Chapter 63: An Old Acquaintance, Fortunes Turn

When the Imperial Edict conferring the title of Princess of the Commandery arrived at their home, Su Zhenyue was entertaining guests—Third Young Master Gu, Gu Yuanwei, and the eldest young miss, Gu Yuanzhen, from the Jing’an Marquis Estate.

Several months ago, chaos had erupted in the capital. The Gu family had only sought to protect themselves amidst the turmoil, so they neither took action nor chose a side.

By the time Prince Yan entered the capital to quell the rebellion, Jing’an Hou had wanted to offer his support, but it was too late. Prince Yan’s army had launched a surprise attack, advancing with unstoppable momentum, and quickly stabilized the situation.

Now that the new Emperor had ascended the throne, Jing’an Hou was keenly aware that the Gu family had missed a golden opportunity for advancement, and their position had become somewhat awkward.

It was obvious that the new Emperor valued his own loyal followers from Youzhou more, while his attitude toward the established nobles in the capital was lukewarm, even tinged with a faint disdain.

Jing’an Hou wasn’t too surprised by this. What did surprise him was that Shen Ji, who had previously been sent into exile, had transformed into a highly sought-after new favorite of the court.

As an elder, it was inappropriate for him to visit personally, so he sent his daughter and nephew, who had a good relationship with Shen Ji and his wife, to offer congratulations.

—After all the goodwill they had shown in the past, this connection could not be allowed to break.

…

Hearing that guests had arrived, Su Zhenyue was puzzled. When she went to see who it was, her eyes couldn’t help but redden slightly.

In the hall were two familiar faces.

They hadn’t seen each other in over a year. Third Young Master Gu’s appearance hadn’t changed much, but Gu Yuanzhen had grown taller by more than an inch. The young girl was graceful and elegant, already showing the first signs of her future beauty.

But her words and actions were still the same as before.

Upon seeing Su Zhenyue, the eldest young miss of the Gu family’s eyes lit up, and she trotted over a few steps. “Elder Sister Su, I’ve missed you so much…”

“Zhenzhen.” Su Zhenyue had only managed to say her name when her voice choked up. She reached out to hug her and said in a low voice, “I’ve missed you too.”

Then, she nodded in greeting to Gu Yuanwei. “Third Young Master Gu. Are the elders in your family well? We’ve just arrived in the capital and have been busy, so we haven’t had a chance to pay a visit to your estate yet.”

“They are all well,” Gu Yuanwei said quickly, then asked, “And Cousin Shen?”

“He’s on duty at the Ministry of Revenue and hasn’t returned yet.”

Gu Yuanwei clicked his tongue, thinking to himself that this was no ordinary duty. At the age of twenty, Shen Ji was already the Minister of Revenue.

“Elder Sister Su, the pouch I gave you, have you been wearing it every day?” the eldest young miss of the Gu family suddenly asked.

Su Zhenyue was taken aback. She hadn’t expected that after more than a year apart, this would be the first question the young girl asked her. She was in a bit of a bind. After a slight hesitation, she answered truthfully, “No.”

Gu Yuanzhen’s eyes widened. “Ah? But we promised…”

“Zhenzhen, let me explain first. On our way to Anle County, we were ambushed. In the panic to escape, many things were lost, including the pouch you gave me,” Su Zhenyue explained softly.

“An assassination attempt?” Gu Yuanzhen was startled.

Gu Yuanwei’s expression changed. “Was it the false Crown Prince’s doing?”

He had vaguely heard about this last year, but the news was quickly suppressed. The capital was far from Anle County, so he had no way to verify it.

“Perhaps,” Su Zhenyue said with a smile.

It was a blessing in disguise, she thought. By a strange twist of fate, she had met the current Emperor.

More than a year had passed, and looking back now, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Gu Yuanzhen imagined the perilous situation and her face turned pale. “So that’s what happened. No wonder it was lost,” she said with relief. “Thank goodness, thank goodness, Elder Sister Su’s hardships are finally over.”

“Indeed. A Yue, we came today specifically to congratulate you,” Third Young Master Gu said with a smile. “Truly, fortunes turn, and the ways of the world are unpredictable. Last year, I thought you two might have to stay in Anle County for the rest of your lives. I really didn’t expect this.”

