Shen Zhijin’s mental calculations paused, and the anger in his heart dissipated somewhat when Shen Zhaoli was mentioned.
“Very well, let the Beiliang envoy wait. We’ll discuss matters further once Li’er has responded.”
Everyone breathed a slight sigh of relief.
The Chief Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial exited the Imperial Study and wiped the sweat from his brow.
The only one who could truly rein in His Majesty was still Princess Changle.
When the palace attendant came to deliver the message, Shen Zhaoli was also taken aback.
Although she had never met the King of Beiliang, she had heard some rumors about him.
This man was known for his unrestrained nature and romantic affairs. Though his harem was empty, tales of his dalliances never ceased.
If that were all, it wouldn’t be enough to concern her.
But the current King of Beiliang, Chu Yunzheng, had carved his path to power amidst chaos.
He had murdered his own father and mother, stepping over the bones and blood of his kin to ascend the throne.
His ruthlessness was evident.
Moreover, in the few short years since he took the throne, Beiliang had expanded its territory, growing increasingly powerful in military strength.
It had now reached a point where it could rival Dajing on equal footing.
Shen Zhaoli did not believe that such a man could be swayed by mere beauty.
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Zhaoli nodded.
“Go back and tell my royal brother that I agree to this matter.”
Regardless of the King of Beiliang’s intentions, now was not the time to openly clash with him.
If the King of Beiliang sincerely sought peace, she would honor the agreement and proceed with the marriage alliance.
But if he harbored ill intentions, Dajing would not sit idly by and be trampled upon!
At the Prime Minister’s Mansion, in Old Madam Xie’s courtyard.
Old Madam Xie looked at her limping son with heartache and quickly asked Nanny Cui to massage his legs.
“It’s not that I’m criticizing you, but on such a grand day of the imperial marriage decree, with all the civil and military officials gathered at Princess Changle’s Mansion, how could you abandon Her Highness the Princess?”
“No matter how urgent Xi’er’s matter was, wasn’t I here to ensure nothing happened to that girl?”
“Now look, not only have you offended Changle, but you’ve also brought His Majesty’s reprimand upon yourself. What if this affects your future prospects?”
Xie Yuheng didn’t seem overly concerned. “His Majesty is not one to act without reason. Besides, Changle wouldn’t truly stand by and watch me be punished.”
Recalling how Princess Changle cared for her son, Old Madam Xie felt slightly reassured.
“I know you care for Xi’er, but you were in the wrong this time. You should properly explain things to Changle and not let this harm the bond between you two.”
Xie Yuheng nodded. “Don’t worry, Mother. I will.”
Although he said this, Su Qingxi’s illness showed no signs of improving.
For several days in a row, Xie Yuheng would return from court and spend his time in the mansion caring for the unwell Su Qingxi, with no opportunity to placate Shen Zhaoli.
In the courtyard, a slender, delicate, and pale young woman stood beneath a tree. A gentle breeze lifted a strand of her hair, adding to her fragile, willow-like beauty.
Xie Yuheng draped a cloak over Su Qingxi’s shoulders, his cool voice tinged with helplessness.
“You’ve only just recovered. How could you go out without wearing more?”
Su Qingxi turned to look at Xie Yuheng and smiled softly, her expression a blend of grace and delicate weakness.
“Qinggui Brother, Xi’er isn’t that fragile. A little breeze won’t make me fall ill.”
Xie Yuheng’s slender fingers deftly fastened the cloak.
“You forget the pain once the wound heals.”
A faint blush spread across Su Qingxi’s pale face, making her look exceptionally lovely.
“Aunt Xie asked me to dine in her courtyard, saying she has something to discuss. Will Qinggui Brother come with me?”
Xie Yuheng hesitated for a moment.
He had promised to take Shen Zhaoli boating on the lake, but these past few days, Xi’er had been ill, and he couldn’t get away.
Now…
Seeing the hopeful glimmer in Su Qingxi’s eyes, Xie Yuheng’s heart softened.
“Alright, let’s go together.”
It was already late; presumably, visiting Shen Zhaoli a bit later wouldn’t matter.
In the courtyard where Old Madam Xie lived in the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Several people sat around the dining table as servants brought dishes on jade platters.
For three people dining, the round table was set with seven or eight dishes, each one appealing in color, aroma, and taste.
Old Madam Xie glanced at them twice but frowned.
“Didn’t I give instructions? Since Qinggui and Xi’er are dining here today, why aren’t there any fresh dishes?”
The maid serving the dishes lowered her head and replied, “Please forgive me, Old Madam. This is the best the kitchen could prepare.”
