Chapter 115: Taking the Initiative

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“The Emperor wants to lead a military campaign himself?”

 

“That’s right. When I first heard it, I thought I’d misheard, but many people in the palace are saying the same thing,” said Princess Ru Ning. She was dressed in a vibrant red gown, holding a delicate hand warmer, speaking softly to Chu Jinyao. “I went into the palace yesterday to pay my respects to my mother, and she mentioned that the northern borders have been unsettled again recently. Someone brought up the idea of a campaign, and Father seems somewhat inclined to lead the troops himself.”

 

News from outside usually took a few days to reach Changhe Garden, so if Princess Ru Ning hadn’t brought this up, Chu Jinyao might still be in the dark about the Emperor’s intentions.

 

Chu Jinyao had a feeling that something was unusual about this. Qin Yi had risen through military achievements, and now the Emperor wanted to go on a campaign himself… Chu Jinyao hoped it was just her overthinking. She continued asking Princess Ru Ning, “Border skirmishes in the north have been ongoing for some time. Why would the Emperor suddenly decide to lead the campaign?”

 

Princess Ru Ning shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s just rumors I’ve heard.”

 

Chu Jinyao had no choice but to let it go, knowing she could get clearer answers from Qin Yi. Since the last time Qin Yi had unexpectedly visited Changhe Garden, he had been coming more frequently. Chu Jinyao made a mental note to ask him the next time they met.

 

Back when Princess Ru Ning had been in the palace, she had always leaned toward supporting Qin Yi. Now, with the Eastern Palace in a strong position, her visits to Chu Jinyao had become even more frequent, often bringing palace gossip with her.

 

After Princess Ru Ning left, Chu Jinyao was still contemplating the matter of the Emperor’s potential campaign. Chu Jinxian noticed her distraction, calling her name several times before finally getting a response. She smiled, saying, “What are you thinking about so deeply?”

 

Chu Jinyao snapped out of her thoughts and shook her head with a smile. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking about what Ru Ning said.”

 

Hearing that Chu Jinyao was pondering such matters of state, Chu Jinxian was surprised. The prevailing notion was that men handled external affairs while women managed internal matters. Even though Chu Jinxian and Duan Yinghua were excellent at managing their households, they knew very little about court affairs. Most women in the inner chambers paid no mind to politics, leaving such concerns to the men.

 

“You’re with child. Why burden yourself with these thoughts?” Chu Jinxian wasn’t criticizing Chu Jinyao for overstepping, but rather was worried she would tire herself out.

 

Chu Jinyao changed the subject and started talking about other matters. Being in her position meant seeing things from a different perspective. She hadn’t concerned herself with such matters before, but since entering the palace, she had come into closer contact with politics, making it hard not to think about these things. Qin Yi didn’t shy away from discussing these topics with her either. The front court and the back palace were always deeply intertwined.

 

Although Chu Jinyao dropped the subject, Duan Yinghua could tell that she was still preoccupied with external matters. Duan Yinghua silently reflected that life was indeed difficult to fully comprehend. Outsiders only saw Chu Jinyao as favored, with the Crown Prince indulging her every request. Some envied her good fortune, while others dismissed her, thinking she relied only on her beauty. Even some in the Changxing Marquisate attributed all of her success to the Crown Prince’s favor.

 

But after spending time with Chu Jinyao, Duan Yinghua had come to realize that someone in her position must have had more than just good looks. One might maintain favor for a month because of appearance, but to hold such favor for over a year, it had to be more about one’s abilities than beauty. Duan Yinghua had come from an official’s family herself, but hearing about court matters gave her a headache, unlike the Crown Princess, who, even while recovering, continued to ponder such issues.

 

Duan Yinghua sighed inwardly. Even someone like Chu Jinyao, who seemed to live a charmed life, was extremely diligent and self-disciplined behind the scenes. She then turned to the matter she had come to discuss. “Your Highness, about what happened recently—my husband and mother-in-law were deceived, and that’s why such a thing happened. The Old Madam has taken care of everything now, and my husband has been scolded by my father-in-law. He’s currently reflecting on his actions. Please rest assured, such things will never happen again.”

 

Duan Yinghua was here to report the resolution of the situation and express her loyalty. Chu Jinyao was no longer concerned about it. The Old Madam was selfish but astute, and her handling of the situation was likely even more thorough than if Chu Jinyao had done it herself. Having heard the explanation, Chu Jinyao pushed the matter aside. “As long as my brother understands, there’s no need to dwell on it. Family members shouldn’t hold grudges.”

 

Relieved that Chu Jinyao wasn’t pursuing the matter further, Duan Yinghua carefully broached another topic. “Your Highness, that day, Mother was furious and said some harsh words. I hope you won’t hold it against her.”

