Chapter 145: Deeply Fond
To avoid the heat of the road, before dawn broke, Xue Sui, along with Xiao Zhao, made their preparations and were ready to depart for the capital.
When Li Huan left the Imperial Palace, he specifically left behind the carriages and attendants from Prince Duan’s Mansion. As they stepped out of the mansion’s threshold, the carriages were already neatly waiting outside the steps.
Dong Xu held a lidded box, and Wen Jia, holding Niu Niu’s hand, saw them off with reluctance.
Wen Jia said, “My Mother also wished to see Sixth Miss in person, but I persuaded her to rest comfortably inside. Mother asked me to convey to Sixth Miss that she hopes you will take good care of yourself and that all your future endeavors will be smooth and auspicious.”
Xue Sui bowed slightly, “Madam Zhaorong’s kindness is deeply appreciated, Sixth Miss understands. Madam’s health is already weak, she should rest and recuperate.”
Wen Jia turned her face and called out, “Dong Xu.”
Dong Xu quickly stepped forward, holding the lidded box, and said softly, “Sixth Miss, this is loquat crisp made from loquats personally picked by our Princess. She got up at the hour of Yin to supervise the stove this morning, and it’s still warm. If you get hungry on the road, you can have some to tide you over.”
Xue Sui gestured for Xiao Zhao to take the box Dong Xu handed over, then raised her hand to gently stroke Niu Niu’s hair. Her light sleeves fluttered in the wind as she gracefully bent and nimbly boarded the carriage.
“Princess, take care.”
Wen Jia waved at her, and seeing her bright, radiant smile, her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
“Sixth Miss, have a safe journey.”
Xue Sui lifted the curtain and looked back, throwing a playful glance.
“Next time we meet, call me Ping An.”
Wen Jia’s face brightened, and she nodded heavily, “Ping An, take care.”
Xue Sui smiled gently, her dress fluttering in the breeze as it was lifted by the wind, until the bamboo curtain slowly fell, obscuring her face.
The carriage wheels slowly rolled over the bluestone path.
The distant bell of Pu Ji Temple chimed faintly.
A girl, perhaps from a nearby family, was singing a melodious tune in the mountains.
“The crescent moon shines on the vermilion gate, the embroidery needle hides nine layers of grace, the eastern lady sews a silk skirt… May I ask, young master, whom are you waiting for…”
–
Inside Prince Duan’s Mansion, Xue Yuechen, upon hearing of Xue Sui’s return, personally went out to the steps to welcome her.
“Sixth Sister, you’re finally back.”
With a face full of smiles, she invited Xue Sui inside.
The group slowly walked along the winding corridor by Moonlit Lake into Tan Qiu Courtyard.
Xue Sui had only been away from the mansion for three short days, yet Tan Qiu Courtyard was already completely renovated.
Xiao Zhao, upon first glance, couldn’t help but exclaim, “How beautiful!”
Xue Yuechen held Xue Sui’s arm, and the hairpin in her hair swayed gently with her laughter.
“My sister was away from the mansion for a few days, and Tan Qiu Courtyard lost its color. Yesterday, I sent people to newly scent it with JadestamenChasing the Moon Fragrance and thoroughly clean and redecorate the rooms, hoping Sixth Sister can live comfortably. Knowing you dislike the heat, I specifically had ice basins added to the room to dispel the summer heat. If it weren’t for fear of being too ostentatious and provoking jealousy, I would have moved the entire Cool Pavilion here for you…”
Xue Sui bowed inRei, saying, “Princess Consort has gone to such great lengths, it truly makes me feel undeserving.”
In the courtyard, jasmine, peonies, crabapples, and other flowers were arranged, with a profusion of blossoms in full bloom, colorful like brocade. The rich fragrance of lotus wafted from the lake, refreshing the heart.
Xue Yuechen looked on with satisfaction, “Sister, quickly look, do you like it?”
Xue Sui smiled in response, “Of course, I like it very much. However, these floral arrangements are too extravagant. If others were to know, they wouldn’t know what to say about my extravagance and wastefulness.”
Xue Yuechen smiled charmingly and gave her a playful, chiding look.
“Who cares about them? As long as Sixth Sister is happy.”
Xue Sui looked at her and said, “Eldest Sister has been so thoughtful and considerate towards me, it makes me feel I have been remiss in my etiquette. My unannounced departure was already an act of overstepping, and I haven’t brought anything back…”
Xue Yuechen gently held her hand, her eyes subtly glistening with tears.
“Why say such things? You and I are sisters, blood sisters. You don’t know, when I heard Sixth Sister was in danger on the road, attacked by assassins, I was so frightened I almost lost half my life.”
