Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 452 Receives Investiture

It was already dusk when we returned to Yiyuan.

The slanting rays of the setting sun cast long shadows of the pavilions...

As soon as Xue Sui stepped into the courtyard, he saw Tian Shu standing under the eaves in a white robe, gazing at the lingering snow in the courtyard. His slender figure was silhouetted against the twilight, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

Black Eighteen followed beside him. Hearing Xue Sui's footsteps, it immediately wagged its tail happily and ran over, making affectionate whimpering noises.

Xue Sui bent down, patted Hei Shiba's head, and walked forward.

"Senior Brother, when did you arrive?"

Tian Shu turned around, his gaze lingering on her slightly tired face for a moment, but he did not answer directly.

"How is the situation in the palace?" he asked, his voice as calm as ever.

"Her Majesty the Empress and her daughter are safe and sound," Xue Sui replied, walking alongside him toward the warm pavilion. "However, she is weak after childbirth and needs to recuperate properly for some time."

Upon entering the warm pavilion, Xue Sui ordered tea and refreshments to be served. He dismissed his attendants and sat opposite Tian Shu, carefully recounting to him the events that had occurred in the Zichen Palace and the emperor's reliance on sorcerers.

Tian Shu listened quietly, his face expressionless.

Only when she heard about the emperor's condition did her fingertips twitch almost imperceptibly.

"Today I went to the palace to seek medical advice, but was politely refused by the Zichen Palace."

Xue Sui was taken aback. "Even you refused?"

Before Xuanjizi appeared, the emperor's most trusted physician was Tianshu. Now, however, he can't even get an audience with the emperor, which must be due to Xuanjizi's interference.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

"What great ability."

He then asked, "Is there any information about the background of this Xuanjizi?"

Tian Shu said, "I have already sent people to investigate, and we will have results soon."

"Hmm." Xue Sui nodded and gently turned the lid of the teacup in his hand.

The glaze is warm and smooth to the touch.

Her tone softened.

"As the year draws to a close, people in the capital are restless, and everyone is plotting their future. Given His Majesty's current situation, some people are bound to become impatient."

Tian Shu exchanged a glance with her, knowing who she was referring to, and nodded slightly.

"His Majesty has been ill for a long time, and his body has long been hollowed out. Now, with the addition of this potent medicine, I'm afraid his days will pass even faster."

He paused, then looked at Xue Sui, "Ping An, you need to know this."

The emperor's body was already at its limit, and now he was indulging in elixirs without restraint. His death would probably be just two or three months away.

The injustice suffered by the old mausoleum has yet to be redressed.

The late emperor has long since passed away. If Emperor Chongzhao also dies, then the father and son involved in the case will both perish. Even if a descendant of the Li imperial family comes forward to redress the grievances, it will likely be difficult to quell the hatred in the master's heart, let alone overcome the decades-long injustice accumulated in the old mausoleum...

At the very least, this matter cannot be easily dismissed...

“The hatred of the three masters must find a place to rest. Those who do evil must also pay the price.”

Xue Sui nodded, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up at Tian Shu with clear eyes, "Senior Brother, today in Jiaofang Palace, Her Majesty the Empress proposed... to bestow a marriage upon me and His Highness."

Tian Shu paused slightly in the hand holding the cup.

The room fell silent instantly.

You could hear a pin drop; there was no sound of breathing.

Tian Shu's fingers unconsciously tightened for a moment, then relaxed again.

He looked intently at Xue Sui, as if trying to see through her heart.

"What do you think?"

Meeting his gaze, Xue Sui said frankly, "The position of Crown Princess will make things much easier for us. This is also the best opportunity to expose the injustice of the old mausoleum to the world..."

"Just because of these?" Tian Shu interrupted her calmly. "Because he is the Crown Prince, and that's why he can give you this opportunity?"

Xue Sui paused slightly with his fingertips, then shook his head.

"Of course not. I only chose Li Zhao... He is Li Zhao, regardless of his identity."

Tian Shu gazed at her for a long time, something in his indifferent black eyes seemed to dim little by little, eventually falling silent.

"Alright." He nodded very slightly, put down his teacup, and said calmly, "Since it's your own choice, then go on. I'll talk to your master for you..."

“No need.” Xue Sui shook his head gently, his tone firm. “I will personally write a letter to my master, explaining the advantages and disadvantages, and seeking the approval of the three masters.”

Tian Shu didn't say anything more, and after sitting for a while, he got up to take his leave.

