Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 13

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain by carriage, Puyang took note of the terrain along the way and realized that Mount Mang was quite far from the road where she had been attacked. It was no wonder that Zhang Daozhi and his men, despite their thorough search, had never come this way.

Exiting the carriage, she forwent her palanquin and proceeded on foot, ascending a flight of stone steps that led toward the summit.

The climate in Luoyang was dry, with windy springs giving way to a scorching sun as soon as summer arrived. After just a few steps, she already felt quite hot. It was fortunate that it had been raining these past few days, which, in addition to creating a misty mountain vista, added a welcome coolness, preventing the heat from making every step a struggle.

Puyang walked with great interest through the shade of the forest. Mount Mang was like any other mountain, with many trees, deep woods, and flocks of birds. Occasionally, a squirrel or rabbit would dart past.

After passing the stone steps, she had not even reached the halfway point when the mountain path grew steep.

A eunuch, fearing Puyang would tire herself out, advised her to take a rest.

Puyang looked up at the rugged mountain path. Gazing further ahead, she saw the end of the road was hidden within the dense, verdant forest. Her eyes were filled with green, and she had no idea how much longer she had to walk.

Her wounds had just healed, so it was not advisable to overexert herself. After a moment’s thought, she found a large boulder by the roadside to rest her feet before continuing on her way.

Puyang did not push her physical limits, alternating between walking and resting. As she neared the thatched cottage, she saw in the distance a slender young man with two servants. His posture was graceful and his steps leisurely as he approached from afar.

Why is there a stranger at Sir Wei’s home? Puyang wondered.

She did not stop, but continued walking forward.

Mount Mang was vast and imposing, its precipitousness awe-inspiring. The mountain path was winding and circuitous, making the ascent on foot quite strenuous. By the time Puyang reached this point, she was nearly exhausted, but she still regulated her breathing and pace, her skirts fluttering gracefully, her bearing dignified.

As she slowly drew near, the young man’s face lit up with joy upon seeing Puyang. He quickened his pace, offered a light and easy bow that was quite perfunctory, but his bright smile carried a sense of intimacy.

“Elder Sister, what brings you into these mountains?” He then glanced behind her at the several eunuchs, each holding a box, and said with a knowing smile, “So you have come personally to bestow gifts upon Sir Wei.”

Puyang’s heart skipped a beat upon seeing him here, but she maintained a smiling facade and asked, “Fifth Brother, what are you doing here?”

This was Puyang’s maternal cousin, Wang Chun, the second son of Wang Gun, who was ranked fifth among the male cousins. Puyang had always been close to her maternal uncle’s family and got along very well with all her cousins. Thus, Wang Chun was not the least bit afraid of her. Although he called her Elder Sister, he was in fact born only ten days after Puyang, making him the closest to her in age among all the cousins.

The Emperor had once considered marrying Puyang into the Wang clan, mainly because they were her maternal relatives and would not mistreat her; she could live a more comfortable life in the Wang household. Later, for some unknown reason, he felt that Wang Chun was not good enough for Puyang, that no young man was worthy of her, and so he kept her. Most other princesses were married by fifteen or sixteen, but at seventeen, Puyang was still in the palace. She was not anxious and particularly enjoyed staying in the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue to listen to the Emperor chat with her, mostly about political affairs.

The Emperor, seeing her interest and knowing she was always discreet and never repeated what she heard, and furthermore believing that even a princess should not be completely ignorant of politics, felt that knowing more was always beneficial. Thus, he would discuss everything with her, from the corvée labor in a single county to the defensive deployments on the border, all as part of their casual conversations.

Now, upon hearing Puyang’s question, Wang Chun said, “Father sent me. That fleeting glimpse on the day we welcomed you back left a deep impression on him, and he wishes to invite Sir Wei to be a retainer of the Wang clan. Unfortunately, he has been too busy these past few days to find the time, so he sent me to pay a visit first.”

His tone was full of admiration, suggesting that he would surely offer many words of praise upon his return.

Puyang: “…” Why is my uncle in such a hurry?

Wang Chun looked up at the sky, which was overcast and sunless. “Elder Sister, you should hurry. Given the weather, it might rain. I must get down the mountain quickly as well.”

Puyang did not stop him. She told him to be careful on his way and asked if he had brought an umbrella, ordering a eunuch to spare one for him.

Wang Chun saw that they had just enough for themselves; if they lent him one, they would be short. He quickly refused.

Puyang said, “It’s no matter. Once I am up the mountain, I can borrow one from Sir Wei.”

Only then did Wang Chun accept it.

After saying this, Puyang thought it was an excellent idea. If Sir Wei was still unwilling to accompany her to the capital this time, she could use the pretext of returning the umbrella to visit again.

Puyang continued onward. From behind, Wang Chun watched her until she was far in the distance before starting down the mountain.

