Chapter 3

Empress Dowager Zhao Yu rebuked without a second thought, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

“If you wish to marry, there are countless good men in the world for you to choose from. But what kind of match is this, Xie Qingya? A frivolous playboy who spends his days chasing after songbirds and beauties! If it weren’t for my momentary lapse in judgment years ago, agreeing to this engagement, even Baoyu—I would be reluctant to marry her off to him.”

She truly did not want to speak more on the matter.

Taking Xu Duanyi’s hand, the Empress Dowager softened her tone. “I know what you’re thinking. You don’t need to concern yourself with this. I will handle it.”

“And how does Aunt plan to handle it?” Xu Duanyi asked calmly, without haste.

The Empress Dowager fell silent. She had not yet figured out a solution.

Baoyu had acted foolishly, committing such a rash deed. Though the situation had not yet become widely known, rumors were already spreading.

Old ministers from the previous emperor’s reign, along with court officials displeased with her authority, were now submitting memorials daily, demanding to know how the engagement between the Xiao family and the Prince of Nan’an’s household would be resolved. Why were there rumors that the Xiao family intended to break off the betrothal?

She had considered selecting a few suitable women to gift to Xie Qingya, as well as bestowing his younger sister the title of Princess Shuyi, hoping to smooth things over. But in truth, this approach felt far from satisfactory.

If the matter between Baozhu and Liu Xun were to be exposed, what would become of the Xiao family’s reputation?

What about her own dignity?

Although Cao Da was despicable, he had said one thing that made sense.

The only way to turn the tide and salvage the situation now was to secure a better marriage for Xie Qingya.

But in all of Da Xia, how many women could surpass Baozhu?

There were only a few daughters of the imperial clan left from the reign of the late emperor.

However, arranging a marriage for any of them as a substitute for Baozhu would not be an easy task.

If she dared to make such a move, the censors would surely submit petitions, spitting in fury or kneeling at the gates of the Huangji Palace.

No matter how unsuitable the alternatives might be, she could not bear to marry Zhaozhao into the Prince of Nanan’s household. That thought had never crossed her mind.

“No matter how this is handled, it is none of your concern. You need not interfere.”

Xu Duanyi asked gently, “Why does Aunt not wish for me to marry?”

Empress Dowager Zhao Yu glared at her. “Why do you think?”

She assumed Zhaozhao was merely confused today, unable to grasp even such a simple matter.

But Xu Duanyi smiled, taking the Empress Dowager’s arm and resting her head on her shoulder.

Such an intimate gesture had only ever been made by Xu Duanyi in recent years.

Empress Dowager Zhao Yu’s heart softened immediately, as if she were looking at her younger sister in her youth.

Unconsciously, she raised her hand and gently stroked Xu Duanyi’s head.

—-

In a quiet voice, Xu Duanyi said, “I know Aunt has my best interests at heart. But in truth, I have no one in this world I wish to marry. If I must wed someone eventually, why not marry the Prince of Nanan now?”

“Although the Prince of Nanan may act foolishly at times, the household is simple. If I marry into that family, I will neither have to serve in-laws nor deal with sister-in-law politics.”

Her voice softened toward the end.

If only it were possible, she would wish for as many people as possible in the Prince of Nanan’s household. If Uncle Xie and the others were still alive, would Xie Qingya have become what he is now?

In her heart, he was forever that radiant, sun-like figure from her youth.

He was meant to shine brightly and walk a smooth path for life.

She showed no sign of her true feelings, keeping her eyes lowered as she spoke softly, “There are already too many voices from the previous court. If I marry the Prince of Nanan, the Baozhu matter can be resolved peacefully.”

“You cannot truly let her die.”

Empress Dowager Zhao Yu, of course, could not bear to see that happen.

Baozhu might not have pleased her as much as Zhaozhao, but she was still of the Xiao bloodline. The Empress Dowager could never watch her seek death over such a scandal.

“But how can I face your mother? If she knew, she would surely blame me.” Empress Dowager Zhao Yu always spoke of Xu Duanyi’s mother with guilt.

Xu Duanyi resembled her mother greatly.

Willow-like brows, almond-shaped eyes.

But unlike her ill-fated mother, who hid her fear behind gentleness and kindness, Xu Duanyi was more composed and steady.

Now, she smiled warmly, trying to comfort the Empress Dowager. “Mother would never blame you. This is my own choice. If she were alive, she would agree with me.”

The Empress Dowager remained silent, gently stroking Xu Duanyi’s head. She did not speak for a long moment.

Finally, she said, “Let me think about it.”

Xu Duanyi agreed.

But they did not speak of it again after that.

And yet, there was little time for Empress Dowager Zhao Yu to deliberate too long.

—-

The next morning, numerous memorials were submitted, openly stating that they had witnessed interactions between the Xiaojia lady and the top scorer of the imperial examination. They claimed that she intended to break off the engagement with Prince Nan’an and demanded clarification from the Empress Dowager Zhao Yu on whether the rumors were true.

