Chapter 198: Appointing a Consort
Xuanzheng Hall.
Emperor Chong Zhao sat regally on the Dragon Throne, slamming the urgent border report heavily onto the imperial desk with resounding thuds.
“Idiots! A bunch of idiots!”
“King Xizi’s royal court has amassed a hundred thousand troops at Chishui Pass, yet the commanding general and the garrison commander are still shirking their responsibilities!”
“Look at these esteemed officials I personally appointed to guard the borders! They are all mediocre individuals, their abilities entirely consumed by corruption, power-mongering, and embezzling military pay!”
The officials below bowed their heads, holding their breath, their respiration stilled.
The hand of the Minister of War, holding his ivory tablet, trembled slightly. Unconsciously, beads of sweat slid down his deeply furrowed face and onto his court robes.
“Your Majesty, please calm your anger. General Lu has been ordered to lead elite troops out of the pass to confront the enemy. It is expected that the defenses will be reorganized soon, and a victory report will be sent.”
Emperor Chong Zhao let out an angry snort, frowning as he reprimanded:
“All these delaying tactics, just armchair strategizing.”
Before his voice faded, Li Zhao entered, his sleeves sweeping, clad in a dark imperial robe that gleamed coldly in the morning light.
“Imperial Father, your son requests your decree to lead thirty thousand Xuanjia iron cavalry to raid the flank of Chishui Pass and support General Lu…”
Emperor Chong Zhao’s expression turned slightly cold.
His gaze fell upon Li Huan, who followed closely behind, bowing respectfully.
“What does Prince Duan think?”
Li Huan swept his wide sleeves, calmly stepped forward half a pace, and cupped his hands, saying, “Replying to Imperial Father, your son also wishes to lead thirty thousand light cavalry to reinforce from the Chishui River pass.”
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chong Zhao seemed satisfied, his expression softening slightly.
“It is the fortune of Daliang that you two possess such loyalty and courage. However, Daliang has a multitude of excellent generals; why would imperial princes need to personally venture into danger?”
His gaze deepened, and his tone shifted.
“It is just that the beloved daughter of the Princess Protector of the Nation has been abducted to the Western Frontier, and her whereabouts remain unknown. To have this happen would diminish the heavenly might of our Daliang…”
Upon hearing this, Li Huan glanced at Li Zhao from the corner of his eye and replied, cupping his hands.
“I heard that the Crown Prince captured the nephew of the enemy chief Ashina. Why not use him as a hostage for an exchange?”
“Absolutely not!” Censor Zhou Zhongping stepped forward in alarm, his white beard trembling with indignation.
“How can our glorious Heavenly Dynasty engage in exchanges with barbarians? Your Majesty—”
He suddenly bowed deeply, the hem of his official robe sweeping across the gold bricks, “We should behead Hakmu on the battlefield as a display of military might, and then raise a powerful army to annihilate the Xizi bandits, thereby enhancing national prestige!”
Zhou Zhongping was known for his uprightness.
His words immediately drew opposition from two prominent officials of the appeasement faction, led by the Minister of War.
The Imperial Court erupted in a cacophony of arguments.
Li Zhao and Li Huan stood on either side of the imperial steps. One tapped his knuckles lightly on his jade belt, his demeanor righteous and awe-inspiring; the other stroked his thumb ring, his expression inscrutable.
The atmosphere in the hall was heavy and stagnant.
Only the blue smoke spiraled from the gilded incense burner, a knot in everyone’s hearts.
“My beloved ministers need not argue; I have my own plans for this matter.” Emperor Chong Zhao’s gaze swept over Li Zhao, a flicker of hidden doubt flashing in his dark, unreadable eyes.
“The great victory at Yongding River, the interception of the Xizi merchant caravan, and the deterrence of the enemy’s morale – the Crown Prince’s contributions are undeniable…”
Li Zhao cupped his hands and lowered his gaze, his tone respectful.
“Your son was fortunate to defeat the enemy, but it was merely following a map. It cannot be considered a great achievement…”
He suddenly raised his eyes, a smile appearing in their depths.
“The one who truly deserves the greatest merit is someone else.”
Emperor Chong Zhao raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”
“Replying to Imperial Father, your son also borrowed the influence of Minister Xue of the Ministry of Justice this time.” Li Zhao’s lips curved slightly as he announced loudly:
“If not for Minister Xue’s decisive actions, meticulously unraveling the clues to locate the enemy’s movements, your son would not have been able to discern the Xizi’s feint.”
He deliberately emphasized the words “Minister Xue,” glancing at Li Huan from the corner of his eye, and then smiled faintly.
