Chapter 97: No Thoughts, No Fame (26)

Sure enough, chaos erupted in the Mountain Sea Courtyard. Upon learning that a monk was coming to chant scriptures, the Earl of England's face darkened, and he hastily rushed back to confront Madam Zhao, using harsh words that deeply insulted her. Enraged, Madam Zhao shoved him, but the Earl retaliated, sending her tumbling to the ground.

However, the Earl didn't come out unscathed either, with several scratches on his forehead. He couldn't attend court now without being ridiculed.

Frustrated, he summoned Lihua Chun to his study, "Try to persuade your mother to avoid causing trouble at such a time. If things go wrong, how will our household fare?"

In front of his father, Lihua Chun kept his thoughts to himself. Later, he told Zhe Wan, "Father is being overly cautious, frightened by the incident at the Duke of Merit's residence. His timid behavior may actually displease His Majesty."

Zhe Wan shared the same sentiment as Lihua Chun. There was a reason why the Earl had been labeled "mediocre" by the Emperor.

Though he was careful in all matters, he failed to accurately gauge the Emperor's intentions. In this case, had he simply let things be, there wouldn't have been an issue. But by pushing Madam Zhao, he ended up injured and now hid away from court, afraid of embarrassment. If the truth were to reach the Emperor, he would likely face scolding.

Lihua Chun could only confide in Zhe Wan, saying, "If Father dares to lay a hand on Mother again, I'll intervene."

Zhe Wan looked at him, "Why don't you intervene now?"

Why wait until next time?

He Chun had his reasons: "It's not appropriate for children to interfere in their parents' affairs. They have their own ways of dealing with things."

Zhe Wan smiled but didn't comment, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She simply stood up and left. He Chun knew she was going to the palace to visit the Empress Dowager, so he said, "Father just reminded me to tell you not to discuss family matters with the Empress Dowager."

Zhe Wan replied, "Of course."

Why would she burden the Empress Dowager with such issues?

After Sun Sanniang left, the Empress Dowager must have been reminiscing about the past, as she cried twice and then fell into a delicate state of health. The emperor, being an extremely filial son, immediately went to attend to her and only relaxed when she was well enough to stroll around and enjoy the flowers.

The emperor even specifically told Zhe Wan, "Make the Empress Dowager happy, and I will reward you handsomely."

Zhe Wan didn't need any rewards; the Empress Dowager had been a great help to her, and she genuinely wanted to spend time with her.

Because of this genuine sentiment, the emperor became even more pleased with Zhe Wan. He jokingly told the Empress Dowager, "Each person has their own destiny, and it seems that these children from the Duke of Britain's household all share a special bond with their mother."

Empress Dowager: "Yes, they are all good children."

After the emperor left, the Empress Dowager mentioned to Zhe Wan, "He Chun hasn't visited for some time. Is he occupied?"

Zhe Wan whispered, "He's hoping for a promotion."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "His Majesty appreciates his diligence and willingness to endure hardships."

Pausing, she mentioned Lady Zhao. "How is your mother-in-law doing?"

Zhe Wan replied, "She's well, just as usual."

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Lately, I've been dreaming about Yingjie and Ning Zhao."

Ning Zhao was her daughter, who had passed away at the age of eight. Yingjie was a bit older, but not by much.

The Empress Dowager said, "The Emperor has been considering sending Princess Thirteen here again recently. How could I bear to accept her?"

She could no longer endure the pain of losing another child in their youth.

Gently massaging the Empress Dowager's legs, Zhe Wan said, "Then don't take care of her."

Suddenly, the Empress Dowager choked up. "Ah Wan, Third Sister has moved on, but I haven't."

Speaking up to this point, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "She said that the children need to move on, and so do we—yet I am not like her."

Ning Zhao had passed away due to an illness, which caused her great distress, but she could still forgive herself. Yet, Yingjie was different.

She continued, "I brought her into the palace myself, and she died in my arms. I always feel that if I hadn't brought her here, she wouldn't have passed away."

Missing Ning Zhao and being unable to come to terms with Yingjie's fate, she began to see herself as an ill-omened person.

