Chapter 111: Praying for Blessings

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In late September, the weather was clear, the sky vast and crisp. Prince Su’s procession, escorted by officials from the Ministry of Rites, finally departed from the capital.

 

Even though Prince Su was not Noble Consort Shu’s biological son, she had raised him under her care for many years. When someone you see every day leaves, it’s as if the pillar of your spirit is taken away. Noble Consort Shu felt this keenly, sinking into depression for several days in her palace. However, now that Prince Su was gone, Noble Consort Shu had no more scruples. The rivalry between her and Empress Xiao Qi intensified, becoming a full-blown confrontation.

 

Noble Consort Shu eventually learned about Empress Xiao Qi’s manipulations behind the scenes, which infuriated her. Driven by the belief that if she couldn’t find peace, neither should anyone else, Noble Consort Shu quickly dragged Noble Consort Li and others into the fray as well. After a brief calm, the harem was once again embroiled in strife, filled with both open conflicts and hidden schemes.

 

The fact that someone was causing trouble for Empress Xiao Qi would have been a welcome sight for Chu Jinyao, but the women in the palace were each more cunning than the next. Chu Jinyao kept herself confined in the Ciqing Palace, leading a quiet life and avoiding guests under the pretext of resting. However, no matter how much she tried to stay out of the chaos, it didn’t stop one group after another from coming under the guise of “friendly visits,” though their true purpose was clear.

 

Chu Jinyao used the excuse of recuperating to refuse meetings with most visitors. While she could decline to meet with the maids and attendants sent by Noble Consort Shu and others, it was harder to turn down Noble Consort Shu herself. Noble Consort Shu took a sudden interest in Chu Jinyao, constantly expressing her concern for her health and reminiscing about the late Empress Wenxiao, subtly trying to incite Chu Jinyao to join forces against Empress Xiao Qi. However, Chu Jinyao was no fool and immediately distanced herself, making polite excuses. Nevertheless, the stormy atmosphere of the palace occasionally still affected her.

 

The palace was in utter turmoil, so much so that even the emperor could not escape it. Surrounded by his bickering wives, the emperor, finding himself powerless to stop the squabbles, simply pretended not to see. He retreated to his own secluded corner, seeking peace. The emperor could shut his eyes to the madness, but Qin Yi could not.

 

The emperor’s poor management was one thing, but it was unacceptable that his negligence should affect Qin Yi’s wife and child. Just as the month came to a close, Imperial Physician Gao came to examine Chu Jinyao’s pulse. After carefully feeling her pulse for a long time, he stood up and confidently declared, “The Crown Princess is indeed pregnant. During the first month, the pulse was a bit unstable, but after months of careful nourishment, the fetus is secure, and her vitality is abundant. This is a very positive sign.”

 

Hearing the official confirmation, Chu Jinyao breathed a long sigh of relief. Although there had been many signs of pregnancy, nothing was more reassuring than hearing it confirmed by the imperial physician. Qin Yi, too, felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders upon hearing that Chu Jinyao’s health had improved. However, their joy was short-lived as Imperial Physician Gao continued, “However, pregnancy requires mental tranquility. Although the Crown Princess’s pulse flows smoothly, there is a slight stagnation, which suggests she may be overly anxious, causing mental strain and not resting properly.”

 

This was true. In recent days, with the constant scheming in the palace, Chu Jinyao had been on high alert, unable to relax despite reminding herself to focus on her pregnancy. The tense environment made it impossible for her to not worry.

 

Feeling uneasy, Chu Jinyao asked, ” Imperial Physician Gao, what do you suggest for my recovery?”

 

Stroking his beard, the physician pondered for a moment before responding, “I will prescribe a few medicinal treatments, to be taken morning and night to nurture the body. However, medicine is always a last resort, as even the gentlest of remedies can have side effects, especially during pregnancy.”

 

“What should we do then?” asked some of the maids, their faces full of concern. Linglong was equally worried, pleading, ” Imperial Physician Gao, your medical skills are renowned. There must be a way to solve this without harming the baby.”

