Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 27

The trip to Wei You’s residence had been quite fruitful.

Upon returning to her own estate, Puyang headed straight for the courtyard where Wei Xiu resided.

Wei Xiu had always lived a simple and secluded life, rarely venturing out unless necessary. When Puyang arrived, she was in the courtyard, holding a scroll and reading.

The west wind rose, old crows cawed, and amidst the bleak and desolate autumn scenery, Wei Xiu was like the sole splash of color. She was slender, sitting alone, engrossed in her book. Hearing a sound at the gate, she turned her head slightly, her clear, bright eyes looking calmly toward Puyang. She was neither hurried nor agitated, neither arrogant nor servile—always so composed and serene.

Puyang felt that senseless rage from the Chariot and Horse General’s residence flare up once more. But what twisted her heart even more than this anger was a pang of heartache.

She gestured for the servants behind her to wait outside the courtyard and walked in alone.

Seeing her approach, Wei Xiu offered a faint smile, set her book aside, and bent to give a salute. “Your Highness.”

“Sir, there is no need for such ceremony.” As Puyang spoke, her voice softened involuntarily. The moment she finished, a cold wind gusted from behind, making her shiver. She saw that although Wei Xiu was dressed warmly, her cheeks were already flushed from the biting west wind. Puyang’s brows furrowed. “Sir, why are you in the courtyard? This spot is directly in the path of the wind. You’ll catch a chill.” As she spoke, she began to push the wheelchair toward the room.

Her concern was plain to see. Wei Xiu rested her hands on the armrests and smiled. “It’s not so serious. I’m not so delicate as to be blown over by the wind.” Though she said this, she did not stop Puyang.

Once late autumn arrived, the refreshing cool of the season turned into a biting cold that pierced through layers of clothing and seeped into one’s very bones. While the room was sheltered from the wind, it was still stark and frigid, devoid of any warmth. She herself could bear it, but Sir’s constitution was poor; he could not endure the cold. Noticing a small blanket nearby, Puyang picked it up, unfolded it, and draped it over Wei Xiu’s legs.

Her attentiveness was so thorough that Wei Xiu’s breath hitched for a moment. But just as quickly, her expression returned to normal. She adjusted the edges of the blanket herself, tucking it in more securely.

Puyang was still not at ease. “The weather grows colder by the day. Sir, you should have a brazier lit.”

Wei Xiu agreed. “I will listen to Your Highness.” On such a small matter, there was no need to object and displease the princess. She waved for A Rong to go and bring a lit brazier.

Seeing that she was obedient and not just feigning compliance, Puyang felt somewhat relieved.

Once A Rong had left, Wei Xiu casually asked, “I haven’t seen Your Highness these past few days. Have you been busy?”

Hearing this, Puyang felt a little uncomfortable. She had spent these days busy confirming Wei Xiu’s identity. The thought of her own suspicion brought a pang of guilt, and she answered evasively, “I was just walking around here and there. It was nothing important.”

Her words did not put Wei Xiu at ease. Instead, her expression grew more serious. “If Your Highness is facing any difficulties, you might as well tell me. I followed Your Highness to the capital precisely to resolve your worries.”

Her earnest words instantly magnified Puyang’s slight guilt to a significant degree. She had been the one to invite Sir to the capital. He had not forgotten his promise to help her, yet she had suspected him of having ulterior motives. Puyang was at a loss for words, but she was ultimately capable of self-control. She knew she could not let Wei Xiu know of her suspicions; once she did, it would inevitably become a thorn between them. If suspicion arose between a ruler and a subject, how could they conspire on great matters?

“As for difficulties, there are indeed some,” she said, quickly finding another reason to respond. “I must ask Sir to enlighten me.”

The princess had a question, and as her strategist, Wei Xiu naturally had to help her. A hint of interest appeared on her face. “Please elaborate, Your Highness.”

