Chapter Fifty-Four

The Empress Dowager's gaze was tinged with complexity. Her niece’s life had been ruined, and the hatred she harbored for the Emperor grew even deeper. For generations, the women of the Zhao family had suffered because of him, unable to find happiness.

“Aunt, I won’t waste words. You understand the gravity of the situation. I only ask you to remember not to act impulsively.” The Lady of Virtue did not expect much help from the Empress Dowager; she merely hoped she would not hinder their efforts. After more than ten years of endurance, all could not be destroyed in an instant.

The Empress Dowager was somewhat dissatisfied with the Lady of Virtue’s lack of trust, but recalling her years of grievances, she did not argue. She nodded lightly, agreeing, “From now on, let us keep our interactions as before—neither warm nor cold. If we suddenly reconcile, others will surely suspect.”

This made perfect sense. Though the Empress Dowager felt reluctant, unable to see her grandson at will, she understood that small sacrifices must be made for greater plans. “I cannot stay long; I’ll take Ru Lan and leave now.” The Lady of Virtue felt no anger at Ru Lan’s death. She knew that Ru Lan’s heart had perished the day her elder sister passed away.

The Lady of Virtue did not deliberately conceal the news. She openly arrived to take Ru Lan away, and what she took was a corpse. Soon, rumors spread throughout the palace, cementing the discord between aunt and niece.

When Wei Baofu returned to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, she had regained her composure. She went first to see the Empress Dowager, who had calmed herself somewhat and greeted Wei Baofu with a smile, “How is the Fourth Prince? I’ve heard his studies are most excellent.”

The question was abrupt. Wei Baofu paused, then smiled, “He truly is outstanding, not only charming in temperament but also diligent in his lessons. I am very fond of him.” Wei Baofu’s affection was genuine.

The Empress Dowager could not help but smile. “He is like your father—exceptional from a young age. Otherwise, he would not inspire others’ jealousy.” These words startled Wei Baofu, who glanced around to ensure they were alone.

“Do not worry. My palace is not impenetrable, but it is not a place where anyone can come to eavesdrop on news.” The Empress Dowager spoke with conviction. Wei Baofu asked helplessly, “Grandmother, do you know everything?”

The Empress Dowager nodded without hesitation. “I have been in the harem for so long; how could I not notice inconsistencies? Previously, hatred blinded me, but now I see things clearly. It is not too late. At least no grave mistake has been made, and my grandson has not grown to despise me. You ought to have told me earlier.”

Wei Baofu offered a wry smile. “Grandmother, what about Aunt Ru Lan? Is she well?” Only Ru Lan could have revealed everything to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager’s expression grew less relaxed. She spoke softly, “After telling me, she took her own life. It was not my doing, so do not misunderstand.”

She could disregard what the Lady of Virtue thought, but could not bear her granddaughter’s misunderstanding. Wei Baofu spoke calmly, “I know you would never do such a thing. She had long resolved to die; it is not surprising. I just find it a pity, for it should not have ended this way.”

“Everyone has their own way of living. For her, loyalty to her master was the greatest meaning. Leaving was liberation.” The Empress Dowager had seen many such devoted servants; what master would not wish for such loyalty?

“You are right, Grandmother. It’s only that she was the one most closely tied to my mother. With her gone, my last connection to my mother has vanished.” No child is without attachment to their mother. The Empress Dowager pulled her into an embrace, comforting her, “You must learn to let go. Your mother would wish to see you living joyfully and freely. Had she told me the truth back then, I would have protected her no matter what.”

If the Princess Consort of Prince Lian had told her early about her pregnancy, the Empress Dowager would never have let the Emperor act recklessly. She might have risked her life to contend with him. The outcome might not have been as it was today, and the Empress Dowager knew her temperament could have led to mutual destruction. Perhaps, that would have been best—both children preserved and growing so outstandingly.

“If your father knows in the afterlife, he should be satisfied. If the Fourth Prince is successfully crowned, it will be retribution for him.” The Empress Dowager’s words brimmed with ambition, causing Wei Baofu to worry.

“Grandmother, the Fourth Prince is still confused and knows nothing. Please don't burden him. He is well as he is now.” Wei Baofu feared above all that all this would affect the Fourth Prince. It is hard to nurture a child, but all too easy to destroy one.

The Empress Dowager reassured her, “Rest assured. I understand. I will act as I always have. I will protect him discreetly. He is the hope of us all.”

In Wei Baofu’s eyes, the Empress Dowager now seemed radiant, as if spring had come to a withered tree. She could not help but feel self-deprecating—no matter how exceptional a girl is, she is never as valuable as a boy who can carry on the family line.

