The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 199: Khan got angry, needs to be coaxed (second watch)

Chapter 199: Khan got angry, needs to be coaxed (second watch)

Zhuo Ma clapped twice, and immediately two guards brought from the Imperial Palace entered, rudely gagged the beggar’s mouth, and dragged him out.

For Yelu Xuan’s birthday celebration this time, Li Xianyun was given the honor of riding in Yelu Yan’s own palanquin, accompanied by a procession of over a hundred guards. The entourage was so grand that it seemed destined to make sure everyone knew Li Xianyun was his favored concubine.

All along the way, numerous commoners lined the streets to watch, creating a truly magnificent scene.

Everyone was keen to catch a glimpse of the Khan’s favored concubine, yet the palanquin’s doors and windows were tightly shut, revealing nothing.

Among the crowd, many harbored deep dissatisfaction with Yelu Yan’s favoritism towards a woman of the Han Ethnic Group, but none dared to express their anger openly. After all, who in the world would dare to defy Yelu Yan’s will?

The more admiration Yelu Yan received, the more intense their hatred for Li Xianyun became.

After the guilty maid and beggar were taken away, Yuchi Qian stood up and knelt before Li Xianyun.

Li Xianyun quickly got up to help her, "What are you doing? Get up quickly."

But Yuchi Qian refused to stand, looking at Li Xianyun with a face full of guilt, "Today, I almost caused the consort to fall into danger, it is all my fault. Please punish me, consort."

Li Xianyun glanced at Youlan, and together they helped Yuchi Qian to her feet.

"The one who harmed me wasn’t you, what fault do you have?"

"But..."

"The Grand Imperial Consort had calculated that I cherish Xuanxuan so dearly that I would surely attend his birthday feast, which is why she staged this plot. Even if she hadn’t targeted me this time, she would have lain in wait elsewhere next time. So today’s incident has nothing to do with you, understand?"

Li Xianyun’s understanding and empathy deeply moved Yuchi Qian, causing her eyes to redden slightly with tears swirling in them.

Li Xianyun paused, looking at Yuchi Qian.

"However, I still wish to remind you that you have always been tolerant towards the Grand Imperial Consort, for the sake of Sixth Prince and Xuanxuan’s future in the palace. But as you can see, your constant forbearance only led to their increased aggressiveness. They will not rein in their behavior because of your tolerance. If you continue being so weak and let others manipulate you, not only will you harm yourself, but you might also endanger your family, understand?"

Yuchi Qian sniffled, as if she had made a significant decision, "I understand."

From now on, she would no longer submit passively. The last time Yelu Xuan was nearly killed in the palace, she had come to the sobering realization that she needed to become strong. Only then would no one dare to bully them.

This incident had shown her the urgency of becoming powerful as soon as possible.

After managing the affairs at the library, Li Xianyun and Yuchi Qian proceeded as if nothing had happened, returning to the pavilion to continue enjoying the opera and acrobatics.

After lunch, Li Xianyun changed into casual attire and left through the back door of the Liuwang Residence, heading straight for Shitoutun with a group of similarly inconspicuously dressed individuals.

Upon reaching the workshop, Habu and others had already completed their purchases according to Li Xianyun’s orders, which included a substantial amount of apricots and peaches.

Li Xianyun then joined the women she had recruited to make candied apricots and peaches.

After the preparation, she led everyone to seal the candied fruit in jars for preservation, with each jar containing about ten or more pounds.

Five or six jars of candied fruit were transported to the Ice Porridge Shop in the East Market, where they set up a stall in front of the shop to sell them alongside the ice porridge and pastries.

More than ten jars were taken to Ruyi Square in the West Market for sale.

Initially, the workshop aimed to ensure a production capacity for twenty jars of candied fruit each day. Once arrangements had been made with the Border Market, they planned to massively increase production.

At the same time, Li Xianyun instructed Habu and the others that if anyone saw the candied fruit selling well and came to place orders, they were allowed to do so, which would mean appropriately increasing the workshop’s daily output.

Different measures needed to be adopted according to specific circumstances.

