Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 273 Hot
Crows Crossing the River.

The night was as dark as ink, pouring down heavily.

A half-moon hung on the eaves of the dilapidated temple, and the wind, carrying the dampness of the reeds, made the spider webs on the shrine rustle.

Guo Zhaoxuan knelt before the shrine, trembling as he dug away the loose soil. When his fingertips touched the cold oilcloth covering the shrine, he shuddered and his voice trembled.

"found it!"

The wooden box, wrapped in oilcloth, had corners that were damp from being buried underground for many years.

With trembling hands, he untied the oilcloth and, by the dim light filtering through the broken tiles, saw a thread-bound account book lying in the box. The Xuan paper was yellowed, and the handwriting was messy.

"Go to Huichuntang and find the manager surnamed Hu..."

He clutched the ledger tightly to his chest, as if it were a hot potato, and collapsed onto the cold flagstones, utterly exhausted. He felt a mixture of hope and dread about the unknown future, his nose stinging so much he almost cried.

Unbeknownst to him, not far behind him, in the reeds swaying like ghosts in the night wind, two pairs of eyes were watching his every move through the gaps in the reeds.
-
East of the city.

The alley where Huichuntang is located is a mixed bag, filled with cheap taverns, private brothels, and mysterious foreign merchants' warehouses. It is noisy and chaotic during the day and haunted by ghosts at night.

Guo Zhaoxuan stumbled into Huichuntang, found Manager Hu, and was shoved into a black-felt-covered awning carriage, just as he had hoped.

The carriage has gone nowhere...

He was half dizzy and half bewildered, and fell asleep amidst the jolts. When he woke up, he found himself lying in a small, airtight room.

The walls were pitch black, without a single ray of light.

He struggled to sit up and found that his hands and feet were bound by thick hemp ropes, which chafed his skin painfully.

With a creak, the wooden door opened.

"The Fourth Young Master is awake?"

Guo Zhaoxuan suddenly looked up and, by the light of the lamp, saw who it was—

A merchant from Xizhu, with a turban and a thick, curly beard, was leaning against the door frame, toying with two shiny walnuts in his hands.

Isn't this Manager Chen from Hung Fook Casino?

Why is he dressed like a foreign merchant...?

No, how did he end up in his hands?

Guo Zhaoxuan's pupils contracted sharply, and his blood seemed to freeze instantly.

"It's you! What are you going to do?"

"Fourth Young Master, don't be afraid, I'm here to save you."

Manager Chen walked in slowly, his cloth boots making a soft sound.

Guo Zhaoxuan's face turned pale, his eyes sunken, and his arrogant and domineering air was replaced by a look of fear and desperation.

“I don’t want to die. Please give me a few more days. My elder brother will save me… I will definitely, definitely find a way to raise the 150,000 taels of silver to repay you.”

"Your elder brother?"

Manager Chen suddenly sneered, grabbed his collar, and spoke with undisguised contempt.

"Your elder brother sent you to Crow Crossing to retrieve the account book, but he just wanted to use you as a tool to kill someone. He wanted to use the account book to frame you for his crimes and embezzlement of military funds... If we hadn't intercepted him, you would have been turned into jerky by the Siz people by now."

Guo Zhaoxuan was struck dumb, staggered, and slammed his back against the cold earthen wall.

"No, impossible! My older brother said that it was... that was something that could save lives..."

"Naive. After your father went to prison, your uncle's family treated you like a discarded child, eager to sever all ties with your second branch of the family. Do you really think your eldest brother cares about your worthless life? Think about it carefully..."

Seeing his bewildered silence, Manager Chen sneered again.

"Right now, we're the only ones who genuinely want to save you—after all, you still owe the gambling den 150,000 taels. If you die, where will we get the money?"

Guo Zhaoxuan, thinking of his elder brother's cold gaze when he left, gasped for breath, his inner clothes soaked with sweat.

Manager Chen leaned forward, his voice laced with coaxing, "If you ask me, Young Master Guo is a smart man. With your quick wit, as long as you're obedient, why worry about not having a wealthy and promising future?"

