Chapter 94: Unwilling to Please
Li Zhao’s lips curved into a slight smile.
“This is a secret letter intercepted from a scout by Jingzhao Prefecture two years ago. Take a good look, are the handwriting on this letter and the previous ones from the same person?”
Mei Ruhui’s brows immediately furrowed.
He leaned in, examined it closely for a moment, then looked up.
“Your Highness, may I have it to examine under the light?”
Li Zhao nodded slightly, granting permission.
Mei Ruhui then carefully smoothed his wide sleeves, extended his hands, and very cautiously picked up the paper. He squinted, holding it up to the daylight filtering into the hall, and scrutinized it repeatedly with utmost concentration.
After a long while, he sat back properly, gently placed the note back on the desk, and, meeting Li Zhao’s scrutinizing gaze, shook his head firmly.
“Your Highness, in my humble opinion, this is not from the same hand.”
Li Zhao narrowed his eyes, “Are you certain?”
Mei Ruhui straightened his back, his expression serious, “I have been immersed in calligraphy for many years and would not mistake it. The stroke direction, the ink density, the force of the pen—all are vastly different—”
As he spoke, he pointed to the characters written by Xue Liu,
“These characters are delicate and beautiful, with graceful strokes, clearly written by a woman. Whereas the handwriting of this Imperial Envoy is vigorous and powerful, with bold and magnificent strokes, exuding a heroic spirit between the lines; it must have been written by a man.”
The Imperial Envoy from Old Mausoleum Swamp was a man.
After a moment of silence, Li Zhao unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.
“Not her? So be it!”
Li Zhao turned his head, stood up without a word, and strode out.
Half an hour later, Spirit Feather flew back to Tan Qiu Courtyard.
It brought back a letter from Li Zhao.
It was a poem, and after removing the beginning and end, only four words remained.
“Where is the Imperial Envoy?”
–
Xue Sui raised her arm, watching Spirit Feather move from her arm to her shoulder, cooing. For a moment, she felt a flicker of unease—
This letter was truly unexpected.
She had had suspicions when Li Zhao took the note and the pigeon that day.
But she hadn’t stopped him.
The Crown Prince, born into an imperial family, was just as suspicious.
If she had stopped him, it might have aroused even more suspicion.
She didn’t know how much information Li Zhao had about Old Mausoleum Swamp. Rather than passively defending, it was better to probe actively.
She had Xiao Zhao feed Spirit Feather. After it had eaten its fill and rested for a while, she wrote a reply.
“Only heard its voice, but not seen its person. Find its whereabouts, and the reward will be doubled.”
–
Li Zhao was not the only one looking for the Imperial Envoy.
Princess Ping Le had also sent people to inquire about news everywhere.
She wanted to find a reliable way to deal with the Eastern Palace.
After much thought, the only ones who could avoid the eyes of the imperial court and act cleanly and efficiently were from Old Mausoleum Swamp.
However, Xue Liu had stayed in Old Mausoleum Swamp for so many years; it was inevitable that she would be acquainted with some of those people, or know some intermediaries from all walks of life. If there was any connection, it would be disadvantageous…
Therefore, she had to find the person in charge in Old Mausoleum Swamp.
An Imperial Envoy’s status was something Xue Liu could not aspire to.
As long as the Imperial Envoy was used by her, she could crush Xue Liu, making her unable to ever recover, and she could also use the power of Old Mausoleum Swamp to do things she couldn’t do herself, thus no longer being criticized…
–
Prince Duan, Li Huan, was also looking for the Imperial Envoy of Old Mausoleum Swamp.
When Xue Sui left Old Mausoleum Swamp, she had handed in her Imperial Envoy token. Only the Corpse Guarding Three Elders of Old Mausoleum Swamp, and her senior brothers and sisters among the upper-tier disciples, knew about this. Even within Old Mausoleum Swamp, very few people were aware of Xue Sui’s true identity and the full story.
Li Huan had always wanted to contact the Imperial Envoy.
It was crucial to use the power of Old Mausoleum Swamp to establish contact with the Imperial Envoy.
He sent people to search everywhere and finally heard about an antique merchant who had been doing business with Old Mausoleum Swamp for years.
At this moment, in a private room of a teahouse in Changxing Fang, Li Huan, dressed in an ordinary indigo round-collared robe of a merchant, held a teacup and was chatting happily with this antique merchant.
“Your connections are extensive. Could you trouble yourself to make an introduction?”
The antique merchant had a thin face and a shrewd, cunning expression.
“It’s easy, it’s easy…”
Li Huan did not reveal his true identity to the other party, claiming he wanted to do some salt and iron business in Old Mausoleum Swamp. Such business was illicit, so wanting to establish connections with the Imperial Envoy was reasonable and wouldn’t arouse suspicion.
