Chapter 66: A Change in the Emperor and Empress’s Attitude

Princess Changle Wen Shan had been filled with worries lately.

After her maternal uncle, the Emperor, passed away, the imperial court had undergone a transformation. By the time the new Emperor ascended the throne, she had sensitively detected a change in the attitude of the people in the Jing An Marquis Estate toward her.

This was especially true of her mother-in-law, Madam Zhou.

Previously, Madam Zhou had been warm and loving toward her, showing her respect in all matters and taking care of her at every turn, fearing she might suffer the slightest grievance. She had treated her even better than her own daughter, Gu Yuanzhen.

Wen Shan had once felt fortunate about this. Although her husband was cold, at least her mother-in-law treated her well.

But recently, things were clearly different.

Madam Zhou would seemingly inadvertently remind her that she was returning to her maternal home too often. She would intentionally or unintentionally chide her for being childless after nearly two years of marriage.

Besides being surprised and at a loss, Wen Shan felt a bitter sense of grievance.

Her mother-in-law had never been like this before.

Such a drastic change was truly difficult for her to accept.

Wen Shan had no friends in the Gu family. Her sister-in-law, Gu Yuanzhen, looked upon her with great displeasure and almost never interacted with her. The wife of the third young master from the second branch, Wan Yonglan, was not close to her either.

Thus, though her heart was filled with grievances, she had no one to confide in.

Sun Momo, who had watched her grow up, was heartbroken. “Princess, let’s go back to the Princess Manor and find The Eldest Princess. Let her stand up for you.”

She refused to believe they would dare to be so insolent in front of The Eldest Princess!

“Forget it, Momo. Let’s not worry Mother,” Wen Shan said, shaking her head. Her mother had been troubled recently; why add to her worries?

Sun Momo had no choice but to endure it for the time being.

Unexpectedly, two days later, word came that Princess Chengping had fallen ill.

Wen Shan could no longer care about her mother-in-law’s displeasure and immediately had a carriage prepared to return to her maternal home.

Princess Chengping had always been in good health and rarely fell ill.

A large part of the reason for her illness this time was that she had matters weighing on her mind. But she was unwilling to let her daughter know the details and worry along with her. Seeing her daughter return, she just frowned and asked, “It’s just a minor ailment. Who was so meddlesome as to call you back?”

Wen Shan sat by her mother’s bedside, looking at her mother’s somewhat haggard, ill face. Her heart ached terribly. Then, thinking of her own grievances, tears began to fall in large drops.

“Alright, stop crying. It’s not a serious illness; I’ll be fine after a couple of days of medicine. Don’t cry, be good.” While comforting her daughter, Princess Chengping had someone bring out a Red Coral Tree as tall as a person. “What do you think of this coral tree?”

Wen Shan wiped her tears and gave her honest assessment, “It’s a rarity in this world, worth a fortune.”

“The Empress’s birthday is in a few days. What if I present it to her?”

Wen Shan was taken aback. “Present it to the Empress?”

This was something her mother had treasured for many years, something she normally wouldn’t even let others touch. She was actually going to offer it to the Empress?

“Yes, what do you think?” Princess Chengping asked with a smile, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Wen Shan’s lips moved. She vaguely guessed that her mother might be trying to curry favor with Empress Yang, and a pang of bitterness shot through her heart.

Back when her maternal uncle, the Emperor, was still on the throne, her mother had been incomparably glorious; even the Empress had to be mindful of her mood. When had she ever spent so much effort trying to please someone?

“The coral tree is very nice,” Wen Shan said softly, her eyes downcast. “But isn’t it a bit too valuable?”

“Silly child, it has to be valuable,” Princess Chengping said with a smile, not explaining further to her daughter.

The Empress Dowager did not particularly like her, so she could only try to go through the Empress. She had heard that the Empress came from a humble background and had likely never seen many fine things.

Wealth had always moved people’s hearts. Perhaps if she sent more valuable items, she could move the Empress? If so, life would be easier for her and her daughter in the future.

…

As the Empress’s Birthday Celebration drew nearer, Su Zhenyue grew a little nervous.

So much so that on the night of the Qixi Festival, she found it difficult to fall asleep for a long time.

Shen Ji was right beside her on the pillow. After learning the reason, he comforted her, “You’ve met the Empress before and have been to the palace. There’s no need to be afraid.”

“I’m not afraid,” Su Zhenyue retorted. “I’m nervous.”

It was true that she had been to the palace, but at that time, she only had to meet the Empress Dowager alone. This time, she would be offering congratulations along with all the other titled ladies. How could she not be the least bit nervous?

Shen Ji thought for a moment and suggested earnestly, “Then just pretend you’re still at the Yan Prince Manor…”

“How is that the same? The Yan Prince Manor didn’t have so many rules,” Su Zhenyue muttered under her breath, then asked, “Cousin, do you get nervous during the morning court session every day?”

