Consort of a Thousand Faces

CHAPTER 594 (1): TEARS CAN'T STOP FALLING

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The changes to Huyan Fei’s expression did not go unnoticed by the Grand Empress Dowager, and an unknown emotion flickered within her eyes before she turned back to the sword dance in front of her.

 

As the song gradually approached its end, the red and black figures continued to intertwine in perfect harmony.
Anybody in the audience would think that they had practiced tirelessly, unsuspecting that this was the first time they had even attempted such a thing.
Finally, a final smile was exchanged as their swords brushed past each other, their wielders turning to deliver a bow just as the final note was played.

 

The entire hall was stunned into silence before Du Ling broke it with a sudden applause; the officials and rest of the audience followed quickly after with their own clapping and praise.

 

The Grand Empress Dowager was delighted.
“Despite having lived in Beimin for many years, the spirit of the royal family is still evident in Rulan.
This Dowager is impressed!”

 

The officials concurred.
“This humble subject is greatly impressed.”

 

Su Xi-er wore a humble expression.
“You're flattering me.”

 

“How can you call that flattery? This Dowager has never seen such a sword dance in all my life!” The Grand Empress Dowager raised her winecup and downed its contents, prompting the rest of the officials to follow suit.

 

After a while, the opera actors began their performance, adding to the lively atmosphere as the audience partook of their meals.
In the end, everyone feasted and drank for four hours until Du Ling finally announced the end of the banquet.

 

Before Huyan Fei left, he took one final glimpse at Su Xi-er.
Right as he turned to walk away, however, the Grand Empress Dowager called out to him.
“Lord Huyan, please wait.”

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Huyan Fei looked at the Grand Empress Dowager in confusion, his gaze shifting between her, Du ling, Su Xi-er, and Pei Qianhao.
Unfortunately, the Grand Empress Dowager’s cry had attracted the attention of several officials who had been a bit slow in leaving.

 

“Lord Huyan, the reason your father didn’t come today was not that the Lady is unwell, but rather that he’s furious, right?” The Grand Empress Dowager went straight to the point.

 

Huyan Fei immediately bowed.
“My father really is taking care of my mother at home; he didn’t choose not to come.”

 

“This Dowager knows what your father is angry about.
The Huyan Family has always been loyal to the Du Royal Family; we indeed owe you.
It’s just that…” The Grand Empress Dowager looked towards Su Xi-er.
“The Imperial Princess has been away for years; there are many things that we have to ask for your understanding about, Lord Huyan.”

 

Pei Qianhao was naturally aware of the ‘things’ the Grand Empress Dowager was referring to.
He gazed at Huyan Fei, recognising the man who had given up so much for his country despite being born with a weak physique.

 

“This humble subject understands, Grand Empress Dowager.
You don’t have to be concerned.” Huyan Fei then bowed at the crowd before turning to Su Xi-er.
“The Imperial Princess and Prince Hao are very compatible.” He gave another bow and respectfully informed Du Ling that he would be taking his leave.

 

Watching Huyan Fei walk away, the Grand Empress Dowager sighed before glancing at Su Xi-er.
“We really do owe the Huyan Family, but alas… If only the late King didn’t say those words back then.” 

 

However, even if Rulan wasn’t married to Prince Hao, I still would’ve found it difficult to let her marry Huyan Fei.
With that condition of his, he doesn’t have enough qualifications to marry the princess.

 

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“Royal Grandmother, it’s getting late.
Let me accompany you back to your palace.” Su Xi-er went forth to support the Grand Empress Dowager.

 

“Good child, you can accompany this Dowager when sleeping tonight then.
Prince Hao, come early tomorrow morning to take Rulan to the Warming Jade Palace.
This Dowager will personally teach her some horse riding in the afternoon.”

 

Regardless of how unwilling Pei Qianhao was, he could only agree.
“Xi-er should definitely accompany you more.”

 

“It’s good that you understand.” The Grand Empress Dowager then walked to her repose palace with Su Xi-er supporting her.

