Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 87

That place was very far from the capital; a round trip by fast horse would take a month.

A Rong worried that her subordinates would not do the job well, getting Wei Xiu’s hopes up for nothing, so she simply packed her bags and went to handle it herself. Once she left, Yan Huan and the others happened to have their own matters to attend to. Wei Xiu now lacked someone who knew her intentions well, and things became quite inconvenient. Moreover, in the past dozen or so years, A Rong had taken care of her daily life and had never been away from her for so long. Wei Xiu couldn’t help but count the days, waiting for her return.

“Six years of plenty, six years of drought, and a great famine in the twelfth.” The state stockpiled grain during years of abundance. When a disaster year occurred, it would be lent to the common people to help them survive the winter. The following spring, they would be lent seeds so as not to miss the farming season. When the autumn harvest was plentiful, they would repay the grain borrowed during the disaster year and often have some surplus left to live on. In this way, a disaster year was smoothly overcome.

This was the court’s basic approach in years of minor disaster. In years of major disaster, it was more difficult, but there were various countermeasures.

This time, preparations had been made in advance. With the Emperor’s supervision and the ministers’ diligent response, everything went relatively smoothly, except for one province where people had starved to death. The common people relied on their crops to survive; once disaster struck, it was truly difficult to withstand. For only a few people to starve to death in a single province across the entire nation could truly be considered a sign of benevolent governance.

Yet the Emperor was still dissatisfied. His dissatisfaction stemmed mainly from the fact that the Prince of Jing had been implicated in the matter, damaging the imperial family’s prestige. Puyang was also very displeased. Her displeasure was out of pity for the common people who could have survived but had starved to death because the greedy prefect had not distributed the relief grain. She instructed the censors under her to submit a memorial to the throne—dismissal from office was not enough, he had to be severely sentenced!

After the severe sentencing, the position of prefect for that province was naturally left vacant. The people of the province could not be left without a leader, so appointing a new prefect was a matter of utmost urgency.

Thus, after finishing with the disaster relief, the court became busy with the scramble for the position.

That province was in an excellent geographical location. The prefect held significant power, and as the area bordered the Yangtze River, it was customary for the prefect to also oversee military affairs. All the princes were fighting tooth and nail for it, and Puyang was also tempted. The Vice Minister of War was her man, and he was knowledgeable in military matters, making him a suitable candidate to govern a province.

Just as she was about to make a move for this, trouble erupted in the state of Qi.

“The Crown Prince of Qi attempted to usurp the throne. Defeated in battle, he committed suicide by slitting his throat. The entire Eastern Palace was implicated, and both the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince’s son committed suicide by drinking poisoned wine.” As soon as the report reached the capital, Puyang learned of it and immediately went to tell Wei Xiu, “With the Crown Prince’s death, the political landscape in Qi has changed.”

“And Great Wei will have to change along with it,” Wei Xiu added.

The worthy Crown Prince was gone, leaving only mediocre princes. The Emperor of Qi was unreliable; the hearts of the wise ministers must be growing cold. The fate of a nation, though it sounds like a mystical concept, is something that truly exists.

“I’m afraid the Vice Minister of War won’t be up to the task,” Puyang said with some worry. “He would have been competent enough to serve as a prefect under normal circumstances, but with this incident in Qi, the Emperor will likely deploy forces along the river. The Vice Minister has never served as an official outside the capital, nor has he ever truly commanded troops. He is skilled at discussing military strategy on paper, but he would likely prove incompetent if he had to act in the field.”

She could not let factional strife jeopardize the affairs of the state. Regretfully, Puyang had no choice but to abandon the idea.

Wei Xiu said, “Why not see what His Majesty intends to do? If you lend him a hand, he will not let you suffer a loss.”

She had a very clear understanding of the Emperor’s mind. If Puyang considered the greater good, took the initiative to give up her own ambitions, and instead worked on the Emperor’s behalf, he would be moved and would surely compensate her.

“There is no other way,” Puyang said. She was not a petty person; the position of a single prefect was not something she valued so highly. Having made her decision, her smile returned, and she said to Wei Xiu, “I have been so busy these past few days and haven’t been able to spend proper time with you. I am truly sorry.”

She took Wei Xiu’s arm, her smile radiant and tinged with apology. How could Wei Xiu blame her? She only felt for her, seeing her so busy, and hated her own immobility, which prevented her from running errands on Puyang’s behalf.

“You must take care of yourself as well. Don’t rush; things will work out if you take them slowly,” Wei Xiu comforted her.

As they were speaking, snow suddenly began to drift down from the sky. Puyang got up to close the window. Turning back, she saw a hint of worry on Wei Xiu’s face and couldn’t help but ask with concern, “What is it? What’s troubling you?”

Wei Xiu frowned and said, “The roads will be covered in snow, making travel difficult. I’m afraid A Rong won’t be able to return this month.”

