Chapter 121: Lingering Charm
When the sunlight pierced through the window gauze and landed on the wooden desk, Xue Sui awoke to the rustling of Spirit Feathers flapping.
A few petals of the red camellias, knocked down by the heavy rain last night, clung to the window lattice like bloodstains.
She lowered her gaze, looking at the thin brocade quilt tangled haphazardly around her waist.
In an instant, the scent of ambergris mixed with soapberry wafted over, as if still carrying that person’s warmth.
How did this brocade quilt end up on her?
Xue Sui couldn’t remember when she had fallen asleep, lying on the bed fully clothed, her collar loose, her clothes creased…
There was still a faint damp spot on the pillow…
Her heart tightened, and she abruptly pulled back the bed curtains.
The room was already empty.
That scoundrel had left cleanly, without leaving a single trace.
Xue Sui rubbed her throbbing forehead, retrieved the scar removal cream Li Zhao had given her last time from under the pillow, and clutched it in her palm until the bottle felt hot. Only then did she drive the fragmented nightmares from her mind, turn over, and ring the bell.
“The Young Lady is awake.”
Xiao Zhao entered with a copper basin, helping her wash her face and change clothes.
As they spoke, they saw Ru Yi enter with several peony branches, smiling as she arranged them in the blue and white Ru ware vase on the wooden desk.
“Last night’s thunderstorm was so fierce, it broke the two peonies by the back wall that were blooming so beautifully. This maid felt heartbroken, thinking it would be nice to bring them back and display them in the room. Young Lady, quickly look, do you like them?”
Xiao Zhao glanced at her.
It wasn’t the thunderstorm that broke the flowers.
It was the Crown Prince’s ravages…
She subconsciously glanced at the dark circles under her young lady’s eyes and couldn’t help but worry.
The Crown Prince acted without restraint; she feared he would harm her young lady…
Xue Sui focused on her nose, then her heart, and praised the beauty of the flowers, pretending not to see Xiao Zhao’s gaze.
After she finished washing and dressing and went out.
Two guards had appeared at the courtyard gate at some point.
Perhaps due to lack of sleep from staying up all night on duty, the two men were holding their swords and had fallen asleep leaning against the room door.
Xue Sui coughed lightly.
Seeing them wake up groggily, she turned to Ru Yi and said.
“There were assassins in the mansion last night; thanks to the two of you for your diligent protection. Xiao Zhao, quickly get some tea and silver for the two young men.”
Xiao Zhao responded and slipped two pieces of silver fragments into the hands of the two guards.
The two guards weighed the silver, overjoyed, and repeatedly cupped their hands in thanks.
At that moment, a clamor suddenly erupted outside the courtyard.
“Quick, quick, walk steadily!”
“So many good things, don’t drop them!”
Xue Sui looked over and saw three or five robust maids carrying a cypress wood chest, followed by several maids, each holding silk, brocade, pearls, jade ornaments, and silk sachets, all bustling towards Tan Qiu Courtyard.
The entire display of gold and silver threads shimmered in the sunlight, like flowing, colorful clouds, truly beautiful.
The manager at the front, before even approaching, smiled and greeted them.
“Congratulations to Madam Ping’an, the Prince’s reward.”
Seeing that Xue Sui did not respond, the manager put on a smiling face again and bowed respectfully, “The Prince is concerned about Madam’s fright last night and has specially ordered us to deliver these silks, jewelry, and medicinal materials to soothe Madam’s nerves…”
Xue Sui thanked them, looked at the reward, and had them carry the items inside. Once everything was settled, she would go to the main house to express her gratitude.
Li Huan was not in the mansion.
As soon as she stepped into the main hall of the inner courtyard, she felt the atmosphere was heavy.
The maidservants in the corridor kept their heads down, looking at her without greeting, their expressions tense.
Xue Sui said, “Please inform the Princess Consort that Madam Ping’an has come to express her gratitude.”
Before the maidservant could speak, the tightly shut main door creaked open.
Fei Cui walked over, smiling apologetically, “The Princess Consort is not available to see Madam at the moment…”
She then lowered her voice, with a hint of a hidden expression.
“Princess Ping Le has brought the Little Princess, and they are speaking with the Princess Consort in the inner room. If Madam goes in now, she might displease the Princess and unnecessarily stir up trouble…”
Xue Sui nodded slightly, “Thank you for your guidance, Aunt Fei Cui. I will come back later then.”