A tael of silver was passed over—
The antique merchant stroked his beard and smiled, saying:
“To be frank, Shopkeeper Huang, that esteemed Imperial Envoy is elusive, their whereabouts are secret, and they rarely meet people. The rules in Old Mausoleum Swamp are also strict. If you want to do business there, I’m afraid…”
The antique merchant shook his head.
At the same time, he spread out five fingers.
Li Huan raised his chin with a pleasant expression.
The eunuch Cheng Fu pushed another five silver ingots onto the table.
Li Huan smiled, “After this is done, Huang will surely reward you handsomely…”
As soon as the antique merchant saw the money, his face was full of smiles.
“Shopkeeper Huang is generous, then I won’t be polite.”
The antique merchant took the money and said, “The former Imperial Envoy violated a prohibition and has been expelled from Old Mausoleum Swamp. The current Imperial Envoy of Old Mausoleum Swamp has not yet taken office… I truly cannot make an introduction at this time.”
Everyone’s expression changed.
Wasn’t this utter nonsense?
The antique merchant continued, “But if Shopkeeper Huang wants to do business in Old Mausoleum Swamp, I still have some connections and can help smooth things over. But let me say this beforehand, salt and iron have high profits but are strictly controlled. I would be taking a great risk. Shopkeeper Huang, don’t be stingy with money to avert disaster then…”
“Naturally.”
Li Huan smiled calmly, “I hope you will offer much guidance then, esteemed sir.”
“It’s easy, it’s easy. With me handling it, Shopkeeper Huang can rest assured.”
It wasn’t until the antique merchant left the private room and floated away that Cheng Fu’s face darkened.
The two guards were so angry they wished they could draw their swords and kill him.
They were looking for the Imperial Envoy.
They weren’t actually going to sell salt and iron.
“This guy looks like a swindler!”
Li Huan frowned slightly, “He took money and averted disaster. He has already informed us of the information we need. As long as he didn’t lie, it’s not deceit, and there’s no fault to be found.”
Cheng Fu was quite annoyed, “He was clearly fooling Your Highness.”
Li Huan: “It doesn’t matter.”
He then glanced at the guards, “Follow him!”
The guard Xiang Yang received the order, his expression serious, and followed.
–
When Li Huan returned to his mansion from Changxing Fang, a servant came to report.
“The Princess Consort says that the frequent incidents in the mansion on your birthday were due to her inadequate arrangements, which failed to please Your Highness. The Princess Consort is very remorseful and has prepared a simple banquet today to apologize to Your Highness…”
Prince Duan frowned.
The servant immediately cupped his hands.
“I understand. I will go and refuse the Princess Consort now…”
“Wait.” Li Huan hesitated for a moment, “The Princess Consort has good intentions, I will go and see.”
Mu Yue Residence.
This was Xue Yuechen’s residence after marrying into the Prince’s Mansion.
Li Huan did not visit often in these years. Once a month for one night seemed to be a tacit agreement. He fulfilled his duty as a husband but was not intimate, never crossing the clearly defined boundary between them, maintaining a distinct line.
Xue Yuechen could not integrate into his world, and Li Huan did not linger much in her life.
Xue Yuechen was not sure if Li Huan would come today.
Xue Sui, however, calmly comforted her.
“Sister, please be at ease. Haste makes waste; we have plenty of time to plan.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Fei Cui hurried in, lifting the curtain, her face beaming with joy.
“Princess Consort, Ru Ren, His Highness is coming to Mu Yue Residence…”
Xue Sui smiled at Xue Yuechen, wiped her hands, and linked her arm.
“Eldest Sister, the next part is up to you.”
She had given Xue Yuechen acupuncture for three days and had her take medicine for three days, then calculated that these were Xue Yuechen’s best days for conception. So, she had her prepare fine wine and delicacies and find a way to invite Li Huan over…
Xue Yuechen lowered her head slightly, a hint of shyness on her face.
“Thank you, Younger Sister, for arranging this.”
Xue Sui smiled, “This is what it means to be of one heart as sisters.”
Xue Yuechen looked up at her and nodded slightly.
If this matter could truly be accomplished, it would naturally be the outcome Xue Yuechen wished to see.
Living a good life as sisters of one heart was better than being sisters serving the same husband.
After Xue Sui left through the back door, Xue Yuechen took out the scented sachet Xue Sui had left—
Sixth Sister said that the medicinal materials in the sachet were harmless to the body, not like the defiled things Princess Ping Le used. But smelling them made one feel relaxed and refreshed, and the scent was pleasant…
She brought it to her nose and sniffed gently.
The fragrance was intoxicating, making her whole body feel at ease, and it slowly seeped into her heart…
It was a very pleasant feeling.
Xue Yuechen gently placed the scented sachet under her pillow before going out to greet him.
Li Huan followed Xue Yuechen to the dining hall. Looking at the table full of delicacies, the darkness in his eyes deepened.
