Chapter Eighteen: Watching the Spectacle

Though the Empress Dowager was of exalted status, her care and affection for Wei Baofu were like those of the most ordinary grandmother in the world. Whenever she saw something exquisite, she always wanted to keep it for her granddaughter. She intended to buy a few delicate pieces of jewelry for Wei Baofu, but being accustomed to rare treasures, the craftsmanship of these finely made yet not particularly precious trinkets could not satisfy her discerning eye, and she grew somewhat disinterested.

The shopkeeper stood by, attentive and perceptive. From the moment Wei Baofu and her entourage entered, he recognized them as people of high birth. Wisely, he did not crowd them, instead waiting quietly for their instructions.

Wei Baofu, on the other hand, showed genuine interest. She herself owned a shop, the Phoenix Prosperity Pavilion, in the capital. Every detail of its décor and layout followed her own designs, catering specifically to the daughters and ladies of noble families. Naturally, the shop before her could not compare.

“Baoyr, there’s nothing rare or particularly exquisite here. Let’s go,” the Empress Dowager suggested.

Though they had not found anything to their liking, the outing itself was a pleasant diversion. The Empress Dowager was not disappointed. Wei Baofu set down the filigree bracelet she had been holding and smiled. “Grandmother, though these ornaments may not be precious, the craftsmanship of the master is truly worth admiring.”

Wei Baofu had long been interested in luxury goods. Though not an expert, she had a keen eye. The shopkeeper, ever observant, quickly stepped forward with a smile. “What the young lady says is true. Most of our pieces are crafted by master artisans with over twenty years of experience. It’s just that in recent years, business has been poor, and we can’t afford better materials or keep up with the latest styles. That’s why…”

He was a seasoned man of business and immediately saw that this elder and her granddaughter were of exceptional background. While it might be improper to poach talent directly from a rival, Wei Baofu truly valued the master’s skill—each pattern on the jewelry was vivid and brimming with vitality, a rare talent indeed.

“Shopkeeper, forgive my bluntness, but it seems your shop is on the verge of closing. If you’re looking for a way out, you might come to the relay station and seek me out. I happen to be short of a shopkeeper and a master craftsman at my own establishment.”

The shopkeeper froze for a moment, then forced a smile. “Thank you for your offer, miss. To be honest, this shop belongs to my family, handed down from my father-in-law. All the jewelry is made by my wife. Over the years, most of our savings have gone to treating my father-in-law’s illness, and it’s been hard to get by. Still, my wife and I wish to hold on a while longer—it is, after all, our family’s legacy.”

Wei Baofu nodded in understanding. She had been interested in the craftsmanship, and the shopkeeper was merely a bonus. If they could be persuaded, so much the better; if not, it was no great loss.

“If you can no longer manage, you may come to the Phoenix Prosperity Pavilion in the capital—that is my shop. If you arrive, someone will send word to me.”

At the mention of the Phoenix Prosperity Pavilion, the shopkeeper’s eyes widened in surprise. He had heard of its renown; it was said to be frequented by many noble ladies, with each piece unique and unrivaled.

“Thank you, miss, for your kindness. I am deeply grateful,” the shopkeeper said sincerely, bowing low. Wei Baofu laughed and stepped aside, linking arms with the Empress Dowager. “Grandmother, it sounds like there’s a commotion outside. Shall we go and see?”

Following her granddaughter’s gentle tug, the elderly lady turned around. She had not joined a public bustle in years and her eyes shone with lively curiosity, making Wei Baofu laugh inwardly.

The shopkeeper accompanied them out, instructed his young assistant to watch the shop closely, and hurried to the back courtyard—he dared not conceal such an olive branch extended by the Phoenix Prosperity Pavilion.

From the street, a rising clamor reached their ears—not only Wei Baofu and her companions heard it, but the brothers Zhao Jingchen and Zhao Jingxing also took notice. The group gathered, joining up with the Empress Dowager.

“It seems something has happened ahead,” Zhao Jingchen remarked. “I asked earlier; though this town is small, it lies on the main road to the capital and sees many strangers each day. The population is rather mixed. It’s best if the old lady doesn’t join the crowd—it might be unsafe.”

Despite outward appearances, Zhao Jingchen was a capable and thoughtful young man, but the Empress Dowager was not one to heed such warnings. She waved her hand impatiently. “It’s only a look from the sidelines—how dangerous could it be?”

With that, she strode forward, pulling Wei Baofu along. Zhao Jingchen had no time to stop them and could only catch up quickly, shielding them from the press of the crowd. Zhao Jingxing, naturally, followed his elder brother without complaint, doubting there was any real danger here.

Wei Baofu was not reckless. When Zhao Jingchen offered his warning, she had already received a message from Ye Feng confirming there was nothing amiss. If there truly had been danger, she would never have let her grandmother take the risk.

