Chapter Thirty: Brother and Sister

Whether in her previous life or this one, Wei Baofu had always possessed a calm and tranquil disposition. She often preferred to quietly reflect and settle her thoughts. In the days since entering the palace, she had gradually adapted to life within its walls.

Ever since she began to suspect that the Fourth Prince might be her younger brother, Wei Baofu’s composure had grown restless and unsettled. She dearly wished to seek out the maidservant who guarded her mother’s tomb, and longed to meet the Fourth Prince as well. Yet, in these turbulent times, neither course of action was permissible.

Though the Emperor appeared kind to her, she could never forget who was responsible for the destruction of her family. To keep her mind clear and sober, Wei Baofu had spent recent days copying Buddhist scriptures, refraining from venturing outside.

If she could not handle matters with reason and restraint, then she must first find stillness within herself. Her aunt had endured humiliation and hardship for many years; if she were to let slip even the smallest error, she feared she could never forgive herself, even in death.

Nanny Qian quietly lifted the door curtain and peered inside. Seeing her mistress still practicing calligraphy, her heart ached. She walked over softly. “My lady, you’ve been writing for days now. Shouldn’t we take a stroll in the garden for some fresh air?”

Without lifting her head, Wei Baofu continued to copy the scriptures as she replied, “Nanny, don’t worry about me. I’m quite all right—I simply want to practice my writing and calm my mind. Go about your own tasks.”

Though worried, Nanny Qian could not press the matter. In a low voice, she spoke to Jade Vase, who was grinding ink nearby, “Serve well, and gently remind Her Ladyship to rest from time to time.” Jade Vase nodded as she worked, saying, “Don’t worry, Nanny. I understand.”

As soon as Nanny Qian stepped out of the study, Linglong hurried over. “Nanny, is the Lady willing to rest yet?” Nanny Qian shook her head with a sigh. “If she’d agree to go out for a walk, I wouldn’t be so troubled. For now, let’s not mention this to the Empress Dowager. Our Lady is grown; she has her own worries. There’s no need to trouble the Empress Dowager as well.”

Though Nanny Qian had been bestowed upon Wei Baofu by the Empress Dowager, in her heart, she acknowledged only one mistress. While she remained respectful to the Empress Dowager, she held Wei Baofu above all others. “If it comes to it, perhaps we should ask Princess Duanhui to visit. Her company might lift our Lady’s spirits.”

Nanny Qian’s face darkened. “What foolish idea is that? Her Ladyship’s affairs must be kept secret from everyone. Even though Princess Duanhui and the Lady are close, they are not blood sisters. If she came, our Lady would need to put on a brave face—why add to her burdens?”

Linglong fretted, “I’m only worried for Her Ladyship. She’s never been like this before. She doesn’t lose her temper or take it out on us, but we all see her troubles. Yet she pretends before the Empress Dowager that all is well. My heart aches for her.”

Nanny Qian patted her back gently. “Don’t let your concern lead you astray. Our Lady has it hard enough; those of us by her side must serve with devotion. She knows what she’s doing.”

Just as Nanny Qian was about to say more, Bingxin hurried in, breathless. “Nanny, the Fourth Prince has come. He just paid his respects to the Empress Dowager. Nanny Feng was worried she’d be angry, so she secretly asked me to fetch our Lady.”

Nanny Qian’s brow furrowed instinctively. She ached for her mistress—already beset with worries, now required to assist the Empress Dowager as well. Yet this was not something they could ignore. “Go and report back to Nanny Feng. Our Lady will be there shortly.”

At least this meant Her Ladyship would finally get some fresh air, Nanny Qian thought. She turned and hurried back into the study, approached Wei Baofu, and spoke softly, “My lady, the Fourth Prince has come to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Nanny Feng requests your presence.”

Wei Baofu’s heart skipped a beat, and her brush slipped from her hand, splattering ink across the table and ruining the nearly finished scroll of scripture. Jade Vase let out a distressed cry, “Just two lines left—what a pity.”

Composing herself, Wei Baofu picked up an embroidered handkerchief and wiped her hands. “I’ll finish it later. Tidy up the desk and throw away the ruined scroll,” she instructed. Then, she rose and, accompanied by Nanny Qian, made her way to the main hall.

All along the way, Wei Baofu wondered why the Fourth Prince had come at this moment. Her aunt must have warned him that their grandmother would not welcome him—should she take offense and hurt him inadvertently, it might be too late for regrets.

Wei Baofu understood the Empress Dowager well. Upon entering, she saw the Fourth Prince kneeling properly before her grandmother, who regarded him with an icy expression devoid of warmth. The atmosphere in the room was cold and severe.

“Grandmother, what are you doing? Fourth Brother came out of filial piety. If you’re this stern, you’ll frighten him,” Wei Baofu said with a smile, striving to appear relaxed. She knew well where her grandmother’s sensitivities lay.

