Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 344 Moonlit Embrace (Part 2)

Gu Jie stepped into the room and subconsciously narrowed his eyes.

As the candlelight flickered, a strong, exotic fragrance filled the air, almost suffocatingly so.

Alimu stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and put on a smile.

"Young Master Gu is indeed punctual."

He was dressed in a colorful embroidered robe favored by the Sitse nobles, with a scimitar inlaid with turquoise at his waist. Judging from this, he clearly valued the meeting highly.

Gu Jie bowed slightly in return:
"It seems that Master Alimu has gained a lot from this trip?"

Alimu laughed and gestured for Alimu to sit down.

"Your Great Liang is prosperous, so business is naturally easy. Spices, furs, fine horses... bring them in freely, as much as you can eat, why worry about not filling your pockets?"

As he spoke, he solicitously opened an exquisite sandalwood box beside him, revealing amber-colored incense blocks inside.

"Young Master Gu, your arrival today is perfectly timed. I have just acquired a batch of the finest frankincense, which, when burned, can soothe the nerves and aid sleep, making it most suitable for the ladies of your household... I have specially reserved some for you..."

Alimu speaks Mandarin haltingly, but his pronunciation is clear.

Gu Jie seemed to have a resistance to the word "female relatives," and sat down stiffly, his gaze sweeping over the expensive spices, his tone indifferent.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Alimu. Unfortunately, my mother has never liked strong aromas..."

He paused, then, perhaps feeling his tone was too stiff, forced a polite smile.

"I've come today to revive the Hou family's neglected businesses, to establish a relationship with Master Alimu, and to share the profits..."

Alimu chuckled, put the sandalwood box away, glanced at him thoughtfully, picked up the rough earthenware bowl on the table, took a big gulp of milk wine, and smiled meaningfully.

“What’s so difficult about that? Young Master Gu, there’s a good business opportunity right now—opening a new trade route that avoids the main road and goes through the passes of western Xinjiang. Although it’s a longer route, the tribal chiefs along the way will have to give me, Alimu, some face.”

He waved his hand and ordered his men to bring over a box of silver ingots, displaying great generosity. "As long as the goods can be delivered safely, I will certainly not shortchange Young Master Gu in terms of reward."

Gu Jie straightened his back, his weariness lingering, and his smile was somewhat forced: "Master Alimu is a straightforward man. However... things haven't been peaceful in the Western Regions lately, and the checkpoints are very strict. I'm afraid there's a risk..."

“When doing business, there’s always risk involved,” Alimu laughed loudly.

"There's a saying in your Great Liang: 'Fortune favors the bold,' I'm sure Young Master Gu understands. Our King has just quelled an internal rebellion and urgently needs Great Liang's silk, tea, and porcelain to appease the various noble tribes. Ironware is also in short supply. If you have connections, the price is negotiable..."

After he finished speaking, he leaned forward and lowered his voice, saying, "Fifth Young Master Gu, I know that you are not having a good time in the capital. The reputation of the Marquis of Jingyuan's mansion cannot be maintained by that meager salary alone."

Gu Jie's expression changed slightly.

Alimu stroked his beard again, adding fuel to the fire in his heart.

"If this path is successful, it will be the key to Young Master Gu's turnaround..."

Gu Jie's heart skipped a beat.

As he ran his fingers along the edge of the rough pottery bowl, his chaotic thoughts calmed down slightly.

"Lord Alimu is joking. Ironware is strictly controlled by the imperial court, and its private sale is strictly prohibited. I am but a lowly clerk in the Court of State Ceremonial, with little influence or power. How could I possibly have such connections?"

"Huh?" Alimu waved his hand with a smile to interrupt him, his eyes gleaming even more sharply.

"It's all about human effort. Why be so modest, Young Master Gu? Your wife's family is very influential, with two princesses in one family, Prince Duan and Prince Wei, who are now your brothers-in-law—how many people in the capital can receive such protection?"

He looked at Gu Jie's face, which suddenly changed color, paused, and then smiled seriously.

