Chapter Thirteen: Thoughts Hard to Fathom

Zhao Jingxing curled his lips in disapproval. He didn’t believe the Empress Dowager could raise a good young lady, mostly because of the influence of the Zhao family’s matriarch—his grandmother—who had never spared any words in criticizing her sister-in-law.

Zhao Jingxing had been brought up by his grandmother from birth, so the bias seeped deep into him, leaving him with a profound distrust of the Empress Dowager and her granddaughter. He harbored no fondness for them at all.

“How about this,” he suggested, “let’s sneak into the fragrant boudoir tonight. Don’t tell me you’re not curious what Princess Kangping looks like. Maybe we’ll even overhear something useful.”

Zhao Jingshen frowned instinctively, sensing impropriety. “Third Brother, don’t be reckless. This is Jianzhang Palace, not a place for you to act as you please. Moreover, the Princess is not just our aunt’s daughter, she’s a noble lady of the imperial clan. We can’t behave so unruly.”

Zhao Jingxing had no patience for his elder brother’s lectures on propriety and etiquette. By nature, he was a little tyrant, always acting on impulse, shielded by their grandmother and fearing neither heaven nor earth. Now, his curiosity was piqued, and nothing would dissuade him.

“Enough, enough. No need to nag. I’ll go alone. My martial skills are better than yours, and even if I get caught, I’m younger than the Princess and her cousin. Nothing serious will happen.”

Without waiting for Zhao Jingshen’s consent, he turned and strode out. Having eaten poorly these days, he first headed to the kitchen for something tasty.

Zhao Jingshen hesitated for a moment, but his brother had already disappeared. He himself was always the epitome of propriety, never acting indecently toward ladies. Though curious about his cousin, he didn’t feel an urgent need to meet her. The more he considered it, the more improper it seemed. When Third Brother returned, he must prevent his recklessness.

Wei Baofu carried on as usual, giving no thought to so-called cousins. To her, planning how to deal with the Emperor and the court upon entering the palace was far more meaningful than curiosity about those two.

She sat upright at her dressing table, listening as Nurse Qian and Linglong went over the inventory and belongings. She paid close attention, fearing she might leave behind something she cherished. Although she could send someone to retrieve it later, it would be troublesome.

Once the inventory was checked, Pearl entered, carrying a tray and fuming. After bowing to Wei Baofu, she complained, “The third young master of the Courageous Marquis’s household is utterly unruly. I asked Granny Yao in the main kitchen to prepare bird’s nest soup for you. Just as it was finished, he took it for himself, never minding whose place this is.”

Linglong quickly put away the account book and stood to ask, “Our Princess’s meals are always made in the small kitchen. Why go to the main kitchen?”

Pearl hurried to explain, “I’d heard Granny Yao’s bird’s nest soup is the most authentic. Our Princess doesn’t like the fishy taste, so I thought she might try it. But look how it turned out.”

Wei Baofu cared little about such matters. She replied indifferently, “Let him eat if he wishes. Tell Granny Yao to prepare another for him tomorrow morning. Don’t let a trivial issue undermine your composure.”

Nurse Qian disapproved. “Princess, you’re too good-natured. That third young master must not respect you at all if he acts this way. I don’t believe Pearl failed to mention the soup was for you.”

Pearl nodded vigorously. “Of course I said so, and even mentioned you needed to nourish yourself lately. Who would have guessed, the third young master said the Princess doesn’t lack a meal or two and he needs to be nourished as well.”

Wei Baofu smiled, relaxed. “I remember he’s younger than me. Let’s just say he’s a child with a greedy appetite. He’s not important—I don’t need to care if he regards me highly or not.”

Outsiders often saw Wei Baofu as cold, but only she knew that treating all matters lightly was true self-preservation. She was born with few attachments; apart from those who loved her deeply, others weren’t worthy of stirring her emotions.

Nurse Qian said, “Let it be. Only our Princess tolerates such behavior. If it were another noble lady from the capital, he’d never dare. Anyway, we set out early tomorrow. Let’s keep clear of them along the way—if we can’t confront them, we can avoid them.”

