Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 389 Awakening
Under the east wall of the villa, the old locust tree had almost lost all its leaves, and its bare branches looked like claws pointing at the gray sky.

Several servants carried baskets of steamed buns onto a flatbed cart, preparing to deliver them to the porridge stall outside Yanxing Gate...

They're working up a huge buzz right here.

Nearby, Xiao Si, a young apprentice from the Imperial Medical Academy, paced anxiously under the locust tree until Xiao Zhao emerged from the side gate.

"Sister Xiao Zhao, you're awake!"

His eyes were urgent as he stepped forward to meet him.

"Lady Xue has woken up! Although she is still weak and unable to speak, she is clear-headed and her pulse has stabilized. Physician Zhang said that she has finally survived the ordeal and specifically asked me to come and inform Miss Xue."

Xiao Zhao's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Amitabha! That's wonderful, I'll go back and tell the girl right away."

Xue Sui was sitting in front of her dressing table, looking at the newly grown stubble on her head in a bright bronze mirror, lost in thought.

"Girl! Girl!"

Xiao Zhao ran in, her face beaming with joy.

"Lady Xue has woken up! She's out of danger. Doctor Zhang sent Xiao Si to report this."

"It's good that you're awake. Go and prepare, you'll come with me to the East Palace later..." Xue Sui put down the comb with a happy expression, then frowned and turned to ask Jinshu.

"Is there any movement from the Prince Duan's residence?"

Jinshu shook her head, her expression grave: "The scouts reported that Prince Duan went to Xiao Wenyuan's residence early yesterday morning and left after less than half an hour. He returned home and stayed inside, appearing no different from usual. However, the people coming and going from Xiao's residence... they seemed suspicious, probably up to no good..."

Xue Sui frowned slightly and slowly stood up.

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease... Xiao Zhao, go to the post station and meet with Chief Envoy Hassan. Tell him to request that the Xiz Wolf Guard be on standby at any time..."

"And what about the girl?"

"I'm going to the East Palace." Xue Sui picked up his cloak and said calmly, "My mother has woken up, I have to go see her."

Xiao Zhao's joy faded, replaced by worry: "The Crown Prince isn't in the palace, and the Empress Dowager is watching closely. It's too dangerous for you to go to the East Palace at this time..."

"Don't worry." Xue Sui clapped his hands lazily, his eyes resolute. "At this time, the Eastern Palace is at its most peaceful."
-
Xue Sui's carriage left the villa and headed towards Yanxing Gate.

On the official road, the scene of families fleeing in disarray was even more pronounced than in the previous days. The wind whipped up dust, mixed with the cries of children and the anxiety of women, revealing a sense of impending doom.

Occasionally, a carriage or horse would speed by, startling the refugees who would scatter and flee in terror.

Passing by Xishikou, the old shop selling dried beef was still open, with the elderly couple running their business. The familiar salty aroma wafted in with the autumn breeze.

"Miss, would you like to buy some beef jerky?" Ruyi asked, looking at Xue Sui's expression.

Xue Sui withdrew his gaze. "I won't buy any. Tell the driver to hurry up, so we don't miss the appointed time."

Seeing her serious expression, I dared not ask any more questions.

As Xue Sui had predicted, the palace gates were very calm, and the guards at the East Palace were more lax than usual. They passed through without any obstacles or trouble.

Xue Ji lay on the soft couch in the side hall, her face extremely pale, but her eyes were much clearer. When she saw Xue Sui, her lips moved, but no sound came out. Her withered hand rose slightly, as if she wanted to grasp something.

Xue Sui walked over quickly and took her hand.

It felt icy cold to the touch, and my knuckles were slightly bluish.

“Mother, I’m here.” She spoke softly. “Doctor Zhang said you’re recovering very well. After a few more days of rest, you’ll be able to speak again.”

Yukihime's eyes twitched, and tears silently slid down her cheeks.

Zhang Huaicheng was packing his medicine box when he saw Xue Sui arrive. He quickly cupped his hands and said, "You've come at the right time, young lady. I happen to have some follow-up care plans that I'd like to discuss with you..."

Xue Sui nodded and followed him into the outer room.

They had barely exchanged a few words when Tian Shu entered from outside the hall.