However, she still yearned for the presence of her children. She said, "When you and Danya came, I felt joy, yet also fear. I thought that if I didn't let her stay overnight or you, then it wouldn't count as me nurturing them, right?"

Zhe Wan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

Indeed, the Empress Dowager never allowed her to spend the night in the palace nor visit consecutive days. She was afraid that her ominous aura would affect their fortunes.

But whether it was Danya or herself, just by coming to the palace to accompany her and engage in conversation, the Empress Dowager was willing to pour her heart out for them.

In the matter of Third Sister and the tea incident, the Empress Dowager had secretly lent her assistance.

Yet, besides accompanying the Empress Dowager in the palace, she couldn't offer any other help.

This matter... It has been so long that it has become a burden on Empress Dowager's heart, and she is unable to let it go. Zhe Wan sighed and held the Empress Dowager's hand, "You still have many years ahead of you. You must not grieve too much and harm your health."

When she passed away, the Empress Dowager was still alive.

But no matter what Zhe Wan said, the Empress Dowager's spirits remained unpredictable.

Before the New Year, the Emperor, preoccupied with concern for the Empress Dowager, found it difficult to enjoy his meals in the company of his concubines. He even sighed to his close ministers, "If not for my mother's guidance and support, I would have found it difficult to firmly hold onto the throne."

This frightened the ministers, who immediately knelt to reassure him.

Right up until the New Year, the palace dared not echo with joyous laughter. The Emperor asked Zhe Wan to stay in the Empress Dowager's palace to keep her company, but the Empress Dowager firmly refused, saying, "I am well, just a little low-spirited. It's the passing of time; as the years go by, one naturally declines. Why should you be so worried about me?"

As the Emperor grew older, he became more filial to the Empress Dowager. He brought all his sons to her palace, "Surely this will do? They're men, not young maidens."

The Empress Dowager found the situation amusing yet sorrowful, but she did not wish for the princes to visit often. She said, "Having Ah Wan and Danya come frequently is enough. I don't have the energy to entertain them all."

After Yu Danya became pregnant, the Empress Dowager also refrained from seeing her. She feared that she might bring misfortune upon Danya's child.

Though not explicitly stated, it was evident to all who cared to observe.

Ying Jie had also heard about the Empress Dowager's illness outside the palace walls. Curiously, she asked, "Has the Empress Dowager never left the palace before?"

Zhe Wan nodded. "Not only has she never left the palace, she doesn't even wish to step out of her own Changle Palace."

Ying Jie responded, "Then she should go for a walk. How can anyone stay cooped up in one place forever?"

Zhe Wan gently stroked her head. "Our Ying Jie is indeed clever."

Yet, the Empress Dowager was trapped, unable to leave.

On the third day of the New Year, Zhe Wan and He Chun were due to enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Just as they were about to depart, they were summoned by the Duke of England.

The Duke sat in the main hall, hesitantly suggesting, "When you go this time, why not mention to the Empress Dowager that next time, you could bring Ying Jie along?"

Zhe Wan's hands slowly clenched. "What do you mean by that, Father?"

The Duke of England replied, "We have been greatly favored by the imperial grace. It is only natural that we repay His Majesty and the Empress Dowager."

It was a decision he had pondered over for quite some time before reaching it.

It seemed that He Chun had fallen out of favor with His Majesty, while He Min was flourishing and bringing glory to their family name abroad. However, in the Capital City, it was crucial to have someone close to the Emperor's side.

With one outside and another in the Capital City, supporting each other, only then can the House of Duke of England endure for the long haul.

Zhe Wan is a woman, as is Sister Ying. The Marquis of England's intention was not to have Sister Ying follow Zhe Wan into the palace to gain favor. Instead, he desires for either Brother Chuan or Brother Sheng to tread the same path that He Chun once walked.

How Lord He Chun was favored by His Majesty in the past, perhaps the same opportunity might be granted to Young Master Chuan and Young Master Sheng.

Zhe Wan laughed through her anger. For the first time, she spoke disrespectfully to the Duke of England, "Father, you truly have exhausted all your schemes."

