Chapter Nineteen: A Heart-to-Heart Between Grandfather and Grandson

Madam Du raised her head, gazing at the young lady before her. She looked intently, as if wanting to imprint her face in her memory.

“My lady, within three years at the latest, I will seek you out. When that time comes, I hope you will accept me.”

Wei Baofu, seeing her repeat her resolve, could tell she was truly determined and could not help but grow solemn as well.

“If you wish to come to me, of course you will be welcome. But whatever you must do, remember not to act on impulse. Think of the consequences in all things, and consider the child. Without her mother’s care, her future is uncertain.”

Wei Baofu had no shortage of attendants, but the little infant could not be without her mother. Dujuan bowed deeply, her heart full of gratitude and conviction. “My lady, your kindness is boundless. I will act with the utmost caution. Please take care of yourself.”

In truth, Wei Baofu would have preferred that she remain by her side and raise her daughter in peace. In this world, no one needed her more than that child. But she would not force anyone against their will.

As she watched Dujuan’s departing figure, Nanny Qian whispered, “If you are worried, why not send someone to follow her? That way, if anything happens, she will have assistance.”

Wei Baofu shook her head. “Let her go. This is a path she must walk herself. I cannot watch over her forever. I have done all I can to help.”

None of the palace maids and nannies present could have foreseen how much assistance this Madam Du would bring their mistress in the future. For now, they merely sighed at the hardships faced by women in these times, each thinking upon their own fate.

Zhao Jingshen, however, made a point of inquiring about what happened next. Upon learning that Wei Baofu had given Madam Du money and allowed her to leave with her child, he thought her a little naïve. Though compassionate, she was still a young woman unversed in the ways of the world. He realized he had overestimated her.

As a proper heir, Zhao Jingshen most dreaded anyone who could sway his emotions. He sensed he had given Wei Baofu too much attention and sought to suppress these unnecessary thoughts.

But why should anyone care about the thoughts of someone they did not value? Wei Baofu naturally had no idea what Zhao Jingshen thought. Even if she knew, she would only smile and let it go. Instead, she was far more concerned with whether her grandmother could meet the Emperor in peace.

Upon receiving news that the Empress Dowager’s carriage was about to enter the palace, the Emperor made no special move, only instructing the Empress to lead the imperial consorts to the palace gates to greet her. He had already given the Empress Dowager enough honor by this gesture.

Naturally, the Empress Dowager did not expect the Emperor to receive her in person. At the gates, seeing the Empress and others waiting, she felt a sense of relief. If she returned to the palace and found no one to greet her, it would be difficult to command respect in the future.

Empress Wang was most adept at outward displays. As the Empress Dowager’s carriage halted, she wore a perfectly measured smile and stepped forward with great courtesy.

“Your Majesty, the imperial consorts and I welcome you and wish you peace and good health!” At her words, all the consorts behind her knelt in salute. The Noble Consort was eager to see the young lady beside the Empress Dowager, but this was not the time for indiscretion, so she restrained her curiosity.

Wei Baofu, too, was careful not to overstep. She respectfully sidestepped the consorts’ salutes and bent into a graceful curtsey.

The Empress Dowager surveyed the group with a languid glance, pausing a moment longer upon the Noble Consort. Her eyes seemed to flash with a cold light, and the Empress took note.

The Empress curved her lips almost imperceptibly, stifling her amusement. The Empress Dowager spoke coolly, “Rise, all of you. I am but an old woman who has fallen out of favor—hardly worth such a reception.”

The Empress stood and hurried to the Empress Dowager’s side, gently supporting her arm and speaking with tender care. “How could Your Majesty say such a thing? The Emperor is the very model of filial piety. You raised him with your own hands. How could you be an unloved old woman? If you say that, then I am truly unfilial.”

The Empress Dowager had little patience for such empty flattery, but she no longer had the strength to turn and leave in anger. She could only endure and respond with restraint.

“The Empress is always gracious. But some people are ruthless—one face in public, another in private. Who knows what they say behind my back?” She cast a pointed glance at the Noble Consort.

The Noble Consort pretended not to notice, standing quietly to the side, fragile as a white lotus in full bloom, as if the gentlest breeze might startle her.

Wei Baofu kept her head bowed, sensing the covert glances cast her way. Though somewhat uncomfortable, she remained composed.

The Empress grew still more pleased. As expected, the Empress Dowager had returned to settle old scores, and it was now clear whom she had come for. The Noble Consort, however, was remarkably calm, showing no sign of anger.

“If anyone truly thinks such things, it is a monstrous crime, worthy of death by a thousand cuts.” The Empress fanned the flames, eager for the Empress Dowager to openly confront the Noble Consort and put her to shame before everyone.