“It’s just the morning court session. I’m not nervous.”

Su Zhenyue thought about it and agreed. He had even participated in the Palace Examination before. But she still asked, “Then when do you get nervous? During the Metropolitan Examination? Or the Palace Examination?”

Shen Ji fell silent for a moment, a strange look on his face.

The more he acted this way, the more curious Su Zhenyue became. For a moment, she forgot about the Thousand Autumn Festival the next day and just looked up at him. “Tell me, tell me.”

Seeing that Shen Ji wasn’t speaking, she deliberately tickled his palm. “Tell me, tell me.”

He grabbed her mischievous hand and said slowly, “There have been many times when I was nervous. For example, on the twenty-eighth of the sixth month last year, at hai shi.”

Su Zhenyue froze. The twenty-eighth of the sixth month last year?

Wasn’t that their wedding day? As for hai shi, at that time, they were…

Su Zhenyue’s face flushed crimson. She wanted to pinch his waist, but her hand was trapped by his. An idea struck her, and she simply turned on her side and gave his shoulder a light bite through his nightclothes.

In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to use much force.

Shen Ji’s body stiffened, and he wrapped his arm around her waist. His voice was extremely low as he added, “And in the twelfth month the year before last, behind the rockery, I was nervous then too.”

That was when he had cornered her, demanding she give up her agreement with Gu Si and get engaged to him as soon as the national mourning period was over.

Su Zhenyue paused for a moment, blinking. Her heart suddenly softened.

She remembered him being forceful and composed at that time, giving her no room to refuse. So he had been nervous too?

He was nervous… was he worried she wouldn’t agree?

Su Zhenyue’s emotions churned. She felt a little like laughing, yet her heart was also sour and warm. For a moment, she forgot all about the Empress’s Birthday Celebration. After a while, she let out a soft “en” and said randomly, “Let’s not talk anymore, I’m going to sleep,” and closed her eyes.

Shen Ji chuckled and shook his head. He released her hand, instead interlocking their fingers.

Su Zhenyue noticed his small gesture and the corners of her lips curled up slightly, but she kept her eyes closed and remained motionless.

Just like that, without realizing it, she gradually drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, when Shen Ji got up, Su Zhenyue opened her eyes as well.

Bathing, washing up, changing into the formal attire of a Princess of the Commandery, and putting on the diadem. This whole ensemble looked solemn and magnificent.

After a simple bite to eat, it was about time. Su Zhenyue set off, taking a carriage toward the Imperial Palace.

After a ride of more than a quarter of an hour, the carriage arrived at the palace gates.

Soon, a young eunuch led her toward Phoenix Palace.

For the Empress’s birthday, all the titled ladies were to gather here to offer their congratulations.

Su Zhenyue thought she had arrived very early, but there were others who had come even earlier. When she reached Phoenix Palace, she discovered that the few titled court ladies she knew had all already arrived.

Li Shuren and Madam Wang had both come from You Province. They had met Su Zhenyue last year at the birthday banquet of the Royal Grand Concubine—now the Empress Dowager. After arriving in the capital, they had also paid a few visits.

Upon seeing Su Zhenyue, the two of them nodded at her in acknowledgment.

Su Zhenyue nodded back at them.

Old Madam Wen and Madam Zhou of the Jing An Marquis Estate were both present. The place was solemn and dignified, and everyone was quiet and well-behaved. But upon seeing Su Zhenyue, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law still offered her a smile.

Su Zhenyue smiled back in return.

Princess Changle Wen Shan saw this, and her heart couldn’t help but turn sour.

People’s hearts were fickle; she had actually known this for a long time.

Initially, when Su Zhenyue was living in a secluded corner of the Jing An Marquis Estate, not a single elder in the family cared for her, as if she didn’t exist. Later, when her fiancé became the Number One Scholar, everyone’s attitude toward her changed immediately.

Now, it was just a repeat of the past. There was nothing strange about it.

Wen Shan told herself this once more and averted her gaze.

A short while later, a stir went through the crowd. It turned out that Princess Chengping had arrived.

Seeing her mother, Wen Shan’s eyes lit up, and she instantly felt as if she had found her pillar of support. Indeed, in this world, only her mother was her most solid reliance.

Su Zhenyue was also slightly surprised.

From her dream to reality, this was the first time she had truly seen Princess Chengping.

This woman, who had once been able to influence her fate so easily, looked to be only in her thirties. Her clothes were magnificent, her bearing noble. She bore some resemblance to Princess Changle around the eyes and brows, but she was far more mature and stunning.

When The Eldest Princess entered the hall, everyone curtsied one after another.

