Chapter Four: Indolence

The lively bustle within the palace was out of Wei Baofu's sight, and even if she could see it, she would likely remain indifferent. After all, there were few people in this world who could truly capture her attention. At this moment, she was staring at the pile of account books in her study, her head aching.

Pearl stood beside her, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, and eventually could not resist teasing her.

“My Lady, you truly need to train more capable people. Just look at these little mountains! I worry that if I manage too much, I’ll grow old before my time—how terribly frightening.”

Wei Baofu shot her a half-serious, half-playful glare. “You think you’re so precious? Haven’t I been sitting here with you all the same? If you do age before your time, I’ll buy you a pretty little husband to look after you and make sure your later years are peaceful. And as for training capable people—if only it were so easy.”

Pearl was of marriageable age and had been helping Wei Baofu manage her business for many years. Time had tempered her into a bold and capable woman. Though she blushed at these words, she still summoned the courage to retort.

“Then I shall wait for you, My Lady, but if I’m not pleased with him, I won’t accept.”

Linglong entered just then, bringing Bingxin and Yu Hu with her. She overheard the banter and laughed, inquiring, “What is it you won’t accept? You’re up to your old tricks again.”

Wei Baofu smiled and defended her, “Don’t be upset, Sister Linglong. Pearl is only joking with me. You are all my right hands; if you were always so proper and reserved, life would be far too dull.”

As she spoke, she picked up an account book and fiddled with her abacus. The managers of her shops would be coming to settle accounts in the next few days; she needed to have a clear grasp of everything. Matters such as these could not be entrusted to others—after all, the wealth she now held was not inconsiderable.

Pearl and Linglong were both highly capable maids at Wei Baofu’s side, equally adept at handling affairs both within and without. Lately, as she considered returning to the palace, she had summoned them back to her.

Neither was the naïve girl she once was; both carried themselves with a brisk decisiveness, the bearing of women who had seen things, made decisions, and could stand on their own.

Bingxin and Yu Hu watched with admiration, but there was no envy; whatever the Lady decided had its reasons. In time, they too would bear great responsibilities.

“Just look at you two,” Linglong sighed sincerely. “The poise and presence you’ve gained by serving at My Lady’s side—no daughter of some petty official could hold a candle to you. It’s best by far to stay here.”

Linglong, though often away, never forgot her status. No matter how many tried to curry favor with her outside, she always felt most secure at Wei Baofu’s side.

Wei Baofu looked up with a smile. “In the future, you won’t need to go out again. You’ll both stay with me. Now that the shops are all running smoothly, I’ll leave outside matters to Shunzi. You can stay and help me with the accounts.”

Pearl gave a dramatic groan. “My Lady, I’d rather be in the kitchen thinking up delicious dishes for you. Leave this bookkeeping to Bingxin and Yu Hu.”

Before Wei Baofu could reply, Bingxin interjected, “Pearl, you can’t shirk your duties to the kitchen alone. The more capable should do the more. There’s more to manage at our Lady’s side than just this.”

Pearl shrugged with resignation. “Fine, fine, I’m just a brick, moved wherever I’m needed—small and unimportant, so I’ll say no more.” Her comical grievance sent everyone into laughter again.

Wei Baofu never played favorites. If any problems arose, she let them resolve them among themselves. The four were of similar age and got along harmoniously, with none of the scheming that was so common in other households. She disliked intrigue among her own people.

“All right, enough mischief,” Linglong hurried to say, “otherwise if Nanny Qian hears the noise, we’ll all be in trouble.”

Though they joked around with their Lady, everyone was a little afraid of Nanny Qian. She was in charge of those closest to Wei Baofu and was strict about rules and etiquette.

At the mention of Nanny Qian, the laughter quickly died down, and Wei Baofu could not help but find it amusing. A stern nanny was, after all, quite necessary.

Naturally, the mountain of account books would not be left to Wei Baofu alone. She only needed to scrutinize those that concerned the lifeblood of her estate. The rest she left to her trusted maids—she had complete confidence in them.

In her previous life, aside from work, Wei Baofu hardly ever had time to rest. If she did, it was either to help at the orphanage or to travel and see the world.