She firmly refused, "A daughter-in-law like me won't speak out against it, and neither would the Empress Dowager be willing."

The Duke of England, feeling both annoyed and ashamed, was unwilling to argue with a woman over these matters. He turned to He Chun and said, "Your wife lacks understanding of the bigger picture. You should have a good talk with her when you return."

However, He Chun knew that his father was reluctant to give up the benefits he had gained from his presence before the Emperor. He was more skilled in dealing with their father than Zhe Wan, so he suggested, "It would be best for Father to discuss this with Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law."

The Duke of England felt rather helpless, "You have no idea how many people are lining up to send their daughters into the palace to accompany the Empress Dowager. If I were to write to He Min, the time it would take for a reply could be immense. By the time he responds, the situation might have already cooled down like withered flowers."

He chuckled and explained, "Do you actually believe those absurd rumors about women being cursed? They're all nonsense. Let me be straightforward: this isn't just our family's idea; many others wish to follow He Chun's path."

As the head of the clan, his plans naturally extended further into the future. Rising from his seat, he declared, "My mind is made up. If you have nothing to say, then I will speak with His Majesty myself."

It was simply more appropriate for Zhe Wan and the others to voice these matters.

Regardless of whether the Emperor was willing or not, they needed to demonstrate their loyalty.

Zhe Wan scoffed coldly. "Father, by all means, go ahead and speak. Should we leave an impression of seeking favor with His Majesty?"

The Duke of York frowned. "Eldest daughter-in-law, you usually seem sensible, but now your arrogance is increasing."

She dared to defy him repeatedly right in front of him.

Zhe Wan smiled. "My thoughts don't reach as far as Father's. If even the Empress Dowager wasn't willing to raise the Thirteenth Princess, why would she take in Yingjie?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I speculate that when Mother named Yingjie 'Ying,' Father already had some intentions in mind."

Yingjie.

Yingjie.

Zhe Wan took a deep breath. "I'll inform Father that Empress Dowager doesn't bring misfortune to women. Naturally, I find these rumors absurd. But Empress Dowager wouldn't allow Yingjie to reside in the palace—just like she didn't for your sister, Ying, back then."

With that, she turned and left without bothering to engage him in further conversation. He Chun felt relieved and smiled. "Abandon this notion, Father. Are you more familiar with the Empress Dowager than Ah Wan is? Do you understand her temperament better than Ah Wan does?"

He followed Zhe Wan, leaving Lord Ying fuming with anger.

His hands trembled as he clutched his chest, muttering after a while, "He Chun still hates me."

He drew in a deep breath. "This is the art of strategic planning! Without my meticulous schemes, how could they have such promising official careers? How could they ever gain favor in front of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty? In the Capital City, even a falling tile could hit an official, a scion of a noble family, or a noble lady. Without me, how could they distinguish themselves from this crowd?"

A group of people, at their age, still rely on him to manage these affairs, yet they have the audacity to mock him.

He was genuinely disappointed in He Chun. He had been too naive and sheltered. Knowing that the Emperor favored such an innocent disposition, he hadn't disciplined him much, allowing him to do as he pleased. Who could have foreseen that he would turn out like this?

Yet, he was not willing to fall out with Third Brother over this matter. Third Brother had an eccentric disposition and did not consider his face when speaking or acting. If things were to escalate, he might end up becoming a laughingstock like Marquis Xuanguo.

Thus, because of He Chun's words, he penned another letter to the third prince.

He also summoned Song Yueniang to his side and spoke to her.

His argument about doing this for the children's sake didn't work on Song Yueniang.

Song Yueniang had initially returned to her natal home with her son, but as the New Year approached, her parents sent her back. After a busy festive season, she was exhausted when she suddenly heard about this matter. It startled her so much that the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She glared at Duke Ying fiercely.

Glare, glare, glare until he dies!

Given that the matter involved the Empress Dowager, she dared not be too impudent. However, she and Lady Zhao had been mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for many years, sharing everything. Last time, Lady Zhao had confided in Fourth Madam about her own affairs, so now Song Yueniang could share what Lady Zhao had told her with Duke Ying.

