Chapter 55: Court Intrigues and Amorous Tangles

Chapter 55

Human life is of utmost importance and cannot be treated lightly. Xu Yunqi asked, "What medicine have you administered?"

After Fan Ruji explained his prescription, Xu Yunqi immediately understood the situation.

She inquired cautiously, "May I ask, how many more days can you ensure for the elderly prince with this method?"

Fan Ruji turned his head, sneering as he looked at her, "And you, how long can you keep him alive?"

Xu Yunqi fell silent.

Given the old Prince Qi's condition, even if he were to be saved, he wouldn't have much time left.

Seeing the expressions on both their faces, the emperor knew there was no turning back. He staggered a few steps, unable to bear looking at his younger brother. With a sorrowful wave of his hand, he said, "Send him back to the palace."

He added, "Minister Fan and Minister He, please accompany him and stay an extra day if possible."

Doctor He hastily acknowledged the order.

Prince Qi had expelled some blood clots, and his complexion had improved. A few eunuchs carried him out cautiously. Doctor He led the rest of the group hurriedly following, but Fan Ruji lingered behind.

The emperor was in an exceedingly foul mood, having dismissed the court officials and royal relatives. Seeing Fan Ruji standing motionless by the screen, his face darkened with displeasure.

"Minister Fan, what are you doing?"

Xu Yunqi had yet to leave, with Xun Yunhe by her side. The hall still held attendants and eunuchs, all of whom turned to look at Fan Ruji.

Fan Ruji cast a glance at Xu Yunqi before kneeling directly before the emperor.

"Your Majesty!"

He wept bitterly for a moment before continuing, "Your Majesty, as the head of the Imperial Hospital, it is my duty to maintain order. I cannot allow chaos within the hospital. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider your decision and not have the County Princess remain in the Imperial Hospital."

Upon hearing this, Xun Yunhe's face turned grim. He rebuked, "Fan Ruji, how dare you! Not only did you break Yunqi's needle, but now you dare defy the emperor's will? Do you think the Imperial Hospital belongs solely to you?"

Completely disregarding Xun Yunhe, Fan Ruji kept his gaze fixed on the emperor.

"Your Majesty, she is a woman. How can she constantly expose herself in public, wandering through the palace? In time, who knows what rumors will spread!"

Xun Yunhe's face turned livid with anger. "You!"

If it had been anyone else, Xun Yunhe would have surely seized the opportunity to accuse Fan Ruji and have him arrested for disobedience. But Fan Ruji was no ordinary person; he was the highly skilled head physician of the Imperial Hospital, proficient in both gynecology and acupuncture. His influence in the emperor's heart had remained steadfast for three decades, and his position was likely more secure than that of Xun Yunhe, the prime minister. The emperor could not possibly dismiss him so easily.

Fan Ruji's stubborn nature was well-known far and wide, and the emperor was not surprised by his reaction. However, the emperor was exhausted and had no desire to deal with this matter further.

"Minister Fan, I understand the immense pressure you were under to save Prince Qi. I will not hold you accountable for your disobedience. You may go back for now, and apologize to the princess consort another day."

Fan Ruji still wanted to say something, but Xun Yunhe gave a subtle signal, and two guards promptly dragged him away.

The emperor comforted Xu Yunqi a few more words before instructing, "Minister Xun, it's late. Please escort Yunqi back home personally."

Even if the emperor hadn't given such an order, Xun Yunhe had intended to do so anyway. After paying their respects, father and daughter exited the Hall of Heavenly Praise, one following the other.

In front of them, the night was as dark as an abyss, and a chilly breeze swept past, seeping into Xu Yunqi's collar. She clutched her collar tightly and descended the steps slowly. Xun Yunhe watched her retreating figure from the terrace, as if witnessing her sinking step by step into the depths. A wave of compassion washed over him, and he hurriedly followed.

Their carriages arrived at the palace one after the other. Hearing the commotion, Prince Xi must have come out to greet them.