"...This little thing shouldn't be too difficult for you, right?"

Gu Jie's heart sank to the bottom.

Humiliation, humiliation, like needles pricking a sore spot...

But Xue Yueying, that foolish woman, is indeed insatiable.

What would she do if she knew about such exorbitant profits?

Gu Jie lowered his eyelids, concealing the complex and gloomy chill in his eyes, and chuckled softly.

“Master Alimu…this matter is of great importance, please allow me…to reconsider.”

Alimu seemed very satisfied with his response, and his smile deepened.

"Of course, of course. Young Master Gu, please take your time to consider. I will be in the capital for some time now, there's no rush..."

He stopped pressing, poured himself another bowl of strong liquor, drank it all in one gulp, then sat cross-legged on the thick wool cushion, let out a burp, and his tone became sentimental and gentle.

"To be honest, I have a personal motive. I would like to ask Young Master Gu for a small favor."

Gu Jie put down his wine bowl and followed up, asking, "What is it? Please speak freely."

"I'm searching for a relative of a nobleman." Alimu's eyes darkened slightly. "She was the eldest daughter of our old King Xiz, whose name was Ayinur... More than thirty years ago, she was still young and unaware of the dangers of the world. She secretly hid in the carriage of the Xiz delegation and came to the Great Liang to pay tribute..."

He sighed heavily, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"Who knew... the delegation was ambushed, suffering heavy casualties. The princess also... disappeared without a trace... Old King Xiz never forgot her until his death, calling out her name even in his final moments. Lord Amenlah, deeply grateful for the king's kindness, has never ceased his search all these years, hoping only to find the royal bloodline that had been lost in Daliang, thus fulfilling Old King Xiz's paternal love..."

Ayinur?

Gu Jie searched his mind for the name, but found nothing.

He knew very little about the secrets of the Siz royal court.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Alimu,” he shook his head regretfully, “I’m ignorant and have never heard of such a person. In this vast sea of ​​people, after thirty years, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack…”

Alimu didn't have high hopes either, waved his hand, and continued chatting with him...

After a few bowls of wine, Alimu seemed to get into the mood and picked up a siz hand drum next to him, tapping it nimbly with his fingers.

"Thump thump... thump thump thump..."

The drumbeats carried an exotic rhythm, and Alimu, slightly tipsy, half-closed his eyes and hummed softly.

The melody was long and desolate, echoing in the small room.

Gu Jieyuan listened perfunctorily, his gaze aimlessly sweeping over the boxes piled up in the room.

Suddenly, a few familiar syllables entered my ears, followed by a short, melodious tune...

His mind went blank, and he abruptly stopped sipping his wine...

This tune...

Where have I heard this before?
Many years ago, on a quiet afternoon, in that remote and desolate corner of the Xue mansion, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of a slender woman, wearing a faded blue cloth dress, gazing at the sky, humming a melancholy tune…

Snow Princess?

Xue Liu's biological mother?
Could it be such a coincidence?

The thought struck him like a thunderbolt, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

The blood seemed to freeze at that moment, then instantly boil again.

He suddenly looked up and met Alimu's probing gaze, then immediately lowered his head, suppressing the wild beating of his heart in his chest, and picked up the wine bowl to hide his lapse in composure.

"...This piece of music...is quite unique. Don't worry, Master Alimu, I will keep an eye out for you. I will definitely let you know if I get any news."

"Clap."

A very faint sound came from the dark eaves outside the window.

Alimu's expression changed, and he suddenly reached for the curved knife at his waist.

"Who?"

Upon hearing the noise, the guards outside rushed out immediately, their swords drawn, gleaming coldly, and they cautiously searched the doors and windows.

After a while, no further movement was detected.

Only the night wind seemed to weep through the inn...

"Meow..." A cat's meow came from the eaves.

Alimu relaxed his tense muscles slightly, waved to the guards, and then cupped his hands to Gu Jie.

"It was a false alarm, a false alarm. We've frightened Young Master Gu."
-
As night deepened, the hustle and bustle of the day faded from the capital city.

