Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 83

It was just past noon, with half a day left. Having nothing to do at home, Puyang and Wei Xiu went to the study to write invitations. Wei Xiu held the brush, and Puyang ground the ink for her.

Just a few lines of small characters, finished in a moment. Wei Xiu set it aside to let the ink dry. The red calling card had a subtle pattern of angelica and orchids on its borders, not opulent, but exceedingly elegant.

Once the ink was dry, Wei Xiu handed it to Puyang. Puyang took it, summoned an attendant, and ordered him to deliver it to the Chancellor’s residence.

As soon as the attendant left, Puyang looked at Wei Xiu and smiled. “Sir, you have been in the capital for no more than two years, yet you are remarkably well-versed in the customs of the official families.”

Wei Xiu’s movement of setting down the brush paused slightly. She simply smiled. “No matter how elaborate, it all comes down to the four essentials: clothing, food, lodging, and travel.”

Puyang had only spoken casually, and upon hearing this explanation, she didn’t think much more of it.

The two of them then waited together for a response from the Chancellor’s residence.

The response arrived quickly.

It was not a rest day, so all the men of the Chancellor’s residence had either gone to their government offices or to their studies. Only the female family members remained at home. The reply, therefore, was not in Chancellor Wang’s name, but from the Old Madam herself. She told them not to wait until the next morning but to come over today, as the household had already made preparations and wanted to host a banquet for them.

Among all her relatives and friends, the one most worried about Puyang was none other than the Old Madam. The elderly woman always believed that the Prince Consort’s physical frailty made him an unreliable support, and she was deeply concerned that Puyang would suffer after marriage. Furthermore, since the marriage was decreed by the Emperor, the old woman had never even met the Prince Consort, which only added to her anxiety. The Chancellor had told her many times that the new son-in-law was of upright character, brilliantly talented, and remarkably handsome. While it was true he had a minor shortcoming, for a princess of her status, the residence was filled with servants to command. How many tasks would require the Prince Consort’s personal effort? This shortcoming could, in a way, be considered compensated for.

The Old Madam naturally understood this reasoning, but until she saw the person for herself, she could not set her heart at ease. Now that the calling card had arrived, the Old Madam was unwilling to wait even a moment longer.

Puyang smiled and said to Wei Xiu, “My maternal grandmother has been constantly talking about the Prince Consort. When we go over today, we’ll let the old lady have a good look.”

Wei Xiu grew a little worried. People like her were generally not favored by elders who doted on the younger generation. The Old Madam cared for the Princess, so she would likely not be satisfied with her.

But if she were to let her worries show so easily on her face, she would not be Wei Xiu. The light in her eyes dimmed slightly, but her expression remained as serene as usual. Following the Princess’s lead, she said, “It was my oversight. I should have paid my respects to the Old Madam sooner.”

When the Golden Crow sank in the west, the two of them got ready and left by carriage.

At the Chancellor’s residence, everyone had already gathered. Chancellor Wang and his wife were seated in the main hall, while several maternal uncles led the younger generation in waiting at the gate. Everyone had changed out of their official robes and into casual attire. The clothes were brand new, all recently made, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and cordial, yet without lacking solemnity.

Judging by the sky, it was just past the time for officials to leave their offices. For everyone to have gathered so promptly, the Old Madam must have sent servants to notify her sons and grandsons to return home early.

As soon as the Princess and Prince Consort arrived, everyone bowed in unison. Puyang and Wei Xiu also returned the courtesy with solemnity. The Wang clan was large and prosperous. After the initial greetings, a good while was spent with calls of “Uncle,” “Elder Sister,” and “Elder Brother.” Finally, a maternal uncle spoke up: “My father and mother are already waiting in the hall. It is proper for the Princess and Prince Consort to pay their respects first.”

As his voice fell, the crowd parted to either side, clearing a path down the middle.

Thick wooden planks had been laid over the steps before the hall to facilitate the wheelchair’s passage, showing that the Wang clan was quite considerate toward the new Prince Consort.

Wei Xiu, who was always composed, could not help but feel nervous at this moment. A servant pushed her forward from behind, with Puyang right by her side. Wei Xiu turned to look at her and saw Puyang turning back at the same time. They shared a smile before continuing forward.

The Chancellor and his wife had been waiting with eager anticipation. When Puyang and Wei Xiu arrived before them and bowed in greeting, the Chancellor looked at them and said “Good” three times in a row, his gratification overflowing.

The Old Madam also sized up the pair with a benevolent gaze. Seeing Puyang’s gentle and serene expression, her eyes shining like the moon, she knew that the princess was truly happy. The heart that had been suspended in worry finally settled for the most part.

Seeing this, Wei Xiu also breathed a small sigh of relief.

For a first visit, it was proper to bring gifts. With the maternal family, the gifts were not about value but about thoughtfulness. Wei Xiu had grasped this nuance perfectly, a clear sign of careful consideration. Seeing this, the Old Madam felt another measure of happiness in her heart.

The banquet had been prepared, and now that the Princess and Prince Consort had arrived, it could begin.