When he left, he took with him the letter Xue Sui had written to his master.

The white-clad figure swept across the threshold without pausing, quickly disappearing into the deepening twilight. His back was straight and upright, yet an inexplicable loneliness arose within him.

"Miss." Xiao Zhao quietly entered, looking at the empty doorway. She felt sorry for the young master, but was afraid of making things difficult for the young lady, so she didn't say much and just sighed inwardly.

"My wife heard that you've returned and she's been insisting on seeing you. The nanny and maids can't coax her away."

Xue Sui collected his thoughts and smiled, "I'll be right there."

The charcoal fire in Yukihime's room was burning brightly, making it warm and cozy. The tatami mat was piled high with all sorts of children's dolls and toys...

She was holding a rag doll and clumsily braiding its hair, muttering to herself, though it was unclear what she was saying.

When Xue Sui entered, her eyes immediately lit up.

"Sui Sui, you're back." She stretched out her hands to Xue Sui, like a child waiting for candy.

Xue Sui walked over, took her hand, and sat down by the bed: "How are you today, Mother? Did you take your medicine obediently?"

"It tastes bitter..." Yuki pouted, her face full of displeasure. "It doesn't taste good. Can I not drink it..."

"Then I'll tell Mom something happy. Will that cheer you up and make you drink your medicine obediently?"

"Something good?" Xueji tilted her head and asked curiously, "Sui Sui, did you bring me candy?"

"Sweeter than sugar," Xue Sui said softly. "I'm getting married. To Li Zhao."

Xue Ji paused for a moment, seemingly trying to understand the sentence, "You're getting married? Is it that...that great hero who fought in the Western Frontier?"

Xue Sui chuckled: "Yes. It's him."

"Is it that one, tall, good-looking, and kind to you..." Xueji thought of the words, her eyes growing brighter and brighter, and suddenly she clapped her hands and cheered.

"He's finally back to marry you... Sui Sui, you're going to have your own little baby... Can I play with it?"

"..."

The childish words were completely illogical.

Xue Sui's heart suddenly softened.

Xue Ji's mind was like a child's, yet she instinctively felt happy for her. In her hazy memories, she was still a very important person, and that was enough. After comforting Xue Ji, Xue Sui returned to his study and spread out the letter paper again.

This is a letter written to Al Hassan, the chief envoy of the Siz.

The letter briefly explained Yuki's illness and subtly conveyed her greetings to King Sidzi, also expressing gratitude to the High Priest for his concern. Finally, she mentioned the Queen's intention to bestow a marriage upon her, speaking cautiously and only as a routine announcement.

She handed the letter to Jinshu, saying, "Find a reliable person tomorrow to deliver it to the Xiz embassy."

Jinshu withdrew immediately.

Xue Sui walked to the window and looked at the completely dark sky outside.

After a moment of silence, he turned around and took out a stack of drawing paper and charcoal pencils.

By the light of the lamp, she spread out the paper again and began to sketch.

She wanted to redraw the Yama picture book that Xiao Zhao had burned...

Most of the enemies depicted in the picture album have already been executed.

I wrote down their names and marked them with red crosses one by one.

Of all the hideous faces from my childhood memories, only Xiao Qing'er, imprisoned in the cold palace and practically a cripple, and Gu Jie, who was half-dead and living in a daze, are still alive. The only other one left is... Xie Weilan.

She concentrated her mind and breath, and the tip of her pen moved slowly across the paper, bringing to life a slender and beautiful woman.
-
For the next few days, Xue Sui spent his time peacefully in the New Year atmosphere.

She still practices her skills, writes calligraphy, and paints every day. Occasionally, she goes to the kitchen to research new recipes, or sits by the window, embroidering sachets stitch by stitch.

Li Zhao visited frequently, sometimes bringing snacks from the palace, sometimes just for a simple meal, or to accompany her for a walk in the garden; the atmosphere was always warm and peaceful.

On the twelfth day of the first month, the Xizi Embassy sent someone to Yiyuan to formally inform them.

"King Xiz, mindful of Princess Ayinur's past hardships and the suffering she endured while wandering in a foreign land with her daughter, hereby bestows upon Ayinur's daughter, Xue Sui, the title of Princess Mayila, grants Xiz a number of treasures, and allows her to enjoy the stipend of a princess, placing her on par with members of the Xiz royal family..."

In the Xiz language, Mayila means gentle and precious, kind yet dignified.

This is a wonderful and joyous occasion.