Wei Baofu agreed with a smile, then ladled herself a bowl of soup and savored it slowly. The flavor of the mushroom broth was rich and fragrant, bringing her immense satisfaction.

“Nurse, you should try this mushroom soup too. All of you go and have your meal. I’ll leave a second-rank maid to attend me; that’s enough.”

Wei Baofu never liked having people serve her dishes, nor needed constant attendance. Nurse Qian and the others were used to this and didn’t decline, instructing the maid to be diligent before leaving.

After supper and washing up, Wei Baofu reclined on the small couch by the window, engrossed in her book.

Worried about washing on the road, Wei Baofu had washed her hair, which was still damp. She lay under a thin blanket, her feet bare, as Iceheart gently dried her hair. Tonight, Iceheart and Jadepot were on night duty.

Jadepot finished making the bed, then turned and softly called, “Princess, it’s time to sleep. You have to rise early tomorrow. You shouldn’t keep reading.”

Wei Baofu didn’t look up, giving only a perfunctory reply. Whether she heard was uncertain. Iceheart laughed, stopping her task. “Princess, you said you’d sleep early tonight.”

The tone was as if coaxing a child, making Wei Baofu amused. Reluctantly, she closed the book and handed it to Iceheart. “All right, put it away. I’ll sleep now.”

Wei Baofu knew the persuasive power of these two maids and so, for peace of mind, went to bed early herself.

Iceheart and Jadepot thoughtfully removed her outer garments. When she lay down, they drew the gauze curtains, extinguished the candle, and Iceheart whispered, “Princess, we’re in the side room. If you need anything, just ring the bell.”

Wei Baofu murmured assent. Once the two maids left and closed the door, the room fell silent.

There was something Wei Baofu hadn’t told anyone—she had been suffering from insomnia lately. Ever since the beating death of Manager Tang, she sometimes heard his wailing at night. All illusions, she knew.

But it was a life lost. In modern times, his crime wouldn’t warrant death, but in this environment, she had no choice. She needed others to see her decisiveness, to stand independently and strong. The guilt and unease in her heart, the sorrow and fear she couldn’t voice, could only be buried deep within.

Eyes open, Wei Baofu stared at the canopy with indifference. Tonight was the fifteenth, and moonlight streamed in, dispelling the darkness.

She often emptied her mind like this lately. Manager Tang, besides his daughter who had been taken into the Eastern Palace, left behind two concubines and a son and daughter. Wei Baofu had merely expelled them from the residence she’d provided, not confiscated all their silver. She considered herself merciful.

Enough. What’s done is done. Some paths must be walked to the end. She was about to close her eyes when suddenly she heard footsteps on the roof; soon, the commotion grew louder. Calmly, she lifted her quilt and rose.

Iceheart and Jadepot, still awake, hurriedly knocked from outside. “Princess, are you all right? The night guards have caught a thief.”

“I’m fine. Come in and light the lamp,” said Wei Baofu, confident in her safety under her father’s chosen guards. If she couldn’t trust them, there’d be no point planning further; she might as well resign herself to a leisurely life.

Iceheart and Jadepot entered, deftly lighting the lamp and wrapping Wei Baofu in a cloak, determined to shield her completely. Wei Baofu let them fuss over her.

Once ready, the two supported Wei Baofu outside. The thief was already bound and kneeling on the ground, shouting, “You blind fools! Who do you think you’re tying up? Do you even know who I am?”

The guard captain, Ye Feng, kicked him mercilessly and mocked, “How dare you act wild before the Princess? No matter whose son you are, execution on the spot would be justified.”

Ye Feng had been personally trained by Prince Lian, his skill and loyalty unmatched. Now, his dedication to Wei Baofu was no less than to Prince Lian. Even recognizing the boy’s identity, he showed no mercy.

“I’d like to know, whose son are you, daring to behave so outrageously? Does your family know?”

Wei Baofu’s voice was gentle and clear as water, suddenly reaching Zhao Jingxing’s ears. He reflexively turned to look.

He couldn’t describe what he saw. The young woman before him wore no makeup, her skin snowy and delicate, every feature exquisitely formed. Her hair, dark as ink, flowed over her shoulders. Even shrouded in a cloak, her graceful figure was evident as she moved.