A delicate white porcelain dish contained pink and white pastries made from preserved peach blossoms, honey, and almonds, with a rich floral aroma.
He remembered that the pastry was called “Peach Blossom,” one of the Nine Treasures Cakes.
The other dishes were not delicacies of the mountains and seas; they looked very homely, yet the careful thought put into them was evident. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was exquisite, making one’s appetite whet.
Xue Yuechen said, “Last time I saw Your Highness liked the Peach Blossom pastry from the Nine Treasures Cakes, so I specially asked Sixth Sister for advice, and then I pondered it myself. I tried my hand today. Your Highness, please taste it and see if it’s the same flavor?”
It was clear that his Princess Consort had put a great deal of effort into showing her favor to him.
Li Huan thought that Xue Yuechen was trying to get him to consummate his marriage with Xue Liu soon. He nodded and sat down.
“The Princess Consort has lost some weight recently. Don’t overwork yourself; take care of your health.”
Hearing his gentle tone, Xue Yuechen felt much more at ease. She stepped forward to massage his shoulders and said softly and attentively, “It is only right for me to do anything for Your Highness. However, my Sixth Sister has been in the mansion for several days, and Your Highness has not visited her once, which inevitably leads to gossip…”
Li Huan frowned slightly.
When Xue Liu was mentioned, his gaze flickered, and a complex, indescribable emotion appeared on his face.
“I will go see her when I have free time.”
Xue Yuechen lowered her head, staring into his eyes.
“Your Highness has not stayed in Mu Yue Residence for a long time either.”
Li Huan took her hand.
Xue Yuechen’s heart fluttered.
Li Huan had already removed her hand from his shoulder and then let go.
“There are spies from Xizi active in Shangjing. I am currently overseeing Jingzhao, and I cannot afford to be lax in the slightest. My Imperial Father has also repeatedly instructed me to keep a close watch, clear out any hidden dangers, and ensure the stability of the Capital Region, so that the people of Xizi cannot take advantage of any loopholes… I have been truly busy these past few days. I hope the Princess Consort will understand!”
Xue Yuechen smiled slightly.
“How could I blame Your Highness… I just…”
She bit her lower lip.
Mimicking Xue Liu’s words, she lowered her head with a look of disappointment.
“Yesterday, I saw a very reputable doctor, a renowned expert in gynecology in folk tales. She said that a woman’s conception depends on the timing. These few days are good days…”
Saying these things to his face made her very uneasy.
Normally, the dignified and prudent Princess Consort was also reserved and modest in her chambers.
To speak of such matters to her husband, she was still flustered and uneasy.
Li Huan glanced at her, “Let’s go, we should rest early.”
Xue Yuechen’s heart pounded like a little deer. She ordered the servants to prepare water, personally attended to Li Huan after his bath, and then put on him a newly made nightgown. Seeing him leaning against the head of the bed reading alone, his face soft and refined in the warm candlelight, his features as beautiful as a painting, his innate resilience and nobility, and his noble demeanor, she couldn’t help but feel flustered…
Ten years of marriage!
Every time she interacted with Li Huan, she was still shy and apprehensive.
Just like their first meeting.
Xue Yuechen, with a heart full of budding love, went to the washroom.
Unexpectedly, by the time she finished washing, Li Huan had already fallen asleep on the couch.
Xue Yuechen stood still for a moment, then walked closer and gently took the book from his hand.
Over the years, Li Huan’s power in the imperial court had grown, but his sleep had worsened. Therefore, besides fulfilling his duty to accompany the Princess Consort in Mu Yue Residence once a month, he never stayed overnight in the rooms of any of his consorts or concubines.
Because once someone was by his side, he couldn’t sleep soundly…
Li Huan rarely slept so soundly that he didn’t wake up even when the book was removed. Xue Yuechen didn’t want to disturb him further. She sighed and gently pulled the brocade quilt over him. She stood by the bedside for a long time…
Xue Liu’s method was indeed effective.
It was just that the Prince’s heart was not in the inner chambers.
No matter how much effort she put in, it was useless.
But tonight, Li Huan was staying in her Mu Yue Residence, and the ones who should be restless were Yuan Shi and Zhang Shi…
Thinking this, Xue Yuechen became cheerful again.
As Xue Liu had said, to capture a man’s heart, one couldn’t be impatient.
She had to take it slowly, from his stomach, to his person, and then to his heart. First, she had to make Li Huan comfortable when he was with her, rather than feeling that she was pressing him step by step and being annoying.
This way, he would come more often…
Xue Yuechen covered the night lamp with a lampshade and tiptoed onto the bed.
The night was as calm as water…
She closed her eyes, as if feeling that fate had opened a new window for her.
Dinner was served early today since dinner wasn’t ready yet~~
Li Zhao: What am I eating? I didn’t get any!
Readers: Didn’t you say the dates were delicious?
