Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 214 No good banquet
At the beginning of the morning, Xue Sui was gently awakened by Jin Shu.

The moon-white curtains were drawn up with jade hooks, and the lingering warmth of the warm cage, along with the scent of mint, wafted towards us.

"Young lady, it's time to get up."

Xue Sui lifted the silk quilt and watched the morning light shine through the window, a lazy feeling spreading across his eyes.

"The palace banquet is still a while away; let me have a little more time to doze off..."

Jinshu lowered her head and gathered her sleeves, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Miss, this is your first palace banquet after being promoted to concubine. We can't afford to lose..."

Xue Sui, his eyes still half-open and sleepy, mumbled something and tried to lie down again.

Jinshu quickly helped her up and gestured for Ruyi to bring the clothes over.

"Would you like to wear that peacock blue brocade dress today, young lady?"

The dress Ruyi held in her hands was embroidered with half-open magnolia flowers on the cuffs and collar, the patterns delicate and elegant.

"The Princess Consort specifically instructed that we must be dignified at the palace banquet..."

Xue Sui leaned against the blue satin pillow, rubbed his temples, and spoke in a hoarse voice, as if he had just woken up.

"It's quite fitting for the occasion, so let's take this one."

As soon as she finished speaking, she half-closed her eyes, turned over and lay down again, like a lazy cat, snuggling into the quilt and sticking to it, refusing to come out no matter how much Jinshu urged her.

Ruyi smiled behind her handkerchief, while Xiao Zhao stood expressionless beside the bed.

Jinshu had no choice but to gently lower the curtain and signal everyone to leave.

The light in the young lady's room didn't go out until the third watch last night, so she obviously didn't sleep well.

It's all the Crown Prince's fault for his misdeeds.

To send those suggestive letters at this crucial juncture only disturbs the girl's peace of mind.
-
When Xue Sui woke up again, it was already afternoon.

She sat in front of the bronze mirror, absentmindedly stroking her jade hairpin, letting the maids serve her with her makeup.

Jinshu stood beside her, tying her hair up. "This was taken from the bottom of the old lady's dowry chest. It will suit you perfectly, young lady..."

It was an antique and elegant jade hairpin with a pearl in its center. The hairpin head was shaped like a ruyi (a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune), and an oval piece of mutton-fat white jade was inlaid in the middle, which was very warm and soft...

Xue Sui raised an eyebrow, recalling the day she returned to the Xue residence, when Old Madam Cui took her hand and placed the hairpin in her palm.

"Sixth girl, don't stand out at the palace banquet. The Empress Dowager is still thinking about Prince Wei's injury and might want to speak to you."

Older gingers are more spicy.

Old Mrs. Cui was quite farsighted and resourceful.

If they had shown her some protection ten years ago, she wouldn't have suffered so much in the Xue family.

Before leaving the mansion, Xue Sui tied the blue unicorn pouch that Li Huan had given him to his waist.

In the bronze mirror, she wore her hair in a high bun, adorned with floral decorations on her forehead, and her cheeks were lightly rouged. Her slender, arched eyebrows were meticulously groomed, with a slight upward curve, giving her an air of both heroism and allure…

"The young lady looks exceptionally elegant today."

"That's right, no other girl can compare..."

Ruyi and Xiaozhao laughed and joked quietly beside them, praising each other.

Xue Sui looked in the mirror, gently pursed her lips, and ran her fingertips along the hem of her sleeve.

Before returning to the capital, she didn't care much about her appearance and attire. She didn't have many extra clothes, let alone rouge and jewelry.

Now, the heavy jade crown and magnificent robes weigh heavily on his body, as if they were transforming the crushed dignity into armor.
-
At the end of Shenshi (3-5 PM), the vermilion carriage of Prince Duan's residence stopped in front of the palace gate.

Xue Sui helped Xiao Zhao out of the carriage and saw Prime Minister Lu arriving with his wife, accompanied by several servants dressed in brand-new brocade robes, and followed by the timid twins of the Lu family.

When the two children saw her, their bright eyes lit up instantly, but Madam Lu gently pressed them back down.

"Mr. Lu, Madam Lu..."

Xue Sui smiled gracefully, her gaze sweeping over the old lady's tightly pursed lips.

"What a coincidence that we've run into each other here today."

Prime Minister Lu stroked his beard and sighed, "The Empress Dowager has been thinking about these two children and specially ordered me to bring them here to see you."

Though her words carried a hint of helplessness, Xue Sui understood that the Empress Dowager was using this opportunity to put pressure on the Lu family.

The group proceeded along the Panlong Imperial Road, crossed the Golden Jade Bridge, and encountered the Crown Prince's entourage.

Li Zhao's dark robe was bathed in the morning light, and the belt around his waist gleamed coldly. The morning light fell on his shoulders, making his features appear stern and aloof.

Upon seeing Xue Sui, a barely perceptible ripple flashed in his eyes, but when he caught sight of the Qilin purse at her waist, he paused slightly, and his fingertips unconsciously tightened.

Everyone saluted.

Xue Sui readily agreed and curtsied.

"Your Highness, I greet you."

