesty, it was out of fear of the might of the Great Liang cavalry, and it was due to the Emperor's sagacity and divine might. It was all due to His Majesty's virtuous rule, and had nothing to do with your subject."

Emperor Chongzhao suddenly laughed, "Is the snake already trapped?"

Li Zhao calmly cupped his hands and said, "Your subject believes that there is no way to escape."
-
Outside the palace corridor, Li Huan and Gu Jie walked side by side, their tone familiar.

"Lord Gu, I am hosting a family banquet the day after tomorrow. Why don't you come and have a seat?"

Gu Jie was startled upon hearing this—

With his current lowly official position, how could he possibly be allowed to attend a banquet at the Prince Duan's residence?
However, in terms of kinship, the Xue sisters each married into two different families, and he and Prince Duan were brothers-in-law, barely qualifying as a respectable in-law.

He hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Highness's favor is an honor for this humble official."

Li Huan smiled faintly and patted his shoulder lightly with his fingertips. "Lord Gu has just arrived at the Court of State Ceremonial, and his responsibilities are heavy. In the future, you must not make the same mistake again."

Gu Jie understood immediately; this was Prince Duan using the matter of the Treasury to give him a warning.

He hurriedly adjusted his hat and belt, and bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness. I will do my utmost."
-
Tanqiu Courtyard.

Xue Sui inserted the jade hairpin into her loose, cloud-like hair in front of the bronze mirror. In the smooth mirror, the red marks on her collarbone had not yet faded, resembling withered plum blossoms outlined in cinnabar, winding their way into her clothes...

Her breath caught in her throat.

As if her hand had been burned, she quickly pulled her plain clothes tighter.

Last night, Li Zhao's love potion flared up, nearly driving him mad and almost costing her her life...

Fortunately, she was patient and tactful.

In the end, it was a pair of delicate hands that dismissed him.

The absurdity of the night receded like the tide, and she lowered her eyes, gazing absently at the unfinished plum wine on the table.

"Miss..." Ruyi saw her agitation and her eyelids twitched, "Is there anything wrong?"

Xue Sui shook his head. "Put away the leftover wine, tidy up the room, and air it out."

Ruyi withdrew in response.

Jinshu tiptoed in, glanced at the mess in the room, and hesitated to speak.

"Miss, His Highness the Crown Prince..."

"Don't mention him!" Xue Sui interrupted her, his voice hoarse. "Go and tell the kitchen to cook a bowl of ginger and poria porridge. The princess will definitely summon me today, so I must be on my guard."

"Would you like to take a little more nap, young lady? Your eyes are even showing dark circles; it's heartbreaking..."

"No need. Go and take care of it."

After Jinshu left, Xue Sui suddenly picked up the crumpled prescription on the table, looking restless.

With a frown, he finally rolled it into a ball and kneaded it in his palm...

There is no cure for the Love Silk Gu, but this prescription should provide some relief.

Otherwise, given Li Zhao's unruly and erratic nature, it would be difficult to handle him.

She closed her eyes and pondered for a moment, then put the prescription into the charcoal brazier. Just as the flames licked the corner of the paper, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

"Consort, the Princess requests your presence."

Sure enough, it came.

Xue Sui responded softly, and had Ruyi drape a blue satin cloak over her shoulders before heading towards Yingyue Residence.

Xue Yuechen leaned against the chaise lounge, her belly already showing, which appeared even more plump and beautiful under her honey-colored dress.

Her gaze lingered on Xue Sui's haggard face, and she smiled slightly.

"My sister doesn't look well today. Is she feeling unwell?"

Xue Sui gently brushed her hair together with her fingertips and bowed her head softly.

"The rain was heavy and the wind was strong last night, so I didn't sleep well."

Xue Yuechen picked up a handkerchief and lightly wiped her lips, glancing at her with a smile, "I heard from the Prince that the anti-itch cream you concocted for him was very effective. This time, you've done a great service and made a name for yourself in the capital..."

"My sister's skills are rudimentary; how could she dare to claim credit? She merely happened to receive guidance from an itinerant doctor."

Xue Yuechen smiled slightly and pushed a porcelain plate onto the table.

"Little sister, try this freshly made chestnut cake. The cook specially soaked it in honey; it's very soft and sweet. It's just a pity that my stomach feels greasy these past few days, so I can't eat anything sweet..."

Xue Sui picked up the silver fork, smiled and thanked her, "Sister, you're pregnant and you've gone to all this trouble. Then I'll respectfully accept your offer."