Su Zhenyue smiled faintly. “We have His Majesty to thank for this.”

She, on the other hand, had expected it, just not that they would return so soon.

“Elder Sister Su, I heard from Second Aunt and my mother that with Cousin Shen being made a marquis, you’ll surely receive a first-rank Imperial Order Title,” Gu Yuanzhen said, her eyes sparkling. She then added, a little embarrassed, “I used to blame Cousin Shen for being unpromising and holding you back. Now I see that you didn’t misjudge him back then.”

She still remembered how she had secretly tried to persuade Elder Sister Su to break off the engagement when Shen Ji was exiled to Anle County, but was refused.

It was a good thing Elder Sister Su hadn’t listened to her, or it would have been a disaster.

Su Zhenyue smiled. Just as she was about to speak, a servant hurried in and reported, “Madam, someone from the palace is here. They’ve asked you to come receive an edict.”

“Me? Receive an edict?”

“Yes, they’re right outside.”

Su Zhenyue wasn’t sure of the reason, but she didn’t dare to be careless. She hurried out, ordering someone to burn incense and prepare a table to receive the edict with due ceremony.

The one announcing the edict was an older eunuch with a kind face and a somewhat shrill voice. “A benevolent edict: It is decreed that Su Zhenyue, daughter of Su Huai and wife of Shen Ji, is of a quiet and virtuous disposition and a benevolent heart, and has rendered meritorious service in protecting the Crown Prince. By special grace, she is hereby granted the title of Princess of the Commandery, with the designation ‘Jiayi’…”

Su Zhenyue didn’t clearly hear what came after. She only felt her head buzz.

Princess of the Commandery? She had been made a Princess of the Commandery?

Meritorious service in protecting the Crown Prince? Was it because of that incident on the way to the capital? Could that be considered protecting the Crown Prince? Wasn’t this praise a bit too much?

“Congratulations, Princess Jiayi,” the eunuch who announced the edict said with a smile, pointing behind him. “These are the palace attire and Night-Luminescent Pearl bestowed by the Empress Dowager.”

Then, he added in a low voice, “Your Highness may wear this palace attire to enter the palace and express your gratitude.”

“Thank you, Gonggong.” Su Zhenyue hastily came to her senses and thanked him. She then had Nanxing hand the prepared red envelope to the eunuch.

The eunuch didn’t stand on ceremony with her, simply smiling. “Then this servant will accept it, to share in Your Highness’s good fortune.”

He had many duties in the palace and was eager to return and report, so he offered his congratulations once more and left in a hurry.

While the Imperial Edict was being read, the Gu siblings had intentionally stepped aside. But the commotion was loud, and they still learned of its contents.

They exchanged a look, both seeing the shock in the other’s eyes.

In the current dynasty, a Princess of the Commandery was equivalent to the junior first rank, a title that could only be conferred upon the daughter of an imperial prince. Back then, Wen Shan being granted the title of Princess of the Commandery because of her mother, Princess Chengping, was already an exception.

They never expected that A Yue would also be made a Princess of the Commandery.

Even if it had been a first-rank Imperial Order Title, they wouldn’t have been this shocked.

As soon as the eunuch left, the two of them hurried forward.

Gu Yuanzhen asked repeatedly, “Elder Sister Su, did I hear correctly? The Empress Dowager’s edict just now, it made you a Princess of the Commandery? Jia…”

“Jiayi,” Su Zhenyue supplied softly.

“Right, Princess Jiayi.” Gu Yuanzhen drew in a sharp breath. Indeed, she hadn’t misheard.

Gu Yuanwei, on the other hand, took the Imperial Edict to examine it closely. That’s right, it was Princess of the Commandery, and for meritorious service in protecting the Crown Prince.

Gu Yuanzhen also noticed this point. “Meritorious service in protecting the Crown Prince?”

“It wasn’t really protecting the Crown Prince. The Empress Dowager is too kind. It was just that on the way to the capital, someone ambushed the Crown Prince, and I helped him dodge an attack,” Su Zhenyue explained nonchalantly.

The two were even more astonished, momentarily forgetting the original purpose of their visit. The siblings sighed with emotion for a long time before taking their leave.

