My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 17

“Have you heard? Something happened over at the hunting grounds! The shizi… no, I mean the former shizi of Duke of Cao, he somehow fell into a poacher’s trap… not only did he break his leg, but his head got smashed open too… the chief physician almost couldn’t save him.”

 

“It seems like he got half his mind knocked out. Cao Furen almost fainted when she heard the news.”

 

“The Duke brought him here to show off his skills during the hunt, probably to win back the emperor’s favor, but he was so reckless… and that poacher’s trap, is it really that easy to step into? He should be more careful next time.”

 

“He’s just not good at riding! What a joke.”

 

The news spread like wildfire. Injuries during hunting were common, but it was rare for someone to almost lose their life by stepping into a trap. The Duke of Cao’s former shizi, who was already a gossip, became even more of a laughingstock.

 

When she heard the news, Helan Ci was in her room, using a charcoal brazier to burn Lu Wuyou’s outer robe.

 

The hunting grounds were quite far from the temporary palace, and there were guards patrolling the area. She wondered how Lu Wuyou managed to bypass all the restrictions and throw someone into the trap. After mumbling to herself for a while and coughing a couple of times from the smoke, she continued to poke the clothes with a fire poker to ensure they burned evenly.

 

Listening to the crackling sound of the fire, Helan Ci found Lu Wuyou’s methods quite extraordinary.

 

Her arm, which had been treated with the medicine he gave her, no longer ached and was almost back to normal. She rested her chin on her hand, feeling a bit curious about Lu Wuyou’s background and why everything about him was so unusual.

 

However, she quickly dismissed the thought. She was too busy worrying about herself to care about him, so she let it go.

 

Helan Ci returned home safely in the morning and hurriedly changed her clothes before heading to the city. Only after confirming that her father was fine did she feel relieved.

 

Her father was completely unaware of the incident with the hand slip, and even when she returned, his hand slip was still there, untouched.

 

Helan Ci figured that Li Ting’s people must have lured her. If the matter got out, her explanation would be hard to believe. However, since the incident was not exactly honorable and Li Ting was still alive, it probably wouldn’t be exposed. For now, she was safe.

 

Speaking of which, she wondered what condition Li Ting was in after his fall. Could he still recover?

 

Just in case, she might need to carry a dagger next time.

 

While Helan Ci was lost in thought, there was a sudden knocks on the door from outside.

 

“Miss Helan, are you there?”

 

It was an unfamiliar voice.

 

She quickly extinguished the fire and kicked the charcoal basin under the bed before slowly going to open the door.

 

Outside the door stood a eunuch, followed by several attendants. Upon seeing Helan Ci, the eunuch put on a big smile and said in a sharp, thin voice, “Earlier, the Second Prince’s arrow startled Miss Helan, and he felt very sorry about it. Hearing that Miss was unwell, the Second Prince was very concerned and specially ordered us to bring some things for you.”

 

Behind him, someone was holding a tray with a ginseng root as thick as an arm and covered in long whiskers.

 

Helan Ci: “…”

 

She snapped back to reality from her silence and was about to express her gratitude when the eunuch said again, “Oh, Miss Helan, don’t be in a hurry, it’s not over yet. The rest of the items are coming up.”

 

On the next tray was a multi-layered redwood jewelry box, its corners adorned with gold trim and inlaid with dragon and cloud patterns, exuding an indescribable opulence. Upon opening the box, it was even more dazzling, with layers upon layers revealing a complete set of gold and ruby headdresses—hairpins, floral hairpins, hairpieces, flower hairpins, earrings… there were at least a dozen items in total. Each ruby was large and brilliant, the gold gleamed brightly, and the craftsmanship was extraordinarily exquisite.

 

Helan Ci was momentarily stunned.

 

Seeing this, the eunuch smiled and said, “There’s more.”

 

A palace maid behind him held a pleated crimson silk brocade skirt, accompanied by an inner garment of snow-white satin and a front-opening feather veil. Just looking at the fabric was enough to tell it was extremely luxurious, something one wouldn’t even see in a regular clothing store.

 

Helan Ci had a premonition that something was amiss.

 

In the past, wealthy young men had sent her gold and silver jewelry, fine clothes, and luxurious garments, all of which she had categorically refused. But now, with the Second Prince’s gifts, given her status, she had no choice but to accept them with gratitude, not refusal.

 

As Helan Ci hesitated, the first three gifts had already been placed in her room.

 

“And there’s one last thing, also to help Miss Helan regain her strength,” the eunuch said with a smile, stepping aside. “This was personally hunted by the Second Prince during the day. It might look a bit frightening, but…”

 

Two men behind him carried a blood-soaked dead deer, its antlers chopped off and its body pierced with arrows. Once a beautiful creature, it was now a gruesome sight, its flesh torn and blood still slowly oozing from its wounds.

 

Helan Ci’s heart skipped a beat, recalling the bloodied Li Ting.

