Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 342 Entering the Capital

History always goes through cycles.

The dust of yesterday has not yet settled, and today's story has already quietly begun.

The news that the new King of Xiz, Turgutai, had sent an envoy to the capital instantly shattered the silence of the city.

The mission stayed at a post station on the outskirts of Beijing for several days, with all proper etiquette observed.

On the day we officially entered the city, the sky was perfectly bright.

The restaurants and teahouses on both sides of Zhuque Avenue were already packed with customers.

Many people, young and old, came out, craning their necks and standing on tiptoe, excitedly pointing. Children rode on their fathers' and brothers' shoulders, vendors stood on tiptoe, holding up candied hawthorns and calling out, and countless eyes were fixed on the camel and horse caravan that was winding its way through the area.

The Jingzhao Prefecture, the Five City Military Commands, and the Jingji Grand Camp all deployed a large number of soldiers to maintain order, with swords flashing and armor gleaming, and they lined up along the roads to prevent the crowds from colliding.

High-nosed, deep-eyed envoys and Sidzi warriors, well-fed and strong horses, palanquins laden with exotic animals, spices, furs, and jewels on camelback, draped in colorful silks, jingling and tinkling...

Dozens of Siz dancers, wearing beaded pointed hats and draped in colorful gauze, swayed their hips and their eyes sparkled, causing a stir and murmurs from the crowd.

Camel bells jingled, and banners fluttered in the breeze.

A scene of exotic beauty, set against the backdrop of soldiers' armor, weaves together a strange tranquility under the warm spring sun, a scene of great prosperity.

However, this fragile peace, like a bubble in the sunlight, could shatter at any moment, revealing the hidden glint of knives beneath.

Having endured the bloodshed at Chishui Pass, the entire court and the people were exhausted from the tension. The Liang court needed this grand tribute ceremony to embellish the peace and demonstrate national power. The new King of Xizi also needed this "tribute" to consolidate his position and gain a respite.

This time, Xiz took the initiative to send envoys, ostensibly under the banner of "restoring old friendships and jointly securing the borders," but the true intentions were clear to everyone.

It's a test, and also a game of strategy...
-
Xue Sui descended the mountain from Shuiyue Nunnery before dawn. Now, sitting in a private room on the second floor of Hongfu Gambling House facing the street, he lifted a corner of the curtain and looked thoughtfully at the slowly approaching Xizi camel and horse caravan.

"When foreign missions enter the city, according to custom, their first audience with His Majesty is followed by a welcoming banquet arranged by the Court of State Ceremonies. The capital is likely to be even more lively these next few days..."

"Don't worry, Miss, everything has been arranged." Jinshu replied, "Before the eldest young master left the capital, he instructed me that if there was any urgent news or unusual activity, I could forward it to the contact person and pass on a secret letter. The spies that Tian Shu Men has placed in various places have also been dealt with, so they won't interfere with your important matters."

Xue Sui nodded slightly.

Tian Shu had already explained some of the covert contacts and emergency channels.

That night he came to Shuiyue Nunnery to say goodbye to her, but unfortunately he ran into Li Zhao escorting her back to the nunnery. It must have been a bit awkward, so he left with only a vague clue about the old King Xiz's beloved daughter before leaving in a hurry.

Xue Sui sighed softly.

"The journey to the Western Frontier is long; he must take good care of himself."

"This servant understands." Jinshu had just replied when Xiao Zhao's voice sounded from behind, carrying a hint of tension.

"Look, young lady—the fifth young master of the Marquis of Jingyuan's mansion."

Xue Sui drew back the curtain, his gaze sweeping over the bustling streets below.

I didn't see Gu Jie's people.

But then a wiry, shrewd merchant from the spice shop across the street appeared.

He glanced around warily before lowering his hat brim and quickly blending into the crowd.

"Hmm." Xue Sui's voice was flat and calm, as if he had only heard about something trivial. He turned to signal Jinshu.

"Have someone follow you."

"Yes." Jinshu accepted the order and went down to make arrangements. Then she went downstairs to buy some commonly used medicinal herbs before heading to the Xue residence.

Xue Sui sat for a short while.

Once the caravan had gone far away, he turned his gaze away and stood up.

"Go back home."

Just as I reached the street corner, I heard a steady and rhythmic sound of horses' hooves.

Approaching from afar, weary from their journey.

A squad of armored guards, their hands on the hilts of their swords, escorted a man and his horse as they slowly approached.

The man on horseback was none other than Li Zhao.

He wasn't wearing the usual attire of a crown prince, but rather a dark brocade robe with cloud patterns, cinched at the waist with a jade belt, his posture upright and tall. Sunlight fell on his handsome, sharply defined face, as if coating it with a layer of cold, hard glaze.

He seemed to have something on his mind.

His gaze swept calmly across the street scene, his brows slightly furrowed, carrying a hint of coldness that was barely perceptible. But when he passed over the half-open side door of the Hung Fook Casino, he paused for an extremely subtle moment.

Through the veil hanging down from the hat, and through the bustling crowd, Xue Sui could clearly feel that person's gaze fixed in her direction.

But he didn't linger; in a flash, the horse galloped away...

Xue Sui smiled silently and walked away.

Just as she was about to step into the bustling market, an inconspicuous little eunuch suddenly trotted up from the crowd and bowed to her.

"Little Master."

