Spring Message in the Snow – CH 085

Chapter 85

These words were spoken with conviction, causing the Princess to frown. “If it were an ordinary woman, selling her would be one thing, but she’s someone’s old acquaintance. If you just sell her off so easily… I am afraid things will not end well later.”

Sujie grew increasingly indignant, while Surou sighed even more deeply, shaking her head, “She cannot be sold… It was diagnosed a couple of days ago; she’s pregnant.”

“What?” Sujie was practically dizzy with anger. “I never imagined Uncle Helian was that kind of person. I always thought he was a gentleman, upright and honest. So many people offered him women, yet he remained unmoved, unlike those young masters in the capital. But it turns out he doesn’t play games. When he’s in love, he’s more terrifying than a promiscuous person. Every time he’s deeply in love, he manages to harm a different woman every time.”

Surou smiled bitterly. “Who says otherwise?” She then said to Sujie, “You said you’d come with me, and I appreciated it, but you are a young lady from a respectable family; you should not get involved in this kind of thing.”

The Princess also said, “She’s just a mistress; is it really worth people of your status going to greet her? Just send a few servants to bring her back.” She glanced helplessly at Surou. “It’s tough on you; you’ve only been married a short time, and you already have to clean up this mess for him.”

Surou’s face was pale and somewhat cold. Her hand, resting on the corner of the table, slowly tightened its grip on her handkerchief. She said sadly, “I have to pretend to be magnanimous. In front of Jie Ran, I cannot be jealous or resentful, especially now that she’s pregnant… Basically, I cannot hit her, I cannot scold her, and if I bring her back, I have to treat her well.”

Sujie said, “Then I am even more determined to go with you. If she dares to be disrespectful to you, you can tell Uncle Helian yourself. He might not believe you, but I will be your witness. He will have no choice but to believe me.”

She was so passionate; once she made up her mind, she would not change it.

The Princess knew she could not dissuade her. Sujie was always loyal and principled; there was nothing she could do. However, the fact that his mistress was pregnant was suspicious. Could such a coincidence really happen, especially since Helian Song was about to return to Longyou…

“I heard she was a courtesan from a merchant caravan, traveling far and wide, and had seen countless men…” the Princess said tactfully. “Even if we were to bring her back, we should verify it carefully.”

Surou became even more embarrassed. “He’s always been meticulous in his work. He said he had someone check her pulse before settling her in, and she even drank some abortifacient. After taking her in, he arranged for someone to attend to her closely at the villa. It’s been almost two months now, and the timing is perfect, so it’s undoubtedly his child.”

Then everyone fell silent. The Princess and her daughter looked at Surou with pity.

The next day, preparing to fetch her, Surou called for Governess Wu. When the group arrived at Chunming Ward, the sky was somewhat overcast. Governess Wu was very enthusiastic; to her, as long as it was the master’s child, it did not matter who gave birth to it. Upon entering, she busied herself, instructing the servants in the courtyard to hurry and prepare, for “The Princess Consort has come to fetch the Lady back to the manor.”

Sujie glanced at Governess Wu and whispered to Surou, “That old woman is as happy as if it were a festival.”

At this moment, a young woman emerged from the room. Her hair was loosely styled in a bun, and her features were very beautiful. However, her beauty lacked solemnity, carrying a hint of frivolity. Upon seeing her, Surou sighed, remarking that Helian Song had made an excellent choice; at first glance, she seemed perfectly suited to the role of a courtesan. She herself could now be certain that the fool and she would never have an affair.

When Zhiniang saw Governess Wu, her peach-blossom eyes welled up with tears. She was both surprised and delighted and tentatively called out, “Are you Governess Wu?”

Governess Wu vaguely remembered Zhiniang’s appearance, but so many years had passed, and the young girl had changed so much that she could no longer recognize her features. However, her intuition told her that this was the same little girl from before, and a natural sense of closeness welled up within her. She smiled and stepped forward, saying, “I am Governess Wu. Do you still remember me, madam?”

Zhiniang nodded. “I always slept with you back then, Nanny. You took care of me all the way. How could I not remember?”

As they reminisced, Sujie coughed loudly. “So you’ve already recognized each other? Nanny, do not forget why you’ve come today.”

Governess Wu then snapped out of her reverie, chuckling awkwardly as she introduced Zhiniang, pointing to Sujie, “This is County Princess Jinxiang.” Then she pointed to Surou… “This is the Princess Consort of the mansion. Quickly pay your respects to her.”

Surou looked at her calmly. Even when Zhiniang knelt, she did not utter a word of apology, only coldly smiling, “You are so delicate and pampered now. This little courtyard is no place for anyone. Come back to the mansion with me.”

