Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 28

Wei Xiu’s lips curved into a smile, but the meaning behind her words was exceptionally solemn, inspiring joy in one’s heart and making one believe her words without a doubt.

Clearly, they were discussing a most serious matter, yet Puyang inexplicably felt that if Sir Wei wanted to coax someone, it would be exceedingly easy. Just the brilliant, dazzling smile on her lips was enough to make one willingly convinced.

“Your Highness, is what Xiu has said reasonable?”

Wei Xiu’s voice, clear as a stream, sounded again by her ear. Puyang smiled faintly, “What Sir Wei says is naturally reasonable.”

They had been in the room for a while, and the fire in the brazier had dimmed. Wei Xiu poked the charcoal piled on top, and the flames underneath leaped up, the fire blazing fiercely again. Warmth spread once more.

Wei Xiu looked up, “The various princes are busy vying with each other, concerned only with their own gains and losses, unable to alleviate His Majesty’s worries. His Majesty must be disappointed, and as time goes by, this disappointment will only deepen. Your Highness, shouldn’t you do something?”

It had been several days since Puyang brought Wei Xiu to the capital. Logically, they should have had an in-depth discussion on the very first day of their arrival, decided on a grand plan early on, and carved out a clear and effective path for the future, then followed this path all the way to its end.

However, due to doubts about Wei Xiu’s identity in the preceding days, this matter had been delayed until today. Discussing it now was, of course, not too late.

Puyang listened attentively, “Indeed, something should be done. But what does Sir Wei think should be done to alleviate His Majesty’s worries?”

“Where His Majesty suffers, that is where Your Highness should apply your efforts.”

What worried the Emperor had just been discussed. Puyang lowered her eyes, thought for a moment, and said in a low voice, “If I toil for several years, only for the final fruits to be plucked by others, what should be done?”

His Majesty, worried that the various princes could not suppress the great clans, had long been unable to decide which son to make heir. If she helped His Majesty resolve this matter, the future ruler would only need to maintain the status quo. Among the adult imperial sons, the Prince of Jing was one such capable maintainer. As for those who had not yet matured, they were somewhat weak, but if paired with a capable minister as chancellor, no major trouble would arise.

In that case, wouldn’t it be paving the way for others?

Wei Xiu shook her head and couldn’t help but chuckle, “Your Highness somewhat underestimates Xiu.”

How could Puyang underestimate her? She quickly said, “I didn’t mean…”

“I understand.” Wei Xiu cut her off, her face showing no trace of injustice or dissatisfaction. She smiled calmly, “This is a great undertaking. Success means aspiring to the imperial throne; failure means having nowhere to turn. Your Highness indeed should be cautious.”

With these words from her, Puyang no longer explained, “Sir Wei understands me.” She was indeed afraid. Someone who had lost once would inevitably think more when acting. Puyang did not fear death; she only feared losing again.

This was a profound humiliation!

Puyang sighed softly, a desolate melancholy appearing on her face. But in an instant, this melancholy vanished. This path was inherently fraught with sharp weapons and riddled with crises; who could be certain of only victory and never defeat? It was better to be frank; even rushing headlong was better than being timid and hesitant.

Thinking this, her eyes became bright and her expression open-minded, “Please continue, Sir Wei.”

In just a moment, she had thought it through. Wei Xiu secretly admired the Princess’s magnanimity and decisiveness. She continued, “The great clans have dominated the court for hundreds of years. A few years, or even a dozen, might not be enough to completely clear them out, merely to make them lie low for a while.” As she spoke, she smiled, “Your Highness is fortunate. The things you wish to do happen to have support from multiple quarters. If the realm were unified today, even if the great clans ran rampant, Your Highness might not have room to maneuver.”

Puyang’s brow smoothed, “It also requires Sir Wei to plan on my behalf.”

If she hadn’t said it, Puyang wouldn’t have realized that Qi, Song, and the great clans, due to the struggles among the princes, had actually formed a kind of balance in the court of Great Wei.

“Your Highness should also be glad that the great clans of today are no longer the great clans of the past,” Wei Xiu added.

The great clans were already in decline. Ordinary scholars couldn’t see it. Today’s court was still controlled by the great clans, but looking at the bearing of the current ministers, they no longer possessed the fierce valor of their ancestors. The great clans were declining; their power remained, but they already showed a trend of each generation being inferior to the last.

Puyang had also seen it. In her previous life, she often pondered this. The great clans had legacies spanning hundreds of years; even if some declined, they were still prominent families in their commanderies. How glorious was that? How could it be that all families were trending towards decline? After thinking for a long time, one day she saw a son of the Li clan intimidating a commoner in the market, and she understood: it was simply because there was no one to contend with them.

Born with the best things in the world—food, clothing, shelter, and transport, all exquisite—born to be officials, with no need to study or strive upwards, their families would arrange everything for them. Thus, these children, raised in luxury, lost their competitive spirit. Even if exceptionally talented, they would inevitably become lax and degenerate in such family circumstances.

“Family rules and family learning are good things, but unfortunately, no one pays them any heed in the end,” Puyang said regretfully. Each family also had rules to encourage learning, but day after day, these rules eventually became mere empty words.

Wei Xiu was unconcerned, “Times change; what things remain unchanged for eternity? Your Highness need not regret. There are a limited number of official positions in court. If they don’t cherish them, others will. One wanes, another waxes. This is a good thing for Your Highness.”

Puyang’s expression also brightened, and she smiled, “Indeed, that is so.”

