The New Year had not yet passed, but the weather had grown increasingly cold.

This winter in Great Qi was difficult to endure, and the winter in Danqiu was even more so. They had stationed troops at Juhan Pass and frequently engaged in skirmishes of varying scales with Great Qi’s Yongzhou army, while also repeatedly harassing other fortified towns.

The two sides had formally broken their alliance. Danqiu was frantically burning, killing, and plundering along the border. Great Qi’s court officials were holding deliberations under the leadership of the Two Offices’ chief ministers.

Palace Censor Ding Jin, Hanlin Academician Zheng Jian, and others insisted on promoting peace talks. In their view, Danqiu’s fierce offensive was simply because this winter was difficult to endure. The Danqiu barbarians’ grasslands were insufficient, and their cattle and sheep were freezing to death in droves. If Great Qi reopened the northwest horse markets, allowing the two countries to trade with each other, it would certainly alleviate Danqiu’s difficulty in surviving the winter to some extent and temporarily ease the war situation.

Official certificates had only just replaced private certificates. Emperor Zhengyuan had not yet seen the benefits, so if military expenditures were increased at this time, he would certainly be unwilling in his heart.

The officials who didn’t want to go to war had spoken directly to Emperor Zhengyuan’s heart. Even among the New Party, many were unwilling to fight. At this moment when the New and Old Parties were fighting fiercely over the succession debate, as the Eastern Office chief minister, Meng Yunxian found every step difficult. He couldn’t even speak much on this matter.

“Reopening the horse market can indeed temporarily ease the war, but where would that leave our national prestige?” This was the only reason Emperor Zhengyuan had not immediately agreed to this matter in court.

There were also peace advocates in court who opposed reopening the horse market. Their opposition, like Emperor Zhengyuan’s, stemmed from concerns that reopening the horse market would boost the barbarians’威风 and diminish Great Qi’s national prestige.

“Your Majesty, this subject believes that in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be used. If we open the horse market, we delay the war. If we don’t open the horse market, we intensify the war and increase military expenditures even more,” Meng Yunxian stood with bowed head outside the curtain. “Future matters can be discussed later. For now, let us first get through this winter with Danqiu.”

The favorable war situation in Yongzhou could not change an emperor’s mind. Even Meng Yunxian, no matter how much he wanted to fight Danqiu, could only temporarily hide these thoughts for now.

When military expenses were mentioned, Emperor Zhengyuan indeed fell silent. For a long while there was no movement from behind the curtain. Meng Yunxian stood quietly. Then came several coughs from inside. Liang Shenfu, the Director of the Palace Domestic Service, presented a bowl of hot tea inside. After Emperor Zhengyuan drank two sips and his dry, hoarse throat felt better, he slowly said, “Minister Meng speaks reasonably.”

“Liang Shenfu, show Minister Meng the things that came from Tongzhou.”

“Yes.”

Just hearing the two words “Tongzhou,” Meng Yunxian’s brow twitched. Liang Shenfu lifted the curtain and came out, handing over a booklet. Meng Yunxian raised his hand to receive it.

Opening just one page, Meng Yunxian’s expression changed drastically.

“After all these years, I truly underestimated Yonggeng.”

Emperor Zhengyuan’s voice, carrying a hint of laughter, came from behind the curtain, while Meng Yunxian increasingly felt a chill down his spine.

The booklet in his hands was a petition from ten thousand citizens.

The names of ten thousand citizens from Tongzhou were written in vermillion throughout the inner pages. At the end of each page were listed all the things Prince Jia had done for the common people during his years in Tongzhou.

Several years ago, Prince Jia had memorialized requesting to personally oversee the reclamation of Tongzhou’s sandy tidal flats. This dignified prince lived alongside civilian laborers at the construction site for several years. To this day, Prince Jia and the people of Tongzhou had together reclaimed over two million mu of arable land.

Princess Jia’s child had also miscarried during the tidal flat reclamation period. Since then, Princess Jia’s health had never been good.