She then looked Xue Sui up and down, her concerned gaze filled with genuine sincerity.
“Fortunately, with the Bodhisattva’s protection, you have returned whole and unharmed.”
Fei Cui said with a smile from the side, “Princess Consort has been restless these past few days, chanting scriptures and praying for Madam every day. She also personally led people to meticulously arrange the courtyard, saying she wanted to give Madam a surprise…”
Xue Yuechen glanced at her and said with a smile, “You talk too much, hurry and withdraw.”
Xue Sui said emotionally, “Eldest Sister has truly worked hard. For these trivial matters, you could have simply sent someone to do them.”
After speaking, she turned and chided Jinshu, “You all too, how could you just watch the Princess Consort toil?”
Jinshu pursed her lips and smiled, “The Princess Consort dotes on Madam, no one can stop that.”
Everyone chuckled softly, and the courtyard was filled with a warm and harmonious atmosphere.
Xue Yuechen sat in Tan Qiu Courtyard for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. After reminding Xue Sui to rest well, she left with the maids.
Only then did Jinshu lean closer and say in a low voice, “I don’t know where the rumor started, saying that Madam is a spy from Xizi in disguise. The Princess Consort must have been worried and brought people to thoroughly search the courtyard inside and out.”
Xue Sui’s expression was calm, “I left the mansion when I was eight years old. How could she not recognize my features? She’s just uneasy in her heart and afraid of losing this person who can ward off disaster.”
Jinshu smiled faintly, “Just as Madam predicted.”
Ru Yi had not seen Xue Sui for three days and was overjoyed, buzzing around like a bee, busying herself with tidying the room and preparing clean clothes, showing exceptional diligence.
That night, the mistress and servants talked for a long time before finally sleeping late.
The next morning, Xue Yuechen sent Fei Cui again with a set of a powder-blue silk skirt with cloud patterns.
Fei Cui said, “Tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony for the legitimate granddaughter of the Duke of Zheng’s family. A banquet will be held, and invitations will be widely sent. The Princess Consort wishes for Madam to attend the ceremony.”
“Duke of Zheng’s family?” Xue Sui’s eyebrows slightly raised, and she exchanged a glance with Jinshu.
“Is it the Guo Si Lang’s family who had a past with Eighth Sister?”
Fei Cui had followed Eldest Sister from the Xue family, so she naturally knew about Eighth Miss’s affairs.
Originally, the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion and the Xue family had planned an engagement, but unexpectedly, Guo Zhaoxuan and Xue Yueman were caught in a murder case in the back mountain of Pu Ji Temple, sneaking into the woods.
Eighth Miss lost her decorum in her chambers, causing a scandal throughout the city, and the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion refused to marry her. Eighth Miss could not marry Guo Si Lang, and she missed the chance with Young Master Zhao Hong. She was too proud to settle for a concubine and was unwilling to be one, so her marriage has not yet been arranged…
Fei Cui couldn’t help but laugh as she thought about it, covering her mouth with a silk handkerchief.
“Madam’s memory is probably even better than the accountant’s. It is indeed the Guo family of the Duke of Zheng. Guo Si Lang is from the second branch; his father is Guo Er Laoye, the Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. The legitimate granddaughter of the Guo family who is having her coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow is the youngest daughter of the eldest branch. She is fortunate; her maternal family is the Luo family of Hui County, and her maternal grandfather is Lord Luo, the Minister of Revenue. She is coming of age this year, and according to old customs, she should also be selecting a husband…”
Xue Sui smiled slightly and said, “That’s quite a coincidence.”
In this capital city, among the noble families, there were intricate marriage alliances.
It wouldn’t hurt for her to go and join the excitement.
–
By noon, the high sun scorched the earth, and the bluestone slabs in front of the steps shimmered with a blinding light.
In the copper basin in Tan Qiu Courtyard, the chilled purple grapes were covered in a layer of mist.
Outside the side hall, on the large locust tree, two scouts peered down from the branches, their green short tunics, the same color as the leaves, already soaked with sweat. Their faces were covered in sweat.
One scout wiped his neck and complained, “This job is killing me…”
After thinking for a moment, he happily weighed the coin purse at his waist.
“Fortunately, the reward is generous enough. If I work for another year or so, brother can also buy a small courtyard in Shangjing and marry a beautiful wife.”
The thinner scout glanced at him and said, “Are you foolish? If you have money, enjoy yourself secretly. Marrying a wife and having children? Your good days will be over. Look at your poor brother…”
He fumbled through his coin purse and finally managed to pull out three copper coins, saying, “See? This is the consequence of getting married.”
“…”
“Hush…”
The thin guard suddenly gripped the locust branch and lowered his voice, “Quiet!”
