Chapter 114: Side Story 2
"Now that Mother Consort has arrived, my heart can finally rest easy." Roujia nestled softly in Lingnan Princess Consort's embrace, her voice breaking with sobs. "I never imagined our little family of three would have the chance to reunite..."
The autumn wind was chilly. Lingnan Princess Consort had finally made the journey to the capital, and Bailin had ridden out personally to welcome her. She arrived at the estate just after one o'clock, and by three o'clock, Roujia had already hurried over with her child.
"It's all because your brother made something of himself..." Lingnan Princess Consort's eyes grew red as well, constantly stroking Roujia's face and hair, asking endlessly, "How is the old madam, your father-in-law? Is the child well?"
Roujia nodded repeatedly. "Everyone's well, everyone's well. Your son-in-law is outside talking with Bailin. I'll have him come in to kowtow to Mother Consort in a moment. Come, nurse, bring the young master over..."
The wet nurse brought the child forward to pay respects to Lingnan Princess Consort, who beamed with joy. "Let me hold him... Oh my, he's grown so big..."
The child was fast asleep and didn't stir when Lingnan Princess Consort held him, not crying or making a fuss. She cooed softly, "No wonder they say nephews look like their uncles. This little nose, these little eyes—they're exactly like the Prince's, carved from the same mold..."
Roujia nodded with a smile. "Indeed. Last month during the Qixi Festival banquet at the palace, I brought the young master along. When the Emperor saw him, he also remarked on how much the child resembled Bailin. His Majesty, usually so dignified and stern, actually smiled when he saw our young master. He even held him and gave many gifts..."
A shadow passed across Lingnan Princess Consort's face, but she nodded and smiled. "Yes, such a fine child—who wouldn't love him?"
Roujia, who had navigated the circles of capital noblewomen for years and was no longer the naive girl she once was, instantly understood her mother's concern at this reaction. She regretted her careless words and managed a strained smile. "Well... I was being presumptuous. It was only because Princess Dunsu mentioned that the Emperor favored this child that I brought him. Thinking about it now, it really wasn't proper protocol."
Lingnan Princess Consort shook her head with a smile. "I'm not blaming you for that. Everyone, please withdraw. I have something to discuss with the Princess alone..."
The others understood and curtsied before departing. Lingnan Princess Consort carefully set the child down on the inner part of the couch, gently patting his tiny belly while lowering her voice: "I've sensed something about the Prince and the Emperor... ever since I was in the south. Tell me the truth now—what exactly is the situation?"
Roujia dared not conceal anything and quietly told her mother everything she knew, her voice trembling. "Sometimes when I think about it, I feel uneasy. Several times I've tried to bring it up indirectly with Bailin, but... Mother Consort knows, how could one possibly bring up such a matter?"
Lingnan Princess Consort sighed. "I understand your predicament. I'm not blaming you. That child has always been willful and self-determined—far beyond any counsel you could give. Even I... can say little about it."
"While still in mourning and unable to marry him off, I've tried several times to discuss other families' marriages with your brother. But he always remained indifferent. There was a time when I simply couldn't bear it anymore. I ended up telling your father-in-law about it and asked him to help me think of something. I never expected..." Roujia's eyes held both relief and worry. "When your father-in-law heard it, he showed not a trace of surprise. He only told me to pay attention to the jade pendant the Emperor was wearing the next time I entered the palace."
A flicker of understanding crossed Lingnan Princess Consort's eyes. Roujia continued, "I didn't understand what he meant. Fortunately, a few days later, the Emperor sent another favor, and I entered the palace to offer thanks. I was fortunate enough to see His Majesty. I made a point of looking... and the Emperor was wearing a life-token at his waist. That piece of jade—I recognized it immediately. Wasn't it the one Mother Consort gave to my brother?"
Lingnan Princess Consort苦笑。 "So that's it... When your brother returned to Lingnan, I noticed his life-token was only half and suspected something. I thought he must have taken a liking to some young lady here in the capital. I never imagined it would be... again..."
Roujia frowned. "Again? What do you mean?"
Lingnan Princess Consort shook her head without answering. Roujia sighed, "I went home and told your father-in-law, asking him what we should do. He just laughed and asked me—since both of them are like this, what else could be done? I was so anxious while he was as leisurely as could be. I was so angry I beat him. Afterward, he pulled me aside and we talked seriously through the night. He went on and on about grand principles. I didn't understand most of it, but I did grasp one thing..."
Roujia looked at Lingnan Princess Consort. "If my brother was being coerced by that one, then it would be worth risking everything we have to fight for justice. But the thing is..."
Lingnan Princess Consort苦笑，continuing for her: "But the thing is, your brother is willing with all his heart."
