Chapter 150: She’s Bad
Inside the Shou An Courtyard of the Xue Mansion, a strong medicinal smell permeated the air.
Old Madam Cui leaned against the couch, holding Xue Sui’s hand, her voice weak.
“Sixth girl… you say this illness of mine… cough cough… perhaps I won’t recover…”
“Grandmother, please don’t worry.”
Xue Sui’s expression was gentle as she slowly pressed the acupoint on the old madam’s tiger’s mouth, softly comforting her, “With Doctor Shu’s careful treatment, Grandmother will surely live a long and prosperous life.”
Old Madam Cui sighed and began to lament.
She spoke of her daughter, who was very filial and carried the dragon seed, but unfortunately perished in the palace – Consort Xue Shu.
She also spoke of her narrow-minded eldest daughter-in-law, and the increasingly difficult situation of the Xue family.
She no longer treated Xue Sui as an outsider, speaking from the heart.
Xue Sui comforted her with gentle words.
“Grandmother, you must take care of your health. The Xue family, this great tree, still relies on you to support it…”
A slight rustle came from behind the screen.
Tianshu coughed softly, finished writing the prescription, and came over, causing Old Madam Cui to fall silent.
He stood by the screen in his white robes, bowed slowly, and did not approach rashly.
“The old madam’s heart pulse is stagnant, and her liver fire is suppressed. She needs to cease worrying to calm her mind and recuperate…”
Xue Sui reached out and took the prescription written on yellow paper, glanced at it, and then handed it to Madam Qian.
“The matter of boiling the medicine will have to trouble Third Aunt. I cannot stay in the mansion for long.”
A married daughter is like spilled water. Madam Qian naturally understood her situation. While arranging for someone to fetch the medicine for the old madam, she also gave instructions to prepare return gifts for Xue Sui and Doctor Shu…
Every time she returned, Madam Qian was very thoughtful.
Xue Sui also grew much closer to her…
As they were speaking, a sudden commotion erupted from outside.
The sharp screams of a young maid, laced with tears, mingled with Xue Yue Man’s angry curses, startling the thrushes in the woods into a flurry of wings, flying in all directions.
Nanny Wei lifted the curtain and entered the room, unable to help but sigh.
“Old Madam, Eighth Miss is causing trouble again! She’s threatening to die if she can’t marry Guo Si Lang…”
Xue Sui and Tianshu exchanged a glance, remaining silent.
Madam Qian’s face showed annoyance, and she deliberately raised her voice.
“Old Madam, listen to this. Eighth Miss is so devoted to Fourth Young Master Guo, why not grant her wish? After all, the second branch of the Guo family is now prosperous; becoming a noble concubine wouldn’t be a disgrace to her.”
“Nonsense!” Old Madam Cui gasped for breath, trying to push herself up, but Xue Sui gently held her hands down. She had to lie back down, saying with heartache:
“Although Eighth Miss is not born of the main wife, she is still a daughter of the Xue family. That Guo Zhaoxuan doesn’t even have a scholarly title; he relies entirely on his ancestors’ patronage… cough cough…”
Before she could finish speaking, the room door was violently pushed open with a “bang.”
Xue Yue Man rushed in with an anxious expression and, with a “plop,” knelt heavily before the couch.
“Grandmother! Your granddaughter and Fourth Young Master Guo’s love is as strong as gold; he is sincere towards me. I beg you to be my arbiter…”
“Sincere?” Xue Sui unhurriedly wiped her silver needles, then put them into her needle bag, and couldn’t resist a sarcastic remark, “Last month, when Fourth Young Master Guo lavished a thousand taels on that courtesan at the Drunken Immortal Tower, how much was Eighth Sister’s ‘sincere heart’ worth?”
Xue Yue Man looked up sharply, “Don’t spout nonsense! Sixth Sister, what is your intention in deliberately slandering Guo Lang in front of Grandmother…”
“Silence!” The old madam pointed at Xue Yue Man, her hand trembling slightly, “If he were truly sincere, why would he push you out to take the blame after the murder case at Pu Ji Temple, completely disregarding your reputation and dignity?”
“Grandmother…”
Old Madam Cui felt a splitting headache and waved her hand at Nanny Wei.
“Take this foolish girl to the ancestral hall to kneel! No one is allowed to bring her food without my permission!”
Two old women stepped forward and forcibly dragged Xue Yue Man away.
Xue Sui leaned down and gently tucked the quilt around the old madam, “Grandmother, Eighth Sister is just being stubborn for now. She will come to her senses. Please don’t let it upset you…”
Xue Yue Man turned back, her eyes teary, “Xue Liu, you don’t need to play the good person…”
Xue Sui smiled faintly.
She was far from a good person.
