Chapter 120: He Yu's Assistance

Quickest updates for the latest chapter of Snowfall Day! Within the imperial palace, Gao Hai hurriedly delivered the news, causing Liu Li great distress.

“Your Majesty, the Second Prince’s men have already taken Feng Nuan away! I fear Feng Xing is currently facing a crisis. If you prefer, send me to escort him!”

Liu Li set down the memorial, sighing deeply. “Very well. But even if you forcibly retrieve the envoy from Feng Xing, his sister’s safety cannot be guaranteed. Would that not be disheartening? Order General He to split forces with you—both Feng Xing and Feng Nuan must be rescued!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Gao Hai was about to leave when He Yu stopped him. “Please wait, Lord Gao. I have something to say!”

“This is urgent; there’s no time to waste. Please understand, miss.”

He Yu smiled candidly. “I know my limits. I’ve already arranged for Feng Nuan to be taken away safely.”

Gao Hai was startled. Turning back, he exchanged a look of suspicion and surprise with Liu Li.

“I know you doubt my capability, but with the help of disciples from Tianshan, this is an easy matter!”

“Tianshan disciples?” Liu Li’s eyes widened. He restrained his suspicions and asked anxiously, “Are you certain Feng Nuan is unharmed?”

“Of course. I came to report only after everything was settled,” He Yu looked at Liu Li, lowering her gaze with a smile. “I wanted you to send more troops to assist Feng Xing, so he won’t encounter foes on the way. Once Feng Nuan is gone, the stakes lessen, and their enemies will naturally become more ruthless.”

Liu Li nodded and instructed Gao Hai, “You and General He must both escort Feng Xing carefully. Do not let the envoy suffer any harm!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Gao Hai glanced at He Yu before swiftly departing, thinking: She grows more perceptive and wise by the day. She repeatedly intervenes near the Emperor—what is her true intention? Such a sharp mind demands I remain vigilant.

After Gao Hai left, He Yu beamed at Liu Li. “The Emperor trusts me so—are you not worried about Feng Nuan?”

“I know your heart is pure. You would never deceive me at such a critical moment.”

He Yu smiled contentedly. “To have the Emperor’s trust is an honor, so I must do even more for him.”

Liu Li awkwardly smiled and turned away. “No one else is here; you need not be so formal. Speak freely.”

“I originally stayed to help you investigate the late Emperor’s case, but recently everyone is focused on the celestial phenomena. That night, I inquired with the High Priest and learned it’s far more serious than we thought. So, I did everything I could to invite a master to assist with this crisis. I hope you won’t refuse.”

Liu Li smiled faintly. “The palace is always beset with one issue after another, never a moment’s peace. You’ve already helped with the current matter; there’s no need to trouble yourself further.”

“Don’t say that. Helping you is my blessing. Besides, you are the destined Son of Heaven with the duty to safeguard Central Plains’ peace, and I have the responsibility to protect the rivers and lands. My aid springs from both affection and duty—there’s no need for you to feel burdened.”

Liu Li sighed but could not dissuade her. “Then who is this master you invited?”

“A female disciple from Tianshan, skilled enough to descend the mountain for this task. She often appears aloof and cold, but she’s quite capable.”

Liu Li was taken aback, wondering if it was Xue Ze, but hesitated to ask further. “You must have put much thought into this. Securing help from a Tianshan disciple is indeed a great honor. I suppose my vision was short-sighted.”

“Don’t say that. It’s merely a debt of gratitude. Besides, you know well that they are willing to descend because of you. There’s a Red Star at the North Hua Palace—they must be interested. So, in helping you, I’m also aiding them, which is why I dare to act.”

Liu Li nodded. “Where is Feng Nuan now?”

“She should be at the Autumn Trimming Pavilion. Does Your Majesty wish to see her?”

“No need. Once the envoy arrives in Yinzhou, they will be at court by afternoon. I must prepare properly to welcome such an esteemed guest.”

“Very well. Then I shall not trouble you further. I will have that young lady investigate the pure yang’s strength—this matter should be thoroughly resolved.”

Liu Li hesitated before nodding. “Thank you, miss.”

He Yu smiled with satisfaction and withdrew. Every time she met Liu Li, her heart brimmed with joy, though accustomed to palace restraint, she no longer showed it so openly.

Her inner happiness was like a lily blooming quietly in a secluded chamber—a gentle, sweet fragrance filling her soul.

Using various investigations and offers of help as pretexts, He Yu always found a way to meet Liu Li to her satisfaction. Such social intricacies only grew more tangled, weaving a web impossible to unravel.

He Yu knew she lacked noble lineage, extraordinary talent, or breathtaking beauty. She could only rely on steady accumulation and enduring kindness. If she could not inspire love at first sight, she would nurture affection over time, cultivating gratitude and debts that could never be fully repaid.

“You remain the same, but I have changed. May we grow closer with each passing day,” He Yu said with a faint melancholy smile.

The overcast sky absorbed the sunlight, making the air heavy and oppressive. Such weather tends to unsettle moods, yet those with purpose remain steadfast.

He Yu walked with ease along the path, her steps sure and swift despite the wet cobblestones.

Consort Xian awaited along her route, her expression less cheerful than usual.

Seeing this, He Yu concealed her smile and calmly joined her for a stroll.

“Consort Xian, what troubles you?”

The consort raised her hands. “Lady He Yu, I am not as fortunate as you. Since I sent flowers to the Empress Dowager, she has insisted I cultivate another pot of ‘Fragrant Glory’ for her. Early autumn is the worst season for it—truly vexing. Could you perhaps speak to the Empress Dowager and tell her this acupuncture treatment can only be done once a season?”

He Yu smiled lightly, thinking: Had this been before, I would have wished misfortune on you and your ilk rather than help. But today my mood is good, so I’ll make an exception.

“That is not difficult. I can suggest new methods to the Empress Dowager. However, I suspect she wants you to grow these flowers not merely for their beauty, but to control your siblings and restrict your movements. You might try showing her rare, vibrant blossoms—if she delights in others, she may no longer trouble you.”

Consort Xian nodded eagerly. “But that will require your help. If you visit the Empress Dowager to pay respects and take her pulse, could you bring a delicate flower with you? That way, she won’t think I’m shirking my duties.”

He Yu smiled faintly. “Of course, but you must not visit me too often, lest palace spies discover it. If they find out, it would be troublesome.”

“So what? This place is remote; even if they find out, there’s little to suspect. After all, we haven’t done anything wrong, have we?”

He Yu feigned a smile but felt uneasy and cautioned, “Still, prudence is needed. Just today, the Emperor praised Lord Gao as most to his liking for his wisdom and discretion. He also casually mentioned you, saying you’re admirable but too proud and straightforward, unable to conceal your thoughts. How can the Emperor ever open his heart and drink freely with you if you’re like that?”

Consort Xian blinked in surprise and delight. “Is that true? The Emperor mentioned me? So my lack of favor is because of my big mouth? I must learn to control my blunt nature!”

“Indeed. This is the harem—you cannot act recklessly.”

“Yes. Having lived long in the inner palace, I had forgotten the rules. Perhaps because the Emperor is seldom involved here, there’s been no strife, so I never developed a calm demeanor. Now that the Emperor thinks so, I must act carefully and speak cautiously. Thank you for reminding me, Lady He Yu—you truly are my benefactor.”

He Yu smiled faintly, thinking: I may be your benefactor, but who is mine? Now I too have fallen into the royal fold. Ha, who would have thought the case I’ve investigated for years would be uncovered here...