He wore a moon-white robe, his posture was upright, and he seemed to naturally exude the fragrance of medicine, with a cool and otherworldly demeanor and extraordinary handsomeness.

Upon seeing Xue Sui, he merely nodded slightly.

Their eyes met briefly in the air, then quickly looked away.

Polite but distant, showing no sign of familiarity whatsoever.

After Zhang Huaicheng finished giving his instructions and left, the two returned to the inner room to check on Xue Ji's condition.

Tian Shu said, "People from Jiaofang Palace came yesterday to inquire about Lady Xue's condition."

Xue Sui tucked the blanket around Xue Ji, his voice flat: "Her Majesty the Empress is kind-hearted; she must have been entrusted by His Highness the Crown Prince to take care of my mother..."

Tian Shu gave her a meaningful look.

"The imperial family is the most ruthless place; the human heart is unfathomable."

"Understood." Xue Sui said calmly, "We will respond to each move as it comes and adapt accordingly."

Tian Shu nodded solemnly, then spoke a beat slower: "The weather looks bad, and it's going to be windy this evening. You'd better head back early, lest it rains later..."

Xue Sui looked up and met his gaze, then softly hummed in agreement.

"Understood. I'll leave my mother here in your care, Senior Brother."
-
When we left the East Palace, the setting sun had already dyed the palace walls a golden-red hue.

As soon as the carriage arrived at the villa, the gatekeeper trotted up to greet it, holding a gold-embossed invitation card in his hand.

“Miss, you’ve only just left when someone from the Prince Duan’s residence arrives.” He handed over the invitation and smiled, “It’s the head maidservant from the Princess Duan’s household. She says the Princess is very concerned about you, and having heard that your health is improving, she would like to invite you to visit her residence…”

Xue Sui paused slightly.

Take it and take a look.

The post was concise, only saying that the chrysanthemums in the mansion were in full bloom these days, and she wanted to invite several of the Xue sisters to the mansion to enjoy them together, so that Ning-jie could get closer to her aunt.

Since Princess Ruihe was placed under house arrest, the inner quarters of Prince Duan's residence have become much quieter.

Li Huan was busy "keeping a low profile" and mostly stayed in his study at home. He did not take any new concubines, and there was no one causing trouble in the backyard of the mansion. Xue Yuechen's life should be more comfortable.

Why is he looking for her now? Is it because he wants another son?
The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet will be held two days later.

Xue Sui arrived rather late; several carriages were already parked at the gate. The gatekeeper was taken aback when he saw her, but then broke into a smile.

"Sixth Miss, the Princess Consort was just talking about you. Please come in!"

Xue Sui was dressed simply, with a dark blue brocade cloak over her head, and a light veil hanging down from her veil, obscuring most of her face.

"Thank you."

In the main hall, Xue Yuechen sat in the main seat and spoke to everyone.

Xue Yueman, Xue Yue'e, Xue Yuezhen, and several cousins ​​also came. Those with children brought their kids, who played and frolicked around their knees, adding a touch of liveliness.

Having experienced some turmoil, the Xue sisters have become more composed and their demeanor has become much more mature.

Upon seeing Xue Sui enter, he quickly put down his teacup and rose to greet him.

"Sixth Sister, you've finally arrived! I've been thinking of you these past few days, and I was planning to send someone to fetch you to come over and relax, but you've been resting quietly, so I didn't dare disturb you. Coincidentally, the chrysanthemums in the manor are in full bloom, so I've organized this chrysanthemum appreciation feast and invited the sisters to come and have some fun together..."

"Your Highness's hospitality is too kind to refuse." Xue Sui removed her veil and handed it to Xiao Zhao, revealing her newly grown gray hair without a care in the world, letting the scrutinizing gazes fall upon her with a composed expression.

"This is a little toy for A-Ning, a small gift to add to the fun..."

She gave a nod, and Ruyi presented the gift box.

Inside were several small wooden puppets and a silver longevity lock.

Xue Yuechen smiled and accepted it, instructing the maid to put it away safely.

"Sixth Sister, you're so kind. It's all thanks to your help that Aning was born safely; otherwise, I wouldn't have such a well-behaved and sensible daughter… I just haven't had a chance to properly thank you. Today, I must offer you a toast. Aning…"

She pulled Ah Ning, who was standing next to her, over.

