Chapter Twenty-Seven: Driven Away by Anger

The Empress looked at the Crown Prince’s undignified demeanor and felt a surge of irritation. Now that the Empress Dowager had returned to the palace, she still had to lead the concubines from various palaces to pay their respects at the Hall of Benevolent Peace, so it was inconvenient to waste more time with the Crown Prince.

Turning to Xiujin by her side, she said, “Go and fetch all the silver notes from my casket for the Crown Prince. That’s all there is—once he’s taken them, there’ll be nothing left to covet.” As she spoke, disappointment and resignation crept into her tone.

Though the Crown Prince was fond of luxury, he was not entirely lacking in filial piety. He was well aware of his current situation and knew he would need to rely on his mother’s support in the days to come. Sincerely, he replied, “Mother, do not worry. I will not act recklessly again. You have no idea how many merchants are eager to build ties with your son. Once this matter is settled, I’ll carefully select a few; surely some will prove useful. When the time comes, I’ll be able to make up for your losses.”

The Empress felt pained at the loss of her silver, but with a son like this, she could hardly ignore him completely. If there were other options, she would not be in such a predicament. “I don’t understand affairs outside the palace,” she said. “I only hope you’ll make something of yourself. The other princes have yet to enter court. If you don’t achieve something to awe those courtiers, the future will only be more difficult.”

These were words she had repeated countless times. The Crown Prince took the silver notes from Xiujin without looking up. “Rest assured, Mother. I understand. The consorts from the other palaces will soon arrive to pay their respects, so I’ll take my leave now.”

As he departed, Xiujin tried to offer comfort: “Your Majesty, don’t be anxious. We can take things slowly. Once the Crown Prince marries, he’ll become more mature and reliable. You are sure to enjoy future blessings.” The Empress nodded; for now, she could only soothe herself with such thoughts.

She picked up a golden hairpin from the dressing table and carefully fixed it into her bun. Gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror, she murmured as if to herself, “That Princess Kangping is so beautiful and wealthy. If she could be used to my advantage, wouldn’t that be a wonderful thing?”

Xiujin hesitated, unsure how to respond. The Empress grew more convinced this was a good idea. “Our Wang family still has several fine, unmarried sons. If I were to bestow a marriage, wouldn’t that be a match made in heaven?”

If the Empress truly acted on this thought, who knew how the Emperor would react, but the Empress Dowager and Consort Shu would certainly not agree easily. Xiujin hesitated and said, “Your Majesty, your idea is good, but Princess Kangping’s marriage isn’t something we can decide easily. Not only is she the legitimate daughter of Prince Lian and of noble birth, but I doubt the Empress Dowager would give her consent.”

The Empress heard the implication and was displeased. “Are you suggesting our Wang family’s status isn’t high enough for Princess Kangping?” Even if Xiujin thought so, she dared not say it outright.

She replied cautiously, “That’s not what I meant. Our young masters are all outstanding; they’re certainly a match for the princess. But the Empress Dowager and the Emperor would never allow you to interfere.”

The Empress gave a cold laugh. “If we can’t act openly, can’t we do it in secret? She’s just a young, inexperienced girl. If she were to fall in love and insist on marrying my nephew, or if her reputation were ruined and she had no choice but to marry, what then?”

Xiujin desperately wanted to dissuade her mistress, for from what she’d observed, Princess Kangping was anything but naive or easy to deceive. Worse, if they failed, things could end disastrously.

“Your Majesty,” she urged, “the other ladies are waiting outside. Let’s consider this carefully—such matters cannot be accomplished in haste.” The Empress nodded reluctantly. With her coffers empty, her priority was finding silver; everything else could be planned slowly.

Perhaps it was the shock of her suspicions coming true, but Wei Baofu had barely slept all night. In the morning, she had to use powder to cover her weariness. Seeing this, Nanny Qian teased with a smile, “My lady, what has you in such a mood for rouge and powder today? Are you trying to outshine the princesses?”

Wei Baofu was never harsh to those around her, and her attendants would sometimes joke with her. Nanny Qian was unaware of the previous night’s events and spoke in jest. Pearl wanted to explain, but Wei Baofu gave her a glance and laughed, “Indeed, Nanny, would you like to do my makeup for me? I mustn’t lose to my cousins.”

Nanny Qian was delighted to oblige. Though advanced in years, her hands remained nimble and she knew Wei Baofu’s preferences well. Pearl and Linglong, both clever, sensed their mistress wished to keep last night’s events private and held their tongues.

Wei Baofu usually favored a natural look, but with a touch of adornment, she seemed transformed. The Empress Dowager was delighted upon seeing her, drawing her to her side. “My precious girl is as beautiful as ever. Let them all see what true beauty is.”