The matter concerned their wager, and Puyang had already intervened, believing victory was within her grasp. Yet, she still needed to consult Sir on the ultimate direction of the situation. Puyang couldn’t help but feel a little sheepish, but she was not one to be coy. After a moment’s thought, she described in detail what she had seen in the palace. “Consort Li is the Prince of Jing’s birth mother. The inner court and the outer court are one. For His Majesty to generously reward Consort Li is to show favor to the Prince of Jing. But the situation at court clearly shows the Prince of Dai has a slight advantage. Why would His Majesty…”

The Emperor’s intention to suppress the Prince of Jin’s influence was already obvious; promoting another prince was now a pressing matter. Puyang knew what would happen later, and in her view, there was little difference between the Prince of Jing and the Prince of Dai. In the end, it would likely all be for the benefit of that quiet Prince of Donghai Commandery. The only reason she had insisted on the Prince of Dai was that he had a greater advantage, making it more convenient to act. But His Majesty clearly did not think so.

Hearing this, Wei Xiu’s eyebrows rose slightly, her interest piqued. “At a time like this, news of His Majesty bestowing flowers will likely spread beyond the palace walls within a day.”

The Prince of Jin had returned to court a month ago, but His Majesty no longer treated him as he once had. Instead, he frequently praised the Prince of Zhao and occasionally spoke of the Prince of Jing’s virtues. The shifting winds were already apparent; every move His Majesty made now was of critical importance.

How could Puyang not know this? Seeing the smile in Wei Xiu’s eyes and her complete lack of surprise, she grew even more curious. “Does Sir know why?”

Wei Xiu spoke softly, her words hitting the mark. “It is very good that Your Highness was able to guide the situation and prompt the Prince of Dai.”

She said it so casually, yet it left Puyang stunned. “How did you know, Sir!”

She believed her actions had been meticulous, leaving no trace. How could Sir have known when he was far away on Mount Mang at the time?

Just then, A Rong brought in the brazier and placed it between Puyang and Wei Xiu. Puyang quickly composed herself, her expression returning to one of calm.

Wei Xiu did not speak immediately. Instead, she waved a hand at A Rong, signaling for her to withdraw.

The brazier burned a brilliant red, but it could hardly dispel the room’s chill. Puyang pushed the brazier closer to Wei Xiu.

Warmth approached with the princess’s gesture. The scorching heat from the charcoal slowly penetrated the small blanket, enveloping her legs. This warmth, like the princess’s concern, was imperious and impossible to refuse.

Wei Xiu sighed inwardly. She held her hands over the brazier to warm them and said, “I knew Your Highness had intervened because the Prince of Dai’s usual style is not so sharp. For him to suddenly target the Prince of Jing at every turn, someone must have advised him. Your Highness is often by His Majesty’s side and is well-informed. If you were to speak, he would not dare to treat it lightly. Furthermore, you and I have an agreement. It is only logical that Your Highness would test the waters first.”

It was clearly she who had been competing for victory, yet Sir had gently called it a “test,” giving her a graceful way out. Puyang was not one for pretense and accepted the offered step down. “Sir’s perception is truly keen. I am no match for you.”

Wei Xiu slowly shook her head, looking at Puyang as one would a newborn calf—with tolerance and gentleness. “Your Highness understands the situation and knows to find the critical point to exert influence from the shadows. That is very clever. But Your Highness has forgotten that while some things can be done by leveraging the situation, other things are irreversible.”

Puyang silently mulled over the meaning of her words. Wei Xiu sighed, a barely perceptible trace of mockery in her eyes. “The most irreversible force in this world happens to be His Majesty’s will.”

In Puyang’s heart, His Majesty was an enlightened ruler and a benevolent father. He governed the realm with diligence and was often lenient with his children. She schemed against others, but she was unwilling to scheme against His Majesty with a utilitarian heart. Hearing Wei Xiu’s words, which seemed to imply His Majesty was obstinate, Puyang first frowned and subconsciously defended her father. “His Majesty is able to accept good counsel and has often praised officials who speak frankly and admonish directly. He has also changed his mind on many occasions after realizing he was mistaken. Sir, your words are somewhat biased.”

Wei Xiu’s expression was cool as she nodded. “That is indeed true. But what if it concerns the appointment of the crown prince, the very fate of the Xiao clan’s century-long dynasty? Would His Majesty change his mind so easily?”

Puyang’s breath caught. She said, a little uncomfortably, “Sir, please speak plainly.”

Wei Xiu also realized she had spoken a bit too hastily and deliberately softened her tone. “The fate of a single family is treated with gravity, let alone the fate of the nation. His Majesty is naturally exceedingly cautious. How could he easily change course? Your Highness should understand His Majesty’s ambitions in detail, so as to help resolve your father’s worries.”