After sorting out the workshop affairs, Li Xianyun hurried back to the Imperial Palace as fast as possible.

Despite her haste, it was already dark when she arrived back at the Khan Palace.

As soon as she entered the gates of the Khan Palace, a maid respectfully reported to Li Xianyun, "Consort, something happened at noon today. The Khan sent people to imprison the Grand Imperial Consort in the Cold Palace. All her maids and palace servants were beaten to death, including Rong Ge, who was previously so arrogant and bullying."

Li Xianyun was startled. According to the maid, Yelu Yan must have imprisoned Guli in the Cold Palace as soon as he learned of the incident at the Liuwang Residence.

Li Xianyun knew that Yelu Yan always acted decisively, but she had not expected him to move with such swift justice.

The once powerful Empress Dowager Guli had her wings clipped and was now confined to the desolate Cold Palace.

Li Xianyun had just arrived at the main building when a maid came down the stairs and, bending her arm in salute, said to Li Xianyun, "Reporting to the Princess Consort, the Khan is currently talking with the Imperial Noble Consort and has instructed that you go to find him as soon as you return."

Li Xianyun hummed a response and headed directly toward the side hall.

Yaduo, recounting past amusing incidents, was chatting away, while Yelu Yan, sitting on the other side of the couch, was preoccupied with heavy thoughts, appearing absent-minded.

Yaduo looked at Yelu Yan and asked, "Ayan, what’s wrong with you, do you have something on your mind?"

Yelu Yan, eyes fixed forward and brows knitted tightly, was lost in his thoughts and did not hear Yaduo’s question.

Yaduo called out to him again.

Only then did Yelu Yan come to his senses and asked, "What is it, Grandmother?"

"What is it? I should be the one asking you that. You have been distracted and troubled since you returned from the Hall of Diligent Governance; has something happened?"

"Nothing has happened."

"Are you thinking of Xianxian?"

Yelu Yan gave her a glance but remained silent, which was as good as conceding.

Yaduo chuckled, "You rascal, is this all the ambition you have?"

Yelu Yan’s mouth curved into a smile, but he said nothing.

Just then, Li Xianyun entered with the announcement of the maids.

Yaduo looked up and down at the entering Li Xianyun, her eyes lighting up, "Who is this charming young gentleman?"

Li Xianyun wore a sweet smile and saluted Yaduo, "Yours, Grandmother."

Yaduo looked at Yelu Yan; moments ago, he had seemed utterly preoccupied, yet now his eyes shone brightly, a complete change of demeanor.

"Look how well Xianxian speaks; you should learn from her," she said.

Yelu Yan lay back lazily on the couch like a wild beast, looking at Li Xianyun and humming in acknowledgment.

Li Xianyun noticed something strange about Yelu Yan today; he wore a smile, but it did not reach his eyes.

Yaduo noticed Yelu Yan’s eyes were fixed intently on Li Xianyun, and her smile spread across her face.

After all, they were young and newly married, and just one day apart had them pining like this.

Yaduo took a sip of tea from the cup on the table and said, "Grandmother is a bit tired, you two should go back."

Yelu Yan and Li Xianyun stood up and saluted Yaduo.

Yelu Yan then took Li Xianyun by the hand to leave.

He walked somewhat hurriedly, and Li Xianyun had to walk quickly to keep up.

His hands were rough and wide, warm, while the palm of Li Xianyun’s small hand was tender and soft, easily detecting the thin calluses on his palm and fingertips.

Li Xianyun looked up at the tall and straight man beside her; his face was devoid of a smile, very serious.

What was wrong with him today?

Could it be because she had returned late today?

But she had also returned late before, and he even personally went to pick her up, without showing any sign of anger.

Today did seem somewhat unusual.

Yelu Yan led Li Xianyun straight to the inner chamber of the main hall, let go of her hand, and stood facing her.

Li Xianyun looked up at him, "Husband, what’s wrong with you?"

"Do you not know what is wrong with your husband?" Yelu Yan countered, his calm tone full of restraint.