As soon as she returned to the Jing’an Marquis Estate, Gu Yuanzhen headed straight for Chunhui Hall. As it happened, besides her grandmother, Old Madam Wen, her mother and second aunt were also there.

Without even taking the time to curtsy, she rushed to say, “The Empress Dowager has issued an edict! Elder Sister Su has been made a Princess of the Commandery!”

“What?” Everyone was stunned.

Old Madam Wen frowned. “What did you say? What Princess of the Commandery?”

“Elder Sister Su! The Empress Dowager issued an edict today, saying that Elder Sister Su rendered meritorious service in protecting the Crown Prince, and specially granted her the title of Princess of the Commandery, Princess Jiayi,” Gu Yuanzhen said with a triumphant look, as if she herself had been the one to receive the title.

She couldn’t help but think that previously, her sister-in-law, Princess Changle Wen Shan, had relied on her status as a princess, and those around her had looked down on Elder Sister Su. Now that Elder Sister Su was also a princess, she wouldn’t have to fear them anymore.

At this thought, Gu Yuanzhen’s mood soared, and she told everyone she met about the matter.

The news soon reached Shushixuan Residence.

“Momo, is it true?” Princess Changle’s face was expressionless, but her voice trembled slightly.

In this period, she had lost too many relatives. The Emperor, her uncle who had always doted on her; the Empress, who had been so kind to her; and her cousins.

Now that the new Emperor had ascended the throne, her status remained unchanged; she was still Princess Changle.

But she could clearly feel that things were different.

The new Emperor was her cousin-uncle by generation, but the two had never even met before. How could he possibly treat her the way her emperor-uncle had?

Sun Momo said resentfully, “That’s what everyone outside is saying, so it should be true. But Your Highness need not worry. What kind of back-alley princess is she? You are the true imperial relative.”

Wen Shan remained silent.

After a long while, she remembered something else and asked softly, “Momo, do you think… the Heir Apparent will regret it?”

“What? What did Your Highness say?” Sun Momo didn’t hear clearly.

Wen Shan shook her head. “Nothing.”

Her marriage to Gu Yuanchen had been arranged by her mother, who had requested an imperial decree from her emperor-uncle. She wondered if Gu Yuanchen regretted not fighting it to the end back then.

They had been married for nearly two years, but the number of times they had been truly intimate could be counted on one hand. She once thought that with Su Zhenyue gone from the Gu estate to Anle County, things would get better. Who would have thought that the world was so unpredictable, and the other woman would become one of the new court favorites.

And her mother… with the new Emperor on the throne, would her mother’s days become difficult?

But these worries were not things she could confide in Sun Momo.

—— —— —— ——

Before Shen Ji even got home, he learned that Su Zhenyue had been made a Princess of the Commandery.

The moment he walked in the door, Su Zhenyue directly showed him the Empress Dowager’s Imperial Edict.

“Have you ever seen one?”

The corners of Shen Ji’s lips curved up slightly, and he answered honestly, “I’ve seen an imperial decree, but this is the first time I’ve seen an Imperial Edict from an Empress.”

He examined the edict closely and sighed, “Princess Jiayi. Very good. Thanks to my wife’s good fortune, I’ve become a Princess Consort as well.”

“Cousin, do you think the Emperor and the Empress Dowager are being too good to us?” Su Zhenyue asked softly, a trace of unease mingling with her joy. “You know what the situation was like. How could I be considered to have protected the Crown Prince?”

—There were so many guards present. She had only helped him avoid a stray arrow.

“If the Emperor and the Empress Dowager say it is so, then it is so,” Shen Ji said with a straight face.

“Mm.” Su Zhenyue thought that made sense. It all depended on the will of those in power.

Shen Ji added, “The Emperor is indeed very good to us.”

In truth, it wasn’t hard to understand. The new Emperor had just ascended the throne and certainly needed to place his own people in important positions. They had pledged their allegiance early on and had rendered service several times. It was natural for the new Emperor to value them.

Su Zhenyue nodded, then brought up Gu Yuanwei and Gu Yuanzhen’s visit to offer congratulations that day.

Shen Ji took off his official robes and hung them on a nearby rack. “The eldest young miss of the Gu family? I remember you two are very close.”

