Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 14

Now that things had come to this, there was no point in hiding it anymore.

The room fell silent following Wei Xiu’s words. Puyang’s pupils contracted, and she drew in a sharp breath. Even though she had anticipated Wei Xiu would say such a thing, for her to actually voice it was still like a clap of thunder to Puyang. After the initial shock passed, Puyang could almost hear her own heavy heartbeat, unable to tell if it was from nervousness or terror.

Such words were not just treasonous; they overturned the natural order of things. If anyone else had heard them, they would have been aghast. Yet Wei Xiu remained unfazed. She sat in her wheelchair, her posture elegant and refined. Seeing Puyang’s expression flicker as she remained lost in thought, Wei Xiu signaled for a maid to refill her teacup. She lifted it with her thumb, index, and middle fingers and slowly took a sip.

The phrase “take their place” was like pointing out another path for Puyang. It was no smooth, open road; once she set foot on it, there was no turning back. Success meant ascending to the throne; failure meant not even her bones would remain.

Puyang looked at Wei Xiu, who was as steady as a mountain. Head lowered, sipping her tea, she still appeared completely at ease.

Puyang’s heart was still pounding violently, but she realized that unlike the nervousness and fear that had dominated moments ago, a strange excitement was rising from the soles of her feet. It carried a thrilling chill that instantly consumed her entire body.

Her mind felt like a blank sheet of paper, yet it was clearer than ever before. Puyang’s eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, but she quickly concealed it. Composing herself, she frowned and said, “Since ancient times, there has never been a female ruler. This is far too audacious.”

But she did not explicitly refuse.

Wei Xiu had already placed the teacup back on the small table. She withdrew her hand, her wide sleeve sweeping over the table’s surface—her elegance restrained, her demeanor composed and self-assured. Finally, her hands rested before her, perfectly still. She said, “If there is no precedent, then let it begin with Your Highness. What if Your Highness were to set that precedent?”

As she spoke these words, her expression was exceptionally calm, even more serene than her usual composed and self-possessed manner. It was a stillness that carried an almost cruel coldness.

Puyang was already moved, but this was a momentous matter. She would not be so rash as to agree on the spot, swept up by the ambition Wei Xiu had stirred. This was tantamount to usurpation. No matter how much the Emperor doted on her, he would never pass the throne to her. On this point, Puyang was very clear-headed.

Her mind worked quickly. In the space of Wei Xiu’s few sentences, her thoughts had already delved deep. The Emperor would not pass the throne to her, so she could only wait for a new monarch to be enthroned. She was unwilling to usurp her father’s throne, nor did she dare to.

She could only make her move on the new monarch.

During the transition of power, the court is most prone to instability. If events followed the course of her previous life, she would need to seize the initiative before Xiao Dewen could install his confidants in the court. However, the Prince of Zhao and the others were still around. Even if they remained in the capital, they would be a significant problem. If things went wrong, she and Xiao Dewen would be the snipe and the clam, allowing the Prince of Zhao and the others to reap the fisherman’s profit.

Setting a precedent was not so easy. She had no examples to draw from.

The practical execution would also be fraught with obstacles. Puyang had been immersed in court politics for many years; she was no naive person who could be swayed by a few words. Even though she was incredibly tempted, her reason would always suppress her impulses.

In the space of a few breaths, she ran through the scenario in her mind: if she were truly to become empress, how would she go about it? In the end, she came up with nothing.

She was not discouraged. How could such a monumental affair be sorted out in a few breaths? She neither agreed nor disagreed, only saying, “Sir, you must not mention this matter again!”

Her tone was slightly uneasy, as if tinged with trepidation, yet her clear, bright eyes were perfectly calm.

Wei Xiu smiled and, as expected, did not mention it again. She changed the subject to the wine she had recently brewed. “Your Highness has bestowed a great gift upon me. Xiu has nothing with which to repay you, but I have a jar of personally brewed fine wine. I hope Your Highness will not refuse it.”

Her words and expression were so natural it was as if they had been discussing wine from the very beginning.

A short while later, it did indeed begin to rain.

Puyang stood under the eaves as cool strands of rain drifted in with the wind, landing on her clothes. The fine gauze clung to the rain, which condensed into tiny, conspicuous droplets.

The mountain wind carried a chill. As it blew against her face, the burning heat in Puyang’s heart subsided, and her thoughts grew increasingly rational.

Some people, upon regaining their reason, would give up. Others, however, would use that reason to find a viable path forward by any means necessary.

The four words “take their place” had not faded; on the contrary, they were etched into Puyang’s heart. With every passing moment, the inscription on her heart grew an inch deeper.

One who has tasted power cannot let it go. In her previous life, Puyang’s influence had extended over half the court. Now, she had no one to command, and everything had to start anew. But she was not frustrated or disheartened by this, because she knew very well that she would regain power. Not only would she regain it, but she would grasp even more.

The four words “take their place” seemed to have completely unearthed her ambition, exposing it to the light of day. She had to admire Wei Xiu’s sharp insight; after only a few days, she had thoroughly grasped her thoughts.

In that case, it was all the more necessary to win her over. If she truly could not be won over…

“Seventh Lady, come inside a bit! Catching a chill is no laughing matter!” a eunuch said, hurrying forward to persuade her when he saw that half her body was nearly outside.

Only then did Puyang realize she had been lost in thought, unconsciously shuffling half a step forward and leaning out. She turned to go back inside, and the study within the thatched cottage unexpectedly came into view.

Puyang was suddenly taken aback. A realization dawned in her mind, and a sense of clarity filled her chest.

