Chapter 24: Intrigue in the Imperial Palace

Chapter 24

"Are you alright, Lord Xun?"

The butler standing nearest hurried to steady the staggering Xun Yunhe, while Qi Estate's Second Master also swiftly reached out to support his arm.

Xun Yunhe quickly regained his balance, smoothing his knee cover. He waved dismissively, "I'm fine." Noticing that the person he had bumped into was a young lady, he addressed the irate Second Master Qi and his companions, "Don't frighten the lady."

He stood with his hands behind his back in the midday sun, his bright red robe accentuating his refined and dignified appearance. "Are you alright, Miss?" he looked up at her.

A tall young lady, dressed in a pale yellow gown, stood by the threshold with her hands folded demurely before her. Her demeanor was exceptionally gentle and tranquil, and her features were clean and distinctive, exuding an instant sense of approachability. Xun Yunhe cast a quick glance at her, but no one knew that the normally quiet Xun Yunhe actually disliked quiet ladies. A lively, playful, and untamed spirit was more to his liking in a woman.

However, the lady before him was quiet, her gaze fixed on him without a flicker. Concerned, Xun Yunhe asked, "Are you injured?"

At this moment, Third Master Qi beside him chuckled. "Oh, I think it's just that the lady is awestruck by your charm, hence the momentary shock. Someone, invite the lady to have some tea and calm her nerves."

Xun Yunhe shook his head at these words. "You, still the same old habits. You can't utter a single serious sentence."

This remark carried a hint of reprimand but also concealed a sense of familiarity.

Venerable Master Qi and Xun Yunhe's father-in-law, the old Hanlin Academy member, Ye, were classmates. When Xun Yunhe came to the capital for his exams, his entire family stayed at the Qi residence for a while. He had become quite acquainted with the Qi family's elders. Now, it was Xun Yunhe who arrived late to pay his respects to Madam Qi, the family matriarch, in the backyard.

Xun Yunhe's words were laced with a soft laugh.

That laughter, like a brilliant ray of light, penetrated into the depths of her fragmented memories. She couldn't clearly recall what he looked like; only a vague, slender figure with bright features lingered in her mind.

"Nuannuan is the most obedient. Next time Father returns, I will definitely buy you sugar-coated haws!"

The melodious and passionate tone gradually merged with the laughter before her eyes.

The person across from her cast another concerned glance. Their eyes met, and she gently curved the corners of her lips, slowly moving aside. The corners of her eyes lifted slightly, as if tiny rays of light were cascading down from them.

"I'm doing well," she said.

The two Qi family elders promptly raised their sleeves, gesturing for Xun Yunhe to proceed.

Without hesitation, Xun Yunhe strode confidently over the threshold.

Xu Yunqi slowly turned around, her gaze fixed on the figure in the crimson attire. The butler beside her, assuming she was curious about Xun Yunhe's identity, hurriedly explained, "Miss, this is the current Minister of Revenue and a cabinet elder, Lord Xun Yunhe. The much-praised Miss Xun Yunling of Beijing is his daughter."

"Oh..."

Xun Yu... Xun Yunhe...

Back then, when she heard his voice beneath the Silver Pheasant Terrace in the palace, she had suspected that he was still alive, that he had already entered the capital to serve as an official.

Out of the corner of her eye, Xu Yunqi noticed a glimmer of multicolored light reflecting off a green stone tile at the doorstep. She crouched down, picked it up, and discovered it was a tiny seashell.

Her dark eyes narrowed slightly as if something sharp had pierced her heart. Xu Yunqi's gaze sharpened as she held the small seashell and slowly stood up. Hesitating for a moment, she lifted her eyelids slightly, concealing all emotions. Then, she called out toward the front,

"Lord Xun."

Her voice was crisp and carried a gentle rhythm. Xun Yunhe instinctively paused in his steps before turning around.

His first sight was of the girl standing outside the threshold, her expression unusually serene. Her smile seemed to glow, yet was indistinct. As his gaze fell upon her finger, Xun Yunhe's expression changed. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his eyes fixated on the spot as if it would vanish if he were any later. Before Xu Yunqi could offer it, he had already taken the seashell from her. Upon holding the familiar object in his palm, he lifted his gaze and smiled at Xu Yunqi through the threshold,

"Thank you."

In his palm lingered the cold touch of the young maiden's fingertips.

Xun Yunhe held on, attempting to dissolve that chill.

As they drew closer, Xu Yunqi studied him intently once more. He had an exceptionally handsome face, with distinct features, a high nose bridge, and strikingly long, dense eyelashes that resembled ink. It was precisely that hint of gentle refinement at the corners of his brows that softened the sharp edges of his facial structure, imbuing him with the refined and composed demeanor of a mature man.