When she reached the thatched cottage, it was just as she had left it, only the bamboo forest behind it seemed a deeper shade of green.

A servant heard the sounds and came out. Seeing it was her, he quickly knelt in greeting before entering the house to announce her arrival.

Puyang stood outside the wicker gate, observing the etiquette of a guest. Only when Wei Xiu’s figure appeared in her line of sight did she walk forward quickly, smiling as they exchanged bows.

The two entered together, and only then did Puyang say, “I have come today to express my gratitude to you, Sir.”

As she finished speaking, several eunuchs stepped forward and presented the gifts. Puyang selected a long, emerald-green box from among them and said, “The rest are gifts prepared by my father to thank you, Sir.”

Then, with a hint of anticipation, she said, “This is my thanks to you, Sir.” As she spoke, she personally handed the box to Wei Xiu.

Wei Xiu expressed her thanks and accepted it with both hands. She did not immediately hand it to the attendant beside her but placed it on her lap and smiled. “Young Master Wang left not long ago. Did Your Highness happen to meet him on the way?”

“I did.” A maidservant brought tea. Puyang accepted the teacup and replied, “I hope my younger brother did not cause you any trouble, Sir?”

“The young master is naturally elegant and refined; he has won my heart,” Wei Xiu said.

Puyang: “…The bearing of the Wang clan’s sons is indeed rare in the capital.” She felt quite displeased. How did he win your heart?

Wei Xiu smiled. She was always serene, and this smile was like a distant mountain, remote and pure.

Puyang’s slight displeasure dissipated. She lowered her gaze slightly and saw Wei Xiu’s fingertips unconsciously stroking the surface of the box. She desperately wanted to see her expression upon opening it, but out of etiquette, a host would not open gifts in front of a guest.

She had chosen it to suit Wei Xiu’s tastes. Sir should like it, shouldn’t he? Puyang thought.

Except for the gift from Puyang, which was still in Wei Xiu’s hands, all the gifts bestowed by the Emperor had been put away by the servants. The gifts were numerous, and even without seeing them, one knew they were all valuable items.

Puyang intentionally or unintentionally spoke to Wei Xiu about the events in the palace over the past half-month, including the Prince of Jin’s visit.

She looked down on the likes of the Prince of Jin. Having been by the Emperor’s side, she had been immersed in political affairs since childhood. To put it arrogantly, her political sophistication was much higher than that of the Princes of Zhao and Jin. To say nothing of other matters, just regarding the affair of those two prefects, the Prince of Jin thought Puyang intended to clip his wings, but in Puyang’s view, it was better not to have such men. It was fine for subordinates to have some flaws, but if they were deficient in matters of great principle, they were unacceptable. Who knew when they might bring ruin upon their lord?

“Second Brother is also too magnanimous. The matter of the Prefect of You Province intercepting tribute could have easily been used to implicate Third Brother, yet he simply let it go.” Many people knew that prefect was one of the Prince of Jin’s men. If he intercepted the tribute, perhaps it was to present it to the Prince of Jin?

“Perhaps His Highness the Prince of Zhao has other plans,” Wei Xiu said.

If he had a plan, he would have acted on it long ago. Why is there still no movement to this day? She was just being polite, mindful that he was, after all, Puyang’s brother.

Puyang pursed her lips. Seeing Fifth Brother on the mountain path, she knew her uncle had not given up and had sent his own son to see for himself. When Fifth Brother returned, he would surely report to her uncle. Once her uncle had confirmation, he would inevitably report to her maternal grandfather. Her grandfather cherished talent above all else; how could he remain indifferent? And Master Wei’s name might spread because of this, shattering the tranquility of the thatched cottage.

This was a full twelve years earlier than in her previous life.

Puyang sighed inwardly. If a constant stream of people seeking talent came knocking, on what grounds could she, a mere princess, win Sir Wei’s favor? She truly wished she could just snatch the person away.

But in doing so, even if she got the person, she would not win their heart.

Experience told Puyang that with a person of noble and reclusive character, the best way was to move them with emotion. Frankness, trust, and sincerity were all indispensable. But the most important thing was not these three, but rather, a future.

Who among those willing to serve as an advisor to a lord does not wish to create a golden age and have their name recorded in history?

“Your Highness and I can be considered old acquaintances. Why does Your Highness seem so sorrowful upon our meeting?” Wei Xiu suddenly asked.

Puyang returned to her senses, her expression slightly hesitant.

Judging from what she had accomplished in her previous life, if Wei Xiu wanted to be an official, she could make it happen. Even the position of Chancellor, she could obtain it for her. But her ambition did not lie there.

She was different from those other recluses.

She looked up and met Wei Xiu’s concerned gaze.

Puyang’s heart stirred. She smiled and spoke the truth: “I have been troubled by a matter recently. With my own wisdom, I cannot find a solution. I wish to ask for your guidance, Sir.”