With their protectors, the grandmother and granddaughter soon saw what was happening. A thin, careworn yet beautiful woman stood in the midst of the street, holding an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, the child crying loudly. The mother and child were being dragged by several servants in blue livery.

Wei Baofu did not at first understand what was going on, but she saw that the woman, despite her disheveled state, held her child tightly, her eyes resolute, refusing to let go.

The leader of the men, growing impatient, snarled, “Wretched woman, look for yourself—your husband signed and sealed this deed of sale. You and your daughter belong to our brothel now. If you dare resist, no one will care if you’re beaten to death.”

At these words, the woman’s resolute gaze faltered, despair filling her eyes. The child’s wailing grew louder, seemingly calling her back to herself. Gritting her teeth, she said, “Take me if you must, but you will not touch my daughter. Either let her go, or we both die here today.”

Wei Baofu was still unclear on the details until Linglong came forward to whisper what she had gathered to her mistresses.

“It’s said this lady was once a daughter of an official family. After her family fell on hard times, she followed the family’s tutor here. Who would have thought the tutor was a good-for-nothing, gambling away their fortune and now selling his wife and child to the brothel before absconding with the money. This Lady Du is proud and unyielding, refusing to submit, and tried to escape with her child.”

The Empress Dowager sneered with disdain. “Another foolish woman, trusting a man’s promises. Look at her now. Baofu, remember this: men who cling to the powerful from the lower ranks are the most dangerous. The moment you’re of no use to them, they’ll ruin you without a second thought.”

She despised such men above all, especially those who preyed on naïve girls from sheltered homes. Wei Baofu nodded with a smile. “Grandmother, you are right. I am not so easily deceived. But do you think we should help them? Lady Du is a good mother.”

A woman who would risk her life to save her child from ruin was truly admirable. Wei Baofu could not bear to see mother and daughter come to such a miserable end. The Empress Dowager nodded, “Now that we’ve seen it, we can hardly turn a blind eye.”

Zhao Jingxing had long been itching to intervene. He could not stand to see the weak bullied, least of all now. He volunteered eagerly, “Old lady, let me handle this.”

The Empress Dowager glanced at him and replied with some disdain, “A foolish boy like you would only be cheated out of a fortune by that brothel. Better not walk into their trap. Leave this to your elder brother.”

Zhao Jingchen had not expected to be entrusted with this task. Wei Baofu signaled Linglong to produce a banknote and, for once, addressed Zhao Jingchen directly. “Cousin, this note is to redeem them. It is my wish to save them, and I must trouble you.”

She even curtseyed slightly. That single word “cousin” stirred Zhao Jingchen’s heart. Seeing her courtesy, he quickly stepped aside to avoid it. “Cousin, please return to the inn with the old lady. I will handle this at once.”

Wei Baofu nodded. She had no interest in watching Zhao Jingchen haggle with these men. Once she and her grandmother boarded the carriage, Zhao Jingchen stepped forward. Lady Du was numb with exhaustion, knowing only to shield her daughter. She could not bear to let her fall into such a fate, but beyond that, she had no will left; her life and death were no longer her own to decide.

Once all was settled, Zhao Jingchen brought mother and child to the inn and entrusted them to Wei Baofu’s attendants. By then, Wei Baofu had taken off her traveling veil and sat upright, dignified. At first sight, Lady Du felt this young woman was unattainable, almost ethereal.

Clutching her child, she knelt and bowed low in gratitude. The child, worn out from crying, had finally fallen asleep.

Wei Baofu smiled gently. “Lady Du, do not worry. I saved you only out of pity for the child. I have no intention of making any demands on you or your daughter. Here is your deed of sale; whether you go or stay is up to you. If you have nowhere to go, I can offer you shelter.”

At these words, Lady Du’s eyes filled with tears. She took the deed, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, miss, for your great kindness. There are still matters I must attend to. Once I have settled everything, I swear I will repay your benevolence with my life.”

She bowed deeply once more. Wei Baofu had Yuhu help her to her feet. “If you have things to do, I will not stop you. Raise your daughter well. I do not require your loyalty—just live well.”

Then she instructed Nanny Qian to give her a purse filled with silver. “Take this to care for your child. With your beauty, you must disguise yourself when traveling. And in future, be wary of whom you trust.”

Lady Du accepted the purse, feeling the weight of the silver, her heart aching as tears streamed down her cheeks. She bit her lip, bowing deeply. “Please, my lady, leave me your contact, so I may find you again.”

Though her voice was hoarse, her gratitude was sincere. Wei Baofu smiled, “I am the Princess of Kangping. If you truly wish to find me, come to the Princess’s Manor. Go now, and live well with your child.”

In times like these, being able to live well with her daughter was enough. Wei Baofu, for her part, expected no repayment for her kindness.