Although the streets and markets were still lit and filled with the noise of drunken patrons, they were already deserted.

Xue Sui wrapped her plain-colored cloak tighter around herself, pulled down the veil on her hat, and sat in the slightly swaying carriage, concealing her emotions in the quiet night...

Ayinur... Ayinur?

The eldest princess of the old King Siz...

"Girl, here we are."

The carriage stopped at the side gate of the Xue residence.

Xue Sui hurried into Pear Fragrance Courtyard, his mind heavy with worries.

As soon as they turned past the screen wall, their steps faltered.

Under the old pear tree in the courtyard, a tall and upright figure stood with his hands behind his back, his handsome features as refined as jade, almost melting into the cool moonlight.

That's...what audacity!

Xue Sui frowned, took a few steps forward, and asked in a low voice.

"Why is Your Highness here?"

Li Zhao had obviously been waiting for a while. Upon hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.

"The Xiz delegation has come to pay their respects. The welcoming banquet at the palace has just ended, and Father Emperor was pleased, bestowing many gifts upon them..."

He paused, then his gaze fell on her face, which was covered by a light veil.

“I remember… you seemed to like these sweet and refreshing fruits…”

Before he finished speaking, he magically produced a delicate bamboo basket from behind him. Inside were neatly arranged plump, reddish-purple lychees, emitting a refreshing and rich fruity aroma.

Lychees at this time of year are extremely rare in Beijing and can be considered a delicacy.

But he spoke casually, as if he had just picked up a few trinkets along the way.

"Fresh fruit doesn't keep well, so I thought I'd send it over as soon as possible so you can try it."

Xue Sui's thoughts were still on the Tianshui Inn.

She found it difficult to concentrate on his kindness and even felt that his thoughtfulness came at an inopportune time.

She turned slightly to avoid the basket he offered, her voice carrying a chill through the thin veil.

"Your Highness has already sent gifts. The roasted chestnuts from before were already sweet and delicious. There's no need for lychees; those who cultivate themselves should not indulge in gluttony."

Li Zhao's hand froze in mid-air.

"What's wrong? You look strange."

He looked at her quietly.

His tall figure brought an invisible sense of oppression.

Xue Sui subconsciously took a half step back, her lips under the veil slightly pursed.

"...It's nothing, I'm just a little tired after a long day of running around."

Li Zhao handed the basket to her naturally, saying, "Here you go."

Xue Sui frowned. "No, this is too precious. Your Highness should keep it for yourself."

"Take it." Li Zhao didn't retract the basket he was offering; instead, he pushed it forward slightly, his tone insistent. "I specially chose this for you..."

"Your Highness, it's late, you should go back."

Li Zhao frowned slightly, his fingers tightened slightly as he held the basket, and his jawline hardened.

"Xue Ping'an, I kindly brought you something, and this is your attitude?"

Xue Sui was startled, and when she looked up, she met his deep eyes.

There was no anger in his dark eyes, only a stubbornness born of youthful resentment at being let down.

He rarely calls her by her full name these days.

Clearly, he was annoyed by her avoidance and absent-mindedness...

A sense of helplessness crossed Xue Sui's mind. He sighed softly and went along with it, softening his tone.

"It was my rudeness; I shouldn't have spoiled Your Highness's mood. Well...may I try one?"

Li Zhao didn't speak, but simply put down the basket, his slender fingers deftly peeling open a lychee, and offering the plump, white flesh to her lips.

"Try it, is it sweet?"

Under the moonlight, his fingertips glistened, and the moonlight reflected in his eyes, like a warmth that quietly spreads through the heart after an awkward silence...

Xue Sui's inexplicable irritation strangely dissipated somewhat.

She lifted the veil from her face and gently bit into the lychee with his hand.

A sweet sensation spreads across the tip of the tongue.

She said, "Sweet..."

Before he could finish speaking, a shadow fell over him.

He leaned closer, one hand firmly supporting the back of her neck, and through the obstructive veil, precisely captured her lips, which smelled of lychee...