Going to the orphanage felt like returning home, a balm to her soul. Traveling gave her eyes a holiday. Either way, she felt content.

After all, in the world of adults, there is no life without weariness.

Now, travel was out of the question, but a life spent quietly at home, not stepping beyond the threshold, also had its joys. Reading, painting, or having her people invent new delicacies—each was a source of happiness.

To live another lifetime—who knew which god had been so merciful? Pleasing oneself was, in the end, the most important thing.

In the Empress Dowager’s residence—

Empress Dowager Zhao knelt in her small Buddha hall, turning her prayer beads and murmuring chants. Only when Nanny Feng entered did she press her palms together and bow to the Buddha before rising, allowing Nanny Feng to help her to her feet.

They left the hall and entered the inner chamber, where the Empress Dowager asked softly, “Has any news been delivered?”

Though she had left the palace, the Empress Dowager had once ruled the harem and still held many secret lines of information. Even after the Emperor’s purge, not all had been uprooted.

Nanny Feng quietly recounted the happenings in the palace. The Empress Dowager’s agents had to be cautious and distant in their inquiries, so the information gathered was vague and uncertain.

After pondering for a while, the Empress Dowager spoke. “It seems we may have misjudged Consort Shu. Perhaps she is not entirely devoid of feeling. Still, whatever the truth, she must bear my wrath for her choices. This debt—I will not let it go for Baofu’s sake.”

In moments of pain and despair, people always seek someone to blame, and for the Empress Dowager, that person was Consort Shu. Nanny Feng dared not say more.

After a moment’s hesitation, she ventured, “But if the Lady learns everything one day, will she blame you? After all, both Consort Shu and you are of the Zhao family. Even if you cannot watch over each other, it would not do to…” She trailed off, meeting the Empress Dowager’s icy gaze, and dropped to her knees to beg forgiveness.

The Empress Dowager’s voice was cold. “I had forgotten you are also a Zhao family retainer.”

Nanny Feng pressed her forehead to the floor, her voice choked. “Your Majesty, I have only ever been loyal to you. I only wish you would not let hatred cloud your judgment. If you make a mistake, how will you face the Lady? You must consider her.”

The Empress Dowager did not look at her, stubbornly replying, “I raised Baofu with my own hands—no one can match my love for her. She is orphaned, and everything I do now is for her good. Besides, Consort Shu is to blame for my son’s death. If I deal with her, Baofu will not be troubled by the truth.”

“If you are truly loyal, then do not try to persuade me again. In this world, I care for no one but Baofu. When I return, they will not have an easy time. Consort Shu must die.”

Nanny Feng watched the Empress Dowager consumed by hatred, her heart aching. Softly she said, “I will not speak further. Do as you wish, Your Majesty. Whatever happens, I will remain by your side.”

The Empress Dowager’s expression softened at this.

“Is Baofu very busy? Send her more tonics when you have time. She is still a young girl—no matter how busy, she mustn’t harm her health.”

As she spoke of her granddaughter, the Empress Dowager’s tone grew gentle, no different from any ordinary grandmother. Nanny Feng replied quietly.

Then, as if recalling something, the Empress Dowager said with a hint of pride, “If the Emperor knew the fortune in Baofu’s hands exceeds his own treasury, do you think he would be anxious? It’s a pity my Baofu is not a man—otherwise, what need would there be for those useless princes?”

Nanny Feng replied with resignation, “If she were a man, we would not have the peace we enjoy today. The Lady is wise—few men could compare. Your Majesty is truly blessed; the Lady is remarkably filial.”

If not for Lady Kangping’s talents, the Empress Dowager’s days would have been far less tranquil. In this world, most people flatter the powerful and trample the weak. Had the Empress Dowager been alone, those opportunistic servants would have devoured her alive. The palace was not a place for compassion.

The Empress Dowager seemed to agree, sighing, “Baofu is clever and kind-hearted. I wonder which young man will be lucky enough to marry her. If he does not possess true ability, he will not be worthy of my precious jewel.”

Nanny Feng wholeheartedly agreed. No ordinary youth was fit even to carry their Lady’s shoes.