Chapter Fifty-Five

Wei Baohua cared little for what a mere maid might think. Seeing her motionless for some time, she could not resist scolding, “What, do you too dare look down on this princess?” Her eyes glinted with a kind of bloodthirsty madness.

Lan Yin was so startled she fell to her knees, shaking her head repeatedly. “Your servant would never dare, I only worry for Your Highness. I fear Lady Kangping may not be willing to help, and if that happens, you might be sad. Your servant is utterly loyal to Your Highness, you know that.”

Wei Baohua’s expression softened slightly at these words. Smiling, she said, “Get up, then. I’m not some cold and heartless person. Rest assured, even if Kangping refuses, I’ll pester her until she agrees.”

So long as she could reach her goal, Wei Baohua cared little for others’ opinions. But to go alone to Lady Kangping seemed a bit abrupt. Her eyes flickered with calculation, and she smiled, “The whole palace knows of Kangping’s good fortune. As her sisters, we really ought to visit and offer our congratulations. Lan Yin, go fetch the hair ornament Mother granted me last time. We’ll go find Wei Baozhen first.”

Lan Yin looked puzzled. “Princess, didn’t you say you wanted to save that set for a banquet? It may not be the most precious, but it’s wonderfully crafted.”

Wei Baohua only laughed. “Are you saying I’m poor? Other than that hair ornament, I have nothing else fit to offer as a gift. Let it be so.”

Lan Yin well knew her mistress’s habit of never changing her mind. She was a palace maid just as the favored Zhuyu was at Wei Baozhen’s side, but she was not so fortunate. Secretly, she envied Zhuyu. She herself had no one to depend on, not unlike the eldest princess—both were pitiable in their way.

Lately, Wei Baozhen had been fixated on an exquisite peony embroidery pattern she’d recently acquired. Its beauty made her hands itch to work, and she’d scarcely left her rooms for days, intent on finishing the embroidery.

Zhuyu entered, bearing a tray of fruit, and found her mistress frowning. Amused, she said, “Mistress, don’t let that peony painting torment you. Let’s go outside for a stroll and rest your eyes.”

Wei Baozhen feigned annoyance. “You sly thing, trying to persuade me to give up? I refuse! Not only will I finish this peony, I’ll gift it to Baofu in celebration of her betrothal.”

At these words, Zhuyu’s expression was half exasperation, half amusement. Her mistress excelled at everything—save embroidery, which was nearly painful to behold. Yet the more she struggled, the less she’d let go.

“Mistress, are you sure you’re congratulating Lady Kangping, not making an enemy of her?” Zhuyu teased.

Wei Baozhen was unruffled. “She and I are two of a kind. She won’t mind.”

So, her mistress was well aware her embroidery might warrant disdain. “I’m exhausted. Time for a break. What are you carrying?”

Zhuyu remembered and smiled. “These are tangerines sent by Lady Kangping’s maid, a gift from the Marquis of Zhenbei. The Lady sent some for you and Her Grace to try. There aren’t many, but it’s a kind thought.”

Wei Baozhen took a tangerine and peeled it, laughing. “Well, the Marquis of Zhenbei seems a fine match. At least he knows how to cherish her. Baofu’s name truly suits her—she is indeed blessed.”

Zhuyu agreed, “Indeed. Raised by the Empress Dowager, her bearing surpasses that of most noble ladies. The Lady hasn’t even shown herself yet. Once she does, those so-called beauties and socialites will surely pale in comparison.”

Wei Baozhen was momentarily taken aback, then laughed. “Kangping cares little for empty titles, but you’re right. Those haughty girls should be taught a lesson by Baofu one of these days.”

To maintain royal dignity, even if she disdained some noblewomen, Wei Baozhen never openly confronted them, preferring a cool distance. Now, though, she was curious whether they would feel ashamed in Baofu’s presence.

“That will certainly be entertaining. By the way, the Lady only sent these fruits here and to the Fourth Prince’s quarters,” Zhuyu added.

Wei Baozhen was pleased. “Baofu isn’t one to curry favor. If someone isn’t truly congenial, she keeps her distance.”

Indeed, had they not been kindred spirits, she and Baofu would never have gotten along so well at first meeting. Wei Baozhen was about to speak again when a young eunuch announced the arrival of the Eldest Princess. Wei Baozhen wiped her hands with a handkerchief, a little puzzled. “Have I offended my elder sister lately?”

Zhuyu shook her head, amused. “You’ve been busy with your embroidery. How could you have time to bother her? Shall I put these tangerines away first? After all, there aren’t many, and fresh fruit is hard to come by at this time of year.”

