Chapter Forty-Eight
Wei Baofu let out a soft chuckle. “I once thought Aunt would not concern herself with these matters. But has someone from the Marquis Yongyi’s household come to see you?” The Consort shook her head, speaking with a sigh. “In truth, they too are innocent victims, only lacking some sense of responsibility in their actions. Their fault is not so grave as to deserve death. If you maintain ties with them, it may be to your benefit.”
No matter whom Wei Baofu married in the future—be it the Marquis of Zhenbei or another—she would inevitably have to move among society, and the Marquis Yongyi’s household could offer some support. Most importantly, ever since the Empress Dowager’s return to the palace, she had not summoned her kin, and those outside had begun to mock the Marquis Yongyi’s family.
In fact, the Consort harbored little real attachment to her family, but the appearance of harmony had to be maintained; she would not permit outsiders to use these strained relations to sow discord. Wei Baofu herself bore them no deep resentment and thus did not refuse.
“Aunt, let them send their visiting cards again. I will persuade Grandmother to see them, for she ought to let go of her anger by now. However, since the news of my betrothal to the Marquis of Zhenbei has likely spread, it would be best if they do not interfere further.”
The Consort nodded, understanding that Wei Baofu’s keen mind had likely grasped their previous intentions. In truth, there was no comparison between Zhao Jingchen and Rong Yanzong; Zhao Jingchen, though he held a position before the Emperor, was little more than an ornament, while Rong Yanzong wielded real power. The difference was plain for all to see.
“Well, you young people must walk your own paths. No matter how much we plan, we cannot keep pace with the changes in life. Go and rest now. I imagine Qier will soon come to see you. Upon hearing you are to be engaged, who knows what sort of fuss he’ll raise?”
Wei Baofu’s heart softened at the mention of the Fourth Prince, and she spoke gently, “Whether or not I am betrothed, I shall always be his elder sister. His concerns matter to me more than to anyone else.” The Consort nodded, pleased at the affection between the siblings.
Nurse Qian had not accompanied Wei Baofu. The moment she returned, the nurse rushed to ask, “My lady, how did it go? Did His Majesty uphold justice for you?” Pearl and Linglong had been punished, ordered to copy out the palace rules, so only Bingxin and Yuhu attended to Wei Baofu.
Bingxin answered for her mistress, “Nurse, no one would dare sully our lady’s reputation. His Majesty has decreed that if anyone dares spread falsehoods again, they are to be beaten to death on the spot.” Nurse Qian was overcome with emotion, folding her hands in gratitude. “Amitabha, at last this matter is settled satisfactorily.”
Yuhu added, “But our lady is to be betrothed to the Marquis of Zhenbei. I do not know whether this is good fortune or not.” Nurse Qian was stunned, looking at her mistress in confusion. “How did this engagement come about so suddenly? Was our lady forced into it? That will not do. How can she be made to suffer such injustice?”
Barely had her words fallen when Wei Baozhen hurried in, so anxious that even the eunuch at the door could not stop her. “Baofu, my mother has told me everything. How could this happen? You must have been compelled. I will plead with Father for you. We must not agree to this lightly.”
Beside her, Zhuyu bowed to Wei Baofu, then said anxiously, “Please forgive my lady, Your Grace. When she heard of your engagement, she became frantic, fearing you would be wronged, and so she rushed here heedless of decorum.”
Wei Baofu was warmed by their concern. She pulled Wei Baozhen down beside her and smiled. “Zhuyu, do not worry. How could I not know Zhen-jie’s kind heart? And there are no taboos here—she may come whenever she likes.”
Wei Baozhen spoke with exasperation. “I saw how firm you were in the Cining Palace and thought you would come to no harm. Who would have thought a single trip to the imperial study would end in this? The Marquis of Zhenbei is infamous for his licentious ways. If you marry him, you will surely suffer.”
Nurse Qian, on hearing this, grew even more anxious, her eyes fixed on her mistress. Wei Baofu patted her hand reassuringly. “Have some tea and let me explain.”
Wei Baozhen obediently took a sip and calmed herself. Wei Baofu smiled. “This engagement is not entirely forced upon me. The Marquis of Zhenbei is not as unsavory as you imagine. He holds immense power at a young age—how many could do the same? His title was earned through his own merit, a rare achievement.”
Nurse Qian nodded unconsciously. By status, the Marquis was a fitting match for her mistress; his age was of little concern, and he was known to be considerate. Still, she worried about his reputation for womanizing.
