Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 426 Local Customs
The eunuch who was sent to deliver the imperial edict to the western frontier bowed deeply, his smile so wide it was almost unbelievable.

"Your Highness, I congratulate you. His Majesty, understanding your hardships at the border, has granted you special permission to return to the capital to recuperate. This is an immense favor..."

Li Zhao accepted the imperial edict and nodded slightly: "Thank you for making this trip, Eunuch."

He turned to Laifu and instructed him, "Prepare some small gifts and send the father-in-law to rest."

After the eunuchs were dismissed, the tent fell silent.

Yuan Cang couldn't help but step forward, scratching his head: "Your Highness, this imperial decree is suspicious. It doesn't mention opening the passes or the Yunling trade. Could it be that something has happened in the capital?"

“It’s not strange.” Li Zhao rolled up the imperial edict. “Father is offering me a way out, wanting me to take the easy way out.”

He remained expressionless, lowering his head to write something.

"Pass down the order to break camp in ten days."

Yuan Cang accepted the order and withdrew.

Li Zhao looked at the imperial edict on the table, gently tapped the table, and had someone bring a piece of meat with bone for Black Eighteen, then led it to find Xue Sui.

"Ping An, do you still remember the scenery and customs of Dianzhou that Princess Xian mentioned?"
-
Li Zhao acted swiftly.

Ten days later, the imperial carriage set off for the capital, its banners and ceremonial guards fluttering through the streets, attracting the attention of the people along the way.

Returning victorious, they were filled with the joy of a triumphant homecoming.

No one noticed that after the convoy had traveled thirty miles, a small group of lightly armed men quietly separated, changed course, and headed south, heading straight for Dianzhou.

The wheels rumbled as they rolled over the melting snow.

Xue Sui sat in the carriage, his fingers resting on his knees...

Today she wore an elegant Yunnan embroidery outfit, with fine stitches and camellia vines embroidered on it. The fabric was soft and smooth to the touch.

Having not dressed up so carefully in a long time, she awkwardly touched her temples.

The tentacles were no longer prickly gray-white short hair, but a head of soft "black hair"—

It was a wig made by craftsmen at Li Zhao's behest. It was made of finely woven black hair, with a black silk lining and a small silk flower in the hair. It looked completely natural.

"Are you getting used to it?" He looked at her, his gaze gentle.

Xue Sui shook his head slightly, raising his eyebrows: "It's lighter than I imagined. Your Highness has gone to great lengths."

"We can't let you always wear a veil when you meet people."

Li Zhao reached out and gently stroked her hair, then took out a boxwood hairpin from the brocade box beside him.

It was the same one I bought in town that day.

"Try?"

Xue Sui lowered his head and turned his head slightly in compliance.

A wig can never quite fit as snugly as real hair, and a wisp of hair falls down.

Li Zhao tucked it behind her ear, his fingertips brushing against her neck, causing her to tremble slightly.

"What are you afraid of?" His breath was warm as he patiently straightened the wig and slowly inserted the wooden hairpin into his hair.

He examined it for a moment, then smiled with satisfaction.

"So beautiful, truly worthy of this full head of black hair."

"Is Your Highness praising me, or praising the craftsman's skill?" Xue Sui raised an eyebrow at him.

Li Zhao smiled, "Of course I'm praising you."

All the way south.

Yunnan has a mild climate, completely different from the harsh cold of western Xinjiang. Flowers bloom in profusion along the roadside, and the mountains and fields in the distance are covered with a lush green.

As soon as the carriage arrived at the front gate of the Prince Xian's residence, Prince Xian, Li Shao, was seen waiting by the roadside with his servants.

"Your Highness, you must be tired from your journey." Li Shao bowed with a smile.

Wen was also all smiles.

Upon seeing Xue Sui, he stepped forward to greet her, his eyes shining with admiration: "Miss, your hair is styled so beautifully. If I hadn't known beforehand, I would have truly thought that the Sixth Miss's black hair had come back to life."

As she spoke, she naturally took Xue Sui's hand, smiling and whispering.

"Was the journey smooth? Yunnan has a warm climate, but it's very humid. Are you feeling unwell since you're new here?"

Xue Sui smiled and returned the greeting: "Thank you for waiting so long, Your Highness and Your Highness. Everything is fine. It's just that I'm sorry to have to trouble you both this time."

"What are you saying?" Madam Wen smiled gently. "We are overjoyed that Your Highness and Miss are coming. The manor has been prepared in advance, and we have been looking forward to your arrival."

The two spoke politely to each other.

Xue Sui noticed that Madam Wen was wearing a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) that was neither new nor old. The fabric was ordinary, but it was clean and crisp after being starched. A silver hairpin adorned her hair, understated yet elegant and graceful. Madam Wen noticed her gaze and smiled, "The Prince often says that when you're on your own turf, you should do whatever makes you comfortable. Since His Highness the Crown Prince and you are not outsiders, I've taken a break. Please forgive my laziness."

Xue Sui nodded: "Your Highness is just right, she looks so approachable."

Wen breathed a sigh of relief, and their intimacy deepened.

