Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 79

Xiao Dewen arrived alone, accompanied only by two personal eunuchs. He stood very properly outside the gate, one hand clasped behind his back, his gaze surveying the surroundings. Amidst his childlike curiosity, there was no lack of steady composure.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a figure appeared in the doorway. Xiao Dewen’s eyes brightened, the corners of his lips curled up, and he hurried forward to salute. “Greetings, Sir.”

Wei Xiu also bowed. “My legs are inconvenient, so I was slow to arrive. I hope Your Highness will forgive me.”

Xiao Dewen quickly reached out to stop her, saying repeatedly, “Sir, you are my elder. What does it matter if Dewen waits for a moment?”

Wei Xiu did not refuse, straightening up and simply looking at him.

Sensible and modest, with courteous manners. Considering he had lost his father’s protection at a young age, who would not feel their heart soften and wish to look after him? Looking at his appearance alone, how could one imagine that his true nature was so sinister and violent that he could strike against the very aunt who had always protected him!

Xiao Dewen saw Wei Xiu looking at him without speaking. Her gaze held none of the pity or concern he usually saw in others’ eyes; rather, it was somewhat stinging, making him feel entirely ill at ease. Yet upon closer inspection, there was nothing impolite about it. It was placid, refined, and proper, yet it also conveyed a sense of detachment and indifference.

Xiao Dewen pressed his lips together, thinking she was displeased, and asked cautiously, “Sir, why do you look at me so?”

Wei Xiu smiled faintly. “Since we last parted before the Prince of Dai’s residence, Your Highness has grown taller.” She extended a hand. “Please.”

Only then did Xiao Dewen feel at ease. He supposed that a famous scholar like her was bound to have some eccentricities; a bit of aloofness was to be expected. Conversely, if she were enthusiastic toward everyone, willing to offer strategies after a simple show of respect, she would not be worthy of his persistent efforts.

Upon entering the Wei residence, he saw elegant pavilions and rare flora. Xiao Dewen’s gaze swept over them, and he began to offer praise. Wei Xiu simply listened, offering little in response.

As the two proceeded inside, the question of precedence inevitably arose. In terms of seniority, Wei Xiu would soon be the Prince Consort, making her Xiao Dewen’s uncle-in-law. But in terms of rank, Xiao Dewen was a prince. No matter how high Wei Xiu’s seniority, she was still a subject.

Xiao Dewen took the initiative. “Sir, you are the master of this house. It is only right that you go first.”

He was still growing; standing straight, he was about the same height as Wei Xiu seated in her wheelchair. When he bowed, he showed no arrogance, but instead appeared utterly humble. For a child, if one did not ponder the reasons behind it, he seemed sensible and endearing.

Wei Xiu did not accept his courtesy without reason. “Your Highness is of noble rank. Please, you go first.”

Xiao Dewen blinked and walked ahead, but before long, he was walking alongside Wei Xiu again, intentionally or not, allowing her to be half a step ahead of him.

His arrival at this time was likely also calculated.

A few days earlier, her residence had been as crowded as a marketplace, with imperial clansmen and high ministers coming and going. Had he come then, he likely would not have received much special treatment. A few days later, the Wei residence would be busy with wedding preparations, and his visit would have been an imposition.

The timing he chose now—not too early, not too late—was perfectly appropriate.

Upon entering the main hall, Wei Xiu had tea served, and she and Xiao Dewen took their seats opposite each other.

An imperial son. He looked young, but his mind was already full of twists and turns. He could not be treated as a mere child.

“I had originally wished to ask you to be my teacher, but unfortunately, when I mentioned it to Aunt Puyang twice, she dissuaded me. Now, it is for the best. We will soon be family, and it will be much more convenient to visit you in the future.” With his first words, he was already laying the groundwork for future visits.

