Spring Message in the Snow – CH 103

Chapter 103

He wanted to object, but it was futile. Her decision would not change. At most, she could only offer a few words of comfort, and then they would fall silent.

The next day, the carriage was already secured at the gate. He saw her off, his heart aching, but he could not say much, only saying, “Go back and stay there for a day. I will come find you tomorrow.”

Surou stood before the carriage, giving him a deep look, forcing a smile, and saying gently, “No need to rush. Think it over carefully before making a decision…”

Of course, if he was determined to follow the Emperor’s wishes, then there was no need to see each other again, nor to say goodbye, lest both of them be heartbroken.

With the help of a maid, she boarded the carriage. The curtain on the door was not yet lowered. She leaned forward slightly and said to him, “Go back inside.”

He extended his hand to her. “My Lady, I will definitely come find you tomorrow.”

She reached out and shook his hand tightly, saying nothing more.

The carriage started moving. She gazed at him longingly. He stood at the gate watching her until the carriage turned onto the Imperial Street, at which point she reluctantly turned her gaze away.

Quelan could not help but ask softly, “My Lady, has something happened? You and the Heir Apparent are always inseparable; even when Lady Yan suddenly appeared, you were both fine… What happened this time?”

Surou smiled. “Something big has happened, something even bigger than Lady Yan’s appearing.”

Quelan was completely bewildered. Surou did not want to elaborate, so she leaned against the window, gazing blankly at the bustling traffic outside. Back at the Zhang Mansion, all the sisters had already married, leaving only Qingrou and Yingrou, who were not often at Suihua Garden. Entering the garden, she suddenly felt a bit lonely, only seeing Cichun leading several second-class maids, planting flower seedlings in the garden.

Turning around, Cichun saw her enter and quickly greeted her, “Second Mistress,” while sending someone inside to announce her arrival. She herself stepped forward to greet her, smiling. “Grandmother was just mentioning you, Mistress. I did not expect you to be back so soon.”

Surou casually replied, “I have not paid my respects to Grandmother for several days. I had some free time today, so I came back to see you.” She then entered the main room.

The Grand Madam was sitting on the couch, selecting leftover incense from last year. Seeing her enter, she greeted her with a smile, “I’ve been missing you. Zhirou and Jirou are both married, and Mianmian does not come back often either. I am really not used to it.” As she spoke, she waved her hand, ordering someone to remove the tray of incense, and pointed to a seat beside her, saying, “Come, sit down, and let’s talk.”

Surou sat down as instructed. As soon as she sat down, she noticed the Grand Madam staring intently at her face. She laughed. “Grandmother, what’s wrong? Do you not recognize me?”

The Grand Madam herself chuckled awkwardly. “I heard that the concubine gave birth, and I was afraid you’d be upset. I wanted to go see you, but I was worried this would not be appropriate, so I stayed home waiting for your news. How is it? Is it a boy?”

Surou nodded, her mind preoccupied with another matter, which made her appear rather heavy. The Grand Madam, unaware of this, assumed she was worried about the eldest son born of a concubine and comforted her, “Even though it’s a boy, you do not need to worry. Zhiniang has been in the household for so long; she’s not one to cause trouble, and I doubt she’d try to gain status through her son and become your equal. You are the legal mother; you can raise the child in your own room. Whoever raises him will be closer to him. If you treat him sincerely, he will naturally be filial to you.” She paused, then asked, “Has he been named yet? What is his name?”

Surou said, “Oh,” and wrote it on her palm for the Grand Madam to see.

The Grand Madam sighed softly, “It’s a good name. After all, he’s his own flesh and blood; it’s only right to love him…” She then looked at Surou’s expression and said gently, “Su’er, you are a magnanimous child. You will not be upset about something you were prepared for, will you?”

Surou looked up, realizing the Grand Madam had misunderstood, and said, “Grandmother, I like that child very much. I will not be unhappy just because Zhiniang gave birth to a son. What’s troubling me is something else…” She paused, and after a long while, mustered her courage to tell her grandmother the whole story, “Yesterday, he reported the news of the child’s birth to the Emperor. I thought he would let us return to Longyou because he has an heir, but… the Emperor feels that a son born of a concubine is not important enough. He wants him to divorce me and elevate Zhiniang to the status of principal wife so that Yun’er can inherit the title in the future. I’ve thought about it, but this matter is not up to me to decide, so I came back today to give him room to consider. If he follows the Emperor’s orders, he should be able to return to Longyou without any trouble…”

“And what about you? What did you do wrong to ruin your life for their power struggle?” The Grand Madam roared in anger, pounding her knees. “I knew it—I knew this would happen from the very beginning of the marriage. I only hoped the Emperor would be merciful and show some leniency, but it still came to this. Is he not a renowned, benevolent ruler, the most refined and kind-hearted Emperor in history? How could he come up with such a despicable scheme? A perfectly good marriage, just like that, broken up! People say it’s better to tear down ten temples than to destroy one marriage. Does this Emperor have no compassion at all? Your father even deserved to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple! Is this how he treats the descendants of meritorious officials?”