After the snow stops, her pace on the road will be even slower. She probably won’t be able to rush back to the capital until the end of the year. Wei Xiu had a few matters here that needed attention. If A Rong couldn’t make it back, she would have to find someone else. She also began to ponder that she needed to cultivate a new group of people. The princess’s power was growing, and her once more-than-adequate staff was now becoming stretched thin. It was unknown how many more years the Emperor could hold on, and there would be many more situations ahead that required people.

She was lost in thought. When she looked up again, she saw Puyang with her head lowered, not saying a word. Wei Xiu couldn’t see her expression clearly; she was just quietly adding charcoal to the brazier. The fire glowed a vibrant red, and the room grew considerably warmer.

Wei Xiu remembered something else. “There will be a grand ceremony on New Year’s Day. His Majesty favors the Prince of Donghai and will likely use this as an opportunity to have him make an appearance. Once that happens, the imperial will shall be manifest. No matter how slow the other princes are, they will surely realize what is happening, and the court will likely fall into turmoil.” In the turbulent currents of power, it is very difficult to remain uninvolved. That is why so many court officials are forced to align with factions and choose a side. She had to devise a counter-strategy for the princess to avoid being swept into it.

Puyang frowned slightly. “It won’t be that urgent, will it?”

“It’s about time,” Wei Xiu asserted.

Puyang knew the extent of the Emperor’s lifespan, but Wei Xiu did not, nor did the Emperor himself. He was already over fifty. Since ancient times, how many emperors had lived past sixty? In the next few years, he would certainly have to secure the Imperial Grandson’s position. Even if he wanted to proceed slowly, circumstances would not permit him to be anything but urgent.

Xiao Dewen had not yet made an appearance before all the court officials; this was the perfect opportunity to push him onto the stage.

Puyang remained silent. What Wei Xiu said was indeed reasonable.

“Even though you know, do not be the first to speak up on Xiao Dewen’s behalf. When the princes’ dreams of becoming the heir apparent are suddenly shattered, they will be at their most frenzied. His Majesty will be fine, but if you are the one to step forward, they will certainly target you,” Wei Xiu analyzed for her. No matter how deep Puyang’s foundations were, she could not withstand a joint attack from all the princes.

Puyang thought it over and agreed, complaining, “Especially that Prince of Jin. He is the most insidious.”

Wei Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle lightly, patting her hand to comfort her. “Don’t mind him. If you truly cannot stand the sight of him, I will find a way to vent your anger for you.”

Puyang was coaxed into laughter by her. “That won’t be necessary. We shouldn’t jeopardize the greater good on his account.”

The couple teased each other, managing to find enjoyment even while discussing uninteresting political affairs.

In the evening, Puyang was to attend a banquet at the residence of the Prince of Zheng. The Prince of Zheng’s invitation was for both the princess and the prince consort. Ever since Puyang’s marriage, whenever anyone extended an invitation, it was generally for the couple. However, Wei Xiu did not like to go out and rarely left the residence. But the Prince of Zheng was different. He was an elder of the imperial clan and the one who had presided over their wedding. To show her respect, Wei Xiu accompanied Puyang.

The two of them dressed in magnificent attire, and seeing that it was about time, they boarded the carriage and set off for the prince’s residence.

The guests at the banquet were all people of high status and great power. The Prince of Zhao, the Prince of Jin, the Prince of Dai, the Prince of Jing, and the two often-neglected younger imperial princes were all present. Several of the slightly older imperial grandsons had also been brought along, as had various princesses and grand princesses. A number of court ministers had also come.

The princes had come hoping to ask the Prince of Zheng to put in a good word for them. The princesses were either lobbying on behalf of their brothers or simply there to join in the festivities. As for the ministers, they were mostly close friends of the host.

The guests exchanged pleasantries with one another. Seeing that the rarely-seen Princess Puyang and her prince consort were also present, many came forward to curry favor. The Emperor looked upon this prince consort with great favor, even to the point of marrying his beloved daughter to her. The Chancellor also held her in the highest esteem, and all who had associated with her had nothing but praise. Even though she did not appear often, no one dared to look down on her.

At the Prince of Zheng’s residence, the custom was always to speak of romance and the arts, never of politics. He particularly admired Wei Xiu’s elegance and was extremely happy to see her attend in person. He was on the verge of taking her by the arm for a stroll, which earned him a few chiding words from his consort before he came to his senses—there were still many other distinguished guests to entertain. Even so, he still exchanged a few more words with Wei Xiu.

Seeing that Wei Xiu was handling herself appropriately, Puyang did not remain by her side. A few of the princesses secretly tried to sound her out, wanting to know what the Emperor was truly thinking. For the past half-year, the Emperor’s attitude toward the princes had been hot and cold, and with Xiao Dewen visiting the palace with increasing frequency, the princes had finally grown anxious. Even knowing it was likely useless, they had each asked several princesses to probe Puyang for information.

