The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 176 Missing Xianxian? (First update)

Chapter 176: 176 Missing Xianxian? (First update)

After Yelu Yan ascended to the position of Khan, he abolished the policy that forbade Khitans from participating in the imperial examinations.

To better select talent, he decreed that both Khitan and Han people could participate in the once-a-year literary and martial exams held by the Imperial Court.

Having heard Li Xianyun’s words, Shart experienced enlightenment, as if a heavy burden was lifted from his mind, and he couldn’t help but feel his blood boiling with excitement.

"Good, I shall obtain scholarly honor and one day secure an official position to serve the young master," he declared.

Li Xianyun actually wanted to tell him that there was no need to repay her.

But on second thought, she realized that if one wishes to achieve something in life, they must have goals and motivation.

Without pressure, he wouldn’t strive as hard.

"Good, I look forward to you becoming strong enough to repay me."

Shart bowed deeply with his arm across his chest, "Thank you, young master."

He was genuinely grateful to Li Xianyun for helping him take revenge and for giving him a chance to repay his debt of gratitude.

As far as Li Xianyun knew, Shart’s family was extremely poor, with nothing to their name but two old houses.

However, studying required silver taels.

"In the meantime, if you need silver taels, I can..."

Shart interjected, "How could I let the young master spend more on me when your kindness is already as heavy as a mountain? I am the only one in my family; if I am full, the entire family is not hungry. I can earn money by taking on odd jobs while studying; you don’t need to worry about me."

Li Xianyun gazed at Shart, who was known for his laziness in the surrounding ten villages. Hearing such words from him showed that he had truly reformed himself and bid farewell to his past self.

Soon after exchanging a few words with Li Xianyun, Shart left to work; he was very busy.

Busy earning money by moving bricks, busy studying to pass exams for official positions, and busy working to repay Li Xianyun’s kindness.

Li Xianyun took Tuotuo and inspected the drying room and workshop that were under construction.

She corrected problems that had arisen during the construction process and offered many practical suggestions.

Tuotuo watched Li Xianyun with admiration.

She handled tasks with composure, meticulousness, and always seemed to have a plan, as if nothing was beyond her capabilities, and she was an expert in everything.

Working for a master like her filled one with endless energy and drive.

...

By the time Li Xianyun returned to the Khan Palace with her entourage, it was already the afternoon.

In fact, the time she spent giving instructions was short; it was the journey that took long.

The warm light of the setting sun made the palace gates, willow trees along the walls, and stone pathways bright and warm.

As Li Xianyun approached the main building, she heard a lively buzz of cheerful laughter and conversation coming from the side hall.

Since Yaduo’s return, many old acquaintances had come to see her.

Most of them were childhood friends of similar age.

At her age, most of her friends had passed away for various reasons, and those remaining cherished their relationship even more, so they seized any opportunity to gather and chat.

Li Xianyun had planned to rest in the main hall, but Yaduo’s personal maid came over with a smiling face.

"Greetings to the princess, the Imperial Noble Consort has asked to see you after you return to the palace; all the ladies are eager to meet you."

Li Xianyun had no choice but to follow the maid to the side hall.

Upon entering the main guest hall, she saw a room full of elderly women, about a dozen or so, and together with their maids, the room was even more crowded.

All these elderly women had the appearance of radiant youth despite their age, and they were energetic and bright-eyed, all gazing at Li Xianyun.

They were the respected elders of their families, and as they grew older, they became less mobile and seldom left home for socializing.

They had all heard from their families that the Khan’s bride was as lovely as a "Heavenly Immortal," and they had insisted to Yaduo that they wanted to meet the princess.

Now, seeing her in person, their eyes sparkled with astonishment and admiration.

Many were so shocked that they opened their mouths wide with surprise.

Yaduo, delighted by their reaction, teased, "Wipe that drool off your mouths, don’t scare my precious granddaughter-in-law."

Her use of "I" rather than "the palace" in her speech showed that she had a very good relationship with these elderly sisters.

Li Xianyun’s lips curled into a smile as she walked over to pay respects to Yaduo, "Greetings, Grandmother."