Though the Empress Dowager no longer directly ruled from behind the curtain as before, the young emperor still entrusted her with most matters of state, large and small, for initial decisions.

Early that day, Cao Da sent in a large batch of memorials.

The Empress Dowager Zhao Yu read through each one, her anger rising with every line until she finally threw the entire pile to the ground. The crashing papers filled Shoukang Palace with tension, causing all the servants to kneel silently, trembling like cicadas in winter.

It was Xu Duanyi who bent down, picked up the scattered memorials, and carefully organized them before placing them back in front of the Empress Dowager.

“Aunt.”

Xu Duanyi knelt before her, gently holding her hand and looking up.

The Empress Dowager was still fuming but lowered her gaze at her niece’s words.

After a long silence, she finally placed her hand on Xu Duanyi’s head, softly stroking her hair. Then, as she fiddled with the dark green jade beads of her bracelet, she completed a full circle before closing her eyes and ordering, “Summon the emperor!”

Someone quickly left to carry out her command.

Xu Duanyi knew her aunt had agreed. Yet, as relief washed over her, so did a sense of confusion.

She had been so determined — but if he knew of her actions, what would he think? Would he resent her?

Would he…

Still remember her?

It didn’t matter if he didn’t. Either way, she would not disturb him.

—-

Morning court had already concluded.

The young emperor, Liu Xie, kept only this year’s top imperial scholar, now a Hanlin Academy editor Mei Xuezhen, by his side.

A Hanlin Academy editor, ranked at the sixth grade, was responsible for compiling records, documenting the emperor’s words and deeds, lecturing the emperor on classical texts, and drafting ceremonial documents.

Thus, no one would question Mei Xuezhen’s constant presence beside the emperor.

Liu Xie was sixteen years old.

Weakened from a childhood of constant fear and threats, he was pale and more frail than most.

But today, he was genuinely happy.

With no one else nearby and trusting Mei Xuezhen, Liu Xie did not hide his joy. His delight was plain on his face. “The ministers are outraged. It seems certain now that Xiaojia’s marriage with my cousin will be canceled!”

“This is good, this is very good! My cousin has been in hiding for years. I feared that he would be discovered, and all our years of planning would be ruined.”

Mei Xuezhen shared his joy.

But being older and having anticipated this outcome, his excitement was more tempered than the emperors, and a trace of concern lingered in his mind despite his satisfaction.

This time, the number of outraged court officials was far beyond what he and Xi Qingya had originally anticipated.

He couldn’t help but wonder what forces were operating behind the scenes, stirring up this storm.

The emperor was still too young and truly incapable of handling such matters. It wasn’t appropriate to speak to him about it, as it would only cause him further anxiety and sleepless nights.

Just as he was thinking of saying a few more words to comfort him, someone outside announced, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager requests your presence.”

The young emperor, who had been all smiles just moments before, immediately grew tense. His face turned deathly pale.

“Mei, w-what should I do?” he stammered, his heart filled with fear. He dreaded that the Empress Dowager might learn of his involvement in this matter, and even more so that she would discover the secret schemes he had been plotting with his cousin.

He was so terrified that he began to tremble.

Mei Xuezhen also hadn’t expected the Empress Dowager to summon him at this moment.

His mind raced through their actions with Qingya, confirming that no one could possibly know what they had done. There was no way the Empress Dowager had any knowledge of it.

“Your Majesty, there is no need to be afraid. You know nothing, and the Empress Dowager knows nothing. Just behave as usual, be obedient, and speak as little as possible.”

Seeing that the young emperor was still shaking with fear, Mei Xuezhen felt helpless. But he also understood what the emperor had endured over the years, living under the watchful eyes of the Empress Dowager and Cao Da.

He continued to soothe him in a gentle voice, “With me and Xi Qingya here, no one will be able to harm you. Just act as you always do—pretend you know nothing.”

At last, the emperor calmed down.

Since Shoukang Palace was the residence of the Empress Dowager, Mei Xuezhen, being an outsider, could not accompany him. Thankfully, the young eunuch Xiaoguizi was loyal and sharp. His mother had once served as a trusted aide to the Grand Princess, making him both faithful and clever.

As soon as their eyes met, Xiaoguizi immediately stepped forward, bowing.

“Your Majesty, this servant will escort you out.”

Before leaving, Liu Xie glanced at Mei Xuezhen one last time.

Seeing Mei Xuezhen smile and nod at him, he took a deep breath and, with his body stiff, allowed himself to be led away.

Since no one knew why the Empress Dowager had summoned the emperor so suddenly, Mei Xuezhen remained in the hall, waiting.

—–

Two quarters of an hour later.

The young emperor entered Shoukang Palace.

Aside from Danfeng, who stood beside the Empress Dowager, all other servants left after serving tea.