–
After leaving the Xue Mansion, Xue Sui chatted with Tianshu for a moment in Fu’an Lane, then bowed in farewell, boarded her carriage, and headed directly back to Prince Duan’s Mansion.
Xue Yue Chen stood beneath the floral gate, engaged in a pleasant conversation with a noble lady.
Today, she was wearing a sapphire blue brocade magnificent robe, her hair elaborately styled, and a floral adornment on her brow gleamed. Her every movement exuded the dignified and composed demeanor of a mistress of the house.
“Sixth Sister, you’ve arrived at just the right time.” Xue Yue Chen’s peripheral vision caught Xue Sui approaching, and her face broke into a smile, “This is Madam Luo, the First Madam of the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion. She has brought her Third Miss to visit the mansion today.”
Madam Luo, upon hearing this, smiled even more broadly and said to Xue Sui, “A few days ago, my mansion received several bolts of shimmering brocade. I thought the color would suit Madam Ping’an, so I specially brought two bolts to add to your wardrobe.”
Her words were gentle and polite, yet they truly elevated Xue Sui.
Xue Sui knew that Madam Luo was expressing her gratitude for what happened at the coming-of-age ceremony.
Reciprocity was common in the interactions between noble families.
However, while she didn’t dislike Madam Luo, she found it difficult to be truly open with her because of her son, Guo Zhaohuai.
She lowered her eyes and bowed respectfully, “Thank you, First Madam, for your thoughtful consideration.”
Xue Sui’s attire today was simple and elegant, a plain jacket and skirt with a light green gauze robe, adorned with only a single green jade hairpin. Her features were clear and refined, making Xue Yue Chen’s attire appear slightly too grand.
Xue Yue Chen glanced at her, then invited Madam Luo into the living room and served tea.
As they were talking, the sound of tinkling jade pendants was heard, and a young lady, accompanied by a maid, entered briskly. Her skirt brushed the ground as she walked, and her eyes were smiling. It was the youthful Miss Guo, the Third Miss.
“Madam Ping’an, you’re finally back. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Guo Yun Rong stepped forward and bowed to Xue Sui, her attitude very close.
Madam Luo smiled and chided playfully, “My daughter is simply ill-mannered. Madam, please don’t take offense.”
Xue Yue Chen stirred the floating leaves in her teacup and replied, “I find Third Miss lively and lovable, with a straightforward personality. She is very likable. Has she found a suitable match?”
Guo Yun Rong immediately became shy, her cheeks flushing.
Madam Luo shook her head, “With her temperament, I doubt any young master could handle her. Who would dare to take her?”
Guo Yun Rong pouted in dissatisfaction, then blinked her eyes and playfully said, “Mother is talking with the Princess Consort. May I invite Madam Ping’an to see the newly opened Persian embroidery shop in the West Market?”
Madam Luo looked at Xue Yue Chen, and seeing her nod and smile, she said with a smile, “Then you must ask Madam Ping’an’s opinion. Not everyone is as boisterous as you.”
Madam Luo’s doting affection for her daughter was evident.
Xue Sui smiled, “Third Miss’s invitation is too kind to refuse.”
–
“The new Persian embroidery shop in the West Market has luminous night-glowing brocade…”
Along the way, Guo Yun Rong shared her observations and experiences.
The novel and interesting pastimes that the young ladies of the capital often discussed also broadened Xue Sui’s horizons.
When Xue Sui left Shangjing years ago, Guo Yun Rong was only five years old, and Xue Sui didn’t have a deep impression of her. She found it difficult to dislike Guo Yun Rong, but she wasn’t approaching her to make a friend…
Her timely intervention at the coming-of-age ceremony was merely a clever arrangement following Lu Xi’s plan.
That ceremonial nanny had been at the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion for five or six years and was not someone easily swayed by money. It was Lu Xi’s mistake to choose the wrong person…
Of course, Xue Sui did this solely for Guo Zhaohuai.
—Guo Yun Rong’s elder brother.
The one who, ten years ago, along with Ping Le, had trampled her like a pig or a dog.
Compared to You Zhimu and Yao Wei, Guo Zhaohuai had become much more steady in his conduct after reaching adulthood. Furthermore, due to his prominent family background, he did not fawn over Ping Le as others did…
Xue Sui had not initially listed him as a primary target for revenge.
However, the turn of events had pushed him into the spotlight.
Gu Jie was still useful, and with Aunt Chun’s favor, she was too lazy to deal with him for now.
Xue Yue Ying was pregnant and had not yet given birth…
Currently, Guo Zhaohuai was a good breakthrough point.
Therefore, on the night of her return from the coming-of-age ceremony, Xue Sui placed Guo Zhaohuai’s page from the “King Yama’s Picture Album” at the front.
“Stop, stop, stop, it’s here…”
The fifteen-year-old girl was innocent and cheerful, her voice filled with laughter from the moment she spoke.
