Chapter 10, Testing the Wine at the Misty Rain Tower (I)

Xu Huizu slightly raised his eyebrows and smiled as Jinxi led him forward

It is said that the Su Cui Hong Lun Lian Ban Lan was originally entirely pure. There was a lovesick man who secretly admired a young woman. Upon hearing that the young woman was in trouble, he rushed to deliver the news under the starry night, exhausting himself to the point of coughing up blood and dying. The fresh blood that splattered from his mouth fell onto the petals, resembling a red crescent moon, which is why it is called Su Cui Hong Lun Lian Ban Lan. This orchid is also known as the Broken Love Orchid. Xu Huizu said lightly, in Nanjing, only the residence of the Duke of Cao possesses this renowned orchid, yet Jinxi surprisingly has one as well. Doubts began to arise in his mind as he carefully observed Jinxi's expression. A faint rosy hue emanated from her fair skin, and she appeared infinitely bashful. Xu Huizu could not help but silently lament his misfortune. Could it be that Jinxi had developed an affair with Li Jinglong while leaving the residence with Zhu Shouqian?

Xu Huizu glanced at Jinxi and gritted his teeth, speaking in a low voice: "Jinxi, what if you are chosen?"

At that moment, I was drenched in sweat, my head pounding like garlic, and only a fool would dare to accept as a matter of course: "How could the emperor's dragon bed be a place where a subject dares to rest? I deserve death."

Is it Jinxi? Your elder brother has come to take you back to the residence

She is his younger sister, and he cannot bear to hurt her in the slightest

Jinxi was wearing a summer casual outfit with pink and blue trim, carefully moving the orchid to a shaded area. She bent down, her black hair shimmering with a hint of gold.

Behind the temple, a courtyard has been constructed. The two deep brown moon gate doors have developed several deep cracks. Xu Huizu stood in front of the door for a long time, hesitant to push it open, as he was very afraid of seeing a sister filled with resentment towards him

Xu Huizu wandered into the back garden and, from a distance, saw Jinxi tending to the orchids. He stopped in his tracks and silently gazed at her

Xu Huizu was still immersed in the past. Jinxi turned around and saw him, happily calling out: "Elder brother!"

Father! In terms of marrying off Jinxi, who could be more suitable than the Crown Prince? In the future...

He hesitated to push the door, his hand resting on the wooden door, feeling a chill. He paused again. At that moment, the sound of a piano floated from the courtyard, and a clear voice sang a song "Butterfly Loves Flower": "As the petals swirl and fall, the wind ripples. The willows are heavy with mist, and snowflakes drift back and forth. The light chill after the rain has yet to dissipate, and the sorrow of spring has turned into a melancholic affliction from wine. By the pillow, the screen mountains surround the azure waves, with emerald blankets and splendid lanterns, facing each other in the empty night. When loneliness arises, the embroidered curtain is lifted, and the moonlight is shining on the plowed flowers." The light chill after the rain has yet to dissipate, and the sorrow of spring has turned into a melancholic affliction from wine. By the pillow, the screen mountains surround the azure waves, with emerald blankets and splendid lanterns, facing each other in the empty night. When loneliness arises, the embroidered curtain is lifted, and the moonlight is shining on the plowed flowers.

He opened his eyes and walked over with a smile: "Are you tinkering with your treasure again?"

He clearly remembers the scene from the end of that year when he was sent by his parents to the mountain to fetch Jinxi. Qixia Mountain was adorned with patches of silver white, the empty mountain covered in fresh snow, and upon arriving here, one's heart naturally calmed down.

The young girl slowly turned her head, her pair of sparkling, dark eyes filled with surprise and joy, yet she spoke timidly: "Elder brother!"

Xu Da shook his head. Although his son was exceptionally talented, he could not see through the heart of the emperor. At this juncture, marrying her to the crown prince might only deepen the emperor's suspicions, potentially leading to great calamity. He darkened his face and said sternly: "This matter is settled. If the Prince of Yan cannot choose Jinxi, then it is settled; as her father, I shall find her a suitable match. Do not mention the crown prince again. You must not act on your own accord! Do you understand?" He darkened his face and said sternly: "This matter is settled. If the Prince of Yan cannot choose Jinxi, then it is settled; as her father, I shall find her a suitable match. Do not mention the crown prince again. You must not act on your own accord! Do you understand?"

Xu Da looked at his son, what was there that he did not understand? In the blink of an eye, he was about to send Jinxi away, and how could he bear it in his heart? He too was filled with extraordinary contradictions. The Emperor had treated him well, always providing support, yet a storm was brewing. Even the exceptionally wise Liu Bowen had resigned from his official position to return to the countryside, and he understood a few things as well.