Zhiniang was clearly afraid of her. She glanced at her timidly, and after being helped up by Governess Wu, she shrank back, as if the ground beneath her feet would not allow her to stand. She said in a trembling voice, “Please…please forgive me, Princess Consort.”

Surou sneered, “Forgive what? For getting pregnant with the Heir Apparent’s child before me? You do not need to blame yourself. After all, the Heir Apparent and I had a proper marriage with all the proper betrothal rites, which took some time. Unlike you, who’s willing to submit just because you have a place to live.”

Sujie, listening from the side, felt very satisfied. She had previously worried that Surou was too magnanimous, letting this young woman in so easily. Now, seeing how sharp her words were, even a clay figure had some temper. To speak kindly to this woman who stole her husband would not be normal; she’d be a bodhisattva enshrined in a shrine.

Sure enough, Zhiniang blushed, utterly ashamed. Governess Wu, unable to bear it any longer, said softly, “Your Highness, please do not be harsh on her, considering she’s pregnant. If she harms the baby, it will be difficult to explain to the master. Since we are here to fetch her, just bring her back smoothly. After serving her tea, let her serve Your Highness. I think Your Highness, being so magnanimous, will not make things difficult for her.”

Surou glared at Governess Wu. “Nanny, you do not need to flatter me. The prince originally said he’d leave her outside, but I insisted on bringing her back. Now that I’ve given my consent, I’m naturally magnanimous. As for her, if she can’t even handle a few words, then she’s too delicate.”

Sujie chimed in, “Nanny, you pity her for carrying the Heir Apparent’s child, but do not forget, the Princess Consort is the rightful head of the household. Do not go praying to the wrong person.”

Governess Wu, embarrassed by the County Princess’s words, did not dare offend her and could only bow her head and smile apologetically. “That’s not what I meant at all. I just felt sorry for her being pregnant and begged the Princess Consort for mercy.”

Surou had given her a good show of force, so she said no more, turning around and tossing out, “No need to rush to pack. The Prince’s Mansion has everything. Just go there.” She then took Sujie and left, boarding the carriage again.

Sujie peeked out from behind the curtain. Governess Wu was bustling about inside. Sujie scoffed, “That old nanny’s gone mad. She serves this young woman like a dutiful son or grandson.”

Surou lowered her eyes and smoothed the wrinkles on her knees. “They are old acquaintances; their bond is deeper than mine. I recently wrested Governess Wu’s control of the household, and she does not like me. Now that someone’s pregnant with the Heir Apparent’s child, does she not treat her with all her heart?”

Sujie sighed, “They’ve become like family, while you’ve become an outsider.”

“That’s right,” Surou retorted, equally indignant.

After waiting for a while, the young woman finally finished getting ready and, supported by a maid, boarded the carriage behind. Si’er, cracking his whip, led the way back. Sujie lowered the curtain at the window, intentionally diverting Surou’s attention to other matters. “In a few days, it will be the Empress’s birthday. All the ladies of the court will go to Renming Hall to offer their congratulations. Aunt, have you prepared your gift yet?”

Surou, having spent many years in the palace, was intimately familiar with anniversaries such as the Empress Dowager’s death anniversary, the Emperor’s birthday, and the Empress’s birthday. Of course, she had prepared her gift well in advance, consisting of rare treasures with auspicious names like “Ten Thousand Blessings and Longevity.” Pearls were currently fashionable in the palace, and Helian Song had ordered the search for the finest South Sea pearls, the largest, as large as sparrow eggs. Although the Emperor had repeatedly emphasized frugality within the palace, receiving a thoughtful gift on such a joyous occasion was not a major fault.

The two chatted idly as they slowly returned to West Ji’er Lane.

The carriage stopped in front of the Duke of Wen’s residence. A maidservant stepped forward to assist Sujie as she alighted. Surou leaned forward and said, “Thank you for accompanying me today. If Her Highness asks, please make an excuse for me; it would be too embarrassing to tell.”

Sujie shook her handkerchief. “I understand.”

But Surou knew in her heart that Sujie would definitely tell the whole story to the Princess. She had genuinely intended to bring Sujie along as a witness. If Sujie knew, then the Princess would know, and only if the Princess knew could the news reach the Emperor’s ears in a tangible way.

Unfortunately, the truth had to be kept from Governess Wu. Governess Wu was kept in the dark, protecting Zhiniang with utmost diligence.

Upon arriving home, the Princess ascended her seat, awaiting the concubine’s tea service. Zhiniang knelt on a brocade cushion, presenting the teacup. Surou accepted it, took a sip, and routinely gave her instructions: “From now on, in this household, obedience is paramount. Do not overstep your bounds, do not be jealous, and do not commit any wrongdoings. Serve your master wholeheartedly and fulfill your duties. The Hengfen Courtyard in the west will be assigned to you, along with four maids and two lowly servants. If anything is lacking, just ask Governess Wu. Governess Wu is very diligent; she will take good care of you without my instructions.”