"Quickly call her Sixth Aunt, she is your savior."

"Your Highness is too kind." Xue Sui smiled slightly as she looked at the pretty young girl with her big, bright eyes staring at her curiously. "It is because Aning is blessed with good fortune and favored by the heavens that she will naturally turn misfortune into good luck."

The two exchanged a few polite words.

Xue Yuelou and the others nearby simply listened, sitting quietly without saying a word.

After Xue Sui sat down and accepted the tea offered by the maid, Xue Yuelou asked gently, "Is Sixth Sister feeling any better?"

Xue Sui said, "Thanks to my sister, I can recover peacefully."

Xue Yuelou sighed and nodded in agreement.

Xue Yue'e suddenly glanced sideways and said in a high-pitched voice, "I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince went to the Western Frontier with General Qi? Such a dangerous thing, why didn't Sixth Sister stop him? Aren't you afraid that you won't be able to become the Crown Princess?"

“His Highness the Crown Prince is protected by Heaven’s Mandate. Princess Consort Wei should think about her own future.” Xue Sui raised her eyes, calmly smiling back at him. “As for His Highness Prince Wei, he has offended quite a few people. Things are not peaceful in the capital lately. He should be careful.”

The two engaged in a heated exchange, the atmosphere extremely tense.

Seeing that a dispute was about to break out, Xue Yuechen's smile froze, and she sighed helplessly: "How could we women understand the affairs of the court? It's rare for sisters to get together, so let's not talk about these troublesome things anymore... Anyway, from now on, we sisters will all be well, support each other, and life will get better and better."

Xue Yuelou echoed her sentiments, changing the subject with a gentle smile.

"It's been a while since I've seen Sixth Sister. Her hair has grown some black, and she looks much more energetic..."

Xue Sui traced a circle on the teacup with his fingertip, his expression unchanged.

"Thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince for his efforts in finding the imperial physician to treat me..."

Xue Yuelou smiled, then glanced sideways and changed the subject.

"Speaking of chrysanthemum appreciation, I am reminded of the fun times when my sisters and I chased butterflies and admired flowers together back in the manor..."

She recounted warm memories of the past, trying her best to lighten the mood.

During the conversation, they talked about their third uncle, Xue Qingxiu, who had also gone to the western frontier with General Weiyuan. The third wife, Madam Qian, who had just given birth, was worried all day long. The old lady was also unable to eat or sleep, and was eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist prayers in Shou'an Courtyard, suffering greatly.

The group of people chatted amongst themselves.

When it comes to the bad situation, he is both worried and sighing.

Xue Sui didn't react, sitting quietly and listening.

After having her tea refilled several times, she excused herself to change her clothes and was led out of the flower hall by a servant from the Prince Duan's residence.

The old woman leading the way was very respectful, but walked extremely fast, as if afraid that she would be overtaken.

The path twists and turns, yet seems familiar.

Lost in thought, I looked up and saw that the winding road leading forward was the only way to Tanqiu Courtyard...

"Sixth Miss, please." The old woman stopped in front of the side room and stood respectfully with her hands at her sides.
"This old servant will wait outside for the young lady."

Xue Sui nodded slightly, looked at the door to the changing room, and led Xiao Zhao in.

After changing her clothes, her expression returned to calm. She walked back to the flower hall along the path, looking at the familiar old scenes as she went...

The flowers and trees in the courtyard have withered, except for an old plum tree that leans askew, exuding a sense of solitary stubbornness.

As she reached the corner, her steps suddenly faltered.

At the end of the path, a man stood with his back to her, his hands behind his back.

That tall and upright figure, dressed in the royal blue robes of a prince, could only be Li Huan.

He was actually waiting for her here?
Xue Sui's eyes were slightly cold as he bowed without making a sound.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Duan..."

Li Huan slowly turned around.

His handsome face remained unchanged, but his usually warm eyes were now devoid of smiles, staring unfathomably at Xue Sui, as if trying to pierce through her calm facade and see into the depths of her heart.

"Peace and safety. How have you been?"

　Li Zhao: Go away, you're safe and sound, but I'm not feeling well... Don't touch her...

　　Xue Sui: What's the rush? Anyone who dares to touch me, I'll break their legs.

　　Li Zhao looked down at his legs: That was close!
　　(End of this chapter)