Chapter Twenty-Three: The Family Banquet (Part Two)

Lady Tang watched the Grand Princess’s departing figure with a mocking smile. She raised the cup from the table and drained it in one swallow. Her eyes brimmed with seductive charm, yet within them shone a fearless resolve, as if she had already accepted her fate.

Having failed in her endeavor and been intimidated by the Crown Prince, Wei Baohua was thoroughly displeased. She dared not approach the Empress now, so upon noticing the seat assigned to her beside Wei Baozhen, she strolled over at a leisurely pace.

Wei Baoyue, who had been whispering secrets to her elder sister, pouted in displeasure upon seeing Wei Baohua approach. Though her mother held only the rank of concubine, she enjoyed both favor and a respectable family background.

She had always been at odds with the Grand Princess, who bullied others by flaunting her status. Wei Baohua ignored them, arranging her robes as she sat down.

Unable to restrain herself, Wei Baoyue remarked, “Oh my, Eldest Sister, why aren’t you serving Mother by her side? You’re even more attentive than Aunt Xiujin. Without you, Mother may feel quite at a loss.”

Such words were meant to reduce her to a mere palace maid. Wei Baohua’s expression darkened as she replied coldly, “So young, yet so ill-mannered—sharp-tongued and spiteful. What I do is filial piety toward Mother. Unlike you, who lack such devotion, yet dare to slander me. Aren’t you afraid of incurring Mother’s displeasure?”

Wei Baoyue giggled. Only eight years old and as lovely as carved jade, she made a face at Wei Baohua and boasted, “The Empress has no time to scold me now. Besides, with Mother’s guidance, how could I trouble Her Majesty? But you, Eldest Sister—when will you ever improve?”

Wei Baozhen had seen these two bicker before and was in no hurry to intervene, watching the scene unfold with a gentle smile. Wei Baohua, catching sight of her indifference, was immediately incensed.

“Second Sister, you seem in high spirits. Seeing Third Sister disrespect me, you neither correct her nor admonish her, but watch as if it were a farce. Don’t you think that’s rather much?” Wei Baozhen remained unruffled, dabbing her hands with a silk handkerchief.

She smiled, replying, “Eldest Sister, there’s no need for such agitation. We’re sisters—what harm in a bit of banter? Besides, today our family welcomes another sister home; we mustn’t let her see us make a spectacle of ourselves.”

They were all of similar age, and with the Empress Dowager’s backing, it was inevitable the Grand Princess would be curious about Wei Baofu. She glanced at Wei Baozhen, then sidled over with ill-concealed intent. “I’ve heard the Lady of Kangping is quite the beauty, and with the Empress Dowager’s support, perhaps the fine young man you have your eye on, Second Sister, will be snatched away by her.”

This truly amused Wei Baozhen, who cast a covert glance around the hall, then leaned toward the Grand Princess and whispered, “What, you haven’t heard? The Heir of Marquis Yongyi personally escorted Lady Kangping home. They’re cousins, after all, and I’ve heard Consort Shu intends to marry her niece back into the family.”

The Grand Princess’s expression changed dramatically. She exclaimed, “Impossible, you’re lying!” Her voice carried, likely from shock and panic, drawing a stern glance from the Empress.

Cold sweat broke out on the Grand Princess. She could no longer care about appearances and clutched at Wei Baozhen’s hand in agitation. “Where did you hear this? The Marquis Yongyi’s family hasn’t concerned themselves with Kangping for years. Why would they suddenly propose a marriage alliance? It’s impossible!”

Clearly flustered, she was genuinely anxious. Wei Baozhen jerked her arm free, replying irritably, “What business is it of yours? Why the excitement? Besides, a cousin pair so well matched—what harm in it?”

Before Wei Baohua could retort, the sound of whips cracked outside. The Emperor had arrived. Everyone rose at once, stepping forward to kneel in greeting. At this moment, even Wei Baohua dared not act rashly and followed suit.

With a smile, the Emperor supported the Empress Dowager as he entered. Wei Baofu took a step back, following discreetly. All eyes were on the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, leaving Wei Baofu, standing quietly behind, largely unnoticed.

The Emperor was in fine spirits. He cast a glance at Consort Shu, saw her well, then said, “Rise, all of you. This is a family banquet—there are no outsiders. Be at ease.”

There were no other imperial relatives present. Once the Empress Dowager and the Emperor were seated, Wei Baofu was revealed openly to all.

Consort Shu gripped her kerchief tightly, her expression composed but her heart turbulent. Wei Baofu was just as she imagined—so beautiful, so lovable. To protect her at all costs was worth it. She felt a rare sense of contentment.

Prince Wei Qi also found himself surprised. This sister resembled him, and unexpectedly, he found her pleasing to the eye. Wei Baozhen, too, took an instant liking to her—so beautiful yet not ostentatious, thoroughly charming.