The vague figure on the arched bridge in her memory finally overlapped with the elegant man before her eyes. Xu Yunqi couldn't help but smile warmly.

So this is what he looks like.

Feeling that the girl seemed familiar, Xun Yunhe didn't mind her scrutiny.

The silver apricot tree behind them urged them on, so Xu Yunqi slightly bowed and turned, leaving without hesitation with her maid.

Xun Yunhe gazed at her departing figure and clenched the seashell in his hand again, a hint of fear creeping into his heart. He then slowly turned around and headed towards the backyard.

Summer winds, carrying heat and excitement, blew past, casting shimmering shadows on the two figures moving in opposite directions.

Once inside the carriage, Xu Yunqi sat on the soft cushion, her hands clasped together on her knees, unwavering. Silver Apricot busied herself checking the cloth bag, making sure she had brought the small needle knife before she could relax.

"I've brought them, Miss. Don't worry."

Xu Yunqi lowered her eyes and nodded slightly.

With a burden lifted from her heart, Xingying recalled the scene just now. Her small, cherry lips curled up in a pout.

"So he's Xun Yunling's father. He seems refined, but how did he raise such an impudent daughter?"

Xu Yunqi smiled wryly, choosing not to comment.

Xingying wanted to say something more but couldn't quite remember. The image of that face flashed across her mind, making her feel like she had missed some crucial detail.

The carriage soon arrived at the clinic. Xu Yunqi went upstairs, where Shopkeeper Hu and two other doctors were attending to a patient.

Seeing her rush in with sweat on her forehead, Shopkeeper Hu apologized sincerely,

"Sorry for the urgency of the message. I didn't mean for you to come all this way. Right now, Doctor Zhou and Doctor Qu are taking turns to diagnose him. We're certain that he's been eating spicy food on an empty stomach for several days, leading to gastric or intestinal ulcers with bleeding. We've already prescribed a treatment."

Xu Yunqi stepped forward to examine the patient lying on the soft cot. She asked, "How long has he been experiencing blood in his stool?"

"Four days ago, you suddenly fainted this morning and the local doctors couldn't treat you. That's why you were hastily brought to the clinic."

Xu Yunqi nodded. "Let me examine your pulse again."

She sat down to carefully diagnose the patient once more, suspecting that his long-term improper diet had overburdened his gastrointestinal system. She glanced at the prescription written by Manager Hu and the other two, added one herb, and adjusted the dosage of three others before instructing the apprentice to begin boiling the medicine.

"Take this for three days first. If the bleeding stops, it means we've targeted the right issue. If not, I'll come back to administer acupuncture."

Noticing her rare display of fatigue, Manager Hu personally accompanied her downstairs. "Has your household been very busy lately?"

Xu Yunqi leaned on the railing and shook her head. "Nothing much. I'll be on my way now."

Right then, news arrived from the Xu family that her mother, Lady Zhang, was ill. Xu Yunqi's expression tensed, and without further ado, she rushed back to the Xu residence with Xingyue. Upon learning that Xu Yunqi had left the banquet, Pei Muheng immediately dispatched his secret agents to the Xu family, and they coincidentally met on the way, conveniently covering up the lie of the day.

Upon arriving at the Xu residence, Lady Zhang lay in bed, barely breathing.

"What has happened to you?"

As Xu Yunqi washed her hands and sat down, she approached Lady Zhang's bedside to take her pulse.

Madame Zhang's eyes were rimmed with dark circles, and she weakly shook her head. The nanny beside her explained, "Yesterday, Second Miss insisted on eating ice melon. Madam also had a couple of bites. Who would have thought that this morning, Madam started her monthly cycle. Now, she's in so much pain that she can't get out of bed."

Xu Yunqi frowned at her mother and scolded, "You're not young anymore. You shouldn't eat anything cold, especially during hot days. When summer heat is at its peak, all the pores in your body are open. Eating cold things at this time allows them to penetrate deep into your organs, causing accumulated cold that could lead to illness when winter comes."

Xu Yunqi's temper was genuinely very good, so much so that Madame Zhang often found herself powerless against her, unable to even show her affection properly.

It was only when she fell ill that she could see the vitality in her daughter.

This reminded her of her own father, a tall and slender man with a slightly hunched back, always carrying a warm smile on his face. He was always gentle with her, frowning and lecturing only in situations like these.

The granddaughter and grandfather shared the same temperament.

Xu Yunqi was not like her, but more like her maternal grandfather, and even more so like that man.

