Chapter Seven: Before the Event

“Mother, the princess is not a harsh person, nor does she lack attendants at her side. You are getting on in years—you should rest when you need to, there’s no need to keep watch day and night.”

Yu Shun was always the most devoted of sons. Since the age of eight, when his father and stepmother had dragged him into the palace, he had been without kin. Only when Nanny Qian appeared did he once again feel the bond of family.

Nanny Qian smiled kindly. “The princess would never make me keep watch throughout the night. Every day, after a while, she has the maids escort me to rest. She treats me very well.”

Yu Shun finally nodded in relief, sighing, “All of us who follow the princess are truly fortunate—especially me.”

Nanny Qian agreed with a nod. “Indeed. Without the princess, who knows what our lives would be like? That’s why you must never let yourself be swayed by outside temptations and bring trouble upon the princess.”

Yu Shun could only offer a wry smile. “Mother, your son is a man without roots—what could possibly tempt me? Besides, no matter what is offered, none of it matters more than you and the princess. I may overstep by saying so, but the princess is not only my mistress, she is also like family to me.”

Though no one ever said it aloud, their respect and devotion to the princess were the same. Nanny Qian nodded in reassurance. “Serve the princess with all your heart. Lately, the Empress Dowager’s moods have been less than pleasant.”

Yu Shun was not surprised; the Empress Dowager had long been this way. “Mother, you shouldn’t worry yourself about the Empress Dowager. She’s weathered enough storms in her life—nothing will happen to her.”

Though the Empress Dowager sometimes made things difficult, she had never jeopardized important matters. Nanny Qian understood this as well; she merely worried for the princess and spoke out of affection. After mother and son had not seen one another for some days, their conversation naturally stretched on.

By the time Yu Shun hurried to the small kitchen to seek some treats from Pearl, it was already time for the evening meal.

Wei Baofu and her attendants spent two days in tranquil routine. In the Jianzhang Palace, everything appeared calm, yet beneath the surface, something unusual stirred. The various spies and informants had long since been drugged into a deep sleep.

Upon awakening, none dared report to their masters. After all, they knew nothing; Wei Baofu had not informed the Empress Dowager, merely instructing Nanny Feng to keep careful watch and not allow the Empress Dowager to leave her quarters.

But the Empress Dowager was far from oblivious. Dressed and ready at dawn, she leisurely fed the caged birds. The Emperor, eager to demonstrate his filial piety, had sent many such little amusements to the palace.

From outside, the footsteps were noticeably more numerous and purposeful than usual—firm and in perfect unison. Curious, the Empress Dowager wished to go out and see for herself.

Nanny Feng smiled, eyes crinkling. “Your Majesty, the princess gave strict instructions that you mustn’t seek out the commotion today. Please don’t make things difficult for your old servant.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head with a laugh. “You do like to challenge me. If I truly wished to go out, could you stop me? Besides, our dear Baofu is still so young, so tender-faced. Should trouble arise, I ought to support her from behind. I suspect this is no small matter. She hasn’t told me the details, but I am not foolish.”

Nanny Feng took the birdseed from her hands, sighing. “It’s the princess’s filial piety. She wishes to stand on her own and protect you completely. You should let her prove her devotion. Children must eventually be allowed to test their wings.”

The Empress Dowager was not entirely convinced. “But Baofu has no parents of her own. If I let go lightly and she suffers for it, what then?”

Nanny Feng was at a loss. She, too, could not bear for the princess to be hurt; after all, the princess was the very hope of all those close to her.

“But now, the princess wants to handle things herself. If you intervene, you may go against her original intent. Our princess is clever and capable—just look at the current display; who would dare disobey?”

Nanny Feng sided with Wei Baofu, believing her mistress could handle anything.

Though the Empress Dowager could be formidable, she could not bring herself to be stern with her own granddaughter. In the end, affection prevailed, and she sighed.

“I simply can’t rest easy. Here’s what we’ll do—we’ll observe quietly from the side. If she can control the situation, we need not step in. If not, I’ll stand up for her. I want to see if anyone truly has the nerve.”

This was the most prudent course. Nanny Feng smiled, “Shall I go make arrangements?”

The Empress Dowager nodded with a gentle smile. Nanny Feng, beaming, made her way toward the front hall where the princess would hold council. She did not mean to report back, but her actions were sure to reach the princess’s ears.

That was no bad thing—it might embolden the princess to act more decisively.

At dawn, Wei Baofu’s maids and attendants were on their guard, determined to dress her in a way that conveyed supreme authority.

Wei Baofu herself was unruffled, reading her book as Linglong styled her hair.

“Princess, I think you should dress more splendidly. It would help instill a little fear.”

Pearl understood the temperament of these stewards; they were not like those who worked in the shadows.

Wei Baofu calmly turned a page without looking up. “My identity speaks for itself. If I dress imposingly, it will only seem like empty posturing. In my eyes, this is a simple meeting. They are not worthy of my full regalia.”

Pearl said no more, and after hearing Wei Baofu’s words, the maids all grew calm as well.

The stewards arrived early. Though they managed affairs for the Princess Kangping, they were always separated by curtains and had rarely set foot in the palace.

Steward Tang, clad in fine robes and full of self-importance, imagined that with the Crown Prince supporting him, the princess would be forced to value him more highly—perhaps even entrust him with more shops.

Steward Wen, however, carefully observed his surroundings. This was his second time in the palace; the first had been strict, but never so charged with tension as today.

A cautious man, Steward Wen quickly reviewed his actions over the past six months and, finding no major errors, felt somewhat reassured.

“See how the palace maids are different here—this is the inner court, after all,” Steward Tang remarked openly.

Steward Wen frowned, instinctively stepping away, as did Steward Li, who exchanged a subtle glance with him, and together they withdrew to the side.

“Old Wen, did you notice the guards who just passed by? Their uniforms aren’t those of the regular palace guard—they look like the princess’s personal guard.”

Steward Li’s wife had once served the Empress Dowager, so he was more knowledgeable than most. Steward Wen grew even more apprehensive at his words.

“We’d best be cautious—no mistakes, no trouble,” Wen muttered in a low voice, perspiration beading on his brow. Though he was sure of his innocence, his timid nature left him uneasy.

“Don’t fret. The princess is not one to mete out punishment on a whim. If we have no disloyalty and have done nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear.”

Reassured by Steward Li’s words, Steward Wen wiped his brow, forcing a faint smile.