“All of you, come forward and greet your grandmother so she can know you well,” the Emperor said proudly, summoning his sons and daughters. Not seeing the Second Prince, he frowned and asked, “Empress, did I not say everyone must attend today’s family banquet? Why is the Second Prince absent?”

The Empress wished she could thrash the Second Prince, but she was forced to smooth things over with a stiff smile. “Your Majesty, forgive him. The child caught a chill yesterday and, fearing to infect others, begged leave and said he could not attend.”

The Emperor knew full well his son’s temperament but did not wish to lose face before the Empress Dowager. “Remember to send an imperial physician to the prince’s residence,” he said coolly. The Empress breathed a sigh of relief—at least the matter was settled.

Wei Baofu sat just below the Empress Dowager, her face adorned with a proper smile—neither timid nor bold, everything in perfect measure. The Empress Dowager, watching the Crown Prince make his greeting, suddenly understood the Emperor’s lack of affection for him.

“The Crown Prince is grown now. When I left, he had just begun his studies. How swiftly time passes.” The Empress Dowager sighed to the Emperor, making sure all saw the harmony between mother and son.

“Indeed, Mother. Look at my three daughters—though they can’t compare to the Kangping girl, they are not lacking,” the Emperor replied with modest pride.

The Grand Princess, already simmering with anger at Wei Baofu’s remarkable presence, could bear it no longer when she heard the Emperor’s self-effacing remark. “Father, how can you belittle your own daughters? We three sisters are in no way inferior to Kangping, and even if our looks fall a little short, we excel in other ways.”

A clear provocation. Wei Baofu was never one to shy from a challenge, but before she could respond, Wei Baozhen spoke up first. Smiling, she stepped forward. “Elder Sister, please don’t include me and Third Sister. We truly feel we cannot compare with Kangping. She was personally taught by the Empress Dowager and is so outstanding. If we can learn even a fraction, we will be satisfied.”

Ah, so even among sisters, discord runs deep. Where there are many women, peace is elusive. Wei Baofu approached Wei Baozhen with a smile, and they exchanged formal greetings. There really must be such a thing as personal chemistry—they found each other quite agreeable.

“You flatter me, Sisters. I have had no companions my own age. I hope you will take care of me in the future,” Wei Baofu said humbly.

The Empress Dowager, like most grandmothers, was fiercely protective of her own. She saw through the Grand Princess’s shallow schemes and could not bring herself to like her.

Turning to the Emperor, she said, “Your Majesty, I find the princes all quite satisfactory, but as for the princesses, though they are noble by birth, if their tempers are not curbed, they will invite criticism once married. If the Empress is too busy, perhaps the Grand Princess could be sent to me for a time. I guarantee she would improve.”

The Grand Princess stiffened. She had heard of the Empress Dowager’s methods and wished to avoid her at all costs, casting a pleading glance at the Empress. But the Empress was unwilling to intercede, and though the Emperor felt his daughter had embarrassed him, he could not simply stand by.

“Enough—we will discuss this later. Today is to welcome Mother home. Baozhen, Baoyue, take Kangping around and help her grow familiar with everyone. In the future, you must keep close company.”

With the Emperor’s intervention, the Empress Dowager let the matter drop.

Wei Baozhen drew Baofu to her side and whispered, “With Grandmother backing you, Eldest Sister won’t dare trouble you.”

Wei Baofu nodded, unconcerned. “It’s a small matter—I pay it no mind.”

“Kangping Sister, how is your skin so fair? Do you have a secret recipe? My skin, after my uncle’s side, is dark and ugly,” Wei Baoyue exclaimed, clearly envious of Wei Baofu’s beauty.

Wei Baofu hadn’t expected such a young girl to care about her looks yet. She smiled. “No special recipe—just ordinary care. If you want, come to Cining Palace someday and I’ll share it with you.”

The three chatted among themselves, ignoring the Grand Princess. Wei Baohua felt stifled but could say nothing, forced to stew in silence.

Lady Tang had been watching Wei Baofu intently since her arrival. Withdrawing her gaze, she clung to the Crown Prince’s arm and spoke softly, “Your Highness, I wish to pay my respects to the Lady of Kangping. After all, she was mistress of my family. Though my father is gone, she owes you an explanation—after all, my father died for you.”

The Crown Prince’s relaxed expression faded; he was uneasy, for he had been at fault. If possible, he did not wish for conflict with Kangping in such a setting; anything could be settled privately.

But palace protocol was strict. Lady Tang was usually closely watched by the Empress’s attendants and could never leave the Eastern Palace. This was a rare opportunity.

The Crown Prince, not yet weary of Lady Tang, was willing to indulge her a little. Reluctant though he was, he rose and led her toward Lady Kangping. Wei Baofu was happily chatting when she suddenly felt a hostile gaze.

Before she could react, the owner of that gaze lunged at her with a sharp golden hairpin. The more dire the situation, the calmer Wei Baofu became. Instinctively, she pushed Wei Baozhen and Wei Baoyue aside, seized the attacker’s wrist, and with one swift kick, brought her down.

It all