"Qier, I had a dream last night," she said weakly.

Xu Yunqi, not in the mood for her mother's rambling, took her pulse and instructed Yinxing to fetch medicine.

Madame Zhang's gaze followed her daughter's busy figure. "I dreamed of him..."

Xu Yunqi paused in her tracks, handing the prescription to Silver Apricot before slowly turning to sit in front of the bed.

The nanny silently slipped out, leaving only mother and daughter in the room.

With an emotionless expression, Xu Yunqi gazed at Zhang. The latter continued unchecked,

"I dreamt he was wearing a bright red robe... calling out to us amidst the mist..."

A chill crept into Xu Yunqi's eyes, "Did you perhaps also dream of him with a large family, basking in boundless glory?"

Madam Zhang averted her gaze at the mocking tone in her daughter's voice, her eyes wandering without focus as she murmured,

"I always believed that someone like him would rather die than betray us... You don't know, back then, it wasn't just me who was smitten with him; even the daughter of the county magistrate came chasing after him to our home. Your father shielded me behind him, holding you tightly as he fiercely drove her away..."

Xu Yunqi had no interest in hearing this, responding with a cold expression, "Do you know why Grandfather never approved of your marriage with him?"

Madam Zhang's throat constricted, leaving her speechless.

Xu Yunqi's gaze remained fixed on her cheek, "Now you should understand that the person by your side isn't him, but Uncle Xu."

"You must understand that it is Uncle Xu who has given you prosperity and honor, who will father children with you to earn your title, and who ensures you have no worries about food or clothing, without holding your past against you."

Zhang felt a moment of embarrassment, but then her expression softened as she thought of her husband. "Don't misunderstand, I am sincerely committed to living my days with Uncle Xu. I just want you to know that I still don't believe he would betray us. Perhaps he truly is gone."

Xu Yunqi looked at her and sighed deeply, gently adjusting the thin quilt for her. "Even if he did betray us, it doesn't matter. Who says we must spend our whole lives with someone?"

"As long as you both are well, that's all that matters..." She tucked the quilt tightly around her daughter, smiling.

Both of them living well, with no lingering concerns for each other.

Zhang nodded, looking at her daughter affectionately. "Mother understands, and I can distinguish priorities. I'm doing well now, so don't worry. Go back and live your own life. By the way, it's been half a year, why no joyful news?" Her gaze fell on Yunqi's abdomen.

Xu Yunqi was taken aback, laughing softly. "Let nature take its course."

Seeing her hesitation, Zhang grew concerned. "Don't let my issues with your father affect your desire for a child."

Xu Yunqi laughed brightly at this. "How could it? I'm not someone who would give up everything because of a single setback."

Relieved by her words, Zhang held her hand and spoke earnestly. "With a child, you'll put down roots and have a home. Do you understand?"

She always hoped that her daughter would settle down securely in the capital, rather than following in her father's footsteps, wandering from south to north with no permanent home.

Xu Yunqi had no conception of a home; she was home herself.

"I understand. But even if I don't want children, would the palace agree?"

"Precisely."

When Xu Yunqi returned, Pei Muheng was already seated in the western annex.

The western annex served as Pei Muheng's workspace within the palace, and Xu Yunqi rarely ventured in. This time, she held the gauze curtain and peered inside with half her head.

"Back so soon?"

Seeing his wife return, Pei Muheng folded the gazette he had been reading. "Yes, there's something I wish to discuss with you, my lady."

Xu Yunqi stepped in and sat in the armchair across from him. "What is it?"

Pei Muheng said, "During today's council at the Wenzhao Hall, His Majesty learned that Minister Xun will be celebrating his fortieth birthday at the end of the month. He has explicitly ordered the Xun residence to host the festivities. As Minister Xun is my former mentor, I need to prepare a suitable gift. I'd like to consult your opinion on this matter."

Xu Yunqi understood the situation. Given Pei Muheng's relationship with Xun Yunhe and the latter's esteemed position in court, a grand gift was necessary. However, she also feared that Xun Yunhe might be displeased due to Xun Yunling's involvement.

"Lord Xun holds a high rank in the council and is your mentor. The gift must not be neglected. Prepare as you should, Third Master; there's no need to worry about me."

Pei Muheng admired his wife's understanding. "Very well."

After dinner, Pei Muheng retreated to his study, while Xu Yunqi returned to her small apothecary to extract medicinal juices. Some of the herbs she had planted earlier had survived, including a rare dendrobium. She intended to turn it into pills. Occasionally, Yingxin would help tidy up the workspace or gaze intently at Xu Yunqi's face. As Xu Yunqi successfully extracted the juice and a gentle smile graced her features, Yingxin's mind suddenly clicked.