“What the world lacks least are ambitious people. How many have a belly full of talent but nowhere to apply it? Your Highness’s foundation is still shallow. If someone comes to Your Highness’s door, after Your Highness examines their talent and learning, it would be better to recommend them directly to His Majesty.” Since one could directly reach the Emperor’s ear, it shouldn’t be wasted. Regardless of the method, as long as she could push people into the court, that was her ability.

There was another sentence Wei Xiu didn’t say, but Puyang understood.

She had already left the palace. When the Princess was in the palace, she was dependent on the Emperor. In the past, no matter how much good counsel she offered His Majesty, in the eyes of the world, it was the Sage Emperor who was wise and receptive to advice, while she was virtuous, gentle, and kind. No matter how much she did, the praises bestowed upon her were mostly these kinds of flattering words evaluating a woman’s inherent nature. This was not what Puyang needed.

Leaving the palace was different. She had her own residence, with a Chief Scribe and advisors in her household, already an independent force. This point, in the years to come, the world would gradually discover.

The words spoken were simple, but Puyang had grasped the deeper meaning. Wei Xiu sighed, “It is already difficult for a woman to establish herself in the world. It is good that Your Highness knows what you want. There is no need to be too confrontational; His Majesty is there for all matters.”

She was reminding Puyang to act more subtly. Just starting out, she could not afford to antagonize others, especially not the great clans. In the future, those who joined her service would mostly be from humble backgrounds or meritorious families. Each had their place in court. If she introduced people into the court, she would inevitably touch upon the interests of others, which was no different from snatching food from a tiger’s mouth. Puyang’s wings were still covered in soft down, too weak to fly high. Therefore, Wei Xiu advised her to recommend people to His Majesty. This was diverting trouble eastward; in any case, the great clans could do nothing to the Emperor. Zhang Daozhi, who came from a humble background yet ranked among the Nine Ministers, had benefited from the Emperor’s intentional or unintentional promotion.

Don’t seek fame first; obtaining tangible benefits is what’s important.

Puyang was not one for high-profile displays, so she agreed immediately.

While they were talking, an hour had passed. Outside the door, A Rong called them for a meal.

Puyang was enjoying her conversation with Wei Xiu and wanted to stay with her a little longer, so naturally, she didn’t leave and had her meal with Wei Xiu.

In the afternoon, the two sat in the courtyard, sipping fragrant tea.

The wind had subsided by now, the sunlight was soft and gentle, and the scent of autumn filled the air.

The serious matters had all been discussed indoors, so Puyang chatted idly with Wei Xiu.

“Sir Wei, is there any inconvenience here?” Puyang asked with concern.

Although Wei Xiu had moved in, the servants in her courtyard, her food, and her supplies were all her own. The Princess’s residence had provided her with nothing but the place itself.

“Everything is settled. Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.” Wei Xiu held her teacup and looked over, her eyes filled with a smile. She no longer had the solemn and rigorous demeanor from before; her conversation and laughter were like a clear mountain spring, her gaze limpid, her smile serene, possessing a distinct, elegant charm.

Since when, Puyang didn’t know, but she had grown particularly fond of seeing Wei Xiu’s beautiful eyes crinkle with a smile. Even doing nothing, just admiring a beauty was enough to lift one’s spirits. She propped her chin on one hand and said to Wei Xiu, “Sir Wei, please don’t be polite with me.” After thinking for a moment, she added, “The wine Sir Wei gifted me last time—I haven’t found a fine companion to drink it with. How about sharing it with you, Sir Wei?”

She had brought that jar of wine out when she left the palace, but she hadn’t found a good opportunity to drink it. Now, she was trying to tempt Wei Xiu. If she could see the beauty slightly tipsy, how interesting would that be?

Wei Xiu shook her head, “I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint Your Highness. I do not drink alcohol.”

Puyang knew she didn’t drink, but she didn’t know the reason, so she wanted to try persuading her again, “Wine is a good thing; drinking it helps one forget worries. Why doesn’t Sir Wei give it a try?”

Wei Xiu then said, “My heart is clear; I have no worries to forget.”

Puyang didn’t believe it, “Not even a little?”

Wei Xiu chuckled lightly, “Not even a little.”

Puyang wouldn’t take no for an answer, “Wine is the ‘Earl of Joy,’ dispelling sorrow and bringing pleasure. If not for sorrow, then for pleasure.”

Qin Kun came running from a distance. He stopped outside the courtyard. Seeing the Princess in high spirits, he didn’t know whether he should enter and paced back and forth with an anxious expression.

Puyang glanced over, her smile fading, and bade him enter.

Qin Kun breathed a sigh of relief, walked in quickly, bowed before Puyang, and immediately reported, “Your Highness, His Highness the Prince of Jing has been reprimanded before the Emperor. Eunuch Dou has sent someone to request Your Highness to enter the palace to console him.”

The Prince of Jing was reprimanded?

Puyang and Wei Xiu exchanged a glance. Wei Xiu then said, “Official business is important. Your Highness should go. Xiu will be here, awaiting your esteemed presence at any time.”

Dou Hui sending someone must have been at His Majesty’s instruction. Puyang nodded, stood up, took two steps, then, thinking of Wei Xiu’s words “awaiting your esteemed presence at any time,” she paused, turned back to glance at her with a smile, and then strode away.

Wei Xiu’s heart rippled at that smile, not knowing its meaning. Then, recalling what had been said before the eunuch interrupted, she couldn’t help but smile in sudden realization. The Princess was persistent; this cup of wine, she feared, would be hard to avoid.