"When His Highness and the young lady heard that they were coming, His Highness had already ordered people to prepare the freshest mushrooms and river delicacies from Yunnan, as well as local fruits and vegetables, just waiting for His Highness and the young lady to come and taste them."

"Your Highness and Princess are very kind," Xue Sui said.

Li Zhao and Prince Xian, Li Shao, walked slightly ahead, talking in hushed tones. The atmosphere seemed much more relaxed than in Yongding...

The Prince Xian's residence, with its white walls and blue tiles, is nestled against the mountains and beside the water. It is not luxurious, and the courtyard is not large, but flowers and plants are planted everywhere, and the ground is covered with a layer of petals, which is very elegant.

Wen led Xue Sui to the guest room to change clothes and rest.

The room was spacious and bright. Two young maids quickly brought hot water and then quietly withdrew, showing great manners. The bedding was also warm from the sun, and a faint fragrance of orchids filled the air.

"Miss, please see if there is anything you need, or if there is anything you are not used to. Just tell these two maids, or send someone to tell me."

Wen's words were simple and sincere, and between the lines was his warm hospitality, showing his willingness to open his own pockets to entertain guests.

As she spoke, she handed over a handkerchief, saying, "This is made of locally produced kapok. It's absorbent and soft. If you don't mind, you can use it to wipe your hands and sweat."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your trouble." Xue Sui accepted the handkerchief.

My gaze swept over Wen's fingers. Her nails were neatly trimmed and unpainted, showing that she was used to manual labor.

She then sincerely praised, "The princess's embroidery is excellent; this orchid is so elegant."

Madam Wen smiled, a smile that was both helpless and self-deprecating: "Don't laugh at me, Miss. Although it's called a Prince's mansion, Yunnan is a remote place, and the Prince doesn't like extravagance. There's a shortage of staff in the mansion, so I have to do many things myself. I've also become quite skilled at needlework over the years."

She spoke of the hardships of poverty and simplicity, yet there was not a trace of resentment in her voice.

All I could hear was a sense of peace and tranquility, a feeling of being far removed from the turmoil of the capital.

Xue Sui smiled knowingly and said no more.

After seeing off the Princess Consort Xian and dismissing the maids who had served her, Xiao Zhao approached and whispered, "Miss, this Princess Consort Xian is really not pretentious at all. I heard that she was one of the most noble ladies in the capital back then. Who would have thought that after marrying the Prince Xian, she would live such a simple life?"

Xue Sui smiled faintly: "It's better to be simple; stability is what's truly precious."

Xiao Zhao sighed, "That's true, but as a princess, it's too unfair that she has to live such a frugal life."

Xue Sui looked at her and smiled, "Are you still thinking about Guard Guan and want to return to the capital as soon as possible?"

Xiao Zhao's face flushed red. "Miss!"

She stamped her foot and said reproachfully, "Wasn't he just standing up for the Princess Consort?"

Guan Ya's injuries gradually healed, and he survived the critical period. When he woke up, he was deeply moved to learn of Xiao Zhao's meticulous care for him while he was unconscious. Xue Sui noticed that the two of them were exchanging glances, and since Guan Ya was returning to the capital to recuperate, she wanted Xiao Zhao to go back with him, but she resolutely refused.

"I don't care about him at all. In my heart, no one can compare to you, Miss."

As Xiao Zhao spoke, she picked up Xue Sui's luggage and stepped aside to pack it.

Xue Sui couldn't help but chuckle at her appearance.

"The girl also hopes that you will find a good match."
-
That night, the wise prince prepared a welcoming banquet to celebrate the arrival of the crown prince.

Several trusted officials from the Dianzhou Prefecture were also invited to accompany them.

The dishes on the table were mostly local Yunnan specialties, served in earthenware bowls, steaming hot, bright, and tempting. During the meal, young women dressed in ethnic costumes played musical instruments, adding a unique charm.

Li Shao raised his glass in a toast, his tone sincere.

"Dianzhou is remote and has no delicacies, only a few local specialties to express my feelings. Your Highness and Sixth Miss, please don't find them offensive."

Li Zhao smiled and drank, then tasted a few more bites of food, nodding in praise: "The flavor is unique. You can't find this hearty taste at ordinary banquets. Your Majesty and Sister-in-law are very thoughtful."

Xue Sui nodded slightly.

Li Shao and Wen Shi exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Highness is too kind. These are just ordinary home-style dishes. I'm glad they suit Your Highness's taste."

The banquet was in a harmonious atmosphere, devoid of the formalities of the imperial court, and resembled an ordinary family feast.

Li Shao recounted several amusing anecdotes about the interactions between officials and commoners in Yunnan, and the crowd joined in, their laughter ringing out without a hint of pretense. Meanwhile, Madam Wen meticulously served Xue Sui the dishes, quietly explaining the origin and preparation methods of each ingredient.

Xue Sui listened attentively and ate with ease.

Li Zhao and Li Shao clinked glasses and sipped their drinks, a faint smile playing on their lips, showing no signs of restraint...

A warm and cozy atmosphere prevailed.

(End of this chapter)