 

As such, Pei Qianhao was left to spend a miserable night by himself.
Throughout the night, he found himself reaching out a hand to hug Su Xi-er out of habit, only to find the space next to himself woefully empty.

 

I’m really not used to her not being around.

 

The next morning, Pei Qianhao quickly rose and freshened up before heading to the Grand Empress Dowager’s repose palace.
There, he had breakfast with Su Xi-er before bringing her to the Warming Jade Palace.
When afternoon finally arrived, the Grand Empress Dowager personally arrived to bring Su Xi-er to the horse riding fields as promised.

 

Despite already knowing how to ride a horse, Su Xi-er was still excited when she saw the Grand Empress Dowager donning a horse riding outfit.
Trying to avoid ruining the mood, Su Xi-er pretended that she was a complete novice, but even then, the Grand Empress Dowager was full of praise for her.

 

~~~

 

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Just like that, the duo spent 20 days in the Western Region until they received an urgent letter from Beimin.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye to the Western Region.

 

In front of the palace gates, the Grand Empress Dowager was caressing Su Xi-er’s hand, reluctant to see the latter leave.
“Even though you have learnt how to ride a horse, I still haven’t taught you archery, yet you’re already leaving.I don’t even know when I will see you again.” It was the first time her voice had cracked.

 

Du Ling came forward and patted her shoulder. I remember that Royal Grandmother has only cried twice: once when Royal Grandfather died, and today is the second time.

 

“Royal Grandmother, I will come and visit you when I have the time.” Su Xi-er grasped the Grand Empress Dowager’s hand, her heart filled with warmth.

 

When I was Ning Rulan, I never got to see my grandmother, and I’m really glad to have Royal Grandmother’s love.

 

“It’s a promise then; you’re not allowed to lie to this Dowager.
Since I am already past 70, you must come back soon.
I don’t know how much longer I’ll be alive.”

 

The eyelids of the officials twitched upon hearing her words. The Grand Empress Dowager is still so healthy and full of vigour.
Living to a ripe old 80 or 90 years of age wouldn’t be a problem.

 

“Royal Grandmother, you still have many good years awaiting you.” Su Xi-er winked at the Grand Empress Dowager playfully.

 

“Look at you, this Dowager is already so old, and yet you’re still saying I have many good years awaiting me.
Quickly give birth to a child so that this Dowager can carry my grandchild.” The Grand Empress Dowager then pulled Su Xi-er to the side so that no one could hear them.

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“After sleeping on the warm jade bed and drinking medicinal soup while you’ve been here, your body has become much warmer.
You have to pay extra attention when you get to Beimin.
To that end, this Dowager wants to give you something.” She took out a small bottle she treasured, and solemnly passed it to Su Xi-er.
“This pill helps with warming the body, and is made of precious medicinal ingredients that can only be found in the Western Region.
Remember to take one pill each day for 30 days.
”

 

Su Xi-er took the bottle.
“Thank you, Royal Grandmother.”

 

“If you get pregnant, don’t forget to immediately send a letter to this Dowager.
Even if you don’t get pregnant after finishing this medicine, let me know; I’ll help you think of a way.”

 

Su Xi-er reached out her hand to hug the Grand Empress Dowager.
“Royal Grandmother, you’re so nice.”

 

Lianchen and I share a familial bond, but now I can say that I have a family member from the older generation as well.

 

“You are this Dowager’s granddaughter, and you have also suffered so much.
I naturally have to treat you well.” The Grand Empress Dowager patted her back and reminded her to keep the military tally safe.

 

“I have already done that.” Su Xi-er gave an obedient smile to the Grand Empress Dowager.

 

It was now time to leave, and the procession was also done with preparations.

 

The Grand Empress Dowager gazed at Su Xi-er as she left, involuntarily wiping her tears away.
Only when the horse carriage faded from her sight did she remark, “The wind is really strong; my tears can’t stop falling.”