 

“Imperial Physician Gao,” Qin Yi interjected, “come with me. We will discuss this outside.”

 

The physician was led out of the room, where he and Qin Yi conferred for a long time. Inside, Chu Jinyao grew more anxious by the minute. When Qin Yi finally returned, she rushed to him, asking, “Your Highness, what did the physician say?”

 

“Nothing to worry about,” Qin Yi replied, gently guiding her back to the couch with the ease of someone who had done it many times before. “I’ve been thinking about this for some time, but I didn’t want to leave you alone. However, with the palace in chaos and everyone trying to take advantage of the disorder, it’s too risky for you to stay here. You need to get away from all this stress. Why not go to Changhe Garden for a while? You can return once I’ve restored peace in the palace.”

 

“Changhe Garden?”

 

“Yes,” Qin Yi affirmed. “It’s nearly time for Mother’s birthday. You can use the excuse of praying for her blessings, which would give you a legitimate reason to leave the palace and avoid the current turmoil. Once things settle down, you can come back.”

 

Changhe Garden had been built by Emperor Xiaozong for his mother, Empress Dowager Shou’an, who had been devoted to Buddhist practices in her later years. Finding the palace too worldly and full of distractions, she often longed for a more peaceful place to meditate. To please her, Emperor Xiaozong constructed Changhe Garden in the western suburbs, modeled after the gardens of the south, with artificial mountains and lakes, but also maintaining the grandeur of palace architecture. The front part of the garden followed a central axis with palace gates and ceremonial halls, while the back consisted of picturesque landscapes with pavilions scattered throughout. It was a blend of northern palace structures and southern garden styles, stunningly beautiful. When it was first completed, it caused quite a sensation in the capital. Empress Dowager Shou’an adored the garden and frequently stayed there to practice her devotions. Emperor Xiaozong, demonstrating his filial piety, even had a magnificent Buddha hall built in the rear of the garden for her.

 

A reputation for filial piety was a valuable asset, particularly for women, as it equated to virtuous fame. For men, balancing loyalty and filial piety might be challenging, but for women, displaying devotion to their in-laws was a highly esteemed virtue. If Chu Jinyao went to Changhe Garden to pray in memory of Empress Wenxiao, it would not only benefit her reputation but also remind the public of Empress Wenxiao’s virtues, which would help Qin Yi as well, being the late empress’s only son.

 

Moreover, since Changhe Garden was now mostly unoccupied, Chu Jinyao would be the only master there once she moved in, with all the staff attending to her needs. The environment was perfect for a peaceful pregnancy. This was an excellent plan in many ways.

 

However, there was one issue. While it would be easy for Chu Jinyao to stay at Changhe Garden, what about Qin Yi?

 

Seeing the hesitation in her expression, Qin Yi misunderstood and assumed she was nervous about being away from him. So, he reassured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll send people with you. If you get bored, I can have General Dan’s wife and a few others come keep you company.”

 

“That won’t be necessary,” Chu Jinyao replied. “If you ask, General Dan might agree, but separating him from his wife isn’t fair. I’ll ask my sisters to come visit me instead.”

 

Qin Yi realized that made more sense. Close family would certainly be more attentive than the wives of officials. But he still noticed that Chu Jinyao seemed unsettled. “Why do you still seem worried?” he asked.

 

Since he brought it up, Chu Jinyao decided to voice her thoughts, half-joking, “Changhe Garden is a beautiful place, I have nothing to be concerned about. What I’m worried about is you.”

 

Qin Yi paused, quickly understanding her meaning. He looked at her with a faint smile. “Worried about what?”

 

“Naturally, I’m worried about the palace maids,” Chu Jinyao replied with a light hum, her tone tinged with jealousy. “What if they neglect their duties, or worse, they forget where things are and you catch a cold?”

 

Qin Yi stifled a laugh. “I was planning to have you take most of the palace women with you, but it seems I don’t need to worry about that now.”

 

“Oh, really?” Chu Jinyao teased. “Well, if you don’t mind, I’ll take every single one of them with me. But don’t come complaining to me later if you regret it.”