Fei Cui bowed with a smile, “Madam, you flatter this servant. This servant also came from the Xue family, how could I not side with my own kin? Princess Ping Le says she will be staying in the mansion for a few days, and the Princess Consort is also helpless. She is overwhelmed right now and probably can’t attend to Madam. Madam, please be careful in all matters, and keep a close eye…”
Xue Sui was startled and thanked her with a faint smile.
“Then I will not disturb the Princess Consort and the Princess. I shall take my leave.”
If Ping Le built the stage and took the stage herself, then she would let her taste the consequences of playing with fire.
–
Returning to Tan Qiu Courtyard, Jinshu had returned from outside.
“Young Lady, I have brought back two pieces of news, one is excellent, and one is not so good. Which would you like to hear first?”
Amidst the cooing of Spirit Feathers, Xue Sui trimmed the lush branches of a potted plant and smiled gently.
“Tell me the good news.”
Jinshu said, “The Eldest Young Master went to the Xue Mansion yesterday to treat Ming Ge’er. He said Ming Ge’er’s pulse is stabilizing and showing signs of improvement…”
The pulse stabilizing meant that Ming Ge’er’s illness had a glimmer of hope.
“This is truly great news; Senior Brother has been a great help.”
Xue Sui’s lifted face, bathed in the sunlight, shone with a smile.
“What about the bad news?”
Jinshu’s expression sobered. “Fan Bing lost all the three thousand taels he took from Hongfu Gambling House last night. As soon as it was dawn today, he went to Pu Ji Temple with a slight drunken haze, likely to cause trouble for Princess Wen Jia…”
Xue Sui raised an eyebrow. “What kind of bad news is that?”
Jinshu frowned slightly, looking into her dark eyes.
“Princess Wen Jia is gentle and weak. This maid fears she cannot handle Fan Bing’s tantrums and harassment, which might ruin the Young Lady’s grand plan…”
Xue Sui said, “Though women are weak, a mother is strong. I believe she, even for her daughter, will not be easily swayed and will handle it properly.”
She never underestimated women.
And she certainly didn’t underestimate women who were mothers.
From the moment she decided to involve Wen Jia, she was confident that Wen Jia would give her all.
Seeing her persistence, Jinshu sighed softly.
“The Eldest Young Master said that an informant urgently reported that Princess Ping Le is inquiring about the Xizi Merchant Caravan’s itinerary. After noon, Fifth Master Gu was summoned to Ping Le Square; I don’t know what her intentions are…”
The scissors in Xue Sui’s hand slowly stopped.
After a moment of contemplation, she slowly smiled.
“It seems Ping Le is not building a stage this time, but an altar for sacrifice.”
Jinshu said, “Young Lady, what should be our next step?”
Xue Sui looked towards the west window and saw a flock of black crows startled from the direction of the Imperial City, flying rapidly across the azure sky like ink splatters.
Her voice was cold.
“Since she has built the altar, we shall prepare the sacrificial offerings for her.”
Half an hour later, Spirit Feather let out a cry and flew out of Tan Qiu Courtyard.
–
The afternoon sun had lessened, but the temperature grew more stifling.
Using Xue Sui’s “old illness relapse” as an excuse, Jinshu asked Zhang Henian for some mugwort incense and meticulously fumigated the room and its surroundings for the entire afternoon.
In the twilight, green smoke of mugwort wafted from Tan Qiu Courtyard, noticeable from afar and quite pungent.
Everyone avoided walking past there.
Unexpectedly, as night fell, Li Huan came again.
Smelling the pungent odor, Li Huan coughed twice.
“Madam’s performance this time is quite a spectacle.”
Xue Sui said, “Tan Qiu Courtyard is by the lake, and there are many mosquitoes and insects. Mugwort can repel mosquitoes and insects, ward off evil, prevent epidemics, and also clear the meridians.”
Li Huan straightened his robes and sat down, chatting casually:
“They say Madam Ping’an is skilled in medicine, yet she cannot cure her own illness?”
He was observing Xue Sui.
Xue Sui seemed not to notice, and let out a low laugh.
“It has been said since ancient times that a physician cannot heal themselves.”
Li Huan smiled and raised his hand, signaling the eunuch to bring over a chessboard and tea.
It was an exquisite chessboard, and the pieces in the box were even more lustrous and translucent—it was the set made of ivory and jade that the people of Wuqiu had presented as tribute years ago, which Li Zhao had won from him in the Golden Palace and then gifted to him.
