023 Wants to leave the palace to have a look (first update)

Yelu Yan glanced at Li Xianyun and said, "Come in and talk."

"Okay."

She happened to have something to discuss with him as well, including the matter of the Imperial Physician.

Li Xianyun took a step forward, then stopped and said to Youlan, "Youlan, bring a bowl of the iced porridge from the kitchen, and send it to the Khan."

There's an old saying: a gentle hand does not get struck, a mouth fed is soft-spoken, and he who takes others' hand is short of freedom. By offering Yelu Yan something tasty, perhaps he would be more amenable.

Youlan wiped her hands and replied, "Yes!"

Li Xianyun first went to the side hall to wash her hands and tidy up her clothes.

She was very fond of cleanliness, and even doing the same work as others who ended up covered in dust with muddy shoes, she would remain spotlessly clean from head to toe.

Emerging from the side hall and crossing the long corridor, she saw Youlan holding the iced porridge at the main hall's entrance, hesitating to go in or out.

Li Xianyun approached and asked, "What's wrong?"

Youlan whispered, "I dare not deliver the iced porridge."

Zhuo Ma usually interacted with Yelu Yan, but as she was occupied with arranging the wood, she had asked Youlan to take over. She hadn't expected the girl to be so timid and frightened of Yelu Yan.

Li Xianyun's lips curled into a smile and she said, "Give it to me."

Youlan's face brightened like a bird freed from its cage. She handed the tray to Li Xianyun, bowed, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Princess Consort."

Li Xianyun responded, "Go on, help me keep an eye on the courtyard."

"Understood," Youlan said, grinning.

Li Xianyun watched Youlan's retreating figure, her lips curving upward.

She then turned around, composed her emotions, and raised her voice, "Khan, may I come in?"

"Come in," Yelu Yan said indifferently.

He was always very detached to people and matters.

Li Xianyun entered with the tray in hand and saw Yelu Yan sitting at the desk reviewing documents.

He was busy each day.

Li Xianyun set the iced porridge in front of him and said, "Khan, this is the iced porridge I've prepared. Please have a taste."

Yelu Yan looked at the intricate little bowl filled with colorful fruits, surrounded by crushed ice and cold water.

"What is this?" Yelu Yan asked.

"It's iced porridge made from fruits, refreshing and cooling. Please try it."

Yelu Yan glanced at her, scooped up a spoonful, and placed it in his mouth. The icy chill, sweet and delightful taste was very satisfying.

This woman was quite talented in cooking; the last sweetened ear mushroom and sticky rice porridge she made was also very delicious.

Li Xianyun watched his expression carefully and spoke, "You should prefer lighter flavors, so I didn't add too much sugar."

"The taste is really nice," Yelu Yan commented, having a few more spoonfuls.

Seeing that Li Xianyun continued to watch him, he set down the spoon and wiped his mouth with a white soft cloth lying on the tray, asking, "Did you have Huo Dun call me back?"

Li Xianyun replied, "I had Huo Dun inform you that Minister Xiao had awakened, fearing that you would be upset if you didn't see him awake."

Yelu Yan lifted his deep, tiger-like eyes to look at her.

Li Xianyun gently pursed her lips and said, "I hope I haven't disturbed you from your official duties."

"No."

"Have you already seen Minister Xiao?"

"Yes," Yelu Yan spoke, "My mentor has some misunderstandings about you and is not very good to you. Don't take it to heart."

He even knew about this.

"I'm fine."

"The Khan has already spoken to my mentor, and he will no longer treat you with disrespect," Yelu Yan said.

Li Xianyun looked at Yelu Yan. He was so tall and imposing that she had thought he would be brusque, but she hadn't expected him to be so thoughtful and considerate of others.

"Thank you, Khan," Li Xianyun said.

Yelu Yan wanted to say that it was he who should be thanking her. He paused and then asked, "Was it Xuanxuan whom you saved?"

Li Xianyun nodded.

"Thank you," Yelu Yan said.

"There's no need for thanks," Li Xianyun said. "Khan, I have an inappropriate request."

"What is it?"

"There is an Imperial Physician in the Imperial Medical Bureau who lacks medical ethics, disregards human life, distorts the truth, and is envious of the talented. I hope the Khan will revoke his status as an Imperial Physician."

Yelu Yan, with his extensive reach and acute senses, probably knew she had saved the Princely Heir, as well as the words she had openly spoken before everyone; there was no need for her to repeat herself.

"Fine," Yelu Yan said briefly.

Li Xianyun had thought she would need to be persuasive, but Yelu Yan had agreed so easily.

"There's also an apprentice named Wu Mu in the Imperial Medical Bureau. If it weren't for him calling on me today, I might have missed the best time to save the Princely Heir. Could the Khan reward him?"

"Fine," Yelu Yan said. "You are the Princess Consort; you can make decisions on such small matters yourself."

Li Xianyun was stunned; he had actually given her the power to make decisions about people.

Yelu Yan picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of water, and asked, "Is there anything else?"

Li Xianyun looked up at Yelu Yan. A man who was indeed terrifying; he could see into people's hearts and discern their true intentions, as if nothing could be hidden from him.

Clearing her throat, Li Xianyun said, "I would like to leave the palace for a look, may I?"

"Is it too boring inside the palace?" Yelu Yan asked.

Li Xianyun pursed her lips and said nothing.

She had many things to do outside the palace, such as purchasing some items and checking out the market conditions on the streets.

Li Xianyun wanted to open an ice porridge shop first, and then, with starting capital, venture into other businesses. With money growing money and interest compounding interest, after making a lot of money, she might be able to bring out her royal father, mother, and siblings to live with her and afford them a life of freedom.

Although she knew it would be difficult to achieve, how would she know if she didn't try?

And for these plans to come to fruition, a significant amount of money would be necessary.

Seeing that she did not reply, Yelu Yan did not press her and said, "I happen to need to take you to a place; let's go together."

Li Xianyun was taken aback; hadn't he just returned?

And where did he intend to take her?

Seeing the astonishment on Li Xianyun's face, Yelu Yan asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I will go change my clothes."

"Mhm."

As Li Xianyun changed, a bit of unease lingered in her heart; she did not want to go out with Yelu Yan. It would be so restrictive—she wouldn't be able to visit the places she wanted to.

If she intended to start any kind of business, she would undoubtedly have to let Yelu Yan know, but only after everything was ready. Right now, nothing was set in stone and she couldn't let him know about her plans just yet.

Li Xianyun changed into a light white gauzy dress and removed the hairpin from her hair, simply tying her hair into a bun at the back of her head with most of her long hair cascading down her back. With her flowing hair, she had the ethereal charm of a gracefully exiled fairy.

It was best to dress as plainly as possible after leaving the palace, given the chaotic mix of characters outside.

However, she was clearly not aware of her own beauty and figure; even in rags placed amidst a crowd, she would still shine brilliantly, never fading into the background.