Chapter 131: False Affection
Xue Sui returned to Tan Qiu Courtyard via the secret path from Moonlit Lake. Xiao Zhao was already waiting there, her expression full of anxiety.
“If the Young Lady doesn’t return soon, the pretense will be revealed.”
Xue Sui quickly asked, “What happened?”
Xiao Zhao said, “Aunt Cui, who is by the Princess Consort’s side, has been waiting at Tan Qiu Courtyard for a quarter of an hour. Aunt Jinshu claimed you had a coughing fit and needed to rest in seclusion, but she refused to leave, insisting on seeing Madam. This maid suspects her intentions are not good…”
Xue Sui nodded and, without further words, quickened her pace.
Xiao Zhao rushed ahead two steps and opened the wooden window that was hidden by the night.
Xue Sui’s figure was light, leaping over like a flying swallow.
Inside, Ru Yi, wearing Xue Sui’s clothes, lay on the bed with her side facing outwards, feigning a cough.
From the corridor outside, Cui’s concerned yet persistent voice could be heard.
“Madam’s cough is so severe, do you truly not need to ask an Imperial Physician to examine her?”
Jinshu replied from outside, “Medical Officer Chen has already prescribed medicine, and Madam has just taken it. Once the medicinal soup takes effect, she should feel better. Let Madam sleep for now; we can discuss it tomorrow.”
Cui said again, “The Princess Consort is worried about Madam. I must see her with my own eyes and inquire about her condition before I can report back.”
“It’s best not to let Aunt catch the illness…” Jinshu’s words were tactful and extremely polite, her voice calm and collected.
However, whether Cui sensed something or Xue Yuechen harbored suspicions, no matter how Jinshu tried to persuade her, Cui refused to leave.
“It’s nothing. We servants should prioritize our masters’ well-being. Our own health is not that important.”
Cui’s response was flawless.
Jinshu was secretly anxious. Seeing that she couldn’t find a reason to stop Cui from seeing Xue Sui, the room door behind her was suddenly pulled open.
Xiao Zhao came out with a displeased expression, “Since Aunt Cui wants to see, then let her see. It will prevent her from making wild guesses later and spreading gossip…”
Her tone was unfriendly.
Cui, however, paid it no mind, smiling courteously and walking forward with a serious demeanor.
The gauze curtain in the inner room was drawn aside. Cui immediately saw Xue Sui, her face pale, leaning weakly against the head of the bed, looking at her.
“Aunt, please don’t come any closer. Just sit there and talk.”
After speaking, Xue Sui instructed Jinshu.
“Hurry and offer Aunt Cui a seat and some tea.”
Jinshu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and replied, “Yes.”
Cui looked at Xue Sui’s sickly appearance, curtsied, and said, “I dare not trouble Madam. Seeing Madam cough incessantly and look so weary, it’s not appropriate for me to disturb you further. I will report back to the Princess Consort now, so she can be at ease…”
Cui returned to Mu Yue Residence.
Xue Yuechen inquired, and she reported the situation truthfully.
Xue Yuechen ordered, “Send someone to inform the Prince that Sixth Sister’s illness has not yet recovered and she still needs quiet recuperation.”
Cui frowned in dissatisfaction.
“Why is the Prince suddenly so concerned about Xue Liu? Usually, the Prince never interferes in the affairs of the inner court. Recently, he not only personally assigned guards to protect her but also inquires daily. She’s only been ill for a few days, and he’s already sent the Princess Consort to check on her condition… Could it be that he’s doting on her too much?”
Xue Yuechen glanced sideways and reprimanded softly.
“Don’t speak nonsense. I also hope Sixth Sister recovers quickly so she can serve the Prince and bear children soon. That would be a good thing.”
Cui knew her mistress was speaking insincerely and said no more. She then added, “It’s strange, but while I was waiting there for so long, Jinshu wouldn’t even let me see Madam Ping’an. I only heard that Madam had been coughing. Later, I was finally allowed in. Although Madam was coughing, her complexion didn’t seem like she was gravely ill. Why has this illness persisted for so long without improvement?”
Xue Yuechen sighed, “Sixth Sister has been stubborn since childhood. I suppose she doesn’t wish to attend the Prince… Alas, let it be.”
Before her voice faded, an announcement came from outside.
“The Prince has arrived.”
Li Huan strode in, and Xue Yuechen quickly curtsied.
Unexpectedly, the first question Li Huan asked was, “Has the Princess Consort seen Ping’an?”
Xue Yuechen’s heart tightened.
She lowered her head and replied obediently, “Sixth Sister is ill and refused to let this concubine visit, saying she feared passing on the illness. Your Highness should wait until Sixth Sister’s condition improves before going to Tan Qiu Courtyard.”
Li Huan pressed, “You didn’t see her?”
Xue Yuechen looked at Cui.
Cui quickly smiled and interjected, “Reporting to Your Highness, this servant saw Madam Ping’an. Madam’s complexion is not good, and she has been coughing…”
Li Huan frowned deeply and said, “I’ll go see her. Princess Consort, you should rest early.”