“The summer days are long, and the mugwort fragrance is lazy. Madam, why don’t you play a game of chess with me?”
Xue Sui lowered her eyes, her expression calm.
“Ping’an is clumsy at chess and dares not play with Your Highness.”
Li Huan was not annoyed, his face still full of gentleness.
“Madam Ping’an is too modest. It’s just for amusement; let’s play casually, regardless of the outcome.”
Xue Sui said, “Then I respectfully accept.”
The two sat opposite each other.
The sound of placing pieces was crisp and pleasant, echoing in the quiet room.
Back and forth, black and white pieces intertwined, and the game constantly changed.
Li Huan held a black piece and placed it on the board, chuckling softly.
“This game of yours, Madam, seems to be settling accounts with me.”
Xue Sui watched the decisive moves of the black pieces, her brow furrowed slightly, appearing unskilled at chess.
“Your Highness jokes. I am merely anxious and dare not be presumptuous. The Princess has always disliked me, and now she is staying in the Prince’s Mansion. As soon as she arrived, Your Highness bestowed so many gifts upon me. I am now afraid to even leave my room, lest I anger a noble person…”
She seemed to think of something, her fingertip holding a piece hovered over a star point, and she raised her eyes.
“Could it be that Your Highness enjoys watching a cornered beast fight?”
Li Huan gently stroked the teacup, as if testing the warmth of the tea.
“My gifts, in your eyes, have become a source of disaster?”
He suddenly leaned forward, the white piece tapping the board with a light laugh.
“Ping Le had a falling out with the Imperial Son-in-law over the last incident. She resents not only you but also me. You don’t need to bother with her; just avoid her. If you need anything, send someone to find me, and I will uphold justice for you.”
“Thank you for Your Highness’s understanding…”
“Crack!”
The ivory chess piece struck with the sound of shattered jade.
The black piece cut off the large dragon, causing ripples in the tea.
Xue Sui looked at the game, slowly leaning back against the sandalwood chair, the jade-colored chess piece in her fingertips, turning like moonlight.
“Alas! I lost.”
She reached out to take the chess box to collect the pieces, and as she raised her arm, some faint old scars were visible in her slightly open sleeve…
The curiosity in Li Huan’s eyes deepened, but his smile remained unchanged.
“Let’s play another game; I’ll give you three moves.”
The chess game continued until late at night.
Only then did Li Huan leave, still not entirely satisfied.
He did not take the ivory and jade chess set with him.
He merely said, “I will come again when I have time, and we can spar again, Madam.”
Xue Sui curtsied and stared at the shadow cast by the firelight on the ground, “Your Highness, travel safely.”
Li Huan’s smile lingered slightly at the corner of his lips. He saw the candlelight cast a butterfly-wing-like shadow on her raven-black eyelashes…
He had never been able to see through this woman clearly.
–
The twilight was like ink. In a private room at Ping Le Women’s Workshop.
Princess Ping Le’s scarlet skirt swept over the threshold as she gracefully entered.
Gu Jie had already been kneeling there for a long time. The summer heat had caused a layer of sweat-soaked marks to appear on the mat.
He stood up, trembling, and cupped his hands, “Greetings, Princess…”
Ping Le smiled with cold eyes, looking down at him, and slowly sat down.
“I heard Fan Bing owes eleven thousand taels at Hongfu Gambling House—tell me, if the Imperial Son-in-law loses everything, will he pawn Princess Wen Jia to the casino?”
Gu Jie looked up and saw the bejeweled hairpin trembling at the Princess’s temples, as if seeing a viper’s tongue flicking.
“This, Gu cannot presume to speak.”
Ping Le laughed contemptuously. “Fan Bing is such a fool, greedy and insatiable, he will eventually be stupid enough to kill himself. Tell me, is that bitch Wen Jia worth that price?”
Gu Jie’s forehead was sweaty, and he dared not speak.
Ping Le glanced at him with disdain, her lacquered fingernail tracing the exquisite tea set on the table, her laughter filled with ferocity.
“Have you thought about what we discussed before?”
Gu Jie’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and his veins bulged as he tightly gripped the hem of his clothes.
“As long as the Princess keeps her word and makes Prince Wei pay the price, Gu Jie is willing to serve as your loyal dog.”
“So sensible?” Ping Le was taken aback, then suddenly burst into laughter, raising a silk fan to cover half her cheek.
After a long while, when she had laughed enough, she slowly straightened up and threw a Black Iron Token in front of Gu Jie.
