Chapter Fifteen: Safe and Sound

For reasons he could not fathom, Zhao Jingshen felt a sudden surge of nervousness. Instinctively, he swallowed, as if the air around him had grown thin; this was a sensation he had never experienced before. He pressed his palm hard, trying to wake himself from this absurd feeling.

After giving instructions, Wei Baofu seemed to notice the two brothers for the first time and spoke in a distant tone, “The heir and the third young master should go rest. There’s nothing you can do here at the moment. Waiting around is pointless—let the two imperial physicians keep watch.”

Zhao Jingxing was the first to reply, “Come on, cousin, are you saying we’re in the way? I may not know medicine, but I can certainly run errands and help out.”

Wei Baofu had no patience for their chatter now; whether they chose to rest was their own affair. She glanced at the brothers without emotion, then turned and entered the inner chamber.

After all, the Empress Dowager was still inside. Though Zhao Jingxing was reluctant, he dared not behave improperly, and could only pace back and forth in frustration. Looking up, he saw Zhao Jingshen still in a daze and rolled his eyes in an unbecoming manner.

“Brother, what are you thinking?” Although Zhao Jingshen was usually quiet, he shouldn’t be this silent right now. He had already come to his senses when Wei Baofu left, but the unfamiliar emotion had been overwhelming; he needed a moment to collect himself.

“We’ll wait here with the imperial physicians. If something happens, at least we can explain ourselves when we return.” Truthfully, his mind was in turmoil, but his reason prevailed and he knew what needed to be done.

Zhao Jingxing did not object; after all, the Empress Dowager was their grandaunt. Though not close, their family ties could not be denied, and keeping vigil was only right.

Madam Feng, her face full of worry, wiped the Empress Dowager’s forehead with a damp cloth, while Madam Qian helped wring it out. When Wei Baofu entered, Madam Feng asked hopefully, “Is there a way?”

Wei Baofu shook her head helplessly. “The imperial physicians say the prescription’s effects are too harsh; if Grandmother takes it, it will shorten her life. We can’t take that risk. Don’t worry, I’ve thought of something else. Only you two are to stay in the room—everyone else must leave.”

The attendants knew Wei Baofu had not rested well the previous night and now looked even more exhausted. But priorities must be set; their worries could only be suppressed. Once the maids had left, Wei Baofu approached the Empress Dowager and said softly, “Madam, help me undress Grandmother. I will rub her with spirits; whether it works or not, we can only leave it to fate.”

Madam Qian wiped her tears, thinking how hard life was for her young mistress. Just when hope seemed near, the Empress Dowager fell ill again. If anything happened, the road ahead would truly be difficult.

“Let Madam Feng and me handle it, mistress. You watch from the side.” Willing to spare Wei Baofu from exertion, Madam Qian preferred to do it herself. Wei Baofu did not refuse. “Draw the gauze curtains—Lord Zhang will soon bring the spirits.”

Though Lord Zhang was a eunuch, Wei Baofu still considered him a man and thus observed propriety. The two madams worked carefully, gently removing the Empress Dowager’s clothes.

Just then, Zhang Dewang arrived with the spirits, leading several young eunuchs carrying the jars. Wei Baofu ensured everything was set and promptly sent them out. Zhang Dewang did not even see the Empress Dowager, nor did he know her current condition.

He waited anxiously outside. Others might think the Emperor had lost affection for the Empress Dowager, but after serving him for so long, Zhang Dewang could see that he regarded her as his real mother. He feared that one misstep might bring disaster upon himself and regretted taking on such a task.

Wei Baofu rubbed the Empress Dowager’s body with spirits while softly speaking to her, recalling their happiest moments together in childhood and envisioning a bright future. For years, the Empress Dowager had longed to return to the palace; now, her spirit had begun to waver, which perhaps led to her sudden illness.

Soon, the room was filled with the scent of alcohol. Madam Feng checked the Empress Dowager’s forehead from time to time, noting that the fever had not worsened.

Wei Baofu had no other recourse, carefully continuing her efforts. At this moment, she wished fervently for the existence of gods—if only they would hear her prayers and grant her grandmother a swift recovery.

She worked tirelessly, ignoring Madam Qian’s increasingly worried glances. It was not until the latter half of the night that the Empress Dowager’s fever finally subsided. Wei Baofu was overwhelmed with relief, her hands trembling as she dressed her grandmother. The imperial physicians came to check her pulse, confirming she had survived this crisis. Only then did Wei Baofu feel truly at ease.

This time, Madam Qian refused to let her mistress continue, insisting she rest. Wei Baofu, suddenly relaxed, found her legs weak and smiled wryly, “Madam, slow down. My legs are too weak to walk. Let Pearl and the others in.”