"I finally realize what's off. Miss, you resemble someone."

With a needle tip pinched between her fingers, Xu Yunqi hovered motionless in mid-air, observing Yingxin.

Yingxin first glanced out the window, ensuring they were alone before returning to Xu Yunqi's desk, her face flushed with excitement, her heart pounding almost visibly.

"Miss, you haven't noticed, but you and Lord Xun could be twins. Your eyebrows resemble Lady, but your nose, jawline, and facial contours are strikingly similar to Lord Xun's. Even your eyes are alike, especially when you smile."

"More importantly, he shares the same surname," Yingxin noted, feeling more intelligent than ever. Just as she was on the verge of believing she had uncovered a significant secret, her mistress calmly replied, "Yes."

Yingxin stared at her, stunned.

Yet, Xu Yunqi's lips curved up. "So what?"

"So what?"

Ginkgo jumped off the embroidered stool, brimming with indignation. "Of course, I'd go over and find a basin of dog blood to splash on his face. Then, I'd glare at him and ask, 'Are you at peace with your wealth and glory that came from abandoning your wife and child?'"

With one foot on the stool, Ginkgo clenched her teeth as if she wished to rush over immediately, making Xu Yunqi burst into laughter.

"I'll set up a stage for you later. You can go act then." After chuckling, Xu Yunqi lowered her head to continue her work.

Seeing this, Ginkgo was almost in tears. "You're really not going to do anything..."

Xu Yunqi didn't respond. She had no time. How precious was the iron moss orchid? It would be a waste of her half-year's effort to lose even a moment.

Ginkgo, like a trapped beast, prowled around the room, thrashing wildly. This continued until Pei Muheng returned to the room.

Upon hearing the familiar footsteps outside, Xu Yunqi handed the prepared medicine jar to Ginkgo. Ginkgo, looking like a withered eggplant, gloomily accepted it.

As Xu Yunqi came out, Pei Muheng was taking off his outer robe and placing it on the screen, preparing to head to the bathroom. Hearing his wife's footsteps, he stopped and looked over.

Breathing in the scent of medicine from her body.

It was the best thing for Pei Muheng to have a wife with her own expertise. They each went about their own business without disturbing one another, yet they complemented each other seamlessly. He enjoyed this kind of dynamic.

After days apart, Xu Yunqi had made preparations.

As she settled down at night, Pei Muheng rested his head on a bolster and suddenly asked her,

"When is your monthly cycle, my lady?"

Xu Yunqi paused. "Two more days." Her menstrual cycle was extremely regular, always arriving on the same day every month.

This question indicated his eagerness for an heir.

Upon hearing this, Pei Muheng had no intention of being intimate with her. "Then you should get a good rest."

Xu Yunqi understood and lay back down comfortably. Pei Muheng still didn't cover himself with a blanket, leaving Xu Yunqi's to drape across her chest. It was already quite warm in May, with the chirping of cicadas filling the night air. At first, Pei Muheng felt the heat, but gradually, he found inner peace and dozed off. Xu Yunqi, of course, did the same.

Sometime in the early hours of the morning, Pei Muheng suddenly woke up. Nowadays, following Xu Yunqi's routine of early to bed and early to rise, he felt more energized than ever. Just as he was about to move his arm, he noticed a blurry little face nestled under his armpit. In that instant, it was as if his heart had been gently struck, leaving him momentarily dazed. He softly brushed aside the strands of hair to reveal a fair and delicate face.

The lanterns outside were still lit, and the sky was shrouded in a hazy darkness.

Xu Yunqi, sensing the faint itch on his fingertips, turned sideways, presenting her back to him in his embrace.

After so many nights sharing a bed as husband and wife, they usually slept separately, except during intimate moments. Pei Muheng, now fully awake, had no intention of letting go of the little white rabbit that had come into his arms.

Warmth gently covered her shoulder blade, caressing her skin through the scent-infused fabric of her clothes.

Xu Yunqi immediately opened her eyes, staring ahead with a dazed expression. At first, she felt a tingling sensation, almost imperceptible, wandering across her back. Gradually, she heard his heavy breathing, and everything became clear. Understanding dawned on her, leaving her frozen once more.

He had never kissed her before; this was their first time.

Swiftly, his broad hand reached out, sliding under her armpit to undo the buttons of her garment.

Xu Yunqi closed her eyes.

A fine sheen of sweat broke out along her spine, her delicate bones seeming to curl up before being smoothed out by his rough palm inch by inch. Unaware of where her damp hair had stuck to her temples, the glow that illuminated the corners of her brows remained hidden in the shadows, elusive to grasp.

