Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 119

It was not until the lamps were lit that Puyang awoke from her dream. She was completely bare, nestled in Wei Xiu’s arms. Wei Xiu was sound asleep, her dark hair scattered about, half-covering her face. Her breathing was long, slow, and serene.

Puyang felt a profound sense of peace. She reached out to touch Wei Xiu’s nose, her eyes, her lips, then drew her hand back to avoid waking her.

The hall was pitch-black, save for a sliver of light from the candlelight outside the window. Puyang thought for a moment, then retrieved her clothes from the inner side of the couch and dressed with light, quiet movements.

Wei Xiu awoke with bleary eyes, reaching out to grasp the corner of her sleeve and murmuring, “Seventh Lady…”

Puyang turned and lay back down beside her. Wei Xiu leaned against her, still drowsy. Puyang gently brushed aside her scattered hair and said softly, “If you’re still tired, sleep a while longer. I’ll go have someone prepare some food.” They had slept through the evening meal, and it was likely quite late now.

Wei Xiu pressed closer to her neck, burying her head in the soft skin there. She said nothing, nor did she release her hand to let her go.

Puyang felt an immense sweetness and held her dearly, letting her lean more comfortably.

They had been together for many years and shared no shortage of intimate moments, yet every time Wei Xiu took the initiative to draw close, Puyang was still filled with joy.

The next day was the fourth day of the third month, the anniversary of their wedding seven years ago. On this day each year, they would often share a small drink under the moon, enjoying a moment of solitary peace.

In the evening, Wei Xiu returned from outside the palace. As she passed the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue, she glanced at the sky. The golden crow was sinking in the west, and the evening clouds filled the sky. It was already late.

After a moment’s thought, she had a palace attendant push her toward the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue. At this hour, Seventh Lady should be about to return as well. If she went over, they could go back together.

There was no place in the palace that Wei Xiu could not go; wherever Puyang could go, Wei Xiu could as well. The palace attendants before the hall saw her approaching and came forward to greet her from a distance.

“Is Her Majesty still here?” Wei Xiu asked casually.

The attendant answered all he knew: “Yes, she was about to leave, but the Grand Censor suddenly requested an audience.”

Wei Xiu’s brow furrowed slightly. “Just the Grand Censor alone?”

The attendant did not know why she asked this, but he still answered respectfully, “Yes.”

Wei Xiu’s brow relaxed, and she asked no more questions.

With Grand Censor Liu suddenly arriving with a memorial, Puyang could hardly refuse to see him, and the audience had stretched on for some time. At long last, after Grand Censor Liu had finished reporting on official business, Puyang gave her imperial rescript: “This matter is not large, but I fear it may set a precedent. Bring it up again in court tomorrow, so we may discuss it with all the ministers and ensure a proper resolution.”

After speaking, she had an attendant return the memorial to him. Grand Censor Liu received it with both hands. “This subject obeys.”

This should be the last matter of the day. Puyang waved her hand, intending to dismiss him. But Grand Censor Liu did not move. Instead, he took half a step forward, raised his sleeves to bow, and was about to speak again when the hall doors suddenly opened.

Puyang looked toward the entrance and, seeing who it was, broke into a smile. She walked over, asking with concern, “Why have you come?”

Grand Censor Liu’s body stiffened. He slowly turned and bowed to Wei Xiu. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

Wei Xiu answered Puyang, “I was passing by and came to see.” Then she smiled at him and said, “Grand Censor Liu, you may dispense with the ceremony.”

Puyang also said, “If you have no other business, you may withdraw.”

Grand Censor Liu was suddenly caught, unsure whether to leave or stay. He did have one more matter; he wanted to probe the Emperor’s opinion regarding his fourth son, Liu Si. But with the Prince Consort’s sudden arrival, it was difficult to bring up the topic.

Grand Censor Liu hesitated for a moment, recalling how his son had been restless after returning home yesterday, incessantly asking if he could take him to see Her Majesty again, his eyes filled with adoration. Grand Censor Liu’s heart softened, and he had to swallow his pride to ask one more time for his son.

“Your Majesty, my son listened to Your Majesty’s teachings yesterday and deeply understands his own shortcomings. He wishes to enter the Chongwen Institute to study poetry and prose under Master Zhang. I hope Your Majesty will grant your permission.”