 

Qin Yi rarely saw Chu Jinyao this openly jealous, but he found it endearing. However, he grew serious as she continued. “Even if I took every woman from the East Palace, there’d still be women outside the palace walls, wouldn’t there? If you really wanted to stray, what good would it do to take them all with me? And if you’re committed to me, what difference does it make if I leave them behind?”

 

“You’ve already convicted me without any evidence!” Qin Yi chuckled, resisting the urge to ruffle her hair, though he stopped himself, mindful of her pregnancy. “Jinyao, these women are mere palace servants to me, but you—you are my wife, carrying my only child. You will be the mother of my future children. Other men might be swayed by fleeting pleasures, but I am not like that. Why would I risk losing you over something so insignificant?”

 

Qin Yi gently caressed the palm of her hand, the same hand that had once been cut by the wooden shelf. He could still recall the vivid sight of her blood pouring from the wound. Back then, he had been severely injured, struggling to cope with the transition from the capital to the frontier. Meeting Chu Jinyao had been pivotal. It was her act of drawing blood from the cut that had enabled him to regain control of his body and save the frontier.

 

Qin Yi still didn’t know why his soul had ended up being tied to Chu Jinyao’s jade pendant after his injury, as if it were deliberately arranged. Someone as fiercely independent and averse to being manipulated as Qin Yi didn’t usually tolerate the idea of fate controlling his life. But strangely, he didn’t mind this “coincidence.” If someone truly had orchestrated it, then it had to be the will of the heavens—his jade pendant had been personally requested by his mother, Empress Wenxiao, and Chu Jinyao’s jade pendant had been given to her at birth. Perhaps, it really was destiny.

 

In this way, Chu Jinyao’s significance to Qin Yi was far greater than she could imagine. The child she was carrying was just one part of it. Qin Yi’s deep concern for the unborn baby was not because it was his first son or daughter, but because that baby was a part of Chu Jinyao.

 

Thus, all of Chu Jinyao’s worries were unnecessary. To Qin Yi, other women in the palace were just faces in the background, but Chu Jinyao was irreplaceable. Given her straightforward nature, if she truly felt heartbroken one day, there would be no going back. She wouldn’t hide her feelings, just like Madam Zhao, who had distanced herself from her daughter. Qin Yi had personally witnessed how the relationship between Chu Jinyao and her mother deteriorated to the current state. He had learned his lessons from the power struggles and betrayals he had seen—he would never let the same thing happen to his relationship with Chu Jinyao.

 

Qin Yi’s words were incredibly rational, almost to the point of being cold, but they were also completely true. He spoke from the perspective of a strategist, weighing the pros and cons with sharp clarity. Somehow, Chu Jinyao found herself accepting his reasoning with ease. Qin Yi was not the type to shower her with sweet, insincere words. If he ever did, she would probably suspect that he was trying to cover up something.

 

The hearts of women are like the weather in June—unpredictable and ever-changing. Chu Jinyao had always believed that she was a reasonable person, but it seemed that the old saying was right: there is always a grain of truth in popular wisdom. Just moments ago, she had been inexplicably upset, and now she found herself inexplicably comforted. While her heart had already settled, she still felt the need to keep up appearances and said, “Your Highness truly doesn’t mind? Even my father had his share of concubines. Since I entered the palace, I’ve never arranged anything for you. Now that I’m pregnant and can’t fulfill my duties, I’ll soon be leaving for the Changhe Garden. If I continue to be so stubborn, won’t I be failing in my duties as a wife?”

 

“What exactly do you think a wife’s duties are?” Qin Yi asked.

 

Chu Jinyao was taken aback. From childhood, her elders and the teachings of women’s etiquette had always emphasized a wife’s responsibilities. But what, in reality, did that mean?

 

Seeing her hesitation, Qin Yi smiled and gently tapped her on the forehead. “We are husband and wife. If we think our relationship is good as it is, then it’s good enough.”

 

“But what if others criticize me?” she asked.

 

“Then write down the names of those people who dare to criticize you, and give the list to me,” Qin Yi replied with a grin.

