Chapter Fifty-One

The Empress Dowager held the deepest contempt for her sister-in-law’s demeanor, always feeling that her cunning was so pronounced it made others uneasy. Unable to restrain herself, she remarked, “If you still remember your place, you ought to think more for Baofu. She has not had an easy time reaching where she is today.” Her words carried a heavy tone of reproach; the more she cherished her granddaughter, the more she resented their inaction. Wei Baofu, not wanting her grandmother’s mood to sour, replied with a bright smile, “Grandmother, I heard you and Lady Chai are old acquaintances. Could you tell me about your younger days together?”

The Empress Dowager’s early life had been nothing short of illustrious. As she reminisced, a smile naturally blossomed on her face, and whatever grievances she had seemed to slip away. She turned eagerly toward Lady Chai, recounting their past with enthusiasm.

Though she was there to accompany the Empress Dowager, Lady Chai couldn’t help but occasionally observe Wei Baofu. Stripping away her outward status, Lady Chai found herself fond of the girl’s nature—intelligent yet unbound by trivialities. From the depths of her heart, she approved of her.

Seeing her grandmother’s mood improve, Wei Baofu breathed a sigh of relief. As for what the matriarch of Yongyi Marquis’s household thought, she cared little; after all, affection was not something that blossomed from a single meeting.

Wei Baofu had no intention of deliberately impressing Lady Chai, but she was happy to assist them with logistical matters. The Empress Dowager, rarely able to meet a kindred spirit, did not need to give instructions—Wei Baofu herself arranged for lunch.

On this visit to the palace, aside from the matriarch of Yongyi Marquis’s household, everyone else was undoubtedly satisfied. Upon Lady Chai’s return, Rong Yanzong arrived at Songhe Hall. Seeing his youngest so attentive, Lady Chai couldn’t help but find it amusing.

“If you’re indifferent, you have no urgency. But once you care, you wish you could bring her home at once. Today your bride nearly got snatched away—fortunately, the Empress Dowager was resolute.”

Hearing this, Rong Yanzong’s expression immediately soured. “Who would dare stir up trouble knowing I’m to be betrothed to the Princess? Are they seeking enmity with our Zhenbei Marquis’s household?” His words carried a palpable threat.

Lady Chai was used to his temperament and replied with a hint of annoyance, “The Princess possesses both beauty and talent—of course people covet her. Besides, the one coveting her is her cousin from her maternal family, wishing for even closer ties.”

“The heir of Yongyi Marquis? I don’t recall much about him, only that he’s indecisive—not someone meant for great deeds.” Rong Yanzong had little memory of those he rarely interacted with.

“Whether he’s meant for greatness, I can’t say, but his indecision is certain. Lucky you acted early, or you’d have missed your chance. Just thinking about the day you and the Princess give me a beautiful grandchild makes me smile in my dreams.”

Lady Chai was genuinely delighted. She had previously felt uncertain, never having met Wei Baofu, but now that she had, she felt assured—a girl so outstanding could surely handle her son.

Just as she was about to say more, a maid announced the arrival of the eldest madam. Lady Chai’s smile faded, her tone irritable, “See, that petty woman must be here to fish for information again.”

Rong Yanzong raised an eyebrow but said nothing; after all, she was his sister-in-law. No matter his dissatisfaction, for his elder brother’s sake, he refrained from speaking. He was well aware of the unfortunate events that had occurred—most orchestrated by the so-called virtuous sister-in-law. Since he no longer lived at the state duke’s residence, he preferred not to meddle.

Lady Li rushed in, eager to inquire about the news. Though jealous at heart, she knew she could not oppose the marriage—she still had her own children to consider and couldn’t afford to make a scene.

“Mother, you’re finally back. I was worried something happened to you in the palace. I didn’t expect Third Brother to be here as well.” She wore a pleasing smile. Rong Yanzong responded with a perfunctory nod.

Lady Li did not mind his indifference. With Lady Chai, her mother-in-law, she always maintained utmost vigilance, even though Lady Chai rarely interfered in her affairs or cared for household authority. She still inspired genuine awe.

“What trouble could I have? Can’t you wish me well for once? Speak, what brings you here?” Lady Chai’s good mood was spoiled, her tone heavy, but Lady Li was unfazed, having grown accustomed to her mother-in-law’s manner.

“Did the marriage get settled during today’s palace visit?” This was Lady Li’s chief concern. Lady Chai glared, annoyed, “What, you still haven’t given up? Planning more mischief?”

Lady Li, embarrassed, glanced at her younger brother-in-law and replied helplessly, “Mother, that’s not what I meant. I just think a royal marriage is a grand affair—we can’t afford to be disrespectful. I thought I’d help prepare ahead of time, since Third Brother’s wedding should be handled by the main household, right?”