Yaduo, smiling like a bloomed flower, stretched out her hand, "Xianxian, come and sit. These old fogies simply insisted that I must see you."

Li Xianyun took hold of Yaduo’s hand.

Yaduo pulled her to sit by her side but did not let go of her hand.

The group of women all got up to perform a courtesy.

Li Xianyun gracefully stopped them, "Elders, there is no need for you to rise for a courtesy, it would be too humbling for the younger generation."

Her voice was melodious and pleasing, her manners impeccable and courteous, bringing joy to those present.

Yaduo laughed, "You old things, don’t tire yourselves at your age; listen to my granddaughter-in-law and stay seated."

The assembly of women sat down, their laughs teeming, yet their eyes were all on Li Xianyun.

Following that, everyone began to take turns praising Li Xianyun.

Some said she was as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal, others that she was gentle and virtuous, and still others that she had impeccable manners and was understanding... in short, all the nice words were employed.

There were even those who praised her for having a full chest, a slender waist, and a lifted rear, saying she was well-suited for bearing children, making Li Xianyun’s little face flush with alternating waves of heat.

Yaduo, listening to these compliments, was extremely delighted, even more so than if the praise had been for herself, and held on to Li Xianyun’s hand even more unwilling to let go.

Throughout the time, Li Xianyun could only respond with a smile, until her little face almost became stiff and numb from it.

Upon receiving news that Li Xianyun had returned to the palace, Yelu Yan left the Hall of Diligent Governance without delay and headed towards the Khan Palace.

When Yelu Yan returned, Li Xianyun was prescribing medicine for the women.

Once the women learned that Li Xianyun was skilled in medicine, they praised her even more lavishly.

Yelu Yan, striding into the main hall of the guest reception annex, locked his gaze upon Li Xianyun’s face as soon as he entered.

The women all rose to greet Yelu Yan.

Li Xianyun stood up to pay her respects as well.

Yelu Yan, looking at Li Xianyun, said, "No need for formalities."

Only then did the women straighten themselves.

Yaduo looked at Yelu Yan and smiled, "Why have you come back so early today?"

Yaduo knew that Yelu Yan was always diligent in handling state affairs, often working until late at night.

She had only been back for two days, so she was unaware that her grandson had long since ceased such late work.

Every day, as soon as it became slightly dark, Yelu Yan would return to the Khan Palace from the Hall of Diligent Governance. Sometimes he would even come back before it was completely dark.

If Li Xianyun did not leave the palace during the day, Yelu Yan would even take the time to return to the Khan Palace to join her for lunch.

The watershed moment for these changes was after Li Xianyun arrived at the Khitan.

Yelu Yan stepped forward and directly walked to Li Xianyun’s side, lifting his rough, large hand to gently place it on her slender shoulder, ushering her to sit down.

Li Xianyun merely felt the area where he pressed going numb and warm, so she obediently sat down.

Yelu Yan, gazing at Li Xianyun, said to Yaduo, "Grandson has brought work back to the Khan Palace to handle."

Yaduo, understanding his little scheme, chuckled, "Missing Xianxian?"

With age, she spoke more straightforwardly.

Yelu Yan, smiling without a word, his eyes as deep as abysses, were entirely fixed on Li Xianyun.

She was bent over writing prescriptions for the elders, revealing a long stretch of her swanlike neck, pale and lustrous, tempting one to press a string of rosy marks upon it.

Yelu Yan hurriedly reined in his thoughts, forcing himself to shift his gaze from the delicate whiteness of her neck, focusing instead on the medicine prescription she was writing.

Li Xianyun’s handwriting was neat and graceful, a pleasure to the eye.

Yaduo looked at Yelu Yan and smiled, "You should find a place to sit down quickly. These old sisters of mine won’t dare to sit if you don’t."

Yelu Yan, commanding without anger, his entire bearing fearsome and domineering, intimidated people of all ages.

Yelu Yan glanced towards Zhuo Ma at the entrance, waiting on them.

Zhuo Ma, understanding his silent command, immediately brought a chair over and placed it next to Li Xianyun.