Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 213 You're the Only One Missing

As we left the Sangliu Courtyard, the sun was already setting in the west.

Xue Sui wrapped his cloak tighter around himself and took Xiao Zhao to the residence of the Protector of the Nation Princess.

Wen Jia, dressed in a plain-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), sat on the veranda playing with Niu Niu, her eyes slightly red and swollen. Niu Niu, clutching a small wooden horse, rushed over to Xue Sui as soon as she saw him.

"Auntie!"

She called out in a childish voice, with a small sachet given to her by Xue Sui tied around her waist.

Xue Sui smiled and picked her up, gently touching her rosy cheeks with his fingertips.

"Did Niu Niu listen to her mother?"

The little girl nodded and whispered in Xue Sui's ear, "Mother cried so much on her pillow last night."

Xue Sui turned his gaze to Wen Jia.

Wenjia hurriedly dabbed at the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief to hide her dejection. She then gestured for the maid to take Niu Niu out before inviting her inside to sit down and dismissing the servants.

"Ping An, have you heard about Princess Tuya?"

Xue Sui raised his eyes and chuckled softly.

I've heard a little about it.

Wen Jia lowered her voice, "That Princess Tuya is very much in the Emperor's favor. After the morning court session, His Majesty goes to Hanzhang Hall. He rides in the same carriage with her, eats with her, and even has her grind ink for him when he reviews memorials. I heard that this made Consort Xiao sick with anger..."

“What’s strange is that Princess Natuya always covered her face with a white veil—no one except His Majesty, the Empress, and the eunuchs who served her closely had ever seen her true face.”

Xue Sui's gaze darkened slightly.

Then Wenjia sighed softly, "Speaking of which, she is my aunt. When I was young, my mother mentioned that she was chosen as a holy maiden from the moment she was born, and was sent to Mount Ulan to cultivate at the age of three... I never expected that she would not be able to escape this fate either..."

She hesitated, her expression somber.

Marriage alliance seemed to be an inescapable fate for Princess Siz.

Xue Sui handed the sachet with its edging to Wen Jia, saying, "The High Priest's move is brilliant. If the Emperor is moved, it will be Xiz's talisman. If he is not, it will be the High Priest's weapon."

Wen Jia took the incense ball and placed it on the table, her eyes glistening with tears. "My mother once said that the High Priest family has always been loyal only to the orthodox lineage of Xiz. Now that Ashina has murdered his father and usurped the throne, and Amenlah has offered Princess Tuya to the palace, I'm afraid..."

Her unfinished words shattered into a sigh in the autumn wind.

It goes without saying, yet it is clear enough.

Princess Tuya remained in the palace, becoming a "bridge" between the High Priest and Daliang, working together to deal with Ashina. This situation became increasingly chaotic, and Xiz's future was not good.

Xue Sui suddenly pursed her lips and chuckled softly.

Everyone says that the emperor is obsessed with beautiful women and neglects his morning court sessions. But can a heartless emperor who is usually obsessed with power really be so easily swayed by beauty?

Seeing Wen Jia's stunned expression, Xue Sui said with certainty.

"What he wants is internal strife in the Sids, not a beautiful princess."

Wen Jia shook his head with a wry smile, his gaze falling on Niu Niu playing in the courtyard through the window.

The child was clinging to the maid's clothes, tugging at the silk sash around her waist with his little hands, his eyes crinkling with laughter.

"What should I do if Niu Niu is sent away for a political marriage when she grows up?"

She asked softly, her voice tinged with fear.

Xue Sui was taken aback, her fingertips gently tracing the teacup. "No, it won't happen."

She paused, then added, "At least while I'm alive, I won't let that happen."

Wen Jia's eyes reddened slightly as he held her hand, "Peace..."

Xue Suihui held her hand. "Don't worry, this time we'll take the initiative, use their tricks against them, and fight fire with fire... We'll definitely win."

Wenjia pressed urgently, "What should I do?"