 

But perhaps due to her recent exposure to such scenes, she was somewhat mentally prepared and wasn’t as frightened. Her pupils trembled slightly, then she closed her eyes, opened them again almost instantly, and soon calmed down.

 

The eunuch’s gaze shifted from her face to the deer, saying, “It’s just that the deer wouldn’t listen. It was hit by an arrow, but it insisted on running away. The Second Prince had no choice but to shoot a few more arrows, and that’s how it ended up like this. But Miss Helan, don’t worry, we’ll stew the deer in a pot later and clean it up thoroughly. This is just for you to see… By the way, would you like a cup of deer blood? It’s very good for your complexion…”

 

“……”

 

This was not a gift but an outright threat.

 

Helan Ci sent the eunuch and his entourage off, looking at the glittering gold objects all over the room. The feeling of being at the mercy of others surged up again, and it seemed that everything in front of her was life-threatening.

 

Before she could catch her breath, there was another knock at the door.

 

Helan Ci almost had a heart attack.

 

This time, a female official stood outside, followed by several palace maids. She stood with a slight air of superiority, her expression dignified, and said, “The princess requests your presence. I hope Miss Helan will accompany me.”

 

Helan Ci: “……!”

 

It couldn’t be that she had just said she would stand in for Lu Wuyou, and now Shao’an Gongzhu had come to find her. But Lu Wuyou wouldn’t be like this… or could it be that Shao’an Gongzhu discovered that there was more than just Lu Wuyou in the physician carriage that day, or…

 

But no matter what, she could only follow her out with a heart full of doubts.

 

Shao’an Gongzhu, due to her noble status and favor, had a separate sleeping chamber in the palace. Unlike them, the palace was surrounded by quiet springs, with pavilions and artificial hills arranged in a picturesque manner. The hall with a hip-and-gable roof was intricately carved and painted, resplendent with gold and jade, with white marble steps, high-hanging eaves, and the brackets carved with eighteen rare flowers and auspicious patterns of stars and moons.

 

It was said that her chamber in the princess’s residence was similar, demonstrating the emperor’s affection for his daughter.

 

When Helan Ci entered, Shao’an Gongzhu was leaning on the couch, swinging her legs, holding a newly arrived storybook in her hands. Beside her were fourteen maids attending to her; some were kneading her shoulders, some were massaging her legs, and others were feeding her sweet dates soaked in honey with chopsticks.

 

She had already prepared herself to be bullied and picked on.

 

But she never expected that as soon as Shao’an Gongzhu saw Helan Ci, she lightly jumped off the couch, then immediately grabbed her hand, her eyes full of warmth, a smile blooming like a flower: “Miss Helan, your timing is perfect; I was just thinking of you. By the way, you’re a few years older than me, so can I call you sister?”

 

Helan Ci: “……??? Huh?”

 

Shao’an Gongzhu continued without any embarrassment: “I feel an instant connection with Sister Helan, and I really like you. I’ve never had the chance to get close to you until today. Seeing you up close, I find you even more beautiful, a rare sight in this world.”

 

Helan Ci had heard many compliments, but this was the first time someone spoke so insincerely.

 

She still remembered when Shao’an Gongzhu first saw her, the anger on her face, wishing she could scratch her face. If they could feel an instant connection, they were probably enemies for more than ten years.

 

Helan Ci still tried hard to respond with “um” and “en.”

 

After finishing a bunch of nonsense, Shao’an finally got to the point: “Next month is my sixteenth birthday. I will host a banquet at my residence then. I wonder if sister can honor us with her presence.” Without waiting for Helan Ci to reply, she smiled again, “Sister Helan, with such beauty, you shouldn’t be so plain. It would be a waste of your looks. You must come dressed to the nines.”

 

Xiao Shao’an, who was adaptable and resilient, looked at the beautiful girl before her, who seemed like a celestial being. A wave of pity surged in her heart, and she smiled even more brightly.

 

***

 

Half an hour ago, she had just returned from her brother’s place.

 

They were siblings, and like the favored Noble Consort Li, they both liked luxurious and extravagant items such as gold, silver, jade, jewelry, and emeralds. Xiao Shao’an knew that her brother, Xiao Nanxun, was the most peculiar among them.

 

When Xiao Shao’an returned from his palace, she almost got her eyes blinded. He practically wanted to build himself a palace made of pure gold—maybe he really would do that after ascending the throne.

 

All the exquisite, beautiful, and magnificent things would become his collectibles.

 

So that day, when she saw Xiao Nanxun speaking, she knew he must have taken interest in this woman—because her brother’s collectibles also included living beings.

 

Compared to this woman, the beautiful women Xiao Nanxun had kept in his palace before were all overshadowed.

 

Her brother must have been very unwilling to give up, not willing to stop until he got her. But that woman’s father was a favored minister of the emperor and also managed those troublesome censors. If he directly took action, it would offend the civil officials and displease the emperor, which would be detrimental to his claim to the throne. So her brother could only take his time, but this woman was terrified of her brother and wouldn’t fall for his tricks.