“Why do you always meddle? I’m sure Nanny Feng sent you. There’s no need for you to interfere. The Fourth Prince is still a child—manners and etiquette may escape him. As his grandmother, it’s only right for me to teach him,” the Empress Dowager replied, her tone relatively mild. Though she was angry, she was still unwilling to vent it on her granddaughter.

Wei Baofu’s smile grew sweeter. She had no proof to confirm her suspicions yet. If the Fourth Prince truly was her brother, her grandmother would one day be wracked with remorse. But to tell her now risked a confrontation she dared not provoke. All she could do was soothe her quietly.

“Grandmother, children don’t know any better—they have little choice in many matters. Please, don’t be angry. If Fourth Cousin’s etiquette is lacking, surely Consort Shu should be the one to worry. Let’s not trouble ourselves unnecessarily, don’t you think?”

The Empress Dowager was far more restrained now than in the past. Once, she’d had a fiery temper, erupting at the slightest provocation. But after years of quiet cultivation at the retreat palace, she had learned to rein herself in.

She cast a disdainful glance at the Fourth Prince and said coolly, “You’re right—let those who bore him be responsible for his upbringing. I needn’t exhaust myself and end up resented. Escort him out; I don’t require his formalities here.”

The Fourth Prince, who had been silent, quickly spoke up. “Grandmother, I come at Father’s command to deliver the deed to the hot spring villa for my sister. Father also has a few words for her, so I cannot leave just yet.”

Seeing his anxious expression, Wei Baofu felt a sudden softness in her heart. Smiling, she said, “Since you have business with me, allow me to receive you. Grandmother, may I take him to the side hall?”

It was rare for Wei Baofu to act so coquettishly; she was usually composed and seldom behaved this way. Though the Empress Dowager disapproved of their association, she could not refuse her granddaughter. “Don’t linger too long. The Fourth Prince must focus on his studies,” she relented.

Both siblings responded respectfully and withdrew. Once they had left, the Empress Dowager, somewhat displeased, said to Nanny Feng, “In future, don’t meddle. Though I dislike that boy, I know full well that of all my kin, Baofu is closest to him by blood. If he can care for her in the future, it will be for the best.”

Nanny Feng was momentarily stunned. She had not expected the Empress Dowager to see things so clearly now—perhaps age had brought her a broader perspective.

For the first time, brother and sister sat together in such intimacy. Outwardly, Wei Baofu remained calm, but her heart was in turmoil. She did not know how to be an elder sister. The Fourth Prince, for his part, was full of curiosity. He bore no resentment toward the Empress Dowager—he had long since prepared himself for her coldness and felt no anger.

They walked in silence to the side hall. The Fourth Prince gestured for Little Dongzi to present a brocade box, which he took and offered to his sister with a smile. “Sister, here is the deed to the hot spring villa—Father’s gift to make amends. Since I was coming to pay my respects, I brought it along.”

Wei Baofu opened the box and glanced inside. She remembered the villa was not far from the imperial mausoleum outside the capital. Perhaps she could use this as an excuse to visit. Closing the box, she smiled, “Thank you, Fourth Brother. Did Grandmother frighten you? She only has a strange temper—she’s not as bad as she seems.”

Wei Baofu still hoped to ease the tension between grandmother and grandson. She did not want the Fourth Prince to harbor resentment, should the truth ever come to light. The prince grinned brightly, unconcerned. “It’s nothing—I’m thick-skinned. Kneeling a while does me no harm.”

That smile brought heat to Wei Baofu’s eyes. Suppressing her emotions, she said as evenly as she could, “If you ever wish to see me, send word through your attendants. For now, try not to come here often.”

The Fourth Prince understood and readily agreed, pointing to the box. “When do you want to visit the villa? I can accompany you if you like.”

He could not quite explain why, but he was deeply fond of this cousin, feeling an innate closeness as if they were destined to be so. Wei Baofu smiled. “I’m not sure yet. I’d like to visit the Lady’s Manor first—it’s been a long time.”

“Too bad I’m still too young to have my own household. Otherwise, I could make arrangements for you,” he said with regret. Wei Baofu was unconcerned. “You’ll grow up soon enough. These are small matters—I can manage. When you’re older, you can help me then.”

Though it was their first true conversation, there was no awkwardness between them. It felt as though they had known each other forever—perhaps the unbreakable bond of blood. That was the only explanation Wei Baofu could find.

She wanted to know more about him, hoping to glimpse echoes of their parents in his mannerisms. She asked about his favorite foods and drinks; the Fourth Prince, never impatient, answered every question and even shared his little habits with her.

They chatted happily, so absorbed that neither noticed the passing of time until Little Dongzi, with some trepidation, reminded them. Only then did Wei Baofu realize how late it was. The Fourth Prince, however, was reluctant to leave, gazing at his sister with a pitiful look.