Madam Qian understood perfectly, calling in four maids. Wei Baofu gave careful instructions before letting Madam Qian help her out. In the outer chamber, she found the brothers still waiting. Since they had kept vigil so long, Wei Baofu could not just dismiss them.

She patted Madam Qian’s hand, signaling her to let go, and spoke calmly, “Thank you both. Grandmother is out of danger now. You should rest as well. Tomorrow, we may not be able to travel; it’s best to send word to the palace.”

Zhao Jingshen was now completely back to normal, though a strange unease lingered within him; it was still manageable.

“No need for concern, mistress. Lord Zhang has already handled that. There’s no rush for us; the Empress Dowager’s and your health come first.”

Zhao Jingxing quickly chimed in, “Yes, we can take our time and enjoy the scenery along the way. We’re in no hurry. But cousin, you look exhausted—go rest. If you become haggard, you won’t be as beautiful as before.”

Wei Baofu didn’t mind, smiling as Madam Qian helped her away. Despite her exhaustion, she remained composed and calm; one could only wonder how such a girl was raised.

Wei Baofu was utterly spent. After a brief wash, she instructed Madam Qian to wake her immediately if the Empress Dowager’s condition changed. Madam Qian readily agreed. Once Wei Baofu lay down, Madam Qian tucked her in and watched her fall asleep quickly, finally at ease.

Once Wei Baofu was sound asleep, Madam Qian tiptoed out—she still needed to prepare nourishing food for both mistress and the Empress Dowager. Madam Feng would not be able to leave, so Madam Qian had to be diligent.

Wei Baofu slept deeply, as if the fatigue of the previous days had melted away. When she awoke, Linglong was delighted.

“Mistress, the Empress Dowager is well now. She woke up and ate, and the imperial physicians say she’ll recover in a few days.”

This was indeed wonderful news. Wei Baofu could not help but smile. “That’s good news. Has Madam Qian gone to rest? How is Madam Feng? They mustn’t be worn out.”

Linglong dressed her as she replied, “You needn’t worry, mistress. Everything is arranged. Madam Feng is resting, and the chief palace maid is watching over the Empress Dowager. Madam Qian has gone to rest as well. Are you hungry?”

It was already midday, and Wei Baofu did feel hungry. The Empress Dowager’s illness had made her realize that so much in life was beyond control; to remain trapped in the past benefits no one. Steward Tang reaps what he sows, and she need not trouble herself too much.

She ate in excellent spirits. No sooner had she set aside her bowl than a young palace maid hurried in, saying the Empress Dowager had awakened and wished to speak with her. Wei Baofu was relieved—the elderly woman’s desire to converse signaled her renewed vitality.

The bond between grandmother and granddaughter was deep, and in times of trouble, their greatest concern was for each other’s safety. Upon seeing Wei Baofu’s noticeably thinner face, the Empress Dowager was displeased.

“Look at your little face, so thin! Despite all your careful nurturing, you never gain weight, and now you insist on wearing yourself out.”

Wei Baofu, grinning, sat beside her grandmother, noting the vigor in her voice as proof of her recovery. “Don’t fret, Grandmother. I’m young and strong; some rest will soon restore me. But you’ve lost weight too.”

The Empress Dowager sighed, a hint of sorrow in her voice. “This illness struck so suddenly—I must have frightened you. I’m old now; any day could be my last. I worry because you’re not yet married. Your father’s affairs are important, but settling you is my greatest concern. When we return to the capital, I must find you a good husband.”

Wei Baofu did not object. Having something to worry about usually made the elderly more spirited; besides, her grandmother would not marry her off to anyone unsuitable, and such matters could not be resolved in a day.

“Madam Feng said you stayed by my side until the fever broke. You mustn’t do that again—your health is precious too. Your filial devotion is enough; you don’t need to do everything yourself.” Wei Baofu did not argue, nodding in agreement to everything.

Her perfunctory manner irritated the Empress Dowager, who tapped her forehead. “If those two young men truly care for you, you might as well spend more time with them. They’re family, after all, and you’ll have more support in the future.”

Wei Baofu smiled, replying firmly, “Grandmother, I won’t compromise myself to please others. If I must, it will be of my own accord. I think it’s best to keep an appropriate distance. With the Concubine Shu and the Fourth Prince around, it’s best to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

The Empress Dowager caught her meaning. The Crown Prince’s position was unstable, and the other princes were vying for succession—it was wise not to get involved. The mention of Concubine Shu soured her mood.

All of this was the fault of Concubine Shu. If she did not make her pay, she would have no face to meet her son in the underworld. Only with Concubine Shu’s death would her heart’s resentment be dispelled.