Xun Yunhe alighted from the carriage first, and the two men bowed to each other from across the steps.

Over here, Yinxing supported Xu Yunqi as she descended from the carriage. Xu Yunqi's expression was not the best, but she still managed a smile for her elders,

"Why hasn't Father Duke gone to sleep yet?"

Prince Xi shook his head. "Heng'er is not here, and before he left, he repeatedly asked me to take care of you. Since you've gone out in the middle of the night, I'm standing in for him."

Though Prince Xi's words were entirely reasonable, Xu Yunqi found them strangely peculiar. After marrying into the palace for so long, he had never shown such concern for her before. Was it truly because of Pei Muheng's instructions?

Xun Yunhe, unwilling to let his daughter catch a chill, urged her on, "Rest at home for a couple of days. Leave the matters at the Imperial Medical Institute to Father; I'll handle them."

Xu Yunqi was still uncertain about how to deal with Fan Ruji at the moment. She decided to postpone any actions for a couple of days and nodded gently before taking her leave first.

Once she left, Prince Xi descended the steps and asked Xun Yunhe, "Shuyu, what happened?"

Xun Yunhe briefly recounted the events, and Prince Xi's heart sank as his expression darkened. "This Fan Ruji is truly despicable!"

Xun Yunhe also found Fan Ruji's behavior unusual today. Was it simply because Yunqi was a woman that he was so wary of her? Or was there another reason?

It was almost dawn after a long night of turmoil, and both men were exhausted. After exchanging a few polite words, they returned to their respective residences.

Xu Yunqi lay restlessly on her four-poster bed, while Chen nanny had prepared some ginseng soup. After Silver Apricot drank a bowl herself, she brought another for Xu Yunqi, attending to her as she finished it. Then, Silver Apricot quietly climbed onto the bed, whispering into Yunqi's ear,

"Miss, what are your plans?"

Hugging the little maid, Xu Yunqi pondered and said, "Let's wait for two days and see what Fan Ruji will do."

For the next two days, Xu Yunqi remained in the palace without leaving. On the third day, around the ninth hour of the morning, a servant delivered a brocaded box to her.

When Chen nanny brought it in, she informed her, "It was sent by the Imperial Hospital. They say it's the medicinal pills you left there the day before yesterday."

Recently, since Fan Ruji had forbidden Xu Yunqi from making house calls, she mostly stayed in the herbal storage room to prepare medicine, concocting many pills.

Smiling, Xu Yunqi took the box. "Alright, go attend to your duties."

After Chen nanny left, Xu Yunqi promptly opened the box. Indeed, it contained over a dozen pills. However, she knew that there was more to it than just the pills. She turned the box over and eventually found a slip of paper hidden within its lining.

"Meet at the Yongfu Building at the third hour of the afternoon." The note specified that only she was to attend.

Xu Yunqi read the message, then closed her eyes.

Ginkgo peered over and said, "No, you can't go. What if it's a trap?"

Xu Yunqi shook her head and fetched flint to burn the note. "If they truly want to kill me, they would've done it quietly. Why bother inviting me? One must enter the tiger's den to capture a tiger. I have to go."

Unable to persuade her, Ginkgo puffed up in frustration. "Then I'll go next door and ask Lord Xun for his help to protect you secretly."

Xu Yunqi didn't want to estrange Xun Yunhe at this point. She considered the bigger picture. "If I'm not mistaken, this is definitely Fan Ruji. If we make a big show of it, he might not appear. Of course, we can't be careless. Let me instruct Huangyan to scout the area first."

Only then did Ginkgo feel reassured.

Huangyan was a guard left behind by Pei Muheng. He was obedient, meticulous, and carried out his master's orders to the letter. Xu Yunqi trusted him completely. She went to the veranda and summoned Huangyan, telling him that she needed to visit the Yingfu Hall at exactly one o'clock in the afternoon and asked him to investigate. Huangyan took two others with him and set off.

