Chapter Fifty

Hearing her granddaughter speak in such a manner, the Empress Dowager felt much more at ease. She had thought that Wei Baofu’s heart always lingered on her maternal grandmother.
“This Old Madam Chai has come to make her position clear, and my sister-in-law might be hoping to stir things up,” the Empress Dowager remarked leisurely.
Wei Baofu neither agreed nor disagreed, replying calmly, “From what’s been hinted at by that household before, I can glean a bit. Now, with things at this stage, they probably wouldn’t go that far.” After all, she hadn’t interacted much with the people from Yongyi Marquis’s residence and knew little about them.
The Empress Dowager responded with a mocking tone, “That’s because you don’t know your maternal grandmother. If she had some thoughts in the beginning, she wouldn’t have insisted on you in particular. But your series of actions later let her see you are no ordinary person, and so she became more invested.”
Wei Baofu understood somewhat, but she was indifferent to others’ intentions. Once she had made up her mind, no one could easily change it. “Grandmother, how do you plan to respond tomorrow?”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “It’s perfect that both old ladies will enter the palace together. This way, Old Madam Chai can see that my granddaughter is cherished by many, not only by the Rong family. As for Yongyi Marquis’s side, as you said, let them wait and see.”
Wei Baofu did not try to persuade her grandmother. There were things she had never experienced and could not empathize with; affections are always partial. The grandmother who raised her would always be closer than the maternal grandmother she barely remembered.
The next morning, the two families’ old ladies happened to meet at the palace gates. Both were titled ladies of advanced age and acquainted with each other. Although Old Madam Chai didn’t know why Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother was coming to the palace, she was shrewd and, considering her relationship with Princess Kangping, greeted her courteously.
Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother was not overly cold, but neither was she warm. After all, the future granddaughter-in-law she favored had been snatched away, which was hard to accept. They exchanged polite words, unable to read each other’s thoughts, and rode their sedan chairs together into the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility.
Though she resented her sister-in-law, the Empress Dowager wouldn’t make things too difficult as Old Madam Chai was present. She sent Madam Feng to wait at the palace gate. When she saw the two old ladies arrive, Madam Feng greeted them with a bright smile.
“Greetings to the two esteemed ladies. Her Majesty awaits you in the main hall. Please follow this old servant inside.” Madam Feng had served at the Empress Dowager’s side for decades, so even the emperor showed her respect, let alone these experienced old ladies.
Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother was reluctant to come. If not for her children and grandchildren, she would never see the Empress Dowager again. But since she was here, she could not act superior. She asked kindly, “Madam Feng, is Her Majesty feeling better now? She has been recuperating since returning from the summer palace. Surely all is well?”
Madam Feng replied appropriately as they walked, “With our princess accompanying Her Majesty, her mood has been pleasant, so her health is naturally good.” This subtly conveyed the closeness between grandmother and granddaughter.
The old lady felt no discomfort, for she had her own granddaughter, and her impression of Wei Baofu was only from childhood. “That’s wonderful. The princess is a good child.”