"You didn't see it during those six months in Lingnan, so you don't know. He truly frightened me." Recalling those times, Lingnan Princess Consort kept sighing. "The moment he opened his eyes, he went to the front. Everything in the fief, no matter how trivial, he handled personally. When he returned at night, he'd eat only a few bites before going into his study, reading documents until late into the night. No matter how I tried to persuade him, he wouldn't listen. He only said a newly enthroned ruler couldn't afford mistakes. How could I not see that he had something weighing on his mind? And then when I thought about how the Emperor had defied orders in the southern borders to let him escape... I understood nearly everything. Sigh..."
Roujia nodded. "Mother Consort doesn't know... Over these years, the Emperor has shown great favor to your son-in-law and me. I understand that His Majesty is actually watching over my brother. Just looking at how things appear on the surface... His Majesty has truly done everything for my brother. Mother Consort might as well take comfort like I have and let your heart rest easy..."
Lingnan Princess Consort sighed. "What choice do I have? Seeing how well the Prince looks now, if I were to put on airs as an elder and interfere, wouldn't that be deliberately harming him? Fine, fine. I'll just pretend I don't know anything."
Roujia was overjoyed by her mother's visit, but had worried that Lingnan Princess Consort would interfere in Bailin and Qixiao's affair. Now seeing her mother had accepted things, Roujia's heart opened considerably. She smiled and said, "As for the rest, Mother Consort can rest easy. That one—because of past events—can be quite fear-inspiring. These days my brother resides in the palace every single night. Other than those first few foolish officials who made some noise, no one else has dared to speak of this. I heard that once, a palace servant with a loose tongue got drunk and started gossiping with some young palace maids. The things he said about my brother—I won't repeat them to Mother Consort—but when that one found out, that one..."
Roujia下意识 glanced at the child, and seeing the little one sleeping soundly, she leaned close to Lingnan Princess Consort's ear and quietly whispered how Qixiao had dealt with that palace servant. Lingnan Princess Consort's hairs literally stood on end. "I've long heard that the current Emperor has an iron hand, but I never imagined... Oh my, don't tell me such things anymore. I can't bear to hear them..."
"My fault, my fault. I won't mention it again." Roujia softly soothed. "Mother Consort, don't dwell on it. But just from this one example, you can see how protective that one is of my brother. After this incident, who would dare say another word?"
Lingnan Princess Consort was still recovering from the shock, shaking her head. "Who would be so foolish? They wouldn't dare gossip. Sigh... Actually, it's not entirely good either. They say when someone in power is too ruthless, those below are prone to harboring resentment."
Roujia laughed at her mother's seemingly merciful nature. "Mother Consort is wrong about that. Someone sitting on that throne who is as kind and gentle as Mother Consort would be the one in danger. Besides, that one has done everything they should do—and done it better than the previous ruler. I occasionally hear your father-in-law remark on it. That one is formidable in matters of statecraft and the nation. It's been only a few months since the ascension, and they've already sorted everything out. As long as all that should be done gets done, and the country prospers and the people live in peace, who would harbor resentment?"
Lingnan Princess Consort shook her head softly. "I don't understand these matters... Roujia, the Emperor has a temper. Your brother surely has his difficulties too. You and your husband must be careful in everything, absolutely careful not to cause any trouble that would为难 your brother."
Roujia agreed repeatedly. "Mother Consort, please don't worry. Your son-in-law now serves as an imperial secretary, handling nothing but drafting edicts daily. The Emperor trusts him greatly. He also knows to strive for self-improvement and never involves himself with anything crooked or improper. And I..."
Roujia smiled. "My temperament is something Mother Consort knows even better. I only wish to mind my own little domain, live well with my husband and child. Even when other ladies or madams ask me for favors outside, I simply feign ignorance. Fortunately, they all know better than to cross me. After being ignored a few times, they stop asking."
Lingnan Princess Consort was relieved. She patted Roujia's hand gently, her heart warmed. "You've always been sensible. I also heard that the Emperor originally intended to grant you a large mansion, but you declined."
Roujia lowered her eyes with a smile. "I'm not unclear on why His Majesty favors me. But I'd rather not. For one thing, I didn't want your son-in-law to lose face. For another, I didn't want people to gossip about my brother, saying that since one person rose to power, the whole family climbed along."
Lingnan Princess Consort laughed heartily. "Silly child, why would you put it that way..."
Seeing her daughter so sensible, the Princess Consort's heart was deeply comforted. She chatted gently with Roujia for quite some time. Roujia suddenly remembered Lingnan Princess Consort's earlier hesitation and couldn't help but ask, "Mother Consort earlier mentioned thinking my brother had taken a liking to some young lady, but it turned out to be... What did you mean by that?"
Lingnan Princess Consort hesitated, then sighed. "Well, now that we're here, I might as well tell you. Do you remember Prime Minister Wen's son, your cousin Cen Chaoge?"
"Of course I remember." Roujia nodded. "He and my brother used to be closest friends, inseparable. What happened?"
Lingnan Princess Consort苦笑。 "What else could it be? The same kind of thing."
