The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan-Chapter 651 - 649 A harmonious couple can make everything go smoothly (first update)

Chapter 651: 649 A harmonious couple can make everything go smoothly (first update)

Li Xianyun was busy until nightfall every day, leaving Khan Yelu Yan with precious little time to see her.

In the early morning, after he finished his sword practice, Li Xianyun would still be asleep as he left.

Then the whole day would pass without a sight of each other.

Although the Hidden Guard would report her whereabouts from time to time, hearing was certainly not the same as seeing.

By evening, when the two of them finally had a chance to be together, he wanted to chat with her over dinner.

But Li Xianyun, tired from the day’s work, spoke less and less, making Yelu Yan feel severely neglected.

What followed was washing up and going to bed.

In bed, Li Xianyun would allow him his amusements, but it wasn’t long before she fell asleep after the fun.

Yelu Yan often held her in his arms, watching her foolishly, unable to sleep.

Reflecting on the time spent together, he realized she was becoming colder towards him.

Could it be she had found someone else?

Yelu Yan’s wild speculations succeeded in making him restless and troubled all day long.

Xuanyi Pavilion indeed had many young and beautiful physicians.

However, the moment this thought crossed his mind, Yelu Yan immediately dismissed it, his Xianxian was of pure nature and not one to be fickle in love.

Moreover, those physicians were merely passable in looks, decent-looking at best. If it were about handsomeness, they would be streets behind him.

If it wasn’t a new love, perhaps Li Xianyun had grown tired of him?

Could it be she was fed up with his clinginess day in and day out?

Yelu Yan was so preoccupied with these concerns that he would zone out even when attending to official duties.

Seated in the council chamber, he watched officials report their affairs, their mouths opening and closing, yet he did not absorb a single word.

Shulu Xi watched Yelu Yan with some anxiety.

Seeing the Khan in such a state, it must have something to do with the Queen. Could it be they had quarreled?

Shulu Xi noticed that across from him, Minister Xiao Dilu was also looking at Yelu Yan with a troubled expression, no doubt ready to offer counsel later.

Shulu Xi was about to remind the Khan through a cough, when he heard the Khan inquire, "What did you just say?"

Yelu Yan, who had been distracted, was suddenly alert at the mention of "Queen."

The officer, newly promoted from the lower ranks and facing the imperial presence for the first time, was startled by the Khan’s question and collapsed to his knees, "Forgive me, Khan."

"Stand up and speak," Yelu Yan commanded coolly, "What did you say just now?"

Shulu Xi could see through the situation.

Although Yelu Yan had been preoccupied, he cared so much about Li Xianyun that the mere mention of "Queen" had sparked his attention.

The officer stood up, trembling, and bowed.

"Reporting to the Khan, I just stated that it is time for spring plowing, and many areas need irrigation. Following the Queen’s designs, tub wheels and water-lifting devices were constructed. Thanks to this equipment, villagers save time and effort and unanimously praise the Queen’s virtue," he said.

Yelu Yan nodded, "In matters of agriculture, the Queen has indeed played an indispensable role. Order the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Department of Ceremonial Affairs to reward her generously."

The official in charge of relaying commands promptly bowed in acknowledgement.

Shulu Xi smiled to himself, it was as if the Khan wanted all the civil and military officials to know of his woman’s contributions.

After the council was dismissed, Yelu Yan asked Shulu Xi to stay behind.

Minister Xiao Dilu let out a sigh and, breaking the norm, did not stay to offer counsel.

As he passed by Shulu Xi, he whispered, "Advise the Khan well; marital harmony leads to success in all endeavors."

Shulu Xi was stunned. Xiao Dilu suggesting such a thing must mean he believed there was discord between Yelu Yan and Li Xianyun, which is why Yelu Yan seemed so distracted.

It was no wonder Xiao Dilu thought this way; Shulu Xi did too.

This clearly showed how much Xiao Dilu recognized and approved of Li Xianyun as their Queen.

Unbeknownst to them, Li Xianyun had gone from a "spy from the enemy country" whom nobody recognized, to a Queen whom everyone recognized and revered.

Shulu Xi bowed to Xiao Dilu, "This official understands, please be at ease, Minister Xiao."

After the ministers dispersed, Shulu Xi headed in the opposite direction.

In the large study, Yelu Yan sat on a Taishi Chair, drinking tea.

The previous times he saw Yelu Yan, he was either reading memorials or secret letters, but now he was drinking tea, clearly showing a troubled mind.

Shulu Xi entered with a smile and gave a bow, "Greetings, Khan."

Yelu Yan hesitated, not knowing how to start.

Shulu Xi wasn’t in a hurry, waiting patiently with the relaxed demeanor of someone watching a play.

Yelu Yan wasn’t one to beat around the bush, he got straight to the point, "Ah Xi, do you think a husband and wife will grow weary of each other over time?"

Shulu Xi raised an eyebrow, "Is it that the Khan has grown tired of the Queen?"

"Nonsense." Yelu Yan was entirely resistant to this idea.

Shulu Xi laughed softly, "Then it’s the Queen who has grown tired of the Khan?"

"It shouldn’t be." Yelu Yan sounded unsure, "She’s just too busy, rarely spending time with me, we hardly speak throughout the day."

And it seemed like she was reluctant to talk to him.

However, Yelu Yan didn’t share this feeling with Shulu Xi, fearing he would laugh at him.

Shulu Xi was silent.

This brief silence made Yelu Yan’s heart pound.

It’s said that love is blind, and the bystander sees all, which is why Yelu Yan wanted Shulu Xi to help him understand.

Shulu Xi was the one who had given him ointment, an ointment that truly spared Li Xianyun much distress in their intimate relations.

With such a history between them, it wasn’t so embarrassing to inquire about marital issues.

Yelu Yan felt a surge of emotion inside, but his expression remained calm.

"Asking you is useless, don’t just stand there, you’re in the way."

The two of them grew up together, sharing hardships and near-death experiences, their bond was strong, so their conversations were more casual.

Shulu Xi smiled and said, "Khan, I think you’re worrying too much. On the journey from the border back to Shangjing, you and the Queen were inseparable, forming a habit. Now that you’re both busy with your affairs and spend less time together, it’s understandable to feel the difference."

"Are you saying I’m overthinking it, and the Queen still holds me in the same regard as before?"

"Yes," Shulu Xi offered counsel, "since the Khan can’t bear to be away from the Queen and wishes to see her all the time, why not have her stay in the palace and no longer busy herself with work?"

Yelu Yan spoke gravely, "Do not stir trouble between me and my wife."

If he asked Li Xianyun to stay in the palace, she would undoubtedly bristle at him, and he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

To restrict Li Xianyun from her work for his selfish desires would surely make her miserable, how could Yelu Yan bear it?

"I wouldn’t dare," Shulu Xi said with a laugh, "However, it’s not good for you to be so preoccupied either. Minister Xiao just now even thought there was discord between you and the Queen. He told me to advise you that ’harmony between husband and wife leads to smooth sailing in all affairs.’"

Yelu Yan picked up his teacup to hide his emotions, "Is it that obvious?"

Shulu Xi replied with certainty, "Very obvious."

He paused before saying, "Khan, you could simply speak to the Queen and clarify things, so you don’t have to be so weighed down with thoughts like you are now."