Chapter 63: Treasonous Thoughts

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, She Niang meticulously prepared all the customary gifts and presented them to the Princess Consort of Qing for review. Upon seeing the dazzling array listed on the paper, the Princess Consort of Qing waved her hand dismissively.

She Niang insisted, "Your Highness, you really should take a look. I'm afraid of making any mistakes."

Only then did the Princess Consort of Qing pick up the list, but she quickly put it down again. "With the Empress and the Crown Prince both gone, how can we possibly celebrate this festival properly this year?"

"Indeed," She Niang replied. Despite her agreement, she was always scrupulous in her duties, never shirking responsibility. If something needed doing, it had to be done well.

After discussing official matters with the Princess Consort of Qing and having Qiu Ju take the list for processing, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law turned to family affairs. The Princess Consort of Qing, concerned about her daughter, asked She Niang, "Your brother-in-law is still in Liaodong and won't be back anytime soon. How is your sister doing?"

She Niang tactfully responded, "If possible, we would love to bring her back, but I fear the Wu clan might be displeased."

Given that the Princess was the eldest daughter-in-law, she would undoubtedly be occupied with managing family affairs during such times, making her return difficult. Thus, She Niang did not outright refuse but cited the Wu clan's potential objections.

The Princess Consort of Qing leaned back against her cushion and nodded. "Yes, once married into another family, she becomes part of that household."

She Niang did not respond to this. Instead, she shifted the topic: "Mother, since the Dowager Consort can no longer enjoy operas, we must find some other diversions for her. What do you think would be suitable?"

Once people begin to relax, they often become disinclined to do anything. She Niang felt she had already taken on all the household's trivial matters, leaving the Princess Consort of Qing needing only to listen to daily reports. However, someone still had to attend to the Dowager Consort, lest Lady Bai monopolize her favor.

The Princess Consort of Qing had indeed grown somewhat lax. She was unwilling to fully delegate authority to She Niang and had also become remiss in attending to the Dowager Consort. Hearing She Niang mention the Dowager Consort, she said, "It's hot today. Why don't we have dinner at your Listening to the Rain Pavilion? It's much cooler there."

"Yes, I will first go to the Dowager Consort and then have our kitchen prepare the meal," She Niang replied.

With that, She Niang took her leave.

After her daughter-in-law had departed, the Princess Consort of Qing turned to Nanny Gong and said, "Lately, I don't know what's wrong with me. I always feel somewhat out of sorts. Could it be that I'm getting old?"

Nanny Gong smiled. "Your Highness is in the prime of life. How could you be lacking in energy?"

But the Princess Consort of Qing waved her hand. "Lately, I feel I've aged considerably. My cheekbones and face used to be as fair as jade, but now they're covered with many spots. I can cover them with powder during the day, but I always know my true appearance."

Nanny Gong naturally offered words of comfort, saying, "You and the Crown Princess could be mistaken for sisters when standing together. His Highness has even been staying with you these past few days."

"I'd rather he go find those other women. Why does he always bother me here?"

Nanny Gong knew she was being insincere. Every time the Prince visited, she was overjoyed. In the inner quarters, which woman didn't hope for the Prince's visits? Fortunately, the Prince of Qing was not particularly lustful and didn't even have a proper concubine.

So, she continued to comfort the Princess Consort of Qing, saying that things were already quite good.

The Princess Consort of Qing said, "Yes, since the Crown Princess entered the household, she has not only borne children but also helped me shoulder responsibilities."

"Indeed, with so many people in the household, it's remarkable how she handles everything so discreetly yet efficiently. Everyone below praises the Crown Princess, saying it's due to your excellent guidance," Nanny Gong said skillfully.

Dinner was served at the Listening to the Rain Pavilion. She Niang made a few arrangements and had special delicacies brought in. Lady Bai had been serving the Dowager Consort frequently lately, even massaging her shoulders, legs, and feet. She Niang couldn't bring herself to do such things; she disliked even her own feet, let alone someone else's.

Lady Bai brought her stepson Li Xing along. The upbringing in the House of Prince of Chongning was not particularly refined, often known for its willfulness and imperiousness, but Li Xing seemed obedient.

"When A-Heng is a bit older, the two brothers can eat together," She Niang said with a smile.

The Princess Consort of Qing thought, "What 'brothers'? Only A-Heng is my real grandson."

But everyone maintained appearances. Lady Bai, the daughter of a scholar-official, naturally hoped her stepson would study, as learning and proper manners were essential for the eldest grandson of the Prince of Qing’s household.

Since she had a son, she noticeably felt the change in how people treated her. She finally had something to rely on.

So, at this moment, she asked She Niang, "When do you plan to start A-Heng’s education?"

She Niang smiled. "That will be up to the Crown Prince. I have no say in the matter." But she knew what Lady Bai was hinting at. It was annoying how Lady Bai always tried to manipulate her. She never spoke directly to the Dowager Consort or the Princess Consort of Qing but always hinted indirectly with her.

She knew Lady Bai had a hard life, but her own life wasn't easy either. She couldn't openly offend her mother-in-law, knowing the Princess Consort of Qing’s sensitivities.

It was the Dowager Consort who brought up the topic, saying to the Princess Consort of Qing, "How are you arranging Xing'er’s schooling?"

The Princess Consort of Qing replied, "Replying to Your Grace, His Highness said that with many matters in the palace to attend to, he will personally invite a few tutors after he finishes his tasks."

