Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 302 Safety
The crimson clouds hung low, and the snowflakes, as fine as salt, fell softly onto the green tiles of Shuiyue Temple, accumulating into a thick layer.

Princess Wenjia's carriage stopped in front of the nunnery gate with a dull thud.

The wet nurse lifted the heavy felt curtain, and Wenjia carefully led the bundled-up Niu Niu out of the car.

"The stone steps are slippery, watch your step," Wen Jia said with a smile.

Niu Niu, however, was overjoyed, her little face flushed. Holding a delicate little food box in her hand, she looked up at her mother and said, "Mommy, Niu Niu wants to see Auntie soon so she can eat the plum blossom cakes that Niu Niu made herself..."

"it is good."

Wen Jia smiled and pulled her daughter's coat tighter, but a lingering worry was in her eyes.

The temple gates were tightly shut.

She had just gestured for Dongzhi to knock on the door when the heavy door creaked open from the inside.

Ruyi, wrapped in a padded jacket, clasped her hands together in a gesture of respect, mimicking the little nun.

"Greetings, Princess. Master Miaozhen is waiting in the east wing. Please follow me."

Wenjia smiled and nodded, then led Niu Niu across the threshold.

Passing through the snow-covered corridor, the door to the meditation room in the east wing was wide open.

Xue Sui stood under the eaves outside the door, a faint smile on his face. He was still wearing a worn indigo robe. His figure was thin and frail in the light snow and cold wind. The way his left arm hung down revealed the sluggishness of an old injury that had not yet healed.

"This humble nun greets Princess Wenjia." She clasped her hands in a gesture of respect.

"Auntie—" Niu Niu rushed over like a little sparrow.

Wen Jia smiled and gently scolded, "My little darling, why are you running so fast? Be careful not to fall."

"No, no," Niu Niu said in her childish voice, "This is a plum blossom cake that Niu Niu made for Auntie herself, made by herself..."

A sweet, creamy aroma mingled with the chilly air, making my neck itch.

Xue Sui bent down and gently embraced Niu Niu, his heart melting with warmth.

"It's cold outside, come inside and sit down."

"Jinshu, bring me the willow whistle I made for Niu Niu."

The group entered the meditation room and sat down.

Jinshu greeted Ruyi and served her hot tea.

Wenjia held the warm hot water bottle, her gaze sweeping across the room.

Silver charcoal was burning in the charcoal brazier, a plate of crisp, freshly cut pears was placed on a small celadon dish, and a few candied plums were served on a small celadon plate, looking very fresh.

“Ping An is living a carefree life.” Wen Jia took a sip of hot tea, trying to dispel the chill in his heart.

"It's freezing cold today. I hope bringing the child will disturb your peace and quiet."

Xue Sui sat down opposite her and slowly smiled.

"Your Highness is too kind. It is a great honor for this humble nun to have an old friend visit me in the snow."

"You are becoming more and more indifferent to worldly desires these days, just like a nun."

Wen Jia smiled and met her gaze, his expression becoming more serious.

Xue Sui glanced sideways and gestured to Xiao Zhao.

"Go outside and see if the snow in front of the door has been cleared..."

Xiao Zhao understood her meaning and just as she responded, a slightly hurried footstep came from outside. Then the curtain was lifted, and it was said that Abbess Huiming had arrived.

Xue Sui and Wen Jia quickly got up.

Master Huiming led in a young nun whose face was lined with deep wrinkles, yet whose back was straight and whose eyes were clear and peaceful.

"Amitabha! The princess's presence is an honor to our humble abode..."

Wen Jia quickly stood up to return the greeting.

"I hope Master Huiming is well. I apologize for bothering you."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Huiming turned to Xue Sui, his expression becoming more serious.

"Miaozhen, your master has come to inform you. An imperial decree has arrived from the palace; the Empress Dowager intends to hold a prayer ceremony..."

Xiao Ni presented a letter with a bright yellow cover.

Xue Sui took it and unfolded it, and saw that the Empress Dowager's seal was stamped on the small, flower-shaped calligraphy.

“The abbot of Shuiyue Nunnery, Huiming, led five disciples who were well-versed in the scriptures and of excellent character to Baohua Hall at an auspicious time on the eighth day of the first lunar month to pray for the dragon offspring in the womb of Consort Li.”