He still remembered how, when they were leaving the capital last year, the eldest young miss had clung to her, sobbing, and had even shot him several glares.

“Yes, we are quite close. Today she even asked me where the pouch she gave me last year went.”

A hint of a smile appeared in Shen Ji’s eyes as he changed into his casual clothes. “Oh? And what did you say?”

“What could I say? I told her the truth, of course.” Su Zhenyue turned to look him over and remembered something. “Cousin, I’m planning to have a seamstress come over in a couple of days to make a few more sets of clothes.”

This was the one downside of moving so often. But this time, she didn’t need to pick out fabric. The rewards from the palace today, besides the palace attire and pearls, also included some luxurious fabrics.

Shen Ji chuckled, looking very agreeable. “Alright.”

Remembering their old days in Anle County, he opened his arms. “Do you need me to take your measurements again?”

Su Zhenyue paused, then let out a soft laugh. She walked over and gave his chest a light tap, deliberately saying, “No measuring!”

The moment the words left her mouth, Shen Ji suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, whispering in her ear, “No measuring? Then how about we do something else?”

His warm breath brushed against her ear, sending a tingling, ticklish sensation through her. Su Zhenyue’s body suddenly went soft, her cheeks flushed, and she whispered, “What something else? Have dinner?”

Shen Ji didn’t answer, only burying his head in the crook of her neck.

After a bit of playful banter, they went to have dinner.

That night, Su Zhenyue brought up the matter of going to the palace to express her gratitude, feeling a little nervous. “I’ve never been inside the Imperial Palace before. What if I make a mistake?”

“You won’t. Usually, a palace maid will be there to guide you. Besides, you’re going to express your gratitude. Even if you do make a small mistake, the noble personages won’t blame you.”

Su Zhenyue thought for a moment. “That’s true.”

“So don’t be nervous.” Shen Ji held her hand. “Just pretend you’re at the Prince’s manor. Tomorrow will be your first time in the palace. After you’ve gone a few more times, you probably won’t be nervous anymore.”

Su Zhenyue nodded.

Because she had to enter the palace to give thanks the next day, Shen Ji didn’t tease her further. The two of them rested early.

The next day, Shen Ji rose before the sky was light.

His movements were very light, but Su Zhenyue still opened her eyes, mumbling drowsily, “Cousin, what time is it?”

“It’s not yet mao shi. You go back to sleep.”

“Mm.”

Su Zhenyue closed her eyes again.

When she woke up again, it was already the second quarter of mao shi.

After washing up and having a simple breakfast, Su Zhenyue changed into the light purple palace attire.

Nanxing studied her for a long moment and praised her sincerely, “Beautiful.”

Su Zhenyue looked at her reflection in the mirror. “I’ve never worn this color before.”

“It’s truly beautiful,” Nanxing said with utmost seriousness, adding, “You look good in everything, miss.”

Su Zhenyue smiled.

Once she was ready, she took a carriage to the palace.

Just as the new Emperor had said, the imperially bestowed residence was very close to the palace, only a fifteen-minute journey. At the palace gate, the guards asked her identity. Before long, a young eunuch came to lead her on.

It was Su Zhenyue’s first time in the palace, so she didn’t look around too much, only noting that the palace architecture was magnificent, grand, and exquisitely beautiful.

Before she even reached Shoukang Palace, where the Empress Dowager resided, she saw a familiar face: the former heir of Prince Yan, now His Highness the Crown Prince, Xiao Chengqi.

He was dressed in the Crown Prince’s everyday attire, his expression serious, but he couldn’t hide the smile in his eyes. “Madam Shen.”

Su Zhenyue took a step back and curtsied. “Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

The young Crown Prince looked her over, coughed lightly, and lifted his chin slightly. “Are you entering the palace to give thanks?”

“Replying to Your Highness, yes.”

“Then you should thank me first, ahem, thank Us first,” the young Crown Prince said. “It was I who told my grandmother that you should be made a Princess of the Commandery.”

Su Zhenyue was taken aback, somewhat surprised.

“Originally, my father’s intention was that since the husband is honored, the wife is ennobled. With Lord Shen holding a first-rank position, you could also be a first-rank Imperial Order Title holder. But I didn’t think so. You saved me that time, and that merit should be counted separately, not just a title you receive because of Lord Shen’s official rank. So I specifically pleaded with my grandmother. Grandmother also felt it should be so,” the Crown Prince said seriously.

