Chapter Forty-Two: Idle Conversation

This was a veiled jab at the meddlesome nature of those around her, but Wei Baofu took no offense. She answered unhurriedly, “Indeed, I owe much to these maids at my side. Without them, I fear even the simplest matters of daily life would prove taxing for me. What can I do? I am but a helpless young lady of the inner chambers.”

Such self-deprecating lamentation was clearly in response to his remarks about her maids. Rong Yanzong could only smile wryly, finding her protective nature endearing. Since he was the one who’d started this, it was only right he coax her back to cheerfulness—a task he did not find beneath him.

“A lady of your rank deserves such attentive care. Their intelligence is only fitting. It was thoughtless of me to say otherwise, please don’t be upset,” Rong Yanzong replied, conceding readily. Wei Baofu couldn’t help but smile at his flexibility.

Shanzhu, observing all this, felt his eyes ache at the exchange—if their old madam saw this, she might not even recognize her own kin. Xiao Zhan thought him just a bit shameless, but he was too preoccupied with thoughts of food to say much.

Wei Baofu changed the subject softly, “To return to the matter at hand: since the Marquis has set forth such conditions, might I also propose some of my own?” She was not one to suffer losses lightly.

Rong Yanzong raised an eyebrow, calmly replying, “Please, go ahead, Your Highness.”

Wei Baofu spoke directly, “The Marquis is well-connected and knowledgeable. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like you to find me some skilled hands in agriculture. I intend to purchase them with binding contracts.”

This was the most reliable approach—by having the Marquis of Zhenbei assist, she could save both effort and resources. Rong Yanzong agreed without hesitation, “That’s a trivial matter. Within a month at the latest, I’ll have them sent to your residence.”

Their conversation left Rong Yanzong satisfied, having achieved his aims. Although Wei Baofu was a bit discontent, it was still within reason. All in all, their first meeting was harmonious. After the meal, Wei Baofu directed Yu Shun to see them out. After all, propriety separated men and women; even if Rong Yanzong wished to stay, there was no alternative.

Once back in the inner courtyard, Linglong grew anxious. “Mistress, how could you agree to the Marquis of Zhenbei’s request? If someone intercepts the letter, all sorts of rumors could spread!” Concern for her mistress’s future left Linglong unable to stay calm.

Pearl too was uneasy, but she trusted her mistress and stayed silent. Wei Baofu reclined on her couch, leafing through a book with serene ease. “Don’t worry. If the Marquis of Zhenbei couldn’t handle such a trivial matter, how would he have won so many battles and earned his title? He won’t make a mistake over something so small. And even if he does, you still have me. Can’t you trust me a little more?”

Linglong’s only flaw was her excessive worry—Wei Baofu sometimes found it exasperating. The girl was born to fret, and nothing could change that. Linglong forced a bitter smile. “Never mind, I’ll say no more. If anything happens, I’ll take the blame alone.”

Wei Baofu lightly tapped her on the head with her book. “Can’t you wish your mistress well for once? Why would anything go wrong? There’s no need for you to shoulder any blame—don’t talk such nonsense.”

Pearl grinned, “Linglong, quickly spit three times! Bad things never come true, only the good ones do.”

It was only because Wei Baofu indulged them that they dared speak so freely. Had they served another mistress, they would have been far more reserved—obedience and silence being the guiding principle for a maid’s survival. After years by Wei Baofu’s side, they’d come to know her well; words could be spoken frankly, and the bond between mistress and servant only deepened.

As they laughed, Yu Shun returned. He bowed respectfully, and Wei Baofu asked with a smile, “Did you learn anything from that attendant?”

Yu Shun shook his head ruefully. “Mistress knows me best—this fellow, Shanzhu, is as tight-lipped as a clam. I couldn’t pry a word from him.”

Wei Baofu set aside her book, undisturbed. “The Marquis of Zhenbei is famed for strict discipline. Those he keeps close would naturally be cautious. It’s not surprising you got nothing.”

Pearl poured tea for Wei Baofu, who, sipping, noticed Yu Shun had something more to say. “If there’s something on your mind, speak freely. No need to hesitate.”

Yu Shun hesitated but felt compelled to say, “Mistress, have you noticed that the Marquis of Zhenbei seems to hold a certain fondness for you?”

Wei Baofu paused, understanding his meaning, but replied with some resignation, “The Marquis is not a reckless youth. He wouldn’t develop such feelings after a single meeting. At most, he may have some admiration—don’t overthink it.”