Old Madam Xie’s expression darkened. “You usually fool me, and I let it slide. But today, Qinggui is here too, and you still dare to cut corners. Do you think just because you were sent by the Princess’s Mansion, I wouldn’t dare to punish you?”
Back when her health was poor, she had been very particular about her meals.
Princess Changle had sent many people over specifically to manage the mansion’s meals.
After all, they were people selected by the princess, each skilled and well-mannered.
The daily meals in the mansion never repeated for an entire month.
Old Madam Xie wasn’t someone who indulged in food, but her appetite gradually improved.
Her health also became much stronger than when she first arrived in Yujing.
Over the years, she had always been satisfied with the people sent by the princess.
But something had changed these past few days.
Not only had the quality of the dishes declined day by day, but the same dishes had been served for three days in a row.
Xie Yuheng’s calm gaze flickered briefly as his cool eyes turned to the maid.
“What’s going on?”
“Replying to Your Excellency, it’s not that the kitchen isn’t putting in effort. It’s just that the mansion’s expenses have been high recently, and this is the best we can manage.”
Old Madam Xie’s eyes narrowed, her tone growing stern.
“Nonsense! The expenses have been the same every year. Why are the meals being skimped on now?”
“I think you servants are growing arrogant and bullying your masters, relying on being chosen by the princess to casually neglect this old woman.”
She wasn’t unaware of the rumors circulating in Yujing lately.
In the past, Princess Changle had always been respectful toward her, and she had thought the princess was a sensible girl.
Who would have thought that a princess of the nation could be so petty and lacking in tolerance?
Just because he didn’t accompany her on her birthday, she started throwing a tantrum.
Her son was the Prime Minister, the head of all officials and a pillar of the state.
Even if she was a princess, wasn’t she just clinging to her son?
It was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines; even a princess couldn’t monopolize him.
Moreover, Xi’er’s family had done them a great favor, so Qinggui’s household should have a place for Xi’er.
She hadn’t even found an opportunity to admonish this future daughter-in-law, yet the princess was already putting on airs and showing her displeasure right in front of her. And here she had been speaking well of her in front of her son.
Old Madam Xie’s resentment was hard to dispel, her expression sour.
Xie Yuheng frowned slightly. “Perhaps it’s just a misunderstanding. The people chosen by Princess Changle wouldn’t be so unruly.”
Old Madam Xie widened her eyes and clutched her chest.
“Truly, a grown son is no longer his mother’s. Before the daughter-in-law even enters the door, the son is already siding with an outsider to bully his own mother.”
A hint of helplessness flickered in Xie Yuheng’s eyes.
“Mother, Princess Changle is of noble status. You mustn’t speak carelessly.”
Although Old Madam Xie wasn’t particularly educated, she knew just how noble and favored Princess Changle was.
However, Shen Zhaoli had always treated her with great respect, which inevitably made her somewhat complacent.
On ordinary days, even if she had any grievances, she only dared to voice them quietly in her heart.
Today, she was so angered that she lost her composure and immediately fell silent.
Nanny Cui patted Old Madam Xie’s chest soothingly, and Old Madam Xie took a deep breath before speaking.
“I’ve grown tired of these dishes. Have someone bring me my Yishou Geng (Longevity Soup).”
The serving maid stiffened, her voice tinged with hesitation.
“Old Madam, there is a particularly rare medicinal ingredient in the Yishou Geng that has always been supplied by the Princess’s Mansion.”
“The last of the ingredient in the mansion was used in yesterday’s bowl of Yishou Geng. The Princess’s Mansion hasn’t sent a new batch yet, so I’m afraid it won’t be available today.”
Old Madam Xie glared angrily at Xie Yuheng. “Is this what you call a misunderstanding?”
Xie Yuheng frowned, his expression displeased.
It was just a minor matter, and he had already apologized.
Yet she insisted on making such a fuss.
When had she become so unreasonable?
“Take the portion of my daily Yangyuan Soup and give it to Old Madam for now.”
The maid broke into a cold sweat, her voice trembling.
“Sir, the mansion is out of funds. Your Yangyuan Soup hasn’t been supplied for several days now.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell into complete silence.
Xie Yuheng’s heart sank. Over the past few days, he had spent most of his time caring for Xi’er.
He hadn’t paid much attention when the servants failed to deliver his Yangyuan Soup.
When had the mansion fallen into such dire straits?
Beside him, Su Qingxi also widened her eyes in disbelief, her delicate face filled with astonishment.
Such a grand Prime Minister’s Mansion, with its deep courtyards and intricately carved beams and painted rafters.
Even a single jade bowl used for meals could be worth half a year’s income for an ordinary family.
How could there be no money left?