Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 270 Understanding Each Other
"Reporting to Miss," Jinshu said, "the investigation into the military supplies corruption case is almost complete. Guo Zhaohuai's second uncle, Guo Mingyuan, has confessed to the matter of the Changping granary embezzling military rations, and is guilty of negligence in supervision..."

Xue Sui paused in wiping his hands, and water droplets fell onto the bluestone slab.

She gazed at the distant, rolling green mountains and thought of the border guards who had died of cold and hunger or died suddenly in the snowy plains because their rations and pay had been embezzled.

"Even with a posthumous honor and a grand funeral, I fear he will not be able to rest in peace."

Jinshu lowered her voice and said, "The eldest son has received news that Lady Wang, the wife of the Duke of Zheng, is bringing the women of her family to the nunnery to burn incense, purify the house, and pray for the well-being of the Guo family."

Xue Sui's fingers paused slightly, a flash of cold light appeared in his eyes, then he returned to calm.

"when?"

"On the fifteenth of the month, we prepared three cartloads of incense, candles, and offerings."

"I understand," she said in a cool voice.

“Princess Minghui will also be coming,” Jinshu added, her voice tinged with hesitation.

"The county princess often visits the nunnery and has a past relationship with the young lady. If we want to find details of the embezzlement or clues about the Guo family's hidden stolen goods, we can start with the county princess..."

"No need," Xue Sui interrupted her. "Miss Guo is clear-headed; don't drag her into this. We've already planted spies; there's no need to resort to such methods."

"Yes." Jinshu retreated, blushing.
-
After the Dragon Boat Festival, the summer heat gradually intensifies.

The fifteenth day is the Renyin day, an auspicious day for offering Buddhist prayers, fasting, and seeking blessings.

At 3:45 AM, the Zheng State Duke's carriage indeed arrived at Shuiyue Nunnery.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn, with only the sound of chanting and the gentle tapping of the wooden fish.

Lady Guo, wife of the Duke of Zheng, led the women of the household, kneeling in a dense mass on prayer mats, listening attentively to the sutra.

They wore simple silk and satin, and their hair was tied up with only blue satin.

Guo Wangshi's well-maintained face was taut, but her brows betrayed a persistent anxiety.

Several young women behind them couldn't kneel for long; even with cushions under their knees, they were still sore and their legs ached.

Xue Yue'e followed behind her mother-in-law, the second wife, Madam Sun. Her face was haggard, her movements perfunctory, and her gaze would occasionally glance at Xue Sui, who was dressed simply, with undisguised scrutiny in her eyes...

Despite being daughters of the Xue family, their fates were vastly different. Facing Xue Sui, she felt both ashamed and embarrassed.

Guo Yunrong knelt with her birth mother, Madam Luo, at the front of the women's line. She wore a plain blue-green silk robe and had only a plain silver hairpin in her hair.

She raised her head slightly, and when she saw Xue Sui, her eyes lit up.

He didn't see her turn around to look at him, and a hint of doubt flashed across his face, along with a deliberately suppressed sense of grievance.

a long time--

The chanting finally stopped, and Abbess Huiming led the group to stand up.

Xue Sui also stood up, dressed in a gray robe, his figure slender and upright, showing neither sorrow nor joy.

“Sincere benefactors are devoted to the Buddha, they will naturally receive the protection of the Bodhisattva. However, worldly attachments must also be seen through and let go in order to attain true freedom.” Master Huiming’s voice was clear and cold, as if it were untouched by worldly concerns.

Lady Guo, wife of the Duke of Zheng, forced herself to remain dignified, led the women to their feet, and put on a proper smile.

"Master, please have mercy. This time, I, along with all the women of the household, have prepared a small offering. I hope that the Bodhisattva will have mercy and bless our Guo family with long life and good fortune, and that our descendants will be free from disasters and illnesses. The entire Duke's Mansion will be forever grateful for the Master's kindness."

She bowed deeply, and everyone else followed suit.

Huiming's eyes showed compassion, and he softly uttered "Amitabha."

“If you serve the Bodhisattva with a pure heart, all your wishes will be fulfilled.”

After saying this, she gestured to her young apprentice to accept the list of offerings and silently recited Buddhist mantras.

The women of the Zheng State Duke's Mansion stepped forward in turn, offering sesame oil as a sacrifice, and reciting the same auspicious words.

When it was Guo Yunrong's turn, she stepped forward, offered the sesame oil, and then walked up to Xue Sui, her clear eyes filled with unspoken words.

"Sister has lost weight... Life in the mountains is tough, but are you still comfortable?"

Xue Sui's gaze fell on her face, lingered for a moment, and then he returned the greeting with his palms together.

