51. Invite the Scholar- Laureate Yang to the Hui Family Escort Bureau for a Wine Tasting

In the afternoon, at the Yang residence in the capital, Yue'er returned with a relaxed expression upon learning that Zhao Chengxian was unharmed. As she reached the corridor outside the main parlor, she heard a familiar voice—it was her brother, Hui Qinghui. Hui Qinghui seemed to be speaking to Old Master Yang: "Imperial Uncle, I've come to see if Scholar Yang has returned. Ever since we chatted at the Prince of Jun's estate, I felt an immediate bond with him. It's a pity I heard he went out of town on business with my brother-in-law. I came today to see if he's back yet, hoping to invite him over to my humble home for some fine wine!" He found it difficult to bluntly state that Yang Wentai was actually his younger sister, Hui Yue'er. Silou had warned him that exposing Yue'er's identity could put her life in mortal danger. Therefore, Hui Qinghui refrained from directly interrogating Old Master Yang, intending instead to ask Yue'er for the truth in person.

Old Master Yang smiled and said, "I never imagined that brat Wentai would get along so well with people from the Prince of Jun's estate. Last time the Prince came to see him, and this time it's the Prince Consort. Who knows, next time it might even be Princess Silou!" His tone carried a hint of irony.

Hui Qinghui laughed it off without a care. "As long as Imperial Uncle doesn't find it troublesome, I can certainly have the Princess come and pay her respects to you, seeing as you are an elder!" Both men were speaking in riddles. What Hui Qinghui meant was that if he couldn't see Yue'er today, he would simply have Silou visit frequently in the future. After all, she would be coming to see her own sister, so there was no need to care what others might say, as long as he knew the truth.

Just as Old Master Yang was wondering how to refuse, Yue'er walked in. She cupped her hands in a greeting to Hui Qinghui and said, "Prince Consort, what brings you here?" Unwilling to put her master in a difficult position or let her brother and master fall out, she decided to step inside.

Hui Qinghui looked at Yue'er's somewhat pale complexion and asked, "How many days have you gone without sleep?" He knew Yue'er well; whenever she went two nights without sleep, her skin would lose its color and radiance. In the past, whenever Yue'er returned from an escort mission, her complexion would look terribly worn. Over the past two years, he had realized how selfish he had been, completely incapable of helping his sister shoulder the family's heavy burdens, and instead forcing her to clean up his messes. He felt profoundly guilty toward Yue'er. In truth, he had once wondered whether the charred, unrecognizable corpse from two years ago was really his sister, but having never seen Hui Yue'er return home, his doubts had gradually faded—until he saw Yue'er dressed in official robes at the Prince of Jun's estate. He recognized her instantly as his sister, Hui Yue'er. Having grown up together since childhood, how could he possibly fail to recognize her?

Hearing her brother's words, Yue'er was on the verge of tears. It had been far too long since she had heard such familial concern, but she managed to hold them back. She smiled at Hui Qinghui and said, "Thank you for your concern, Prince Consort. Your subordinate has indeed not rested for two nights!" Hearing Hui Qinghui show such care for her warmed her heart immensely. Looking at him, she asked, "Prince Consort, I heard your family runs an escort agency. How is the business going?" Unable to directly ask about her mother, she decided to start by inquiring about the agency.

Hui Qinghui knew that his sister was finding it hard to ask about their mother directly, so he informed her of Madam Hui's condition in a very straightforward manner: "It's not bad, except that two years ago my mother fell ill with melancholy madness, and her condition flares up from time to time. I've heard that Imperial Uncle is knowledgeable and well-traveled; do you know of anyone who can cure this kind of illness?" He truly hoped to find a complete cure for Madam Hui.

Old Master Yang shook his head and said, "A malady of the heart requires a cure of the heart. Since your esteemed mother suffers from melancholy madness, you must find the root cause of her illness and resolve that problem for her to fully recover." Both of them knew that Madam Hui's mental breakdown stemmed from the loss of her daughter, and that she would only improve if Yue'er returned to care for her; otherwise, no medicine would be of any use.

Hui Qinghui glanced at his exhausted sister and said, "Thank you, Imperial Uncle. Since Scholar Yang is so tired, I won't intrude any longer. Get some good rest today, Scholar Yang, and tomorrow evening I shall invite you to my home for wine. You must come!" Without waiting for Yue'er to respond, he strode out of the Yang residence. Old Master Yang nodded to Yue'er, signaling her to go and rest. Yet how could Yue'er possibly rest? With a heart full of turbulent emotions and lingering anxiety, she walked back to her room.