The young emperor sat quietly, his gaze lowered.

From the Empress Dowager’s vantage point, she could see his pale face, tightly pressed lips, rigid posture, and hands clenched together.

One glance was enough to irritate her.

“If her beloved Qier were still alive, would she need to support such a useless person?”

“Did you hear what the censors said in court this morning?” she asked coldly.

Liu Xie knew exactly what she was referring to and didn’t dare claim ignorance. He quickly nodded and said, “Yes, I heard.”

“What do you think about it?” Empress Dowager Zhao Yu asked.

Liu Xie stammered, “I… I don’t know either.”

This response rekindled the Empress Dowager’s anger. “You don’t know? Is that how you rule as emperor? How do you expect me to feel at ease entrusting Da Xia to you?”

Seeing her anger, Liu Xie became even more nervous, trembling with fear.

Helpless, he stood and tried to placate her. “Mother, please don’t be angry.”

Danfeng also stepped forward to offer comfort.

The Empress Dowager, after being urged to take a sip of tea and calming her temper, finally spoke again in a low voice, “The edict is already written. Have someone deliver it to the King of Nanan’s residence.”

Dan Feng handed the edict to Liu Xie.

When Liu Xie opened it and read its contents, his eyes immediately widened in shock. Unable to maintain his composure, he exclaimed, “Mother, are you marrying Sister Yi to the King of Nanan?!”

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes. “Do you have any objections?”

How could Liu Xie dare object?

After all his careful plotting with his cousin to sever ties with the Xiao family, this sudden reversal made all his efforts go to waste. His mind went blank, and he could only mutter vaguely, “No.”

Displeased with his response, the Empress Dowager wanted to say more, but Danfeng, having been instructed by Xu Duanyi beforehand, spoke first.

“Your Majesty must be very surprised. After all, this time, the King of Nanan is marrying none other than your most beloved Princess.”

“Not to mention Your Majesty, when word of this gets out, those ministers won’t dare say a single word. They’ll be dumbfounded, singing your praises instead.”

Liu Xie, regaining his composure, bowed his head and quickly agreed. “Aunt Danfeng is right. I was simply too surprised. I never thought Mother would actually be willing to marry Sister Yi to the King of Nanan…”

Although his heart was in turmoil, he dared not show it.

Fortunately, the Empress Dowager grew tired of speaking and dismissed him after giving her orders.

Liu Xie took the edict, bid farewell, and left. Just as he stepped outside, he ran into Xu Duanyi, who was returning from the small kitchen.

“Your Majesty,” Xu Duanyi greeted softly, pausing in her steps.

“Sister Yi?” Liu Xie also stopped when he saw her.

Holding the imperial edict in his hand, he wanted to ask if she knew about her upcoming marriage. But considering the current circumstances between them, he forced a smile and changed his words. “…Congratulations, Sister.”

Xu Duanyi knew what he was congratulating her for, but she also noticed the anxiety in his expression.

She sighed silently in her heart.

The younger brother who had once trailed after her and Xie Qingya, calling her “Big Sister” over and over again, had now grown distant from her.

She understood the reasons but could say nothing about it.

“Since I heard Your Majesty would be visiting, I had snow pear and bird’s nest soup prepared, as well as your favorite plum blossom cakes. Since you are leaving now, take them with you to enjoy.”

Xu Duanyi finished speaking and instructed Bixi to hand the food box to the young eunuch beside her.

“Thank you, Sister Yi…”

Liu Xie forced a smile. Without looking at the food box, he simply had the young eunuch take it and then left with his attendants.

Under her umbrella, Xu Duanyi glanced back and watched as the young emperor walked away before continuing on her path.

“His Majesty’s expression just now didn’t seem quite right,” Bixi whispered beside her.

Xu Duanyi walked forward, her steps steady on the snowy path, and only responded lightly, “There’s no need to say more.”

Bixi quietly replied, “Yes.”

Xu Duanyi slowly walked along the narrow path.

The sound of her shoes pressing into the snow made a soft, subtle noise.

She knew that over the years, both her aunt and Cao Da had been wary, fearing that Xie Qingya’s current reputation as a frivolous and debauched man was merely an act.

After reflecting on it for the past few days,

she realized they would likely attempt to place someone close to Xie Qingya this time.

Even though the House of Nanan had fallen into decline in recent years,

it was still the former residence of Prince Nanan and the Grand Princess, and those who remained were fiercely loyal. Infiltrating it would not be an easy task.

Thus, marriage would be the most effective way to embed someone at his side.

She wasn’t sure if Xie Qingya was truly pretending or if he had genuinely become the man he now appeared to be. But if it was inevitable that someone would be planted at his side, she would rather that person be herself.

Still, if Xie Qingya truly was pretending, and one day he became her aunt’s adversary…

What would she do then?

Whom would she stand by?