Chapter Fifty-Two

Bingxin harbored an almost blind admiration for Wei Baofu, always convinced that anything her mistress set her mind to would be accomplished with ease. Smiling, she said, “Steward Yu will surely be busy now. So, when will we return to the Princess’s residence?”

Though life in the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility was comfortable, it was never meant to be a permanent home for the Princess. They all longed to settle back in the Princess’s residence as soon as possible. Wei Baofu smiled reassuringly, “There’s no rush. We’ll return sooner or later, but now is not the right time.”

She wished to stay by her grandmother’s side a few days more. Soon, she would come of age, and with her marriage to the Marquis of the North already arranged, it wouldn’t be long before the wedding. Even though she could still visit her grandmother after marriage, once she had her own household, leisure would become a rare luxury.

“Our residence isn’t going anywhere, after all. Mistress, you haven’t had a good rest these days. While things are quiet, why not take some time to relax?” Bingxin’s concern for her mistress was genuine.

Wei Baofu dismissed the worry with a gentle laugh, opened a book, and explained, “Reading soothes and relaxes me. No need to fuss over me—go and see to your own affairs.”

Bingxin sighed softly. “Then enjoy your reading, Mistress. I’ll wait outside—call if you need anything.” Wei Baofu was already engrossed in her book and didn’t respond, but Bingxin was used to this and slipped out quietly.

No sooner had she stepped outside than she saw Yuhu entering, carrying a tray of fruit. There was an unmistakable smile on Yuhu’s face. Bingxin exclaimed in delight, “What beautiful fruit! At this time of year, it’s hard to find such delicacies.”

Yuhu beamed. “Indeed. They’re called honey tangerines, sent in specially by the Marquis of the North for our mistress to taste. He sent quite a few, but I only brought a small portion here.”

Upon hearing this, Bingxin nodded in satisfaction. “Such thoughtful consideration from the future consort. Mistress is reading now, so it’s a good time to bring them in—but be gentle and don’t disturb her.”

Everyone around Wei Baofu knew she disliked being interrupted while reading. Yuhu nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll bring them in quietly. You stand guard outside.”

Yuhu tiptoed into the room. Just then, Wei Baofu looked up and, seeing the fruit tray, was pleasantly surprised. “Who sent these? Are there more?” Wei Baofu had a particular fondness for fruit.

“Mistress, these were sent by the Marquis of the North early this morning. I asked specifically—apart from us, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager also received some, but ours is the largest share.” Wei Baofu took one, peeled it, and popped it into her mouth—the sweet and tart flavor was utterly enticing.

“Take some to Consort Shu and the Fourth Prince as well. Tell them there isn’t much, but they should have a taste. And send some to Princess Duanhui too.” She didn’t intend to use these as gifts to curry favor; it was a token from the Marquis of the North, and she loved them. If she sent them to all the ladies of the palace, she would be left with none for herself.

There were far too many important figures in the palace to try pleasing them all, and Wei Baofu had no such intention. Yuhu nodded with a smile. “I’ll peel some honey tangerines for you first, so you can snack while you read. Then I’ll go deliver the rest.”

Wei Baofu murmured her assent. The Marquis of the North might appear cold and unyielding, but he was attentive and thoughtful, seeking to win her over. Life with him would surely not be too difficult—so she consoled herself.

Ever since the Fourth Prince received his sister’s reply, he had been eagerly waiting for her visit, distracted even during his lessons in the imperial study. As soon as class was over, he hurried back to his palace, worried his sister might be kept waiting.

And indeed, as soon as he returned, he found Wei Baofu waiting for him. Wei Qi never quite understood why, but every time he saw his sister, he felt an innate closeness and a fondness that ran deep, though they had not spent much time together.

This was their first meeting since learning the truth, and Wei Baofu’s heart was moved. She had always been fond of him, but there had always been uncertainties between them—now she knew everything.

“Why are you so sweaty? It’s easy to catch a chill in this weather if you sweat like that. Why such a hurry?” Wei Baofu chided gently as she wiped his brow, the gesture utterly natural. The Fourth Prince did not shy away, instead quietly enjoying his sister’s care.

“I was only worried you’d been waiting too long. What really happened before? Rumors have been flying everywhere, and I’ve been worried sick. Then, just as you returned, word spread of your engagement to the Marquis of the North. Is it true?”