The money Prince Jia used two years ago to build roads for the people did not come from the state treasury, but from his own family fortune. Prince Jia had never memorialized to report these things, yet the Tongzhou Prefect reported them every year.

Emperor Zhengyuan was not unaware.

Two years ago, he had issued an edict of commendation for Prince Jia’s achievements with the tidal flat reclamation.

Not a single word on the ten thousand citizen petition was false.

But at this moment, this booklet was not a remedy to save Prince Jia—rather, it was a blade to kill him. Meng Yunxian understood very clearly that to Emperor Zhengyuan, every name on the petition represented an adopted son who dared to win the people’s hearts over the emperor himself.

“Your Majesty.”

Meng Yunxian steadied his mind. “The tidal flats reclaimed in Tongzhou gained over two million mu of good land for Great Qi, establishing tax revenues and supplementing military provisions… This shows that the edict Your Majesty issued then was truly a good deed benefiting the people and bringing profit for a thousand autumns. Without Your Majesty’s foresight then, how could there be this ten thousand citizen petition today?”

“This subject observes that everything stated on the petition expresses the people of Tongzhou’s gratitude for Your Majesty’s grace. Everything Prince Jia did was what you as sovereign father hoped for. The common people regard Prince Jia as the envoy Your Majesty sent to Yongzhou to benefit the people, naturally believing that the affection between Your Majesty and Prince Jia as father and son truly cannot be severed.”

The common people simply believed that Prince Jia was Your Majesty’s beloved son, fearing there might be some misunderstanding between you father and son that would harm your kinship.

Meng Yunxian absolutely did not mention how much credit Prince Jia deserved in this matter.

Exiting Qinghe Hall, Meng Yunxian felt the cold wind and realized there was a thin layer of sweat on his back. He didn’t return to the Political Affairs Hall either, but took a carriage home from outside Yongding Gate.

The sky was dark. When Jiang Shao saw Meng Yunxian return, she helped him remove his cloak while examining him and asked, “Why does your complexion look so poor?”

“Tongchuan and General Qin are having a difficult time in Yongzhou, yet I cannot firmly resolve to go to war. This time, I will disappoint them.”

Meng Yunxian’s brow was full of exhaustion.

“His Majesty doesn’t want to go to war. No matter how hard you subordinates try, what use is it?” There were no maids left in the room. Jiang Shao personally poured him a bowl of hot tea.

“If we don’t open the horse market at this time, I see that His Majesty will turn his thoughts to the official certificates. If we can delay for a while, let’s delay for a while.” Meng Yunxian knew deeply that the words Zhang Jing had spoken in court when debating the change from private to official certificates would ultimately come true.

Without capital reserves, it would harm the nation’s foundation.

If the horse market was not opened now, His Majesty, to lighten the burden on the state treasury, and Duke Luguo and his ilk, to reduce losses for the imperial clan, would certainly set their sights on the official certificates.

Insufficient capital reserves with unlimited certificate issuance—prices would rise, disrupting people’s livelihoods.

Though the effects wouldn’t show immediately, the harm would be endless.

“Yunxian.”

Jiang Shao was not ignorant of state affairs. She had loved reading since her youth, and as Meng Yunxian’s wife of many years, they treated each other as refined companions. “Are you tired?”

At this moment, she asked if he was tired.

“I see these matters are about to bend your back.”

As husband and wife, they knew each other best.

“Tired,”

Meng Yunxian smiled slightly. “But I cannot retreat.”

Jiang Shao also smiled, reaching out to press his shoulder. “Our children and grandchildren are all away from Yun Jing. I told Yi’er early on that in the future, fortune and misfortune are for them to seek themselves. The two of us came back here—at worst, we’ll just need two thin coffins. Didn’t we prepare for that the day we returned?”

Yi’er was Meng Yunxian and Jiang Shao’s eldest son, Meng Bian, courtesy name Renyi.

Meng Yunxian’s throat tightened. He gripped his wife’s hand tightly: “Ah Shao…”

“Don’t say anything about how I shouldn’t have followed you. How many years have we two been together? Could you leave me behind?” Jiang Shao glared at him.