After getting out of the carriage, Guo Yun Rong practically dragged Xue Sui into the Persian embroidery shop. She was full of enthusiasm and pulled Xue Sui towards the second floor…
On the second floor, a private room’s window was half-open, and the gauze curtains swayed in the breeze.
A young man stood by the window, his posture outstanding, in front of sandalwood shelves filled with Persian brocade. His dark python-patterned brocade robe was bathed in a magnificent golden glow, shattering his imposing aura in the backlight.
Guo Yun Rong was slightly taken aback.
“Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
Her cheeks were flushed crimson by the shifting light.
“Is Your Highness also here to select Persian fabrics?”
Li Zhao turned around expressionlessly. Beneath his sword-like eyebrows, his eyes were like a cold pool.
He did not speak, his gaze sweeping over Xue Sui beside Guo Yun Rong, his thin lips curving slightly upwards.
“I am here to select a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager.”
To select a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager, and to do so in the common market?
Guo Yun Rong met his gaze, her cheeks flushing again. She bowed slightly and asked, “Has Your Highness found anything to your liking?”
Li Zhao narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a hint of impatience, “Nothing has caught my eye yet. Although there are many fabrics, none are to my satisfaction.”
Guo Yun Rong said, “I know of a Persian gold brocade that can be made into a nine-layered phoenix-patterned ceremonial robe. It is very luxurious and elegant. Would Your Highness like to see it? Perhaps it will suit your taste?”
Seeing Xue Sui remain silent, like a stone statue with no reaction, Li Zhao finally nodded.
“It wouldn’t hurt to take a look.”
Guo Yun Rong’s face lit up with joy, nervous and excited. It was clear she harbored admiration for Li Zhao, her eyes sparkling as if with stars, a picture of budding love.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, please take a look…”
As she spoke, she seemed to recall something and smiled softly, “That day when I went into the palace, the Empress also said that Persian fabrics have unique patterns, more exquisite than ordinary embroidery.”
The fabric’s pattern was a dark blue background with moon-white scales. In the sunlight, a phoenix spreading its wings was subtly embroidered.
It was indeed unique.
Li Zhao nodded slightly.
“This pattern resembles the auspicious beasts on the eaves of the Imperial City. It is quite auspicious, and the Old Empress Dowager might find it pleasing.”
Guo Yun Rong continued, “The Empress Dowager worships Buddha. This pattern subtly aligns with Buddhist scriptures.”
Li Zhao nodded, “Thank you, Third Miss Guo, for your thoughtful recommendation.”
“Your Highness is too kind.” Guo Yun Rong’s ear tips turned so red they looked like they would bleed. In her haste, her embroidered shoes caught on the tassels of the carpet, and she stumbled towards the sandalwood rack full of fabrics.
Li Zhao frowned slightly, his hands behind his back, not moving an inch.
“Be careful!” Xue Sui reacted quickly, catching her by the waist and smoothly turning, avoiding the falling fabrics.
Guo Yun Rong felt embarrassed and her face turned red. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s hum.
“Madam saved me again.”
Xue Sui curved her lips, “It was nothing.”
Li Zhao glanced at Xue Sui, his expression turning cold.
“Lai Fu!”
He expressionlessly called Lai Fu to settle the bill, then turned his gaze to the scenery outside the window.
Guo Yun Rong was trembling with fear and unease.
Xue Sui said no more, casually picking out a bolt of brightly colored Persian fabric, intending to take it back as a gift for Xue Yue Chen.
“Does Third Miss wish to purchase anything else?”
Guo Yun Rong was distracted, glancing towards Li Zhao, and shook her head.
“No, let’s go back.”
After leaving the Persian embroidery shop, Guo Yun Rong seemed to have lost her soul.
Xue Sui guessed that her heart must be pounding like a deer’s, filled with thoughts of the handsome and distinguished Crown Prince. She understood, and merely smiled faintly, not pointing it out.
“Madam Ping’an…” Guo Yun Rong suddenly spoke, her expression sheepish and somewhat embarrassed, “Did I say something wrong just now? Did I… not behave well?”
Xue Sui looked up, “Why do you say that?”
Guo Yun Rong lowered her head slightly and bit her lower lip, “Just now, when I saw the Crown Prince examining the fabrics, his gaze was unfocused. I couldn’t tell if he truly liked them. I thought perhaps I had said something wrong, which is why he suddenly changed his expression and became cold…”
Xue Sui thought about Li Zhao’s actions just now and smiled indifferently.
“I think he liked it. Otherwise, as the Crown Prince, he wouldn’t have wasted his breath…”
Guo Yun Rong’s face flushed slightly, embarrassed and shy.
