Chapter Eleven: Brothers

Wei Baofu set aside the account book in her hands and, for once, showed a rare seriousness before Granny Qian.

“Granny, let’s not discuss whether the Marquis Yongyi’s household harbors such intentions. If your words today were overheard by outsiders, can you imagine how they would gossip about me?”

Granny Qian was no fool. Thinking of her young mistress suffering unfounded rumors, possibly even ruining her reputation, her face turned pale. Seeing that she understood, Wei Baofu continued, “Let me make myself clear here and now: when the time comes to choose a husband, I will never select anyone from the Marquis Yongyi’s household. You should all be aware of my stance.”

The four who had been tidying up paused, puzzled. Granny Qian sighed. “My lady, do you still resent the Marquis Yongyi’s household for their years of neglect?”

Wei Baofu shook her head. “That’s not the main reason. In short, no one around me is permitted to entertain such thoughts. No matter how talented or upright the sons of the Yongyi household may be, we are simply not destined for each other.”

She could hardly tell them that the blood ties were too close, making marriage impossible. Her parents were already cousins; if she married yet another cousin, whether she could even bear children would be in question.

The group exchanged glances but said no more, assuming their mistress still harbored resentment toward the Zhao family. It was understandable—her closest relatives had caused the deepest wounds. From now on, no one would mention it, lest it bring needless sorrow.

Meanwhile, Zhao Jingshen, the heir to the Marquis Yongyi, was traveling with a large retinue, just two or three days’ journey from Jianzhang Palace.

Eager to fetch the Empress Dowager without delay, they had pressed on without stopping at proper inns, spending another night under the stars in the mountains.

Zhao Jingshen gazed at the distant peaks, his face unreadable, his thoughts a mystery.

“Brother, eat some rabbit meat. We’ve been roughing it on the road, and I’ve grown thin from hunger. Look at your slight frame—when we return, Grandmother will be distressed again.”

It was the third young master of the Marquis Yongyi’s household, Zhao Jingxing, speaking. He and Zhao Jingshen were full brothers, always close. When his elder brother volunteered to fetch the Empress Dowager, he became uneasy. His brother appeared the frail scholar, skilled in riding and archery but not as robust as himself. If trouble arose, he could offer protection, so he insisted on riding along.

Zhao Jingshen was considerate in handling affairs. Though they were fetching the Empress Dowager, she was, after all, their own grandaunt. Years of estrangement had deepened, so he welcomed his straightforward and likable younger brother, believing he could win some favor and did not object.

Zhao Jingxing tore into the rabbit meat, grease staining his chin, unconcerned. Zhao Jingshen, however, was uncomfortable at the sight, and tossed over a handkerchief.

“Wipe your face. Look at you—where’s the poise of a gentleman?”

Zhao Jingxing knew his brother’s fussiness. If he argued, the elder would only forcibly clean him, unable to tolerate untidiness. In the end, resistance was futile. He took the handkerchief and wiped roughly, making Zhao Jingshen wince, but since he’d at least tried, demanding more would only provoke his brother. Zhao Jingshen did his best to ignore the lingering grease, turning his gaze elsewhere.

Zhao Jingxing tossed aside the handkerchief and, seeing the others occupied, leaned in and whispered, “Brother, you’re not seriously thinking of marrying Lady Kangping, are you?”

Zhao Jingshen frowned slightly. “Where did you hear that? Don’t spread such talk.”

Zhao Jingxing, irritated, threw down his rabbit meat. “I’m only concerned for you. A girl raised in the palace for over a decade—how good could she be? Besides, that grandaunt isn’t easy. The girls she raises are likely troublemakers. I don’t want our household in perpetual turmoil.”

Zhao Jingshen worried his brother’s voice was too loud, possibly alerting any spies among them. He led him farther away and spoke quietly, “Was it Mother who told you? It’s just Grandmother’s wish—she feels we owe Lady Kangping much. If she marries me, at least she’ll suffer less injustice.”

Zhao Jingxing disagreed. “I don’t know what happened back then, but marriage isn’t just about bringing home a wife for show. If she’s a troublemaker, you’ll have endless headaches—even fires in the back courtyard are possible.”

“You understand; so do I,” Zhao Jingshen replied. “Don’t worry—if she’s truly unfit, I won’t agree. There are many ways to make amends.”

Zhao Jingxing was satisfied. “Rest assured, I won’t meddle this time. After all, she is Aunt’s daughter, my cousin. As long as she doesn’t harbor improper feelings for you, I’ll treat her well.”

Zhao Jingshen shook his head helplessly. In truth, as the heir to the Marquis Yongyi and future head of the family, he knew far more than Zhao Jingxing. Even if Lady Kangping was unremarkable, if she wished it, he might have no choice but to marry her. The idea wasn’t just Grandmother’s; it was also favored by the Noble Consort in the palace. Marrying Lady Kangping to his family would ease the consort’s worries. His own wishes mattered little. He sympathized with his cousin, but ultimately, everything depended on her.

“Have you thought about how to face the Empress Dowager when we arrive? Mother says she can be fierce, even striking people herself. Father was hit by her. Aren’t you afraid? This isn’t an easy task.”

Grandmother had said that when the Empress Dowager was young, she was pampered and temperamental. Even as her sister-in-law, Grandmother had suffered. She was sure to be angry now.

But his foolish brother needed reassurance. “Don’t worry. I hear the Empress Dowager now devotes herself to Buddhist rites and is much kinder than before. Just don’t stir up trouble.”

“That’s unreasonable, brother. I came to help, and you’re already complaining. If the Empress Dowager scratches your face, I won’t intervene.”

The image was too vivid to contemplate, yet Zhao Jingshen comforted himself. Surely, after years of neglect, the Empress Dowager’s temperament had mellowed.

Though Zhao Jingshen tried to reassure himself, Zhao Jingxing delighted in teasing him, growing increasingly uneasy as they neared Jianzhang Palace, wishing the journey would last longer.

After straightening their attire and confirming all was well, they took a deep breath and finally ordered someone to knock at the palace gates.