"Why bother?" Xue Yuechen glanced at him with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "My sister is now a proper mistress of the Prince's mansion. Staying so formal would only make us seem distant..."

She clearly harbored resentment when Xue Sui was made a concubine.

His displeasure was written all over his face, but Xue Sui pretended not to understand the hidden meaning, forked a piece of pastry, and his expression remained as gentle as ever.

"Sister, you're joking. If it weren't for your righteous words back then, where would I be today? What kind of sisterly bond do we have? Why would I stand on ceremony with you?"

Xue Yuechen's heart tightened.

Back then, she couldn't bear to see her stepmother cause trouble, so she said a few kind words but didn't actually offer any help...

So, the smile that touched her lips became somewhat stiff.

"Of course, our sisterly bond is unbreakable, not even by lightning."

Xue Sui lowered her eyes, the chestnut cake sticky between her teeth, and she picked up her teacup and took a small sip.

"Sister, your pregnancy is the most important thing. Don't worry about other things."

The teacups on the table made a crisp clinking sound.

Xue Yuechen glanced at her, "How could I not worry? Your appointment as a concubine requires me to manage everything inside and outside the palace. There are rewards coming down from the palace, and the wives of various households are returning the favor. The family banquet also needs to be held properly so that you won't be wronged. Yesterday I was even thinking of adding a few more maids and servants to your courtyard to bolster your status. But..." She lowered her voice, "Concubine Zhang's elder brother is a traitor and is now imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice. She came to me crying and begging, so I agreed to go."

Xue Sui said, "I advised her to have Lord Zhang plead with His Majesty, because I didn't want her to trouble my sister, but I didn't expect her to still..."

"You meant well, but she doesn't appreciate it." Xue Yuechen shook her head and smiled. "However, the Prince has already made arrangements for the Zhang family's affairs, so you shouldn't get involved. Soon after, a wedding banquet will be held at the manor, and you'll need to assist with all the arrangements..."

Xue Sui nodded: "Don't worry, sister, I know what I'm doing."

Xue Yuechen stroked her lower abdomen and said softly, "As long as this child is born safely, I will be content..."

Before she could finish speaking, the maid Yuzhui rushed in to report: "Your Highness, Consort Zhang tried to swallow gold, but the steward stopped her! You should go and see!"

Xue Yuechen's face darkened, and she abruptly stood up, pressing her lower abdomen and frowning.

"At this critical juncture, she just has to make things worse!"
-
The two hurriedly arrived at Lanzhi Courtyard.

Zhang was curled up on the bed, her body trembling like a leaf, her shoulders shaking as she cried, her hair disheveled and covering her face.

Xue Yuechen sat down, took her hand, and gently comforted her.

"We women in the inner quarters should not meddle in matters of the court. Sister, please don't worry."

Zhang struggled to her feet, bowed shakily to the two women, and looked sorrowful.

"I am utterly useless. My family has suffered such a calamity. As the daughter of the Zhang family and a concubine of the Prince's mansion, I am powerless to help. I have failed my father and mother, and my elder brother..."

Xue Sui frowned slightly: "Logically speaking, if Lord Zhang were to plead guilty to His Majesty for committing a crime, and your father has a history of merit, it wouldn't implicate the entire clan, would it?"

Madam Zhang raised her handkerchief to glance at her, wiping away tears. "Thank you for your guidance, Consort. His Majesty, mindful of my late father's military achievements, spared our family from confiscation of property. It's a pity that my elder brother will likely face certain death..."

Tears streamed down her cheeks like beads.

She was such a delicate woman.

This can lead to such a life-or-death situation...

Xue Sui sighed inwardly and glanced sideways at Fei Cui, who stood with her hands at her sides.

"Aunt, could you send someone to fetch some of the chestnut cakes that the Princess Consort just made? Sister Zhang will feel better if she eats something sweet."

Zhang was comforted, but shook her head and sobbed, her heart breaking with grief.
-
The weather was fine during the day, but a wind picked up at night.

The windows of Tanqiu Courtyard were wide open, and pigeons strolled leisurely on the carved window frames.

Li Huan stood with his hands behind his back under the corridor, silently pursing his lips, and couldn't help but glance at the snow-white spirit dove again.

After a moment of silence, he stepped over the threshold, stopping the maid from announcing his arrival, and strode inside.

The autumn wind, carrying the scent of ink, wafted towards me.

Xue Sui was grinding ink with her head bowed. The candlelight cast butterfly-wing-like shadows on her eyelashes, carrying the coolness of dew, gentle and graceful, yet aloof like clouds.