Guo Zhaoxuan's eyes lit up, as if a drowning person had grabbed a piece of driftwood.

"What exactly do you intend to do?"

Manager Chen chuckled, stroked his beard, and leaned close to Guo Zhaoxuan's ear, his voice so low it was almost a whisper.

"Work with us."

"Cooperate... What can I do for you?"

"You follow your elder brother around all day, carrying his boots and inkstone. You should know about the dirty tricks he does, right?"

Manager Chen paused for a moment, then gave a sly smile.

"Without your elder brother blocking your way, the Duke of Zheng's mansion will fall into your hands sooner or later. In the future, not only will you have 150,000 taels of silver, but the entire Duke of Zheng's mansion will be yours..."

Guo Zhaoxuan's face turned deathly pale instantly.

"You...you want me to betray the Duke's Mansion, betray my elder brother...No, this is unacceptable...absolutely not..."

Manager Chen chuckled, his eyes suddenly turning fierce.

"Fourth Young Master Guo, you have no other choice now. Even if we don't skin you alive, the Duke of Zheng's mansion will not let you go, you useless illegitimate son. Sooner or later you will be a scapegoat and die... How do you want to die? Tell me?"

Guo Zhaoxuan stared at the cold light in Manager Chen's eyes, his Adam's apple bobbing, his body trembling violently, his last bit of hesitation completely crushed by immense fear.

“…I’ll do it, I’ll do it, I’ll do as you say…”
-
The Shuiyue Nunnery was filled with the chirping of cicadas in the afternoon.

The summer heat was intense, so Xue Sui moved a bamboo chair to the courtyard to cool off.

Xiao Zhao and Ruyi stood on either side.

"Please try this, young lady." Ruyi scooped up some plum juice with a silver spoon. "I specially added freshly picked mint leaves; it's very refreshing and perfect for cooling off in the summer."

Xue Sui took the porcelain cup and suddenly noticed a gray-feathered pigeon perched on the grape trellis, with a vermilion silk thread tied to its tail feathers. The pigeon paced restlessly, pecking at the red thread with its beak.

She couldn't bear it and gestured to Xiao Zhao, "Go help it."

Just as Xiao Zhao was about to step forward, the pigeon flapped its wings and flew away, its crimson line disappearing in an instant through the gaps in the leaves.

Xiao Zhao said, "Miss, it won't let us help it."

Xue Sui lowered his eyes and smiled, gently stroking the cool edge of the porcelain cup.

"Let it go."

The sound of cicadas suddenly rose in pitch.

The bamboo shadows swayed on the stone table, and then Jinshu strode over.

Seeing Xue Sui cough lightly, and after Ruyi and Xiao Zhao left to get some fresh air, she leaned closer and whispered in his ear.

"Miss, news has just arrived. Seventh Master has succeeded, caught red-handed. He says he has acted according to plan, so please rest assured..."

"Understood." Xue Sui's voice was even softer and calmer, without the slightest hint of emotion.

"How is the Duke of Zheng's mansion?"

Jinshu smiled slightly and immediately replied, "It's common for Fourth Young Master Guo to stay out all night. Eighth Miss initially cried and made a fuss, but now she's too lazy to care. As for Eldest Young Master Guo, after receiving the news this morning, he smashed a teacup in his study and then went out to comfort his sister-in-law."

Xue Sui gave a very soft "hmm".

"There is no need to act hastily; it is best to observe and wait for developments."

As she turned around, a bamboo leaf landed on her shoulder.

She picked up a bamboo leaf and looked at it in the sunlight. Her face, though clearly compassionate, seemed to burn with a cold, tempered light.

Everything is ready; all that's needed is the east wind—

Crown Prince Li Zhao was that favorable wind.

Jinshu asked in a low voice, "Should we inform His Highness the Crown Prince in advance?"

"No need," Xue Sui said calmly, then got up and walked towards the meditation room, his blue cloth shoes scattering patches of light on the floor.
-
Chishui Pass.