“I’m sorry.”

Meng Yunxian kept holding her hand, sighing sorrowfully.

“How is Prince Jia doing?”

Jiang Shao didn’t respond to his words, but instead sat down beside him and asked.

“Right now, we still don’t know,”

Meng Yunxian frowned even more deeply. “Today His Majesty showed me a ten thousand citizen petition from Tongzhou. Prince Jia is naturally generous and benevolent. That he would bring blessings to the people in Tongzhou and have this appearance of ten thousand citizens petitioning is actually not surprising. But what shouldn’t have happened is that someone behind the scenes exploited these simple popular sentiments.”

“What a vicious scheme.”

Jiang Shao’s face showed cold intent. “It appears to be using this to petition for Prince Jia, but in reality, it makes His Majesty even more wary of Prince Jia.”

That ten thousand citizen petition—wasn’t it reminding His Majesty that while the sovereign father still lived, why should Prince Jia win all the people’s hearts?

“But His Majesty sent you back to push the new policies, actually using your hand to cut off those insatiably greedy people’s excessive ambitions. His Majesty doesn’t ask you about the war between Danqiu and Great Qi, so you cannot rashly interfere. Regarding the succession debate, His Majesty doesn’t ask, so you still cannot make too many moves in court. With Prince Jia’s matter, what will you do?”

“What else can I do? If I’m to sit steadily in this position, I must constantly let His Majesty see my usefulness,” Meng Yunxian laughed mirthlessly. “But before that, Prince Jia’s matter cannot be delayed any longer. I need to communicate with that Deputy Commander of the Night Watch Bureau. We cannot keep being so passive.”

Speaking of Zhou Ting, the Night Watch Bureau’s Deputy Commander, Meng Yunxian suddenly thought of someone. “I remember some days ago he mentioned that young Miss Ni to me. Ah Shao, that young lady personally told him that Young Master Ni was a veteran of the Jing’an Army. Han Qing also mentioned this in a secret letter to me.”

The phrase “Jing’an Army veteran” made Jiang Shao pause.

After a long while, she finally said, “To be honest with you, I was just thinking of meeting her.”

“Her brother was killed by Wu Dai’s son, but now for the greater good, she’s willing to enter the tiger’s den and treat her enemy’s father. This woman should make us feel ashamed.”

The three words “Xu Jing’an” represented the blood of thirty thousand soldiers and the blood of a General Yujie. Whenever Meng Yunxian thought of it, his heart filled with sorrow.

Meng Yunxian looked up. “I’ll go write a personal letter to Zhou Ting right away.”

Another day of heavy snow—the weather was bitterly cold.

Emperor Zhengyuan was unwell. The Noble Consort wanted to go to Qinghe Hall to attend him, but Emperor Zhengyuan refused. He even had the Director of the Palace Domestic Service scold the palace servants attending the Noble Consort, blaming them for not treasuring the Noble Consort’s health and letting her go out walking in such heavy snow.

When the Noble Consort returned to her sleeping chambers, palace maids attended her as she removed three layers of cloaks. Seeing the Noble Consort’s poor complexion, a personally attending palace maid carefully said: “Your Ladyship, His Majesty was afraid you would catch cold and harm your health.”

His Majesty had not uttered a single word of rebuke to the Noble Consort, and had Liang Shenfu convey several warm words on his behalf. Yet the Noble Consort’s slender brow still held a trace of worry.

She lowered her eyes to look at her abdomen—it was already showing.

“What if this isn’t a son?”

Would His Majesty still treat her so kindly? Would he still preserve the Wu family’s honor?

Having spent many years at His Majesty’s side, the Noble Consort still could not fathom the emperor’s unpredictable moods.

“Your Ladyship…” The palace maid cried out in alarm, then lowered her head. “The child has not yet been born. Your Ladyship should not think too much.”

The Noble Consort said nothing, rubbing her temples as she leaned against the soft couch.