The Yingfu Hall was located outside Donghua Gate, in the city's most bustling market. As it was close to the imperial city, only officials and nobles frequented the area. Not only were the shops elegantly decorated, but their proprietors were also well-known figures in the capital. The lantern market occupied nearly an entire block, with streets crossing north and south, and shops lining the roads, one after another, with banners filling the sky. It was a lively scene.

The Yingfu Hall, situated in the midst of this prosperous market, was unassuming. It was a small bakery specializing in steamed buns and pastries. Despite being called a small shop, it had a large footprint, spanning two floors. It opened at dawn to sell buns and pastries, but at noon, when the buns stopped selling, it transformed into a teahouse.

Upon receiving Huangyan's affirmative response, Xu Yunqi arrived punctually near the Yingfu Hall at one o'clock.

At this hour, the Yingfu Hall wasn't as bustling as the neighboring shops, looking somewhat deserted. Xu Yunqi ordered a few pastries and a pot of Biluochun tea on the ground floor before ascending to the upper level.

The second floor's alcove wasn't spacious, but it had a large window facing south that welcomed the bustling atmosphere and the sounds of various vendors' cries.

Xu Yunqi, with no interest in the scenery, moved cautiously towards an elegant private room to the east. Suddenly, a hand shot out from within the room, swiftly pulling Xu Yunqi inside. Silver Apricot rushed over in alarm, only to find the door latched from the inside. A cold, deep voice then echoed,

"Be quiet!"

Through the white gauze window, Xu Yunqi made a soothing gesture to Silver Apricot, who slightly relaxed upon seeing it.

Inside the room, Xu Yunqi rubbed her sore wrist and looked across at the elderly man opposite her.

Fan Ruji was dressed in a dark robe with a hood, his original black beard now dyed white. His appearance had also undergone some changes; only someone familiar with him would recognize him. Bent over with labored breathing, he stared intently at Xu Yunqi. A myriad of emotions flickered in his eyes—fear, surprise, confusion, and unease.

Time was of the essence, and there was no intention to play guessing games.

"Child, where did you learn the Thirteen Needles technique?"

"From my master!"

"And who is your master?"

"His surname is Zhang, known as Elder Master Zhang!"

"Zhang?" Fan Ruji's heart raced, and numerous figures flashed through her mind. She vaguely recalled that there had been a man named Zhang by Dr. Liu's side back then.

"Where is he?"

Xu Yunqi paused in her tone. "He's missing."

Fan Ruji's thick brows rose, a flicker of astonishment gleaming in her eyes. "When did this happen?"

This time, Xu Yunqi didn't answer right away but looked at her with scrutiny. "Why do you ask?"

Fan Ruji knew she wasn't trusted. A deep, bitter laugh escaped her lips.

"The Thirteen Needles were Dr. Liu's signature technique. Since you know how to use it and have heard of Dr. Liu before, your appearance at the Imperial Medical Bureau isn't coincidental. Child, why have you done this?"

Xu Yunqi gazed silently at the elder across from her. His bloodshot eyes suggested he hadn't slept all night. His high cheekbones were covered by thin flesh, and his chapped lips trembled constantly.

"My master went missing three years ago. I traced him to the outskirts of the capital but lost his trail..."

Fan Ruji, upon hearing this, stumbled backward in alarm, the chill of autumn piercing his eyes, turning into a look of horror.

Xu Yunqi, noticing his intense trembling, quickly approached and asked, "Doctor Fan, do you know? Do you know who took him away?"

Tears welled up in Fan Ruji's eyes, but he suppressed his sobs and replied in a low voice, gasping for breath, "Child, listen to me. Leave the capital, go as far away as possible, and don't look for him anymore..."

A hint of surprise flickered across Xu Yunqi's eyes, her tone unwavering, "Impossible!"

Seeing her determination, Fan Ruji's eyes widened in panic, "Listen to me!" He gritted his teeth, his plea verging on despair, "Three years have passed, he must be dead by now. All you'll find is his remains. Have you thought about what will happen if you continue to investigate?"