There was no music at the banquet. Wang Gun was the first to explain, “His Majesty is bedridden. It would be inappropriate to be too extravagant at this time.”

This was only natural. Besides, it was a family banquet, so no one cared whether there was music or not.

The banquet served to introduce Wei Xiu to the maternal grandfather’s family and to let the younger generation get to know one another. The scions of the Wang clan were naturally extraordinary, each with their own unique qualities. Some loved landscapes, some loved music, and a few were concerned with matters of the court. They all gathered around Wei Xiu to talk. Wei Xiu was widely read; though not an expert in everything, she could say a few words on any topic.

Everyone saw that while she did not speak much, her words always hit the mark, possessing the air of a gentleman of old. They could not help but feel a sense of affinity, and the initial awkwardness of a new acquaintance gradually faded. They began to address each other by their courtesy names.

Puyang was by the Old Madam’s side. At first, she was slightly worried that Wei Xiu would not be able to handle the situation. But now, seeing her manage with ease, winning over the proud and arrogant young members of the Wang clan with just a few words, she couldn’t help but smile. She turned back to listen attentively to the Old Madam.

Who would have known that the moment she turned back, she would see the Old Madam looking at her teasingly, her kind eyes filled with amusement.

A blush rose on Puyang’s face. She murmured shyly, “Grandmother…”

The Old Madam patted her hand and said with a smile, “A Xiu is a good child.”

The Old Madam was of a great age and had met many people. When Wei Xiu spoke with her, she was composed and courteous, neither timid nor fawning, but respectful and proper. From this, the Old Madam knew she had integrity. Looking again at the gifts she had prepared, which were exceedingly thoughtful, it was a gesture of closeness to the Wang clan. As the Wangs were the Princess’s maternal family, for her to act this way showed how much she valued Seventh Lady.

“Now that you have found a good home, I can be at ease. When I see your mother in the netherworld, I will have nothing to be ashamed of.” The Old Madam smiled and sighed, but her voice choked with emotion as she spoke the last half of the sentence.

At the mention of the late Empress, Puyang also felt a pang of sadness. But seeing the tears in the Old Madam’s eyes, she quickly changed the subject, trying to make her laugh. The aunts by her side also chimed in with witty remarks, sparing no effort to cheer the Old Madam up.

Surrounded by children and grandchildren, the hall was filled with harmony and joy. No matter how sad one felt, it was only for a moment.

Everyone had to rise early the next day, either to go to their offices or to attend the family school, so naturally, they could not stay up too late. Not two quarters of an hour past the hour of Xu, the Chancellor announced the end of the banquet, telling his children and grandchildren to rest early.

It was a family banquet where both guests and hosts were thoroughly pleased. Before leaving, one of the cousins, Wang Chun, even made an appointment with Wei Xiu to pay a visit in a few days.

After everyone had dispersed.

Chancellor Wang looked at Puyang and Wei Xiu, stroked his beard, and said with a smile, “If you are not in a hurry to leave, come with me to the study for a further talk.”

Hearing him say this, Wei Xiu and Puyang knew that he most likely had official business to discuss.

It was indeed official business. If it weren’t, why would he keep the two of them so close to the curfew?

Upon entering the study, Chancellor Wang got straight to the point, asking Puyang, “Seventh Lady, you often enter the palace. Do you know why His Majesty has fallen ill so suddenly?”

Puyang did not yet know the details of this matter and had planned to go to the palace tomorrow to inquire. Now that Chancellor Wang had brought it up, he likely already had some information.

Chancellor Wang then looked at Wei Xiu. “Does Zhongmeng know?”

Wei Xiu had her suspicions. She looked at him and said, “Last night in the palace, I saw the Prince of Donghai looking uneasy. I imagine it has something to do with him.”

Chancellor Wang showed a look of surprise, which then gave way to understanding. Given Seventh Lady’s temperament, how could someone without real ability catch her eye? He nodded. “It is indeed him. He entered the palace several times, always mentioning the Prince of Yan, which made His Majesty miss him. The day before yesterday, he spoke of how lonely the Prince of Yan’s tomb was, leading His Majesty to go offer sacrifices in disguise, and thus he caught a chill. This Prince of Donghai, usually so quiet, I didn’t expect him to have such skill.”

Wei Xiu frowned slightly, and Puyang was also deep in thought. Chancellor Wang picked up his teacup, took a sip, and did not hurry to continue, instead watching their reactions.

“Chancellor, I suspect you kept Her Highness and me here for more than just this,” Wei Xiu said slowly. “If it were merely that Xiao Dewen instigated the Emperor to visit the Prince of Yan’s tomb, it would not be a major issue. Catching a cold would just be a coincidence.”

If he was surprised before, now he was amazed. Chancellor Wang said approvingly, “Correct. Zhongmeng, your perception is remarkably keen.”

Wei Xiu bowed her head in a gesture of modesty. Puyang also smiled.