Wei Baozhen, now more composed, frowned. “I know well enough the Marquis is capable. But do you know what others say of him? He’s had concubines, but none stayed long, and all were dismissed without sentiment. Such a man is heartless and fickle.”
Wei Baofu laughed it off. “Does he now keep any women in his household? Has he any illegitimate children? From what I know, he prepared generous dowries for his first two concubines, and they married well and live happily. The last, however, seems unwilling to leave and has remained at his villa for two years.”
After the incident, Wei Baofu had instructed Ye Feng to investigate and grew more convinced of her own judgment. Wei Baozhen was surprised. “I’ve not heard how he treated his dismissed concubines. From what you say, perhaps he is not so bad after all?”
Wei Baofu poured herself tea and said with ease, “I do not yet know his true character, but he is certainly not as rumored. According to my investigation, all three concubines left with their maidenhood intact. It is precisely because of this that the two who remarried now live so well.”
Wei Baozhen was so astonished she dropped her teacup, her face flushed. “Could it be the Marquis has some hidden ailment? If so, you must not marry him.” Nurse Qian was equally anxious.
“Do not speak nonsense. I believe the Marquis intended to live well with them but could not give his heart. He is indeed an unusual man, but I can understand.”
Wei Baozhen was somewhat reassured and said with a smile, “I heard from my mother that the Marquis himself knelt and begged to marry you. I imagine the Empress must have thought, like everyone else, that he would never agree, for a princess is not so easily dismissed.”
Wei Baofu nodded. “She is destined to be disappointed this time. I suspect she will try to stir up trouble again, though I do not know how I have offended her.”
Wei Baozhen laughed. “Some people cannot bear to see you live better than they do; that alone is reason enough for them to seek a thousand ways to make trouble for you.”
Having left the imperial study, the Empress’s face was dark as thunder. Xiujin followed in silence, not daring to breathe. Upon entering Kunning Palace, the Empress exclaimed angrily, “Has the Marquis of Zhenbei lost his mind? Why would he beg to marry Kangping? Once he marries that girl, it will be hard to cast her off.”
Xiujin ventured softly, “Perhaps the Marquis truly loves Her Grace. After all, she is beautiful and gracious—his affection would be natural.”
At these words, the Empress grew even more furious. Her voice turned cold. “I should have done everything in my power to prevent their return to the palace. I had hoped the Empress Dowager would deal with the Consort. Who would have thought that blood is thicker than water? If Kangping now sides with the Fourth Prince—no, she already does—and now has the Marquis of Zhenbei, what is to become of my son, the Crown Prince?”
The Empress was not a fool; her sole motivation was to see the Crown Prince ascend. From the start, she had instinctively disliked Wei Baofu, sensing she would cause trouble. Now her suspicions were confirmed, and she bitterly regretted her failed machinations.
“That may not be the case,” Xiujin offered. “The Marquis is not easily won by women. No matter how lovely Her Grace, time will rob her of her beauty, and he may tire of her. Though he is resolute now, the future remains uncertain.”
The Empress sighed, fatigue in her voice. “Xiujin, I feel increasingly uneasy. Later, go to the Eastern Palace and urge the Crown Prince to repay his debts quickly. We must not quarrel with Kangping. The most important matter is to secure a strong Crown Princess.”
What she needed now was a powerful ally, and the Crown Princess was the ideal choice. She did not want further complications. Xiujin nodded in assent, then hesitantly said, “I have only just learned that during Her Grace’s visit to the hot spring villa, the Grand Princess and the Second Prince were stirring up trouble.”
The Empress sneered. “If they were capable of anything, Kangping would never have returned unscathed. Their mothers are still here; it is not my place to intervene. Let them do as they wish. The second child is useless; the Crown Prince cannot rely on him at all. I have wasted my efforts on them.”
“But what if the Grand Princess provokes Her Grace and causes you trouble? After all, as the Marquis’s fiancée, the Emperor will surely favor her more.”
The Empress considered for a moment. “The second prince has already established his own household outside the palace; he is no longer my concern. The Grand Princess often stays here, and before, it did no harm to indulge her. Now, however, it is unnecessary. Send her away—let her return to her mother. It is better they reunite than have others accuse me of lacking compassion.”
Xiujin understood. The Grand Princess would be unwilling to leave, and such news would surely cause the Princess Royal to complain. Yet the Grand Princess was now of no use to the Empress, and it was no wonder she no longer cared for her.