Wei Baozhen nodded. She wasn’t stingy, just disinclined to offer treats to those she disliked. Wei Baohua, all smiles, entered with Lan Yin. Catching the scent of fruit, she exclaimed, “Well now, what delicious treat have you hidden here, sister? It smells wonderful.”

Wei Baozhen had no interest in small talk. “If you have something to say, please say it. We’re hardly close enough for idle chatter.”

Wei Baohua’s smile faltered. Though displeased, she couldn’t show her temper now. “Then I’ll be direct. Kangping’s betrothal is set, only the ceremony remains. I heard from Mother that the Empress Dowager wishes to hold the coming-of-age and engagement ceremonies on the same day. There isn’t much time. Shall we, as her sisters, deliver our gifts first?”

So eager—Wei Baozhen knew exactly what scheme she was after. She hesitated, but thought that even if she refused, Wei Baohua would find another way. Better to go along and perhaps lend a hand.

“I’ll send a maid ahead to announce us. Zhuyu, bring the gifts.”

Wei Baozhen had long prepared her present, which was naturally more generous than Wei Baohua’s. All were placed in embroidered boxes, so Wei Baohua couldn’t see what was inside.

She said with a hint of sourness, “You’re certainly generous, sister. I wonder what you’ll prepare for your own elder sister’s engagement—surely it can’t be less than what you’re giving your cousin, or that would be favoritism.”

So blunt—Wei Baozhen was at a loss for words. Irritated, she replied, “Is my elder sister really in need of such things? Besides, your marriage isn’t even on the horizon. Must you act so desperate? If others hear, they’ll laugh at us.”

Wei Baohua realized she’d gone too far and fell silent. The two sisters said little more, riding together to Cining Palace to greet the Empress Dowager, then proceeding to see Wei Baofu.

When she received the message, Wei Baofu was surprised. Just moments ago, these people were scheming against her, and now they came to congratulate her engagement? She remained calm, watching coldly to see what they would do.

“Kangping, you are truly fortunate to marry the Marquis of Zhenbei, a man admired by so many. Unlike our second sister, who has Consort Yu to support her, I have only this set of hair ornaments to add to your joy.”

Wei Baozhen also had her maid present her gift. Wei Baofu smiled graciously. “Thank you, sisters, for your thoughtfulness. The value is in your intentions; that’s more than enough.”

Wei Baofu was not miserly and did not remove the tangerines from the table just because of their visit. Spotting them, Wei Baohua immediately reached out for one, peeling it as she remarked, “No wonder your rooms smell so fragrant, second sister—it’s from Kangping. You’re truly close.”

Wei Baofu replied with a gentle smile, “It’s just some fruit. If you like, you’re welcome to take some.”

Wei Baohua was never shy. “Wonderful! Lan Yin, be sure to take some when we leave.”

Lan Yin bowed her head, her face flushing red with embarrassment, wishing she could hide. Her mistress really had no sense of decorum.

“I heard the old lady at the Marquis of Yongyi’s estate has fallen ill. Shouldn’t you pay her a visit, Kangping? She is your grandmother, after all. There’s no such thing as lasting grudges between family. If you’re worried it’ll be awkward alone, we can accompany you.”

Wei Baohua didn’t beat around the bush, stating her purpose directly. Wei Baozhen laughed lightly. “Sister, that’s Kangping’s maternal family—it has nothing to do with us. She’s not a child; does she need an escort?”

“Don’t be hasty, second sister. I’m asking Kangping, not you. We should hear what she thinks. After all, if word gets out that she hasn’t visited her ailing grandmother, what will others say?”

Wei Baofu hadn’t heard about this, for she paid little attention to that family. But if the old lady truly was ill, she supposed she ought to visit. After a moment’s thought, she smiled, “That’s very kind. With you both accompanying me, it won’t be awkward, especially since I’ve never been to that household.”

Wei Baozhen didn’t quite understand her intention but wouldn’t spoil matters. She smiled, “If you’re both going, I’ll join you. Staying in the palace is dull enough.”

Anyone could see Wei Baohua was up to something, but since Wei Baofu agreed, Wei Baozhen was happy to watch the drama unfold—life in the palace was rather tedious, after all. Satisfied with getting her way, Wei Baohua beamed, “Kangping, you’re so sensible.”

She had thought persuading her would take much more effort, but Wei Baofu was unexpectedly cooperative. Not caring about the reason, so long as her goal was met, Wei Baohua smiled, “Set the day and send word, sister. I’m sure you two have things to discuss, so I’ll take my leave. Lan Yin, bring the tangerines—we’re returning to the palace.”