If there was anyone in the capital who could know the Emperor’s thoughts in advance, it had to be Puyang.

The princesses had lost their usual composure, a hint of anxiety showing in their eyes. Puyang said seriously, “This is a major affair concerning the governance of the court. Even if His Majesty were to drop a hint, he would certainly never tell me first. I truly do not know.”

Some people also asked Wei Xiu, and she gave the same reply.

There are always signs before a storm, and some people had already sensed them. The unease among the people was difficult to conceal, and what should have been a perfectly fine banquet turned sour.

Puyang grew annoyed by the incessant questioning from the princely consorts and princesses, whose eyes were red with anxiety. She drank some wine, used the pretext of being drunk to slip away, and sent a maidservant to inform Wei Xiu. Upon hearing this, Wei Xiu also took the opportunity to make her escape.

Wei Xiu had someone support Puyang and apologized to their host, explaining that she and her wife had to take their leave early.

The Prince of Zheng sighed with great regret, but there was nothing he could do. He did not involve himself in court politics, but that did not mean he was blind to the situation. He could only say, “You two are not at ease here anyway. Go on, then. I will host another banquet another day, just for the two of you.”

Wei Xiu apologized again and made another bow. “I cannot speak for others, but if Your Highness extends an invitation, Seventh Lady and I will certainly attend.”

Only then did the Prince of Zheng’s expression brighten, and he ordered his servants to see the princess and her consort out properly.

Puyang already looked quite intoxicated. The moment she boarded the carriage, she naturally nestled into Wei Xiu’s embrace.

After socializing all evening, dealing with those princely consorts and princesses, none of whom were easy to handle, she must be tired. Wei Xiu instructed the driver to be steady, then took a nearby blanket and draped it over Puyang to prevent her from catching a chill.

The carriage moved slowly through the night. Puyang kept her eyes closed the entire time, and watching her, Wei Xiu felt an increasing sense of tenderness. Only when they arrived outside the gates of their residence did she have no choice but to wake her.

Puyang seemed somewhat dazed, her eyes misty. Wei Xiu couldn’t help but worry and quickly ordered someone to bring a palanquin.

The night air was cold. A retinue of maidservants and eunuchs surrounded the prince consort and the princess, returning swiftly to their chambers.

The room had already been warmed by a brazier, and hot water had been prepared.

Wei Xiu instructed them to settle the princess on the couch, then dismissed everyone.

Puyang’s eyes were closed, her brows lightly knitted, as if she were very uncomfortable. Wei Xiu brought over a cup of prepared honey water and called to her softly, “Seventh Lady, wake up.”

Puyang opened her eyes. Seeing her, a gentle smile touched her lips. “I’m not drunk. I’m just a little tired.”

Wei Xiu knew. Puyang was extremely cautious; how could she possibly get drunk at someone else’s residence? She brought the jade cup to Puyang’s lips and said softly, “Drink a little.”

Puyang obediently drank half the cup.

She leaned back lazily, not wanting to move at all. Wei Xiu did not want her to get up either. Setting down the jade cup, she removed the pins and ornaments from Puyang’s hair, then went to wring out a hot cloth to wash her face.

The warm cloth, still steaming slightly, felt very comfortable as it passed over her cheeks. Puyang did not flinch in the slightest, letting her wipe her face. When she was finished, Puyang murmured in a low voice, “My hands, too.”

Wei Xiu couldn’t help but smile. The cloth had already cooled, so she soaked it in the hot water again and carefully wiped each of Puyang’s hands. It was not at all convenient for her to move back and forth in her wheelchair, but she was endlessly patient, treating Puyang with the utmost care, as if she were a clueless child.

Puyang watched her without blinking. Only after Wei Xiu had cleaned up both of them and had come onto the couch herself did Puyang gently nestle into her embrace and ask softly, “A Xiu, am I good?”

Wei Xiu smiled lightly and replied, “Good.”

Puyang leaned against her, pressing even closer. “Then don’t be concerned about other people.”

Wei Xiu knew she was talking about A Rong. The only person she had been concerned about these past few days was A Rong. She had thought their relationship was that of master and servant, of family, and that it was nothing to worry about. She never imagined the princess would be secretly jealous. A Rong had been away from the capital for over half a month. Puyang had endured it for over half a month, pretending that nothing was amiss, until tonight, when she finally voiced it under the pretext of being drunk.

Her soft body rested against her, quiet and unmoving, exceptionally well-behaved. Wei Xiu felt a certain place in her heart turn as soft as water. She gently stroked Puyang’s hair and promised, “Alright. I will only be concerned about you.”

Only then was Puyang satisfied. She closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Wei Xiu lowered her head, gazing at her in the faint candlelight. She suddenly grew afraid. If, one day, her original reason for coming to the capital—to seek revenge—was exposed, would Seventh Lady still be able to rest so peacefully in her arms like this? Would she despise her, hate her, or would she sever all ties with her, never to see her again.