Su Zhenyue, hidden in the crowd, narrowed her eyes slightly.

In that instant, her feelings were exceptionally complex. She had previously imagined the scene of meeting The Eldest Princess countless times, but she had never expected it to be like this.

She didn’t have to beg pitifully, nor did she have to feel fear in her heart. It was just like this, quietly watching her.

And The Eldest Princess also noticed Su Zhenyue.

There were many new titled ladies in the hall, but one who wore the formal attire of a Princess of the Commandery, was extremely young, and had such outstanding looks—The Eldest Princess couldn’t think of a second person besides the Su family’s daughter.

To think that the person who was once like an ant in her eyes, someone she could crush with a flick of her finger, had now become an existence she dared not underestimate. A person with no blood ties to the imperial family could actually be on equal footing with her Shan’shan.

If she had known this would happen, she should have insisted on requesting an edict back then to have this Su girl marry into the Shu Region.

Unfortunately, it was too late to say anything now.

Princess Chengping had always been proud. Although she felt regret, she didn’t show much of it on her face. Her gaze lingered on Su Zhenyue’s face for a few breaths before quickly moving away.

The civil and military titled ladies waited properly according to their ranks. Suddenly, a eunuch’s long, slightly shrill announcement cut through the silence:

“Her Majesty the Empress has arrived—”

As he spoke, Empress Yang entered with her attendants.

Everyone in the hall curtsied in unison. “We pay our respects to Your Majesty the Empress. We wish Your Majesty the Empress good health and a thousand autumns.”

Empress Yang took her seat, quietly accepted their salutations, and swept her calm gaze over the crowd before raising a hand with a smile. “There is no need for such ceremony. Please be seated.”

“We thank Your Majesty the Empress for your grace,” the crowd below responded in unison.

As the voices fell, there was a rustle of fabric and the light clinking of pendants as everyone took their seats in order.

In the crowd, after seeing a few familiar faces, Su Zhenyue felt that she wasn’t so nervous anymore.

Since the new Emperor’s ascension, Su Zhenyue had only seen Empress Yang twice. Once was at the enthronement ceremony, and the other was when the Empress summoned her to the palace for a chat.

In just over a month, the former Yan Wangfei now possessed considerable empress-like dignity in front of everyone. She sat in the seat of honor, smiling faintly. “I am still young and did not wish to celebrate my birthday. But His Majesty proposed it, and I could not well refuse. I’ve troubled you all.”

Everyone hurriedly said, “Your Majesty jests, how could it be any trouble? This is His Majesty’s grace, allowing us to share in Your Majesty’s good fortune.”

“Indeed, this is a sign of His Majesty’s love and esteem for Your Majesty.”

“This is sharing joy with the people.”

…

This was Su Zhenyue’s first time formally attending such an occasion. While finding it novel, she secretly paid attention to the others’ conduct and manner of speaking.

She wasn’t seeking to stand out, only to avoid making mistakes.

A short while later, the Empress bestowed a banquet.

Everyone rose again to express their thanks.

The dishes at the banquet were plentiful and simple, and the drinks were all very light fruit wines.

Su Zhenyue knew very well that on such an occasion, no one was there just to eat and drink. Sure enough, all the titled ladies present were extremely careful and deferential.

Among the imperial and court-appointed ladies offering congratulations today, The Eldest Princess held the highest rank. She was the first to rise and congratulate the Empress, adding, “I have prepared a humble gift to wish Your Majesty the Empress a long life.”

As she spoke, The Eldest Princess clapped her hands lightly three times.

Several young eunuchs carried in the Red Coral Tree, which was about the height of a person.

This Red Coral Tree was a deep red, dazzling and resplendent. The moment it was brought in, the entire hall seemed to glow.

Everyone present was astonished, and some even gasped.

Red coral had long been hailed as the “red jade of the sea.” It was scarce and difficult to obtain. One that stood five or six chi tall like this was even more priceless and a rarity in the world.

The Eldest Princess took in everyone’s reactions and smiled faintly, very satisfied with their response.

Who wouldn’t love such a treasure?

At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache. This Red Coral Tree was a tribute from overseas a few years ago. It was originally presented to her mother, Empress Dowager Zheng, who then gave it to her upon seeing how much she liked it.

There wasn’t a second one like it in the entire capital.

However, the Empress’s reaction was a little strange. Her gaze swept over the crowd, and she remained silent for a good while before saying, “I have heard that red coral from the sea is rare, and harvesting it is even more difficult. For one this tall, I cannot imagine how much manpower and resources were expended…”

The Eldest Princess’s heart sank. She suddenly had an ominous premonition.

The next moment, she heard Empress Yang continue in an unhurried tone, “I appreciate The Eldest Princess’s kind intentions. However, let us dispense with the matter of presenting gifts.”

