My Husband Became the Most Powerful Minister - Chapter 18

On the way back home from the sacrifice, Helan Jin subtly asked her, “Did anything else happen later?”

Helan Ci was silent for a while, then replied, “The Second Prince bestowed some gifts.”

The gifts from the Second Prince were too conspicuous; they could be seen as soon as they returned home, making it impossible to hide them. Apart from the jewelry, luxurious clothes, and ginseng, the deer meat, once cut, chopped, and stewed, filled a large jar, which was placed under the tarpaulin at the back of the carriage. There was also a small jar filled with deer blood.

After her father inquired about the gifts, he fell silent for a while and said, “After the morning court, I will have an audience with the Emperor alone and return these inappropriate gifts.”

Without waiting for her father to return from the court, Helan Ci already knew that these gifts would definitely not be returned.

Sure enough, after Helan Jin returned, he no longer mentioned returning them but asked her to put the items away and not to flaunt them.

Helan Ci understood in her heart that even without the Second Prince informing the Emperor in advance, the Emperor would only think they were just clothes and jewelry, not worth returning. If her father were not the Left Minister, he might even be criticized by the censors.

Of course, returning them would also serve as a gesture to sever ties with the Second Prince.

Although her father could petition for the Second Prince to be granted a title and go to a fief, he could not openly oppose the Second Prince over such trivial matters. If he lost the Emperor’s favor, it would only lead to endless troubles.

The only one happy about this matter was probably her brother, Helan Jian.

Helan Jian leaned over to sniff the rich meat aroma from the jar: “Wow, Dad, you even brought back goods from the sacrificial rites!” Then he turned to look at the deer blood, dipped a bit his finger on his tongue to taste, “It’s really deer blood! You don’t know how much it can sell for at the market…”

Helan Jin angrily said, “Not allowed to sell!”

Helan Jian still happily said, “If not selling, then I can drink it myself. Dad, Xiao Ci, why not take me along next time!”

“Stay at home and study properly! You’re not allowed to go anywhere!”

Helan Jian didn’t care, he was scolded every day, his skin was thick, happily holding the jar of deer blood, he ran back to his room. Helan Jin almost chased after him to hit him: “Who allowed you to just take it like that!”

Helan Ci, standing aside, looked calm, but in her heart, she felt a bit envious. Ignorance really is bliss.

However, her marriage proposal was once again becoming difficult.

Her father had originally arranged for her to marry Liu Daren一the retired Minister of Rites一’s eldest grandson, Liu Yuzi, —thinking that he would appear more amiable to others. Before the suburban sacrifices, both families had reached a mutual agreement.

However, the news that the Second Prince had intentions towards her somehow got out.

A few days ago, Liu Yunzi’s mother, Madam Liu, entrusted her aunt, who is also Yao Qianxue’s mother, to convey a message. She said that Liu Yunzi was just an ordinary scholar, and her grandfather, Minister Liu, had already retired. He was truly not worthy of Miss Helan. Every day at home, just thinking about this made her extremely anxious, unable to sleep at night. She felt that the temple was too small to accommodate such a great Buddha, so she earnestly requested Helan Daren to find a better match.

Her father, Helan Jin, who received the news, could only sigh.

As for that Hanlin Academy lecturer, Master Yu’s second son, Yu Yunzi, his family had already swiftly arranged another marriage for him—after all, those who passed the imperial examination were highly sought after.

Finding a suitable match with a good reputation and family background was easy to say but not so easy to find.

Especially when her aunt helped inquire with other official’s wives, as soon as they heard it was Helan Ci, they immediately shook their heads repeatedly, saying they couldn’t afford to marry into such a family.

There are indeed some who come forward, such as those whose parents have died, allowing them to make their own decisions, or those from families with lax discipline. However, they either have questionable character or are surrounded by a crowd of dandies, which suggests they are simply seeking beauty.

In such cases, Helan Ci didn’t need to think twice. If she later after married truly encountered the prince’s coercion, the other party would have no hesitation in sacrificing her.

Yao Qianxue even came to comfort her, saying it was fine not to marry.

But Helan Ci felt uneasy. If things continued like this, she would either fall into the prince’s hands or be coerced into marrying other powerful figures to ensure her safety.

Days passed, and before she knew it, it was the day of Shao’an Gongzhu’s birthday.

Usually, princesses would only have their residences built when they got married, but because Shao’an Gongzhu was deeply favored by the emperor, the emperor made an exception and allocated 400,000 taels last year for her to build her residence when she turned fifteen. The residence was of the highest standard, almost equivalent to that of favored princes—considering that the total silver in the treasury last year was only a bit over two million taels. The residence was completed last year and occupies half a block in the western part of the city.