How could she not think too much? The Wu family was so thin. When Father had his troubles before, relatives who could hide did so, fearing to be implicated. Now, whether it was her or Father, they all depended on the child in her womb.

The family’s glory, the honor and wealth of the second half of their lives—all rested here.

A young eunuch had just presented a bowl of fragrant tea when another young eunuch hurried in. He bowed in greeting outside the curtain, his clothes and hat covered with snow, his face red from the cold.

“How did it go?”

The Noble Consort took a sip of fragrant tea, lazily raising her eyelids to look at him from behind the curtain.

“Your Ladyship, this slave has carefully investigated. Duke Luguo’s mansion did indeed send a batch of medicinal materials to Rongjiang Prefecture some days ago.” The eunuch kept his head lowered, answering respectfully while panting. “This slave heard people say there were several large carts. They said it was the son-in-law’s relatives doing medicinal materials business in Rongjiang Prefecture, and the Duke’s mansion’s people escorted the delivery.”

“The people at the postal station said the cart wheel tracks looked deep. This slave guesses those probably weren’t medicinal materials.”

He often left the palace to visit the old master at the mansion on behalf of the Noble Consort, and had spent plenty of time in teahouses outside. He had heard about this matter involving Duke Luguo’s son-in-law by chance.

After reporting back to Her Ladyship, he had been busy investigating this matter these past days.

“What relatives?”

From behind the curtain, the Noble Consort suddenly sat up straight.

“This…”

The eunuch bowed. “This slave doesn’t know. I’m afraid I’d have to go to Rongjiang Prefecture to find out.”

“By the time you go,”

The Noble Consort laughed coldly, setting her tea bowl heavily on the table. “The tea will have gone completely cold!”

“In Rongjiang Prefecture there’s a place called Yao County,”

The Noble Consort’s voice was tight. “If what the Duke’s mansion sent wasn’t medicinal materials, then nine times out of ten, those things were all sent to Yao County.”

So many days had already passed. What more could she find out if she investigated further?

Duke Luguo’s legitimate son had died years ago while serving as an official away from the capital, killed by rebel peasant uprising forces. Now he only had one unaccomplished illegitimate son born to a concubine, plus several daughters.

But what was in Yao County?

There was a county magistrate surnamed Zhao.

That county magistrate was of Emperor Taizu’s bloodline. Since Emperor Taizong’s succession, under the suppression of successive emperors, Emperor Taizu’s line had no more titles to inherit.

That county magistrate was a descendant of Emperor Taizu’s fourth son. Though he had fallen so low as to only hold a county magistrate position, he had proper legitimate bloodline.

The Noble Consort’s chest filled with anger that could not be released. With one hand she swept the tea bowl from the corner of the table.

Could it be that while Duke Luguo conspired with her, he truly had other plans as well?

——

The Wu Mansion.

Imperial Physician Wang washed his hands and administered acupuncture to Wu Dai, who sat dully in a folding chair behind a plain gauze screen. He held an extremely fine golden needle and suddenly turned his face. Beyond the plain gauze screen, he could see the young woman’s blurred figure. Imperial Physician Wang could feel her gaze watching.

He frowned, pondering this woman’s behavior over the past few days. After a moment, as if testing her, he solemnly placed a needle in Wu Dai’s head.

“Imperial Physician Wang.”

The woman outside the screen suddenly spoke. Imperial Physician Wang’s brow twitched. He withdrew the needle, then heard her continue: “I wonder if I might observe more closely?”

Imperial Physician Wang paused but said nothing.

“Though I received Her Ladyship’s verbal decree to treat the old master together with you, these past days I have never interfered with you. This is because I heard Old Imperial Physician Qin say that your acupuncture skills rank among the best in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Since I am a junior, I dare not rashly alter your treatment methods, but I also wish to observe your needle techniques up close.”

As Ni Su spoke, she saw a figure walk in from outside the door. Aside from her, no one could see that person. He held a booklet bound with crimson brocade. He came in without speaking, only exchanging a glance with her and nodding.

Ni Su immediately understood he had obtained that gift list.