“In three days, the Xizi Merchant Caravan will arrive in Shangjing. I heard they are resourceful and well-connected, with many secret dealings in the Old Mausoleum Swamp black market. They also possess blueprints for the Divine Arm Camp’s city defenses in Shangjing, such as crossbows and ballistae, that have flowed from the black market…”
Gu Jie’s pupils contracted.
“Why would the Old Mausoleum Swamp black market have these secret blueprints?”
Ping Le coldly smiled, her expressionless face saying, “A year ago, there was a bizarre theft case in the Ministry of War. A Xizi woman disguised herself as a Hu Ji to entertain guests and seduced Minister Cao of the Ministry of War, stealing secret blueprints and escaping. Later, after the old Minister of the Ministry of War died, the matter was dropped… I suspect she fled to the Old Mausoleum Swamp!”
Gu Jie: “Your Highness means…”
Ping Le asked with a smile, “What do you think of Xue Liu’s appearance?”
Gu Jie was covered in cold sweat and answered very cautiously, “Her birth mother was a Hu Ji. She is tall and slender, with sharp and distinct features. She is very, very unique…”
She dared not say Xue Liu was beautiful in front of Ping Le, but compared to the gentle and reserved women of the Central Plains, Xue Liu’s features were grand and bold, making her appear radiant and adding a touch of heroic spirit, along with an indescribable seductive charm.
Both seductive and formidable.
Others could not imitate it…
Perhaps it was because she grew up looking like this that she was not well-liked as a child.
Ping Le seemed to see through his veiled words and curled her lips, saying indifferently, “According to my investigation, that woman was caught at the time and tortured. Several people together tortured her until she was beyond recognition. She died then, but she was pregnant with Minister Cao’s late-born child. To avoid being held responsible by Minister Cao, those soldiers told the outside world that she had escaped and was not caught…”
Gu Jie frowned.
Much of the information Ping Le obtained came through the Women’s Workshop.
The ladies and young ladies would chat idly when they had nothing else to do. They knew many things that others could not easily know, and they couldn’t keep their mouths shut. Within a few cups of tea, they couldn’t help but reveal some truths…
Ping Le smiled enigmatically, her eyes seeming to be filled with poison.
“Isn’t it coincidental that Xue Liu also has a brand on her lower back? She must have a lot of scars on her body too, right?”
The oppressive summer heat condensed on his back. Gu Jie’s scalp tingled.
“But, Your Highness the Princess, two years ago, Xue Liu was only sixteen years old and was still in the Old Mausoleum Swamp. How could she have been involved in stealing secret blueprints from the Ministry of War?”
“So what? She was away from home for a full ten years. Who can prove that she is Xue Liu? And not the woman who stole the secret blueprints and fled in fear of punishment, impersonating her?”
Gu Jie shivered.
Minister Cao had passed away six months ago.
That woman was kept by him outside the family, and not everyone knew her appearance…
Thinking of this, Gu Jie couldn’t help but feel doubtful again.
“That woman died at the time. Who was responsible for the crossbow blueprints that flowed from the black market?”
Ping Le pouted in dissatisfaction.
“Is that the point?”
Gu Jie quickly apologized, looking extremely fearful.
Ping Le sneered sinisterly, “Under a great reward, there must be brave men. If you explain the benefits, some people will risk their lives. The Ministry of War, the Divine Arm Camp, and those soldiers all have the possibility of stealing and profiting from within… In short, it doesn’t matter who stole and sold it. What matters is that Xue Liu’s hands must be implicated.”
Her brow suddenly furrowed, and she spoke each word sharply.
“This time, I want Xue Liu to be that unjustly wronged painted skin ghost!”
When Gu Jie heard Ping Le speak that day, he was not entirely sober due to drinking. Now, he was gradually piecing it together—Ping Le wanted to frame Xue Liu for the crime of stealing the crossbow blueprints committed by the Xizi female criminal, and to create the illusion of dealings between the Old Mausoleum Swamp and Xizi merchants, solidifying the charge so that Xue Liu would have no defense.
If this were to happen, not only the Xue Mansion and the Princess Consort Duan could not protect her, but Prince Duan also could not protect her.
Gu Jie remained silent.
This move was indeed ruthless.
Two-in-one chapter!
Sisters, goodnight, see you tomorrow~~
After the New Year, I will adjust the update schedule~
This year passed in a blur, it’s over, yet it feels like it hasn’t. Only tired people remain, like oxen, anyone else…