Xue Yuechen clenched her handkerchief slightly, forced herself to gather her spirits, and managed a smile.
“This concubine will accompany Your Highness.”
Li Huan paused, turned back coldly, and asked, “Aren’t you afraid of catching the illness?”
Xue Yuechen’s breath hitched, and she was momentarily unsure how to answer.
Li Huan’s expression was unreadable.
But his words clearly blamed her for not caring enough about Xue Sui’s health.
Her eyes welled up slightly, “This concubine’s consideration was insufficient, and I failed to care for my sister completely. I am truly ashamed.”
Li Huan glanced at her, said nothing, turned, and quickened his pace, walking ahead.
Xue Yuechen twisted her handkerchief, a pang of bitterness in her heart, and slowly followed.
–
The scent of medicine in Tan Qiu Courtyard was dispersed by the wind from the opened door.
As Li Huan’s brocade boots crossed the threshold, Xue Sui was leaning against a carved wooden couch, swallowing a bowl of dark medicinal soup.
“Your Highness…”
Xue Sui’s fingertips trembled, and the medicine bowl clinked like shattered jade.
She was about to get off the couch to curtsy when she saw Xue Yuechen enter. She quickly added, “Princess Consort. Why have you both come? My appearance is so disheveled, how can I receive guests…”
“You may lie down,” Li Huan said, striding to the couch. He took the medicine bowl from Xue Sui’s hand and placed it on the desk. He reached out to support her arm, appearing deeply concerned.
“The Princess Consort said you are gravely ill. I’ve come to see you.”
Xue Sui glanced gratefully at Xue Yuechen and coughed twice.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness and Princess Consort. In truth, I am much better. It’s just this cough; the root of the illness is stubborn and difficult to cure quickly.”
As she spoke, she gave Jinshu a look.
Jinshu quickly offered seats and tea to the two of them.
Li Huan took the teacup, swirled it gently, his jade thumb ring tracing the rim twice. He did not drink the tea and slowly set it down.
“Have you heard about Ping Le’s recent affairs?”
“I have heard a little…” Xue Sui glanced at the maid beside her. “However, rumors in the marketplace are mostly groundless. Without knowing the full picture, it’s not good to make rash guesses.”
Surprisingly, Li Huan hesitated for a moment, then told Xue Sui about the events at the West Mountain Villa that night without reservation.
Xue Yuechen was shocked, her heart sinking as if burdened by a thousand-pound stone.
This morning, when she had inquired about Ping Le’s condition with concern, Li Huan had merely brushed her off with a “No need to ask.” Now, before Xue Liu, he revealed everything without holding back, despite her not asking anything.
Li Huan was usually taciturn and rarely revealed his true feelings.
This was the first time he had spoken so much.
Especially in front of women.
Xue Yuechen quietly bit her lower lip, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Xue Sui looked at Li Huan’s solemn face, knowing his intentions.
“His Majesty dotes on Princess Ping Le. For minor matters, I believe there won’t be any great trouble. Your Highness need not worry too much.”
“Who said I was worried about her?” Li Huan snorted heavily, looking at Xue Sui’s calm face. “Ping Le acts recklessly and indulges in willful behavior. She deserves severe punishment! My Imperial Father is still too lenient with her. If she doesn’t learn a lesson this time, who knows what trouble she’ll stir up next…”
Xue Sui smiled slightly, not responding.
In front of Xue Yuechen, Li Huan insisted on chatting with her, his attitude undeniably ambiguous.
Seeing Xue Yuechen silent and looking dejected, Xue Sui coughed and said, “I’ve been ill these past few days and have been craving the sweet red bean soup from the City God Temple. My health isn’t improving, and I’m starting to want to go out for a walk…”
Li Huan said, “I’ll have the guards escort you tomorrow.”
Xue Sui asked playfully, “Your Highness is so wary of me. If others saw, they’d think I was going to meet a lover in secret?”
Li Huan smiled, “Many Xizi merchant caravans have arrived in Shangjing recently. Their customs and behavior are vastly different from ours, and their movements are very suspicious. It’s always safer for you to go out with attendants.”
Xue Sui just smiled.
Li Huan suddenly leaned forward, looking at the hairpin in Xue Sui’s hair.
“Ping’an, this hairpin… I’ve noticed you’ve been wearing it since you entered the mansion?”
Xue Sui’s heart gave a jolt.
This hairpin was made of cold iron, with a hidden mechanism inside.
“It’s just an old item that’s convenient to use. Your Highness is too kind to notice.”
“The hairpin is too plain; it doesn’t suit Ping’an’s beauty.” Li Huan smiled again, “Didn’t the Princess Consort give you a lot of jewelry and hair ornaments? If none of them suit your fancy, we can go to Zhenbao Tower tomorrow to look again. If you like anything, buy it.”
They chatted, each with their own hidden agenda.
Xue Yuechen, however, couldn’t discern the hidden meanings and only felt the teacup in her hands was scalding.
She remembered the Qixi Festival last year—she had painstakingly chosen a pearl and jade hairpin and asked Li Huan if it looked good, but he hadn’t even recognized which one she was wearing.