Wei Xiu gave him a noncommittal response, all the while evaluating him in her mind. If he were not clever, he would likely be unable to suppress the other princes, but if he were too clever, he would be difficult to control. Although she had the dream and Puyang had described him before—and Wei Xiu naturally trusted the princess—she had yet to judge him for herself.

“My talent and reputation are shallow; I am not fit to be Your Highness’s tutor. I heard that before the year’s end, His Majesty engaged two tutors for you. Those two gentlemen are very fine.”

Xiao Dewen’s sharp ears detected the softness in Wei Xiu’s tone, and his heart leaped with joy. He was desperately in need of people at the moment. For one, he had no standing at court; for another, he had no power base. Any person of talent would not stoop to serve him. The advisors in his household were all mediocre, incapable of offering any good ideas. This made it exceedingly difficult for him to make any move.

Seeing that Wei Xiu’s attitude had softened slightly, he glanced at her tentatively before saying in a downcast tone, “The two tutors are fine, but alas, they are not close to me, and many things are difficult to bring up. Sir, you know that I am different from the other imperial grandsons. Though I am the eldest, I am far from having a father’s protection as they do.”

After speaking, he sighed, then forced a smile, putting on a brave face. “But it matters not. My father, the Prince, is gone, but my aunt and uncle-in-law are also Dewen’s elders.”

Wei Xiu smiled. “His Majesty is also someone Your Highness can rely on.”

Xiao Dewen’s expression brightened, and he clenched his fist. “Yes, yes, I still have Grandfather!” After speaking, he shot another glance at Wei Xiu.

Wei Xiu, of course, remained silent. She accepted the hand warmer offered by a servant girl, cradling it in her hands to feel its warmth.

Xiao Dewen put on an expression as if he had just remembered something, and his face fell again. He sighed, “But Grandfather has more than one grandson. He doesn’t usually think of me.”

A person’s true feelings are always inadvertently revealed in their words. In just a few sentences, Xiao Dewen never strayed from the fact that he was the eldest imperial grandson, yet was worse off than the others. This was likely the matter he cared about most.

He felt he had been treated unjustly.

One is not born knowing how to ascend to a high position and obtain great power, especially at Xiao Dewen’s age, having experienced so little. But he had etched certain slights into his heart. Because he was fatherless and unremarkable, people were not disrespectful to him on account of his being a prince, but they did not hold him in high regard either. In comparison, his cousins were more respected, overshadowing him.

He thus grew jealous, desiring to win acclaim and suppress everyone else.

After Xiao Dewen finished speaking and received no response from Wei Xiu—seeing her merely smile and lower her head to cradle her hand warmer, paying him no mind—a shadow of gloom flashed across his face, and resentment stirred anew in his heart. But he knew restraint. In an instant, he was once again respectful, sitting formally with his hands tucked in his sleeves.

Wei Xiu appeared nonchalant, but she was watching him constantly. This matched the Xiao Dewen from her dream, who seemed like two different people before and after ascending the throne.

What an excellent candidate. He could endure, knew how to endure, and understood how to assess a situation. Yet his vision was short, unable to see the long term, and he constantly harbored resentment for the slightest past humiliation. Another person living in the past.

Her Highness truly has a keen eye, to have picked out Xiao Dewen from among the many imperial sons.

Wei Xiu set down her hand warmer and gestured for Xiao Dewen to drink his tea. “His Majesty will not forget the Prince of Yan. The Prince of Yan passed away early; as his son, Your Highness will naturally benefit from his legacy.” She was hinting that he should mention the Prince of Yan more often to the Emperor.

Xiao Dewen took her words to heart, his eyes shining brightly.

Wei Xiu saw this and added, as if casually, “His Majesty always hopes for his children and grandchildren to become accomplished. Engaging renowned tutors for Your Highness shows that he has high hopes for you. Your Highness should study diligently and not disappoint His Majesty.”

Xiao Dewen hesitated slightly. He was worried that if he stood out too much, he would incur the resentment of his princely uncles.

