Chapter Forty-Seven: Forced Marriage (Part Three)

The Empress was so angered by her words of defense that her tone turned harsh. “I never said you shouldn’t save someone. To save a life is always right, no matter the time or place. But there was no need to risk your own reputation, was there? As a young lady, you’ve been far too reckless with yourself.”

Wei Baofu, enraged to the point of laughter, replied coldly, “Then how does Your Majesty believe I should have acted?” The Empress, unconcerned, responded, “However you might act in the future, what’s done is done. What matters now is how we resolve this, how we clean up the aftermath—for this involves the dignity of the entire imperial family.”

The Lady of Virtue spoke languidly, “Your Majesty, though the incident has happened and the rumors are unpleasant, Princess Kangping has already explained herself. It was nothing more than saving a life. Why press her so hard, even invoking royal dignity? Isn’t that making a mountain out of a molehill?”

The Empress, however, was not angered and spoke earnestly, “Sister, the Fourth Prince is still young—you do not understand. The Crown Prince is selecting a consort now. If such a scandal arises, how will the ministers view us? You must not blindly shield the princess simply out of affection. That is not love—it is harm.”

Noble Consort Yao seized the opportunity to interject, “Our Lady of Virtue is only worried about her own face. It’s not half as complicated as Your Majesty makes it sound. If you ask me, she would do better to start preparing a dowry for the princess. Though the Marquis of the Northern Frontier may not want to marry her, preparations must still be made.”

These women were each more sharp-tongued than the last, but Wei Baofu felt little at their barbs and only grew more composed. They all recognized the Marquis’s advantages but were certain his infamous reputation meant he would never marry her. Their aim was only to humiliate her, to see her shamed.

Though Consort Yu enjoyed a spectacle, she too had daughters and felt some sympathy for Wei Baofu. She spoke up, “In my opinion, this is a trifling matter. The princess did a good deed and yet has been slandered. All you say here is conjecture. Why not hear what the Marquis himself has to say, so His Majesty may judge?”

However the Emperor felt, he was always fairer than the Empress. Wei Baofu cast Consort Yu a grateful glance and replied softly, “I am willing to let my Imperial Uncle judge, asking nothing else but for my good name to be restored.”

Wei Baofu, on the verge of tears, played the role of a wronged maiden to perfection. At that moment, Zhang Dewang, who had been eavesdropping outside the door for some time, judged the moment ripe and called out in a loud voice, “His Majesty summons Princess Kangping and all the mistresses of the palaces to the Imperial Library.”

The Empress was caught off guard by this and cast Wei Baofu a deep look, realizing today might not go as she wished; yet she forced a kind smile, saying warmly, “It is your good fortune that His Majesty will inquire into this matter. If we are at fault, we should admit it. Do not argue before His Majesty, for that would hurt all involved.”

The Empress Dowager, standing beside Wei Baofu, addressed the Empress, “Since His Majesty will handle this, you would do well to mind your own heart. With me and His Majesty here, it is not your place to speak nonsense.” With that, she took Wei Baofu’s hand and led her toward the Imperial Library.

The Lady of Virtue covered her mouth with a handkerchief and mocked, “Why meddle in others’ affairs, Empress? You have enough mess of your own. If you are so idle, have the Crown Prince settle his debts early, lest you be looked down upon.”

The Empress was unruffled by this and said to Noble Consort Yao, “Sister Yao, come with me. His Majesty is kind-hearted and must not be deceived.” Noble Consort Yao nodded, shooting the Lady of Virtue a provocative look, which the latter ignored as she turned away.

When Wei Baofu arrived at the Imperial Library, she was surprised to find Rong Yanzong already there. His face was still pale—having just recovered from poison and survived an assassination attempt, he clearly needed time to heal. That he rushed back to the capital so quickly meant he had traveled day and night without pause.

Before the Emperor, Rong Yanzong observed proper etiquette, bowing respectfully to all the ladies present. The Emperor glanced at the Empress and began, “I have heard things have been unsettled at Cining Palace. Is this true?”

The Empress smiled, “Your Majesty jests. I have done nothing but arrange things for Princess Kangping, so she may live with a clear name.” Her words sounded righteous, but the Empress Dowager was so angered she almost wanted to slap her and teach her proper conduct.

The Emperor frowned, “Your words are too harsh, Empress. As mother of the nation, you must be careful with your tongue. The Marquis has already explained everything. There was no impropriety between them—it was a matter of urgency at the time.”

The Empress seemed to have expected this and replied with a smile, “Your lesson is just, Your Majesty. Yet this matter has caused a great stir, and the princess is a young woman. Her reputation, once damaged, affects her whole life. For the sake of all noblewomen, the Marquis must give an account.”