Xu Hexue sat down at the table, lowering his eyes to examine the gift list.

“You actually don’t understand acupuncture techniques at all, do you?” Inside, Imperial Physician Wang said coldly, suddenly speaking.

Ni Su froze, then hurriedly walked around the screen. Wu Dai’s temples were graying. He leaned against the chair dozing, allowing Imperial Physician Wang to manipulate him as he pleased.

“Imperial Physician Wang…” Ni Su pressed her lips together, showing a panicked expression.

“Good! You woman have indeed deceived Her Ladyship!”

Seeing her panic, Imperial Physician Wang became even more certain of his thoughts. “Saying you didn’t dare interfere with me—you simply don’t understand anything at all! You can’t even tell the depth of needle techniques!”

These past days, Ni Su hadn’t made things difficult for him. He used the excuse that his needle techniques were secret knowledge and wouldn’t allow her to observe, not letting her come close to watch. From time to time he asked her a few questions about medicinal principles or needle techniques. Though she understood medicinal principles, when it came to needle techniques, she was evasive and hesitant.

Imperial Physician Wang grew increasingly suspicious.

Today, allowing this woman to stand outside the screen, he used this one needle to test her depth of knowledge.

“Imperial Physician Wang, you also know about my seeking redress for my brother. Her Ladyship’s younger brother was executed because of it. Now I’m just an orphaned girl. If I want to make peace with Her Ladyship and have the noble lady spare me, I have only this one path to walk,” Ni Su lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly. “My family does possess the secret art of golden needle acupoint stimulation, but my father forbade me from studying medicine and guarded against me even more strictly regarding this secret art, preventing me from receiving even half the true transmission. Now I have the medical texts but truly haven’t had time to study them carefully. If I don’t resort to this desperate measure, how can I preserve my life?”

“You’re saying this golden needle acupoint stimulation secret art of your family is indeed in your hands?”

Imperial Physician Wang’s heart stirred.

“Yes…”

Ni Su raised her eyes. “I beg Imperial Physician Wang to show mercy. I’ve heard you’ve devoted considerable effort to acupuncture techniques. If you’re willing to conceal this matter for me, I’m willing to present them to you.”

“You’re willing to give your family’s medical techniques to outsiders?”

Imperial Physician Wang was half-believing, half-doubting.

“It’s only to seek a way to survive. Moreover, medical techniques only have value when they’re used.” Ni Su bowed low, speaking earnestly.

“If Imperial Physician Wang is willing to teach me, that would be best.”

Imperial Physician Wang remained silent for a long time. He stroked his beard, sizing up the woman before him.

“After all, I cannot bear to make things difficult for an orphaned girl like you.”

He said.

“Thank you, Imperial Physician Wang.”

Ni Su’s eyes filled with delight.

Imperial Physician Wang no longer told her to leave. Wu Dai’s insanity showed no improvement—he still sat in the chair in a demented state while Imperial Physician Wang concentrated and administered acupuncture to him.

Ni Su watched coldly from the side.

The more she watched, the more certain she became that this Imperial Physician Wang was not treating him with any real intent.

Though he wouldn’t make Wu Dai’s insanity worsen, he also wouldn’t show any signs of improvement. He truly was skilled with needles, but he had no intention of actually treating Wu Dai.

Imperial Physician Wang stopped his hands and saw Ni Su standing there with a bewildered expression.

He couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

Women practicing medicine were indeed this mediocre.

Xu Hexue stood up and walked around the screen to Ni Su’s side. Imperial Physician Wang inexplicably felt a chill along his back, but when he turned his face to meet Ni Su’s eyes, he said nothing and focused on his work again.

He thought he had grasped this woman’s weakness.

Xu Hexue’s finger tapped on the gift list. Ni Su looked where he pointed, squeezed his finger, then looked at Imperial Physician Wang’s back. “Imperial Physician Wang, when I examined the old master’s pulse, I found he was deficient in vital energy and blood, with kidney qi damage. Does he need tonics?”

