Chapter 105: Coming Storm
The next day, someone from the palace arrived.
It was Wang Chengxi, who served Emperor Chong Zhao.
He was the one who had carried the plaque of “Benevolence and Kindness to Women” when he came before, and he was still the one who came to deliver the good news today. He was very good at smiling; anyone who saw him would suddenly find a hint of a smile in their eyes.
People like him were generally likable.
Xue Yuechen smiled and instructed her servants to prepare generous gifts to welcome him.
“Eunuch Wang, please come inside. Madam Xue will be here shortly…”
Chengxi bowed slightly, his face full of smiles, and said, “There’s no need to trouble you. I’m here to deliver His Majesty’s oral decree, and I dare not delay. I’ll say a few words and leave. I won’t disturb you, Princess Consort…”
He was very polite, never putting on airs just because he served the Emperor.
“Eunuch, why must you be so polite to me?” Xue Yuechen smiled and personally handed Wang Chengxi a pouch filled with silver money.
“You’re busy, Eunuch, so I won’t keep you. It’s only right that I offer you a cup of hot tea.”
Wang Chengxi no longer refused.
Serving the Emperor sometimes meant that not accepting money could raise suspicions, so it was better to go with the flow. He understood this well and smiled, accepting the gesture and engaging in pleasantries.
Xue Sui, still “unrecovered from her illness,” walked at a slower pace.
By the time she entered the room, everyone else had already arrived.
Wang Chengxi suppressed his smile, stood at the head of the table, and loudly read the imperial decree.
“By His Majesty’s oral decree, Xue Shi of Prince Duan’s Mansion, for her gentleness, respectfulness, frugality, and commendable virtue, for serving Prince Duan with utmost dedication and evident moral character, is hereby promoted to Madam of Prince Duan’s Mansion, bestowed with the title ‘Ping An.’ It is hoped that you will henceforth uphold wifely virtues, adhere to your original intentions, maintain diligence, and together receive imperial favor. Respectfully issued—”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!”
Everyone present knelt and bowed in unison.
After reading the decree, Wang Chengxi straightened his back, as if he had transformed into a different person. He bowed repeatedly to Xue Yuechen, smiling broadly.
“Princess Consort, Madam Ping An, congratulations, congratulations. I shall return to report now.”
With the bestowed title, “Madam Ping An” was worlds apart from the “Ru fūrén” that Li Zhao had mentioned.
A “Ru fūrén” was equivalent to a Madam, with a status not much higher than an ordinary concubine. However, “Madam Ping An” was an official title, blessed by the Emperor’s oral decree, placing her at least halfway into the ranks of noble ladies.
Xue Sui had already been informed of this beforehand, so her face showed no surprise, and she returned the bows calmly.
This composure and serenity made Wang Chengxi glance at her a few extra times.
“Madam, you must take good care of your health and give birth to an imperial grandson for His Majesty soon. At that time, there will surely be no shortage of rewards and favors…”
Xue Sui: “Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch.”
Wang Chengxi waved his hand, “Madam, you are too polite. You’re welcome, you’re welcome.”
Xue Yuechen watched Wang Chengxi’s face, which was creased with smiles, and her expression stiffened for a moment. The hand holding her handkerchief unconsciously tightened slightly.
She had been genuinely happy for her sixth sister’s promotion, feeling honored by it.
However, when she learned from Wang Chengxi that it was Li Huan himself who had gone to the palace to request the decree, her mood instantly plummeted. Her feet felt unsteady on the ground, as if she couldn’t stand firmly, her head feeling heavy and her body light…
The last time Li Huan had personally spoken to Consort Xiao was for Consort Zhang.
He had said they had known each other since childhood and shared a bond of youthful affection, but after so many years, she hadn’t seen any deep feelings between them.
Because Li Huan had never shown favoritism to any other women in his household, her position was stable and unshakeable. She always appeared magnanimous and detached from worldly affairs…
At this moment, the tightness in her chest told her…
That she was far from as magnanimous as she thought.
–
The news of Sixth Miss Xue being promoted to “Madam Ping An” quickly reached the Xue family.
Consequently, Madam Qian prepared several banquets.
She was like a shot of adrenaline, bustling about with her feet barely touching the ground, as if her own daughter had received favor. She wished she could announce it to the world.
Old Madam Cui’s face was flushed, and she couldn’t stop smiling.
