Xiao Xitian paused, turning to look at Consort Hui, and asked in surprise, "Does the abbess have something else?"
This woman, who had once commanded respect and held a high position in the harem, had now chosen to become a nun and deliberately created an illusion of hardship...
What was her true motive?
Xiao Jinheng also looked at Consort Hui with vigilance, frowning as he asked, "Why does the abbess want to see Xitian?"
"Why are you both so nervous?" Consort Hui smiled helplessly, stepping forward. "I heard that the young county princess has excellent medical skills and a miraculous touch. I happen to have been suffering from a headache recently and would like to ask the young county princess to take a look..."
With just a brief encounter, she knew this young county princess was no ordinary child.
Despite her young age and ordinary appearance, this little one harbored an inexhaustible power within her...
It was like a fierce beast lurking, waiting to unleash its fury at the crucial moment.
Xiao Xitian blinked her large eyes upon hearing this, "Consort Hui, where did you hear that I know medicine?"
It was truly strange. She had never met Consort Hui before, not even seen her face, yet Consort Hui knew everything about her...
Had she investigated their entire family and even the whole Dashui Village?
Consort Hui smiled gently, "The young county princess's reputation for saving people and treating illnesses is widespread. I heard that when the Emperor made a private visit incognito, he accidentally sprained his foot, and you were the one who treated him..."
As she spoke, Consort Hui slowly crouched down, taking Xitian's small hand. "Doctors have also seen my headache before. They said it was due to too much stress recently, combined with the rainy weather, which caused the throbbing pain in my head. Young county princess, do you think there's any medicine that can alleviate the symptoms?"
Xiao Xitian: "..."
Well, a woman of the Emperor was coming to her for medical treatment. Were all the imperial physicians redundant now?
Even though Consort Hui had become a nun, Emperor Cheng still cared for her greatly, right?
How could he bear to see her suffering from unbearable headaches and enduring such pain...
"Actually, actually, my medical skills are really not that good. It's all just what outsiders say!"
Xiao Xitian smiled humbly and withdrew her hand. "If the abbess truly wishes to cure her head ailment, it would be best to find some reputable doctors. They are certainly more professional than I am..."
To put it bluntly, this baby just didn't want to help you.
Consort Hui looked at Xiao Xitian with a wistful gaze and suddenly smiled. "Alright, if that's the case, I won't trouble you. Next time you wish to come for incense, remember to inform me in advance, and I'll have Nanny Xing prepare the most delicious vegetarian dishes for you!"
Xiao Xitian: "..."
Forget it. Your vegetarian meals are too difficult to eat; I have no fortune to enjoy them.
If I deliberately don't want to make good food for you, no matter how high your expectations, it's useless...
"Okay, I understand!" Xiao Xitian replied, and turned to walk out.
Seeing this, Xiao Jiekong stuck out his tongue at Consort Hui and quickly followed her out. "Sister Xitian, wait for me! We'll go roast grasshoppers to eat later..."
"You can't eat meat, or you'll break your vows!" Xiao Xitian said helplessly.
"That's right. Then, then shall we roast corn to eat?"
On the way, Xiao Jiekong had discovered many wild corns growing in the forest. Although they weren't as large and plump as those planted in the fields, only palm-sized, their sheer abundance was enough to fill one's stomach...
Corns at this season had just tasseled and were not yet ripe. They wouldn't be good boiled, but roasting them would instantly elevate their taste.
"Okay, let's go!" Xiao Xitian's eyes curved into crescent moons. After leaving the nunnery, she climbed into the carriage.
In the reception hall, Xiao Jinheng hesitated for a moment before following immediately. Instead, he swept a faint glance at Consort Hui and said, "I'd like to ask the abbess about something..."
Consort Hui: "???"
Heh heh, you brat, this is the main purpose of your visit today, isn't it?
"What does Heng'er want to inquire about?" Consort Hui asked, surprised.
Xiao Jinheng didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Does the abbess know Lord Huang, who is in charge of the Jiangnan漕运 (grain transport)?"
In fact, Xiao Jinheng had begun to suspect Consort Hui as early as when Huang Fulin was arrested...
Not for any other reason than that Consort Hui's maternal family possessed immense power and wealth. Especially her father, Marquis Jingnan Xing Duanjun, who, despite being a mere local marquis, had amassed countless riches and become incredibly wealthy in just a few years.
The Xing family had already monopolized the maritime, grain transport, and land transport businesses in the south, becoming the sole dominant force...
The money they earned annually was so vast that a single large ship couldn't hold it all.
Therefore, this inevitably led Xiao Jinheng to cast his suspicious gaze upon Marquis Jingnan and Consort Hui.
"What Lord Huang?" Consort Hui was momentarily stunned, then smiled bitterly. "I no longer concern myself with outside affairs. I don't know any Lord Huang or Lord Li. Why is Heng'er suddenly asking me about this?"
As she spoke, Consort Hui's eyes flickered, and she quickly turned her head to instruct Nanny Xing, "Go outside and see if any pilgrims are coming. Remember to invite them to stay for vegetarian meals..."
"Alright!" Nanny Xing nodded, secretly glancing at Xiao Jinheng, then left with a look of unease.
Seeing Consort Hui being evasive and playing riddles with him, Xiao Jinheng wasn't in a hurry. He smiled faintly, "Lord Huang Fulin, who previously served as the Governor of Jiangnan Grain Transport, has now been arrested by the court..."
"During the confiscation of his property, hundreds of thousands of taels in silver notes were found in the Huang residence. Including other assets, it was nearly half of the national treasury's income for half a year!"
"I find it very strange. If he, a mere grain transport governor, lived solely on his court salary, he would have had to save for seven or eight hundred years to accumulate so much wealth..."
"Yet Lord Huang amassed a colossal fortune within the past two years. Isn't Consort Hui curious?"
After his words, Consort Hui was left bewildered and completely stunned.
She tugged at the corner of her mouth, looking at Xiao Jinheng with a shocked expression. "Heng'er, why are you asking me all this for no reason? That Lord Huang was corrupt and engaged in malpractice and favoritism. That's an internal court matter. What... what does this have to do with me, a person who has renounced the world?"
After not seeing him for a few years, why had this boy become so suspicious? He was just like his father...
Seeing her stubborn refusal to say anything, Xiao Jinheng suppressed his inner indignation. "I just suddenly remembered that many monks and nuns used to meet with Lord Huang. Today, upon arriving at this sacred place, I was moved to speak. Abbess, please don't take it to heart!"
Consort Hui: "..."
You've said it to this extent, and you still tell me not to take it to heart?
These words were clearly meant for her ears.
Consort Hui shook her head. "How could I take it to heart? Heng'er is thinking too much. You are still young and shouldn't worry about these matters..."
As she spoke, Consort Hui's heart was in turmoil, and a fine sheen of sweat broke out on her forehead.