“It was Minister Xue himself who led the Ministry of Justice’s imperial guards to raid the Zhang Residence, apprehend two Xizi scouts, and interrogate them overnight. Only then did we obtain the information that the enemy leader had bribed the Riverway Inspector Zhang Huaiyi and was using the Yongding River as a detour, which greatly assisted your son…”
Emperor Chong Zhao nodded and looked at Xue Qingzhi.
“Minister Xue, your management of the Ministry of Justice has become increasingly astute.”
Xue Qingzhi, suddenly called upon, felt as if struck by lightning, cold sweat instantly soaking his back.
He had gone to pay his respects to Li Huan and spoken about Zhang Huaiyi. Shortly after, Li Zhao was making such a grand announcement in the Imperial Court, even forcing the credit onto him.
This was clearly putting him on the spot!
However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, in front of the Emperor and several high officials, he had to accept this credit, whether he wanted to or not…
After all, the matter of apprehending two Xizi scouts that night was recorded in the Ministry of Justice’s files, irrefutable evidence that could not be denied.
In fact, he still did not know who had provided him with the information. If he had known beforehand that this credit, which came out of nowhere, would be so troublesome, he would not have personally intervened to handle this mess…
“This… this humble minister is terrified.”
Xue Qingzhi’s voice trembled as he stepped forward to reply, “This humble minister was merely investigating the case as per procedure, it is my duty, and I dare not claim credit…”
Emperor Chong Zhao stroked his beard with satisfaction, looking at him with a benevolent expression.
“Minister Xue has worked hard and achieved great merit; I must reward you handsomely…”
Xue Qingzhi’s gaze fell upon the smile on Li Huan’s face, and he felt a chill run through his entire body, immediately prostrating himself on the ground.
“This humble minister is willing to give his all to repay Your Majesty’s grace.”
Li Zhao smiled thinly.
Li Huan suddenly stepped forward calmly, “Your son has something to report.”
Emperor Chong Zhao nodded gently, “Speak.”
Li Huan adjusted his robes and knelt, stating solemnly, “Your son was suddenly afflicted with a severe illness a few days ago, suffering from unbearable itching and red rashes all over his body. Even the medical officers were helpless. Fortunately, Madam Xue prepared an ointment and provided meticulous care, which led to my recovery. Your son dares to—”
He glanced at Xue Qingzhi, “Previously, Minister Xue uncovered secret reports, and now Young Lady Xue has performed a miracle. Your son dares to implore Imperial Father to bestow the title of Consort upon Young Lady Xue, to honor her merit and display Your Majesty’s profound grace.”
The hall fell silent.
Several officials exchanged glances, their expressions shifting uncertainly as they looked at Xue Qingzhi.
Xue Qingzhi himself was astonished.
Even if it was his merit, how did it end up with Xue Liu?
Prince Duan claimed it was to honor the Xue family’s virtue and prestige, but in reality, he didn’t want him to be promoted? In the end, there was still a rift in his heart.
Li Zhao let out a cold laugh.
Fierce aura surged in his eyes, and a bloody sweetness rose in his throat. The Love Silk Gu hidden in his chest burned his internal organs like sharp blades, causing intense pain…
However, his voice was clear and smiling, like shattered jade falling into a pot…
“Clearly, it is Minister Xue’s merit, yet in Imperial Brother’s words, it has become a wedding dress for your Prince Duan’s Mansion…”
Li Huan’s expression remained unchanged. He kowtowed and said to Emperor Chong Zhao, “Imperial Father, please discern. That Young Lady Xue is virtuous and benevolent. Although she is the one your son cherishes, your son’s request is not for personal affection, but solely to commend the Xue family’s upright character…”
Emperor Chong Zhao’s sharp eyes swept over his two sons.
After a moment, he slowly said, “This Young Lady Xue is indeed a woman of both talent and virtue. Since Prince Duan is deeply affectionate, and Minister Xue has made significant contributions, it would be improper for such a gem to remain hidden. Guards, draft an imperial decree…”
–
Tan Qiu Courtyard.
Xue Sui and Xiao Zhao were finely grinding dried mugwort into powder and dividing it into silk pouches when Ru Yi entered hurriedly, carrying a lacquer plate.
“Young Lady, someone from the palace has arrived! They request that Young Lady go to the front hall to receive an imperial decree.”
Xiao Zhao almost dropped the mortar.
Jinshu frowned and said, “According to ritual, the Princess Consort should be the one to handle this. Why are they asking Young Lady to go?”
Ru Yi shook her head, “This maidservant does not know.”
Xue Sui asked, “Has the Prince returned to the mansion?”