Old Madam Chai remained silent, sensing something amiss in the conversation. Since Princess Kangping’s return to the capital, she had never visited Yongyi Marquis’s residence, and rumors said the Empress Dowager never met with its old lady. She began to understand.
Madam Feng smiled, “Indeed, those who know the princess well speak highly of her. Only those who truly understand her know how wonderful she is.” This was clearly directed at Old Madam Chai.
Old Madam Chai was happy to hear it. Anyone her stubborn son wished to marry could not be lacking in merit. She cooperated with a smile, “If my youngest son can be paired with the princess, I’ll wake up laughing in my sleep.”
Her smile was genuine, and Madam Feng could discern it at once, feeling satisfied. The other old lady was less pleased and spoke sternly, “The two children are not yet betrothed. It is best not to speak so prematurely. Who the princess will marry is yet to be decided.”
What did that mean? Old Madam Chai was instantly alert. This future daughter-in-law, already settled, must not be lost. She countered sharply, “I don’t understand your words. Both families are willing. Could you, as an outsider, possibly decide?”
Her words were hardly courteous. Madam Feng did not intervene as they were about to enter the hall. The old lady could not retort, and upon entering, they saw the Empress Dowager seated in the place of honor. Though aged, she still possessed beauty—beauty lies in the bones, not the skin. Even in old age, her bearing was ever more noble.
Though somewhat unwilling, Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother respectfully knelt and greeted her. The Empress Dowager smiled, ignoring her sister-in-law, and said, “Rise, both of you. Chai family’s sister is the same as ever, enviable as always.”
Old Madam Chai laughed, her face full of wrinkles. “Her Majesty flatters me. My skin hangs long with age, how could I compare to you?” No matter their age, women love to hear compliments, and the Empress Dowager was no exception.
“Still as lively as before. Among our generation, you live most comfortably.” The Empress Dowager sighed, genuinely envious—who would not want a house full of children and grandchildren? Old Madam Chai responded modestly, “It’s not as good as you say. My youngest son has troubled me greatly, but now someone has settled his heart and I am so delighted I hardly know what to do.”
This subtly told the Empress Dowager of her joy for Princess Kangping. The Empress Dowager was confident in her granddaughter and did not feign modesty, “Your son is indeed fortunate. He must cherish her well in the future.”
Old Madam Chai agreed, “He needs no urging from me; he understands. He swore before the emperor, and I did not object. As women, who truly wishes to share her husband? As long as the young couple live harmoniously, I will not interfere.”
In these times, mothers-in-law who refrain from meddling are rare. The Empress Dowager was pleased and replied with a smile, “You are right. We all hope our children live well; nothing else matters. The more we meddle, the more likely we spoil things. You see things clearly.”
Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother sat quietly as if invisible. Though embarrassed, she said nothing. The Empress Dowager was enjoying the conversation and was willing to let them meet her granddaughter. She instructed Madam Feng, “Invite the princess in so she can meet our guests.”
Wei Baofu had long been waiting in the back room. She was not dressed in finery, just ordinary palace attire, but on her, it looked beautiful. Old Madam Chai stared in admiration, nodding with satisfaction, and said with a smile, “Such beauty is indeed rare.”

Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother was also surprised. She hadn’t expected her granddaughter to inherit all her parents’ best features. Now she understood her grandson’s determination. Despite her title, Wei Baofu was not arrogant, and she greeted the two old ladies respectfully before returning to her grandmother’s side.
The Empress Dowager spoke with sorrow, “This child has never left me since she was little. Now that she is to be betrothed, I truly cannot bear to part with her.”
Old Madam Chai understood and generously said, “After the wedding, the couple can live between the Marquis’s residence and the Princess’s estate. They will live as they wish, and the princess may enter the palace anytime. If Her Majesty desires, she may visit our residence as well. You will never be separated from your granddaughter.”
Old Madam Chai knew her son well—when he cared for someone, he would agree to anything. Even if she didn’t state it now, she would eventually, so it was better to bring joy early.
Wei Baofu was very satisfied by these words. She saw that Old Madam Chai was a straightforward mother-in-law and would likely be easy to get along with. She was pleased. Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother felt that if she did not speak, she might lose her chance.
“Your Majesty, I have come today to ask on behalf of my eldest grandson for the princess’s hand in marriage. I beg your Majesty to allow fair competition.” She knelt respectfully, speaking with sincerity.
Before the Empress Dowager could respond, Old Madam Chai was displeased, “Does Yongyi Marquis’s residence not know the emperor has already consented to our family’s marriage with the princess? To say such words now is to deliberately seek enmity with our Wei State Duke’s residence.”
Old Madam Chai had never been easy to deal with, and now her son’s happiness was at stake, she would not yield an inch. Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother said nothing, only looked to the Empress Dowager for her decision.
The Empress Dowager was delighted by the spectacle of her granddaughter being sought after, but her heart was unmoved. She replied coolly, “Marriage is the union of two families. Yongyi Marquis’s residence is a step too late; the children are simply not fated.”
Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother looked at Wei Baofu, tears streaming down her face, and said, “Princess, I know we have neglected you these years, but it was all unavoidable. Who does not care for their own flesh and blood? Jing Shen is the kindest of children. If you would be with him, I could care for you as your grandmother, better than marrying into a strange family.”
Wei Baofu felt little for her grandmother, only uncomfortable with someone crying before her. She stepped forward to help her up and said softly, “Grandmother, please do not say such things. I am no longer a child needing constant care. I can overcome any obstacle. When it comes to marriage, I will follow my grandmother’s arrangement.”
Her words were gentle and soft, but her resolve was firmer than ever. Yongyi Marquis’s grandmother was disappointed, but could not blame anyone, only regret her own inaction. What she did not know was this was just the beginning; she would only come to regret it more in the days to come.