"No need for formalities," Li Zhao said, raising his hand in a gesture of support, his voice calm.

His gaze lingered for a moment longer on the thin blush of rouge on her cheeks.

"The concubine looks quite well today."

His voice carried a hint of teasing, but from an angle unseen by others, he quickly glanced at her before gesturing for Laifu to present the brocade box.

The vermilion box was half-open, revealing two wild ginseng roots wrapped in gold foil. The roots had twisted and coiled like dragons, clearly indicating their value.

"I was fortunate enough to receive medicine from the concubine at the Prince Duan's residence that day, and this box of ginseng is a token of my gratitude."

In front of everyone, the Crown Prince appeared solemn and composed, his demeanor open and honest...

The officials and their wives nearby did not feel that they had overstepped their bounds.

After all, showing goodwill to Prince Duan's concubine is equivalent to showing goodwill to Prince Duan. Even if the Crown Prince and Prince Duan have not truly eased their conflict, it is the Crown Prince pretending to be magnanimous in order to show brotherly affection.

"I am terrified."

Xue Sui lowered his eyes.

Thinking of those tender letters, I took a half step back.

"It's just a small matter, and I don't deserve Your Highness's generous gift."

Li Zhao's expression darkened slightly, and he narrowed his eyes coldly.

I dislike owing favors to others.

After saying this, he had Laifu hand over the box and then walked away.

Lai Fu smiled wryly and lowered his voice, "Your Highness, please accept it."

Others may not know, but he does. Because Consort Xue enjoys tinkering with medicinal herbs, the Crown Prince secretly turned the imperial treasury upside down, spending an hour searching before finally finding this box of old ginseng. If the Consort hadn't accepted it, His Highness would probably have spent the entire night sitting in his study, lost in thought...

Xue Sui noticed the helplessness in Lai Fu's eyes and bowed again to accept the gift.

"Thank you, sir. Please convey my gratitude to His Highness. I have accepted the gift, but it is too generous a gift, and I have no way to repay it..."

"You're too kind, Consort." Lai Fu hurriedly bowed and followed Li Zhao with small, quick steps.

The incident was minor and didn't attract much attention from bystanders.

Only Li Huan, who came following the sound, witnessed this entire scene...

A shadow hung over his heart, making him inexplicably irritable...

Why does seeing her interacting with Li Zhao feel so irritating?

This Xue Liu was not to his liking. Even though she was involved with Li Zhaoduo, he felt no romantic feelings whatsoever. She was merely a pawn on the chessboard, her greatest value being her ability to hinder the Crown Prince. Yet, an inexplicable surge of resentment welled up within him, leaving him momentarily stunned…

Only after Xue Yuechen came up to him, supporting her waist, and inquired about the matter did he regain his composure and become dignified again.

"Take Ping An inside quickly, don't keep the Empress Dowager and the Empress waiting."

Xue Yuechen curtsied and replied, "Your Highness, please be careful with your alcohol intake and don't overindulge, lest you suffer from a headache at night..."

His wife's soft words of advice were gentle and tender.

Li Huan's expression softened for once. "I understand. Go ahead."

A grand banquet is being held in the palace tonight, and all officials of the fifth rank and above in the capital will bring their families to attend...

However, male and female guests were seated separately in the east and west halls, separated by beaded curtains. Singers and dancers performed throughout the banquet until 9 PM, when they went together to Taiye Pond to admire the moon, release river lanterns to pray for blessings, and eat "palace cakes" to add to the festivities...

The entire celebration begins at 5 PM and will not end until 11 PM.

The emperor, empress, concubines, and the wives of officials enjoyed music and moon-viewing banquets until late into the night before dispersing...

Just as Xue Yuechen was about to leave, supported by her maid, she saw Li Yan slowly strolling over.

The bruises on his face had faded considerably, but his gait was still somewhat awkward, showing that Li Zhao had hit him hard that day and that his injuries had not yet fully healed...

Li Yan glanced at Xue Suiyu's graceful figure, a mocking smile curving his lips.

"Such a wonderful person, if Second Brother doesn't like her, don't let anyone take advantage of the situation..."

The implied meaning in the words was truly unpleasant.

Li Huan's face darkened. "Is Third Brother drunk again in broad daylight?"

Xue Yuechen gently stroked her pregnant belly and stepped forward. "Your Highness, Prince Wei, please take your seat quickly, lest you be late."

Li Yan glanced sideways, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and left with a cold laugh...
-
The palace banquet was held in Qinghui Hall by Taiye Pond.

The main hall is built by the water, and the tables, chairs, screens, and utensils inside are all made of the finest nanmu wood and inlaid with Hetian jade, making it very magnificent. Outside the hall, the autumn breeze is refreshing, while inside, it is warm and cozy. Gilded lotus lanterns hang in the hall, illuminating the jewels and jade.

As night falls, looking out again, the pond is filled with swaying lotus lanterns reflecting the shimmering light, and the moon hangs high in the sky, like a dreamlike fairyland.

This is a great place to admire the moon.

Just as Xue Sui sat down beside Xue Yuechen, the Empress Dowager entered, supported by palace maids. She glanced at Xue Sui and her expression darkened slightly.