In his view, if it were just an ordinary Imperial Order Title, it wouldn’t reflect the special nature of her deed. Her act of kindness could easily be forgotten, but being made a Princess of the Commandery was different.

Su Zhenyue felt a slight tremor in her heart and curtsied solemnly. “So that’s how it is. Thank you, Your Highness.”

Just a moment ago, the young Crown Prince had personally told her to thank him, but now he waved his hand, embarrassed. “You don’t need to thank me. It is I who should be thanking you.”

He had never forgotten the incident where she had thrown herself at him to shield him from the stray arrow.

“Alright, hurry and go thank Grandmother. Don’t keep her waiting,” the young Crown Prince nodded at her and walked away quickly.

Only after he and his entourage were far away did Su Zhenyue continue on her way.

Outside Shoukang Palace, a senior palace maid was already waiting.

Su Zhenyue recognized this person. She had seen her before at the Yan Prince Manor. Her name seemed to be Qingluan.

“Your Highness, please follow me,” Qingluan said with a smile.

Su Zhenyue couldn’t help but feel a bit more nervous. But when she actually entered the hall and saw the familiar face of the former Royal Grand Concubine, now the Empress Dowager, her nervousness miraculously subsided.

She composed herself, took a few steps forward, and bowed to thank the Empress Dowager.

“No need for so many formalities. Just be as you were before,” the Empress Dowager said with a benevolent smile, having someone help her up. She then asked, “Have you eaten? How long was the journey?”

“Replying to the Empress Dowager, I have eaten breakfast. It’s about a fifteen-minute carriage ride from my home to the palace gate.”

“That’s not far. You can come to the palace to visit more often in the future,” the Empress Dowager mused. “Back in Youzhou, it was too far, so it couldn’t be helped. Now that we live close, we can visit more.”

Su Zhenyue smiled and replied obediently, “Zhenyue has the same intention, I’m only afraid of coming too often and disturbing the Empress Dowager.”

“What’s this about disturbing me? I’m happy when you all come,” the Empress Dowager said with a smile, patting her hand with great affection. She then had someone bring a seat and tea.

It had been over half a month since she had moved into the Imperial Palace. After the initial novelty wore off, the Empress Dowager gradually began to feel bored. Although ladies from various noble families sent in their calling cards to visit, they all clearly came with an agenda.

They either wanted to curry favor with her, plead for their husbands, or ask her to act as a matchmaker, hoping to arrange marriages with the new Emperor’s trusted followers.

The Empress Dowager didn’t want to meddle in these trivial matters and felt that the people she had brought from Youzhou were more to her liking.

After some simple small talk, the Empress Dowager had Su Zhenyue stay to sample some pastries.

—The capital was, after all, a prosperous city, and its pastries were different from elsewhere. The imperial kitchen, in particular, was adept at discerning the preferences of their superiors, making pastries that were both beautiful and delicious.

Just as the various pastries were served, the senior palace maid Qingluan came in to report, “Empress Dowager, Princess Chengping is outside the hall requesting an audience. She says she has come to pay her respects.”

Su Zhenyue’s expression changed slightly. Princess Chengping? With so much happening lately, it seemed she hadn’t thought of this person for a long time.

In that long dream, Princess Chengping had died a violent death long before the chaos in the capital. But now, with many events happening earlier, she was surprised that the princess was still alive.

But it didn’t matter if she was alive now. Not everyone in this world would indulge her like her own brother did.

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly. “I’m busy right now. Just say that I am well and tell her to go back for now.”

“Yes,” Qingluan acknowledged and quickly left.

Su Zhenyue was slightly surprised. The person was right outside the hall, and she wouldn’t even see her?

The Empress Dowager noticed the surprise in her eyes and said directly, “I don’t like to see her.”

But she didn’t explain the specific reason.

Su Zhenyue didn’t dare to ask further.

Instead, it was the Empress Dowager who took the initiative to ask her, “You grew up in the capital, so you must have heard of her. In these past twenty years, has she remained as arrogant and domineering as before?”