"Well, there’s no need to rush," the Dowager Consort said, satisfied.

Just then, A-Heng banged on the table. He was used to eating at a fixed time every day. By this time, he would normally have finished half a bowl of rice, but today everyone was too busy talking. He was angry.

The Dowager Consort couldn’t help but laugh. "What’s wrong with our A-Heng?"

"He’s hungry!" She Niang said with a smile.

The Dowager Consort then instructed everyone to begin the meal. Without more chatter, She Niang asked the nurse to feed the child. Usually, he could eat from a small bowl on his own, but with so many people around, she didn’t want food scattered everywhere.

A-Heng’s eating habits were never a concern. At one year old, he could eat steamed beef, finely chopped shrimp, shredded chicken with carrots, and half a bowl of rice.

While eating, he kept looking at She Niang, who secretly gave him a thumbs-up. A-Heng chuckled with delight.

The Dowager Consort loved cheerful children. After the meal, She Niang took A-Heng for a walk with her in the bamboo forest, their laughter echoing. Lady Bai, watching this, clutched her handkerchief tightly in frustration. In the past, she was rarely present on such occasions and didn’t know what they were like. Today, seeing how Lady Pei ingratiated herself and made everyone laugh, she felt a surge of resentment.

Additionally, she caught a chill that evening and fell ill the next morning. She Niang sent someone to inquire after her, but it was Yang Mo who personally came.

Seeing Yang Mo, Lady Bai managed a weak smile. "At times like this, you’re the only one who comes."

Yang Mo said, "What are you talking about? We’re all sisters by marriage. Don’t be so disheartened. I think you should take better care of your health. Even for Xing'er’s sake, you shouldn’t fall sick so easily. If something serious happens to you, who will advocate for your eldest brother in the future?"

These words were comforting. Lady Bai smiled and said, "I know. It’s just the seasonal heat these days."

Yang Mo glanced around and remarked, "This Lady Pei isn’t careful enough. There’s not a single basin of ice in your room. Who does she think she’s trying to heat to death?"

"She actually sends it on time, but I feel cold and can’t use ice, so I had it removed," Lady Bai said. She wasn’t foolish enough to make unfounded accusations. If word got out, it would only reflect poorly on her.

Hearing this, Yang Mo said, "This coldness in your body—what exactly is the problem?"

"Just a minor issue," Lady Bai said bitterly.

Yang Mo suggested, "You should have a lady doctor perform acupuncture or cupping to disperse the cold. By the way, my mother used to be like you, always feeling cold. Later, she drank ginseng decoction for three to five months and recovered."

Ginseng decoction? Lady Bai quickly said, "Ginseng isn’t rare in our household, but you know my situation. If my monthly stipend is slightly higher, people say I’m ungrateful and criticize me. If I drink ginseng decoction daily as you suggest, the Dowager Consort might not say anything, but who knows what others will say?"

In this household, she felt like a beggar. Usually, she was looked down upon, and now she had to beg for this, making herself a laughingstock.

Yang Mo looked sympathetic. "Sister-in-law, what are you saying? Your late husband still holds a title, and you are a rightful member of the imperial clan. Why should anyone criticize you? This is what you deserve. If you don’t dare to speak up, I’ll do it for you."

"Please don’t, please don’t," Lady Bai said, feeling touched.

Yang Mo was only paying lip service. How could she actually help? Seeing Lady Bai’s reaction, she seized the moment and egged her on: "To be honest, until Xing'er’s status is confirmed, you are not the mother of the Garrison General. Who will take you seriously?"

Lady Bai thought of She Niang’s words and Yang Mo’s, feeling that Yang Mo genuinely had her best interests at heart.

Seeing Lady Bai moved, Yang Mo took her leave and went to pay respects to the Dowager Consort, wearing a smile on her face. That Lady Bai, the daughter of a poor scholar-official, had become the wife of a Garrison General and actually thought highly of herself. She simply couldn’t bear to see others thrive.

Look, the Prince of Qing’s household was already facing decline. With the Crown Prince, their backing, gone, and the princess’s marriage in discord, if the Prince of Jin ascended the throne, their family would face consequences.

***

Last night during the banquet, She Niang drank a few cups of wine and felt out of sorts all day. Fortunately, she received the joyful news of Li Niang giving birth to a daughter, which lifted her spirits greatly. She made a point to send someone over to check on her.

When Li Ju returned, he also heard Fourth Aunt's happy news and hurried to congratulate She Niang: "Now that's great news!"

"Indeed, but why have you come back at this time?" She Niang asked, puzzled.

Li Ju smiled and said, "Today, the Emperor summoned my father and me to the palace."

"You know it's the ones always around the Emperor who're the real favorites," She Niang said. "How is the Emperor now? Is his health any better?"

"Much better. However, Consort Xu seems to want to become Empress. Today, she actually had a eunuch pull my father aside to talk, but my father immediately left with me," Li Ju replied.

She Niang said, "She already has a prince in her hands, so why is she in such a rush? The more impatient she is, the more likely things will go wrong."

Li Ju thought to himself, no wonder Empress Dowager Pei was able to hold back until the end. If it were Consort Xu with her impatience, she probably wouldn’t have succeeded. At this thought, he felt even more guilty—could it be that by marrying him, She Niang had given up her shot at being Empress?

The moment this treasonous thought crossed his mind, it truly spooked him.