“Grandmother, we must be discreet,” Wei Baofu replied earnestly. “If all the ladies and princesses in the palace lose confidence, would that not be my fault?”

Her words brought the Empress Dowager no end of joy.

“My dear, I heard Steward Zhang brought you the token last night. When do you plan to return to the Princess’s residence?” The current Princess Kangping’s residence was formerly Prince Lian’s mansion; the Empress Dowager knew her granddaughter had long wished to visit.

In the past, Wei Baofu would have wanted to go at once, but now she had more pressing matters. “There’s no rush, Grandmother. The residence isn’t going anywhere; I can return at any time. It can wait until you’ve fully recovered.”

Her granddaughter’s thoughtfulness reassured the Empress Dowager. Patting her hand, she said, “You needn’t worry about me. The residence will need some tidying up. That is your home. Once you are married, I’ll issue a decree allowing you and your husband to live there permanently—no one will dare say a word.”

“Very well, I’ll do as you say,” Wei Baofu replied without argument. Who could know what the future would bring? After breakfast with the Empress Dowager, the Empress arrived with the consorts and princesses in tow. Wei Baofu accompanied her grandmother to receive their greetings. The youngest princes and princesses were not present, as they had to attend their lessons.

The Empress Dowager, though reluctant to see these vexing people, knew etiquette could not be neglected. Wei Baofu was disappointed not to see the Fourth Prince, and the more she dwelled on her suspicions, the more certain she became of the truth.

With the sudden appearance of a brother of complicated origins, she did not know whether to rejoice or worry. If her suspicions were correct, she could not simply stand by where he was concerned.

Noticing her granddaughter’s distraction, the Empress Dowager spoke gently, “Baofu, why don’t you take Baohua and Baozhen out to look around? No need to stay here with us.”

“Indeed,” added the Empress. “You young ladies wouldn’t care for our conversation. Better to go explore. Mother, I truly find myself growing fonder of Princess Kangping; I wonder who will be lucky enough to win her in the future.”

The Empress Dowager’s face darkened. “It’s one thing for you to manage the other princes and princesses as their stepmother, but my Baofu is not your concern. Don’t overstep your bounds.”

The Empress Dowager did not bother to hide her displeasure, and the Empress was left awkward and resentful, though she dared not retort. Forcing a smile, she said, “I only meant to express concern. As Mother grows older, if I can help in any way, it might ease your burden.”

Consort Shu laughed lightly, “The Empress should be worrying about the Crown Prince’s debts. Our Princess Kangping is a pitiful girl—though her parents are gone, she still has me to look after her. Who knows when the Crown Prince will repay his debts? It wouldn’t do to trouble His Majesty as well.”

The Empress retorted coldly, “The Crown Prince knows his limits. It’s only a loan from his cousin to tide him over. Consort Shu, there’s no need to fixate on it. Everyone makes mistakes; the Crown Prince is young and bound to be careless at times. Perhaps one day the Fourth Prince will make such a blunder—then I’ll see how you handle it.”

Consort Shu smiled serenely. “If he ever makes such a disgraceful mistake, I’d sooner beat him to death than clean up after him as you do for the Crown Prince.” The consorts in the palace were all watching the Empress and her son make a spectacle of themselves.

Wei Baofu thought that spending too much time in the palace would surely shorten her life. She smiled, “Grandmother, I’ll take my two cousins for a tour, then.”

Baozhen had already grown bored. Although Baohua did not particularly like Wei Baofu, she had no wish to watch the consorts bicker, especially as the Empress might vent her frustrations on her at any moment. She was more than willing to leave.

Wei Baofu and Baozhen got along easily, chatting about anything and everything. Baohua’s expression was less than pleasant—her mind was occupied with Zhao Jingshen, but she knew Wei Baofu was not someone she could bully.

“Eldest Cousin, you seem preoccupied. If you have matters to attend to, you’re welcome to go on ahead,” Wei Baofu said coolly, never one to force herself on those who showed her no warmth. Baohua’s hostility was evident, and she saw no reason to indulge it.

Baohua replied irritably, “What could be on my mind? Or do you simply not wish to associate with me, Kangping?”

Feigning grievance, she pouted, but Wei Baofu only found her amusing. “You misunderstand, Cousin. I only meant to avoid taking up your time.”

Baozhen glanced at Wei Baofu and chimed in, “There’s no need for this, Eldest Sister. We’re family; there’s no need to stand on ceremony. If you’re busy, we can talk another time. I’m sure Grandmother wouldn’t mind.”

This was as good as asking her to leave directly. Baohua, used to currying favor before the Empress but still a princess with a temper, flung her sleeve in annoyance.

She huffed, “If you two don’t wish for my company, so be it. There’s no need for sarcasm. Who cares to be with you anyway?” With that, she turned on her heel and strode away.