“Regarding today’s events, I hope Madam will keep it confidential…”
Xue Sui chuckled, “Third Miss, rest assured, Xue Liu never gossips.”
Guo Yun Rong was somewhat touched, “Madam Ping’an is very understanding.”
Xue Sui was startled and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“That’s because you haven’t seen my bad side yet.”
–
After that day, Xue Sui did not see Li Zhao for many days.
During this time, Li Huan came to play chess with her twice, inquiring if there had been any progress regarding the antique dealer in the Old Mausoleum Swamp. Xue Sui merely gave evasive answers, not rushing to provide a response…
Li Huan was naturally suspicious.
Things that were too easily obtained might not be readily believed by him.
After several days of oppressive heat, a heavy rain finally fell.
The heat dissipated after the rain, and Xue Sui went to the Xue Mansion again to visit the old madam.
Old Madam Cui’s health had improved slightly, but the Eighth Miss of the mansion was causing even more trouble.
Since being punished by kneeling in the ancestral hall and losing face, Xue Yue Man had become even more reckless, crying incessantly, refusing to eat or drink, and had lost a lot of weight. After Madam Fu no longer managed the household, she stopped caring about her concubine’s daughter’s marriage, so the matter fell entirely on the old madam.
Xue Qingzhi flew into a rage and, in his anger, made a harsh threat: if Xue Yue Man insisted on becoming a concubine, she should get out of the house immediately…
When Xue Sui went to the Shou An Courtyard, Xue Qingzhi was visiting, sighing by the old madam’s sickbed, deeply worried about Eighth Miss’s affairs.
The old madam shook her head helplessly.
“If all the children in the family were like Sixth Girl, I could worry less.”
Xue Qingzhi glanced at Xue Sui, his expression complex, and fell silent.
This Sixth child was deep-minded; he saw it more clearly than the old madam.
However, out of consideration for appearances, father and daughter still had to pretend to be close.
Xue Sui stepped forward, bowed, and said softly, “If Grandmother and Father are truly in a difficult position, perhaps I can help Eighth Sister out…”
Upon hearing this, the old madam immediately sat up in bed.
“Sixth Girl, do you have any good ideas?”
Xue Qingzhi glanced at her and lowered his face, “A daughter of the Xue family must never be a concubine.”
So, was she, Xue Liu, not a daughter of the Xue family?
Xue Sui sneered inwardly, but her lips curved upwards, a smile appearing, “I have some acquaintance with Madam Luo, the First Madam of the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion, and I also interact with Miss Guo, the Third Miss of the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion. Perhaps I can mediate and help the Duke of Zheng’s Mansion change its view of Eighth Miss, thus fulfilling the wishes of these two lovers?”
The old madam’s face showed surprise and joy, “That would be wonderful. The ancestors are watching over us. Having you, this little girl, in the Xue family is truly a great fortune.”
Xue Qingzhi was skeptical, feeling something was amiss, but he still nodded reluctantly.
“You have been thoughtful.”
Xue Sui sneered inwardly.
After eating supper in the mansion and coming out, she saw Wen Jia’s maid, Dong Xu, waiting outside.
“Sixth Miss, the Princess requests to meet you at our usual spot.”
Whenever Wen Jia came to find her, she would do so in the backyard of the Hongfu Gambling House.
The most dangerous place is the safest. It was difficult for people who were not very familiar with each other in public to imagine them meeting in such a place.
When Xue Sui arrived, the tea in front of Wen Jia had already gone cold. Her expression was anxious, and she seemed at a loss.
Xue Sui asked with concern, “Princess, is there something troubling you?”
Wen Jia said, “Alimu sent someone to the temporary palace to find me, saying that King Xizi has been misled by a treacherous minister and has dispatched wolf-tooth death warriors to infiltrate Shangjing to assassinate members of the imperial family and behead important court officials…”
Xue Sui asked, “Does the High Priest know about this matter?”
Wen Jia nodded, “The High Priest was promoted by the old King Xizi. He and the current King Xizi, Ashina, are only outwardly in agreement, not truly united. The High Priest advocates for peaceful trade to ensure the safety of the people of both countries and does not wish to engage in armed conflict with Daliang again. However, King Xizi is ambitious and insists on his own way, intending to provoke an incident and create chaos in Shangjing…”
She lowered her head.
“My mother heard of this matter and was consumed by worry.”
King Xizi was Consort Wan’s half-brother and Wen Jia’s uncle. It was one thing for his conflict with the High Priest Amun Rah to deepen, but Consort Wan was caught between Daliang and Xizi, a situation more precarious than dancing on a blade’s edge.
Two chapters combined. See you tomorrow.
Li Zhao: Actually, I’m quite bad too.
Xue Sui: In Miss Guo’s eyes, the Crown Prince is a good person.
Li Zhao: Xue Ping’an is jealous!
