Chapter 123: One-Day Trip

Some things really didn’t need much explanation. The Emperor’s intention to recruit him had already been completely exposed.

However, Xu Ping’an never planned to get involved in such messy affairs.

Glancing at the incessantly chattering Xiao Shunzi, he didn’t accept the Emperor’s invitation, making it seem as if the little eunuch had just lost a fortune.

“Eunuch Shun, I’m nothing more than a commoner. It’s only by good fortune that I’ve attained my current honor. As for the rest, I’m afraid I can’t bear the burden. One must have self-awareness; if it’s not something one should meddle in, then one absolutely mustn’t. Don’t you agree?”

The moment he said this, Xiao Shunzi’s expression froze, and when he looked back at Xu Ping’an, there was a trace of fear in his eyes.

“Lord Marquis is right, it’s Xiao Shunzi who overstepped. Please, Lord Marquis, this way.”

This guy seemed to be quite clever, understanding the implication behind his words.

In truth, Xu Ping’an’s underlying message was simple:

—This has nothing to do with you, so keep your mouth shut.

Hearing this, Xiao Shunzi hurriedly corrected himself.

No wonder he had managed to survive in the palace for so many years. Although he had momentarily lost control of his emotions and made a slip, he recovered quickly.

This was exactly why Xu Ping’an really didn’t want to stay here.

Damn it, even a little eunuch lived such a tiring life.

With his temperament, if he stayed here for more than a year, he’d probably find a way to assassinate the Emperor and take the position of Grand Chancellor himself.

Why?

Because the Grand Chancellor was the Emperor’s real boss — the biggest and most unrestrained man in the entire country.

Even if the Emperor messed up in some areas, the Censorate Officials would openly scold him to his face.

But in the whole court, hardly anyone dared to insult the Grand Chancellor.

Scolding the Emperor was part of one’s duty; doing it well would earn one a lasting reputation as a loyal minister who spoke truth to power.

But scolding the Grand Chancellor? Most times, that wouldn’t end well.

The Emperor might find it hard to kill you, but the Grand Chancellor wouldn’t hesitate.

Judging from his own nature, Xu Ping’an knew becoming Emperor was impossible.

But being Grand Chancellor? That wouldn’t be a big problem.

So, no matter what, he couldn’t stay here long.

Walking along with frequent stops, don’t be fooled by Xu Ping’an’s high status in front of the Emperor; inside this palace, there were guards every five or ten steps.

Passing through a gate, soldiers would always question him.

Even with Xiao Shunzi, a close eunuch of the Emperor, the guards would approach and ask several questions upon seeing Xu Ping’an.

After all, they were afraid of trouble.

In this palace, if anything went wrong, at best the whole family would be executed; at worst, the entire clan would be annihilated.

Who would dare to slack off, especially at this critical moment when His Majesty had just recovered from illness?

After wasting over half an hour going through many checkpoints and questioning at least a dozen times, they finally arrived at a palace.

Xu Ping’an looked up; the palace in front of him was clearly magnificent, with vermilion high walls and towering gates. Above the gate hung a plaque:

Gate of Eternal Harmony.

“Lord Marquis, please follow me. This is where Shun Consort and Li Concubine reside. There are also other Zhaoyi here. Since you are a man, if you enter abruptly, you might disturb Shun Consort’s rest. Please allow Eunuch Shun to notify them first,” Xiao Shunzi explained astutely before entering.

Xu Ping’an understood well that this was the Imperial Palace, full of strict rules, and he couldn’t just act recklessly.

He simply nodded.

“In that case, please trouble you, Eunuch Shun.”

“You’re welcome, Lord Marquis. Please wait here a moment.”

Xiao Shunzi stepped forward and knocked.

The gate opened slightly, and a small eunuch’s head peeked out, eyes scanning the area.

Upon seeing Xiao Shunzi, his face immediately lit up with a smile.

“Oh, Eunuch Shun! You’re here? Where’s His Majesty?”

“Less chatter, step aside. I want to see Shun Consort.”

“Eh, please come in, please come in! And who is this?”

The little eunuch hurriedly opened the door wider and looked Xu Ping’an up and down, curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Xiao Shunzi glanced at the eunuch.

“This is the Marquis of Zhong’an. You better keep your manners!”

“Oh! So you’re the Marquis who saved His Majesty? I’m Xiaohuizi, greetings Marquis of Zhong’an!”

Xiaohuizi immediately knelt down to pay respects. Xu Ping’an nodded.

“Rise. I have come by His Majesty’s order to examine Princess Yuanle.”

“I see, please wait here then.”

Xiaohuizi was perceptive and quickly went inside, returning soon with a small stool.

Though not an impressive official chair, it was at least something to rest on.

Xiaohuizi carefully wiped the stool’s surface with his sleeve before flashing a broad smile at Xu Ping’an.

“Lord Marquis, I sincerely apologize. I’m but a lowly servant and can’t offer much, so I can only ask you to make do with this little stool.”