Leaving the Empress Dowager’s chambers, Wei Baofu was unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow. She had a direction for the future, but not a clear path. She could not act for the Fourth Prince, only support him from the sidelines.

“Miss, Pearl and Linglong have finished copying the sutras. Please ask Granny Qian to let them return to your service.” Bingxin spoke at the right moment, noticing her mistress was not herself and fearing she might be troubled.

Wei Baofu regained her composure and smiled, “It’s been long enough; they should return. Call Granny Qian here.” She did not wish to linger on these unknown matters. Rather than worry, she would let things take their course.

Granny Qian arrived quickly, though her expression was somewhat grim. Upon seeing Wei Baofu, she hurried to say, “Lady, earlier the Lady of Virtue came with great force, spoke with the Empress Dowager, then left with a corpse. Now rumors are rife in the palace, saying the aunt and niece are mortal enemies.”

Wei Baofu was unaware of this. Presumably, the Lady of Virtue realized Ru Lan had been brought in and came personally to claim her. No one could have expected Ru Lan would end her own life. Since Grandmother knew the truth, there would be no real rift with the Lady of Virtue—it was all for show.

“Don’t worry, Granny. It’s not as serious as you think, nor will it implicate me. Please be at ease.” Granny Qian dreaded such messy affairs involving her mistress. Sometimes she blamed the Empress Dowager for meddling.

“I only worry for you, Miss. But the Empress Dowager’s matters are not for me to comment on. Do you have any other instructions?” Granny Qian, now older, lacked her former vigor and managed fewer things.

“Granny, let Pearl and Linglong return. Their tempers have been refined enough, and I cannot do without them.” Wei Baofu softened her tone to persuade. Granny Qian instinctively frowned, “You are too kind. Just copying sutras and you already feel sorry for them. In the future, you mustn't be so lenient.”

Though she was chiding her mistress, Granny Qian still handed the key to Yuhu, “Go unlock the door and bring them over. Be more careful in your duties.”

Yuhu nodded quickly, took the key, and went to fetch the girls. Soon, the three maids arrived together. Pearl and Linglong had grown thinner, and upon seeing Wei Baofu, were deeply ashamed, kneeling, “It was our carelessness that forced you to compromise, Miss. It’s all our fault.”

Wei Baofu waved her hand indifferently and smiled, “Enough. We all know it was my decision, not yours. It was just your duty. Don’t be angry with Granny Qian; she only had your best interests at heart.”

Both maids were sensible. Though punished, it was only copying sutras, not real hardship, and so they bore no resentment. “Go wash up, change, and come serve me.” Having them close was enough; there was no need for comforting words—they had grown up together and need not be so formal.

Since being driven to the Jade Fragment Pavilion by the Empress, Wei Baohua had been unhappy. Now, she could not even get the food she wanted. The chefs in the imperial kitchen were snobbish, and a princess whose mother was out of favor and had no family to rely on was of little concern to anyone.

“Princess, there’s still no news from the Second Prince. Perhaps you should give up hope.” The chief maid Lan Yin whispered, for Zhao Jing Shen refused to see her, even with the Second Prince’s intervention, leaving Wei Baohua anxious.

“Give up? I am already of age. If I don’t plan for myself, who will care about my marriage? Neither the Empress, nor my brother, nor my mother who ignores worldly affairs—none truly care for me. I know the Young Lord Zhao is not fond of me, but tell me, who else could I marry?”

Wei Baohua was not particularly clever, but she knew to look out for herself. Lan Yin replied softly, “We are trapped in the palace with no one to help. Perhaps you should ask the Emperor to issue a decree directly; I doubt Young Lord Zhao would dare defy it.”

That was an idea. Wei Baohua was tempted but then recalled the Lady of Virtue, and bitterly smiled, “With her around, Father won’t disregard her wishes. She has always looked down on me and won’t agree. Now that Lady Kangping’s marriage is set, I can relax and maybe ask her for help.”

Lan Yin looked awkward, “Princess, that may not be wise. Lady Kangping is estranged from you and will not help.”

Wei Baohua was indifferent, “If she won’t help, I can beg her. Those who achieve great things don’t fuss over details. Your princess is not so fortunate and must resort to foolish means. Once I see Young Lord Zhao, I’ll have my chance—if I sacrifice my reputation, perhaps I’ll find a way out.”

Her eyes were filled with madness, as if nothing could stop her. Lan Yin felt a sudden unease.