From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the imperial family needs to hold a grand New Year's court assembly and ancestral temple sacrifices, leaving no time for religious ceremonies. The eighth day of the Lunar New Year is Grain Day, a day when all the stars descend to earth, which is an auspicious time.

Xue Sui closed the letter without making a sound.

Master Huiming sighed, and his wrinkles seemed to deepen.

"This old nun has lived for over sixty years, and this is the first time she has ever seen the palace mobilize so much for a concubine's pregnancy, and the first time she has entrusted Shuiyue Nunnery with such an important task..."

"It is a great joy that Consort Li is pregnant, and it is only right that the Empress Dowager attaches great importance to it."

Xue Sui spoke in a calm and indifferent tone, as if he were talking about trivial matters of the nunnery.

Huiming gave her a deep look. "The eunuch who delivered the decree said that the Empress Dowager specifically mentioned your name, saying that you 'have rendered meritorious service to the royal family and have a clear mind,' and that you must accompany her."

"Yes. Your disciple obeys."

Huiming gave a few more instructions on the fasting rituals before bidding farewell to Wenjia.

Xue Sui escorted Huiming to the door before turning back to his room.

The room was quiet for a moment.

Wen Jia lowered her voice, "The Dharma assembly at Baohua Hall is no ordinary event; there's likely to be some turmoil in the palace."

Xue Sui sat down, sensing the unspoken meaning in the words, "Has the princess heard any news?"

Wen Jia leaned forward: "It's rumored in the palace that Consort Li's baby is a unicorn, and the Empress Dowager has made a big fuss, ordering all the imperial family members and noblewomen to go and pray for blessings..."

Xue Sui: "Whether it's a Qilin or not is uncertain, but it's definitely a pawn of the Xiao family, or rather, a pawn of the emperor. This whole affair, rather than being about using the situation to elevate the Xiao family, demonstrating the emperor's boundless grace, or stabilizing the people's hearts..."

She paused, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the warm rim of the cup.

"It's more like a silent warning to the Crown Prince."

“Isn’t that true? If Xiao Qing’er gives birth to a prince, the Xiao family’s foundation in the palace will be even more secure. It’s just a pity for my aunt. She did nothing wrong, yet she still holds a grudge against me…” Wen Jia gripped the hand warmer tightly and recounted the subtle atmosphere she felt in the Cining Palace and her worries in detail.

Xue Sui listened quietly, picked up the teapot, and added some hot water to Wen Jia's bowl.

"No matter how simple a matter is in the royal family. Princess Tuya is proud and aloof, and is not one to wield power; His Majesty knows this well..."

“How could I not know? Yet I always feel uneasy.” Wen Jia’s face showed slight anxiety. “Does Ping An know what the situation is like in the capital now? His Highness Prince Duan has taken charge of the defense of the capital region, ostensibly to investigate rumors and rectify discipline, but in reality, he is using this opportunity to eliminate dissidents…”

She sighed softly.

"Anything related to the Crown Prince was seized by the Five City Garrison like wolves and tigers... The corruption box was rendered useless, and no one dared to utter a single word. In my twenty-odd years of life, I have never seen such a scene of panic and fear in the capital..."

Prince Duan.

Li Huan's face flashed through Xue Sui's mind.

The political landscape of the imperial court is constantly shifting and unpredictable.

What remains unchanged throughout history is the staircase to supreme power paved with bones in the inferno of power...

She knew the key to why Li Zhao hadn't been heard from for several days.

Wen Jia became increasingly frightened as she thought about it, and her voice carried a hint of barely perceptible tension.

"The Crown Prince is in a difficult situation right now, and Ping An, your identity is also special... There's also the Lu family, General Lu is far away in the western frontier, and the two children were almost kidnapped... Right now, I feel like my heart is in a tangled mess, I can't sort it out, I can't see clearly, and I can't sit still. That's why I couldn't help but brave the snow to come and find you..."

The meditation room was eerily quiet, with only the rustling sound of wind and snow pounding against the windowpanes outside, which only amplified the somber atmosphere inside.

"all will be good."

Xue Sui reached out and gently stirred the dark red embers in the charcoal brazier, where a few sparks flickered and danced.