Wei Xiu had, in fact, long harbored the intention of entering her service. How could she have been so foolish as to only understand it now?

Those books—she had intentionally let her see them. It was nothing more than a subtle self-recommendation, a way to let her know of her talents through the handwriting in the books. It probably also served to test her reaction. Therefore, from beginning to end, Wei Xiu had never found it strange that the princess pursued her so relentlessly.

Puyang couldn’t help but break into a brilliant smile. While the books certainly revealed Wei Xiu’s vast knowledge and myriad strategies, she had also personally witnessed her ability to turn situations on their head with ease.

It was also that she had been too biased by her preconceptions, recognizing Wei Xiu’s talent from the start, and had thus overlooked this point.

After thinking it through, Puyang’s confidence surged. She turned her head and saw Wei Xiu watching her from a short distance away.

Wei Xiu had gone to the cellar to fetch the wine. Upon her return, she saw Puyang’s smile, which was like the sky clearing after a long spell of overcast weather, completely free of shadows. Puyang’s features were exceptionally beautiful—alluring without being demonic, truly a face of lustrous jade, her beauty unparalleled. When she smiled, it was like parting the clouds to see the moon, bright and dazzling.

For some reason, Wei Xiu stopped, watching from a distance. Only when Puyang looked over did she compose herself and order the attendant pushing her wheelchair to continue forward.

Puyang was very happy to see her approach, her words sweet. “Now that my injury is healed, I can’t stay at your place for long. Once the rain stops, I must return to the palace.”

The rain looked like it would stop soon. Unfortunately, the return journey would be a bit rushed; she might not make it back before the city gates closed. Fortunately, she had brought a horse and could ride back to the capital at speed.

“After a sudden downpour, the ground is bound to be muddy. Your Highness should be careful.”

Puyang smiled. “Thank you for the reminder, Sir.” Then she saw the small jar of wine in Wei Xiu’s hand. “Is this for me?” When Wei Xiu confirmed it was, she sighed with regret. “It’s a pity I cannot drink freely with you, Sir. Truly a great shame.”

Drinking together was often an act between close confidants. The princess was always, intentionally or not, making herself seem intimate with her. Wei Xiu smiled but said nothing.

The rain showed no sign of stopping, so there was still time to talk. Puyang lifted her chin toward the surrounding eunuchs, and they all withdrew. Seeing this, Wei Xiu raised a hand, and the attendant behind her retreated without a word.

“What was said in the room just now was too shocking. I could not give an immediate reply. I hope you can forgive me, Sir.” Puyang first expressed her apology, which also served to bring the topic back.

“Indeed, I was presumptuous. I must thank Your Highness for your grace in not holding it against me,” Wei Xiu replied calmly.

The two of them, both knowing full well what was going on, began to play out a charade that they both understood.

Puyang continued, “But there is one crucial point. Sir, what do you think I should do next?”

After she finished speaking, without waiting for Wei Xiu to reply, she performed a solemn, formal bow. “I ask that you teach me, Sir. Please do not refuse!”

She bowed extremely low, her sincerity evident. As long as Wei Xiu did not speak, she would not straighten up, nor would she make another sound, simply waiting like that.

In truth, Wei Xiu could not refuse. The conversation in the room just now had been utterly transparent. She had pierced Puyang’s ambition, and Puyang had seen her audacity.

Outside the eaves, the rain grew heavier, pattering down loudly. Droplets splashing up from the flagstones in front of the house landed on the floor, wetting it, like shadows creeping in.

Wei Xiu looked at Puyang. The princess was so sincere, so respectful, but Wei Xiu’s heart was crystal clear. If she were to refuse again, she probably wouldn’t live through the night, and this thatched cottage would be burned to ashes along with her.

The rain fell for a while longer before letting up. Puyang immediately set off on her return journey. Before leaving, she smiled at Wei Xiu and said, “Once my affairs in the capital are settled, I will come personally to escort you, Sir.”

Her smile was bright and cheerful, and her expression held the hidden joy of having her wish fulfilled.

Wei Xiu saw her off outside the cottage and said, “A safe journey to you, Your Highness.”

Puyang gave her a deep look, then strode away.

As soon as she left, the large thatched cottage seemed to become empty all at once, as if all the laughter and cheer within it depended on her to sustain it. This feeling made Wei Xiu very uncomfortable. She returned to the room, saw the box on the small table, and picked it up. Opening it, she saw it was lined with a thick, soft cushion, upon which rested a white jade xiao.

A single glance was enough to tell that the quality of the jade was superb. Combined with its exquisite craftsmanship, it could be considered a masterpiece worthy of being passed down through generations.

Wei Xiu reached for it with one hand. The moment her fingertips touched the jade xiao, she felt a coolness, followed by a warm, smooth sensation. She picked it up and brought it to her lips to play.

The tone was mellow and flowed without hindrance. It was indeed a fine object.

Puyang had guessed correctly. If it was just about the xiao itself, Wei Xiu did indeed like it.

A maidservant entered and bowed to her. Seeing the xiao in her hand, she knew without thinking who had given it. She smiled and said, “A few months ago, Young Master was preparing for a long journey, but after meeting the princess, the trip was delayed.”

Even the travel bags were packed, but unexpectedly, the journey has been delayed for several months.

“Does Young Master wish to set a new departure date?” the maidservant asked again.

Wei Xiu carefully placed the jade xiao back into its box, closed the lid, and held it, intending to put it away herself. Hearing the maidservant’s words, she said in a low voice, “We’re not going. This is a rare opportunity. In a little while, you will accompany me to the capital.”