Chapter 50: Emperor’s decree, a frightful thing (1/2)

Han Yunxi had thought that Long Feiye wouldn’t return so quickly, but it turned out that he’d never left. He was in the Hibiscus Courtyard when the message reached him and came to answer the summons. As soon as that proud and tall form appeared in the doorway, not only Murong Wanru, but the surrounding servant girls all grew red-faced and nervous, their hearts all aflutter. Though they wanted to look at him more, they didn’t dare try.

He was wearing loose white robes, and his ink-black hair was coiled up and held in place with a dark jade clasp. He really resembled one of the emotionless high immortals from the Ninth Heaven[1], remarkably handsome and leisurely, cold and withdrawn from mortal cares. Even Grand Concubine Yi couldn’t shift her eyes away. For her to have a son like this was the greatest joy of her life.

Meanwhile, Han Yunxi was secretly rolling her eyes. This fellow’s getup made it obvious that he was staying at home. For a master of the house to completely ignore the chaos outside his own door was something she could applaud inside.

Grand Concubine Yi happily pulled Long Feiye over to sit on the seat, adding oil to vinegar[2] as she explained the situation. The way she put it, it seemed like everything was Han Yunxi’s fault. Han Yunxi kept to herself and mused, Long Feiye, if you can’t explain things, this auntie won’t help you next time even for 3,000 taels. And yet as soon as she thought this, Long Feiye turned to ask, “Han Yunxi, how do you think we should handle this?”

“Chenqie is stupid and slow-witted, please have your highness make the decision,” Han Yunxi was very humble.

“If you’re stupid and slow-witted, then take the time to think it over,” Long Feiye retorted.

Han Yunxi’s heart hardened. “As chenqie sees it, a clear explanation is necessary. The crucial points lie to how to explain and who will speak up.”

Grand Concubine Yi and Murong Wanru didn’t take her words to heart at all, but Long Feiye nodded for her to continue. Seeing this, the mother and daughter pair couldn’t help but peer over in disbelief.

Han Yunxi only said, “In chenqie’s humble opinion, it’ll be most persuasive if mufei appears in person to explain. After all, she’d be the one taking all their rebuffs, and she has standing. Moreover, there are no lack of nobles asking for treatment. If mufei goes out, they won’t dare to raise objections. As for the common people, chenqie suggests that mufei give them each a donation to treat their illnesses with other famous doctors. On the one hand, it’ll show off mufei’s benevolence; on the other, it’ll prevent idle gossip.”

She wanted Grand Concubine Yi to personally dispel the rumors?

Murong Wanru covered her mouth in disbelief. She thought, Han Yunxi, you’re indulging in wild fantasies. Just wait until you admit defeat.

“Have me go out?” Grand Concubine Yi was a little unhappy.

Han Yunxi added, “Mufei, you’re the perfect representative for his highness.” She looked towards Long Feiye. “Your highness, wouldn’t you say so?” She wanted this person here to be her support, so of course he had to speak up!

Long Feiye’s eyes flashed with a hint of admiration that no one could see before he magnanimously nodded his head. “Un.”

Grand Concubine Yi might have doted on her son, but since childhood, he’d never been close with her. When he grew up, it was even less so, especially in recent years. It was hard enough to speak to him about her feelings, much less sit and eat with him at the same table. Seeing her son nod his head, Grand Concubine Yi felt as if she was eating sweet honey and forgot about arguing with Han Yunxi.

“All right. Someone prepare the silver, I’ll take care of this issue right away.” Grand Concubine Yi was about to leave when she turned back. “Feiye, just have dinner here tonight. You haven’t eaten with your mufei in a long time.”

She didn’t wait for him to reply but hastily instructed Murong Wanru to raise the funds. Murong Wanru wanted to stay a bit longer but had no choice but to leave. When everyone was gone, there was only Long Feiye and Han Yunxi in the guest hall. Han Yunxi silently exhaled a breath over surmounting another obstacle. She better not find out who spread those rumors, or else this poison doctor might become a poisoner!

She snuck a peek towards Long Feiye. Whether it was using his name to act fiercely or inviting him out in person, this guy was always immensely useful! Just as Han Yunxi was laughing secretly up her sleeve, Long Feiye spoke. “There’s potential…”

“Hn, what?” she didn’t hear him clearly.

Unfortunately, Long Feiye didn’t repeat himself. He stood up and walked towards the door, his back as cold and imposing as he himself. Han Yunxi had the impression that he was far away despite being right under her nose. She chased after him and yelled by the door, “Hey, the cloak I returned to your study, did you see it?”

Han Yunxi thought he’d ignore her, but he actually turned around to nod his head. Startled, she casually replied with an ‘Oh,’ before suddenly breaking into a smile, feeling foolishly happy. A moment later, Long Feiye was far away. Han Yunxi suddenly realized something wasn’t right–didn’t Grand Concubine Yi want to have him for dinner? Yet he left without a word?

She coughed lightly. Seeing that no one else was around, she slipped away with quick strides. Grand Concubine Yi hadn’t told her to stay and Long Feiye was already gone, so what was the point of sticking around? The one who’d let loose Grand Concubine Yi’s doves[3] was all Long Feiye.

When Han Yunxi returned to the Hibiscus Courtyard, Long Feiye’s chambers were already lit, meaning that he was inside. Would he stay overnight in his rooms? How many days had he come back? Where did he stay overnight outside, and how? Han Yunxi thought of a bunch of questions before realizing how bored she was. What was the use of being curious about these things? He had his dominion, she had her Leisurely Cloud Pavilion. Well water didn’t mix with river water.

She shrugged her shoulders and went back to her rooms. Chen Xiang had already prepared all sorts of savory dishes to wait for her. As soon as she went inside, Han Yunxi smelled a rich variety of foods. Only, as soon as she stepped in the door, a guard called out from behind her.

“Esteemed wangfei, Grand Concubine Yi wants you to come back immediately.”

These words again. Han Yunxi gave a muddled sigh and asked, “What’s the matter?”

“Your subordinate isn’t clear. Grand Concubine Yi also told his highness to come over, so I estimate that it’s no small matter,” the guard replied.

Han Yunxi took exception to this. What other great matters could Grand Concubine Yi have? Even if she hadn’t suggested how to fix the troubles at the gates, the smart Grand Concubine Yi would have dealt with it herself. She even summoned Long Feiye, so it was probably related to letting those doves loose[3].

“Un, right away!” Han Yunxi said lightly.

As soon as the guard left, her footsteps led her into her rooms. First, she grabbed a few bites to fill her stomach before going over. With such a precipice facing their family feast, she’d definitely starve for dinner there. Han Yunxi was slow in coming, but things went beyond her expectations. Long Feiye had long arrived, but Grand Concubine Yi had an extra guest in her hall: Tianning Country’s Emperor Tianhui’s[4] personal eunuch, Eunuch Xue[5]!

When she entered, all eyes turned to her. This made the uneasy Han Yunxi grow nervous for no reason. For the emperor’s own eunuch to come knocking at their doors meant it had to be an issue related to the emperor himself. Seeing Long Feiye and Grand Concubine Yi’s expressions, Han Yunxi’s heart was perturbed. She had a feeling this wasn’t good news.

“Servant Xue Guiping[6] greets esteemed wangfei,” Eunuch Xue smiled ambiguously.