Light snowflakes fell upon Xu Huizu, and he let out a long sigh, realizing that Jinxi was still living a very lonely life. He pushed open the wooden door. "Creak" the door made a soft sound.

A slender girl draped in a silver fox cloak made of blue satin sits charmingly beneath a plum tree

However, the son does not think so. In terms of both character and appearance, Jinxi far surpasses Concubine Lü. The Crown Prince... the Crown Prince also has a great fondness for Jinxi! Xu Huizu, disregarding everything else, revealed that after the Crown Prince learned of his intentions, he also developed an interest in Jinxi, and that he had been attentive in sending gifts and personally visiting her during her illness.

Xu Huizu, feeling unconvinced, said: "If that is the case, then why not let Jinxi marry someone ordinary? Why not marry a prince?"

Jinxu, you are the one most cherished by your elder brother. Tomorrow is the birthday of the Prince of Yan; you do not wish to attend, do you? Tell your elder brother, and he will help you! Xu Huizu decided to put aside the matter of Li Jinglong; the urgent task at hand is to prevent Jinxu from attending the birthday banquet of the Prince of Yan

In the study of the Duke of Wei's residence, the current Left Chancellor and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Duke Xu Da of Wei, sat with his son, both bearing serious expressions. An invitation from the Prince of Yan was placed neatly on the rosewood writing desk. The delicate invitation bore no mention of Jinxi's name. However, the Empress's verbal message accompanied this invitation to the residence.

Jin Xi looked at Xu Huizu's astonished expression with satisfaction: "Hey, isn't it precious?"

Father, how can we let Jinxi go?" Xu Huizu strongly opposed

Xu Da shook his head: "Are we really going to let Jinxi become a concubine? Although Consort Chang is frail, the one currently favored in the Eastern Palace is Consort Lu!"

Hui Zu! You must consider the hundreds of people in the household! It is not that Father does not care for Jinxi; if it were not for the current situation in the court, Jinxi would only need a good husband, why must she seek a connection with the royal family? Although the Prince of Yan is young, he is greatly favored by the Empress and has been raised by her since childhood. If this marriage can be realized, the Wei Guogong Mansion will certainly have much to rely on!

He glared fiercely at his son, the imposing aura and murderous intent from decades of battlefield experience forced Xu Huizu to lower his head, softly replying, "As you wish, Father!" Only then did he satisfactorily wave his hand, allowing his son to leave

Remember the Emperor's hearty laughter, that laughter... Xu Da let out a long sigh: "The Emperor is so suspicious, and has granted fiefs to the princes, thinking that the power of their father would dare to compete with the Crown Prince. Moreover, I cannot bear to send Jinxi to the palace to engage in power struggles, do you understand?"

The father only wishes to leave the court as soon as possible, allowing the whole family to live peacefully in the countryside. However, it is like rowing against the current; if one does not advance, one will retreat. The desire to leave may not be granted by the Emperor, and many in the army are brothers and subordinates of the father from many years past. Even if military power is returned, it does not necessarily eliminate the Emperor's suspicions. The Prince of Yan is young and handsome, having grown up in the army with exceptional wisdom and skills, making him a suitable match. Marrying the Prince of Yan would not be a disgrace to Jinxi. She must marry eventually; rather than letting her become entangled in a deep official position, it is better for her to marry a prince and live a peaceful life from then on. The matter of the Crown Prince should not be mentioned again; let it be as it is!

Xu Huizu noticed the girl shudder slightly but did not turn around. He cleared his throat and said: "Jinxu! I am your elder brother!"

If the father is so far-sighted, why not think about the future? Given the influence my father and I have in the court, even if Jinxi were to be in the palace in the future, she would not have left Nanjing, and there would be many protections at home. Moreover, the Crown Prince would surely not dare to mistreat her. Xu Huizu thought deeply and ultimately refused to abandon the intention of betrothing Jinxi to the Crown Prince.

The son understands! However, it is not necessarily the case that the Yan Wang is the best candidate. Xu Huizu has made up his mind that if Jinxu is ultimately to marry, the person he chooses will certainly be Crown Prince Zhu Biao, the future ruler of the nation

The tranquil place of the temple does not permit the clamor of carriages and horses, Xu Huizu instructed the carriages and horses to wait at the foot of the mountain, and ascended the mountain alone.

The sound of the wooden fish echoed in the desolate temple, and as I walked towards the backyard, the surroundings were so quiet that I could only hear the sound of my own footsteps. Would Jinxi feel lonely? His heart ached faintly.

Oh? There is such a beautiful legend! Jinxi recalled how Li Jinglong saved her from the flower boat, and a wave of sweetness surged in her heart, causing her face to flush even more.