Warm yet assertive, leaving no room for refusal.

Xue Sui gasped in surprise, her eyes darting nervously around as she tried to dodge, but he easily pulled her into his arms...

His presence was overwhelming.

It wasn't long, but it was enough to soothe...

Only when her breathing became slightly erratic did Li Zhao slowly step back a little, move to her sensitive ear, and bite it slightly, leaving behind a low, breathy sound.

"...I'm here. No matter what happens, don't bear it all alone."
-
The morning light shone through the high windows of Cixi Hall, but it could not dispel the gloom.

Empress Dowager Chengqing listened with a gloomy face as Granny Cui recounted the grand event of the Xiz envoys paying tribute.

"...His Majesty was overjoyed. Of the rare and exotic animals, gems, and spices presented by the Xiz people, His Majesty personally selected the best and sent them all to the Jiaofang Palace... The other concubines in the palaces received some ordinary items according to their rank..."

Granny Cui glanced at the Empress Dowager's expression, her words revealing her resentment.

"His Majesty, fearing that the people of Xiz would not know of the auspicious signs at the Jiaofang Palace, specially bestowed upon them a pair of colorful parrots that could mimic human speech. They were taught to be extremely clever, and in the main hall, they began to announce, 'The Empress is pregnant,' drawing cheers from the entire hall..."

"Humph."

Empress Dowager Chengqing snorted, unable to suppress the anger raging within her.

"Auspicious omens! Auspicious omens! My ears are ringing with all these auspicious omens, I'm so tired of hearing them..."

Observing the situation, Granny Cui quickly changed the subject and said with a smile:
"The late matriarch's birthday is just around the corner. His Majesty is always filial and will surely make a grand celebration. All the palaces are hoping to bring you good fortune and longevity..."

"You blind old fool, do you think I'm senile? Can't you see through this sycophantic face?" Empress Dowager Chengqing sneered. "In previous years, by this time, the Emperor would have already ordered the Imperial Household Department to make arrangements, submitting the regulations and gift lists... This year, however, it's all so quiet, not even a single person has made any preparations..."

As she spoke, she abruptly slammed the teacup down on the small table, startling Granny Cui into silence.

The palace servants standing inside the hall all held their breath and lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound.

Fuquan looked around, bowed and stepped forward with a smile, "Your Majesty, it is important to take care of your health. The liveliness in the palace is always just icing on the cake... In my humble opinion, Your Majesty, instead of worrying about those empty displays, you should find some real fun."

The Empress Dowager's chest heaved violently. "What real joy is there left in this palace these days? I'm nothing but a superfluous decoration. I'm supposed to be your own mother, but I'm not even as good as a foster mother..."

Fu Quan bowed and stepped forward, his face plastered with a fawning smile: "I heard that His Highness Prince Wei, out of consideration for the late matriarch's distress, specially sought out a top-notch opera troupe from the north. Their singing and acting are first-rate... Originally prepared for the late matriarch's birthday celebration, I heard that the late matriarch has been in a bad mood lately, so he specially instructed that they are ready to start immediately upon the late matriarch's command..."

"How could I have such a leisurely mind?" Empress Dowager Chengqing lifted her wrinkled eyelids and snorted in dissatisfaction.

"I'm not listening anymore. When people get old, they should quiet down and stop being a nuisance."

Fu Quan chuckled, bent his waist even lower, and spoke with even greater respect.

“Grandmother, the play is secondary… the key is His Highness Prince Wei’s filial piety… His Highness is still injured, yet he insisted on personally reviewing the playbill, not daring to be careless in the slightest…”

Empress Dowager Chengqing remained silent for a moment before finally relenting.

"Very well... Since it is the King of Wei's filial piety, then let them come and pick some... lively and cathartic songs to sing, so that I can calm down..."

　This chapter is a bit long and there are no points... Goodnight everyone, please bear with it.

　　Li Zhao: I don't think it's long. Could you give me more benefits?
　　Reader: Please treat us to lychees; I'll apply to the author for that.

　　(End of this chapter)