"The Xi Palace, Xun Yunhe... even the maid by your side, and my entire Fan family – have you considered their lives?" As he spoke, tears trickled down Fan Ruji's face, his expression consumed by hopelessness.

Xu Yunqi froze, stepping back slowly. Her cheeks were as pale as paper. For just a fleeting moment, she was lost, but then she composed herself and calmly pressed him, "I won't turn back until I hit a wall. If you don't give me a clear explanation, I can't stand idly by."

Fan Ruji closed his eyes in anger.

Not waiting for him to speak, she frowned deeply and mused aloud, "If even the Xi Palace couldn't do anything, could it be that the person is His Majesty?"

Fan Ruji shuddered violently and immediately shook his head. "No, I don't know who that person is, but I can assure you that this matter is far from simple."

Xu Yunqi connected all the clues in her mind and pondered swiftly.

"Fan Ruji, your fear suggests that the Fan family is also involved. But why did your father live for a year after Doctor Liu's death when he should have been affected too? It implies that your father knew the truth of that incident and was being manipulated by the mastermind, or perhaps he even became an accomplice!"

Upon hearing the word 'accomplice,' Fan Ruji leaped up from the ground like a leopard, glaring fiercely at Xu Yunqi.

"You're not allowed to slander him! He's no accomplice!"

Xu Yunqi's eyes shimmered with a cold glint. She smiled slowly, then tempted him with a question, "Then what is he?"

Fan Ruji shut his eyes tightly. Realizing that Xu Yunqi wouldn't let go unless he spoke the truth, he clutched his face in pain.

"One year after Doctor Liu's death, my father passed away at home. According to custom, I should have observed three years of mourning, but soon after, an imperial edict arrived, recalling me to resume my duties and inherit my father's legacy in the Imperial Medical Bureau. That's how I returned to the Bureau."

"I initially believed my father had passed away due to illness. But half a year later, I accidentally overheard an old servant who attended to him, which aroused suspicion in me. Upon returning to his study and investigating, I discovered a bag of softened tendons herb hidden in a secret compartment. This herb is harmless to ordinary people, but for someone with osteoporosis, it can cause heart damage. My father quietly orchestrated his own 'illness' this way."

"My father was well-versed in medicine. How could he have taken medicine recklessly? There's only one possibility: He sacrificed himself to protect our entire Fan family!"

"Father probably foresaw that I would eventually find this bag of softened tendons herb. He left a message for me, urging me to fulfill my duties without asking any questions. Our family should stay in the capital, enjoying prosperity and wealth."

"Child, think about it. What kind of monstrous crime could force the Grand Medical Advisor of the Imperial Hospital to commit suicide? For 29 years, I've been cautious and diligent by the Emperor and Empress's side, not daring to make a single misstep, all to ensure the safety of our family!"

Xu Yunqi's gaze sharpened as countless thoughts raced through her mind.

"But, Doctor Fan, every time the Imperial Hospital makes a house call, someone accompanies them. That means on the day Doctor Liu met his fate, he must have been with Elder Doctor Fan. In fact, if we investigate the medical records from 30 years ago, we might be able to identify the culprit behind the scenes!"

"You're insane!"

Fan Ruji growled, dashing forward again to grasp her arm tightly. "Do you think I'm unaware? The problem is, dare I even investigate? If I do, they'll disappear!"

"The reason I'm alive today is that I know nothing. Had the Thirteen Needles not resurfaced, I wouldn't have to reveal myself today." At this point, Fan Ruji's expression turned pleading, and she softened her tone. "Yunqi, please, for my sake, for the Xihua Palace, for our Fan family and its hundreds of members, take a look at our family's gate. My grandson is lively and clever; he's so adorable..."

"Would you really sacrifice so many lives just to find that piece of bone?"

Fan Ruji was already weeping uncontrollably.

Xu Yunqi could only mutter incoherently.

After a long moment of silence, Xu Yunqi softly asked, "But... might your actions from the previous night have aroused suspicion in that person?"