“If that were all, it would be a small matter.” Returning to the main topic, the Chancellor continued, “When His Majesty fell suddenly ill, the Minister of the Imperial Clan Court inquired as to the cause. His Majesty only said that he had failed to add another layer of clothing in the evening and had carelessly fallen ill. If nothing else had happened, the matter would have ended there. But the Prince of Jin remained suspicious and, not feeling at ease, had people investigate. With His Majesty ill and unable to restrain the people in the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue, the matter was leaked.”

Originally, what would have been the harm in saying he caught a cold because he returned late from the Prince of Yan’s tomb? He was clearly worried that the court officials would have the slightest suspicion about the Prince of Donghai.

The key point was not how the Emperor fell ill, but his protection of Xiao Dewen after he fell ill!

Even if Chancellor Wang did not say what happened next, Puyang and Wei Xiu could guess.

“The Prince of Jin, having found this out, must have wanted to divert the trouble and leaked the matter to the other princes, didn’t he?” Puyang said sarcastically.

Chancellor Wang nodded.

A secret is no longer a secret once more than two people know it. In just a day’s time, even the Chancellor had found out.

Chancellor Wang was a pillar of the court and paid extra attention to the Emperor’s thoughts. Most people would simply sigh that the Emperor was truly good to the Prince of Donghai. Even the Prince of Jin, in spreading this matter, was perhaps not wary of Xiao Dewen, but merely jealous. But Chancellor Wang had already sensed that something was amiss. A hint of hesitation appeared on his face, but his aged eyes were sharp and gleaming. “Seventh Lady, you often attend to His Majesty. Do you know what comments His Majesty has made about the Prince of Donghai?”

The Crown Prince had yet to be appointed. Others thought the Emperor was still observing the various princes, but Chancellor Wang was already certain that the Emperor was fundamentally dissatisfied with all of them.

When today’s news arrived, he could not help but wonder: could it be that His Majesty still favored the Prince of Yan’s line?

Chancellor Wang was already speculating. He looked at Puyang, not rushing her, just waiting for her answer.

Thoughts raced through Puyang’s mind. At this moment, she did not look to Wei Xiu to seek her opinion. Nor did Wei Xiu speak up or offer any hint.

No matter how brilliant a strategist, they could only offer advice. In the end, the course of action was for the ruler to decide.

After a moment, Puyang smiled. “His Majesty shows great affection for Dewen. As for holding him in high regard, there were no signs of it in the past. But you know His Majesty, Grandfather, he is always unpredictable. Dewen is growing up year by year, and it is only natural for him to cherish the memory of his father. These past few months, he has often come to A Xiu for guidance, and he seems very sensible.” After speaking, she winked at Chancellor Wang. “The bl00d of the Wang clan flows in my veins. Grandfather, my uncles, and I are all one. If I learn anything first, I will certainly report it to you, Grandfather.”

Her words conveyed three meanings. First, the Emperor did not have that intention at present. Second, even if he did, Xiao Dewen greatly admired Wei Xiu, so it would not be difficult to find an opportunity to build a good relationship. Third, she and the Wang clan shared a common destiny, and she would definitely inform them the moment there was any sign.

Chancellor Wang considered her words for a moment, then began to laugh. He shook his head and said to Puyang, “Oh, you. Our family does not lack wealth and honor. What we lack is a legacy, a way to pass down our current glory for generations. But never mind. We will follow your lead. It is good to be steady.”

In supporting a new monarch, the greatest fear is backing the wrong person and losing everything. It was better to be cautious. Even if they could not claim the primary credit, their wealth and honor would at least remain.

Seeing that he had agreed, Puyang also smiled. Only then did she look at Wei Xiu. Wei Xiu gazed at her with a doting look. Her hand, hidden under the table, secretly gave Puyang’s a squeeze and was about to pull away, but Puyang immediately grasped it back and did not let go.

The official business was considered finished. What followed was trivial talk about family matters.

“After your marriage, will you return to the Princess’s residence, or stay here at the Wei estate?” Chancellor Wang showed his concern for their life after the wedding.

“All of Seventh Lady’s affairs are managed at the Princess’s residence. We have decided to live there, as it will be more convenient,” Wei Xiu replied.

Chancellor Wang had no objection either way, but seeing Wei Xiu’s respect for Puyang, he was pleased. He nodded, then seemed to recall something. His expression grew wistful, and his gaze became distant. “I remember there is a bamboo grove in the Princess’s residence, verdant and upright, defying frost and braving rain. It was planted by the hand of Grand Marshal Zhong himself. The man is gone, but the things remain. If I were to see it today, I fear I would stain my robes with tears.”

It was like a heavy hammer striking her heart. Wei Xiu desperately restrained herself to keep from showing any change in her expression.

Puyang was puzzled. “When was there a Grand Marshal Zhong?” The position of Grand Marshal in the current court was vacant. Before that, it was Xu Yuan. She did not know who held it before him, nor had anyone ever mentioned it. She guessed he must have been from the previous dynasty, but the histories of the former dynasty had not yet been promulgated, so how could people of this time know?

Seeing that she did not know, Chancellor Wang’s expression grew even more regretful. “Times change, and circumstances shift, leaving a hero unknown.”

His words were like a sharp blade plunging into Wei Xiu’s chest. In an instant, her entire heart was dripping with bl00d.