"I am but a hermit, adrift like a duckweed, indifferent to life and death. But the princess..."

She looked up and met Wen Jia's eyes.

"Being on the edge of a whirlpool, with an aunt in the palace above and a young child at your feet, you must be extra careful with your words and actions to protect yourself and your child. Sometimes, staying still is the best response."

Wen Jia's eyes welled up with tears. He nodded solemnly and held her hand tightly.

"Peace. We both have to get through this, and then we'll see peace after the storm."

"Will do."

This game of chess, which affects the court and the public and involves the fates of countless people, will eventually be played with a perilous move amidst the swirling snow.

She and Li Zhao were already caught in the middle, with no way to retreat.

There is only one path: safety or death.
-
Go to the capital.

Snowflakes, as fine as goose feathers, fell densely, swallowing up the red gates and black tiles, the long streets and short alleys, all in a blanket of white.

However, the tranquility and peace that was about to end was shattered by a series of harsh gong sounds.

"Dang——dang——dang——"

"The Five Cities Garrison is ordered to apprehend those who spread rumors, incite unrest, and disrupt the capital region! All bystanders must immediately leave! Those who disobey will be punished as accomplices!"

A harsh roar pierced through the wind and snow, accompanied by the muffled thud of horses' hooves, approaching from afar.

Squads of soldiers, fully armored and armed, patrolled the streets with lists in hand, dragging out terrified peddlers, shop assistants, embroiderers, blacksmiths, brokers, butchers, and others without explanation, and roughly shoving them away.

"Spreading rumors? I was just humming a few tunes, sir!" a peddler with his hands tied behind his back cried out in protest, his voice filled with despair.

"Enough talk! Take him away!" The leading captain kicked him in the back of the knee without any mercy.

The peddler cried out in pain and collapsed onto the cold snow.

The sobbing was instantly swallowed up by the wind and snow.

Xue Sui was wrapped in a thick cloak, with the wide hood pulled low, revealing only half of his thin, pale face.

She was carrying a bamboo basket containing several packets of dried herbs.

After Wenjia left, she pondered the situation and decided to come and see for herself before going to Sangliu Courtyard to find Tianshu and discuss countermeasures.

Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived, they were pushed aside by the chaotic crowd.

Xiao Zhao lagged half a step behind her, alertly scanning her surroundings.

The streets were noisy, but the air was thick with a suffocating sense of dread.

There were several times more soldiers patrolling the streets than usual, their armor gleaming, their cold gazes sweeping over every passerby as if scrutinizing potential criminals.

"Miss, something seems off in the city. Shall we take a detour?" Xiao Zhao said in a low voice.

This isn't a campaign to quell rumors; it's clearly a manhunt for the forces of the Old Mausoleum...

Xue Sui lowered his head, his voice coming through the hood, "It's alright, let's go to the Xue residence."

The two did not stop walking.

Just as we turned onto Chongrenfang Street, a commotion suddenly broke out ahead.

A troop of imperial guards, gleaming in their armor, escorted a black carriage with gold trim, its form exuding grandeur, as it slowly made its way down the street.

The bright yellow dragon-patterned flag stuck on the carriage shaft fluttered in the cold wind.

Pedestrians hurriedly moved to the side of the road, barely daring to breathe.

Xue Sui and Xiao Zhao also retreated to the side of the street with the flow of people.

The carriage rumbled along, and when it came to a sudden stop not far from Xue Sui, it came to an abrupt halt.

The heavy, ornate carriage curtain was slowly lifted by a hand with distinct knuckles.

As far as the eye can see...

Li Zhao's handsome face, covered in frost, was revealed.

Dressed in a dark gold casual robe, over which was a black fox fur cloak, he looked down at Xue Sui with pinpoint accuracy.

The air seemed to freeze instantly, and even the sound of wind and snow subsided.

The eyes of the surrounding soldiers and civilians involuntarily focused on them, filled with surprise and curiosity, and landed on the two of them.

“Master Miaozhen.” Li Zhao’s voice was not loud, but it carried a coldness and aloofness like metal and stone, clearly penetrating the cold air and striking everyone’s ears, and also striking Xue Sui’s heart heavily.

Xue Sui slowly raised her head, "This humble nun, Miaozhen, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

(End of this chapter)