Roujia gasped, crying out, "How did we never see that before? Then... why did it end? My brother isn't the type to be fickle, constantly longing for something else."
Lingnan Princess Consort shook her head. "I don't know exactly how it happened. I only know the Prince was quite close to young Master Cen at the time. But seeing how things are between him and that one now, what happened back then doesn't amount to much."
Roujia thought to herself—so that's why Mother Consort accepted my brother's affair with the Emperor so readily. There had been a precedent... Roujia thought for a moment, then asked, "How is Chaoge doing now? We used to play together constantly as children, but I haven't seen him since."
Lingnan Princess Consort sighed softly. "Not well... He's still in the mourning period, and yet he's gotten involved with some young lady from a local family. Unfortunately, word got out. Her family was furious, came to their door demanding an explanation. Your aunt was terrified—marry or not marry, what to do? She came begging to me. What advice could I possibly give? It was all thanks to Yan Nanny, who went to the Cen residence and gave them a good scolding. The two families worked out an agreement—they'd proceed with the betrothal once mourning ended. They also agreed the betrothal gifts should be substantial, and half should be paid in advance. Your aunt, knowing her son was in the wrong, had no choice but to agree."
Roujia frowned. "But... Mother Consort just said Chaoge is also... the same as my brother. How can he get married?"
Lingnan Princess Consort smiled indulgently. "Silly child. Do you think everyone is as stubborn as your brother?"
Roujia self-deprecatingly smiled. "Well, I suppose that's that. Though somewhat embarrassing, at least the engagement is settled."
"Nothing so simple." Lingnan Princess Consort's brow furrowed at the mere thought. "I thought it was all settled, too. Who knew, a few days later, Chaoge came to pay his respects. He hemmed and hawed for ages before actually asking me if the engagement could be called off."
Roujia was speechless. Lingnan Princess Consort continued, "I lost my temper then. I asked him—do you have any idea what you've done? You've ruined an innocent girl's reputation. Now you want to call off the engagement? You might be fine, but what about that girl? How will she ever hold her head up? This is happening in our area. If this were in the capital, in one of those strict aristocratic families, they would drown a daughter in such a situation. They'd only say the girl fell ill and died, just to preserve the family's reputation. You open your mouth to ask for a cancellation. Setting aside whether you'd be betraying your widowed mother who has done everything for you—let's talk about the girl first. What about her?"
Roujia was dumbfounded. "I remember Chaoge being so sensible as a child. Among all of us children, he had the best temperament, so gentle and kind. How did he become like this..."
"You weren't wrong about him. He's still gentle and kind. But being that way works fine when you're a child. If a man grows up and is still just passively mild, how can he possibly hold up his own household? Your brother and him..." Lingnan Princess Consort trailed off, pursing her lips before whispering, "Perhaps it was also because he has no backbone."
Roujia softened at heart, thinking of how pitiful that girl was. "And then? What finally happened?"
The Princess Consort said softly, "I gave him a lecture, then coaxed him carefully. He did agree not to cause any more trouble. But he still seemed most reluctant. I asked him why he suddenly changed his mind—hadn't he liked that girl before? You know what he told me?"
Roujia clutched her handkerchief tightly, asking in a small voice, "What did he say?"
Lingnan Princess Consort was caught between laughter and tears. "He complained to me... that after the girl went home, she kept writing him letters. First she said how she was going to renovate their family compound after the wedding. Then she wanted him to swear he'd only have eyes for her. Then she asked him to paint pictures and write poetry for her. At first he thought she was talented and accomplished. But now he felt entirely otherwise—found her nothing but trouble. Sigh... That girl's behavior does lack a certain delicacy, true. But marriage and过日子—isn't that just how it goes? I tried to console him with kind words, told him if the girl is still unsettled after entering his household, I'd speak on his behalf. He reluctantly agreed, looking utterly dejected. But after a while, he suddenly asked about Bailin."
Roujia's eyes went wide. "He hasn't forgotten my brother, has he?"
Lingnan Princess Consort nodded wearily. "From the looks of it, yes... He regrets it now. Thinks your brother is better after all, doesn't cause this kind of trouble. Sigh, to put it plainly, Chaoge has had the pampered young master lifestyle too long. He can't endure a single hardship."
Roujia laughed despite herself. "Everyone wants to be a pampered young lady forever, everyone wants to be a carefree young master forever. That's fine to say when you're a child. But he's so old now and still has no backbone at all? That's truly..."
Lingnan Princess Consort nodded. "Your aunt is worried sick too. But who knows... Maybe things will improve once they're married."
"Let's hope so." Roujia felt quite content by comparison. "With that in mind, I'd rather my brother be with that one. At least he's someone who can stand on his own feet."
Lingnan Princess Consort found some dark humor in it. "You have a point."
Just then, word came that Qixiao and her son-in-law had arrived. Lingnan Princess Consort hastily stopped the conversation, smiled, and called for them to enter...