Xue Sui said in a deep voice, "Take Niu Niu to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager and also pay a visit to your aunt whom you have never met."
-
After leaving the residence of Princess Huguo, Xue Sui suddenly stopped the carriage as they passed the West Market. She took Xiao Zhao to browse the fabric shops, intending to pick out two bolts of fabric to take back to Xue Yuechen as a token of her appreciation.

As they were choosing, people suddenly started talking behind the fabric rack.

"Miss Lu is really impatient. She's been running to the Jiaofang Palace so frequently these past few days. I heard that Her Majesty the Empress is almost driven to the point of losing her temper by her."

"Who can't see through her little scheme? But Miss Guo isn't one to be trifled with either. Didn't you see how ugly she made that day at the Women's Quarter..."

"Shh, keep your voice down..."

"Tomorrow's palace banquet is going to be quite a show; I wonder how they'll put up their act..."

The two women speaking were noblewomen who frequented the Ping Le Women's Quarter and were very familiar with its intricacies and power struggles.

It seems that Miss Lu the Second and Miss Guo the Third are fiercely competing for the position of Crown Princess.

This Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is getting more and more interesting.

Xue Sui raised an eyebrow, subtly gestured to Xiao Zhao, and turned to leave.

"Girl, what are you laughing at?" Xiao Zhao asked curiously.

"It's nothing." Xue Sui turned around. "Let's go, it's time to go back to the manor. The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is the day after tomorrow, and there are still many things to prepare."

The carriage moved slowly along the long street. Xue Sui lifted the curtain and watched as the lanterns along the street gradually lit up. The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching, and every household was preparing for the festival. Children ran around with rabbit lanterns, chasing and laughing, and the air was filled with the aroma of osmanthus and roasted meat.

Xue Sui suddenly remembered the Mid-Autumn Festival many years ago, when she huddled under the offering table in the ancestral hall and secretly ate half a hardened mooncake.

She didn't experience the Mid-Autumn Festival when she was a child.

I thought the worst thing in life was hunger, but later I realized there are even worse things...
-
As is well known, since Emperor Chongzhao received the beautiful princess from Xizi as a tribute, he has been spending his days with her and his nights in revelry, neglecting even his duties in the court.

Consequently, she also became more amiable towards Empress Xie, who had facilitated her entry into the palace.

This afternoon, surprisingly, I visited the Jiaofang Palace and sat down to drink tea with Empress Xie, a rare occurrence for me.

"The Crown Prince is getting older, and it's time for him to get married."

For many years, he never interfered in the Crown Prince's marriage.

This time, he changed his mind for a beautiful woman.

Empress Xie's expression remained unchanged. "I wonder which family's daughter Your Majesty favors?" Emperor Chongzhao shook his head, his eyes filled with a long-lost tenderness. "Your Majesty is virtuous. Please choose a girl with a good family background and excellent character. Do not wrong the Crown Prince."

"Your Majesty is wise, and I will do my best." Empress Xie poured tea, her face still bearing a polite smile.

After saying that, he turned slightly to the side and gave a wink to the head maid behind him.

The palace maid took out a scroll from the box and spread it out in front of the emperor.

Empress Xie stood beside the emperor, bowed slightly, and said with a smile, "These are portraits of twelve noble ladies from prominent families presented by the Ministry of Rites. They are all exceptional beauties."

The emperor nodded slightly.

The women in the picture are either wearing flowers in their hair and holding scrolls, or playing the zither and flute; they are all quite beautiful.

His slightly raised eyes scrutinized Empress Xie.

"Which one does the Empress favor?"

Empress Xie smiled gracefully and said dignifiedly, "In my opinion, the Grand Tutor's daughter, Lady Lu, is well-educated and reasonable, and the Duke of Zheng's daughter, Lady Guo, is gentle and virtuous; both are good matches. However..."

She frowned slightly. "Miss Lu seemed somewhat indifferent to the marriage before, but lately she has been showing her affection frequently. I don't know what she really means. Although Miss Guo is of excellent character, she is too sharp-tongued. I am also undecided for the moment. Who is worthy to be the principal wife..."

Emperor Chongzhao narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression relaxed.