A man who never paid attention to women’s adornments had noticed a hairpin that Xue Liu casually wore.
The man who was usually reserved and distant was showing concern for Xue Liu.
He spoke in a gentle tone, with an indescribable intimacy towards her.
And she, the Princess Consort, sitting beside them, felt like an outsider, unable to blend into their world.
“Your Highness should return to Mu Yue Residence to rest.”
Xue Sui suddenly covered her face and coughed lightly, her fingernails digging into the corner of the quilt, revealing a hint of weak fatigue.
“The Princess Consort works tirelessly every day, starting from the morning to oversee the kitchen, preparing various nourishing soups for Your Highness. She puts in so much effort… Your Highness must not disappoint the Princess Consort’s intentions.”
This was a polite dismissal.
Li Huan turned to look at Xue Yuechen.
Xue Yuechen took a handkerchief from her collar, wiped her lips, and said softly, “This concubine asked the small kitchen to prepare osmanthus yam paste. Your Highness can have it as a late-night snack upon your return.”
“Then Ping’an, rest well.”
Li Huan nodded in agreement, flicked the corner of his robe, and stood up.
“I will come to visit you again another day.”
Xue Sui looked at his feigned concern, which was actually deliberate, and couldn’t help but find it amusing.
“We bid farewell to Your Highness, and to the Princess Consort…”
Li Huan left with Xue Yuechen.
The corridor back to Mu Yue Residence seemed to stretch endlessly.
The night lamps cast their shadows long and thin, following them all the way.
Xue Yuechen looked at the man she had been married to for ten years and found him more unfamiliar than the fine lines that had quietly appeared at the corners of her eyes.
“Princess Consort,” Li Huan said as he crossed the threshold, turning his head. “Tomorrow, have the embroidery women tailor a few brightly colored outfits for Ping’an. She usually dresses too plainly; if she goes out like that, people might say the Prince’s Mansion treats her poorly…”
Xue Yuechen smiled slightly and replied, “Your Highness, please rest assured. This concubine has just had the embroidery women measure the dimensions of the sisters in each courtyard. The fabrics have also been chosen. Each household has them, and Sixth Sister will certainly not be mistreated.”
“The Princess Consort has always been thoughtful,” Li Huan said, lowering his head to untie his sash, not looking at Xue Yuechen.
Xue Yuechen turned her head, “Cui, have someone bring the osmanthus yam paste…”
“No need,” Li Huan took off his outer robe. “Prepare the water for a bath; I am tired.”
A chill settled at the corner of Xue Yuechen’s lips.
She looked at Li Huan’s face and suddenly smiled sadly.
This was what it meant to be husband and wife, a couple who treated each other with respect.
Xue Yuechen suppressed the difficulty in her throat and personally attended to Li Huan’s bath and undressing, then extinguished the lights and went to bed.
Li Huan still lay on his side, his back to her, sleeping soundly.
The scented sachet Xue Sui had given him was pressed under the pillow, its unique fragrance very conducive to sleep.
Because of this scented sachet, Li Huan often came over. The entire inner court of the Prince’s Mansion envied her for receiving so much favor, but who knew the bitterness she held in her heart that was difficult to express?
Xue Yuechen’s expression was dejected. She looked at the faded dragon and phoenix carvings on the beams and suddenly wished she could ask the herself who had gotten into the sedan chair that year—had she ever imagined that one day she would have to rely on the pity of her husband’s concubine to survive? And that person would be Xue Liu?
She fumbled for her outer garment in the dark, closed the room door, and came out.
Cui looked at her dejected appearance, feeling heartbroken and wronged.
“The Prince is truly too biased… Those who don’t know would think Madam Ping’an is the mistress of the Prince’s Mansion… No matter how much he favors her, she is still just a concubine. The Prince acting like this is simply too excessive…”
Xue Yuechen raised her hand to interrupt her.
“Bring out the bamboo leaf green wine I saved from the Lantern Festival.”
Cui gasped, “Princess Consort…”
Xue Yuechen waved her hand wearily, “Go ahead.”
–
At the hour of Mao, the third quarter of the clock, the north corner gate of Prince Duan’s Mansion slowly opened.
Xue Sui held up the curtain and watched the street scenery flashing by outside the window, her expression calm, as if deep in thought.
The carriage drove onto Zhuque Street and stopped in front of a rouge shop.
She instructed the accompanying guards.
“You wait outside. Xiao Zhao and Ru Yi will accompany me inside.”
This was the best rouge shop in the Capital City, frequented by the female relatives of nobles and high officials. It wouldn’t be appropriate for two guards to enter and offend them.
“Yes,” the guards replied.
Xue Sui gently lifted her skirt hem, stepped steadily out of the carriage, and slowly entered the rouge shop.
Princess Wen Jia, wrapped in a plain silk cloak, was already waiting inside.
Upon seeing Xue Sui, she closed the door and took out a confidential letter from a hidden pocket in her sleeve.
“This is what Fan Bing sewed into his undergarment before he died.”
See you tomorrow~~
