Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 304: Life-threatening
Lu Mansion.

Snow fell in the courtyard, and all was quiet.

Old Master Lu, leaning against the carved pillars, gazed at the nearly frozen honeysuckle vines at the foot of the west courtyard wall, his fingers tracing the edge of a rolled-up black dagger—

Those were spoils of war that Lu Youan brought back from the Western Frontier before the New Year, saying they were seized from the enemy chieftain.

The blood groove on the edge of the dagger gleamed with a cold, eerie light in the dim glow.

"Old sir, it's late and the dew is heavy, you should go back inside."

The housekeeper stepped forward with a hand warmer, his voice low and filled with concern.

"hold on."

Lord Lu did not turn around, but let out a hoarse sigh.

The letter from home, delivered by express courier from Chishui Pass the day before yesterday, is still lying on my desk.

Lu Youan's writing was all about reporting good news and not bad, but next to his usual seal at the end of his signature, there was an extra blurry cinnabar fingerprint.

That was the secret code that Sun Tzu often used—

He must be in some kind of danger, and it's inconvenient for him to say it openly.

"Go and spread out the map." He turned around, his voice slow and deliberate.

This former prime minister, who had served two dynasties and experienced the ups and downs of officialdom, had an unyielding worry between his brows.

"Bring me the jade belt with two lions that His Majesty personally bestowed upon the young master when he won the imperial examination. Consort Li is pregnant, a cause for celebration throughout the land. This old man... should also go to the palace to offer his congratulations."

The steward hesitated to speak.

Since Lu Youan took up his post at Chishui Pass, the Lu family has become a target of undercurrents in the capital...

The court is in turmoil, and His Majesty is also anxious.

At this point, anything you say to enter the palace will be unpopular.

"Old sir, the young master is both wise and brave; he will surely be alright. Judging from the sky, it looks like it's going to snow heavily. Please take good care of yourself..."

The steward tried to comfort him, but before he could finish speaking, he saw Old Master Lu slam his palm on the pillar, his eyes flashing like lightning, his voice carrying the force of a thousand pounds.

"The sons of the Lu family are fighting bloody battles on the frontier. How can I, an old man, live a life of ease in the capital? If we can't even withstand this little bit of wind and rain, then this plaque of our loyal and brave family should be chopped up and burned as firewood!"

A sudden gust of night wind swept into the main hall.

The plaque that hung high, bearing the inscription "A Family of Loyalty and Courage," clanged loudly.

The steward fell silent, lowered his head, unfolded the map, and said nothing more.

Lord Lu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the map, his eyes suddenly falling on the winding, snake-like Yunlu Mountain.

The northern foothills branch and the entrance to the underground river are clearly distinguishable.

North of the mountain lies the famous Old Mausoleum.

He raised his hand and pointed, drawing a thin, long line diagonally...

More than thirty years ago, it was in this very forest that the late emperor used a flash flood caused by a torrential rain to set up a ruse, luring Xiao Chong into a deadly trap.

The suspicious emperor of today was back then just a young prince accompanying the emperor...

Seeing the blood flowing across the mountains and fields, tears streamed down my face.

Who would have thought that the boy who couldn't bear to see bloodshed would also learn to wield a butcher's knife and cut down his own family and loyal subjects...
-
A small courtyard overlooking the river in Shangjing.

The room was deep and dark, with flickering candlelight.

Tian Shu carefully ground several medicinal herbs into powder, poured it into a celadon bottle, and scraped it with a pestle, making a hissing sound.

"The epidemic in the Western Frontier has broken out again." Yao Guang used a piece of coarse cloth soaked in strong liquor to wipe the thin, cicada-wing-like dagger in his hand repeatedly.

The blade was sharp and pointed, highlighting his handsome eyebrows.

"This morning we received intelligence that that old fox Xiao Yan has given a secret order for assassins to pursue Lu Youan's personal guards, and they almost succeeded in their attack at Luoying Gorge..."

Tian Shu paused for a moment.

"We need to be extra careful around Thirteen these days. Shuiyue Nunnery... is not peaceful anymore."

Yao Guang nodded. "Yes. Li Huan's men have been keeping a close eye on her lately, making it difficult to contact her. Li Zhao's actions on the Imperial Street, however, are quite interesting... Is he truly afraid of being implicated in the old mausoleum and jeopardizing his position as crown prince, or is he using a strategic retreat to distance himself from the thirteenth prince and protect her life..."

"No matter how you look at it, Li Zhao's move is risky." Tian Shu's gaze was deep and serious.

With a flick of his wrist, Yao Guang's short sword rang out precisely as it returned to its sheath. He then looked up at Tian Shu.

"Hmph! That old dog Xiao Song wanted to take this opportunity to wipe out the remnants of the Old Mausoleum Swamp, but little did he know that we were one step ahead, having already transferred the witnesses and evidence. Now, those they've imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice are nothing more than insignificant ordinary people; they can't get any tough nuts to crack, and will only end up with a bad reputation..."

Tian Shu put down the porcelain bottle and walked closer to the desk.

Silently, he picked up a prescription and studied it carefully.

After Xue Sui removed the poison from Li Zhao, her vital energy was severely depleted. Tian Shu then devoted himself to studying pharmacology every day, trying to strengthen her body and restore her lifespan.

At the same time, he often used the I Ching to cast divinations and predict her fate and fortune.

But each result left him drenched in sweat...

