Four Seasons Brocade – CH 221

Chapter 221 ☆、

Chu Mao, unusually, frowned at Ah Wu, seeming somewhat annoyed. Ah Wu assumed he was too proud to admit it and needed to rely on his wife’s family connections.

“A married woman’s influence on Grand Secretary Tang is probably not as great as you think,” Chu Mao said, looking at Ah Wu.

Chu Mao’s gaze was strange, filled with scrutiny. Ah Wu felt uncomfortable. “Grand Secretary Tang and his wife dote on my sister-in-law.”

“So, what do you plan to do? Have her speak to Tang Xiujin first, and then have Tang Xiujin persuade Tang Jinshan?” Chu Mao asked.

This was exactly Ah Wu’s plan. Although Tang Jinshan was in charge of the Tang family, it was Tang Xiujin who was tasked with upholding the entire family’s legacy as the next generation. As long as Tang Xiujin nodded, they would have a seven to eight out of ten chance of winning over Grand Secretary Tang.

However, Ah Wu could not shake the feeling that Chu Mao’s words sounded strange; they did not seem like he was happy about it.

Ah Wu’s head ached. No wonder Chu Mao had gone to such lengths to plot a rebellion and usurp the throne in his past life, instead of taking a shortcut. With his arrogant temperament, how could he possibly win over any faction?

Ah Wu, not wanting to be branded a traitor, softened her voice further, asking, “Does Your Highness harbor some resentment towards the Tang family?”

Before Chu Mao could speak, Ah Wu interjected, “Your Highness should know more about court affairs than I do. Given the Tang family’s current position, they do not need to curry favor by claiming credit for the new Emperor’s ascension; the risk is too great. As long as the Tang family adheres to the principle of ‘loyalty to the Emperor,’ no matter how turbulent the court may be, the new Emperor’s ascension will at most distance them slightly, but the lives of the Tang family’s hundreds will not be in danger. Therefore, even if Grand Secretary Tang is somewhat wary of Your Highness, Your Highness should be understanding.”

Chu Mao’s earlier ease was gone; now his face was stern, his features like ice sculptures, incomparably handsome, yet exuding a coldness.

“Since you also know about the Tang family’s situation, why would Tang Jinshan pledge allegiance to me? And what makes you so confident in persuading him, lest you alert him?” Chu Mao pressed aggressively. Ah Wu could not tell Chu Mao the inside story, but subconsciously, she felt she had influence over Tang Xiujin, so she wanted to try. However, such a thing was too shameful to tell outsiders, and even Ah Wu herself had to admit that the method was somewhat despicable.

“Alright, alright, I was wrong. I just wanted to try. Do you think I am doing this for myself?” Ah Wu tried to coax him away with a coquettish tone.

A sarcastic smile tugged at the corner of Chu Mao’s mouth. Even Chu Mao was not entirely sure if it was for his own sake.

“Ah Wu, you must understand in your heart that the person you will spend your life with in this world will be me, and only me.” Chu Mao took Ah Wu’s hand and held it in his palm.

Ah Wu did not understand why Chu Mao would suddenly say such a thing.

“Of course, I know that,” Ah Wu replied softly.

Chu Mao pulled Ah Wu into his arms and hugged her. “Do not worry about these things. I will protect you from the wind and rain. You do not need to worry about anything. I will definitely protect you. As for your second brother, do not bother him. He’s my brother-in-law. Do you think I would not help him in the future?”

Ah Wu understood from Chu Mao’s words that he had misunderstood her intention to help Rong Yin gain merit. Ah Wu immediately felt relieved. Chu Mao’s words earlier sounded very dissatisfying towards Tang Xiujin and were subtly pointed. Although Ah Wu was certain that she and Tang Xiujin were completely innocent, she still felt uneasy.

Seeing Ah Wu’s visibly relaxed expression, Chu Mao’s eyes gradually darkened.

“But, after the Emperor betrothed me to you, Grand Secretary Tang was still willing to marry my second sister-in-law to my second brother. This shows that the Tang family is not unapproachable. Your Highness, please let me try.” Ah Wu desperately wanted to earn this favor, hoping Chu Mao would remember her kindness in the future.

Chu Mao’s grip tightened, making Ah Wu’s fingers ache. “Your Highness!”

Chu Mao released her grip. “Did I not tell you not to worry about it?”

“Does Your Highness look down on me as a woman confined to the inner quarters?” Ah Wu retorted. She was not willing to back down on this matter. If she acquiesced to Chu Mao’s words this time, she would have no say in external affairs, let alone protect the Imperial Princess’s lineage.