In the Empress’s mind, a man like the Marquis would never wish to marry an imperial princess—he was too fond of pleasure and would not tolerate anyone curbing his freedom. Though Princess Kangping had the Empress Dowager’s support, they were but two women, feeble compared to the Marquis. Even if he refused, no one could protest.

As she waited to see Wei Baofu humiliated, expecting her dignity to be trampled, and hoping her own nephew might swoop in to marry the princess, the Marquis, Rong Yanzong, unexpectedly knelt before the Emperor.

With deep sincerity, he declared, “I beg Your Majesty to grant Princess Kangping to me in marriage. Though I am much older than she, if I may marry her, I vow to devote myself to her alone—never to take a concubine or keep other women. Should I break this vow, may I come to a wretched end.”

This declaration stunned everyone present. The Empress was dumbfounded, while the Empress Dowager was moved to tears—whatever his faults, the Marquis was a man of discernment and resolve.

The Lady of Virtue gripped her handkerchief, torn between hoping Wei Baofu would accept or refuse. Noble Consort Yao looked as though she had seen a ghost. Wei Baofu herself remained calm—she knew the Marquis was not as the rumors painted him.

The Emperor, inwardly pleased, was satisfied with the Marquis’s conduct. After all, Wei Baofu was a noblewoman of the imperial clan, a symbol of royal honor. The Marquis held real power; if he were to marry a woman with a powerful family, the Emperor would feel uneasy. But Princess Kangping was a perfect match.

Though he thought this, the Emperor did not show it and asked kindly, “Kangping, what do you think? Though you are young, I know you are thoughtful and have your own mind.”

Wei Baofu moved to kneel beside Rong Yanzong and replied solemnly, “In answer to my Imperial Uncle, my only intention was to save a life. The Marquis is a great hero of our dynasty, and saving him was my duty. I never imagined my name would be tarnished for it. To marry the Marquis would be my good fortune. But I hope Your Majesty will restore my reputation. If we are to be betrothed, let it be with proper matchmakers seeking the consent of my grandmother and Your Majesty. Even in marriage, I will hold my head high and be married with all due rites and honors.”

Her words rang with strength and dignity. The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, “You are quite right. Marquis, did you hear that? My niece will be watching for your sincerity. If you are truly devoted, you had best go home and prepare at once.”

Rong Yanzong was overjoyed, more thrilled than after any victory in battle. “Do not worry, Your Majesty. My mother has long awaited this news and will act promptly. The princess shall never suffer indignity.” The Emperor laughed heartily in approval.

“This matter is settled. Should anyone dare spread further rumors, they are to be beaten to death on the spot. Idle gossip about the princess is not for others to spread.” This was directed at the Empress, who now felt she had failed in her scheming and was left frustrated, though she dared not speak.

Wei Baofu was not dissatisfied with the outcome. No matter whom she married, she would have to adjust. Rong Yanzong was not her ideal, but neither did she dislike him. If he truly kept his promises, what was there to fear in marrying him?

Leaving the Imperial Library, the Empress Dowager stayed behind to speak with the Emperor, while Wei Baofu walked out alone. The Lady of Virtue caught up to her and said quietly, “At last, this matter is resolved. If you are unhappy, we can reconsider.”

Wei Baofu smiled and shook her head. “Thank you for your concern, Aunt. The Marquis is a suitable match. If he changes his mind in the future, I can always withdraw. To marry him is also good for you and the Fourth Prince.”

The Lady of Virtue paused, a little wistful. “So you’ve known all along? In truth, your aunt and I never wished you involved in all this. If you can live your own life well, that is enough. After your marriage, do not keep too close with the Fourth Prince. Wait until things are clear—there’s no need for you all to be swept up together.”

Wei Baofu gently reassured her. “Aunt, you should trust in the abilities of the Fourth Prince and me. With our ties, even if we keep our distance, those implicated cannot escape. It is better to act openly and help one another. For now, the most important thing is for the Fourth Prince to establish his own circle of supporters as soon as possible.”

The two spoke in low voices, deliberately falling behind the others, so no one paid much attention. The Lady of Virtue said, “Do not worry. Though his current followers are few, they are loyal. He is still young; once he enters court to handle affairs, all will be well. For now, being unremarkable is best.”

It was well known in both outer court and inner palace that the Emperor was dissatisfied with the Crown Prince—mainly due to his lack of ability and poor judgment. The Fourth Prince, meanwhile, learned by observing. It was best for him to remain unnoticed. When his strength was sufficient, none would dare slight him.

“If you have time, visit your grandmother. Life is hard for everyone; resentment is understandable, but blood ties cannot be severed so easily.”