"I am concerned for you, Lady Lao. The Buddhist temple is pure and tranquil, and with a peaceful mind, I am naturally at ease."

His gaze was deep, like a pebble thrown into an ancient well, creating a faint ripple that quickly fades into silence.

Guo Yunrong couldn't see through her, and couldn't help but feel wronged.

"I came to see my sister with great eagerness, but she wouldn't pay any attention to me."

“Your Highness is too kind. Those gifts were simply too precious for this humble nun to accept. If Your Highness has only come to the nunnery to worship Buddha and relax, or to rest and chat in the meditation room, this humble nun will certainly welcome you with open arms…”

Excuses! It wasn't like that before...

Guo Yunrong's eyes were slightly red. She felt that her mother was deliberately distancing herself from her. She wanted to say something more, but her mother, Luo, pulled her back without making a sound.

"Yunrong, do not be rude, do not disturb Master Miaozhen's peace."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was full of displeasure.

Xue Sui and Luo Shi had once gone to Puji Temple together to listen to sutras and eat vegetarian food, and they had a very pleasant conversation.

She naturally understood why the usually gentle and kind Mrs. Luo had suddenly become so distant and wary of her.

Back then, her elder brother Luo Huan was the Minister of Revenue. He was demoted to Yazhou because of the case of Princess Ping Le occupying land. Now, he was also somewhat resentful about the marriage between Li Zhao and Guo Yunrong. As a mother, how could she not hate him?
Xue Sui smiled, clasped his hands together, and nodded, displaying impeccable manners.

"I am accustomed to the solitary life of a nun and the ancient Buddha, and dare not presume to ask for your concern, madam."

Luo looked at her with a complicated expression, her lips moved, but she didn't say anything more.

Xue Yueman, who was standing to the side, couldn't hold back and let out a snort, her sharp voice quite grating.

“Yunrong, you are of noble birth, why demean yourself? Sixth Sister is now His Majesty’s personally appointed Master Miaozhen, she has a high and mighty attitude, how could she possibly look down on your little things…”

She deliberately emphasized the words "personally conferred by His Majesty," her tone full of sarcasm.

"Some people, while chanting 'Amitabha Buddha' on the surface, are probably plotting some shady schemes to harm the Guo family..."

"Fourth Sister-in-law!" Guo Yunrong stamped her foot anxiously, her face flushed. "What nonsense are you talking about? Sister Xue is a good person..."

"A good person?" Xue Yueman scoffed. "A good person could make His Highness the Crown Prince defy the imperial decree and annul the engagement for her, enduring twenty-eight lashes? A good person could cause unrest in the court? Back in the Xue family, she was a born troublemaker! I don't believe that entering the Buddhist order will wash away all her filth..."

She became increasingly agitated as she spoke, her finger almost poking Xue Sui's face. Guo Yunrong's expression instantly changed, and she turned to the Second Madam, Madam Sun.

"Second Aunt, you're just letting Fourth Sister-in-law spout nonsense like this..."

Second Madam Sun looked troubled and avoided eye contact.

Ever since Xue Yueman entered the household, she has been a shrew and domineering person. The resentment between her and her mother-in-law runs deep, and they can't control her anyway. Besides, the first wife has always been in charge of things in the mansion, so it's even more inconvenient for her, the second wife, to interfere.

Xue Sui remained calm, as if Xue Yueman's insults were merely the noisy chirping of cicadas outside the palace.

"In this pure Buddhist sanctuary, one should cultivate virtuous thoughts. The Fourth Young Mistress harbors resentment and utters harsh words, which is also karmic retribution. This humble nun is here to recite a sutra for her, to dispel her anger..."

Her voice was calm and gentle, as if it carried a quiet and serene power, making Xue Yueman's anger feel like a punch hitting cotton, leaving her feeling suffocated and her face even more unsightly.

"Hmph, putting on airs! I can't be bothered with you..."

She turned and left.

Guo Yunrong felt a pang of pity seeing Xue Sui's calm demeanor.

While everyone was offering incense, she took a small oiled paper packet from her sleeve and swiftly and deftly slipped it into the hand of Ruyi, who was standing by the hall door, whispering:
"This is for Sister Xue. To tell her not to hold a grudge against my fourth sister-in-law. She's just a foul-mouthed fool. It's not worth getting angry over her and ruining your health."

Ruyi was taken aback, and touched the still-warm oil paper package, feeling a pang of sadness in her heart.

This is the persimmon frost soft cake that the girl used to love to eat.

It's kind of Miss Guo to remember.

She glanced quickly into the hall and quietly tucked the small package into her sleeve.
-
After the Dharma assembly concluded, Abbess Huiming led Lady Zheng and her entourage to the guest hall for a vegetarian meal.