"Consort of Prince Duan, come here." The Empress Dowager's voice carried a hint of authority, and her prayer beads spun rapidly in her hand.

Xue Sui curtsied and hurried forward, saying, "Your Majesty, I am here."

Empress Dowager Chengqing's voice suddenly turned stern, "I heard that you wronged Prince Wei at the banquet celebrating your investiture as a concubine?"

They couldn't wait to confront me as soon as they arrived?
The Empress Dowager doted on her grandson and was bound to seize the opportunity to make a scene, but Xue Sui hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.

Xue Sui bowed her head, curtsying to the utmost: "This humble woman dares not."

Empress Dowager Chengqing trembled as she stroked the Buddhist prayer beads, her eyes seemingly misty. "His Highness the Third Prince has been ill for three whole days, with a persistent high fever, unable to eat or drink, and so thin he's practically unrecognizable. I wonder which heartless person could have committed such a heinous act..."

Everyone in the hall held their breath.

Who in the capital would dare to lay a hand on a prince?
Everyone understood the unspoken message and remained silent.

Xue Sui's eyelids twitched slightly, and her lips held just the right amount of fear. "Your Majesty, that day His Highness Prince Wei drank a few too many cups. I saw him stagger out and failed to send someone to help and care for him in time. I am truly guilty of a crime deserving of death..."

"Oh?" The Empress Dowager suddenly gripped the prayer beads with her fingertips. "I heard that someone used Prince Wei as a live target to beat him up outside the corridor of Xiefang Garden that day, even kicking him into Yingyue Lake to freeze. Is this true?"

Xue Sui felt a chill run down her spine, but her face remained impassive. She glanced at the Empress Dowager's tense profile and lowered her eyes to conceal the coldness in them.

This empress dowager appeared compassionate, but in reality, she was extremely protective of her own...

Only the prince who came out of her niece's belly was her beloved.

"Your Majesty—" she bowed gracefully, "I have long lived in the inner quarters and am rather dull-witted. I only heard that His Highness Prince Wei was so engrossed in watching the fish swimming in the lake that he became intoxicated and accidentally slipped into the lake..."

She raised her eyes and smiled gently, "His Highness Prince Wei is always magnanimous, so I don't think he will hold this against me."

The sound of the prayer beads abruptly stopped.

The Empress Dowager's expression softened slightly, her phoenix eyes narrowed, and she gave her a meaningful look.

"You certainly have a silver tongue. No wonder Prince Duan speaks so highly of you."

Xue Sui lowered his head, feigning fear.

The Empress Dowager gently stroked the beads on her lap.

Originally, she intended to take this opportunity to give this newly appointed concubine a warning.

But yesterday, Wen Jia came to the palace crying and pleading, kneeling and begging her to be lenient, and even took out the sachet given to her by Xue Sui to express her true feelings. She couldn't be too harsh on her in this situation.

Empress Dowager Chengqing pondered for a moment, then glanced sideways at him.

Her head lady-in-waiting then presented her with a red lacquered wooden box with a smile.

The Empress Dowager said, "This is a reward from me. In the future, when you are in the mansion, please advise Prince Duan more often, so that the brothers will not lose their harmony and such an 'accident' will happen again."

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty."

Xue Sui bowed his head in gratitude, curtsied, and slowly returned to his seat. He glanced up casually and caught sight of Empress Xie entering the palace in a dignified and elegant court dress.

Lu Xi followed closely beside her, her makeup exquisite, wearing a yellow brocade dress with silver threads on the cuffs that shone brightly in the candlelight.

The bracelet on her wrist was made of agarwood, a gift from Princess Ping Le.

As soon as Empress Xie arrived, the hall was filled with a chorus of greetings.

Xue Sui also stood up and bowed respectfully, just like Xue Yuechen.

Lu Xi glanced at her, helped Empress Xie sit down gracefully, and then offered her a cup with great courtesy.

"Your Majesty, please have some ginseng tea."

Lu Xi's voice carried a deliberate softness.

Empress Xie smiled gently, took the cup, touched her lips to it slightly, and then gently placed it on the table.

A fleeting look of tension crossed Lu Xi's pale face.

Xue Sui's gaze turned cold. He lightly traced the edge of the teacup with his fingertip, causing the warm tea to ripple.

The group chatted and laughed.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, dancers filed in.

The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments rose, and the palace banquet began. The court musicians swung their water sleeves and danced gracefully to the beat of the drums.

Lu Xi moved about the banquet, chatting with noble ladies and socializing with court ladies, accepting all kinds of flattery without question, acting like a future crown princess...

Just as the atmosphere in the hall was lively and the music was in full swing, Empress Xie suddenly clutched her chest, coughed twice, and let out a suppressed groan from her throat.

"Mother--"

Lu Xi hurriedly supported the empress's trembling arm, knelt down on one knee, and couldn't help but tremble himself.

"Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

She was scared.

He took several deep breaths before letting out a trembling shout.

"Isn't Consort Xue an expert in medicine? Why don't you quickly step forward to examine her?"

Happy May Day holiday, ladies! Have a great time!