He didn’t want his sister to marry so soon. Wei Baofu took his hand and sat beside him, speaking softly. “The rumors were false. Do you really think I’d do anything so outrageous? But the engagement is real. A girl must marry when she comes of age.”

Her tone carried neither joy nor sorrow, but the Fourth Prince found it hard to accept. With some melancholy, he said, “Sister, is this something you’re forced into? Like Mother?”

Wei Baofu started, surprised by his words. “Why do you say that? Did Aunt tell you something?” She’d hoped to shield him from the harsh truths for now—he was still a child, not yet able to hide his feelings. If burdened too soon, his life would be too heavy.

The Fourth Prince shook his head. “It’s not what Mother said. I have eyes and ears. I can see her impatience with Father. I suppose she endures it all for me. So, if one mother is enough, I can’t bear to see you suffer the same way.”

A sudden warmth filled Wei Baofu’s heart. This child, though still young, was so understanding. “I’m not the same as Aunt. I’m marrying willingly. Perhaps I’m not in love yet, but I don’t dislike the Marquis of the North. And, unlike Aunt, I have freedom. After marriage, I’ll actually be more at liberty.”

Her words eased his heart a little. Though he was still displeased, he understood that this was her own choice. “If the Marquis of the North ever mistreats you, tell me. I may be young now, but one day I’ll be strong enough to stand up for you.”

Looking at him, Wei Baofu’s eyes grew hot. If only their mother were still alive—how happy she would be to have such a filial son. If only their father could see him, how gratified he would be. They could have had a warm and happy family; Aunt would not have to bear so much alone.

Never had she hated the Emperor as much as she did now. She suppressed her emotions, glanced around to be sure they were alone, and asked in a soft but solemn tone, “Be honest with me—do you wish to claim that supreme position for yourself?”

Her gaze was grave. The Fourth Prince smiled, his childishness fading, and answered earnestly, “To tell you the truth, that throne is mine to take. I no longer wish to see Mother’s oppressed gaze, nor allow anyone to reign over me.”

He wasn’t sure why, but he never wanted to hide anything from his sister. Hearing this, Wei Baofu was relieved—at least it was his own desire, not something forced upon him.

“Then I’ll give you my unwavering support. Whatever you want, I’ll help you get it.” She said it lightly, but Wei Qi’s heart was anything but calm. He asked seriously, “Sister, have you thought about the consequences of failure?”

Wei Baofu paused, then smiled. “We will not fail. And if we do, at worst, we die. What’s there to fear?”

He was truly puzzled. Though they felt an inexplicable closeness, he didn’t think that alone could warrant such commitment from his sister.

“There’s much you don’t yet know. When you do, you’ll understand why I act as I do. Just remember—Aunt and I will never betray you. Go boldly and do what you think is right. When you need help, come to me. If there’s one thing I have in abundance, it’s silver.”

She ended with playful confidence. Wei Qi was incredulous, but Wei Baofu continued, “I’m serious. You need never worry about funds. I’ll send you money every month. Whether you want to build a team or something else, you can use it. Go forward without concern. For now, this is all I can do for you.”

The Fourth Prince was no ordinary twelve-year-old—he knew what he wanted and what he needed to do. Calmly, he replied, “Then I’ll trouble you for it. When my good days come, you’ll never know hardship.”

This was the first time the siblings had spoken so openly. Even many years later, Wei Qi would not understand why he was so unguarded with his sister. Perhaps it was precisely this complete trust that allowed their sibling bond to endure.

Wei Baofu did not stay to dine with the Fourth Prince. The Empress Dowager had grown increasingly dependent on her, needing her company at every meal—perhaps, with her granddaughter’s marriage set and the wedding not far off, she wished to spend as much time together as possible.

The Empress Dowager was quietly reading Buddhist scriptures, with Madam Feng attending her. When the last page was finished, the Empress Dowager closed the book and asked in a low voice, “Has Yulan, who guarded the imperial tombs, been brought back?”

Madam Feng lowered her gaze and replied softly, “She has, but Consort Shu’s people had been watching her closely. It took considerable effort.”

The Empress Dowager’s face showed no emotion. “I want to see what secrets are hidden here. With Consort Shu so anxious about Yulan, could it be she knows something more?”

Madam Feng shook her head, uncertain. “Perhaps Her Highness is simply sentimental, not wanting Yulan to spread tales.”

It was possible, but the Empress Dowager felt something was amiss. Even her granddaughter’s attitude seemed unusual. Since none of them were willing to speak, she would have to investigate personally.