The noisy crowd dispersed, leaving only the lingering scent of sandalwood and the empty bluestone ground in front of the hall.

Xue Sui did not leave immediately.

She stood alone under the ancient, vigorous plum tree, watching the wind pass through the branches and leaves, letting the wind blow her wide robe, lost in thought.

“Miss…” Ruyi then stepped forward and carefully took out the soft oil paper package from her sleeve, handing it to Xue Sui. “This is a persimmon cake given by Princess Minghui. It’s still warm.”

The familiar sweet fragrance evokes the languid afternoons of the old Prince Duan's mansion.

Xue Sui's gaze fell upon her with a faint hint of joy.

Soon, he became indifferent again.

"You can take it and eat it."

“Miss, the county princess has a heart full of good intentions…” Ruyi’s hand froze in mid-air as she watched the girl turn and walk towards the meditation room. Her frail figure made her nose sting with tears.

She and Xiao Zhao stayed by the girl's side almost every day. The girl always wore simple clothes and ate simple food, burned incense and chanted scriptures, as if she were truly a detached person with a calm mind, without desires or wants.

It has never changed...

But at times, she felt that the girl had changed.

She became more quiet and aloof, and less willing to form bonds with others...
-
Inside the meditation room, the candlelight flickered, casting Xue Sui's long, thin shadow.

Jinshu silently served a cup of tea, her gaze sweeping over the unopened oil paper package on the table, hesitating to speak.

"Third Miss Guo is still copying scriptures in the side hall. She said she would come to talk to the young lady later after the First Madam has gone to sleep."

The women of the Duke of Zheng's family entered the nunnery for fasting and purification, and they will all stay there tonight.

Xue Sui nodded silently, without saying anything more.

Jinshu said, "Ever since Miss Xue married into the Guo family, everyone knows that the couple is not getting along. Second Master Guo was imprisoned for the military supplies case, and Fourth Young Master Guo not only did not turn over a new leaf, but instead became even more dissolute, spending his days in brothels and gambling dens. Recently, he has become infatuated with a courtesan named Liu Yiyi, and they partied almost every night, indulging in extravagant spending. I heard that a few days ago, he even got into a fight with the son of the Vice Minister of Works in a brothel because of jealousy, which was quite disgraceful..."

Xue Sui snorted softly.

A very faint smile appeared on his face.

"No wonder Xue Ba was so angry, he didn't care about his reputation at all."

Jinshu hesitated for a moment, then said, "That eldest son, Guo Zhaohuai, is quite composed. He acts with propriety, making it difficult for anyone to find fault with him..."

Xue Sui picked up the worn-out picture album and turned to the page with Guo Zhaohuai.

Among the privileged young men who followed Ping Le back then, Guo Zhaohuai was not the one who bullied her the most, but he was the most cunning.

They used to bully others because of their family background, but now they're going to run into the knife one by one...

She stroked the picture book, a cold, knowing glint in her eyes.

"The Duke of Zheng's mansion is deeply entrenched, and Guo Pi has been in court for many years with numerous followers. Guo Erye's crimes alone cannot shake his foundation. If we rashly alert him, we might only push him to the brink. It would be better to wait and see..."

She paused for a moment, then smiled.

"If Guo Zhaohuai has no leverage, then find some leverage for him..."

"What are you planning, young lady..."

"If the eldest son doesn't work, then let's try the fourth son. Doesn't Guo Zhaoxuan like brothels and gambling dens? Let's give him a taste of the good life..."

Xue Sui gave some instructions, then added, "After obtaining the key confessions and evidence, do not hand them over directly to the government, and even more importantly, do not alert the imperial court..."

The Duke of Zheng wielded immense power, and it was difficult for him to shake his foundations over minor matters.

With him protecting him, it would be difficult to punish the crown prince.

Jinshu nodded. "Then what should we do?"

Xue Sui said, "Choose a situation where the Guo family cannot control or cover it up, and use someone else to launch an attack..."

In situations where concealment is impossible to control?
When is it
Jinshu was slightly taken aback, then heard Xue Sui speak calmly.

"Li Zhao has won a great victory in his western expedition and is returning to the capital in triumph. The court will surely send a member of the imperial family and high-ranking officials to welcome him. We will choose the time when the army returns in triumph into the city... to personally hand this sword to Li Zhao."

　Li Zhao: On this holiday, thank you for remembering me, Xue Ping'an.

　　Lai Fu: Your Highness, that doesn't seem like concern, it seems like scheming...

　　Guan Ya: Well done! My greatsword is itching for a fight.

　　Li Zhao: Take these two away and give each of them fifty lashes.

　　(End of this chapter)