 

When it came to Madam Zhao, Chu Jinyao just smiled, not at all surprised. “It’s fine.”

 

She had never had high expectations for Madam Zhao, so there was no room for disappointment. To Madam Zhao, Chu Jinyao had always been an outsider who came into the family halfway through her life. Chu Jinyao had long since stopped seeking motherly love. Her most difficult times had been spent with Qin Yi by her side. When she was nearly forced into becoming a concubine, it was Qin Yi who had saved her and stood up for her. It was Qin Yi who had provided her with real care and protection, which was why Chu Jinyao placed him first in her heart, keeping her biological mother at a distance.

 

Duan Yinghua felt a pang of sadness at seeing this. Chu Jinxian sighed quietly as well. If Chu Jinyao had been angry, upset, or even resentful, it would have shown that she still harbored some feelings. But the calm, magnanimous “it’s fine” she offered instead showed that Chu Jinyao truly no longer cared.

 

The dynamics of family relationships were difficult for outsiders to comment on, especially when the person involved was the Crown Princess. Who would dare offer opinions on how she should interact with her mother? Duan Yinghua shifted the conversation. “Your Highness, you’ve helped me so much, and yet I couldn’t stand up for you that day. You must think I’m an ungrateful coward.”

 

“I’m an outsider, and you’re the daughter-in-law who has to live in the marquisate. I understand your concerns, so don’t worry about it,” Chu Jinyao said calmly. “I’m not so narrow-minded as to hold that against you.”

 

Duan Yinghua felt reassured but also more ashamed. After chatting a bit longer, she excused herself.

 

Once Duan Yinghua had left, Chu Jinxian, still curious about the situation, asked directly. She and Chu Jinyao were close enough that there was no need for pretense. “It was Duan Yinghua who came to you for help, and you agreed to investigate the supposed mistress. But when she learned the truth about Chu Jinmiao, she didn’t immediately come to tell you. Are you truly not upset?”

 

“Why would I be? She’s only my sister-in-law, not my husband. Why should I take it to heart?” Chu Jinyao genuinely didn’t care. She had grown accustomed to the fact that people’s goodwill often came with ulterior motives. For her, they were merely allies, connections, or certain madams of various statuses with whom she could establish relationships. Chu Jinyao didn’t mind people seeking things from her—in fact, it would be troublesome if they didn’t.

 

“I suppose that’s true.” Chu Jinxian mused, reflecting on how her younger sister had grown. From someone who once needed her guidance in navigating the complexities of the household, she had now become someone who could easily dismiss manipulations and self-interest with a smile. She had truly grown from a sheltered girl into a capable woman of the palace.

 

Lost in thought, Chu Jinxian didn’t speak for a while, prompting Chu Jinyao to ask, “Sister, what’s on your mind?”

 

“Nothing much.” Chu Jinxian smiled and shook her head. “Perhaps it’s just that as I get older, I find myself reminiscing more. We siblings have all grown up, haven’t we?”

 

Indeed, Chu Jinxian, the second young master, and Chu Jinyao—the three siblings of shared blood—had all grown up, gotten married, and started their own families.

 

Chu Jinyao couldn’t help but feel a bit dazed. Thinking about it this way, the only people she could truly pour her feelings into, without any consideration of benefits or personal gain, the only people she could fully trust, were Qin Yi and the child in her belly.

 

Siblings would have their own families, and for Chu Jinyao, her true family was them.

 

Chu Jinyao suddenly felt a deep urge to see Qin Yi, but she also knew that it was already late, and the palace would soon lock its gates. Qin Yi, as the Crown Prince, couldn’t just leave the palace casually – every time he left, it was a major event. How could he suddenly show up at Changhe Garden in the Western Suburbs? She felt a strange sense of melancholy. After finishing her meal, she sat by herself under the lamp, flipping through the Book of Songs and Songs of Chu, and suddenly missed the lights of Ciqing Palace.

 

At this moment, she wondered if they had served the meal at Ciqing Palace, and whether the palace servants and eunuchs had been derelict in their duties. Chu Jinyao’s thoughts wandered further – without her, the Crown Princess, to keep things in order, Qin Yi was probably enjoying his freedom, maybe even living quite happily these past few days.

 

The more she thought about it, the more her emotions fluctuated, swinging up and down. It seemed like she was tormenting herself. Chu Jinyao snorted heavily and closed the book in her hands forcefully, muttering, “Who cares about you? Do whatever you want.”

 

A light chuckle came from behind her: “There’s no one else in the room. Who are you scolding?”

 

Chu Jinyao froze for a moment, then turned around in surprise to look at the person behind her. “Qin Yi?”