“Hm, you’re shrewd. Consider this a reward.”

Xu Ping’an casually pulled out a gold bean from his sleeve and tossed it to Xiaohuizi.

The little eunuch hurriedly caught it with both hands.

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare accept this~”

But his hands didn’t stop moving, and his eyes glanced sideways at the gold bean, estimating it to be about one qian in weight.

His face immediately broke into a joyful grin.

“All right, keep it.”

Xu Ping’an said no more, sat upright, and closed his eyes to rest.

There was truly nothing else to do inside the palace.

Surrounding him were almost endless vermilion walls, offering no scenery.

Looking up, he could only see a sliver of blue sky and white clouds.

It felt overwhelmingly oppressive.

“Then… thank you for your generosity, Lord Marquis~”

“Lord Marquis, since you are here to see Princess Yuanle, I have a few words to say, whether they are appropriate or not.”

Xu Ping’an furrowed his brows, slightly opening his eyes to look at Xiaohuizi.

It seemed this gold bean really carried some weight.

“Oh? What does Eunuch Xiaohuizi have to say? I’m all ears.”

“You’re too polite, Lord Marquis.”

Xiaohuizi smiled and stepped closer, glancing around to ensure no one was near before lowering his voice confidentially.

“Lord Marquis, although I’m just a servant of the Palace of Eternal Harmony, and probably shouldn’t say this, since you value me so much, I must repay your kindness. If I may be frank, many imperial physicians have already seen Princess Yuanle’s illness, but none have a cure. If I were you… I’d try to get it over with as quickly as possible~”

“Why?”

Xu Ping’an was surprised as he looked at the eunuch.

For a eunuch from the Gate of Eternal Harmony to speak so unfavorably about his own mistress was clearly suspicious.

“Lord Marquis may not know, but Shun Consort is the mother of Prince Five. To be frank, this prince is not favored by His Majesty, and his relationship with Crown Prince Li Kuang is poor. If in the future… it might…”

Though Xiaohuizi did not finish the sentence, his meaning was clear.

He was basically warning that saving this princess could entangle him with Prince Five’s faction, and might even offend the Crown Prince.

Ah~

This was the palace. This was human nature.

Xu Ping’an glanced at Xiaohuizi.

“Thank you for the warning, Eunuch.”

Finding no more to say, Xiaohuizi pursed his lips and fondled the round gold bean in his sleeve.

Generous people like this were rare in the palace. It was a rare chance to connect with such a prominent figure, a newcomer like the Marquis.

Who knew if they’d meet again? Why not squeeze out a few more gold beans while he could?

Thinking this, Xiaohuizi was about to speak when he noticed Xu Ping’an hadn’t even looked up.

“Eunuch Xiaohuizi, I suggest you visit the Tai Hospital for treatment. That gold bean might not even be enough to cure yourself.”

Though he hadn’t taken the princess’s pulse, from his gaze, energy, and complexion, Xu Ping’an already judged that Xiaohuizi’s liver wasn’t in good shape.

Not terminal, but definitely not normal.

“Ah? Lord Marquis… what do you mean?”

“The literal meaning.”

Xu Ping’an stood and looked inside. Before Xiaohuizi could react, Xiao Shunzi’s voice came from within.

“Lord Marquis, Shun Consort invites you in.”

“Thank you.”

Xu Ping’an nodded and stepped over the threshold. Without waiting for Xiaohuizi to say anything more, he walked in.

Xiaohuizi wanted to reach out to stop him but was shot a fierce glare by Xiao Shunzi. He shrank his neck and dared not utter another word.

Xiao Shunzi hurried after him.

“Lord Marquis, there’s no need to bother with such petty people. I will have them punished. Please do not be angry.”

Whether or not he was angry was irrelevant; he truly wanted to turn and leave.

“That’s enough. No more talk. Take me to see Shun Consort.”

“Yes.”

Seeing Xu Ping’an’s unwillingness to continue the conversation, Xiao Shunzi dared not press further and led him straight to the main hall of the Palace of Eternal Harmony.

Before entering, the faint scent of rose powder drifted out, accompanied by a clear, slightly timid female voice.

“Mother Consort, may I ask what instructions you have for your daughter today?”

At this moment, Xiao Shunzi suddenly spoke.

“Shun Consort, Eunuch Shun has brought Lord Marquis.”

“Mm, come in.”

With a slightly mature female voice, Xiao Shunzi glanced at Xu Ping’an and then bowed before stepping inside.

Xu Ping’an was less particular and simply crossed the doorway.

Inside, he saw a woman dressed in a pale pink palace gown, draped in thin gauze, her delicate face beautiful as she sat on the main seat.

Before her stood a slender twelve or thirteen-year-old girl, looking frail, with a faint aura about her.

Though Xu Ping’an only caught a glimpse of her back, he immediately understood.

This must be the princess he had come to see today.