Chapter Twenty-Five: Confirmation

Because of the attempted assassination, what was meant to be a joyful family banquet ended hastily. The Empress Dowager, after all, was advanced in age, and the day’s shocks had taken their toll. Still worried, Wei Baofu specially summoned the imperial physician to check her pulse for peace of mind.

“I am already quite well—how could I be so frail and delicate? As long as you’re safe, Grandmother feels no illness at all,” the Empress Dowager said lightly. She had grown weary of seeing physicians so often. Wei Baofu did not reply, waiting instead for the imperial physician’s diagnosis.

The physician wasted no time. After taking her pulse, he said directly, “The Empress Dowager’s constitution is strong. Though she was startled today, there is no serious harm. I will prescribe a calming medicine. Rest is all that is needed.”

Before coming, the Emperor had given explicit instructions to report the outcome. The Empress Dowager was, after all, the Empress Dowager; despite the rumors swirling within the palace, the Emperor’s filial devotion to her was sincere.

After the physician departed, Wei Baofu personally attended to the Empress Dowager’s evening toilette. As she watched her granddaughter, the Empress Dowager’s heart was full of emotion. Stroking Wei Baofu’s hand, she said with tender concern, “Today was truly perilous. If you hadn’t learned some self-defense from a young age, I fear…”

The mere thought of what might have happened wrenched her heart. Wei Baofu smiled and comforted her, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. I am quick-witted. Everything is just beginning, and I won’t let myself be harmed so easily. Besides, you could say this misfortune has turned into a blessing.”

The Empress Dowager sighed. Reluctant as she was, she said, “If possible, try to come to the palace less often from now on. Only now do I realize nothing is more important than your well-being. I can see it clearly—the Empress is both foolish and malicious. Who knows what grudge she now bears against you? This palace is her domain, after all. I fear for what might happen.”

Wei Baofu helped the old lady to bed, speaking earnestly, “Could Grandmother bear not seeing me for long? I certainly cannot. If the Empress truly harbors ill will toward me, even if I stay away from the palace, she would still find ways. So there’s no need for us to hide. We should act as we ought. At the very least, she won’t dare act openly for now.”

The Empress Dowager was no fool and understood her meaning. “She won’t dare do anything for the time being. We’ve just returned, and there’s only been a minor conflict with her. If anything happened to you, she would not escape blame. But tell me, how much silver must the Crown Prince repay you?”

Wei Baofu replied unhurriedly, “Don’t fret, Grandmother. Although Steward Tang’s betrayal did not last long, my Fengxiang House is a treasure trove, and it has earned a great deal. The Crown Prince must repay double the amount, so at the very least, it will be fifty thousand taels of silver—more than many noblewomen’s dowries.”

The Empress Dowager drew a sharp breath. “No wonder he was tempted. I fear the Empress will suffer a heavy loss this time. She has managed the inner palace for years—her private coffers must be considerable.”

Wei Baofu smiled indifferently, “That is their family’s affair. Since they took my silver, they must return it intact. I must say, Concubine Tang may have been foolish, but she ended up helping me. Otherwise, I would have had to find another way to recover my losses, which would have been troublesome.”

“As long as you have a plan in mind. I am truly weary today and wish to rest. You should get some sleep as well.” Wei Baofu nodded, tucked the Empress Dowager in, and quietly left the room.

Outside, Nanny Feng sat on a small stool by the door. Seeing Wei Baofu emerge, she rose to greet her. Wei Baofu helped her up, speaking softly, “Nanny, there are many attendants by Grandmother’s side. You’re getting on in years; you don’t need to stay up all night.”

Nanny Feng smiled and shook her head, pleased by her young mistress’s concern. “I am used to serving the Empress Dowager. Do not worry, Your Grace. I am in the side room, and if anything happens, there are plenty of palace maids to lend a hand.”

Wei Baofu said no more. She and her attendants had their own way of doing things, and there was no need to worry excessively. Because the residence she shared with her grandmother was very close, she had come alone without an escort. Now, as she walked through the quiet courtyard of Cining Palace, she felt an unusual chill.

As she was lost in thought, a nondescript young eunuch approached, head bowed. Reaching her, he saluted respectfully and, in a voice that was neither distinctly male nor female, said, “Your Grace, my mistress wishes to see you. There is something important to discuss.”

Wei Baofu regarded him with an inscrutable expression and replied coldly, “Which palace are you from, and who is your mistress? If she wishes to see me, why not send an open and proper invitation?”

The eunuch hesitated but kept his head bowed in respect. “Your Grace, my mistress said she cannot meet you openly, but she assures you she means no harm. She asks for your understanding.” Wei Baofu unconsciously fiddled with the jade gourd on her wrist—she had a suspicion as to who it might be.