Lowering her voice, she said with a smile, "Father has gone too far—when Sister Ying entered the palace, she was unwilling, but Father insisted she go. He even scolded her before she left, which is why she cried in the Empress Dowager's palace and caught her attention. Mother once mentioned that Father is especially skilled in these matters. Could it be that he's borrowed the tactic of 'a wrong note to catch Zhou Lang's attention'?"

Duke Ying could hit Lady Zhao but dared not lay a hand on Song Yueniang. All he could do was let her speak sardonically, slapping the table in anger and hissing, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Song Yueniang clicked her tongue. "How dare I speak nonsense? I'm the most honest person around, but no one can bully my children!"

Her temper was straightforward, and being able to speak in such a sarcastic manner was already her limit. Immediately, she declared, "If you can't handle it, Father, divorce me for He Min! I'll return to my natal home with my two children. I'm not that kind of destitute woman who would cling here regardless of life or death. I have my parents and brothers to support me."

Duke Ying trembled with rage. "Rebellion, rebellion, everyone's rebelling!"

By the time Zhe Wan returned, she learned that Song Yueniang had taken Sheng Ge'er and Ying Jiejie back to her maternal home.

The Duke of England was infuriated.

But eventually, the Empress Dowager caught wind of the situation. It happened when the Crown Princess visited the Empress Dowager's palace and ran into Zhe Wan. Zhe Wan inquired, "I heard that Third Sister-in-law has been staying at the Song residence with the children?"

Zhe Wan smiled. "Yes, Madam Song hasn't been feeling well lately. Yueniang is filial and has gone back to attend to her."

The Crown Princess replied, "She's indeed a dutiful daughter."

In the palace, every word carried multiple layers of meaning. Though the Crown Princess didn't elaborate, the Empress Dowager grew suspicious and whispered, "What's going on?"

Zhe Wan replied, "It's the same matter I mentioned last time when I visited you—Father wants Ying Jiejie to come to the palace to keep you company."

She hadn't kept this from the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager frowned. "Didn't I refuse?"

Zhe Wan said, "Father wrote to Third Brother and also discussed it with Third Sister-in-law."

The Empress Dowager heaved a sigh upon hearing this. "When Ying-ge was brought in, she was treated the same way."

This made her mood even worse.

Zhe Wan smiled and started to massage her back. "Ying-ge asked about you last time."

The Empress Dowager perked up. "Oh, really?"

She had always enjoyed listening to Zhe Wan's tales about Ying-ge.

Though they had never met, she knew that Ying-ge and Yan-ge had sent Zhe Wan the rare night-blooming cereus.

Now, there were several pots of the flower in her palace as well. She too wished to make a wish.

In fact, Duke of England had miscalculated. Even if Ying-ge hadn't been sent in, she would not have mistreated Ying-ge's niece and nephew. In this life, Ying-ge and Ning Zhao were the people she felt most guilty towards.

Zhe Wan whispered, "Ying-ge said, why don't you go out for a walk?"

"How suffocating it must be to stay in this small room all the time."

The Empress Dowager's heart ached. "It warms my heart that you're willing to share this with me, even if it might cause trouble."

If she were to really leave the palace and something were to happen, Zhe Wan would undoubtedly bear the blame.

Zhe Wan placed a warm stove in her hands. "I was too afraid to say it before, but as I've grown another year older, I feel that if I still have so many reservations when speaking to you, I wouldn't be appreciating your kindness properly."

Tears welled up in the Empress Dowager's eyes. "You're such a good child."

She didn't actually consider going out for a walk.

However, after a pause, she asked, "Where can I go?"

Zhe Wan replied, "How about strolling around the palace first? Year after year, you've been here in the Changle Palace. A little further away is the small garden within the palace grounds."

It seemed as though the Empress Dowager had drawn a circle for herself.

Within that circle, she walked year after year.

Ning Zhao, by her side, guarded her, along with her beloved Yingjie.

Zhe Wan smiled gently and said, "When you're ready, I'd love to invite you to visit my shop for a chat."