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the endless Gobi Desert a deep ochre red.

Night fell silent, leaving only lingering smoke from the battle, carried by the evening wind across the scorched earth and fallen flagpoles. The Chishui River flowed on, its waters murmuring.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted lamb and strong liquor. The sounds of rough porcelain bowls clattering, boisterous drinking games, off-key battle songs shouted by someone with a hoarse voice, and unrestrained laughter echoed across the vast Gobi Desert, proclaiming this hard-won victory.

This is the night of victory celebration for the Liang army.

Outside the central command tent, the campfire leaped three zhang high, scorching the canvas of the cowhide tent.

The tent was quiet, with wine jars and meat piled on a low table.

Li Zhao leaned against the felt blanket alone, listening to Yu Qianshan's rough laughter outside the tent.

"...My son wrote to me saying that he made the butcher's daughter next door cry, and his mother chased her for three blocks with a broom."

Yu Qianshan slapped his thigh, his voice booming.

"When I get back to Beijing, I'll make sure he comes to apologize by the ear. That brat has been bullying that little girl since he was a kid, I don't know what kind of nemesis he is..."

The campfire crackled and sparked, illuminating Yuan Cang's dark face.

He added a dry piece of firewood to the fire and replied in a muffled voice.

"Doesn't General Yu have a beautiful daughter? Is she betrothed to someone?"

"Go away! Get lost!" Yu Qianshan, with beads of wine on his beard, shoved him with a laugh. "My little girl is precious, you're just asking for trouble..."

Everyone gathered around the campfire, laughing heartily.

Like a scalding hot swamp...

There was no grand spectacle of the capital city, only the most primitive and unrefined revelry of the frontier military camp, intense and passionate.

"Guard Yuan wants to become General Yu's son-in-law? That's a wonderful thing. When we return to the capital in triumph, why not ask His Highness for a marriage decree..."

"He wouldn't dare!" Yu Qianshan cherished his son and daughter like the back of his hand.

As he spoke, he grabbed a wine jar, making a move as if he were about to fight someone.

The crowd's jeering intensified.

Li Zhao broke open the charred mutton, letting the night air cool it down, making it unpalatable.

The clanging of the patrol soldiers' armor mingled with Yu Qianshan's laughter, like stones hitting a copper basin, stirring his mind...

"Your Highness," Laifu said, rubbing his hands together as he stepped forward, "The quartermaster just received supplies, including newly made quilts and blankets. This old servant has prepared them all for you..."

Li Zhao looked up and saw the frayed edges on his cuffs. "Here you go."

Laifu couldn't discern his master's emotions and became somewhat nervous.

"Your Highness, we won a great victory today, and the brothers are in high spirits. They spoke rather crudely and without restraint. Has this bothered Your Highness?"

Seeing that her master remained silent, she carefully forced a smile.

"This old servant will go out now and instruct them to behave themselves..."

"No need, let them be." Li Zhao lowered his eyes to look at the cold wine in his glass, his voice as faint as the thin mist in the night.

"After a long war, let them relax a bit."

Laifu rubbed his hands together and chuckled twice.

"His Highness is considerate of the soldiers on the border, and the soldiers are grateful for His Highness's kindness. Hearing that His Highness will be returning to the capital soon, they are all clamoring to save money to buy wine to bid farewell to His Highness..."

"Each battalion should rest and replenish its food supplies; no further arrangements are needed."

Li Zhao interrupted him, his gaze falling on the leaping flames outside the tent.

"On the day of breaking camp, anyone who leaves his post without authorization and gathers to see him off will be dealt with according to military law."

The tent fell silent instantly.

Laifu scratched the back of his head.

I can't guess what His Highness is thinking—

"Laifu," Li Zhao suddenly spoke up, "Do you still have relatives back in your hometown?"

Lai Fu was taken aback for a moment, then grinned.

