Chapter 220: Mother and Daughter Reunion

Twilight was just settling, and the Cold Palace courtyard had already been tidied to a hint of freshness.

Wan Tang stood in the Langxia, a thin Account Book in her hand, and Xiao Shunzi stood at her side with his hands at his sides.

"Is everything in the Six Palaces settled?" Wan Tang flipped through the Account Book, her voice pressed down to a very low level.

Xiao Shunzi nodded: "Yes, Master, everything is proceeding as planned."

"Jiang Hai now controls the Imperial Pharmacy, Lord Qi oversees the Imperial Kitchen, and General Lin has also replaced several key Imperial Guard posts with his own men."

"Silently?"

"Yes, done cleanly, no one noticed any irregularity."

Xiao Shunzi added, "The key is that these people, following your orders, secretly delivered surrender letters to the Empress, and the current positions were also switched with the Empress's own approval."

Wan Tang's fingertip paused on the Account Book, a faint smile curling at the corner: "Very good. The scheme she herself set up will be far more interesting when it is overturned later."

As soon as the words fell, a clear, slightly mocking voice came from beyond the courtyard wall: "Yo, whose cucumber vine is this, climbing so fast it's already over the palace wall, looking so fresh!"

It was Hui Guifei!

Wan Tang felt a surge of joy, but her movements were not slow; she swiftly gathered the Account Book and slipped it into her sleeve, and when she turned, she had already assumed her usual appearance.

Soon a commotion came from the courtyard gate, accompanied by a guard's obstruction: "Noble Consort, this is the Cold Palace; you may not enter!"

"How audacious! This is a place I intend to enter; who dares to block me?" Hui Guifei's voice was angry, followed by a light clatter of weapons.

Wan Tang hurried forward and gave a signal toward the gate.

The guards understood and stepped back; Hui Guifei then crossed her arms, her splendid robes stepping through the twilight as she entered, her gaze sweeping the courtyard.

She took in all the earlier commotion with her eyes, yet mentioned nothing.

She pursed her lips and said, "Earlier I saw a light far away and thought some short‑sighted fool was releasing a sky lantern, only to find it was you, the 'useless consort'."

She glanced sideways at Wan Tang, her tone mocking: "Now that the Emperor's new favorite is gaining power, even if you fill the sky with sky lanterns, the Emperor might not even recall that there's you in the Cold Palace."

Having said that, she crossed her arms and aimlessly strolled around the courtyard.

Her gaze swept over the courtyard's plants, the neatly tidied stone table, then landed on the newly erected swing in the Langxia, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes.

She forced a sneer, "Hmph, I didn't expect you to turn this Cold Palace into something like a rustic homestead; it's not too shabby."

She lingered on the swing, then after a pause, "This thing is actually an interesting spot."

When she reached the table and saw paper and brush, Hui Guifei walked straight over, lifted the brush, dipped it in ink, and swiftly wrote a few lines.

Wan Tang leaned over to look and found it was Minghui's clothing measurements.

Hui Guifei set down the brush, turned and stared at Wan Tang, her tone haughty and unquestionable: "Since you're so leisurely in the Cold Palace with nothing else to do."

"Today I command you to make a new set of clothes for Minghui."

"I'll have the fabric delivered later; if any stitch is off by even a hair, or the size doesn't fit, I won't spare you!"

As soon as Hui Guifei set down the brush after writing the measurements, Wan Tang's gaze fell on that paper, her fingertip unconsciously covering it, gently caressing the inked lines.

"Minghui… has grown so fast," she murmured softly, her voice carrying an imperceptible sigh.

The composure she had when facing Hui Guifei faded, a layer of moisture spreading over her eyes, filled with both emotion and an unhidden ache.

Her daughter's growth, as a mother, she could only learn from a cold line of measurements.

Her fingertip trembled slightly as she recalled the last time she held Minghui, the little one still nestling softly in her arms.

Now thinking back, the child was probably already able to walk while holding onto things, sweetly calling "Mother."

But she had missed all of it.