 

When Xiao Shao’an heard this from Xiao Nanxun, she was surprised for quite a while.

 

Although she somewhat understood her avoidance, deep down she sneered at the woman.

 

After all, although her brother was a bit intimidating, he was still very good-looking and of noble status. If that woman married him as a concubine, she might even become a favored consort like her mother in the future.

 

“So I’m planning to use this thing…” Xiao Nanxun twirled the purple jade bottle in his hand, his gaze slightly focused, “Don’t you like that Zhuangyuan? It’s a perfect opportunity.”

 

Xiao Shao’an was still puzzled, “What is this bottle for?”

 

“A kind of medicine called ‘Xiangsi Wujie (Lovesickness without solution)’.” Xiao Nanxun’s tone was calm, but his voice was very cold, devoid of any emotion, “After some Jianghu sect’s leader died, then they fell apart. The remaining members, in order to secure their future, offer up many types of poison, and this is one of them.” He curled his lips, making the atmosphere even more chilling. “I had someone test it. After taking it, there is no antidote. If nothing is done, they will even die suddenly.”

 

Xiao Shao’an trembled and asked, “……What is this medicine for?”

 

Xiao Nanxun’s lips curled into a smile: “Since you are the one controlling the situation, let her fall for your trap. Invite Helan Ci to your birthday banquet, and you find an opportunity to drug her. Have your people help her to a warm room to rest, and I will find her.” He paused, “At that time, I will also find an opportunity to drug that scholar and lead him to your chamber.”

 

Xiao Shao’an, though somewhat naive, had seen enough of the palace’s filth to understand with just a moment’s thought, her face instantly turning crimson: “I never thought of that… Besides, he is not in good health and is already engaged.”

 

“So what?” Xiao Nanxun said nonchalantly, “If you are afraid he won’t be able to perform, just find a maid who resembles you, dress her up like you, and test him in the darkened chamber… If you still want him, just report to Father Emperor that he offended you while drunk. By then, even if he is already engaged, he will have to break off the engagement and marry you.”

 

“What if he hates me…?” 

 

Xiao Nanxun scoffed: “You are the princess, would he dare to show you a long face? There are plenty of ways to make him submit.”

 

Xiao Shao’an thought about it and felt that under her brother’s few words, the world had become clear. So she took the medicine and agreed. Xiao Nanxun even insisted she tell Helan Ci to dress up for the occasion, which Xiao Shao’an didn’t understand but complied with.

 

Xiao Shao’an came back to her senses and saw the girl in front of her pause, then lower her head and nod, softly responding with “Mm.”

 

She was completely unaware of the impending situation, and Xiao Shao’an felt increasingly pleased. Although she had indeed been a bit jealous of her before, at this moment, all that remained was a hint of high-minded pity.

 

Xiao Nanxun had a rather bad temper. Even if he tried to please her with kind words, if she didn’t respond, it would eventually offend her brother. Her brother probably wouldn’t be very gentle with her either.

 

“Then I won’t disturb Sister Helan’s rest. You should head back first,” Xiao Shao’an seemed to remember something. She pointed to the silver plate beside him, “Oh, take these sweet dates back to eat. I’ll send invitations to the entire household later, but make sure to come, okay?”

 

Helan Ci, with a complicated expression, carried the sweet dates out. Inside, there were many sticky, sweet candied fruits, which looked overwhelmingly sweet.

 

To return to her own courtyard, she had to go around through the main hall. By this time, it was getting late, and most people had already returned to their rooms to rest. There weren’t many people on the road, and Helan Ci walked slowly, only to bump into an acquaintance.

 

Lin Zhang, holding a bowl of medicine, also changed his expression, revealing a bashful and shy look, and was about to avoid her.

 

Helan Ci, smelling the familiar scent of the medicine, asked, “Lin Zhang, where are you taking that?”

 

Lin Zhang lowered his head and replied softly, “Brother Ji’an is ill, and the Imperial physicians are too busy. I made the medicine for him and was just about to deliver it.”

 

Helan Ci thought for a moment, then handed over the silver tray in her hand, saying, “Then take this too.”

 

Lin Zhang:”….?”

 

***

 

Lu Wuyou, dressed in a snow-white robe, lay weakly on the couch. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow on his pale profile. He was flipping through a book with his long fingers when he saw Lin Zhang return. He forced a smile and said, “Thank you, Shaoyan… Hmm, what’s this?”

 

Lin Zhang, still in a daze, replied, “I ran into Miss Helan on the way. She gave it to me.”

 

“Really?”

 

Lu Wuyou showed a look of shock, but inwardly, he calmly placed a sweet date in his mouth. Hmm, just the right amount of sweetness.

 

At that moment, the flowers were blooming, the moon was full, the wind was gentle, and the night was quiet. No one knew what was about to happen.