“I said long ago that Sixth Girl had potential, and now it has come true. I, this old woman, am not blind; I recognized the right person…”
Madam Fu sat to the side, her lips twitching, and sneered inwardly.
What a bunch of sycophantic, disgusting people!
When had the Old Madam ever shown Sixth Miss even a shred of kindness?
Wasn’t she also afraid that the “seven-star disaster star” would implicate her son’s future and ruin the Xue family’s reputation? Yet now she was pretending to be kind.
Disgraceful old woman!
She only dared to mutter these words in her heart. Her face was like a puppet’s, cold and stiff, and she sat there in silence, not even wanting to touch the delicacies laid out on the table.
Madam Qian smiled, “Sister-in-law, you don’t seem very happy?”
Madam Fu revealed a subtle hint of mockery and replied unhurriedly.
“I was thinking that our family’s young ladies are not without their achievements. But for a concubine to be elevated to Madam, is it really worth such a grand display?”
Madam Qian looked at the disdain in her eyes and smirked.
“Indeed, it can’t compare to Sister-in-law’s daughter, who is a highly respected official Princess Consort? You are the mother of the ‘Eight Auspicious Star,’ bringing glory to the family… Who in Shangjing doesn’t know that? If it weren’t for heaven’s will, Sixth Miss would have died long ago, her fate so bitter. How can she compare to Eldest Sister?”
Madam Fu’s face turned pale, and she pointed at Madam Qian’s face: “You…”
Madam Qian raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly, “Sister-in-law, why is your complexion so poor? Is the food not to your liking? I heard that Sister-in-law has been plagued by nightmares lately and needs to consume ten taels of silver worth of medicinal cuisine daily to calm her nerves. Shall I have the kitchen prepare another portion for you?”
Madam Qian held the authority of managing the household, and Madam Fu had always disliked her. The veiled sarcasm in her words made Madam Fu’s face turn red with anger and fury.
But before she could retort, a violent cough erupted from her throat…
Seeing this, Madam Qian, with a fake smile, instructed the steward.
“Later, ask Doctor Zhang for any good remedies. No matter how much they cost, send them to Qing Lan Courtyard. Don’t let a minor illness turn into a major one, lest others say I, your sister-in-law, am harsh to my sister-in-law…”
Killing with a single blow!
Madam Qian truly knew how to curse.
Not a single vulgar word was uttered, and her expression didn’t change.
Seeing Madam Fu coughing violently and struggling to breathe, Xue Qingxiu gave Madam Qian a look, signaling her to stop. He then turned to pour wine for Xue Qingzhi.
“Brother, let’s drink, brother. Let’s not concern ourselves with the women’s affairs. They can talk amongst themselves, and we can drink.”
Xue Qingzhi sat there, his expression not very good.
Whether any of his daughters were favored, it was good for the Xue family…
But Sixth Miss’s actions were unpredictable. The incidents that had occurred in the Xue Mansion before were like a large stone pressing down on his heart, heavy and making him feel inexplicably uneasy.
As the Minister of Justice, Xue Qingzhi understood the details of several cases better than others. He had no evidence to suspect Sixth Miss, nor any reason to implicate his own daughter…
Yet, for some reason, he felt uncomfortable every time he saw Xue Sui.
He used to think it was guilt.
Upon reflection, it wasn’t.
He couldn’t explain it. Silently, he picked up his wine cup and accepted his congratulations.
Xue Qingxiu smiled broadly, genuinely happy for Xue Sui. He drank heartily, his tongue getting tied, his cheeks flushing, and he became quite tipsy.
“Wife, in no time, the mansion will likely be preparing for another celebration.”
Madam Qian’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Husband, do you have some good news?”
Xue Qingxiu sat up straight, his back held rigidly, unable to hide the pride on his face.
“Last month’s martial arts competition, your husband displayed his prowess, leading a hundred men to break through three formations! General Yi Wu personally bestowed upon me a golden arrow and intends to promote me to Colonel Yi Hui.”
He patted his chest as he spoke, “From now on, your husband will also command five hundred elite cavalry, a seventh-rank official of the court…”
The rank of Colonel Yi Hui was not very high, but it was a substantive military position.
It was clear that General Yi Wu regarded Xue Qingxiu as a confidant and protégé, truly appreciating him.