She spoke softly, “I will go with you, but I must first change my clothes. Do not alarm anyone.” The eunuch hadn’t expected her to agree so readily, assuming she would be far more guarded.

Wei Baofu led the way, the eunuch following behind. She was not particularly worried; she had guessed who wanted to see her but was surprised at the urgency. Still, she would take precautions just in case.

Inside, Pearl and Linglong were working on their needlework. Wei Baofu didn’t require much attendance at night, so the rest of the servants had retired. Seeing their mistress enter with a eunuch, both maids were taken aback.

“Pour a cup of tea for this gentleman. I’m going to change,” Wei Baofu said. The two exchanged a glance and stood up, Linglong following her mistress inside, fetching clothes as she asked, “Mistress, it’s so late—let me come with you.”

Wei Baofu shook her head. “Let Pearl come with me. She’s strong and knows some moves. You stay here, and if I’m not back in an hour, go find Nanny Feng and have her take people to look for me.”

Linglong nodded solemnly. Her mistress always had her reasons, and though she didn’t understand, she knew to obey. Seeing her so tense, Wei Baofu comforted her, “It’s nothing. If I’m right, this person means me no harm. I’m only being cautious.”

Linglong helped her dress and followed her out, whispering a few instructions to Pearl. Pearl had already been observing the eunuch and had tried to draw him into conversation, but he would not speak.

The eunuch led the way, with Pearl supporting Wei Baofu behind. The farther they went, the more remote it became, making Pearl increasingly anxious. Wei Baofu patted her hand to calm her. Turning a corner, they finally reached a small lake, where a woman in palace attire stood waiting.

Seeing it was Consort Shu, Pearl breathed a sigh of relief. Wei Baofu seemed unsurprised, as if she had foreseen it. Consort Shu smiled gently, taking Wei Baofu’s hand, “A young lady’s body is delicate—don’t catch cold. When you return, be sure to drink some ginger tea to ward off the chill.”

Her gesture was gentle, brimming with affection. As her fingers brushed the jade gourd on Wei Baofu’s wrist, she paused, eyes growing misty. In a low voice, she said, “You two stand guard nearby. I have something to say to Her Grace.”

The eunuch obeyed immediately and left without hesitation. Pearl did not move, waiting for Wei Baofu’s direction. Consort Shu was not annoyed; instead, she looked on with satisfaction. Wei Baofu, a bit ill at ease, withdrew her hand and said softly, “You may go too.”

Though Pearl didn’t understand what was happening, she turned and left as instructed. When the two were out of sight, Consort Shu asked, “Have you ever hated me?” Wei Baofu smiled faintly, “Who does Your Highness think I should hate? If it were you, what wrong have you done?”

Looking at the young girl before her, Consort Shu felt her heart soften. She asked quietly, “Tell me, who do you think I really am?” Wei Baofu was startled, stared at her for a moment, and unconsciously bit her lower lip, sadness in her eyes as she turned away.

She replied in a low voice, “I wasn’t sure before, but seeing you up close tonight, I think I know.”

Consort Shu smiled with relief. “Good girl, truly your father’s and mother’s daughter. I couldn’t help but come tonight, to warn you not to be too outstanding. There are those in this world whose hearts are so dark they cannot bear to see others flourish. If you shine too brightly, someone will lose sleep over it.”

Wei Baofu answered with a careless smile, “I used to be almost invisible, yet I was still resented. Some paths, though covered in thorns, must be walked alone. What is it Your Highness truly seeks?”

Consort Shu turned away, her voice drifting as she gazed into the distance, “I want the Fourth Prince to ascend the throne. Only when he holds supreme power can we live in peace. Otherwise…”

Wei Baofu was not surprised. “The Emperor favors you now, and the Fourth Prince is said to be clever and diligent, well-loved by His Majesty. There’s always a chance.”

Consort Shu answered with a bitter smile, “It is not so simple. One misstep and we will all perish. But I must do this. It is both a promise and the reason I live.”

There was confusion in Wei Baofu’s eyes. Consort Shu stroked her hair affectionately, “Don’t worry, I will not drag you into this. Just live well, smile brightly, and have all the things we never had. That is enough.”

Though she could not fully understand Consort Shu’s resolve, Wei Baofu grasped her meaning. She said softly, “Don’t blame Grandmother—she knows nothing. If you ever need help, I will do what I can.”

Consort Shu nodded gratefully, “There is nothing you can do for now. We must take things slowly and above all, be careful.”

Wei Baofu knew she could learn nothing more. Some things she now understood, and though there was sorrow, there was also comfort and relief. The love she had received from her mother was real and had never faded. Despite all the unavoidable circumstances, as long as it was genuine, she was content.