Many years ago, the Emperor had invited worthy scholars from all over the realm to the capital. She often visited the Chongwen Institute and would occasionally summon those with outstanding literary talent to the palace to compose poetry with her. Thus, it was said among the scholars that to see Her Majesty, one must first enter the Chongwen Institute.

Puyang had never imagined Grand Censor Liu would make such a request. She immediately felt a pang of guilt and stole a glance at Wei Xiu. Wei Xiu had wheeled herself over to the imperial desk and was casually picking up a document to read, as if she had not heard what Grand Censor Liu had said, or as if whatever he said had nothing to do with her.

Puyang felt dejected. It seemed she would not get to see A-Xiu get jealous. Perhaps A-Xiu truly did not care.

Grand Censor Liu was still holding his bow. Puyang gathered her spirits and dismissed him first. “The Chongwen Institute has always valued talent. If Liu Si is talented, there is no reason to turn him away. Let him go himself and ask the scholars to test him.”

Grand Censor Liu was overjoyed. He and the scholars were officials at the same court; they would certainly not refuse such a small matter. Her Majesty’s words were tantamount to approval.

Grand Censor Liu bowed joyfully, then withdrew, unable to hide his delight.

Wei Xiu placed the document back where it was and turned to look at her. “Is there anything else?”

The fourth day of the third month was a wonderful day. The chill had dissipated, the summer heat had not yet arrived, and the night was exceptionally enchanting. Every year at this time, they would be under the moon, with a banquet that could not be called extravagant set up. She would drink wine, while A-Xiu held a cup of clear water. They would gaze at the stars or the moon, nestled against each other, lost in the tender night.

Night was now falling. Qin Kun had already gone to make arrangements; a dining table and couch must have already been set up in the garden.

Puyang looked at Wei Xiu’s calm and composed expression, her lips curving into a slight smile. “There are still a few things. I’m afraid I’ll be back a little later.”

Wei Xiu seemed to pause for a moment, but she still said calmly, “Then I will wait for you in the rear hall.”

Puyang nodded.

And so Wei Xiu left.

Puyang began to ponder something: did A-Xiu truly like her? Come to think of it, since returning from Mount Mang, A-Xiu had never told her that she liked her.

Wei Xiu was in the rear hall, silent and still, so quiet it was as if she were not there at all.

Puyang’s heart clenched, then relaxed. Thinking about this was truly meaningless. Whether A-Xiu liked her or not, she would not let go. If A-Xiu liked her, she would naturally feel sweet. If A-Xiu did not like her, she would pretend not to know, and then find sweetness in her small gestures of intimacy.

When she thought about it carefully, there was really no difference. Just having A-Xiu by her side was already a great fortune.

Puyang sat for a while longer, pretending to read two memorials. When she estimated that enough time had passed, she finally went to the rear hall.

The rear hall was where Puyang usually rested. Sometimes at noon, if she did not have time to go back, she would take a short nap here.

Wei Xiu was reading a book. Though she held the book in her hands, she had not turned a page in a long time, appearing somewhat distracted. Puyang walked over. Hearing the sound, Wei Xiu looked up and gave a faint smile. “Is everything taken care of?”

Puyang suddenly felt that A-Xiu knew everything. She had always been perceptive, rarely failing to see through things. She knew the Grand Censor wanted to arrange a good match between her and Liu Si, knew that she had been angry just now, and knew that her claim of having “a few things” was just an excuse.

But she remained composed, neither exposing the lie nor showing any displeasure.

She did not care.

Puyang bit her lip and nodded. “It’s done.”

Wei Xiu smiled. “Then let’s go back.”

The garden was indeed arranged perfectly: a long, wide dining table, a couch with armrests set upon it, and on the table a wine pot and cups. Once an order was given, the delicacies could be served.

Night gradually encroached, and all the light of day had faded. The garden was dotted with palace lanterns, one spot bright, another dark.

Puyang glanced at the wine pot on the table and turned to Wei Xiu with a smile. “Will you make an exception for me today?”

Wei Xiu looked slightly curious. “What exception?”

“Today, let’s drink from the same pot of wine,” Puyang said. Before Wei Xiu could object, she continued, “I rarely ask anything of you. I’m happy today, so have a couple of cups with me, won’t you?”

Wei Xiu did not agree, nor did she refuse outright. She merely pondered.

