Chapter Thirty-One: Petty and Narrow-Minded

In all the years of Wei Baofu’s life, she had never encountered a situation quite like this. She gently patted the top of the Fourth Prince’s head and spoke softly, “You’re a big boy now. Don’t act like a child anymore. If you still fail to understand, Aunt would be heartbroken.”

Though her words were meant as guidance, the Fourth Prince was delighted to hear them—for at the very least, it meant his sister did not treat him as an outsider.

With a mischievous grin, he replied, “Don’t worry, Sister. I know you and Mother both have high hopes for me. I’ll never slack off when it’s time to study. But my tutor also says we must balance work and rest. I finished my lessons before coming here, so it’s only right to relax a little.”

Wei Baofu truly didn’t know how to interact with this child. Although there wasn’t much difference in years between them, her mental age was much older, and to her, the Fourth Prince was nothing more than a child.

Wei Qi, of course, was unaware of her thoughts. Consort Shu had never treated him like a child; she discussed everything with him as if he were an adult, and his childish demeanor was often just a mask to mislead others.

As for why he acted this way around Wei Baofu, perhaps it was because he wanted to draw closer to her. No matter how sophisticated someone might be, they always softened in the presence of a child.

“So what do you want to do? I truly don’t know what you’re thinking. You may as well say it plainly. If it’s possible, I’d be happy to listen to you,” Wei Baofu admitted, somewhat at a loss as to how to communicate with him. It wasn’t that she was foolish—perhaps she simply cared too much.

“I want to dine with you, Sister. I heard from others that Sister Pearl here is a marvelous cook, and I must confess I’m fond of good food—especially sweet and tangy dishes. Would you be so kind as to let me join you for a meal?” How clever Wei Qi was; he never missed an opportunity.

Wei Baofu felt a pang of sorrow. The child’s tastes were just like her father’s. She remembered how her mother once told her that though her father loved sweet and sour flavors, for the sake of pride he never admitted it in public.

Looking at Wei Qi, her heart softened further; in him, she seemed to see a shadow of her father. She smiled and said, “Very well, then stay and dine with me. Take it as my thanks for bringing me the land deed.”

Although Granny Qian had served Wei Baofu for many years, she had only been assigned to her by the Empress Dowager after the death of Prince and Princess Lian, so there was much that she did not know. Pearl and Linglong, though born in the prince’s household, were still young at the time and hadn’t served closely at Wei Baofu’s side. Naturally, they knew little as well.

The maids and grannies, seeing how differently their mistress treated the Fourth Prince, were puzzled but happy to see their lady forming a close bond with the prince. Granny Qian smiled and said, “Mistress, Pearl is still in the kitchen. I’ll go consult with her about the menu.”

The Fourth Prince quickly interjected, “No need to make a fuss, Granny. My appetite is small—I can’t eat much. Just prepare a few dishes to my liking. Let Xiaodong help out as well.”

Xiaodong, though he seemed simple and honest, was not without his wits. He hurried forward to support Granny Qian, ingratiating himself, “Granny, let me help you. I know all of our young master’s preferences.”

“Should someone be sent to inform your aunt, lest she worry when she can’t find you?” Wei Baofu asked, for after all, they were mother and son and should notify each other. Wei Qi settled himself comfortably in a chair and replied carelessly, “Mother knows I’m here. It’s nothing. Father has said we siblings should spend more time together. Don’t worry, Sister.”

Wei Baofu’s worries were likely beyond the boy’s understanding. Though he seemed to know something, he was so cheerful and free of gloom. Consort Shu had raised him as her own, never treating him as less than her own child.

The Fourth Prince stayed in the Hall of Compassion and Tranquility for most of the day, neither concealing his visit nor arousing suspicion. Though Consort Shu and the Empress Dowager were not entirely harmonious, they remained family, and it was not unusual for them to visit each other. Besides, with the Emperor silent on the matter, who else had grounds to object? The Empress Dowager, upon learning the Fourth Prince would dine there, did not come out to make trouble. She had reached the point where turning a blind eye was the best she could do.

Wei Qi enjoyed his meal immensely. Wei Baofu treated him with genuine warmth, neither adopting the airs of an elder sister nor keeping him at a distance. Their closeness was sincere, and both treasured these rare moments.

Upon hearing that Wei Baofu was preparing to move into her own residence and set up her new estate with the hot springs, Wei Qi eagerly offered to help gather suitable items for her. He was dearly loved by the Emperor, so his involvement quickly became known throughout the palace. Others were indifferent, but Princess Duanning, Wei Baohua, was furious.