When Rong Yanzong moved out of the State Duke’s residence, it was considered a division of the family, but an agreement remained: his marriage must be managed by the house, as Lady Chai was still alive. Lady Chai hesitated; if the eldest daughter-in-law handled it, it would save her much trouble, but it could also pose many problems.

She looked to her son for his opinion. Rong Yanzong spoke, “Then I must trouble Sister-in-law. Please prepare the necessary betrothal gifts; I will arrange the rest myself. The same will apply for the wedding—both households will host banquets, and you need only oversee the State Duke’s residence.”

Lady Li was disappointed. Her involvement would be minimal, meaning little opportunity for gain. With some discomfort, she said, “Third Brother, why not let me handle it all? We’re family—I wouldn’t take anything from you.”

Rong Yanzong, unwilling to answer directly, replied sternly, “It’s my wedding, after all. I cannot trouble you entirely. Please handle the main household’s portion; I’ll manage the rest.”

Seeing Lady Li about to protest, Lady Chai interjected, “Let it be. The youngest has his own household now—it’s only proper he takes charge. You need only fulfill your duties as the eldest sister-in-law; don’t say more.”

Lady Li, though aggrieved, could not argue. Noticing her mother-in-law’s neutral expression, she continued, “What about Lady Ning at the villa? Should she be sent away? I wonder if the Princess will tolerate her.”

Lady Chai hadn’t considered this problem. Though Lady Ning had been given her freedom, she insisted she’d never remarry. If the Princess saw her, she surely wouldn’t be pleased. Lady Li brought this up, hoping to curry favor with her future sister-in-law, since her own daughter might benefit from having an imperial princess for an aunt and secure a good marriage.

Lady Li’s ambitions were considerable; for the sake of her children, she was willing to endure. Rong Yanzong, recalling Lady Ning, felt troubled and said solemnly, “I must ask Sister-in-law to handle this for me. If she makes any demands, so long as they’re not excessive, I’ll agree.”

Lady Li smiled, “Don’t worry, Third Brother—I’ll take care of it. I won’t let her upset your bride. Just wait and see.” She herself despised concubines and found this task easy.

After Lady Chai returned from the palace, everyone knew that Princess Kangping’s marriage to the Marquis of Zhenbei was settled and the formalities were soon to follow. Setting aside Zhao Jingshen’s state, the Fourth Prince was noticeably displeased.

As soon as he received the news, he wanted to ask his sister directly, but was blocked by his mother, Lady Shu. Lady Shu knew Wei Baofu was busy and likely troubled at heart.

The Fourth Prince felt his sister had been snatched away—he hadn’t spent enough time with her. Though unhappy, he would not act inappropriately. He secretly wrote a letter for Xiao Dongzi to deliver to Wei Baofu, still hoping to see her.

Wei Baofu was delighted to receive the letter; she too looked forward to meeting her younger brother. Yet she remained wary of the Empress Dowager’s feelings. Sometimes she thought of telling her grandmother everything, but if she did, peace would vanish. Her grandmother would surely try to help the Fourth Prince ascend, and perhaps she herself lacked the patience for such endurance.

Rather than risk it, she decided it was better that her grandmother know nothing. Wei Baofu immediately replied, telling him she would visit his palace the next day and urging him to wait patiently. Xiao Dongzi felt reassured upon receiving the reply—his master was indeed persistent.

After Xiao Dongzi left, Bingxin smiled and said, “Master, you’ve been busy with other matters lately—have you heard what’s happened in the palace?”

Wei Baofu laughed, “I haven’t. You can tell me—who’s been spreading unpleasant rumors now?”

With so many people and mouths in the palace, secrets never lasted. She had recently overheard that Consort Yao had beaten another maid who tried to climb into her bed. Bingxin, not one to be coy, smiled, “This time it’s the Eldest Princess. Her Majesty the Empress drove her out of Kunning Palace and assigned her to the remote Jade Fragment Pavilion. The Eldest Princess is extremely dissatisfied, and the uproar is known throughout the palace.”

The Eldest Princess had always clung to the Empress. Though she had been banished, it did not mean the Empress would truly abandon her. After all, an imperial princess—even used for a marriage alliance—remained an asset.

“That’s someone else’s affair. The Eldest Princess has nothing to do with us. The Eastern Palace delivered the owed silver; discuss among yourselves and send someone to give it to Steward Yu, and have him help me buy a suitable mansion in the capital for business.” Last evening, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace had come to repay the silver. Though it had been delayed for so long, nothing untoward happened, and Wei Baofu had some new ideas.

She owned few shops in the capital, all part of her mother’s dowry and left unchanged. She intended to establish a new business—one that would help build connections, gather information, and generate profit.