Trois canards mandarins et une paire et demie

Chapitre 30

“Sister, if brother-in-law truly has this intention, then that would be wonderful. However, we are relatives, and in order to avoid people thinking that we are using this as a pretext for personal gain, I think it would be better to discuss it with His Majesty.”

"Yan Yan, do you have a problem with your brother-in-law? When you're promoting others, do you ever consult with anyone?"

"As the Empress of our Great Liao, is it wrong for Yan Yan to have opinions about Prince Zhao? As Prince Zhao's consort, is this how you speak to the Empress? Do you have no sense of propriety at all?" A voice came from the doorway. Yelü Xian, holding a child in his arms, appeared at the door. He snorted coldly and walked into the room.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Xuan hurried over and took Guanyin from Yelü Xian's arms.

"Xiao Yangan greets Your Majesty." Xiao Yangan did not expect Yelü Xian to appear at this time and to have overheard her words. His expression changed drastically, and he knelt down to say this.

Yelü Xian looked at Xiao Yangan kneeling on the ground and asked coldly, "Speak, did happy Yin send you here?"

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 55 Request

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:06 Word Count: 3886

"This... Your Majesty must have misunderstood. Xiao Yangan's words were all for my sister's sake. She's a woman, raising children, caring for Your Majesty's health, and handling state affairs for you. Her body can't possibly keep up. Xiyin is idle and aimless all day, which is why Yangan had this idea. He wanted to ask my sister for a position so that her husband could take it, both to lighten her burden and to encourage Xiyin to work harder." Xiao Yangan composed himself as he spoke, then continued, "Xiao Yangan is thinking of Yanyan's health and the foundation of our Great Liao. I was disrespectful to Her Majesty the Empress just now, and I beg Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress to punish me."

Yelü Xian sized her up, seemingly lost in thought. Then Xiao Xuan said, "Your Majesty, my sister was just being anxious, and besides, she meant well. Please don't be angry."

Yelü Xian looked at Xiao Xuan and nodded slightly, then said to Xiao Yangan, "Princess Zhao, you should go back first. The Empress and I are aware of what you brought up today. If Xi Yin really wants to do something meaningful, I will not deny him the opportunity. As for official positions, I know what I'm doing."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty. I, Xiao Yangan, take my leave. May Your Majesty and Your Majesty live long and prosper, and may the princess live a long and healthy life."

Watching her second sister leave the room, Xiao Xuan smiled slightly at Yelü Xian and said, "Second sister is actually doing this for my own good, don't be so fierce!"

Yelü Xian gently stroked Xiao Xuan's nose with his finger and smiled slightly: "It's nothing, I just don't like her attitude."

Looking at the Guanyin girl in Xiaoxuan's arms, Yelü Xian showed excitement and said, "Yanyan, Guan'er just called me father."

Xiao Xuan smiled and said, "Look how happy you are. It won't be long before another person calls you 'Dad'."

Upon hearing this, Yelü Xian stared wide-eyed at Xiao Xuan and asked, "Yan Yan, are you pregnant?"

"How could I not be with you all the time?" Xiaoxuan looked down at the child in her arms and said softly and coquettishly.

Afraid of hurting the child, Yelü Xian walked behind Xiao Xuan and her daughter, gently embraced her, and happily said, "That's wonderful." Hearing his words, she didn't know what to say. Enjoying his embrace and his care, looking at the Guanyin girl babbling in her arms, and thinking about the child growing in her womb, Xiao Xuan felt that she was the happiest person in the world at that moment.

The court officials, including Xiuge, Talie, and Xianshi, were gratified to see that the current emperor and empress paid more attention to national affairs and the people's livelihood than previous emperors and empresses. They worked diligently and conscientiously in their duties. In a short period, the long-standing prison cases showed significant improvement thanks to Xianshi's tireless efforts. Talie and Xiuge also diligently monitored the lives of the people in the capital. The entire capital city, like a newly sprouted seed, broke through the soil, radiating new hope.

In the fourth year of Baoning, when Xiaoxuan was seven or eight months pregnant, a piece of bad news came from the Qi Prince's mansion: Xiaoxuan's "brother-in-law," Qi Prince Yansage, had passed away.

Upon hearing the news, Yelü Xian posthumously conferred the title of Imperial Uncle upon the deceased Yansage, and the widowed Xiao Hunian's status was changed to Imperial Concubine Dowager. Looking at the emperor who had once belonged to her, now bearing her younger sister's daughter and pregnant with his child, Xiao Hunian felt a pang of bitterness. Fortunately, before her resentment could grow further, her younger sister, Xiao Chuo, brought her into the palace, spending her days by her side, helping her gradually forget the pain of losing her husband. Her resentment towards her sister slowly subsided.