Zhiniang agreed. A maid beside her helped her to her feet, and she said demurely, “I am new to the Prince’s Mansion and fear I might make mistakes. If I have done anything improper, I beg Your Highness’s correction.”

Surou hummed in agreement, then said in a composed manner, “Our household is not large, unlike other mansions where there are many people, young and old, with countless rules and regulations to follow. Here, just remember your place, be respectful, and content. You are pregnant now, so taking care of the pregnancy is the most important thing. Do not worry about anything else. Remember, the child is here, and so are you. If anything happens to the child, this mansion will not tolerate you, understand?”

Zhiniang replied, “I will remember your teachings, Your Highness, and will certainly take good care of the pregnancy so as not to cause you any worry.”

Surou lowered her eyes wearily, raising her hand to rub her forehead. “You must be tired after all this work. Go back and rest. When the master returns, I will have him come to see you.”

Zhiniang responded with a “Yes,” bowed politely, and withdrew from the main room.

On the way back to Hengfen Courtyard, Governess Wu, worried that she might not be adjusting well, tried her best to comfort her, saying, “The Princess Consort is, after all, the mistress of the household, so it’s inevitable that she will speak a bit forcefully. Do not take it to heart. However, she’s right about one thing: your priority right now is to focus on your pregnancy. You must know this is the Lord’s eldest child. If it’s a boy, you will have a future where you are valued because of your son.”

Zhiniang said shyly, “Thank you for your kind words, Nanny. I also hope it’s a boy. It’s not that I am hoping for a son to bring me status; I’ve been wandering alone for many years. This child is my own flesh and blood. With him, I will have family from now on. How can I not take good care of him?”

Governess Wu said, “Now that you are in this Prince’s mansion, are you still afraid of wandering? The Lord is also your closest relative. With a child, you will naturally be closer than with others.” The so-called “others” were obvious.

Upon hearing this, Zhiniang smiled weakly. Looking ahead, she saw a charming little courtyard not far away, a fiery red maple tree in the courtyard boldly painting the somewhat waning early winter with vibrant color.

Meanwhile, Helian Song, having finished court, returned directly without going to the yamen. Upon entering, he said to Surou, “Today in court, the Emperor dismissed Xuanzhi Yang from his post as commander of the Lulong Army and ordered me to go there temporarily to mediate.”

Surou was surprised. “Are you not in charge of the Four Elite Armies? What does the Lulong Army have to do with you? Why are you being sent?”

He removed his official robes and explained, “The Four Elite Armies are the Imperial Guards, while the Lulong Army is an elite fighting force. Their functions are different, and their jurisdiction is also different. I suppose the Emperor intends for me to familiarize myself with military deployment so that I can quickly adapt to combat when I return to Longyou. Furthermore…” He turned to look at her. “Her Majesty’s birthday is approaching, and you are going to the palace to offer your congratulations. His Majesty’s decision to send me to Youzhou at this time may not be without its own purpose.”

Surou paused, “There are so many noblewomen inside and outside the palace; it’s not just me. You do not need to worry. Besides, the Emperor is the ruler of the land; he knows what’s important. Would he really send you away just to get closer to me?” She chuckled, “You overestimate me.”

But he was still somewhat dejected, leaning against the long table by the window, and said with his head down, “I was worrying unnecessarily…”

Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling on his shoulders. He had changed into a light blue round-necked robe, and leaning against the window, his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs appeared even more pronounced.

Surou quietly looked at him. His eyelashes were lowered, his eyebrows were handsome, and his profile was exquisitely beautiful. This man seemed to possess a beauty that changed with every passing moment. His youthful experiences on the frontier had instilled in him arrogance and aloofness, while the treacherous capital had forged his unparalleled elegance. He was a cup of warm wine in a chaotic world, a vibrant spring in her eyes. Looking back now, she was astonished at how much she had once disliked him, even regretting not having fallen for him sooner.

A long silence followed, and he remained anxious about the possibilities that might arise. He glanced at her worriedly, then, seeing her staring at him, he paused, startled. “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Surou smiled, pursing her lips. “I love looking at you, because you are handsome.”

As soon as she said that, his worries vanished. He smiled shyly. “Really? You really think I am handsome?” He leaned closer, his handsome face magnified before hers, and said without a hint of modesty, “Then look at me a little longer. I am going to Youzhou, and I will not see you for several days.”