Fan Ruji wiped away her tears and replied, "I'm not sure, but I've tried my best to cover it up. It's only natural for others to assume that I'm under immense pressure since Prince Qi is in trouble, and I can't escape responsibility. Besides, no one would blame me for not wanting to be outdone by a woman. In any case, as long as you don't use the Thirteen Needles technique again, I won't be afraid."

Xu Yunqi understood that the current situation left her with no choice but to proceed cautiously.

Recalling her grandfather's disappearance in the Western Province, she suddenly asked, "Is Old Doctor Liu's wife still alive?"

Fan Ruji shook her head. "She passed away over two years ago."

Xu Yunqi was taken aback. This made sense now.

If her assumption was correct, the person behind the scenes must have had spies in both the Liu and Fan families. Her grandfather must have rushed to see Lady Liu before she passed away, alerting them in the process. Consequently, he was captured and brought to the capital. He likely found an opportunity in the outskirts of the city to leave a distress signal.

But how could Grandfather Fan know the truth that even Court Physician Fan was unaware of?

Grandfather's life is precious, but so are the lives of the Fan family members.

Xu Yunqi finally had to pause and reassess this pursuit from a new perspective.

The question was, she had been ignorant of all this when she entered the capital. The Thirteen Needles had left their mark, but had they not yet traced it back to her, were they wary of her current status, or had something else occurred that she was unaware of?

"In any case, I cannot leave the Imperial Medical Institute immediately. Even if I don't see patients every day, I must still make occasional visits. If a lady falls critically ill, I cannot stand idly by. Moreover, we can't let fear paralyze us. Acupuncture is what brought me fame, and if I were to suddenly abandon it, it would only arouse suspicion. There are other acupuncture techniques besides the Thirteen Needles; I can switch to one of those."

Seeing that Yunqi had been convinced, Fan Ruji's hanging heart eased slightly.

"That makes sense. Remember above all to be cautious."

"I understand..."

In a moment, Court Physician Fan turned his black robe inside out, revealing a brown silk gown. He then donned a human skin mask, and when he stepped out once more, he appeared every bit the prosperous merchant.

Carrying such a heavy secret for three decades, just as her grandfather had, must have been incredibly challenging for him.

In the following days, Xu Yunqi's life remained unchanged. Forced by the imperial edict, Fan Ruji publicly apologized to Xu Yunqi in front of the entire Imperial Medical Academy, though he still secretly held disdain for her. Xu Yunqi would occasionally retaliate with her own barbs, and their verbal sparring was surprisingly well-timed.

More than a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the days deepened into autumn, with a thin layer of frost covering the courtyard.

Xu Yunqi sat by the window drafting medical case records, while Yingxi tended to the late chrysanthemums on a high table. Soon, Pei Mushan came calling, her voice preceding her arrival,

"Sister-in-law, I'm getting married in just two days. Is Brother still not coming back?"

Before Xu Yunqi could respond, Chen Ma, the housekeeper, entered from outside, holding back the curtain to greet her and answer on Xu Yunqi's behalf,

"Third Master sent word yesterday that he'll be returning tomorrow."

Pei Mushan lifted the beaded curtain, stepping into the eastern annex, her face lighting up with a smile. "That's good news. This time, he should bring me a gift, right?"

Xu Yunqi welcomed her, sitting by the heated kang bed to warm herself. Seeing Pei Mushan's beaming expression, she teased her,

"Others usually cry and cling to their families when they leave for marriage. Why do you look so eager to get married?"

Pei Mushan laughed,

"Marrying is wonderful. Look, in this palace, my mother restrains me, and I have nowhere to turn for justice. But once I'm married, it'll be different. Even if my mother-in-law disciplines me, wouldn't I still have my husband to support me? Besides, Yan Shaoling has promised to take me for midnight snacks every night after we're wed."

"More importantly, my mother will prepare a dowry for me, so I won't have to worry about lacking spending money."