Wei Xiu glanced at him, a faint smile touching her lips. She sighed deeply. “Today, the Son of Heaven is Your Highness’s own grandfather; he will always look after you. But in the future…” She did not finish, instead shaking her head and adding casually, “Your Highness should fight for what you can, for as long as you can.”

Xiao Dewen immediately understood the implication of her words: the Emperor was old! He could bide his time and conceal his abilities, but His Majesty might not live to see that day!

Xiao Dewen’s mind surged with emotion, and his palms grew hot. He glanced at Wei Xiu, thinking that once she became the Prince Consort, she would be kin to the imperial family. Then, the various princes and imperial grandsons would all be her relatives, and it would be hard to say whom she would support. He knew he must visit often, but now was not the time to reveal his true feelings.

Thus, Xiao Dewen concealed his thoughts, saying, “Dewen wishes to be a worthy prince and ease His Majesty’s burdens.”

Wei Xiu smiled, slowly bowing. “Your Highness has fine aspirations.”

She was clearly praising him and showed no sign of disbelief, yet Xiao Dewen felt as if he had been seen through, as if any of his schemes were laid bare before the eyes of this great scholar, who had remained so quiet since arriving in the capital.

Near noon, Xiao Dewen took his leave. Wei Xiu saw him to the gate.

She watched as the carriage drove into the distance.

Only then did Yan Huan step forward to push Wei Xiu’s wheelchair, slowly returning to the room.

On the way, he asked, “Even if the Prince steps forward, the Emperor may not be willing to name his eldest grandson as successor.” After all, a state relies on a mature ruler. A young new emperor would inevitably lead to turmoil in the court.

Wei Xiu was not concerned about this. “I have observed for many years. If the Emperor could have chosen from among the princes, the position of Crown Prince would not have remained vacant for so long. With reliable ministers at court, a young new emperor is no great matter.”

Yan Huan said no more. Wei Xiu thought for a moment, then added, “In a few months, after Xiao Dewen has gained favor, leak the news to the princes that the Emperor intends to name his eldest grandson as successor.”

They have contended for years over the position of heir. Which of the princes would be good-tempered enough to watch a boy who has done nothing pluck the final fruit through sheer luck? When that time comes, the court is bound to descend into a chaotic struggle.

“That would be good. At that point, even if the Emperor had not originally considered naming his eldest grandson, the situation would remind him. But…” Yan Huan frowned, hesitating. “If the turmoil becomes too great, with the princes in opposition and the court in an uproar, the Emperor may not be willing to stand against all his ministers.”

Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human nature. If establishing his eldest grandson leads to alienating his court, creating rifts between ruler and minister, and sowing suspicion between father and sons, would the loss not outweigh the gain?

Spring had made its presence known, nurturing all living things. Tender green shoots had sprouted on the cypress tree in the courtyard, a pleasant sight. Wei Xiu’s gaze swept over it. A single tree, containing such vigorous life.

“Do not underestimate the Emperor’s control over the court,” Wei Xiu said faintly. “He will not be constrained by his ministers.”

It is precisely because the Emperor holds a firm grip on the court that for the past two years, she has had the princess choose to encroach gradually rather than devour everything at once. It is better to be slow than to arouse the Emperor’s suspicion. No matter how much the court ministers support the princes, they cannot overcome the Emperor’s will. If he wishes to establish a beloved grandson, he will surely succeed.

When that time comes, turmoil in the court will be unavoidable.

Yan Huan lowered his gaze and said in a quiet voice, “Sir, your wedding is imminent. It would be best not to be swept up in the turmoil.”

A genuine smile finally touched Wei Xiu’s lips. “We won’t be.”

Indeed, they would not. Marriage was a momentous event, a once-in-a-lifetime affair. Neither she nor Puyang would allow their wedding to be disturbed by any ripples. No matter how the storms raged outside, they would see themselves married first.