With her husband’s future so bright, Madam Qian was naturally overjoyed and excitedly clapped her sleeves in approval.
“Then let’s have a grand celebration and invite all those relatives who usually look down on our Third Branch. Let them see the might of our Third Master…”
“Absolutely not, absolutely not!” Xue Qingxiu exclaimed in alarm, quickly holding Madam Qian’s arm. “Too much success attracts attention. We must not be ostentatious… Let’s just celebrate quietly among ourselves.”
Madam Qian also understood the implications. Her earlier words were merely to provoke Madam Fu and vent her old grievances.
Old Madam Cui, seeing his cautiousness, felt gratified.
San Lang had truly matured!
He was no longer the reckless, dissolute young man he used to be.
While the Xue family rejoiced and celebrated, Xue Yueying, who had returned from her maternal home to share good news that afternoon, felt as if she had been slapped hard across the face.
She had made a fool of herself on her wedding day, and shortly after marrying, Gu Jie was imprisoned.
The Fourth Miss, once the most favored in the Xue family, had married into a prestigious Marquis’s Mansion, expecting a life of splendor, only to end up in such a sorry state.
She hadn’t returned to her maternal home to show off during this period.
Now that Gu Jie was released from prison, and a doctor had confirmed she was carrying a son, she had expected to hold her head high upon returning to her maternal home today…
But upon her arrival, she heard that Sixth Miss had been promoted…
Not only that, but Prince Duan, pitying Xue Sui’s frail health, intended to set aside his affairs in the capital and take her to a separate villa to escape the summer heat…
Listening to the Old Madam praise Xue Liu, Third Madam repeatedly called her a lucky star…
Xue Yueying clenched the handkerchief in her hand, feeling as if she had swallowed a fly.
She was the one who should have been glorious, the one who should have been praised by everyone and enjoyed honor. How could Xue Liu, an abandoned daughter and a concubine, compare to her, the official wife of a Marquis’s Mansion?
She felt deeply humiliated.
She blamed Gu Jie for being incompetent and useless…
She blamed Eldest Sister for being biased and protecting Xue Liu.
She blamed First Madam for being cold-hearted and malicious.
She blamed Marquis Jingyuan for having a title but no real ability.
She also blamed her father, who loved her the most, for not supporting her…
As the Minister of Justice, holding significant power, if he had been willing to lend a hand, how could Gu Jie have been imprisoned? How could they have ended up in such a tragic situation?
Of course, her greatest hatred was for Xue Liu.
“Why? Why her?”
She could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face.
–
In late May, the summer heat grew more intense.
The sun shone through the treetops, as if trying to bake people alive.
Xue Sui was looking through a newly acquired cookbook with Jinshu, contemplating refreshing drinks for the summer, when Yu Zhui, a maid from Mu Yue Residence, came to report.
“Madam Ping An, the Princess Consort has sent this maid to inform you that the day the Prince will go to the separate villa has been set for the twenty-sixth of May. There are only a few days left, so if Madam has anything to bring, you should pack it early to avoid being flustered and delaying the time. The Princess Consort has also instructed the carriage department to prepare three carriages for Madam. Madam, please take a look, are three carriages enough? If not, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Xue Sui smiled slightly. “They are more than enough. Please thank the Princess Consort on my behalf.”
Yu Zhui bowed respectfully.
“Then this maid will go back and report to the Princess Consort…”
Xue Sui said, “Please wait, girl.”
Yu Zhui stopped, “Does Madam have any other instructions?”
Xue Sui smiled and looked at Jinshu.
Jinshu understood and took out a red coral beaded hairpin.
“This is a token of our Madam’s regard. Look at this hairpin; it seems tailor-made for Miss Yu Zhui.”
She then turned back and took a sandalwood food box from Ru Yi.
“These pastries were made by our Madam herself for the Princess Consort. Please inform the Princess Consort that Madam deeply remembers her great kindness and favor. If not for the Princess Consort’s protection, how could Madam have lived peacefully in this mansion?”
Yu Zhui understood her meaning and smiled shyly.
“Thank you, Madam, for your generosity. This maid will report your words without omission.”
Xue Yuechen was not entirely comfortable with Li Huan’s favor towards Xue Sui, and Xue Sui was aware of this.
Otherwise, she would have personally conveyed such news to her and inquired about the trivial matters, rather than sending a maid to relay the message.
As soon as Yu Zhui left, Jinshu sighed.