"Your Highness," Xiao Shunzi, seeing her reddened eyes, said softly, "The Princess is clever, and under Hui Guifei's careful care, she must be very healthy."

"According to this Nubi, the Princess must have inherited from Your Highness; her eyebrows and eyes are exquisitely formed, and her nature surely clever and charming."

"When Your Highness leaves later, she will be able to properly compensate the Princess."

Wan Tang inhaled deeply, suppressing the surging emotions, withdrew her fingertip from the paper, and the fragility in her eyes was swiftly replaced by resilience.

She gazed at the measurements, a faint yet warm smile tugging at her lips: "Indeed, she must be just like me."

"I will make these clothes myself; they must fit perfectly and look beautiful."

Having just finished the stitching, Wan Tang held the neatly stacked garments, a few loose threads still on her fingertip, turned to Xiao Shunzi and said, "The fabric is soft, the measurements are suitable, quickly…"

Before she could finish, familiar footsteps came from the courtyard gate, accompanied by Hui Guifei's slightly flamboyant voice: "Hmph, I shall see whether the thing you embroidered in the Cold Palace can actually be worn!"

Wan Tang looked up and saw Hui Guifei standing at the gate in a dazzling palace outfit.

Her mouth full of sarcasm, yet she cradled a swaddled infant in her arms; beneath cloud‑patterned brocade, a small glimpse of a pale, tender wrist was visible.

It was Minghui!

The garment in Wan Tang's hand slapped onto the table, her gaze locked onto the swaddling cloth, her eyes instantly reddening.

Without waiting for Hui Guifei to approach, she staggered forward, tears suddenly pouring down, her voice trembling: "Minghui… my Minghui…"

"Why are you crying!" Hui Guifei frowned, her tone impatient, yet quietly handed the swaddling cloth toward her, "It's noisy; this little thing has been fussing nonstop, and when I held it it felt like dead weight, I even found it annoying!"

Having said that, without waiting for Wan Tang's reaction, she shoved the child straight into her arms, as if discarding a hot potato.

Wan Tang hurriedly caught it; the weight in her hands was soft and real, the little one blinking round eyes, looking at her unfamiliarly, yet reaching out to clutch her robe.

Her heart was instantly filled; she choked back words, only gently patting the child's back, a happiness she could not hide shining on her face.

Hui Guifei planted her hands on her hips, her gaze sweeping the courtyard, and began gesturing: "You all, what are you standing around for?"

"Can't you see I'm here?"

"Bring a cup of hot tea quickly, warm!"

"And that stone table, clean it; I want to sit and rest!"

The guards and Xiao Shunzi promptly obliged, bustling back and forth to attend.

She still didn't look at them, only glancing sideways at Wan Tang, her tone still haughty: "Stop dawdling; the child just woke, probably hungry, so hold and soothe quickly."

"Also, she was tugging at my hairpin just now; find her a safe toy, so she doesn't bump or get hurt!"

Saying that, she walked to the stone table, sat down, lifted the tea the guard handed over, and quietly glanced up, watching Wan Tang gently coaxing the child.

A faint, barely perceptible softness flickered in her eyes, but she still forced a hard tone: "It's truly a debt from a past life; if it weren't for Minghui missing his mother, I wouldn't have bothered to come to this wretched place!"

Wan Tang didn't register her sarcasm at all, only bowing her head to look at the daughter in her arms.

Her fingertips brushed the child's soft hair lightly, and the happiness made even her tears feel warm.

Xu Yanchuan, following protocol, patrolled near the Cold Palace and, looking up, saw the courtyard scene.

Wan Tang held Minghui, her smile and tears intertwined, while Hui Guifei sat at the stone table drinking tea, looking completely at ease.

His heart suddenly fluttered, his steps halted at the courtyard gate, and his fingertips unconsciously clenched the sword at his waist.

If Hui Guifei stayed here too long, the Cold Palace's arrangement and the sister's scheming would inevitably reveal flaws.

