Chapter Twenty: Mother and Daughter

Wei Baofu felt a gentle warmth in her heart. Human beings are the most complex creatures, and also the most prone to change, yet the bond between her and her grandmother was irreplaceable. Though her grandmother could be moody at times, she had never harmed her—not even once—and that was enough.

The imperial concubines, according to their ranks, either rode in palanquins or walked, following in a grand procession behind the Empress Dowager's palanquin as she returned to Cining Palace. Despite the number of people, everyone walked in proper order, and no one spoke.

Empress Wang’s expression was inscrutable as she gazed ahead. Embroidered Brocade, who could not bear such a look, asked softly, “Your Majesty, do you have any instructions?” The Empress returned to herself and, hesitating slightly, said, “Send a message to the Crown Prince. I seem to have heard that one of the concubines in the Eastern Palace has had a run-in with the Princess. Tell the Crown Prince not to act rashly; Princess Kangping is not someone to provoke, lest he invite trouble upon himself.”

The Emperor’s attitude was still unclear, but Princess Kangping, being the only daughter of Prince Lian, could not be trifled with. If anything were to happen to her, even if the Empress Dowager stayed silent, the royal clan would not let it go. Moreover, the Princess herself was not easily intimidated; it was hard to know how to deal with her.

The Virtuous Consort wore a graceful and modest smile throughout. Those familiar with her would know she was in high spirits. When she caught the Empress’s gaze, she responded with a radiant smile. There was nothing else in that smile, but to the Empress, it was a blatant provocation.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager had no patience for the chatter of these women. She let Madam Feng dismiss them, ignoring whether the Empress was pleased or not, and took Wei Baofu’s hand to head inside.

Madam Feng, accustomed to smoothing things over for the Empress Dowager, spoke respectfully, “Your Majesty, please forgive us. Her Highness suffered a serious illness on the road. Though she has recovered, she is still elderly and her body is not quite well. She wishes to rest early; too many people make her head ache.”

Even if the Empress was displeased, she could not protest, replying, “Madam Feng, you are too considerate. The Empress Dowager’s health is paramount; how could I not understand? However, tonight the Emperor specifically instructed me to arrange a family banquet. The Empress Dowager has not returned for many years and should see the other imperial grandchildren and princesses. It would not be right for Princess Kangping alone to fulfill her filial duty.”

Before Madam Feng could respond, the Virtuous Consort laughed lightly, “Look at what Her Majesty says. Our Empress Dowager is the kindest of all. If the imperial grandchildren and princesses truly wished to show filial piety, why not visit the Jianzhang Palace sooner? It sounds as if the Princess has gained some great advantage.”

The Virtuous Consort could not stand the Empress’s petty ways, always wanting every benefit while blaming others for her troubles. Now she even sought to sow discord between Kangping and the imperial sons and daughters—how utterly distasteful.

The Joyful Consort, standing behind to watch the drama, hailed from the Marquis of Qingyang’s household, with father and brothers who were powerful military commanders. She herself was straightforward and bold, and raising her daughter in the palace had granted her a comfortable life. Normally, she was entertained by watching these two spar with words.

But now, lacking sunflower seeds to nibble and a chaise to recline on, she had stood for ages waiting for the Empress Dowager’s party. With a banquet to attend that evening, she had no patience for theatrics and found the Empress increasingly petty.

“Your Majesty and the Virtuous Consort—quarreling is our sisters’ pastime, but today, here at the doors of Cining Palace, it is somewhat inappropriate. It’s getting late, and I have matters in my own palace to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

She turned away without caring for the Empress’s expression. The Virtuous Consort was not displeased, for Joyful Consort was always so forthright—seemingly guileless but perceptive. Though not greatly favored, she lived better than most in the harem, something the Virtuous Consort herself envied.

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Though the Empress’s authority was formidable, it only suppressed those of lower rank. The other consorts, with favor or family background, were not much intimidated. After all, the Empress lacked powerful maternal kin and the Emperor’s affection, and though she had the Crown Prince, his position was precarious.

Embroidered Brocade spoke up to ease the tension, “Your Majesty, there are still arrangements left for tonight’s banquet. You can’t afford to linger here any longer.” The Empress, though annoyed, had to leave under this pretext. Such behavior inevitably lowered her standing in the eyes of the lesser concubines. Once she left, there was no reason for the others to stay. There were few consorts of rank in the palace—apart from Virtuous and Joyful Consorts, only Noble Consort Yao remained, currently confined. The Emperor was not greedy for women.

Virtuous Consort cast a regretful glance at the plaque above Cining Palace and turned away. Though she had not met the girl herself, her nature was better than expected, making her feel even more grateful to the Empress Dowager.

Joyful Consort, instead of returning to her own palace after leaving Cining Palace, thought of her daughter, Princess Duanhui. Since Duanhui was of similar age to Princess Kangping, and there were few young girls in the palace, she would inevitably interact with her. It was best to offer some advice.