Ru Yi shook her head again, “According to Aunt Fei Cui, it is a matter of great joy. The Princess Consort has already gone to the main hall and urged Young Lady to hurry so as not to cause delay.”
Xue Sui paused her fingertips and pondered, “Change your clothes.”
–
Inside the Prince’s Mansion’s main hall.
Xue Yuechen led all the female members of the household, holding their breath and with heads bowed and sleeves folded, awaiting the decree. The vermilion lacquered screen beside them split the sunlight into mottled fragments that danced across everyone’s clothing.
“Madam Ping’an, receive the imperial decree—”
Xue Sui responded.
Everyone knelt in neat rows.
The eunuch delivering the decree, Wang Chengxi, had a solemn expression. He gently unfurled the bright yellow scroll in his hand, his voice piercing the stagnant air.
“…Xue Shi’s sixth daughter hails from a distinguished lineage, of noble birth and esteemed background. In her maiden years, she was filial to her parents and respectful to her elders; upon marriage, she served her husband with deference. Furthermore, she is skilled in medicine and pharmacology, benefiting the household. I commend her virtue and hereby bestow upon her the position of Consort to Prince Duan, with the emoluments of a consort. She is commanded to diligently uphold wifely duties to assist the royal family. By imperial command!”
The golden sound resonated, its echo lingering.
Everyone prostrated themselves, holding their breath, the silence absolute.
Xue Yuechen subtly observed Xue Sui from the corner of her eye. Seeing her back held perfectly straight, she couldn’t help but gently pinch her handkerchief, a smile appearing.
“Sister, why do you not yet receive the decree?”
Xue Sui responded, prostrating herself to express gratitude, her hands raised high above her head.
“This humble wife thanks Your Majesty for your great grace!”
Wang Chengxi placed the imperial decree into her hands, and Ru Yi quickly stepped forward to offer the reward money.
Just then, Li Huan entered the courtyard with a smile.
“You’ve returned just in time; you’ve caught it.”
Wang Chengxi’s face was full of smiles. He tucked the money bag into his sleeve and bowed to Li Huan.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. His Majesty’s grace is vast, and his favor grows daily. Truly a cause for celebration.”
Li Huan smiled faintly and nodded, “Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch.”
Wang Chengxi replied, “I dare not,” then bowed his hunched back and said obsequiously, “Then this humble servant shall return to report. Your Highness is always working hard; you should take good care of yourself and avoid overexertion.”
“Please proceed slowly, Eunuch.”
Li Huan had someone escort Wang Chengxi out of the mansion. He glanced at the people in the hall, then walked to Xue Sui’s side and personally helped her up.
“Are you satisfied now? Consort Xue.”
His eyes were filled with warmth, his smile gentle, yet his eyes seemed to be quenched with ice.
“I told you long ago that I would not wrong you.”
Truly a cunning man.
Wasn’t he trying to sow discord between her and Xue Yuechen?
Did he intend to let their sisters fall out, like the snipe and clam fighting, before he would be satisfied?
Xue Sui calmly withdrew her hand, bowed with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Your Highness speaks too highly. I merely did what was within my duties and was fortunate to receive His Majesty’s favor. I truly do not deserve it…”
She looked up at Xue Yuechen, a faint smile on her lips.
“If not for the Princess Consort’s diligent guidance and constant advice, how would I know how to conduct myself and discern propriety, so as not to hinder Your Highness’s affairs…”
This was a jab at him, subtly implying favoritism.
It was like poking him in the spine.
Li Huan raised an eyebrow and met her gaze. Sensing the faint coolness in her eyes, he curved his lips into a smile, turned, and gently put his arm around Xue Yuechen’s shoulders, drawing her partially into his embrace.
“The Princess Consort is benevolent and magnanimous; I am certainly aware of that. You two sisters are a perfect match, two beauties gracing my side, it is my good fortune. From now on, you two must work together in harmony to manage the household affairs…”
Xue Yuechen forced a smile, “This concubine will strictly follow your teachings.”
“Thank you, my beloved concubine.” Li Huan’s smile did not diminish. His fingertips brushed over the hairpin in Xue Yuechen’s hair, his tone gentle yet firm.
“The celebration for the Consort’s ennoblement must be conducted according to ritual. You shall choose an auspicious day to host a banquet, so that your sister can be honored and not looked down upon.”
Xue Yuechen’s brow furrowed slightly, “The border is unsettled recently. If we were to hold a grand banquet, it might invite criticism?”
Li Huan waved his hand to interrupt, “It will merely be a small family gathering; there is no need to worry. At that time, invite the fifth brother, the fourth brother, and several other relatives to the mansion for some lively celebration.”
At this juncture, the Prince insisted on holding a banquet.