Pei Mushan rubbed her palms together eagerly. "I can hardly wait to be married."

Her reasoning was too straightforward to argue against.

These days, the Xihua Palace was bustling with visitors daily, all coming to add to the dowry. Xu Yunqi also pondered over what to contribute to her sister-in-law's trousseau.

"Shan Shan, you know well that I'm not skilled in sewing or embroidery, so I don't have anything substantial to offer. Previously, when you insisted on giving me a forty percent stake in that cosmetics shop, I now present it to you as part of your dowry."

Xu Yunqi had already instructed Xing Xing to retrieve the deed, placing it in a box to be handed over to Pei Mushan. However, Pei Mushan was aware that this was Xu Yunqi's most valuable possession; she recoiled, refusing to accept it.

"Shaoling's life was saved by you. That act alone is the finest addition to your trousseau. Why would you need my money? Sister-in-law, don't try to pull this with me. You don't have much wealth, and this shop should be kept for your own sustenance."

Xu Yunqi chuckled. "Do I lack spending money? Look, the household even provides me with thirty taels a month, so together with your brother, we have sixty taels. I can't even spend it all."

Upon hearing this, Pei Mushan was moved to tears. "How can you be so frugal?" Her six hundred taels a month were never enough for her expenses.

Xu Yunqi said solemnly, "Shan Shan, Third Master only has you as his younger sister. Despite his cold demeanor, he cherishes you deeply. If we, as your husband and wife, don't provide you with a decent dowry, we would be disrespecting your brother's dignity. Didn't you say that your brother's treasury is well-stocked? All that money is mine, isn't it? Now, it's only right for me to use this to enrich your dowry."

Back then, due to the formula she provided, Pei Mushan and Shao Fu had given her a 40% share in the cosmetic shop, while Shao Fu, who invested both money and effort, received 50%. Pei Mushan held only 10%, and with her sister-in-law's spending habits, those dowry assets would soon be depleted. It made more sense in the long run to give her the cosmetic shop.

After much persuasion, including a touch of intimidation, Xu Yunqi convinced Pei Mushan to accept the additional dowry.

When she finally sent Pei Mushan off, Yinxing grumbled unhappily, "That shop generates substantial profits. Miss, even if you're not thinking about yourself, you should consider the future young master. Right now, you don't spend much, but once you have a child, the expenses will be beyond your imagination..."

Xu Yunqi stood in the corridor, staring blankly at her.

She had never considered the matter of children before, let alone imagined having one with Pei Musheng. She was accustomed to being able to turn away at any moment.

"But there's still Third Master, right?"

She would bear the child; surely Pei Musheng would take responsibility for raising it.

Yinxing clenched her fists and countered, "A woman needs money to have a backbone. Have you forgotten how Sister Chang was bullied by her husband and mother-in-law in Yongzhou?"

Xu Yunqi approached and gently stroked Ginkgo's cheek. "Relax, the Prince Xi's Palace won't starve our child to death."

She wondered what calamity her maternal grandfather had brought upon them, making her doubt if she would ever have children with Pei Mushan.

Ultimately, she couldn't involve the Prince Xi's Palace in this mess.

That was why she insisted on giving the shop to Pei Mushan.

It was nearly noon when Chen Ma asked if they should serve the meal. At that moment, an elderly woman arrived at the entrance, bowed through the moon gate, and said, "Young Lady, His Highness invites you over."

Following the woman, Xu Yunqi and Ginkgo entered the main hall. On either side of the hall were two annex rooms. As it was late autumn, and the wind was strong outside, guests were entertained in the annex rooms. When Xu Yunqi walked in, she saw the Prince Xi and Xun Yunhe sitting across from each other, enjoying their tea. Upon seeing her, the prince stood up.

"I'll be back shortly. You two can have a father-daughter chat."

As the prince left, he even closed the door behind him. Even Ginkgo was signaled to leave with just a glance from the prince.

Standing by the door for a moment, Xu Yunqi took a few steps towards him and asked, "Is there something you need to discuss?"