Two months later, the cries of a newborn baby echoed through the palace once more. Yelü Xian, who had been anxiously waiting for news in the corridor, finally heard from a servant, "Her Majesty the Empress has given birth to a prince; both mother and child are safe and sound." Hearing this, Yelü Xian felt both relieved and overjoyed. Relieved that the Empress was safe and sound, and overjoyed that she had given birth to a son.

Yelü Xian pressed his temples and looked towards the delivery room. "Yan Yan, I'm sorry, I've made you suffer again. It's my fault for being so selfish. I don't know how many more years I can stay by your side. If one day I leave, let these children keep you company, stay by your side. Looking at them, you'll remember me. I know you're in pain, but I want to leave you with as many memories of me as possible."

The warm sunlight shone on the capital city, and the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with a joyous atmosphere as everyone celebrated the birth of the little prince.

Yelü Xian named his child Longxu.

Having Guanyin and Longxu wasn't enough for Yelü Xian. To ensure her body was etched with his name, after Xiaoxuan recovered from her confinement period, Yelü Xian eagerly embraced her again. At that moment, Xiaoxuan sighed helplessly, "Ah, men..."

Xiao Xuan, who now enjoys a happy life, occasionally reminisces about the past: Zhao Kuangyin, Hua Rui, and Liu Yanyu.

Holding the belt she hadn't worn in a long time, Xiao Xuan looked at the name on it, recalling Liu Yanyu wielding a long spear: Yanyu, how are you doing now? Are you married? Are you alright...? Suddenly, she thought of this friend, with whom she hadn't known each other well, yet had shared hardships. She remembered Yelü Xian raising his whip at her, and how he shielded her; she remembered her storming off in anger, and how he reached out his hands to her. Yanyu, I know you don't like the Khitans, but in your heart, I must be considered a good friend. I wonder if we'll ever have the chance to meet again.

That night, Yelü Xian suddenly told her that he planned to inspect Xijing. His words struck a chord with Xiao Xuan. "I want to go to Xijing too," she thought. "It's close to the Han Dynasty. Even if I can't see Yanyu again, I can still gaze at the city where you live from Xijing. No matter where I live, no matter how my status changes, in my heart, you will always be my friend." Thinking this, Xiao Xuan asked Yelü Xian to accompany her to Xijing, but unexpectedly, Yelü Xian strongly objected.

"No, it's too far away. You stay here and make sure you're comfortable. Things there aren't as plentiful as in the capital. If you go there, you won't eat or dress well, and I won't feel at ease."

"Look at you, your words and actions are always two different things! You like hunting, and I never stop you. Every time you go hunting, I even help you with government affairs. I never nag you about things you like. But when I want to go out with you, you get upset. That's not fair," Xiaoxuan complained.

"Yan Yan, listen to me, that's not what I meant. I'm going on an inspection tour. Once I'm done with this, I'll definitely spend some quality time with you, is that alright?"

Looking at Yelü Xian, Xiao Xuan wanted to say something, but then felt it would be pointless to say anything more, so she simply sighed and said nothing more. That night, Yelü Xian slept very restlessly. Looking at Xiao Xuan sleeping soundly beside him, and remembering her sighing expression, he had only one thought: to grant her request and take her to Xijing with him.

Upon waking in the morning, Yelü Xian instructed his men to make preparations. By evening, the messengers returned and reported that everything was ready. Yelü Xian nodded happily and said, "We will depart tomorrow." After speaking, he appointed some ministers to accompany him on the journey.

Back in the house, looking at Xiao Xuan who had just coaxed Longxu to sleep, he quietly whispered in her ear, "Tomorrow morning, our whole family will set off for Xijing."

Xiao Xuan turned to look at him, her big, watery eyes widening in surprise, and said, "Really? So fast?"

Yelü Xian raised his eyebrows and said softly, mimicking Xiao Xuan's tone, "That's right." He raised his little fist and gently tapped her shoulder. Xiao Xuan's heart and eyes were filled with sweetness.

The next morning, the large convoy set off for Xi'an, and Xiao Xuan was overjoyed. She had never expected him to be so quick; her sudden request had been granted so swiftly. Along the way, she would glance at the child and then at Yelü Xian, showering him with countless grateful smiles, which completely captivated Yelü Xian. The entire convoy slowly made its way to Xi'an in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Along the way, the little Guanyin girl and Yelü Xian had a lot of fun. This was her first time traveling so far, and whenever the caravan stopped to set up camp, the still unsteady Guanyin girl would always walk and run around the campsite accompanied by Xiao Jixian and Yelü Xian. Meanwhile, the infant Longxu would often suddenly burst into tears when everyone was engrossed in playing, as if protesting that he was too young to enjoy the games.

In high spirits, Yelü Xian made an unexpected decision after arriving in Xijing: to go hunting.