There was a smile on her face, but her eyes, following her heart, revealed sorrow and confusion. Clearly, the matter that troubled her was no small thing.

Wei Xiu lowered her eyes. “My talent and virtue are meager. I may not be able to resolve Your Highness’s worries.”

She adopted a posture of retreat. Puyang felt a pang of sadness, but she quickly smiled. “Then please, Sir, just consider it a chance for me to confide in you.”

Puyang was a princess, after all. To refuse after she had spoken thus would be excessively rude.

Wei Xiu sighed, as if sighing at her persistence, then made a gesture of invitation. “Your Highness, please speak.”

Puyang began to speak in a soft, slow voice. “I studied with my brothers and grew up with them. Second Brother is ten years my senior. When I began my studies, I saw that he was at odds with Third and Fourth Brother. This was especially true three years ago, when our eldest brother passed away. Second Brother thought he had thus become the eldest son and should inherit the throne. The others, however, believed that with the eldest son gone, the rest held no advantage in terms of ritual propriety. The heir should be chosen based on virtue, and Second Brother was clearly far from virtuous.”

It was as if the excellence of the Xiao family had been exhausted by the Emperor and the previous two generations of Xiao sons. In Puyang’s generation, there were no imperial princes of particularly outstanding talent.

“Second Brother is inadequate, but are Third and Fourth Brother any better? If they had even a shred of courage, how could the court still be so calm today?” Puyang paused, her pair of exquisite, clear eyes looking directly at Wei Xiu. “I look down on them.”

Wei Xiu nodded. “Your Highness’s feelings are understandable.”

She did not advise her to get over it, but rather showed understanding. Puyang felt a trace of warmth and continued, her tone softening, “But I am a princess. The position of crown prince is beyond my reach. In the future, no matter which of them wins, I must bow to them. If it were a ruler of great talent and vision like my father, I would do so willingly.”

A glint flashed in Wei Xiu’s eyes as her fingertips stroked the box on her lap.

“But people like my Second Brother… to have me bow to them, how can I be willing!” Puyang said.

She knew that Xiao Dewen had won in the end, but right now, no one could know that outcome, so she did not mention the imperial grandson’s generation.

Wei Xiu was silent for a moment before saying, “In that case, what does Your Highness intend to do?”

“At the very least, to be able to protect myself and not be easily manipulated by others.”

Wei Xiu said, “Difficult.”

It was difficult. While the Emperor was alive, he doted on her and did not pressure her. But after he was gone? In her previous life, no matter how hard she tried, she had not succeeded. Recently, reflecting on the reasons for her failure, the words of the Grand Astrologer constantly echoed in her mind: “An ominous star threatens the palace. The treacherous sycophant must be removed to rectify the subversion of order.”

If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext!

She had merely not sided with Xiao Dewen, but which of her actions was not for the sake of the Wei court? Yet Xiao Dewen could not tolerate her holding power.

“I know it is perilous, therefore…” Just a moment ago she had said she only wanted to confide, so the words “ask for guidance” now felt unspeakable.

“The Son of Heaven has a natural advantage. If Your Highness wishes not to be manipulated, you must have power in your hands. With power in hand, you will easily be feared by others. If the successor wants to take Your Highness’s life, and if Your Highness is strong enough, you can resist, depose the ruler, and install a new one,” Wei Xiu said calmly.

Hearing her proactively offer advice, Puyang’s eyes lit up. As she listened further, she was very tempted. In her past life, her power was no weaker than Xiao Dewen’s. If not for his sudden attack, which left her no time to call for aid, the outcome would have been uncertain. What if she had considered deposition and enthronement the moment she sensed Xiao Dewen’s dissatisfaction…

Puyang quickly began to consider the possibility of success.

“But how can Your Highness be certain that the new ruler will be content as a puppet?” Wei Xiu’s tone remained calm, her words unhurried. “Will you depose him again then? That is also possible. However, can you ensure that the next successor will be obedient? The human heart is the most difficult thing to fathom.”

Puyang was stunned. It was true. She suddenly felt a wave of panic, but she forced herself to remain calm. An answer was drawing closer, but it was too terrifying to contemplate, and she subconsciously shied away from it.

Taking a deep breath, she stared intently at Wei Xiu. “Choose a young child as the new ruler. I will raise him myself.”

“Will raising him yourself be enough? The princes are all sons of His Majesty, yet Your Highness looks down on them, do you not? Besides,” Wei Xiu’s smile was inscrutable, a chill like a cold winter rain seeming to spread from the corners of her lips. But when Puyang looked closely, she felt it must have been a trick of the eye. Wei Xiu said calmly, “The humiliations suffered in childhood are never forgotten. When one grows up, they will be repaid one by one.”

She no longer spoke in riddles with Puyang. “Why go to the trouble of installing a new ruler? Why does Your Highness not take his place instead!”