He inhaled deeply, pushed the door open, his gaze first flicked over Wan Tang, seeing her holding the child obliviously, before turning to Hui Guifei.

He bowed and said, "Noble Consort, this is forbidden ground of the Cold Palace and unsuitable for lingering; please relocate."

Hui Guifei raised an eyebrow at his words, set down her tea cup, and as she rose, casually drew the long sword at her side.

The sword sheath lightly struck the ground, producing a crisp sound: "Lord Xu, you are indeed lenient."

A defiant smile curled at the corner of her mouth, the sword tip angled toward the ground, "Do you want me to leave?"

"If you defeat me with this sword in my hand, I will leave immediately."

Xu Yanchuan was momentarily stunned, then understood. He raised his hand, unsheathed his sword, and in a deep voice said, "Noble Consort, you are of golden lineage; I dare not engage you in combat."

"Enough chatter!" Hui Guifei's words barely left her mouth when the long sword was already drawn, its cold gleam aimed straight at Xu Yanchuan's face.

Xu Yanchuan, helpless, raised his sword to meet it, and with a "ding" sound the two blades clashed, scattering sparks everywhere.

In an instant, the courtyard was filled only with the sound of clashing blades.

Hui Guifei's sword technique was fierce, each move exuding a dashing vigor that refused to yield to any masculine beard, showing no trace of a delicate palace woman's weakness.

Xu Yanchuan, however, was steady and measured; his sword strokes were broad yet he constantly held back, avoiding her vital points.

As the sword lights intersected, a flash of astonishment flickered in Hui Guifei's eyes.

Ordinary men, upon seeing her sword dance, usually feigned deference and evasion, but only Xu Yanchuan could meet her assault while still showing respect.

She spun and changed her technique, the sword's momentum growing faster; Xu Yanchuan also praised silently, his grip tightening, unintentionally taking the fight seriously.

A sword thrust toward Xu Yanchuan's shoulder; he sidestepped, flipped his wrist, and the back of his blade lightly pressed against hers, whispering, "Noble Consort, I accept your concession."

Hui Guifei would not concede; using her momentum she leapt back, the sword tip aimed at his chest, but suddenly halted a mere inch away.

She gasped, a thin sheen of sweat on her brow, yet her eyes shone astonishingly: "Lord Xu, excellent swordsmanship!"

Xu Yanchuan sheathed his sword, cupped his hands and said, "Noble Consort, your technique is truly exquisite; I was merely lucky."

The two exchanged a glance, and the air seemed to acquire an unusual affection.

Hui Guifei's cheeks flushed slightly, she turned her face away and feigned haughtiness, "Fine, you're impressive; I shall… just leave then."

Having said that, she glanced at Minghui in Wan Tang's arms, then cast a quick look at Xu Yanchuan.

Only then did she turn and walk away.

Xu Yanchuan stared at her retreating figure, his fingertips still tingling from the sword grip, his heartbeat oddly irregular.

Wan Tang approached holding Minghui, teasing, "Looks like this sword can speak better than you."

Xu Yanchuan snapped back to attention, his ears flushing slightly, and whispered, "Sister, don't tease."

Just as Hui Guifei's figure vanished beyond the courtyard gate, Xu Yanchuan's lingering flush hadn't faded when, out of the blue, a delicate, melodious voice came from the doorway.

Wrapped in a hint of forced panic, she said, "Emperor, ah, it's all my muddle; I wasn't watching my step—how did I inadvertently end up in this Cold Palace?"

As the words fell, the bright yellow dragon robe's hem entered the courtyard first.

Immediately after, the present Sovereign Xu Chengyuan strode in, followed by the recently favored Imperial harem favorite Li Ping'er.

Li Ping'er's makeup was exquisite, a Red Gold Jade Hairpin Step Shake tucked obliquely at her temple, and at this moment she shyly clasped Chu Yunzheng's arm.

She lowered her eyes slightly, her tone full of grievance: "Emperor, look, this Cold Palace is so gloomy; I was just terrified enough for my heart to leap out."