By chance, the long-absent Second Prince also entered the palace. The two siblings paid their respects to the Empress together. The Second Prince had never been close to his sister; after leaving the Empress’s chambers, he ignored the girl trailing behind him and strode off alone.

Wei Baohua ran after him, calling out as she hurried, “Second Brother, wait for me! I have something to say. Can’t you slow down? What are you rushing off to?” The Second Prince had no intention of responding, but remembering they shared the same mother, he finally stopped.

“What do you want now? Am I, such a good-for-nothing brother, worthy of your time?” His eyes were full of mockery. Though his body had been sapped by dissipation, the sharpness in his gaze was real.

“How can you say that, Second Brother? In this palace, we’re the closest to each other. If you don’t look out for me, who can I rely on? I only curry favor with the Empress for your sake,” Wei Baohua replied, full of grievance.

The Second Prince sneered and slouched against the wall, saying with disdain, “Don’t make it sound so noble. If you really cared about family, you’d spend more time with Mother. You can’t pretend not to know what her life is like.”

Mentioning her mother made Wei Baohua uncomfortable. What she hated most was not being born of the Empress, lacking the prestige and always suffering slights in the palace, with no one to support her.

“I visited Mother a few days ago, don’t worry. Though she’s out of favor and life is a little hard, no one bullies her. She’s quite content. It’s me who needs your help now.” Ever since meeting Wei Baofu and confirming that the Heir of the Marquis of Yongyi had brought her back to the palace, she had been unsettled.

“I’m nothing but a useless wastrel, good for nothing but eating, drinking, and playing. How can I help you? You’d be better off seeking your Crown Prince brother. He just has to lift a finger to give you whatever you want, so why waste your time on me?”

Wei Baohua stamped her foot in frustration. If she hadn’t been confined by the Empress recently, she’d never have come to her unreliable brother. Though full of resentment, she held it in and said patiently, “Why would I ever go to him? I trust you most, Second Brother. Only with you handling things am I at ease.”

This was true enough. The Second Prince, though limited in ability, had never harmed Wei Baohua and always tried to stand up for her, though he himself was in a difficult position due to lack of guidance.

“Fine, just say what you want. For Mother’s sake, as long as it’s not too much, I’ll do it.” The Second Prince, though careless in most matters, had some genuine affection for his sister.

Wei Baohua was overjoyed and smiled, “Second Brother, let’s not talk here—too many people might overhear.” After all, she was an unmarried noblewoman and didn’t want gossip.

The Second Prince didn’t object. Since he’d already agreed, he wouldn’t quibble over such a small request. Once they’d found a quiet spot, Wei Baohua told her maid to stand aside.

She pulled the Second Prince close and whispered, “I have two requests. First, I want you to send a message to the Heir of the Marquis of Yongyi for me—I want to see him.”

As soon as she said it, Wei Baohua’s face flushed with embarrassment. The Second Prince sighed, “Still not giving up? Didn’t I already pass on your message? He’s all but rejected you outright. Why keep throwing yourself at him? There are plenty of fine men in this world.”

He knew well that Zhao Jingshen was both well-born and virtuous, but his sister’s affections were one-sided and Zhao Jingshen had never reciprocated. It was a waste of time.

Wei Baohua protested, “How can you say that, Second Brother? I am the eldest princess of the royal house. Am I not good enough for him? If I could marry him, it would be good for you too. I can see that Fourth Brother is not to be underestimated.”

If Wei Baohua could see it, so could the Second Prince. But he wanted nothing to do with such intrigue and preferred to remain a carefree prince with no responsibilities. “I know plenty of noble sons. Why not choose another?”

He really didn’t want to see his sister make a fool of herself, but Wei Baohua, with her heart newly awakened to love, would not relent. “Second Brother, all your friends are useless wastrels. I won’t bother with them.” The Second Prince felt stifled and said no more.

“Fine. I’ll deliver your message, but whether he’ll see you is not my concern. What else do you want? I’m about to leave the palace.”

A flash of malice appeared in Wei Baohua’s eyes as she said viciously, “I want you to ruin Princess Kangping’s reputation for me. Ever since she came to the palace, she’s looked down on me and ganged up with that wretch Wei Baozhen to push me aside. I want her to suffer.”

The Second Prince had never met Princess Kangping and knew nothing of the situation. He frowned and asked, “She’s family, why stoop to such cruelty? If a young woman’s reputation is ruined, what future does she have? Besides, as I recall, she’s an orphan raised by the Empress Dowager.”

Wei Baohua grew anxious. “Never mind all that, Second Brother. I’ve heard she’ll soon be leaving the palace for the hot springs estate. That’s your chance. She has no one to protect her—the Empress Dowager is old, Father and Grandmother are at odds, and if something happens to her, no one will pursue it.”