Helan Ci had never seen it but had heard about it. The main courtyard alone had five sections, with two sections each in the east and west courtyards, and the main hall and side rooms added up to an estimated forty to fifty rooms. Including the corridors, rockeries, ponds, and other garden features, it was unimaginably large, with hundreds of attendants estimated to be present.

However, Shao’an Gongzhu might not necessarily stay here during the ceremony.

Shao’an Gongzhu’s sixteenth birthday was also the first grand banquet of this Princess Mansion, so it was naturally held with great pomp. Noble ladies and officials’ families from the capital received invitations.

Helan Ci used to receive such invitations, but she never attended—after all, it didn’t matter whether she was there or not. However, this time, Shao’an Gongzhu specifically requested her presence.

She pondered for a long time but still felt uneasy.

That day, Shao’an Gongzhu’s attitude was indeed very strange, revealing ill intentions.

On the day of the Gongzhu’s birthday, Helan Ci’s eyelids twitched. She planned to feign illness to avoid going, but unexpectedly, people from the Princess Mansion came directly to the gate.

“We are here on the orders of princess to welcome Miss Helan… What? Miss Helan is unwell? That’s perfect, we have invited a royal physician from the Imperial Medical Institute. He can take a look at Miss Helan.”

The female official at the door had a stern face, leading two palace maids with an arrogant expression, followed by the imperial guards from the Jinyiwei.

At this moment, Helan Ci really wanted to possess Lu Wuyou’s pulse control technique. After the imperial physician took her pulse, he quickly exposed her: “Miss Helan, your pulse is steady, there should be no major issues.”

She imitated Lu Wuyou’s method of pressing her arm: “… Please take another look.”

“Looking again is the same, Miss Helan, please don’t make it difficult for me.”

Helan Ci, feeling helpless, had no choice but to give in.

Just as she was about to go out with them, the stern-faced female official stopped her, scrutinizing her from head to toe before saying, “Miss Helan, this outfit is too plain. May I ask what gifts His Highness has bestowed upon you?”

The most precious jewelry box and splendid clothes were brought out.

The stern-faced female official signaled with her eyes, and two palace maids immediately understood and came forward to change Helan Ci’s clothes and do her makeup. However…

“Miss Helan, where’s your rouge and powder?”

Helan Ci knew she was no match for the situation and resigned herself to it, after all, she couldn’t just escape by climbing over the wall: “Uh… I don’t need that.”

At first, Yao Qianxue did try some makeup on her face, but Helan Ci had already grown up looking like this. The result of applying makeup was that she looked too stunningly beautiful and enchanting, as if she had fallen from the heavenly realms into a seductive and alluring underworld. Yao Qianxue stared at her blankly, her nostrils flaring with heat, almost causing her to bleed, and hurriedly removed her makeup.

“Right now, immediately send someone out to buy it.”

Helan Ci still wanted to resist: “Really not necessary…”

The stern-faced female official said sternly, word by word: “We are here on orders. Miss Helan must attend the princess’s banquet in full attire. We ask for Miss Helan’s cooperation.”

***

Princess Mansion.

Xiao Shao’an was nervously and busily having people apply fish scale flower stickers on her face.

She had already applied the finest pearl powder, drawn her eyebrows with snail powder, and used the rouge from the purple snail. A golden peony flower face was also attached to her forehead. Whether it was her makeup or attire, it was the most fashionable in the entire capital.

As for the dress, it was even more impressive. It was a hundred butterflies and peonies auspicious dress, painstakingly sewn by more than a dozen embroiderers in the needlework bureau day and night for half a month. It was paired with a gold embroidered cloud phoenix patterned cape. The seven-tier crown beside it was adorned with pearl, peony, emerald leaves, and gold jewelry, with pearls scattered all over the table. Just looking at it was dazzling, exuding an indescribable luxury. Not to mention the ten pieces of gold and jade belts, large belts, and other accessories.

Today, on her sixteenth birthday, she would undoubtedly be the most beautiful and splendid woman in the entire capital!

Later… Xiao Shao’an remembered something, and her face slightly flushed. She would also have the most handsome Zhuangyaun in the entire capital as husband. Just thinking about it made her feel that her birthday was truly perfect.

“Princess… the Zhuangyuan has already arrived!” a palace maid whispered.

Xiao Shao’an immediately turned around and asked, “Where is he? Quickly show me!”

At this moment, many ladies and young women had already arrived one after another. They were exchanging pleasantries in the main garden of the princess’s mansion, their brocade robes and hairpins dazzling to the eyes. Among them were also some young masters and young officials.