 

Chu Jinyao burst out laughing. “Your Highness, you’re playing favorites. That’s unfair!”

 

Qin Yi, equally unbothered, responded, “Of course, anyone who dares to speak ill of you deserves it.”

 

—

 

Having decided to stay at Changhe Garden, everything else soon fell into place. Qin Yi brought up the idea of sending Chu Jinyao to the estate under the pretense of praying for the late Empress Wenxiao, and although the emperor clearly saw through this as an excuse to avoid the palace chaos, he didn’t question it further. It was his grandchild, after all, so he easily gave his permission.

 

Sending the Crown Princess to Changhe Garden to pray for blessings on behalf of the late Empress Wenxiao became a matter of great importance. The palace servants at Changhe Garden immediately went into high alert. The garden was thoroughly cleaned and inspected by the Imperial Guards to ensure it was completely safe. Only after receiving clearance did Chu Jinyao’s procession leave the East Palace.

 

Chu Jinxian, Chu Jinyao’s elder sister, accompanied her to Changhe Garden for the stay. As they rode in the carriage together, Chu Jinxian couldn’t help but sigh. “You’re really quite bold. You’re pregnant, and yet you’re just going off on your own like this. Not only is His Highness left in the palace without anyone to watch over him, but do you really trust the remaining palace maids?”

 

“If he truly wanted to do something, nothing I did would stop him. If he doesn’t want to, then no matter how clever those maids might be, it wouldn’t make a difference. So, the issue doesn’t lie with me,” Chu Jinyao replied.

 

Chu Jinxian thought about it and had to agree. A woman’s most solid foundation was her children. As long as she bore a son, it didn’t matter if she was favored or not.

 

Changhe Garden was located in the western suburbs, surrounded by other estates owned by nobles and scholars. Among these estates, none could compare to the grandeur of Changhe Garden. Chu Jinyao was visiting the garden for the first time, and even the sight of the majestic palace buildings at the front left her in awe. But that was only the beginning. The main residential area where she would be staying was the Yunya Hall, while her sister Chu Jinxian, along with her son, would be staying at Dan Ning Pavilion nearby.

 

As they strolled through the garden, Chu Jinxian remarked, “No wonder it’s said that the royal gardens are unparalleled. After seeing this place, every other estate feels like a small countryside mansion.”

 

“And we’ve only seen the palace buildings in the front. The real beauty lies in the back—there’s a garden that’s five to six times bigger than the front area, with four lakes. Once we’ve settled in, I’ll take you and little Lu Ge’er to see it,” Chu Jinyao said, bending down to playfully tease her nephew. “Lu Ge’er, shall Auntie take you to explore the garden? Wouldn’t that be fun?”

 

Since Chu Jinxian had come to keep her sister company, she had naturally brought her son Zhao Lu along. Chu Jinyao was now in the early stages of pregnancy and feeling particularly motherly, while Lu Ge’er was an easy-going child who wasn’t afraid of strangers. The two of them got along very well.

 

Chu Jinxian smiled and allowed her sister to play with her son. But as soon as Chu Jinyao reached out to hold the child, Chu Jinxian quickly warned, “Be careful. You’re only a few months pregnant. Watch out for your own baby.”

 

“I know,” Chu Jinyao reassured her. She was already being very cautious in her movements.

 

—

 

Once she had settled into Changhe Garden, Chu Jinyao’s days became very peaceful. She spent her time chatting with her sister, playing with her nephew, and occasionally strolling through the garden when the weather was nice. It was a blissful routine, and she could feel her health improving without even needing the assistance of the imperial physician.

 

One afternoon, after Lu Ge’er had fallen asleep, Chu Jinyao and Chu Jinxian sat in the sun, watching over the child and quietly chatting. Suddenly remembering an unresolved issue, Chu Jinyao asked in a low voice, “Sister, have you found out anything about the matter Second Sister-in-law mentioned?”

 

“That,” Chu Jinxian began, a strange look crossing her face. “It’s quite the long story. No wonder Second Brother didn’t dare to let anyone in the family know about it.”