“Naturally.”

Imperial Physician Wang hardly needed her to say it.

Ni Su watched him finish the acupuncture, then stepped forward to grind the ink. While listening to him speak, she wrote the prescription for him, then handed it to the palace servant.

Xu Hexue watched the palace servant leave. From here to the storeroom was quite far, but Ni Su couldn’t leave under Imperial Physician Wang’s watchful eyes at this moment.

The palace servants and household staff at the mansion were all watching her, guarding against her.

The Noble Consort had Imperial Physician Wang treat Father together with her precisely to have Imperial Physician Wang keep close watch on her.

“Don’t worry.”

Xu Hexue spoke softly to reassure Ni Su.

When he didn’t manifest, only she could hear his voice.

Ni Su watched him walk out. She clenched her knuckles. Seeing Imperial Physician Wang pack his medicine box to leave, she also turned to gather her things.

It was very cold outside. Imperial Physician Wang walked quickly. Today, Ni Su didn’t chase after him trying to curry favor, but walked as slowly as she possibly could.

Until that person returned to her side.

She didn’t speak, only looked up at his pale face.

Walking out of the Wu Mansion’s main gate, Ni Su took his hand. “Did it work?”

“Mm.”

Xu Hexue responded lightly.

Returning to the clinic on South Sophora Street, there were women waiting in the main hall for consultations. Ni Su had no time to rest, examining each of their illnesses one by one before going to the back.

Miss Zhang was cleaning and tidying in the main hall. Qingqiong came out from the room. Only then did Ni Su learn that Cai Chunxu had come by, leaving some food and necessities. She had waited a while, and when Ni Su didn’t return, she left.

“Miss Ni, should I still use this water to make tea?” Qingqiong held a jar of reed flower dew water, somewhat uncertain.

Since General Xu couldn’t taste anything, should they still make tea for him with it?

“Make it.”

Ni Su said with a smile. “He can smell it.”

“That’s true.”

Qingqiong suddenly understood.

Ni Su walked to the corridor across the way and pushed open the door. Xu Hexue sat at the writing desk, brush in hand writing something. Seeing her enter, he set down the brush and closed it.

“You changed clothes?”

Ni Su saw he was wearing a clean robe.

Xu Hexue nodded lightly. Before he could speak, she walked over in a few steps and reached to lift his sleeve. He wasn’t prepared, his back pressing against the wall. “A’Xi…”

The scrape wound on his arm destroyed the integrity of his skin—blood-red and glaring.

Ni Su said nothing.

She suddenly lowered her head, then a cool breeze blew across his wound, very light, several times, making him feel a bit itchy.

Xu Hexue saw her lift her head.

In the cold light, her face was fair.

“Does this feel a bit better?”

She asked.

“…Mm.”

Xu Hexue responded lightly.

He unobtrusively supported her lower back, afraid she would bump into the table corner.

Ni Su didn’t know how to ease his pain. She could only rub her cheek against his.

Xu Hexue’s expression was cool, yet he couldn’t help but kiss her eyelid because of her closeness.

The luminous dust floated quietly.

“What do you want to eat tonight?”

He touched her hair.

Ni Su was preoccupied with today’s events and had no mind to think about this. She shook her head. “Anything is fine.”

Before they could eat dinner, even before the sky had darkened, someone from the palace came to summon Ni Su into the palace.

“Her Ladyship wants to see you. You’d better hurry!”

The eunuch had suffered from the cold and his tone was poor.

Ni Su said nothing, only nodded lightly and immediately followed him.

The dusk’s afterglow spread a layer of pale gold over the accumulated snow. Ni Su carried a wisp of faint mist at her sleeve edge as she followed the eunuch into the Noble Consort’s sleeping chambers.

Imperial Physician Wang stood in the hall with bowed body. Ni Su glanced at him.

“Commoner Ni Su pays respects to Her Ladyship.”

Ni Su stepped forward and bowed.

“Ni Su, who wrote today’s prescription?”

The Noble Consort’s voice suppressed a storm.