Her status as a princess gave her a legitimate reason to marry into the Eastern Palace, and also silenced many criticisms from the court and the public regarding her background and past.

The entire Yiyuan Garden was filled with joy.

Xue Sui had a vague feeling that something was wrong with Li Zhao.

He remained gentle and considerate, noticing the minor cuts she made while practicing her skills, remembering her favorite candied plums and various pastries, and even bringing her a bunch of newly blooming green plum blossoms on a snowy night to place in a vase on her desk.

But sometimes, she couldn't catch the warmth in his eyes.

His brows were furrowed, and he often found himself lost in thought while playing chess...

That evening, Li Zhaolai dined at Yiyuan Garden.

Xue Sui personally prepared several of his signature dishes, paired with his favorite plum wine, but Li Zhao ate very little and spoke very little...

After the meal, the two sat facing each other and brewed tea.

Xue Suicai spoke softly.

"Has Your Highness encountered any difficulties lately?"

Li Zhao raised his eyes and smiled, "It's just trivial matter in court; there's no need to worry about peace."

He made no mention of Emperor Chongzhao's illness or the sorcerers who spread false rumors, nor did he mention the postponed marriage; his tone was deliberately light.

Xue Sui pondered for a moment, then decided to stop beating around the bush. "The case of the Old Mausoleum Marsh... what are Your Highness's plans?"

Li Zhao frowned almost imperceptibly, then asked with a soft laugh, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"

Xue Sui said calmly, “My master has been determined to seek justice all these years. Although the culprit Xiao Song has been executed, it was ultimately the Li imperial family that ordered the siege of the Old Mausoleum. General Xiao Chong and 200,000 soldiers were buried with a grievance… If His Majesty is unwilling to publicly clear the name of the Old Mausoleum and issue an edict to repent, this case will not be over.”

She didn't put it more bluntly.

But both of them knew perfectly well that the Old Mausoleum Bloodbath was an obstacle to their marriage.

The warm room quieted down.

Li Zhao's eyes darkened, reflecting the flickering candlelight, creating an uncertain glow.

“Ping An, this matter is more complicated than we anticipated.” His voice was low. “Father’s health is deteriorating. The imperial physicians say that any further stimulation might be too much for his body. Besides, the old mausoleum…”

"What about the old mausoleum?" Xue Sui sensed the hesitation in his tone.

Li Zhao remained silent for a moment, then finally shook his head and rubbed his temples. "It's nothing. It's just that the border has just been stabilized, and the capital also needs to be at peace. This case is complex and intertwined with interests. Now is not the best time... Senior Brother is right, you've been working hard lately, so you should think less and worry less. Leave these matters to me."

Xue Sui slowly lowered his eyes.

That's definitely not what he meant to say.

There must be some new development that has made Li Zhao hesitant.

"Does Your Highness have something difficult to say?"

Li Zhao reached over the small table and grasped Xue Sui's hand, which was resting on her knee.

His palms were warm, but slightly damp.

"Ping An, let's wait a little longer, okay? Give me some time."

“I understand Your Highness’s difficulties,” Xue Sui said softly.

The old imperial tombs and marshes are inherently sensitive due to their connection to the downfall of the previous dynasty. Even though Li Zhao's power is growing daily, he is still the crown prince and the son of Emperor Chongzhao. He will have to consider his father's health, the stability of the court, and the balance of power among various factions.

He is not the kind of heartless son who could easily drive his father to his death.

However, she was not the kind of woman who would abandon the blood feud between her sect and lovers for romantic love.

Xue Sui lowered his eyes and looked at the two clasped hands.

"Your Highness has your own perspective, and I have my own principles."

Giving him time to handle it is a sign of consideration and trust.

If Li Zhao is unable to push things forward due to various concerns, or if there is no progress for a long time, she will have no choice but to use her own methods to end it all.

Li Zhao understood what she meant.

“Ping An, trust me.” He gripped her hand tightly, his words solemn as a promise: “I will give you and Jiulingzhao an explanation for this matter. However… I need a safe opportunity.”

Xue Sui raised his eyes and met his deep gaze.

There was concern, apology, determination, and a hint of heaviness that she couldn't understand.

She nodded slowly and gently squeezed his hand in return.

“I believe in Your Highness, but Your Highness must remember that the wronged souls of the Old Mausoleum cannot wait much longer.”

The fragrance of tea lingers.

Their eyes met, and many unspoken words were hidden in their gazes...

(End of this chapter)