She was a beauty one never tired of gazing at. Zhao Jingxing had never seen such a woman. With looks like hers, even dragon sons or phoenix heirs would be suitable matches, let alone her noble birth.

“Cousin, I am Zhao Jingxing, third young master of the Courageous Marquis’s household. I merely lost my way and accidentally entered your courtyard. Please, cousin, have mercy.”

Wei Baofu’s expression remained calm; she rarely lost her temper. She’d suspected who it was even before seeing him, and now, as expected, she felt no anger.

“Third young master, refrain from claiming kinship so freely. I know of several cousins among the imperial clan, and on holidays we exchange gifts, but I was unaware of any cousin on your side.”

Her words, neither heavy nor light, subtly rebuked the Zhao family for their indifference. Zhao Jingxing hadn’t minded before, but now, seeing such a stunning cousin so coldly received by his family, he felt a twinge of guilt.

“Don’t be angry, cousin. I don’t know much about the elders’ affairs, but hearing that I have such a cousin fills me with joy. I came here hoping to look after you.”

Wei Baofu understood. Outwardly honest and clumsy, he was actually quite shrewd and clearly attracted by beauty. If she had time, she wouldn’t mind sparring with him, but tonight she lacked the patience.

Nurse Qian, who had approached when Wei Baofu spoke, eyed Zhao Jingxing unfavorably. His amazement was too obvious, and Nurse Qian wished she could gouge out his eyes.

She glared at him fiercely, then, recalling the heir waiting outside, walked to Wei Baofu and whispered a few words. Wei Baofu nodded, then said to Ye Feng, “Captain Ye, escort him out and hand him over to the heir of the Courageous Marquis’s household. He’s at the gate. Remind them: if there’s a next time, execute him without hesitation!”

She was smiling, but when she uttered “execute without hesitation,” Zhao Jingxing realized she was not someone to trifle with. He wouldn’t mistake her words for jest.

Ye Feng obeyed, dragging Zhao Jingxing away. Waiting outside with Madam Feng, Zhao Jingshen felt deeply embarrassed, especially after Madam Feng’s look of disdain.

Seeing Zhao Jingxing come out unscathed, he scolded him thoroughly. Whether the third young master felt remorse or was simply lost in awe of Wei Baofu’s beauty, he did not argue.

Zhao Jingshen bowed to Madam Feng, who stepped aside coldly and said, “Heir, you’d best keep the third young master in check. If the Empress Dowager hears of this, neither of you will escape punishment. You’ll only add to the grievances between both sides. The Princess is the Empress Dowager’s untouchable treasure; my words end here.”

With that, she ignored their reactions, nodded to Ye Feng, and left. At this point, if Zhao Jingshen wanted to punish Zhao Jingxing, there was no need. Had he firmly prevented it from the start, things wouldn’t have ended thus.

Back in their room, Zhao Jingxing said with lingering excitement, “Brother, I saw the Princess. She’s a rare beauty. If you could marry her, it would be worth a lifetime.”

Zhao Jingshen drank several cups of cold tea, displeased. “Look at the trouble you caused. After all this, you only care about her looks?”

Zhao Jingxing, shameless as ever, replied, “Looks are certainly important, but this cousin is not easy to approach. She speaks gently, but it’s as if her words carry thorns—she’s not easily touched.”

Anyone able to command such loyalty from those around her could never be simple. Their behavior had already put them at a disadvantage; before even meeting her, he’d earned her disfavor. If he’d been respectful and cautious, it wouldn’t have ended like this.

He sensed he’d regret tonight’s actions, but with things as they were, he could only say, “Never mind, let’s rest early. If there’s a chance later, I’ll explain to the Princess. It wasn’t intentional.”

“I doubt cousin will pay much heed. She seems hard to approach; even our grandmother might not succeed. Who knows how the Empress Dowager raised her—a beautiful girl, yet so difficult to befriend.”

Zhao Jingshen ignored him and went to sleep. Tomorrow’s troubles could wait for tomorrow.