He presented a tied paper bag with both hands and whispered, "These are roasted chestnuts that Your Highness bought at the Luoma Slope Market outside the city. I thought that Master might like them, so I specially ordered me to bring them to Master to try."

Having said that, without waiting for Xue Sui's reaction, he put down the oiled paper package, bowed, and withdrew, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Xue Sui slowly untied the string, opened the oiled paper package, and found that the chestnuts were all peeled clean, the golden and plump kernels glistening with oil and fragrant, still warm, roasted to perfection...

Xiao Zhao couldn't help but mutter to herself.

"Your Highness is so thoughtful, remembering that the young lady likes to eat this."

Ruyi peeked out and said, "I love to eat too..."

Whenever she wanted to eat something, Xue Sui would usually smile and share some with her.

But today, Xue Sui seemed not to hear, twirling the peeled chestnut between his fingertips, examining its plump shape against the light, before finally putting it in his mouth and chewing it slowly...

The two girls exchanged a glance and tacitly said nothing more.
-
Today happens to be a day off, and the young masters of the Xue family are all at home, making the inner courtyard more lively than usual.

Before returning to his residence, Xue Sui had already sent someone to deliver the message.

As soon as the carriage came to a stop at the side gate, Madam Qian led the exquisitely beautiful tenth daughter, Xue Yuezhen, to greet them, with a bright-eyed young man, Xue Yi, standing beside her.

Xue Sui got out of the carriage and his gaze swept around, spotting Xue Ji standing a little behind.

She was wearing a brand new apricot-colored silk shirt today, her hair was combed very neatly, and she was holding a lake-blue handkerchief in her hands, looking over with a timid yet expectant gaze.

She used to always try her best to avoid the hustle and bustle of the mansion, and she was almost never seen during festivals, weddings, or funerals...

It's definitely different.

Xue Sui smiled faintly and bowed according to etiquette.

"You're finally back! Come in quickly, no need for formalities..."

With a beaming smile, Madam Qian warmly took Xue Sui's hand, her gaze lingering meaningfully on Xue Ji, her eyes crinkling with fine lines as she laughed.

“Your aunt misses you so much that she's been waiting here anxiously since early this morning. I told her it was too sunny and to go inside to wait, but she wouldn't listen. Her heart is always with you.”

Her voice was bright and clear, filled with genuine joy.

"See? Your aunt's complexion is much rosier. It's true what they say, people are in high spirits when they're happy..."

Xueji blushed at the words and hurriedly lowered her head, stammering, "Third Madam is joking... It's good that Sixth Sister is back, it's good that she's back."

She was speechless, just like before.

Unlike before, she was no longer timid and hesitant; her eyes were filled with cautious joy, yet she dared not exert herself too much.

Xue Sui looked at her restrained smile, felt a slight pang in his heart, and nodded with a smile.

Upon not hearing her speak, Yukihime immediately became nervous.

Qian, observing the expression, immediately smiled and said:
"Don't stand in the sun anymore. Sixth Sister, you must be tired from your journey. Come inside and talk... Your grandmother seems to be in good spirits today; she was just asking about you..."

As she spoke, she affectionately linked arms with Xue Sui and led him inside.

"You have no idea how much your father has treated your aunt these days... like a completely different person. He's been sending her fabrics and jewelry, and he even personally oversees her meals. Yesterday, he sent two clever young maids over to serve her... Your aunt is so lucky, it's come so suddenly..."

Xue Sui glanced at Xue Ji but didn't say anything.

Yuki walked very slowly, her head slightly lowered, lost in thought.
-
After a long time apart, it was quite lively.

Lunch was served in Pear Fragrance Courtyard. Madam Qian took extra care in preparing the meal, and the table was laden with dishes, much more abundant than usual.

Surprisingly, Xue Qingzhi also came over, which is quite unusual for him.

He was dressed in a casual straight robe, sitting upright in the main seat. He looked to be in good spirits, and his expression was much more relaxed than usual.

During the meal, besides speaking gently to Xue Ji, he surprisingly took the initiative to inquire about Xue Sui's daily life in the nunnery.

His tone wasn't particularly warm, but he was trying hard to maintain a calm demeanor.

"The Water Moon Nunnery is so peaceful. How is your health progressing?"

"Thanks to my father's blessing, I am doing well," Xue Sui replied succinctly.

Xue Qingzhi sensed the coldness in her words, glanced at Xue Ji who was sipping her soup with her head down, and said in an ambiguous tone, "Your aunt is in poor health. Since you know some medicine, take a look at her when you get back and prescribe some nourishing medicine."

Xue Sui's gaze swept calmly across his face, without any extra expression.

"I came back this time not only to take care of my grandmother, but also to invite my aunt to stay at the nunnery for a while..."

Xue Qingzhi frowned slightly and looked at him sharply.

Upon seeing this, Yukihime's hand holding the spoon trembled, and the soup almost spilled out.

Xue Sui smiled, "My aunt has always preferred quiet. At this time of year, the mountains are lush and green, and the air is fresh, which is good for recuperation..."

Xue Ji was about to nod in agreement, but when she looked at Xue Qingzhi, her lips closed again.

Xue Qingzhi was surprised that she would suddenly bring this up, and pondered for a moment.

"You've just gotten back, there's no rush. Let's rest for a couple of days and talk about it later."

"Hmm," Xue Sui replied, his eyes calm and expressionless.

(End of this chapter)