Yu Shun pressed further, “But if he truly wishes to marry you, would you accept?”

Wei Baofu was amused by his earnestness. “Tell me then, is the Marquis of Zhenbei a worthy match?”

Yu Shun, though he had been a eunuch for years, was worldly enough to answer sincerely, “The Marquis has a bit of a reputation, but it’s true he has no women around him. I don’t believe he’s a slave to beauty. His background is illustrious, his rank high, and though his looks are ordinary, his presence is formidable. The Duke of Wei’s household is large, but the Marquis has his own estate, so there would be little trouble. All things considered, he’s a fine candidate for marriage.”

Wei Baofu nodded in agreement. “Let’s not speak of possibility for now. Even if he does have intentions, it’s my decision in the end. Marriage is a matter of compatibility as much as of status. It’s too soon to say anything, but if the opportunity arises, I’m willing to give it a try.”

At present, Wei Baofu had no such inclinations, so she spoke unburdened. Yu Shun was somewhat reassured and ventured, “I don’t think the Marquis is unsuitable, but if you’re truly interested, we could investigate his background.”

Wei Baofu waved this off. “If I truly cared, that would be one thing. But I have no such thoughts right now, so there’s no need to rush. If you have time, look into whether there are any estates for sale near ours. I’d like to expand if possible.”

Pearl was puzzled. “Mistress, our estate isn’t huge, but it’s more than enough for occasional stays. Why buy more?”

Wei Baofu explained, “I have a new idea. You must have noticed this estate is much warmer than the palace. If we had enough land, perhaps we could grow some off-season fruits and vegetables.”

Yu Shun’s eyes lit up at the thought of the profits. He eagerly asked, “That’s a brilliant idea! But has anyone ever tried growing vegetables at the hot springs estate?”

Wei Baofu smiled unconcernedly. “Precisely because no one has, we should try. Imagine if we had the only fresh vegetables in the capital during winter—even without raising prices, we’d be overwhelmed with demand, especially from inns and restaurants.”

Yu Shun seemed to see silver beckoning to him. “We wouldn’t even need to wait for outsiders—the stewards of noble households would buy out everything. Mistress, this is worth trying.”

Wei Baofu said, “Then go inquire about estates for sale. This place is too small to achieve much.”

Yu Shun agreed enthusiastically. “I’ll go at once. The sooner, the better—if we can have vegetables ready by the first snow, all the better.” With that, he rushed out.

Linglong watched him go and muttered, “Mistress, even if we buy an estate now, it’ll be too late. Vegetables don’t grow overnight.”

Wei Baofu smiled, eyes twinkling. “I have my calculations. Mostly, I just wanted to keep Manager Yu occupied. Otherwise, he’d start fretting over other matters.”

Pearl giggled, “If you ask me, our princess deserves the very best man in the world. The Marquis of Zhenbei barely makes the cut, but he is a bit old. Mistress, why not wait and be choosier?”

Wei Baofu sighed, “I’ve just sent Yu Shun off, and now you start. I have no such intentions right now. There’s no such thing as ‘the best’—only what suits oneself. I think you’re the one who wants to get married.”

Pearl blushed furiously. “Mistress, you’re teasing again! I said I’ll never marry in this lifetime.” With that, she fled, head down. Linglong laughed until she bent double, affectionately chiding, “Mistress, you’re too mischievous—look how you’ve embarrassed Pearl!”

Wei Baofu said little more, only smiling faintly. She truly had no plans to marry yet; her mind was set on caring for the Fourth Prince. Though she knew he was no ordinary child and mature beyond his years, memories of her mother’s grievances and her aunt’s suffering made it impossible for her to simply stand by.

“You know some of the circumstances yourself. Things are still uncertain. It’s best to make more preparations now, rather than implicate others.”

Linglong paused, her gaze full of sympathy for her mistress.

Sensitive as she was, Linglong could guess at much, though she dared not say all she suspected. She could only comfort, “Mistress, you shouldn’t bear everything alone. The Fourth Prince must walk his own path. If you interfere too much, it may do more harm than good. He may never learn independence, and what he wants may not be what you’re doing for him.”

Wei Baofu truly had no fools in her service. These words struck her like a revelation. A youth who had long drawn imperial attention, navigated the currents of court, and won the goodwill of many—such a boy, even at twelve, was not someone to be easily managed by others.