Xun Yunhe set down his teacup and approached her, speaking in a gentle tone, "Shan Shan is getting married, aren't you supposed to contribute to her dowry?"

Xu Yunqi looked at him puzzledly, "How does this concern you…" Noticing the burning intensity in his gaze, as if he intended to take care of the matter for her, she placed a hand on her forehead and said, "I've already contributed."

He was such a meticulous person, taking care of even trivial matters like this. Xu Yunqi dared not imagine how she would have turned out if she had grown up living with him, possibly becoming completely dependent.

Xun Yunhe smiled, "When you were young, you were so careless, never paying attention to details. Father was afraid you wouldn't think things through thoroughly." With that, he actually took out a stack of banknotes from his pocket and pressed them into her hand, saying,

"Our little girl shouldn't ever lack money. This is the dowry Father has saved for you. I couldn't give it to you when you got married, but here it is now."

Aside from her skills, Xu Yunqi had no wealth to rely on, and Xun Yunhe was well aware of this fact.

Feeling her face flush, Xu Yunqi frowned and said, "You know very well that I can't possibly accept your money…"

But Xun Yunhe ignored her, already stepping out the door.

The door opened, revealing the small face of Yingxin. Clearly, Xun Yunhe had spoken to her beforehand. Yingxin hurried over, snatching the banknotes from Xu Yunqi's hand and casting her a glance,

"You're not taking it, are you giving it to that slut's son instead?"

Ginkgo knew Xu Yunqi's temperament; she wouldn't use Xun Yunhe's money. Hastily, she covered her pocket, saying, "I'm saving it for our future young master."

Xu Yunqi shot her a withering glance.

In the afternoon, word came from the palace that Her Majesty the Empress had summoned the entire household of the Xi Palace to attend a royal banquet in the evening.

Xu Yunqi was still in the midst of changing her attire when Pei Mushan, fully dressed and refined, arrived. "Sister-in-law, the carriage is already waiting at the entrance. Are you almost ready?"

As Xu Yunqi adjusted her hair ornaments, she asked, walking out, "Is there something special about today?"

Pei Mushan chuckled. "Today is Uncle Twelve's fortieth birthday, a significant milestone. His Majesty originally intended to hold grand celebrations. Unfortunately, due to the recent passing of the Elder Prince Qi, the Emperor has abstained from banquets for a month. Thus, Uncle Twelve must make do with a more modest affair. Empress Consort is most affectionate toward her son, so she has arranged a family feast in the palace. Let us join in the festivities."

So it is.

At the start of the Hour of the Monkey, Princess Xi, accompanied by her entire household, arrived at the East China Gate. At this moment, a swift horse dashed forth, and the guards dismounted to deliver their report.

"Third Master has arrived at the city gates. He will return home to change his attire and then proceed to the palace shortly."

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped in their tracks, turning their heads back.

Princess Xi's face brightened immediately. "Why did you return early? Just in time for your Twelfth Uncle's birthday celebration."

Pei Muxiang chuckled. "He must have missed his younger sister-in-law and couldn't wait to come back."

Madam Xie shot her husband a glare for his candid remark. Pei Muxiang quickly covered her mouth, embarrassed, and retreated to the side.

Upon hearing this, Princess Xi couldn't help but glance at Xu Yunqi.

Seeing that the conversation had turned more relaxed, Li Xuanyan playfully nudged Xu Yunqi's shoulder. "It's been almost two months since you last saw him. You must have missed him, right?"

Although Xu Yunqi hadn't really thought about it, Li Xuanyan's words made her fair cheeks flush with a slight blush. It wasn't easy to either confirm or deny such matters, so she simply smiled without responding.

Xu Yunqi was beautiful, with an elegant and slender figure that stood gracefully in the autumn breeze, like a delicate flower on the verge of blooming. The added rosy glow on her cheeks made her even more enchantingly captivating.

Princess Xi looked at her with great satisfaction.

It was clear that she held her son dear in her heart.