Princess Duanhui, Wei Baozhen, was fifteen, having only recently celebrated her coming-of-age ceremony. She had inherited her mother’s frank and carefree nature. Though Joyful Consort was not greatly favored, the Emperor, having few daughters, doted on her and was affectionate.

Seeing her mother arrive in haste, Wei Baozhen put down her embroidery frame, puzzled, “Mother, weren’t you going to greet the Empress Dowager? Why have you come to me?” Joyful Consort waved away the maids attending in the room.

Sitting beside her daughter, she said, “Don’t mention it. Not only did I stand for ages, I had to listen to the Empress and Virtuous Consort bicker—it was infuriating.” As she spoke, she picked up her daughter’s embroidery frame; as expected, she could not tell what creature was being sewn.

Seeing her mother’s teasing look, Wei Baozhen was annoyed. “Mother, I may not embroider well, but it’s my only hobby. Can’t you encourage me a bit? If everyone were like you, how could I ever improve?”

Joyful Consort knew her daughter’s temperament well and replied bluntly, “Forget it. You’re just like your mother; don’t expect any masterpieces. If it looks like something, that’s enough. Enough about that, I have proper business to discuss.”

“Is there a new pastry from the imperial kitchen?” Wei Baozhen resumed her embroidery, responding absentmindedly. Joyful Consort frowned at this, took away the frame, and stopped cracking her sunflower seeds.

“Is that all you think your mother’s capable of? I’m here to remind you of something. If you keep mocking me like this, I won’t tell you anything.” Wei Baozhen seldom saw her mother so serious.

“Alright, alright, tell me what it is. I won’t embroider, and I’ll listen carefully.” Wei Baozhen knew her mother’s character better than anyone. Joyful Consort began, “Today I met Princess Kangping beside the Empress Dowager. Though I didn’t see her face, a few words were enough to tell—she’s not someone to be trifled with.”

It was rare to have a new companion in the palace, so Wei Baozhen was curious. “What do you mean, not to be trifled with? Is she prickly like a hedgehog, stabbing everyone she meets? Surely not—she’s not some poor orphan without anyone to care for her.”

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Joyful Consort shook her head. “Not quite, but she’s certainly very clever. When you interact with her in the future, don’t try to play any tricks or scheme against her, or you’ll end up outwitted yourself. I wouldn’t dare cross the Empress Dowager.”

Wei Baozhen replied helplessly, “What do you mean, scheming and playing tricks? That’s Duanning’s own foolishness—if she doesn’t act stupid in front of me, I won’t bother with her.”

Joyful Consort didn’t argue, “Say what you like, just don’t bully her. If she’s a nice girl, you can befriend her. You’ll have someone to talk to and can spare that embroidery frame some suffering. Poor thing, following you, it’s been through a lot.”

Wei Baozhen rolled her eyes at her mother and stood up, “Hearing you, I think I’ll have to change the gift I prepared for our meeting. If we get along, that’d be nice. But Kangping has plenty of trouble, and there’s Father’s attitude to consider. Aren’t you worried?”

Joyful Consort continued cracking sunflower seeds, unconcerned, “Oh, why worry so much? Your father’s got issues himself. Kangping has the Empress Dowager and the Virtuous Consort to protect her; she’ll be fine. Go ahead and befriend her—I’m not short-sighted.”

Seeing her mother so confident, Wei Baozhen felt a bit uneasy, though she didn’t object to Wei Baofu as a person. They had only met as children, and during the annual festivals, she sent her gifts as a gesture. At the time, she only felt sorry for her, an orphan without parents, and had no other thoughts.

“As for the Virtuous Consort, best not to provoke her. She’s even tougher than the Empress. Look at Noble Consort Yao—no matter how arrogant she was, she was confined without hesitation.” Wei Baozhen was perceptive, knowing exactly which palace figures to avoid.

“Don’t worry—I won’t provoke anyone. No matter who ascends the throne, I’ll be a Dowager Consort. As long as your maternal family is well, you and I will never be in trouble. It’s my own fault—I haven’t brought them any benefit, and they always have to protect me.”

Joyful Consort had no great ambitions but cared for her family. She had no desire to vie for favor or interact with the Emperor, and having a daughter was her greatest blessing. Her comfortable life was thanks to her capable father and brothers.

She still hoped to marry her daughter back into her mother’s family, so she wouldn’t have to worry. If the Emperor passed, her daughter wouldn’t be bullied. Fortunately, Duanhui was a princess but not spoiled, and was smarter and more mature than her mother. Her sister-in-law at home could hardly wait to welcome her.

“I also hope you have more companions, so you can get out and about, not spend your days shut in embroidering. But don’t get too involved in others’ affairs or act rashly, helping everyone indiscriminately.”

Wei Baozhen sighed, “Mother, I’m not a child anymore. I know how to conduct myself. Isn’t everyone saying that Princess Kangping is good at business? Maybe I can learn a thing or two from her.”