 

“It’s me.” Qin Yi seemed to have rushed over, with his cloak covered in heavy frost. He took off his cloak and tossed it to the little eunuch behind him, then quickly walked over to Chu Jinyao. “It’s only been a few days, but why do you seem thinner again?”

 

“Your Highness!” Chu Jinyao finally confirmed that the very person she had just been thinking about had actually appeared before her. She let out a small exclamation, and if it weren’t for the baby in her belly, she would have thrown herself into his arms.

 

Qin Yi quickly helped her up and said helplessly, “Be careful with the baby. A moment ago, you were cursing me, calling me by my name. Now that your mood is better, you’re back to calling me ‘Your Highness’?”

 

“I was missing you, that’s why I was grumbling,” Chu Jinyao said with confidence, feeling bold with Qin Yi’s child inside her. “But forget that. It’s so late – how did you manage to come here?”

 

“That’s no big deal. If I want to come out, there’s always a way.” Qin Yi was very pleased with Chu Jinyao’s first words. He became more certain that living alone in Ciqing Palace was unbearably lonely. It was strange. For so many years before Chu Jinyao came along, he had always lived alone. Why hadn’t he felt lonely or desolate then?

 

Qin Yi helped her back to the couch, draping his arm over her shoulder and curiously flipping through the book she had just closed. “Are you still looking for names for him?”

 

“Yes, I found a few more good ones. I’ve written them all down. Wait, let me find them for you.”

 

“No rush.” Qin Yi stopped her from moving, gently resting his chin on her shoulder. “There’s still a long time before he arrives. There’ll be no shortage of names. What’s the hurry?”

 

Seeing Qin Yi leaning so quietly on her shoulder, Chu Jinyao felt a slight stir in her heart. “Your Highness, is it because of matters in the palace…”

 

Chu Jinyao thought Qin Yi was tired because of palace matters, but in truth, he was just trying to shift her attention away from the baby. But since she had asked, he followed along and said, “It’s fine. The palace is always like this – nothing too troublesome.”

 

“I heard from Ru Ning that His Majesty is considering leading a military campaign himself. What’s that all about?”

 

Hearing this, Qin Yi opened his eyes, and his gaze became sharp. “It’s not confirmed yet. Someone proposed the idea of an imperial campaign, but His Majesty has not yet given a clear response.”

 

But the fact that he hadn’t immediately rejected it meant that he was at least interested.

 

“Why would His Majesty suddenly think of leading a campaign himself?” Chu Jinyao was genuinely puzzled. “I don’t think he’s ever been someone enthusiastic about military matters.”

 

“The Emperor’s heart is difficult to fathom. Who knows what he’s thinking?” Although Qin Yi said this, his expression suggested that he had a pretty good idea. Since he didn’t elaborate, it likely wasn’t convenient to discuss. Chu Jinyao didn’t press further and instead urged Qin Yi to rest. “You have court tomorrow. This place is far from the palace, and the journey will take a long time. You’ll have to get up much earlier. You won’t get much sleep, so you should rest now.”

 

Discussing such matters between husband and wife carried a certain intimate undertone, and under normal circumstances, Qin Yi would have made a big deal out of it. But now… Qin Yi glanced at Chu Jinyao’s belly with a hint of longing. “It’s only the fourth month, right?”

 

“You…” Chu Jinyao’s face flushed. “Don’t you dare.”

 

“I remember the Imperial Physician saying that after the first three months, it’s safe to… share a bed again.”

 

Chu Jinyao was exasperated. “When did the physician say that? How come I didn’t know?”

 

“I asked him privately, so of course you didn’t know.”

 

“How could you ask something like that? No, wait – which physician did you ask…”

 

—

 

In Kunning Palace, the lights were still burning brightly. Empress Xiao Qi stared at the palace lantern in front of her, lost in thought for some reason.

 

“Your Majesty,” a matron approached to drape a warm cloak over Empress Xiao Qi and softly advised, “the weather is getting colder. Your Majesty’s body is precious – you must take care of your health.”

 

“He didn’t come again today.”

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

“Forget it.” Empress Xiao Qi didn’t want to discuss it further. She stood up and let the matron support her as they walked to the bedchamber. The Emperor wasn’t coming, so there was no need to wait.

 

Under the careful service of the palace maids, Empress Xiao Qi lay down on the bed, and they pulled up the covers for her. The lights outside dimmed, and she stared at the intricate dragon and phoenix designs on the canopy above her, suddenly overwhelmed by a deep sense of dissatisfaction.

 

Empress Xiao Qi couldn’t help but think about what the palace servants had suggested earlier in the day. Slowly, her gaze hardened with determination. She was the Empress – she couldn’t let this downward spiral continue. She had to take the initiative.