The red wheel of the lotus petals is pure and elegant

At that moment, like a chick breaking out of its shell, Xu Huizu hurriedly took two steps and embraced her, calling out in a voice he had never heard before, choked with emotion: "We are going home, and I will never let you leave again"

At the age of seventeen, the Prince of Yan invited all the officials to a banquet along with their eligible daughters, intending to select a princess for himself from among them. Jinxi, being of suitable age, saw this as a splendid opportunity

Xu Huizu exclaimed: "But that is the Prince of Yan selecting a consort! As a father, Jinxi..."

The delicate Jinxi in his arms felt as light as the wind. Xu Huizu was careful not to exert too much strength, fearing that a single forceful embrace would break her bones

Xu Huizu closed his eyes, and amidst the lush greenery of the garden, only this hazy pink remained etched in his vision, subtly stirring the tenderness within his heart

Xu Da looked at his son with concern, as the Emperor's suspicion towards the meritorious officials had been growing stronger since the establishment of the nation. Just a few days ago, there were rumors about the dismissal of the Prime Minister and the disbandment of the Secretariat. The Prince of Yan is seventeen this year and has been deeply favored by the Emperor since his ascension. If Jinxi were to be selected, it would not be without its guarantees. "The war is over, the cunning rabbit is dead, the hunting dog is cooked, and the good bow is hidden. How could Huizu not be aware of the stakes involved!"

Jinxu's lips parted slightly, her heart racing. Such a precious item, and only the Duke of Cao's residence possesses it; isn't this a self-incrimination? A myriad of thoughts quickly flashed through her mind, and she stammered, "Brother Shouqian obtained it by chance, knowing that I liked it, so he gifted it to Jinxu."

At the beginning of the founding of the nation, the Emperor repeatedly wished to bestow upon him the old residence he had when he was the King of Wu as his official residence, but he firmly declined to accept it. A few days ago, he was summoned to the palace, where he accompanied the Emperor in drinking and idling away the time, and before he knew it, he became intoxicated. Upon waking, he found himself lying on the dragon bed, which startled him into a cold sweat. He rolled off the dragon bed and prostrated himself in apology.

A sweetness filled Jinxi's heart, as she smiled silently with her lips pressed together

"Impudent!" Duke Xu Da of the Wei State, his face flushed with anger, slammed his palm on the mahogany writing desk. He glared at his son, but gradually his expression turned to one of sorrow. "How can you take matters into your own hands?! You must understand that now, one small action can affect the entire situation!"

When she was born, a Taoist priest predicted that she would bring misfortune to her brothers and would not live long. As Xu Huizu grew older and understood the situation, he began to feel guilty towards Jinxi. The notion of bringing misfortune to her brothers and the prediction of a short life likely made her parents more concerned about the former. Therefore, the young lady of the Wei Guogong mansion, who should have grown up pampered in the estate, instead grew up in a temple in hardship, with her parents only coming to see her once a year

He sighed softly, recalling that Jinxi had lived here for ten years without returning home

Elder brother, I will not let him have his way. I will not marry. I... I will go up the mountain after the birthday banquet! Jinxi thought of Li Jinglong and made a silent resolution.

Xu Huizu stared at Jin Xi for a long time before softly saying: "Take good care of this orchid, my elder brother also likes it very much. Tomorrow we will go to the Yan Wang Mansion, so rest early. Later, my elder brother will send over clothes and jewelry."

"The Prince of Yan will not take a liking to me," Jinxi said with certainty, recalling the slap from Zhu Di.

She stood with her back to Xu Huizu, gazing tenderly at the pot of plain green and red lotus petals. She did not notice the pain in Xu Huizu's eyes. "Jinxu, where did you get this orchid?"

However, the Empress has issued an edict; if I do not go, how will my parents explain it? If I must go, then I shall go; it is nothing to worry about.

Jinxi smiled, taking Xu Huizu's hand as they walked towards the embroidery building: "The treasure is upstairs, big brother, follow me!"

He looked at his son with pity, sighing inwardly. Although he was a man who galloped on the battlefield, stationed away for many years, he harbored a sense of caution towards the emperor yet still held a glimmer of hope. He was also reluctant to part with Jinxi, but Jinxi was already fourteen years old and was bound to marry soon. The Prince of Yan was not a bad choice; he could also ensure a future for her. "The Prince of Yan knows his father well in the military and will not mistreat Jinxi."

Jinxi, where did you obtain this orchid? This particular orchid, you cannot find a second pot in the entire Yingtian Prefecture! Xu Huizu's eyes were filled with even greater suspicion.

The Emperor smiled and supported him: "I have fought alongside you through life and death to establish this empire. I personally assist you in resting; what crime is there in that?"