It was as if scorching magma had erupted from the earth's fissures, desperately pouring into the depths of her heart, flushing out the tiny, hidden yearning within her. She was left utterly exposed and bare.

Pei Muheng sensed that this time was different; she seemed more engrossed, more immersed, yet not entirely so. There was a change in her gaze – the calmness that withstood past storms had vanished. He should be glad that she was affected, but he knew clearly it wasn't because of him.

Pei Muheng retreated and headed for the bathroom.

Xu Yunqi watched her husband withdraw, a look of confusion on her face.

Upon waking up and finishing her morning grooming, someone from the concubine's quarters came to request her presence.

Still puzzled by the events of the early morning, Xu Yunqi asked Yinxiang on their way, "Did Third Master seem upset when he left?"

Yinxiang had been so angry last night that she hadn't slept at all. At the moment, her mood was fragmented. "With everything on my mind, I didn't even notice Lord Third."

Xu Yunqi had no choice but to drop the matter. By the time they reached Jinhe Hall, the sun was already scorching. Servants carried in basin after basin of iced water, causing Xu Yunqi to frown. As she approached the entrance, Nurse Hao met her, at which point she said,

"The Concubine has a headache; it's best not to use ice."

Nurse Hao smiled bitterly. "This old servant tried to advise against it, but the Concubine wouldn't listen. Besides, there are guests today – we can't not have them."

Xu Yunqi didn't comment further. She stepped over the threshold and passed through a screen to find two visitors seated in the spacious main room.

One was Xun Yunling, whom Xu Yunqi knew. The other lady wore a purple jacket with embroidered osmanthus blossoms and had a lily hair bun. Her long and gentle eyes, fair and delicate skin, and broad, dignified features made her a rare beauty. However, what caught Xu Yunqi's attention was the glimpse of a bracelet peeking out from beneath her sleeve.

It was a red jade bangle from Hetian, its rich, lustrous color indicating its age.

Xu Yunqi's eyes narrowed slowly, and her steps hesitated, almost losing track of where she was.

...

The plump girl couldn't bear to see her flaunting that silver bracelet. One day, while her mother went to find her father, she sneaked into her room and snatched the bracelet when she wasn't looking. Enraged, she chased after the plump girl, but the latter secured the door, trapping her inside. Helpless, she watched as others ran joyfully around the courtyard with her beloved silver bracelet.

Fire suddenly burst through the withered fence from outside at that moment.

The woman stood imperiously on the arched bridge, watching the plump girl cry in agony from the flames, her lips curled into a merciless sneer. Yunqi did not see her face clearly nor could she recall it, but she would never forget the sight of the woman's hand lifting to brush aside her hair, revealing that bloody jade bracelet through a crack in the window.

That bloody jade bracelet haunted Yunqi's dreams for a long time.

In an instant, Xu Yunqi understood everything.

So that was how it was.

So it is.

Indeed.

Xu Yunqi smiled.

Just then, Xun Yunling noticed her and promptly rose to pay her respects.

"Sister-in-law Third."

Xu Yunqi's attention was drawn back by the sweet, playful address.

She stood gracefully in the hall, first bowing to Empress Xi.

Empress Xi looked at her indifferently, gesturing towards Madam Xun,

"This is Lady Xun, the wife of Lord Xun, the Grand Secretary. He's celebrating his birthday at the end of the month, and she has specially come today to deliver an invitation."

Delivering the invitation was one thing, but more importantly, Madam Xun wanted to see for herself what kind of person Xu Yunqi was – someone who could effortlessly send her daughter home defeated, certainly no ordinary woman.

The figure stood right before her.

Madam Xun caught a glimpse of the face and was momentarily dazed.

She had always been known for her warmth and amiability in the past. Faced with Xu Yunqi, she was at a loss for how to address her. Calling her the Princess Consort of the Third Prince would be beneath Madam Xun's dignity, while referring to her as Third Young Master's wife didn't seem appropriate either. Eventually, she turned to Princess Xi and asked,

"I wonder what Miss Xu's given name is. That way, I can address her more familiarly in the future."

She referred to Madam Xie as Yuyi and Madam Li as Xuanyan, so it was only natural that she would call Xu Yunqi by her maiden name as well.

Xu Yunqi sat down and, with her sleeves folded neatly, gazed into Madam Xun's eyes without revealing any emotions. She spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly, "My family name is Xu, my given name is Yunqi."

Upon hearing these two words, the teacup in Madam Xun's hand slipped from her grasp, crashing to the ground.