Puyang became very nervous. Although A-Xiu had allowed Zhou Qi to pour wine into her cup, she might not agree to her request. The thought made Puyang sad. Perhaps she truly held no weight in A-Xiu’s heart.

Wei Xiu’s gaze moved to Puyang’s face, staring fixedly. Puyang let her look, a smile on her lips, a hint of expectation in her eyes. The sadness was only in her heart, not showing in the slightest. Wei Xiu then smiled as well and said, “Alright.”

Puyang was stunned, then beamed with joy. “Alright.” She looked at the wine pot again. “You’re not a good drinker. I’ll go change it for another pot.”

Wei Xiu was still smiling. “Alright.”

Puyang went off excitedly and returned a short while later with a new pot of wine.

The wine was clear and sweet, smelling more of fruit than alcohol, as if it would not intoxicate at all.

Wei Xiu raised her cup, lightly tapped it against Puyang’s, and drained it in one go. The liquid was sweet and cool, warming her stomach, then growing hot after a moment.

Puyang asked carefully, “Does the wine taste too strong?”

Wei Xiu poured another cup and said, “Not strong,” then drank it down again.

Puyang quickly served her some food. “Drinking on an empty stomach is bad. Have some food to line your stomach.”

Wei Xiu looked at her, a hint of a smile appearing in her eyes. The smile made her eyes bright and deep, utterly captivating in the night. Puyang did not dare to look any longer and lowered her head to pour more wine for her.

Wei Xiu followed all her arrangements, doing whatever she asked.

By the time the moon was high in the sky, the pot of wine was empty. Puyang had not drunk much; most of it had gone into Wei Xiu’s stomach.

The night was very enjoyable. Puyang pushed Wei Xiu back to the bedchamber. She glanced at Wei Xiu from time to time. Wei Xiu’s expression was natural, her eyes shimmering like water, as moving as the night itself.

Upon entering the inner chamber, Puyang wanted to help her undress. Wei Xiu said, “I’ll do it myself.”

Puyang stared at her for two more moments and said, “Alright.”

Wei Xiu untied her sash and opened her outer robe. Puyang watched her from the front, her expression thoughtful as she carefully observed Wei Xiu’s movements. Every gesture was the same as usual, showing no sign of drunkenness. Puyang could not help but feel dejected. It seemed that although A-Xiu did not drink, her tolerance was quite good. The strong, fruit-flavored liquor she had specially brought was useless.

“Seventh Lady.” Wei Xiu had taken off her robe, leaving only her middle garments.

Hearing her name, Puyang responded subconsciously.

Wei Xiu looked at her, but only smiled without speaking.

Only then did Puyang see that while Wei Xiu appeared sober, she was actually showing signs of being drunk. She hurried over to help her to the couch. Wei Xiu did not struggle and complied with her wishes.

Again, whatever Puyang wanted her to do, she did.

Puyang began to feel some regret. A-Xiu’s constitution was weak; it had taken these past two years to nurse her back to better health. Why torment her like this? She poured a cup of warm water and fed it to her.

Wei Xiu drank it obediently. Her gaze grew more hazy, and a blush appeared on her cheeks, but she still tried hard to see the scene before her, looking at Puyang.

Puyang’s heart softened. “Do you feel unwell?”

Wei Xiu shook her head.

“A-Xiu…” Puyang called her name, then hesitated. Truth comes out after wine. She had originally wanted to get A-Xiu drunk and ask her what place she held in her heart. Although she would be with A-Xiu whether she liked her or not, she still wanted to ask for a clear answer. But facing a drunk Wei Xiu, she just could not bring herself to say the words.

Wei Xiu’s demeanor was gentle and elegant, but within that elegance, there seemed to be an endless depth of meaning. She looked at Puyang without speaking, as if waiting for Puyang to ask, or as if she just wanted to look at her like this.

This was a state she would never be in if she were sober.

Puyang could see that Wei Xiu was very drunk. She could no longer be bothered with what she wanted to ask. She turned to have someone prepare some sobering tea, otherwise A-Xiu would likely have a headache tomorrow. She had only taken two steps when her sleeve was pulled.

Puyang turned back. Wei Xiu was looking at her, her lips slightly parted. “Seventh Lady, is it that I make you feel insecure, so you had to get me drunk to test me?”

Puyang was shocked. A-Xiu knew.

Wei Xiu smiled again. “Why don’t you ask? You didn’t get me drunk just for fun, did you? Or is there something you want to do?”