Chapter Seventeen: Reminiscence of the Past

“Your Highness, our Fourth Prince is truly a sensible child. You are destined for blessings ahead,” Qi Zhen said with a cheerful smile, pleased to witness this rare moment of harmony between mother and son. It was a rare occasion for Lady Shu to find genuine happiness, and she wore a gentle smile.

The day she had resolved to give up her status, she no longer hoped for any fortune to come; all she wished was to care for her two children and see those who deserved retribution meet their due punishment.

Setting aside how the Fourth Prince managed to let the entire palace know of their affairs, Wei Baofu, for once, felt at ease. The Empress Dowager had stayed at the post station for two days to recover her strength before setting out again. Out of concern for her health, the journey that should have taken seven or eight days stretched to nearly half a month.

As they neared the capital, the Empress Dowager’s spirits lifted, and she insisted on taking her granddaughter to visit the bustling streets. Madam Feng, of course, was reluctant to agree. The Empress Dowager had just recovered and was of noble standing; if she were jostled in the crowd, it would be unthinkable.

But before she could voice her objections, the Empress Dowager simply overruled her. Wei Baofu, on the other hand, was happy to join; though she managed many affairs, she seldom had the chance to leave the palace and see the outside world.

Originally, the Empress Dowager had not intended to bring the Zhao brothers along, deeming her personal guards sufficient protection. After all, the brothers rarely showed themselves, and there were few enemies outside the palace. Should any mishap occur, the guards could handle it.

But Zhang Dewang objected, insisting on accompanying them. If anything happened to the Empress Dowager, he could not answer to the Emperor. Using the Emperor as leverage, he convinced her, and the Empress Dowager, not wanting such trivial matters to spoil her outing, let the matter rest.

Zhao Jingxing, who had grown impatient with the slow progress of their journey, was quite fond of his cousin’s beauty, but she hardly paid him any mind. Seizing this rare chance to accompany her, he wouldn’t let it slip by. He roped in Zhao Jingshen to serve as a free bodyguard, and for once, Zhao Jingshen did not object. During the past few days, he could only observe Wei Baofu from afar, unable to find an opportunity for closer interaction.

Even more frustrating, those who served at her side were tight-lipped, giving nothing away about the Lady no matter how the brothers probed. In fact, they kept their distance, as if the two were wild beasts. Zhao Jingshen couldn’t help but feel a sense of defeat.

The brothers’ reason for joining was perfectly sound—they were there to ensure the safety of the group. Should anything happen, they would bear the blame. For the Empress Dowager, the company of her granddaughter and the chance to leave the palace outweighed all else.

With this small entourage, Wei Baofu instructed Ye Feng to have the guards follow discreetly. Too many people would draw attention, but with the guards nearby, she felt at ease.

Since the purpose was a carefree outing, they kept things simple. The Empress Dowager dressed like a lady from a common family, and Wei Baofu wore plain, modest attire. As she had not yet married, she wore a veil when going out; the Empress Dowager, being of advanced age, did not bother. The grandmother and granddaughter, accompanied by Madam Feng and Linglong, rode together in a carriage. The Empress Dowager was in high spirits, gazing at the lively crowds and reminiscing with her granddaughter.

“When I first married your grandfather, he once sneaked me out of the palace. It happened to be the Lantern Festival. The streets were filled with people wearing masks and carrying lanterns, such merriment! That was the first time I realized how delightful ordinary life could be. Looking back, I was so naïve—I only saw the gaiety, while your grandfather saw the well-being of the nation.”

Wei Baofu had heard stories of her grandfather from her grandmother before, but never with such warmth. Smiling, she said, “What does it matter? If you could always see only the joy, Grandmother, that would be Grandfather’s greatest achievement.”

The Empress Dowager smiled, nodding with a trace of sorrow. “He left too soon. If he were still here, your father would have had proper guidance. You don’t know how much your grandfather valued your father. If only he had been older then, things would not have turned out as they have.”

Fearing her grandmother might brood over the past, Wei Baofu laughed and said, “All is destined by fate and out of our hands. Let’s not dwell on what cannot be changed. Where would you like to go today, Grandmother?”

The Empress Dowager glanced out and pointed to a nearby jewelry shop. “Let’s see if we can find some delicate trinkets.” No matter her age, a woman could hardly resist the allure of jewelry.

Wei Baofu had no objection; she was happy to accompany her grandmother wherever she wished. The two entered the silver shop, which was filled with women buying ornaments. The Zhao brothers and Zhang Dewang, finding it inappropriate to enter, crossed to the teahouse opposite to wait.

Seated at a table, Zhao Jingxing, having observed Zhang Dewang’s humble demeanor throughout the journey, could not suppress his curiosity. He knew Zhang was a cautious man but didn’t expect him to be so unassuming. He asked, “Mr. Zhang, you have a keen eye for people. What do you make of my cousin’s character?”

The Zhao brothers’ intentions were plain to Zhang Dewang. Though the heir was more reserved, his gaze lingered ever longer on the Lady; he spoke little, but Zhang could guess much of his heart.

With a smile, Zhang replied, “Young Master, you give me too much credit. It’s not my place to comment on the young lady’s disposition. But if cousins were to make a match, it would be an excellent thing. If you ask me, it would be wise to win the old lady’s support. With her backing, hope is always greater.”

Catching the meaningful look in Zhang Dewang’s eyes, Zhao Jingshen grew a little uneasy and lifted his teacup. He was not deliberately evasive, but at present, he hadn’t sorted out his own feelings and saw no need to act upon them.

“What you say makes sense, Mr. Zhang. From what I observe, my cousin is no easy person to fool. If she were to manage the household, it would be a blessing for our Marquisate of Valor. Her temperament is most fitting for a noble wife.”

Zhang Dewang merely smiled and nodded in agreement, saying no more. The Lady of Kangping was no ordinary girl. Though devoted to the Empress Dowager, she was strong-willed, her heart not easily won.

From his own observations, Zhang felt the heir to the Zhao family was perhaps not quite a match for the Lady. Lady Shu’s hopes might well come to nothing, but then again, he had never quite grasped Lady Shu’s character.

“Let’s not talk idly behind people’s backs. My affairs will be settled by the elders. Since nothing is settled, word getting out would do no one any good. Mr. Zhang, though you’re not an outsider, you must be cautious in your words. If you anger the Empress Dowager, I won’t be able to help you.”

Remembering the Empress Dowager’s odd temperament, Zhao Jingxing wisely held his tongue.