“Your Majesty…”

Empress Yang said with a serious expression, “Pass down my order. From this day forward, officials, their family members, and all imperial and court-appointed ladies are strictly forbidden from privately offering tribute under the pretext of festivals.”

“We shall respectfully obey Your Majesty the Empress’s Imperial Edict,” the titled ladies hurriedly rose and replied.

Amidst the respectful and solemn atmosphere, The Eldest Princess’s expression changed again and again.

She bit her lip tightly, feeling an unprecedented sense of embarrassment.

For the Empress to do this was tantamount to publicly slapping The Eldest Princess in the face. But she could only force a smile. “Your Majesty the Empress is absolutely right. It was I who was inconsiderate.”

Su Zhenyue, however, was not surprised. Empress Yang was frugal by nature. A few days ago, when she had summoned her to the palace for a private chat, she had mentioned her dislike for the capital’s extravagant ways. The new Emperor also intended to rectify the general conduct. Moreover, the Empress Dowager disliked The Eldest Princess, so how could Empress Yang openly go against the Empress Dowager?

However, she still didn’t know what grudge existed between the Empress Dowager and The Eldest Princess.

Empress Yang merely smiled, offering no comment on The Eldest Princess’s claim of being “inconsiderate.”

As there were other arrangements for the day, Empress Yang rose to leave not long after the banquet was bestowed, telling everyone to do as they pleased.

Wen Shan hurried to her mother’s side, grasped her hand tightly, and called out in a low voice, “Mother—”

“It’s nothing.” The Eldest Princess’s face was pale. Not wanting her daughter to worry, she just forced a twitch of her lips. “Shan’shan, I’m fine.”

Wen Shan tried to comfort her mother. “Mother, since Her Majesty the Empress won’t accept it, we can just take the coral tree back with us.”

The Eldest Princess gave a bitter smile. What a silly child.

This wasn’t a matter of whether the Empress accepted it or not. If she had simply not accepted it, that would have been one thing. But the Empress’s words were clearly a warning shot aimed at her.

The capital and the court were full of people who knew how to trim their sails to the wind. What The Eldest Princess worried about was that some people, seeing she had lost imperial favor, would take the opportunity to kick her while she was down. If she had always acted upright and properly, never breaking any laws, it would be fine.

But as it happened, she had previously relied on the doting of her father and brother, acting willfully and without restraint.

Unlike The Eldest Princess and her daughter, Su Zhenyue was in a good mood at the moment. She even drank another cup of the fruit wine in front of her.

Though the taste was light, the aftertaste had a trace of sweetness.

Su Zhenyue remembered that in that long dream, The Eldest Princess had died before the chaos in the capital and had not survived to see the new Emperor’s ascension.

—This was one of the reasons why Princess Changle Wen Shan later chose to “feign death.” At that time, Wen Shan had no relatives left, and the new Emperor’s treatment of her was more for the sake of appearances. She was also completely disappointed in her husband and utterly disheartened, which was why she gave up her noble status as a Princess of the Commandery to travel far away and live in anonymity.

Now that many things had changed in reality, she wondered how The Eldest Princess’s fate would change. Would she still die a violent death as she did in the dream?

For some reason, Su Zhenyue found herself in the mood to watch a play.

She thought to herself that she really wasn’t a good person.

…

After Empress Yang left the banquet, everyone was free to disperse.

Su Zhenyue greeted her acquaintances and was about to leave the palace.

However, just as she stepped out of Phoenix Palace, a familiar young palace maid stopped her. “Lady Shen, please wait. The Empress Dowager requests your presence.”

Besides her, Li Shuren and Madam Wang, who were also from You Province, had been stopped as well.

The few of them exchanged glances and changed course together toward Shou Kang Palace.

The Empress Dowager had kept them for no major reason. First, she made some intimate small talk with them, then had a meal set out, saying she was afraid they had been too reserved at the banquet and hadn’t eaten well.

Although it was a small matter, everyone present was grateful for the Empress Dowager’s kindness.

After returning home, Su Zhenyue rested for a while.

In the evening, she told Shen Ji about the day’s congratulatory ceremony, focusing on how The Eldest Princess’s gift was rejected. “…You have no idea, The Eldest Princess’s expression was awful.”

Shen Ji pondered for a moment, but asked about something else, “Did Her Majesty the Empress really say that?”

Without leaving any room for face?

“Of course, would I lie to you?” Su Zhenyue replied.

Shen Ji smiled. “That’s not what I meant. I was just thinking that the Emperor and Empress’s attitude is very clear.”

The officials below were all shrewd people. Knowing the Emperor and Empress’s attitude, they would certainly know what to do.

He reckoned that in a few days, they would see impeachments against Princess Chengping.