On the Xuan paper, the ink was still wet, and she had just copied the prescription.

Li Huan stared at her slender neck, as if something had struck his heart.

A ripple suddenly appeared, but it vanished in an instant.

"Consort Xue has a refined taste."

Xue Sui put down the inkstone, curtsied, and said, "Your Highness, what brings you here so late at night?"

"The matter of the old mausoleum." Li Huan didn't beat around the bush, taking two steps closer and looking at her sternly.

"I demand an explanation."

When she looked up, he was already in front of her, the wind from his wide sleeves causing the candlelight to flicker.

Xue Sui took a half step back, bumping into the antique shelf, causing the flower branches in the celadon vase to tremble.

"As a woman, I really don't know much about the old mausoleum."

"Is that so?" Li Huan suddenly chuckled and sat down next to her. "Then why did you send Jinshu to Mr. Qiu's antique shop at three quarters past Shen time the day before yesterday?"

Xue Sui tightened his grip on his fingertips and smiled faintly.

"It's just to pawn a jade bracelet for Aunt Xue, and incidentally to find out about Mr. Qiu's background for the Prince."

"Oh? What did you find out? Did you find out that he's a liar full of lies?" Li Huan's approaching body almost trapped her in front of the table. He smelled the faint fragrance of orchids in her hair and suddenly felt his heart burning.

A strange possessiveness arose within him.

The more nonchalant and uninterested she seemed, the more he wanted to see her panic...

Xue Sui indeed showed a hint of surprise, "He's a fraud?"

“That’s right. A liar.” Li Huan narrowed his eyes, his expression turning sinister. “He took one of my gold ingots and then tricked me into meeting the imperial envoy at Qixia Mountain at night, but who would have thought…”

He suddenly stopped talking, as if he found it difficult to speak.

Xue Sui asked, "How is it?"

He actually took the opportunity to escape.

"What about antique shops?"

"There was no one in sight, as vanished as a yellow crane."

Xue Sui: ...

This Li Zhao!

They were really quick and efficient.

She remained silent for a moment, then bowed to Li Huan.

"It is Xue Liu's fault that Your Highness was deceived. But I am not familiar with that person at all, and I was misled by his lies. If Your Highness does not believe me, you may send someone to inquire."

Li Huan glanced at her calm and composed face, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes.

"Consort Xue, my patience is running out."

Xue Sui pondered for a moment: "What does Your Highness want me to do?"

“It’s very simple.” Li Huan narrowed his eyes, his voice full of meaning, “The middleman you found for me ran away, so naturally you have to make amends for your mistake.”

Xue Sui frowned. "The matter of the old mausoleum is truly beyond the reach of others. If the imperial envoy is deliberately avoiding it, then it means he doesn't want to see the prince. Who can do anything about it?"

Li Huan suddenly leaned down and stared intently at her.

"The concubine must have a way, right?"

He straightened up again and suddenly smiled.

"Don't disappoint me. After all, I don't want to lose such an interesting concubine like you."

This is practically a threat.

Xue Sui smiled and said seriously, "Does Your Highness know that a forced relationship is never sweet?"

"Whether it's sweet or not, you'll only know after you taste it."

"..."

She remained silent, calmly observing Li Huan.

Their eyes met for only a moment, and Li Huan felt a tightness in his throat.

If a hunter has his eye on a cunning fox, the more elusive it is, the more he desires to possess it; the more elusive it becomes, the more distressed he feels…

"It's up to you."

He suddenly chuckled softly and turned to leave.

The sound of boots stepping on the bluestone slabs gradually faded into the distance.

Xue Sui watched the autumn wind brush past the curtains and heard his own heart pounding like a drum.

Outrageous!

Each one is more outrageous than the last.

She adjusted her clothes, her fingertips inadvertently touching her collarbone, and she couldn't help but frown slightly...

The kiss Li Zhao left behind lingered like a snake's tongue, coiling around him...

Compared to Li Huan's cold indifference.

Both kinds of oppressive feelings are headaches.

"Miss?" Xiao Zhao pushed open the door and came in, seeing her staring blankly at the charcoal brazier. "Isn't Your Highness deliberately making things difficult for her?"

"It's nothing." Xue Sui got up and walked to the window, looking out at the thick night.

The moonlight fell in the direction Li Huan had left, forming a phantom silhouette.

She turned around and pursed her dry lips.

"Go close the window, it's going to get windy."

Long post, huh? Goodnight!