“The Princess Consort knows that Madam has no intention of competing for favor, yet she still insists on this. She is truly creating her own troubles.”
Xue Sui lowered her head and looked at the bowl of dark medicinal soup on the cabinet, frowning slightly.
“Possessing a treasure brings about calamity. She fears that I am not favored by the Prince, and she fears that I am too prominent and will steal her favor… In this deep mansion, she racks her brains and naturally becomes wary of others. It is understandable.”
It wasn’t just Xue Yuechen who harbored apprehension.
All the women in the Prince’s Mansion’s inner quarters would be watching her.
Jinshu nodded.
“The Prince’s favor towards you is inexplicable. Doesn’t Madam find it strange?”
What was so strange about it?
It was nothing more than Li Huan suspecting her.
Xue Sui smiled.
“To praise is to kill.”
It was both praise and a killing blow.
Jinshu inquired, “Then how will Madam respond?”
Xue Sui: “With virtue.”
–
Xue Yueying came to the Prince’s Mansion as soon as she received the news, to pay her respects to Xue Yuechen.
It was midday, and fine beads of sweat dotted her forehead, her expression tinged with urgency.
“I heard that Prince Duan’s garden is built to be secluded and elegant, with several ice cellars, lotus ponds, waterside pavilions, water wheels, bamboo buildings, and flowing streams, all perfect for escaping the heat. Sister, you are pregnant and your movements are inconvenient, and your body has been heavy lately. This heat is truly unbearable. I wish to ask Eldest Sister for your compassion; I also wish to tag along and enjoy some coolness…”
Since she had asked, as the elder sister, how could Xue Yuechen refuse?
Moreover, she knew what kind of person Fourth Miss was. If she didn’t agree to her request, she might hold a grudge and later twist things when speaking to their father.
Xue Yuechen smiled and said, “The Prince is inviting some imperial relatives and friends during these few days of leave to go to the separate villa for tea and poetry. It would be good for you all to join the fun.”
Prince Duan usually invited imperial relatives or nobles, who would often find excuses to gather with scholars and artists for elegant pursuits, composing poetry and matching verses. It was not an unusual occurrence.
However, no one expected that the Crown Prince, Li Zhao, would also be among the invited guests.
Furthermore, Li Zhao did not refuse and readily accepted.
When A Ji came to deliver the message, Li Huan was in his study discussing the implementation details of the legal reforms with his advisor Liu Yin. He looked up upon hearing the sound and remained silent for a long time.
“Have you asked His Highness the Crown Prince if his health has improved recently?”
It was widely known that not only Princess Ping Le had fallen ill recently, but Li Zhao had also been unwell for many days.
The servant A Ji replied, “To Your Highness, I have asked. Doctor Zhang is currently taking the Crown Prince’s pulse and says His Highness is merely suffering from heat exhaustion and a slightly overactive liver. The scenery at Your Highness’s separate villa is pleasant, cool, and comfortable, most suitable for recuperation.”
He paused, then bowed slightly with his head lowered, “The Crown Prince also said that he is very touched by Your Highness’s concern, and even though he is not feeling well, he will definitely attend Your Highness’s invitation.”
Li Huan pondered for a moment and smiled slightly.
“You have performed your duty well. Go and receive your reward.”
A Ji repeatedly expressed his gratitude and left with a smile.
Liu Yin, kneeling on the bamboo mat opposite Li Huan, saw a rare hint of hesitation flicker in Prince Duan’s eyes. He couldn’t help but frown and cup his hands, saying:
“It is unusual for the Crown Prince to accept the invitation despite his illness. Your Highness should be cautious in your dealings…”
A “rumble” sounded from the sky.
A muffled thunderclap seemed to fall from the eaves.
Li Huan smiled calmly, stood up, and walked to the window. The wind rustled through the courtyard, and the leaves rustled. The weather, which had been clear and sunny, was suddenly covered by dark clouds, exuding an inexplicable strangeness.
“The storm is coming!”
On the first day of the Lunar New Year in 2025, wishing everyone prosperity and good fortune!
Xue Sui: Today is also a long chapter, only one update.
Li Zhao: Unfortunately, I have nothing to do with it…
Xue Sui: Although the Crown Prince left a bit early last night, he has always lived in the hearts of the readers.
Li Zhao: I thank you, Xue Ping An.