"It's alright." The emperor raised his hand to stop her. "Let the Crown Prince choose for himself at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet."

Empress Xie nodded respectfully.

"Zhao'er has been more diligent lately and has become more prudent in his actions, all thanks to His Majesty's teachings."

Emperor Chongzhao looked pleased.

"He's become more sensible."
-
The setting sun cast a long shadow over the palace walls, making Li Zhao's shadow appear very long.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the security of important palace gates and halls has become a top priority. The Divine Martial Army is on high alert, patrolling day and night, carrying defense maps personally drawn up by the Crown Prince, with even the most obscure corners clearly marked.

The soldiers, with long swords at their waists, lined up to receive instructions.

Li Zhao stood with his hands behind his back, the cold wind lifting his cloak, his eyes filled with a chilling coldness.

"The Vermilion Bird Gate will be reinforced with three more teams of crossbowmen, patrolling every two quarters of an hour."

"Yes."

"Xuanwu Gate strictly controls entry and exit; all unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from entering."

"Leader!"

"The well and chamber pot must be thoroughly inspected; don't overlook a single corner..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Zhao suddenly placed his hand heavily on the sword at his waist.

As the gaze travels further into the distance, twelve armored guards carry wine jars in single file past, the jars sealed with vermilion ink that reflects exotic patterns.

This is a fine wine specially prepared by His Highness for his new favorite beauty.

Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival, so there will probably be an investiture ceremony...

Li Zhao suddenly chuckled, his fingertips brushing against the pendant on the sword tassel. Just as he was about to leave, a female official came forward, bowed, and informed him that the Empress had summoned him.

Upon arriving at the Jiaofang Palace, Li Zhao had just bowed to pay his respects and hadn't even had time to withdraw his hand when Empress Xie impatiently spread out twelve portraits of noble ladies on the table.

"Your father rarely cares so much about your marriage, so don't disappoint his wishes."

Looking at the women with different features in the portraits, Li Zhao felt agitated, thinking of the jade ruyi that had sunk to the bottom of the koi pond.

"Your subject does not wish to marry..."

"Nonsense!" Empress Xie said with displeasure. "As the Crown Prince, it is your duty to continue the ancestral temple and the state. How can you not get married? Putting aside other matters, the Second Miss Lu and the Third Miss Guo come from noble families. The marriage has already been announced. If it is suddenly called off, how will the girls get married?"

Li Zhao said impatiently, "I am neither a matchmaker nor their biological father, why should I worry about their marriages?"

"..."

Empress Xie was speechless.

After a long pause, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, at least show your face in front of the ladies at the palace banquet tomorrow, so as not to embarrass them."

Seeing his mother's forehead veins throbbing with anger, Li Zhao gave a perfunctory bow.

"Son, farewell."

Empress Xie sighed heavily.
-
Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, Li Zhao changed his clothes and quickly went into his study. He took out paper from a hidden compartment and began writing a letter.

The Tanqiu Courtyard after the torrential rain that night stirred a deep emotion in him.

The dampness of the bamboo shadows by the window, the warmth of the plum wine, the shadows cast by the woman's eyelashes beneath her eyes—all these things stirred a moist, itchy feeling within him…

The thought alone made my throat tighten.

It's hard to talk about, like the unspoken thoughts of a young person...

After that night, he sent several letters to Xue Sui, the words of which were very tender.

"The moon shines coldly on the cold tower, and frost gathers on the iron armor. I only think of your smiling face."

"The fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, the jade rabbit is full of life, do not delay, my love!"

"The moon is full, but I long for you, yet you do not come..."

Lai Fu's gaze fell on His Highness the Crown Prince with a complicated expression. The prince had changed into a moon-white brocade robe, his expression focused, looking like a passionate young man infatuated with love.

The words written on the white paper were so striking that even an old eunuch blushed.

Everything is ready, except for you!

"Your Highness!" Lai Fu sighed inwardly.

These words don't look like they were written by a respectable person...

Laifu: My prince is becoming more and more improper.

Li Zhao: Get out!