"Thirteenth Junior Sister's health... can it still hold up?" Yao Guang's throat tightened. Thinking of the last time she saw Xue Sui, her face was so pale it seemed she could break at any moment. The carefree attitude in her eyes faded, replaced by a heavy expression. "The Crown Prince is currently preoccupied with his own problems, and the Prince Duan's faction is pressing him relentlessly. With her current condition, navigating this situation might truly make her a fish on someone else's chopping board..."

Tian Shu gently closed the medical record, his movements perfectly composed.

"She's using her frail health as bait, so we can't hold her back."

"The Crown Prince has his own plans, and Thirteen has his own convictions; each follows their own path and does what they believe is right. But you, Senior Brother..."

Yao Guang watched as Tian Shu tightened the medicine bottle and sighed softly.

"Why trap yourself in the past events of the old mausoleum? Master intended to grant your wish back then, so why not..."

Tian Shu raised his eyes and interrupted him: "Thirteen has her own path, which is not arranged by Master, nor by you or me."

Yao Guang picked up a celadon medicine bottle and shook it.

"Senior brother, do you still remember how Thirteen first touched a dagger at the training ground in the Old Mausoleum Swamp?"

Tian Shu remained silent.

Yao Guang raised an eyebrow. "She almost sliced ​​off half of my senior brother's finger."

Tian Shu said, "She doesn't know her own strength when she first makes a move."

“She’s shrewd.” Yao Guang suddenly laughed out loud: “That year, when Master had us compete in skills to secretly select the imperial envoy, she stuffed pebbles into my boots. She almost killed me with them… How despicable and shameless!”

Tian Shu hummed softly.

The two fell silent for a moment.

Back then, the reeds covered the mountains and plains of the Old Mausoleum Marsh. Their master led them to practice martial arts and medicine, honing their skills in the Ten Arts. Among all her fellow disciples, the thirteenth junior sister was always the most special one. She appeared weak, but she was extremely ruthless and possessed amazing resilience.

She will not compromise.

They will not easily admit defeat...

"Even the heaviest snow will eventually melt away." Tian Shu picked up the tweezers and carefully placed the powder into another porcelain bottle, his voice low but clear.

"Let her do it, I'll cover for her."
-
Xue Sui returned to Shuiyue Nunnery at noon the next day, by which time the heavy snow had stopped.

Shuiyue Nunnery was covered with a thick layer of silver, and the world was serene and pure.

The plum trees outside the meditation room have blossomed, their sparse shadows cast long, slanting lines, their subtle fragrance wafting through the air. A few vibrant reds peek out from the pure white landscape, striking yet solitary.

"Girl, it's getting colder and colder. Your hands must be frozen. Come and have a bowl of ginger soup to warm them up."

Jinshu brought in a steaming bowl of ginger soup and placed it on the corner of the table.

"Ruyi went to the market to buy New Year's goods, and she hasn't come back yet..."

"It's alright, she's quick-witted, she won't get cold." Xue Sui took off his plain-colored cloak, which was covered in snowflakes, and spoke calmly, revealing no emotion.

"That's true..."

Jinshu smiled and agreed, then said, "Master Huiming just sent a little nun to say that the prayer flags, ritual implements, and offerings prepared for the blessing ceremony at Baohua Hall have all been checked and are ready. She asked you to go and take a look when you have time, to see if anything is missing or if there is anything that needs special attention. Master specifically instructed that there are strict rules in the palace, and Consort Li is now a precious person, so there can be no carelessness..."

Xue Sui's eyes flickered almost imperceptibly as he picked up the ginger soup and took a small sip.

"understood."

Xiao Qing'er was promoted to the rank of Consort Li, and news about her spread like wildfire both inside and outside the palace. Even in the quiet place of Shuiyue Nunnery, one could hear whispers of her every now and then.

To her, Baohua Palace was a den of dragons and tigers.

“Miss…” Jinshu looked at her calm profile, hesitating to speak.

Xue Sui seemed to read her mind and casually changed the subject: "I'm fine. When I came in just now, I seemed to see Wang Laoshi from the foot of the mountain?"

Jinshu nodded in agreement, “Yes. Old Wang is grateful that you saved his mother’s stubborn illness with medicine, so he specially brought some homemade cured meats to express his gratitude. Two wind-dried chickens, a piece of fine pork belly, and some persimmon cakes and chestnuts... Perfect, it’s good for you to nourish your body.”

"You all eat, just steam some millet rice for me, and slice a small dish of pickled cucumbers, keep it simple."

As Xue Sui spoke, his gaze fell on the plum tree outside the window. "This snow won't stop anytime soon, and the night air will be even colder. Have the stove boil more ginger and jujube soup and send some to each room, especially to Master Huiming and the older uncles."

Jinshu nodded.

“You are very thoughtful, young lady. I will go and give the instructions right away.”

Just then, a series of hurried yet light footsteps came from outside, accompanied by Ruyi's clear voice, slightly out of breath.

"Miss, your servant is back!"

Jinshu hurriedly went out to greet her. She saw that Ruyi's head and shoulders were covered with snowflakes, her basket was heavy, her nose was red from the cold, but her eyes were bright black.

"You're finally back! Come in and warm yourself by the fire, it's snowing heavily."

Jinshu took the things from her hands and smiled reproachfully.

"Buying so much, aren't you afraid of getting tired?"

"Not tired at all." Ruyi stamped the snow off her feet, skipped into the house, went to the charcoal stove, covered her frozen hands with it, and rubbed them while breathing on them.

"The market was very lively, with all kinds of things for sale, but the snow had melted a bit, making the roads muddy and difficult to walk on."

She looked up again and said, "Miss, I also happened to run into Eunuch Laifu from the Crown Prince's Palace..."

(End of this chapter)