Seeing his enthusiasm, yet also his embarrassment at telling her he wanted to go hunting, Xiaoxuan smiled and agreed to his request.

After Yelü Xian and his men left, Xiao Xuan rested for a night, settled the two children, and then went out onto the streets of Xijing City.

Thanks to the effective national policies, Xijing has changed far more than when she first arrived. Watching the streets gradually become bustling, Xiao Xuan thought of Nanjing when she first came here. "Han Derang, Xijing has changed, Nanjing must have changed too. Nanjing has always been under your father's jurisdiction, it should be doing well." Remembering what Han Derang had said to her in Shangjing, her heart ached: "I was forced into marriage by my father, I haven't consummated the marriage." Has he never consummated the marriage with his wife? Why would he say this to me, who already has Yelü Xian's child? Has he still been thinking of Xiao Chuo all these years? Does he still love Xiao Chuo? Han Derang, you big fool, you idiot, why don't you cherish the person in front of you?

Shaking her head to clear her mind of these random thoughts, Xiao Xuan turned and returned to the mansion. She saw a luxurious carriage parked outside the gate, with many more guards present; this must have been arranged by the garrison commander of Xijing.

As soon as he entered the mansion, he saw Xiao Jixian carrying Guanyin Nu running towards him.

"Third Sister, where have you been? Guan-ge'er misses you so much, he's been crying." Ji Xian's expression was a little off.

Xiao Xuan took the Guanyin girl from the young and strong Xiao Jixian and gently comforted the crying child. Suddenly, Xiao Jixian pinched the Guanyin girl, making her cry even harder.

Xiao Xuan's expression changed. These two had always gotten along very well, so what was wrong with Ji Xian today? Why was he bullying Guanyin Nu, who was just learning to speak? Before she could ask, she heard Xiao Ji Xian whisper to her through Guanyin Nu's loud cries, "Third Sister, quick, go to Xu Ge'er's place."

Longxu? What happened to Longxu? Xiaoxuan's heart skipped a beat. Holding Guanyin, she led Xiao Jixian and ran towards Longxu's room.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter 56 Shocking Change

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:06 Word Count: 3707

There were noticeably more guards standing outside Longxu's room than when Yelü Xian had left. What was going on? Xiaoxuan wondered, as she hadn't ordered any extra guards to be stationed there.

Suddenly, a terrible thought surfaced in Xiao Xuan's mind. She stopped and handed the Guanyin statue to Xiao Jixian, instructing, "Jixian, Guanyin is Third Sister's lifeblood. You must take good care of him."

Xiao Jixian nodded, took the Guanyin girl, and hugged her tightly. Needless to say, Third Sister already understood something.

Xiao Xuan ran to Long Xu's door, pushed it open, and saw a wet nurse carrying Long Xu, about to leave.

Upon seeing Xiao Xuan, she hurriedly knelt down and exclaimed, "This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress."

Xiao Xuan remained silent, walked steadily to her, and took Long Xu from her arms. Looking at Long Xu in her arms, whose clothes had been changed and who was wrapped up tightly, she couldn't help but angrily ask, "Tell me, where do you want to take Xu Ge'er?"

The wet nurse trembled and said, "Your Majesty, how could I dare to take the prince out in secret? Your Majesty sent someone a moment ago to say that you were resting outside and were worried about the children. You asked me to dress the little princess and the little prince properly and put them in the carriage that was prepared outside to come to you."

What?! The lingering fear in my heart was magnified infinitely.

Since marrying Yelü Xian, she had gradually learned about the inner workings of the Liao royal family. The throne of almost every dynasty was threatened by rebellion. Many emperors were assassinated while traveling, when their guards were lax. Was such a thing going to happen to her and her child?

Recalling that he had once asked Yelü Xian about his illness, he was told that when he was young, it was because someone was plotting a rebellion that he developed this chronic ailment. Back then, if it weren't for the cook's quick thinking and ability to hide him under a haystack, Yelü Xian might not exist today.

Treason not only costs the lives of adults, but also implicates these innocent children because of their parents. Looking at the infant Longxu and Xiao Jixian standing beside her, holding Guanyin, Xiao Xuan's heart sank. She knew she hadn't issued such an order; someone had taken advantage of her absence to falsely convey her words, wanting to take the two children away with only one purpose: to use the prince as leverage to plot a rebellion and usurp the throne.

A bitter taste slowly spread through her heart. She was afraid. How could she not be afraid? Her own life was one thing, but what about her child? What would become of the child? Who? Who did this? It was all her fault for being careless. She had been grateful to Yelü Xian for agreeing to her request so quickly, so when he suggested hunting, she had even let him take some of her most trusted ministers with him so he could have more fun. Now, without a general holding military power by her side, mobilizing troops was just wishful thinking, an impossible task. What to do?