Wei Baofu, however, would not allow such a scene. She stepped forward at the right moment. “Grandmother, you are still recovering. The wind at the palace gate is strong. We should return and let you rest.”

The Princess of Kangping wore her veil, disappointing the assembled crowd. But upon hearing her clear, melodious voice, it was evident that she was an extraordinary young woman.

“This must be the Princess of Kangping. Poor child, already so grown, and yet so dutiful. It is a pity only the Empress Dowager cares for her. Noble Consort, surely you ought to speak to the Marquis of Yongyi’s household—it is her maternal family, after all. How can they neglect her so?”

The Empress could hardly wait to embarrass the Noble Consort. Wei Baofu’s feelings toward the Noble Consort were complicated, but that was between the two of them. She was no fool to be used as a pawn.

“Your Majesty exaggerates. A married woman is like water splashed upon the ground. The Noble Consort is herself a married daughter and cannot meddle in her natal household. Moreover, as a princess of the imperial clan, with my grandmother’s care, if I am to be pitied, there are few in this world who could call themselves fortunate.”

Wei Baofu’s tone was unhurried, yet sharp, as if to warn those present that she was not someone to be used lightly. The Empress had not expected that the Princess of Kangping, who was little better than an orphan, would have such spirit and observed her with fresh interest.

The Noble Consort suppressed a smile, feeling secretly delighted, but now was not the time to show it. The Empress Dowager, fearing the Empress would take her anger out on Wei Baofu, spoke before anyone else could. “I am tired and wish to rest in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility. Has everything been made ready?”

The Empress, restraining her displeasure, replied with a smile, “Your Majesty, the Emperor instructed me long ago to see it prepared. However, it will be a bit of a squeeze for the Princess of Kangping to stay in the side hall.”

Wei Baofu smiled. “As long as I can be with my grandmother, I don’t mind where I stay. Thank you for your care, Your Majesty.” Wei Baofu was not one to swallow her grievances, but neither did she insist on having her way in everything.

Through this exchange, those present gained some sense of her character. Though her face was unseen, it was clear she had a temper and was not easily provoked—likely the result of the Empress Dowager’s favor.

Wei Baofu helped her grandmother onto the palanquin, shielding her from prying eyes. Once inside, she let out a quiet breath. The Empress Dowager patted her hand in comfort and whispered, “You did very well, my dear. You must show the bearing of a princess. You are noble by birth—there is no need to bend to others’ will.”

Wei Baofu felt utterly exhausted. In the palace, every word seemed to hide an ulterior motive. She disliked this way of life, but there were many things beyond her control.

“Did you see the Noble Consort? She looks just like your mother. When you see her, you need not avoid her deliberately. Treat her as a distant relative. She is a woman of deep schemes—do not be deceived by her.”

The Empress Dowager was cautious. Wei Baofu nestled close, whispering, “Grandmother, I understand. Don’t worry about me. It is you who must rein in your temper. Let us wait until we know the whole truth. And please, do not deliberately make things difficult for the Noble Consort.”

Hearing her granddaughter’s words, the Empress Dowager was deeply pained, as if a thousand words were caught in her throat but emerged only as a sigh. “My dear, you know nothing. I cannot tell you everything yet. Just remember, the Noble Consort is a vile woman. Even her death would not ease my hatred. Stay away from her and her child—promise me that.”

Her eyes burned with hatred and her tone was unyielding. Wei Baofu swallowed her bitterness, recalling the gentleness of her childhood and unwilling to accept such an outcome. She longed for the truth, to understand what had really happened.

Yet she could not ignore her grandmother’s feelings. She knew she could not avoid it this time. With a wry smile, she said, “Grandmother, I do not know what truly happened. But what if there were reasons, what if all was forced upon her?”

The Empress Dowager sneered, “There are always choices. For her to debase herself so utterly—there was nothing forced about it. She must bear my wrath for what she has done. She has lived freely for more than ten years—now it is time to pay her debt. If you refuse me, I will never see you again.”

Wei Baofu knew her grandmother meant it. She could not hurt her, so she replied, “Rest assured, Grandmother. I will not grow close to the Noble Consort. If anything comes to pass, I will put you first. But I do not wish to become her enemy lightly. After all, she has ties to my mother. Let us wait until all is clear. Do not let hatred blind you. My resentment is no less than yours, but we must keep our wits about us—lest others take advantage.”

The Empress Dowager knew her granddaughter’s words were her limit. Reluctantly, she nodded. “Be at ease. No matter my hatred, your future is more important. I will show restraint.”