Chu Mao gave Ah Wu a deep look before saying, “The Tang family is not the best choice. Tang Jinshan may seem aloof, but with so many of his protégés, some have long been secretly colluding with the Sixth Prince, and Tang Jinshan just turns a blind eye. Besides, that old fox is forming factions in the court. If I really rely on him, I am afraid he will become too powerful and control me.”

Ah Wu’s eyes flashed with surprise. Chu Mao’s willingness to tell her these things meant he tacitly agreed that she could discuss state affairs with him. Ah Wu had narrowly won this battle, but now she found Chu Mao exceptionally endearing.

Chu Mao, seeing the joy in Ah Wu’s eyes, relaxed.

“Since Your Highness says so, then let’s leave the Tang family aside. But my second sister-in-law…” Ah Wu said.

Chu Mao pinched Ah Wu’s cheek. “So you are already pleading for mercy?”

Ah Wu smiled mischievously, then said, “But Tang Jinshan is in that position… I am afraid…”

“His Majesty has been bedridden for so long; he has already made arrangements in mind. There’s no sudden change of heart, so who the regents are does not matter. They cannot do anything about it. What matters is His Majesty’s intention.” Chu Mao ruffled Ah Wu’s hair.

The Longqing Emperor’s intention? Ah Wu thought this was truly difficult, even more difficult than treason.

“Does Your Highness know why His Majesty hates the late Empress so much?” Ah Wu asked.

Chu Mao paused, hugged Ah Wu tighter, kissed her forehead, and then said, “I did not understand before, but now I think I understand a little.”

However, no matter how much Ah Wu asked afterward, Chu Mao did not mention it again, so Ah Wu did not dare to ask any more.

Meanwhile, Ah Wu packed her things and moved into Yanjia Hall in the Western Garden with Chu Mao.

Ah Wu rarely went out from Yanjia Hall. Although the Western Garden was large, it was still limited, and there were too many troublesome people; Ah Wu could not avoid them all. Besides, although Chu Mao was the Fourth Prince, princes were not considered valuable in the palace, let alone an unimportant Prince like Chu Mao. So, despite Yanjia Hall being located in a royal villa, its furnishings and amenities were far inferior to those of Prince Qi’s mansion. Ah Wu found life in the Western Garden utterly dull; even with its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate, she could not bring herself to like it.

One day, after Ah Wu had been staying in Yanjia Hall for almost half a month, she had roughly figured out the daily routines and activities of the various high-ranking officials in the palace. Only then did she take Zi-Yi and Bing-Shuang out for a stroll.

However, as soon as they arrived at Guanlan Pavilion, they saw the Fifth Prince, Chu Qin, walking out from behind the pavilion. Ah Wu and he were truly destined to meet again, but since they were already getting closer, there was no time to avoid each other. Ah Wu had no choice but to grit her teeth and move forward.

Meanwhile, Chu Qin also saw Ah Wu. Initially, he was filled with resentment upon seeing her, but upon seeing her appearance, his bones softened, and he felt an urge to embrace her.

That day, Ah Wu wore a duck-egg blue embroidered peach blossom longevity palace dress, making her appear even more graceful and beautiful. Chu Qin felt that she was more beautiful with each sight. This time, he noticed a hint of allure in her brows, like a peony glistening with dew, a peony reflecting the sunset, captivating Chu Qin and almost making him forget his previous encounter.

However, this was, after all, the Western Garden. Chu Qin cursed inwardly, “You filthy bitch, things are different when a man is around. I really want to pin you down and ride you a few times.”

Although Ah Wu did not know Chu Qin’s intentions, his lecherous, squinting eyes disgusted her, so she did not greet him and took a side path.

Encountering Chu Qin was quite disheartening for Ah Wu. She wanted to turn back, but fearing another encounter, she continued walking. Reaching Ji Feng Xuan, she saw Fifth Lady Rong leading her two sons to play inside.

Although the Sixth Prince was not in the Western Garden, his principal wife, He Xin, and his concubine, Fifth Lady Rong, had all moved in with their children, due to the Imperial Concubine missing her grandsons.

Fifth Lady Rong waved her handkerchief at Ah Wu. She had not even become an imperial concubine yet, but she was already putting on airs. Ah Wu smiled and entered Ji Feng Xuan. “What a coincidence.”