Her words were reasonable, and Puyang’s expression grew solemn. “Please, Sir, explain it to me in detail.”

Wei Xiu said, “Your Highness just asked why His Majesty continues to favor the Prince of Jing when the Prince of Dai clearly has the upper hand at court. The reason is very simple; it is merely that Your Highness is in the midst of it and has not perceived it.” Wei Xiu looked at Puyang. “His Majesty values the Prince of Jing because the Prince of Jing is more worthy than the Prince of Dai.”

Puyang was startled, then she understood. She knew what would happen later—that none of the princes would ultimately distinguish themselves—so she had not taken them seriously, assuming that all His Majesty wanted was a balance of power at court. But she had forgotten that before deciding on Xiao Dewen, His Majesty had also held high hopes for his sons. Because the Prince of Jing was more worthy than the Prince of Dai, even though he was weaker now, His Majesty was willing to expend effort to promote him and observe his capabilities.

It had been the same when he supported the Prince of Jin against the Prince of Zhao. Unfortunately, the Prince of Jin had disappointed His Majesty. Not only were his methods vicious and his cleverness petty, but he had even moved against his own sister. His Majesty had no choice but to remove him from the running and turn to observe his other sons.

Seeing that Puyang had taken it in, Wei Xiu continued, “The realm today appears peaceful, but once war breaks out, it will spread like wildfire. His Majesty is a man of great talent and bold vision, and the domestic politics of the country are clear. How could he not turn his gaze to the south? The Great Wei has excellent soldiers and strong generals, with ample provisions. Meanwhile, the rulers of Song and Qi are either indulging in pleasure or are cruel and inhumane, growing weaker by the day. It is the perfect time for the Great Wei to send out its troops. Yet His Majesty seems to have no such intention. Does Your Highness know why?”

She was right. The Emperor did indeed have ambitions for a southern campaign. In private, he would often take out maps and study them for long periods. But that was only in private. He never mentioned it at court. Even when military officials submitted memorials requesting a southern campaign, the Emperor would mostly give a vague response, showing no intention of dispatching troops. Puyang had to admire Wei Xiu’s astuteness.

Her eyes shone brightly as she looked at Wei Xiu, inviting her to continue.

Wei Xiu did not demur. “It is only because the princes are not worthy, and there is no one to succeed him. The ones who hold power in the army today are all from the great clans. Once war begins, the great clans will repeatedly achieve military merit and will surely become arrogant. If a worthy ruler succeeds the throne and is capable of suppressing them, that would be one thing. But looking at all the princes, not one possesses that kind of spirit or talent. If a southern campaign against Qi and Song were to result in a change of dynasty, would the gain be worth the loss?”

The Wei had been able to replace the Zhou precisely because the Xiao clan had repeatedly performed miraculous deeds during the wars of the Three Kingdoms, their prestige growing daily until it surpassed that of the imperial family. With this precedent, how could the Emperor dare to try it lightly?

“Thus, for the position of crown prince, he must establish the worthy, not the eldest,” Wei Xiu concluded. “And this is precisely what benefits Your Highness’s plans.”

Historically, establishing the worthy over the eldest had always led to turmoil. The current situation with the princes was even more complex, and His Majesty had yet to make a decision. The waters at court were likely to become even murkier. And she could profit from it.

As for what profit she would gain, Wei Xiu did not say, and Puyang did not ask. It was a tacit understanding between them.

Her hands were now toasty warm. Seeing that Puyang had understood, Wei Xiu smiled gently and asked, “Does Your Highness know why, among all the princes and imperial grandsons, Xiu chose to serve you as my lord?”

Puyang stiffened slightly. For some reason, she felt a sense of anticipation, and mixed with that anticipation was a faint nervousness. She believed she had treated Sir with utmost sincerity, but Sir was adept at judging situations and would never have come to assist her—the one with the least chance of success—simply because of her sincerity. It must be that she possessed an advantage others did not.

Secretly harboring a sliver of hope, Puyang maintained a serious expression. “Sir has looked upon me with favor. I suppose I must have some outstanding quality.”

Wei Xiu nodded. “The Prince of Jing is more worthy than the Prince of Dai. And you, Your Highness, are more worthy than all the princes.” After she spoke, she smiled faintly. “The princes are powerless to help. Your Highness, however, can resolve your father’s worries.”