Free Web NovelChapter 1060: Chapter 1051: One Step (Part 1)
"This humble servant pays respect to Your Highness." Xiqiu, dressed in formal attire of the First Rank, performed a graceful bow with elegance. Her complexion, however, was unusually pale and frail. Le Xiu stood up from the chair and assisted her, saying, "Alright, stand up!"
Xiqiu smiled as she rose and sat down in the seat below Le Xiu’s position.
"Is your health well?" Le Xiu noticed her poor complexion, as if she hadn’t recovered from childbirth, and secretly felt concerned. Not wanting to dampen the mood, Le Xiu smiled and said, "Upon hearing that you gave birth to twins, I was so joyful that I couldn’t sleep all night, wishing I could leave the palace to visit." She wore a bean-green palace attire with a light pink gauze coat, vibrant colors that accentuated her graceful beauty. Through the years, nothing had changed except her eyes; she looked as she did when Xiqiu first met her.
"I owe thanks to Your Highness." Xiqiu smiled, accepting the tea prepared by Jinyu and remarked with a laugh, "What thanks do you owe me?"
Xiqiu chuckled and said, "If it weren’t for the Child-Giving Guanyin you sent, how could I be so fortunate?" She stood to perform a ceremony, and Le Xiu laughed, helping her, saying, "Alright, alright, if you want to thank me, bring the two children to visit sometime."
"Yes," Xiqiu replied.
Jinyu led the attendants out of the hall.
Xiqiu and Le Xiu discussed the children. Xiqiu kept the conversation short, fearing to arouse too much thought from Le Xiu. Le Xiu was delighted for her.
After a while, Le Xiu changed the topic and asked, "Is there a reason for your palace visit today?" Xiqiu appeared embarrassed and sincerely replied, "To be honest, I’ve heard some palace matters in recent days, which left me anxious. Madam Ruan suggested if I were truly worried, it might be better to visit the palace and have a look. So I decided to enter my name and come, firstly to visit Your Highness and secondly..."
Her words were subtle. Le Xiu, glancing at Xiqiu, nodded in understanding, saying, "It’s hard for you, always worrying about the palace matters." She sighed, "Rest assured, he’s fine now. Though the Third Prince hasn’t fully recovered, he’s not in grave danger. Don’t overthink."
Xiqiu nodded, casting a brief glance toward the door.
This glance made Le Xiu understand her thoughts. Le Xiu contemplated for a moment, then set down her tea cup, directing Jinyu, "Go see what His Highness is doing. If he is free, invite him to join me for lunch." She paused and added, "Also instruct the Imperial Kitchen to prepare his favorite dishes."
Jinyu acknowledged and, along with Xiqiu, bowed before leaving.
"Are the Grand Dowager and First Madam in good health? I haven’t seen Zhi for a long time; has he grown tall?" Le Xiu said with a smile, her eyes briefly filled with envy.
Xiqiu responded with a laugh, "Both the Grand Dowager and First Madam are well. As for Zhi..." She shook her head, "He can’t sit still for a moment. Recently, his teacher resigned, and he’s been agitating for a new one these days."
Le Xiu laughed, ready to speak, when someone hurriedly entered from outside.
"Your Highness," Min strode in, his eyes eagerly landing on Xiqiu, brightening at once. Upon seeing him, Xiqiu lowered her head and elegantly bowed. Min hurriedly approached, "Madam Xiao, no need for formalities."
Xiqiu smiled and rose.
Le Xiu laughed, "I thought you might take a while, but you’re here so quickly." She pointed to the seat beside, "Sit and rest for a bit; we can talk before lunch."
Min nodded in agreement, his gaze seemingly glued to Xiqiu as he looked her over several times, increasingly concerned about her poor complexion. Just like the time with Zhi, had she again suffered from childbirth?
Xiqiu knew Min was observing her but kept her head down without returning his gaze, displaying an air of respectful reserve.
Le Xiu cast a deep glance at Xiqiu, smiling, "Why so formal today?" She stood up, saying, "I caught a cold recently and haven’t fully recovered yet. I’ll rest in the back hall..." Holding Jinyu’s hand, she told Xiqiu, "Fourth Madam, please sit for a while."
Xiqiu stood and agreed, escorting Le Xiu to the back hall.
Leaving only her and Min in the front hall, with Chief Su standing guard at the door.
"Mother." As Min called her mother, his eyes reddened, and Xiqiu felt moved yet restrained. Knowing time was limited, she shook her head at him to avoid arousing suspicion and directly asked, "I know about the recent events. Tell me, what are your plans?"
Min smiled in relief, knowing only she truly cared for and understood him!
He understood Xiqiu’s straightforward reason, stepped closer, and whispered a few words in her ear. Upon hearing, Xiqiu’s face darkened, "No." She shook her head, firmly rejecting his plan: "Though well-thought-out, it’s too risky. If the Emperor discovers it, it would be unfavorable to you."
"I know," Min quietly replied, "But there’s no time to wait. The Emperor recently coughed blood..."
The moment those words fell, Xiqiu was shocked, not expecting the Emperor’s condition to be so severe.
"Tell me about the Second Prince’s matter," Xiqiu instructs Min briefly, "Choose the most crucial points." Min summarized, concluding, "...Though Great Zhou lacks such legal statutes; historically, it’s the best point for breakthrough."
Xiqiu nodded slightly. Min’s thinking was correct; her mind raced quickly, and shortly she whispered into Min’s ear, assuring him, "With your third uncle present, there’s some reassurance." Min’s eyes brightened, nodding, "I understand."
This was the first time mother and son discussed such a topic, a scenario Xiqiu wanted to avoid yet found unavoidable. Given the circumstances, she had no choice but to forge ahead without retreat!
"Be cautious in the palace," Xiqiu whispered her reminder, "Outside matters your father and I will handle, trust us."
Min, holding Xiqiu’s hand, couldn’t help but ask, "Mother, your complexion is so bad. Did you consult the Imperial Physician? What does Aunt Ruan say?"
Xiqiu touched her face, smiling, "I’m fine." Her palm revealed an imperceptible powdery white mark to Min.
Min paused, watching as Xiqiu reluctantly looked at him, emphasizing, "Take care of yourself."
"Yes." Min nodded, aware of the footsteps from the inner hall drawing near, causing Xiqiu to release his hand and ask, "Your Highness isn’t well; visit her more often."
Min agreed, replying, "Through all my years in the palace, She’s always cared for me, something I’ve never forgotten."