“Yi Shou, Yi Shao, quickly greet Fourth Aunt,” Fifth Lady Rong said, leading her two sons by the hand.

As Ah Wu approached, she noticed Fifth Lady Rong’s belly was slightly protruding again. “Again?”

Fifth Lady Rong smiled and nodded. “I wish it were a daughter. These two little monkeys are so mischievous.” Then Fifth Lady Rong looked at Ah Wu’s belly with pity.

In the past, Ah Wu would not have thought anything of Fifth Lady Rong looking at her like that. She had not consummated her marriage with Chu Mao, so naturally, she could not be pregnant. But this time was different. It had been over a month, and Chu Mao had not missed a single day, except when he was away on business. Yet, Ah Wu’s period came as usual. She was somewhat disappointed but could only console herself that it was still too early.

But today, Fifth Lady Rong’s gaze was truly repulsive.

Ah Wu looked at Fifth Lady Rong’s somewhat plump figure, her face rounder, as if she had become a different person. Where was the former charm of the two beauties of the capital?

The two chatted idly. Ah Wu, calculating that her time was almost up, was about to rise when four eunuchs brought in a palanquin. In the Western Garden, only the Emperor, the Empress, and the four Consorts—Noble Consort, Pure Consort, Virtuous Consort, and Worthy Consort—could use palanquins.

Before Ah Wu could move, Fifth Lady Rong went out to greet her, “Greetings, Pure Consort.” Seeing this, Ah Wu had no choice but to go out and bow.

“Rise,” she said, slightly raising her hand after the eunuchs set down the palanquin and helped Yuan Rongmeng out.

The two children also greeted her as “Pure Consort,” and were then led outside by their wet nurses to play.

Once Yuan Rongmeng sat down, she ignored Fifth Lady Rong’s deliberate flattery, her eyes fixed on Ah Wu. She noticed Ah Wu wore a silver-gilt, kingfisher-feather, gemstone-inlaid butterfly hairpin—a very novel design and exquisitely crafted. The butterfly’s body was made of pink tourmaline, its wings inlaid with rubies, and its outer wings were made of seed beads arranged in a diamond shape.

And looked at the gold filigree orchid-inlaid and kingfisher-feather embroidered pouch tied around Ah Wu’s waist. Coral beads strung on the upper and lower silk cords, a gold-threaded veil hung below, adorned with coral seed bead tassels, and teardrop-shaped jade pendants.

Such exquisite jewelry would be hard to find even in the palace, priceless and likely unique in the world. It certainly did not seem like something a third-rank official’s daughter would have in her dowry, making it easy to imagine how much Prince Qi doted on his Princess Consort.

Fifth Lady Rong’s gaze followed Yuan Rongmeng’s, her heart filled with jealousy. The Sixth Prince’s favor towards Fifth Lady Rong had waned; even when it was at its peak, he had never given her such exquisite jewelry.

After carefully observing Ah Wu, Yuan Rongmeng turned to glance at Fifth Lady Rong a few times. Fifth Lady Rong knew that Consort Yuan was implying she should leave, but Consort Yuan was currently very favored in the palace; even Consort Xiang would avoid her. Fifth Lady Rong did not want to see Ah Wu and Consort Yuan getting close, so she hesitated for a moment, deciding to stay a little longer to see what the two of them had to say.

Yuan Rongmeng smiled wryly. “The weather is not too hot today; why does Consort Rong not take the children to play in the front for a while?”

Fifth Lady Rong reluctantly got up.

After Fifth Lady Rong left, Yuan Rongmeng dismissed the surrounding palace servants and sneered at Ah Wu, “Look at you, your cousin has already given birth to two sons, and she’s pregnant again, while you have not shown any signs of pregnancy. You are just sitting there doing nothing.”

Ah Wu thought to herself, Yuan Rongmeng’s words were truly vulgar. Having spent so many years in the remote and impoverished Liaodong region, it was no wonder she lacked manners. What a waste of her beautiful face.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Imperial Highness. But Your Imperial Highness should probably give birth to a Prince to secure your future, lest you be lonely in your old age,” Ah Wu replied. Yuan Rongmeng’s words meant she had completely broken off relations with Ah Wu, so Ah Wu no longer needed to feign affection.

“I will not be lonely in my old age; you are the one who should be worried,” Yuan Rongmeng chuckled.

T/N:
Noble Consort (貴妃; guìfēi)
Pure Consort (淑妃; shūfēi)
Virtuous Consort (德妃; défēi)
Worthy Consort (賢妃; xiánfēi)