This clearly showed his importance placed on this Consort.
Xue Yuechen smiled and reluctantly agreed.
“Yes, this concubine will certainly prepare with all her heart and will not disgrace Your Highness’s reputation.”
–
Within two days, the news of Xue Qingzhi’s meritorious capture of thieves and reward of a hundred qing of fertile land, and Xue Sui’s healing of Prince Duan’s strange illness with her medical skills, leading to her ennoblement as Prince Duan’s Consort, quickly spread throughout the capital.
For many years, Xue Qingzhi had often been criticized in the Imperial Court as lazy and incompetent, having risen through the ranks by relying on the legacy of Old Duke Xue and connections. Suddenly revealing his capabilities, he felt both triumphant and somewhat uneasy.
Rumors spread like a tide, and soon it was the Zhongyuan Festival.
As night fell, a fine drizzle descended. Shangjing City, which had been bustling all day, returned to tranquility.
Taverns closed, and streetlights gradually dimmed.
The blue stone slabs of Tan Qiu Courtyard were damp with moisture. Beads of water dripped from the eaves tiles. Two lanterns were immersed in the misty rain, like two crescent moons floating on the water.
Xue Sui sat by the window, dipping her goat hair brush in ink and writing on Xuan paper. Name after name glided across the paper, making a soft rustling sound.
Suddenly, the door knocker sounded lightly. Jinshu entered, wearing a damp handkerchief on her head, carrying a sandalwood box.
“Young Lady, the Princess Protector of the Nation has sent someone with something.”
At this hour, Wen Jia sending something must have a deeper meaning.
Xue Sui put down her brush, took the box, and opened it. Inside was a book with an indigo cover, “Compendium of Materia Medica,” with medicinal herb patterns embroidered in silver thread on the spine. As she opened the pages, a leaf fluttered down, like a newly sprouted fern frond…
Her heart stirred, and she bent down to pick it up.
The fine hairs on the leaf were damp, revealing faint veins, reflecting in the dim lamplight as if fresh dew had fallen…
A new leaf of the “Love Silk Flower”?
Li Zhao.
It was Li Zhao.
“Young Lady, what is this…” Xiao Zhao watched Xue Sui’s fingertips caress the leaf, a look of confusion on her face.
Xue Sui smiled slightly, placed the leaf back between the pages, and then into the box.
“A gift of a book on a rainy night, a sign of deep affection. Wen Jia is thoughtful. I will visit her personally to express my gratitude another day.”
She looked out the window. The autumn wind was bleak, and the autumn rain was lingering…
“Ru Yi, go and get that jar of green plum wine, and some honey. It’s cold today, and the rainy night is damp and heavy. It’s perfect for eating something sweet to warm the body.”
Ru Yi responded and left.
Xue Sui lowered her eyes and instructed Xiao Zhao in a low voice.
“Send away all the idle people in the courtyard.”
Xiao Zhao was taken aback and nodded.
Xue Sui’s gaze turned cold, “Especially keep an eye on Prince Duan’s two informants. Tonight, you and Jinshu be vigilant.”
Xiao Zhao and Jinshu exchanged a glance.
“Young Lady, please rest assured. This maidservant will guard the entrance strictly.”
Xiao Zhao also took her leave.
Xue Sui sat at the table, looking at the character “Li” on her hand, smudged by the moisture, her gaze gradually deepening.
Jinshu walked over and draped a Yun Jin brocade cloak over her.
“Young Lady, you’ve abstained for these days, why are you drinking wine again?”
Others might not know, but Jinshu understood. Alcohol would catalyze the latent illness of the Love Silk Lure, causing the Young Lady to become restless. Therefore, even her favorite green plum wine was rarely touched.
Xue Sui raised her hand to press her forehead and smiled faintly.
“I suddenly have a craving.”
Jinshu wanted to say something but stopped. Seeing her Young Lady’s shadow on the screen stretched long and thin by the candlelight, she sighed helplessly with heartache.
Outside the window, the autumn rain rustled the banana leaves.
Xue Sui gazed at the candlelight, ignited the paper filled with names, and watched it turn to ash.
She knew that in this chess game, Li Zhao was not a pawn to be manipulated…
She wanted to give Li Zhao the credit for intercepting the Xizi merchant caravan and capturing the Death Warrior Leader, to tie him to her own illicit ship. Yet Li Zhao refused to accept it, forcefully pushing Xue Qingzhi forward…
Xue Sui once again witnessed Li Zhao’s character.
When he’s bad, he’s truly bad.
When he’s mad, he’s ruthless, even willing to sacrifice himself.
Two chapters combined, a bit disjointed, please forgive the slow update…
Muah~