"Your Highness, that year there was a great flood, and my parents were gone. My elder brother went up the mountain to gather firewood, but he encountered bandits and never returned. However, my two younger sisters are still alive... My eldest sister married a literate scholar in town, and my second sister was married to a blacksmith who makes farm tools. They are both settled... Before my mother passed away, she kept saying that once she had saved enough dowry, she would marry Xing'er from the next village to me... Hehe, unfortunately, the harvest was bad later... I was castrated in the palace, and I never had that good fortune again."

Looking up abruptly, Lai Fu realized he had spoken out of turn.

"It is already a great blessing for this old servant to be able to serve Your Highness."

"You've been working hard for a long time, go and rest early." Li Zhao seemed not to notice his tension, waved his hand, and said in a voice that he himself did not realize was tired.

"Here."

Laifu tiptoed down.

Only the sound of the wind and he remained in the tent.

Li Zhao picked up the helmet at his feet; the iron bridle still bore the marks of Ashina's cavalry's blades.

He recalled Yu Qianshan saying that his son made the neighbor's daughter cry, and Yuan Cang saying that his mother had saved up rice wine. The smell of those everyday things felt like a dull knife cutting into his flesh, chafing his skin beneath his armor until it ached.

Suddenly, he remembered the day he was made crown prince, when his grandfather placed the crown on his head and said those earnest words.

"The heir apparent is I,"

I thought that once I had power, I would no longer be "lonely." But now, listening to my subordinates talk about their families, I realize that being alone doesn't mean having no one to accompany you, but rather that you have to carefully consider the consequences even if you want to get drunk.

He and Laifu were both lonely souls.
-
In August, the plane trees along the Imperial Street in the capital were just turning pale yellow when the news of the triumphant return made them scorching hot.

A great victory in western Xinjiang!

The streets and alleys were abuzz with stories of Crown Prince Li Zhao's triumphant victory over the Ashina royal court. Storytellers in teahouses and taverns recounted the Battle of Heifengkou with great enthusiasm, while street urchins imitated the gestures of wielding knives and twirled wooden sticks with impressive skill, clamoring to join the army and fight...

His Highness the Crown Prince personally led his iron cavalry on an expedition, killing over 50,000 enemy soldiers and recovering hundreds of miles of lost territory...

Its achievements are indelible on metal and stone, and its power resounds throughout the border regions.

The scouts are on their way; His Highness is about to return to the capital.

When the news arrived, the capital city was in an uproar.

Over the course of three days, Zhuque Street was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. The Imperial Music Bureau choreographed the "Breaking the Formation Dance" overnight, and restaurants also joined in the festivities by launching "Triumphant Cakes." Even the children playing in the mud on the street knew that His Highness the Crown Prince had won a great victory...

The fragrance of osmanthus blossoms mingled with the remnants of firecrackers, filling the air around the imperial city...

When Xue Sui received the news, he was picking perilla leaves in the herb garden.

The morning dew had not yet dispersed, and water droplets clung to the petals. She picked up a sprig with her fingertips, held it to her nose, and sniffed it lightly. Suddenly, she heard Jinshu walking briskly towards her.

"Young lady, His Highness the Crown Prince will return to the capital with Ashina, the surrendered minister, after the Mid-Autumn Festival. The latest news says they have already reached the border of Chen Township..."

Jinshu glanced at her face and stood respectfully to the side with her hands at her sides.

"Counting the days, there are still seven days left."

Xue Sui stood up and stared at the herb garden for a long time without moving. His face remained calm and still, like a still well, but deep in his eyes, in the flickering light and shadow, something cold seemed to be ignited in an instant...

fleeting.

A moment later, she suddenly flicked her fingers and deftly placed the perilla leaves into the basket, then gathered up her wide robe.

"Prepare the car."

Two words, clear, concise, carrying the sharp edge to cut through all doubt, resounding with conviction.

"We will enter the city at dawn tomorrow. We need to prepare early."

Jinshu was startled. "You're going in person, Miss?"

Xue Sui hummed in agreement, "How can we not watch such a lively event?"

Jinshu immediately bowed, "Yes. This servant will arrange it immediately."

　Two chapters combined, sweet dreams, sisters...

　　(End of this chapter)