"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

Just as I was standing frozen inside the house, a shout came from outside the courtyard.

"Send it!" Xiaoxuan said calmly.

Xiao Hulian strode into the room and saw Guanyin, Xiaoxuan, and Jixian. With a smile on her face, she said, "You little brat, don't you even care about your older sister anymore? You just leave like that, taking all the children with you! I'm all alone in the capital, feeling so miserable. I miss these two children so much."

"Big sister!" Looking at Xiao Hu Nian who had suddenly appeared, Xiao Xuan said expressionlessly, "So, you took advantage of my absence to take the two children away?"

With wide eyes, Xiao Hulian looked at Xiao Xuan and asked, "Yan Yan, what do you mean by that?"

"Didn't the eldest sister send someone to take the child away?"

"I just arrived in Xijing City and came straight here. How could I have time to send someone to take the child away? What nonsense are you talking about? If you don't like me coming, I'm leaving!" Xiao Hunian said angrily. After speaking, she turned to leave, but then she heard Xiao Jixian call out from behind, "Big sister, don't go! Something bad is going to happen!"

Xiao Hulian stopped and turned to look at Xiao Xuan, Xiao Jixian, and the pale-faced wet nurse kneeling on the ground. A thought crossed his mind. "Every time I see Yan Yan and the child, she's so happy. Why is she so quick to question me this time? And now Jixian says something bad is going to happen. What's going on?"

"What's wrong?" she asked, her face ashen.

“I wasn’t in the manor just now. When I came back, I heard that someone was spreading false rumors about me and wanted to take the child away,” Xiao Xuan said, looking down at Longxu in her arms.

"What?" Xiao Hulian was shocked. She finally understood why her sister had asked her that question. Look at how badly she had caught up.

"I was having a great time playing with Guan-ge'er when a group of guards came and said that Third Sister had gone to rest outside and had instructed the maids to take the little princess and the little prince to the waiting carriage at the gate. I didn't have any suspicions at first, but when I saw the guards go straight to His Majesty's study after saying that, I heard them tell the guards that Third Sister had sent them to find something, and I felt that something was wrong. Third Sister values His Majesty's study very much; she doesn't even allow me to enter without permission. Usually, only Third Sister and His Majesty go in and out of His Majesty's study; court officials are not allowed to enter without being summoned. Although Third Sister dislikes writing letters, if she really had something urgent, she would definitely send someone with some kind of token to explain before allowing me to enter. It's too suspicious that she just barged into the study without anything. So I grabbed Guan-ge'er and ran to the gate to see what was going on with the carriage outside, just as Third Sister returned."

Xiao Jixian's words gave a general overview of the matter.

Xiao Hulian hesitated for a moment and said, “Yanyan, staying here is very passive. If this place is controlled, we will have no chance to escape, and the other party can use us to threaten His Majesty. Everyone in Liao knows that you are His Majesty’s most beloved woman. Now, with the addition of two princes, I’m afraid His Majesty will have a hard time making a choice. Hold the child tight, let’s go! His Majesty is not here now, and you are not familiar with Xijing City. I’m afraid you will even have trouble mobilizing the troops in Xijing City. If we leave the city, there are grasslands outside the city. If there is any danger, it will be easier to escape. It’s better than being trapped here like a turtle in a jar.”

Xiao Xuan listened to Xiao Hu Nian's words but did not make a move.

Can she trust her sister? At this moment, looking at her eldest sister, Xiao Xuan felt a pang of doubt. Why did she let Brother Xiu leave? In her heart, Brother Xiu made her feel more at ease than anyone else. If Brother Xiu had said these words, she would have immediately done as he said. But the person in front of her was her sister, not Brother Xiu. In the past, she had always been carefree and irresponsible, but now that she had a child, she was a mother and needed to think more about her child. She could take risks herself, but she couldn't let such a young child take risks. Could she trust her eldest sister at this moment? Weren't those who usurped the throne the ones closest to it?

"You don't believe me?"

Xiao Hulian, of course, saw Xiao Xuan's hesitation. She was not angry, but looked at her calmly. Then she slowly said, "These two little ones are your flesh and blood, and also my family. Even if I, Xiao Hulian, am confused, I am not that confused."

"Let's go!" Xiao Xuan said through gritted teeth, looking into Xiao Hulian's eyes.

She didn't know who the person trying to take the child was. Looking at her older sister, she only had two options: leave or stay. If she stayed, she didn't know what the other person would do next. If they really trapped her like a turtle in a jar, then escaping would be difficult. Taking a gamble, she chose to leave.

Looking back at the old woman kneeling on the ground, trembling, Xiao Xuan said, "You probably understand what's going on. If you want to live, hide under the bed first. Come out when things have calmed down in this courtyard. That should keep you safe."