After all, when her father, the emperor, instructed the Ministry of Rites to prepare the banquet for her, he intended for her to choose a husband from among them.

Without a doubt, the Zhuangyuan was the most outstanding among them. Especially since she had specifically requested Lu Wuyou to wear that scarlet scholar’s robe. That red attire made his jade-like, graceful demeanor appear even more enchanting and otherworldly.

Xiao Shaoan followed the maid’s point, looking from a distance, her heart racing.

The young man in the scarlet robe stood among the officials in green robes, tall and upright, exuding an extraordinary aura, like a celestial crane among a flock of chickens. His originally gentle and refined face now showed a hint of almost bewitching beauty, making the girl gasp for breath.

Those eyes, with their rippling peach blossom charm, seemed to convey emotions with just a hint of a smile. At this moment, as he glanced around, his smile was gentle and lingering, and even his casual gestures seemed to exude a soul-stirring allure.

Xiao Shao’an wanted to scream again!

Who cares if he has a disease or is engaged? She just wanted him!

Where’s the medicine? Give it to him immediately! Right now!

After Xiao Shao’an got dressed, she wanted to send someone to find her brother to confirm the details. After all, it was her first time doing this, and she was still a bit nervous. Just a few steps out, she heard a palace maid whispering to her, “Miss Helan has arrived.”

She showed a hint of impatience, “I know, I know, I’ll deal with it later…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly heard gasps and exclamations coming from the main garden, followed by a flurry of footsteps, the clattering of cups and plates, as if something unexpected had happened.

Then, with a splash, someone fell into the pond, and others were pushed and fell overImmediately after, with a splash, someone fell into the pond, and others were pushed and knocked down.

Just a moment ago, the orderly scene suddenly seemed to have gone awry.

Xiao Shao’an, furious, exclaimed, “What’s going on?!” She quickly walked over.

At the entrance of the garden, a girl dressed in a crimson gold-threaded pleated moonlit skirt, draped with a front-open feather veil, was slowly walking in. Her head adorned with a complete set of gold and ruby headpieces sparkled brightly. As for her appearance…

Just looking at the people around her who were dumbfounded could give you an idea.

I thought Helan Ci was already stunningly beautiful on ordinary days, but who would have thought she could be even more beautiful, more enchanting.

Such beauty should not exist in this world!

The simple-minded were in awe.

Xiao Shao’an was stunned for a moment, even her heart trembled for a moment. Once she came to her senses, a surge of anger rushed up. She was so furious that her lungs hurt, wishing she could immediately kick her out: “… Where did she get those clothes and jewelry?!”

The palace maids beside her quickly knelt down, and only one brave enough whispered, “It seems… it was a gift from the Second Prince…”

Xiao Shao’an, furious, kicked the railing beside her.

No wonder her brother said to have Helan Ci come in full regalia!

Her brother was plotting against her!

Xiao Shao’an turned around, holding up her skirt, but saw another scene that made her even angrier.

She had Lu Wuyou wear a scarlet robe, but unexpectedly, her brother had also arranged a crimson dress for Helan Ci. The two of them were undoubtedly the most eye-catching in the crowd, and even though they were separated by several people in between, they could still be seen at a glance.

At this moment, Lu Wuyou also turned to look in Helan Ci’s direction. The two people in their fiery red clothes seemed to complement each other perfectly.

It was as if they were about to be sent to the bridal chamber at any moment.

Xiao Shao’an slammed her fist against a pillar, exasperated, and shouted, “Start the banquet! Have the guests take their seats immediately!”

****

Helan Ci had never worn such heavy clothes or jewelry in her life, and her face was smeared with who knows what—after they finished decorating her, they immediately sent her onto the carriage.

After getting off the carriage, she still felt that the things on her head were truly too heavy. In the past, when Yao Qianxue wanted to give her some expensive hairpins and rings, she had politely declined for this very reason.

Helan Ci struggled to move forward step by step. They had tightened her waist, revealing the ample curves that had been hidden under her white robes. Helan Ci found it hard to breathe, and moving became even more inconvenient, to the point where she couldn’t even pay attention to the commotion around her.

Finally, she entered the courtyard of the Mansion, and it was not far from the banquet hall.

She had just breathed a sigh of relief when she looked up and saw a group of young men staring blankly, followed by Lu Wuyou, who was also turning to look at her. Before Helan Ci could express any friendliness, he quickly averted his gaze.

Helan Ci: “……?”

She thought that after the last event, their relationship had improved, but it seemed it was just her illusion.

T/n: Finally, the scene from the description is about to happen!

ᶠᵉᵉᵈ ᵐᵉ /ᐠ-ⱉ-ᐟﾉ