She obliged, scrutinizing him closely, cupping his face, and murmuring, “How can you be so handsome? My husband is far more handsome than the Emperor.”

She knew what he most wanted to hear; saying it made him overjoyed.

Then he hugged her tightly. “My wife, you have such good taste! You know how to appreciate me so well.”

Surou chuckled and kissed him on the cheek, saying, “Of course! If it were not for your good looks, all the things you’ve done would have been enough for me to kill you.” She then added, “I’ve brought Zhiniang back and settled her in Hengfen Courtyard. You should go see her when you have time.”

He seemed uninterested. “Bringing her back is enough. There’s nothing to see.”

Surou said, “She just arrived; it would be good to go and say hello. Besides, with so many people watching in the mansion, it would not be right for you to be too cold.”

He sighed, “Do I have to spend the night in her courtyard to cover up the lie?”

Surou glanced at him sideways. “She’s pregnant; you cannot do anything by staying overnight. Besides, I am jealous, so if you do not go, you can have a proper argument with me, and that will smooth things over.”

He suddenly realized, “That’s right, I did not even think of that.”

It was not that he had not thought of it, but rather that he was looking for evidence that his wife cared about him.

Surou straightened his collar, and the two walked westward together. As they walked ahead, the maids and servants in the garden sighed behind them. Even someone as capable as the Princess Consort was helpless in this situation. They probably would not let that woman be so smug in the future, but now that she was pregnant, they had to give her some leeway.

The maidservant in the courtyard welcomed her in. Zhiniang quickly emerged from the inner room, respectfully bowing to Helian Song and addressing him as “Master.”

Helian Song looked around and gently instructed, “You are pregnant now. If you have anything you want to eat or drink, do not hold back. Just tell the servants.”

Zhiniang replied, “Yes, I will take good care of myself. Please rest assured, Master and Lady.” Then, seemingly realizing her answer was too abrupt and unbecoming of a concubine, she adopted a coquettish tone: “Master, I’d like some honey olives and sugar-coated crisps.”

Helian Song agreed, then turned to the maidservant beside him and instructed, “Did you hear Lady Yan’s instructions? Go and carry them out quickly.” He paused, then added, “I am going to Youzhou tomorrow, and I am afraid I will not be back for a few days. I’ve discussed it with the Princess Consort; you are pregnant, so you should take good care of yourself. There’s no need for daily greetings. I will arrange everything outside; you just need to focus on your pregnancy. I will come to see you again when I return from Youzhou.”

Zhiniang nodded. “The weather is getting colder, and Youzhou and the capital are a hundred miles apart. My Lord, please take good care of yourself.” She added, “Zhiniang will be waiting for your return.”

Helian Song nodded, softening his tone as he instructed, “Take good care of yourself.” Then he turned to Surou and said, “My Lady, please prepare some changes of clothes for me so I can take them to Youzhou tomorrow.”

Surou said, “Oh,” and walked out of the courtyard with him. She glanced back after walking a short distance and saw Zhiniang still standing on the veranda. Once they were far away, she quickly turned and went back inside.

She found it somewhat amusing. Perhaps it was her suspicious nature; she had carefully observed their words and actions earlier. These two were trying hard to create the impression of being affectionate and loyal, but unfortunately, they had not succeeded. It was fortunate that she had brought her back. Visiting her occasionally was not difficult; if he had to make a special trip for her through Chunming Ward, it would always take time, which would be torture for Helian Song. Besides, she was also wary, fearing that they might develop feelings for each other over time and that their pretense might become real—would that not be disastrous?

She remained silent the whole way. Helian Song secretly observed her expression, thinking she was unhappy, and timidly called out, “My Lady.”

Surou tilted her head to look at him. “What’s wrong?”

“You are not overthinking things, are you?” He took her hand and said, “My heart is pure, and my loyalty is unwavering.”

Surou said no, “From the first moment I saw Zhiniang, I knew you two had no affair.”

He breathed a sigh of relief, lowering the knife from his neck, but could not help feeling smug. He recklessly asked her, “If I really did have an affair and got her pregnant, what would you do?”

“What would I do…” She turned her gaze and smiled. “A divorce, of course. What else can you do? After the divorce, my girls’ school can continue to operate. If I can meet an honest and upright man who does not take concubines, I can remarry; it’s not impossible.”

His eyes suddenly dimmed at her words. “You’ve thought so far ahead…”

Surou gazed at the clear blue sky, squinting, and said, “In this world, life is hard for women. If you betray me, I cannot hang myself on one tree; I have to find another way to live. But I know you are sincere towards me, so no matter where you are, no matter how far away you are, I will wait for you single-mindedly…” She turned to look at him. “No matter what others say or do, I will be single-mindedly waiting for you to return.”