“What is it?”
“Prince Duan is coming towards Tan Qiu Courtyard…”
The two exchanged a look.
“Really, you scared me so much I broke out in a cold sweat.”
The other scout squinted at the sun and said, “In this infernal weather, even if you weren’t scared, wouldn’t you still break out in a sweat?”
The cicadas chirped incessantly.
Even though the two were hiding in the shade, the heat was unbearable.
After holding their breath for another moment, the two exchanged glances again, and then suddenly remembered something, realizing with alarm.
“Quick! Report to the Crown Prince—”
–
At this moment, Li Zhao had already arrived outside the study in Tan Qiu Courtyard.
Through the dappled shadows of the carved wooden window, Xue Sui was seen leaning slightly, examining a pot of orchids on the windowsill.
The orchid fragrance permeated the air. In the flickering light and shadow, her movements were gentle, her gaze focused, as if she were whispering to the orchids.
Li Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly, smoothed his sleeve cuff, and was about to enter when he suddenly heard a sharp bird cry in the sky.
On the bluestone path outside the window, a figure flashed by.
Li Zhao quickly sidestepped, his robe fluttering, and swiftly moved to the corner of the corridor behind the study.
Xue Sui was startled and instinctively turned her head, about to see what was happening, when the maid Pei Lan rushed in.
“Madam, Prince Duan is coming this way.”
That day at the West Mountain Imperial Palace, Li Huan had left in a hurry. Today, she had returned, and meeting Li Huan was only a matter of time. Meeting at noon was better than at night. Xue Sui glanced at the spot where the figure had disappeared and smiled contentedly.
“Quickly prepare some tea.”
Li Huan came directly after leaving the court. He had not yet changed out of his court attire. He wore a luxurious python robe, stood tall, with handsome features and an imposing aura.
However, compared to when he was at the Imperial Palace, he appeared much colder now. Upon entering the room, he sat down on a rosewood armchair, maintaining a suitable distance from Xue Sui, not daring to approach rashly.
Xue Sui inwardly sneered.
Yesterday, Xue Yuechen had said that Li Huan had been staying in his own courtyard these days, not visiting other Madams or concubines, nor staying in her Mu Yue Residence.
People in the inner court all rumored that this was because the Prince was lovesick for Madam Ping An, unable to eat or sleep.
Now that he had come directly from the morning court, she feared her reputation as a favored concubine would be solidified, leading to even more jealousy in the future.
Xue Sui stood up and brewed tea for him.
“Your Highness has come in such haste, is there something important?”
The gauze curtain swayed gently in the cross-breeze. Li Huan’s gaze swept over an old scar faintly visible beneath Xue Sui’s wide sleeve.
The skin there was slightly sunken, forming a stark contrast with her fair complexion.
“When did Ping An get this injury?” His voice was tinged with a hint of moisture, and he then lowered his head to drink tea, as if casually inquiring.
Xue Sui raised her arm and looked at it, saying, “This, I was naughty when I was young, wasn’t I? It’s been too long, I can’t quite remember.”
Li Huan asked again, “Do you have any other scars on your body?”
Xue Sui replied, “Yes, quite a few.”
Li Huan’s dark eyes deepened, “How did you get them?”
A stifled sound came from the teacup.
The bracelet on Xue Sui’s wrist hit the teacup lid, making a clinking sound.
She smiled slightly and poured the scalding tea into the cup.
“Many. Some from being beaten, some from being cut by a dagger, and some from being burned by a branding iron…”
Li Huan suddenly grabbed her wrist and took the teapot away.
Xue Sui’s wide sleeve slipped down, revealing the crisscrossing old scars on her wrist.
Li Huan’s expression sharpened, and he slowly rolled up her sleeve, “Who dared to be so bold?”
Xue Sui smiled faintly, staring at Li Huan, “Someone instigated by Princess Ping Le.”
Li Huan pulled her with a little force, his hand landing on her lower back.
“Does Ping An have a brand mark here?”
Xue Sui raised her eyebrows, her dark eyes looking directly at him.
Clever!
So clever!
Li Huan was a cunning and calculating fellow.
His expression was as if he were genuinely concerned about her.
Xue Sui smiled charmingly, bright and radiant, showing no sign of nervousness.
“Yes. Why does Your Highness know?”
Li Huan chuckled softly, slowly released her hand, and behaved with utmost propriety.
“At that time, those who often accompanied Ping Le included You Zhimu, the son of Minister You Zhu of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Yao Wei, the son of Assistant Minister Yao Hong of the Interior. Guo Zhaohuai, the grandson of Duke Guo Pi of Zheng…”