Seeing her grandmother’s face turn pale with anger, Surou quickly went forward with Nanny Feng to soothe her.

Nanny Feng said, “Grand Madam, please calm down. Second Mistress is in a situation like this and is waiting for your advice. If you upset yourself, what will become of Second Mistress?”

Surou agreed, “Grandma, please… Please calm down. If you get sick because of me, it will make me even more miserable. I think marriage is predestined. Meeting this obstacle is a test of character, not necessarily a bad thing. If he can abandon his marital bond and return to Longyou, then such a person is not worthy of my trust. Even if we overcome this difficulty, what will become of him when he’s far away?” She patted her mother’s chest and forced a smile, “The Emperor said that if we divorce, he will bestow upon me the title of County Lady, preserving my dignity.”

But the Grand Madam knew her too well. She glanced at her and said, “Do you really care about this title? Is it just a free gift? The Emperor is just an ordinary man. He’s been playing the role for so long that he’s become involved. If he’s upright and wants to give you an explanation, then bestowing an imperial title would not be unreasonable. The real fear is that he will become clingy and disregard his reputation, ruining your name.”

The Grand Madam guessed correctly. Surou felt ashamed and lowered her head in thought for a moment before saying, “If I cannot remain aloof, I will become a nun. Relying on my past good relationships, I might be able to continue running the girls’ school.”

However, this was met with a rejection from the Grand Madam. “When you were the Heir Apparent’s wife, the inability to continue running the girls’ school was a loss for all the noble ladies in the capital; if you become a nun, then your girls’ school will become second-rate. Even if students are willing to come, they will probably only be commoners.”

“Then go teach commoners! Why should ordinary people not be refined?”

The Grand Madam said, “Refined pursuits are a pastime after a good meal. Ordinary people are busy making a living; occasionally, burning incense is enough. Nobody cares whether the ash is pressed tightly or loosely, or whether the foam gathers or scatters. Even if you have students, they might come today and not tomorrow, ultimately only adding to your sadness. Besides, nuns are often looked down upon. Their reputation has been ruined by those before them. If they hadn’t opened their own school, they would have suffered endless losses. Why would a perfectly good young lady from an official family want to become a nun?”

Surou was increasingly disappointed, saying sadly, “Am I forced to obey the Emperor’s wishes?”

The Grand Madam said no, after some deliberation, “The Zhang family’s roots are in Hengtang, and we still have property there. Your grandfather passed the imperial examination in Suzhou before coming to the capital to serve as an official. That residence has always been there, guarded by two old servants. In my opinion, if things truly cannot be relied upon, then your grandmother will accompany you to Hengtang. Hengtang is a wonderful place, a small town in Jiangnan, with beautiful mountains and clear waters. While it may not be as grand as the capital, the people there are simpler, and the social circles are more straightforward. There, we can cultivate our character. If you wish, you can open a teahouse and live a leisurely life. If you meet a good husband in the future, you can remarry—it would not be bad. Why put yourself in the limelight of the capital?”

Surou was surprised. Her previously bleak future had suddenly become clear after the Grand Madam’s explanation.

“Grandmother, will you come with me to Hengtang? But how can I leave this whole family in the capital behind…?”

Crand Madam Zhang said, “I’ve been managing this household for decades, enduring until your grandfather passed away and my sons all got married and started their own families. It’s finally time for me to relax a bit. Actually, I’d really like to live in Hengtang for a few years. I only went once before, after my marriage, with your grandfather, for a short two-week stay, and I fell in love with it immediately. Now that the capital has become a place of sorrow, it would be wonderful for us to find a secluded paradise and live a peaceful life.”

Surou finally shed tears. “Grandma,” she said, choking back tears, “thank you so much for your love…”

Seeing the grandmother and granddaughter like this, Nanny Feng’s eyes also reddened. Wiping away her tears, she comforted her, “Second Mistress, do not cry. Grand Madam’s idea is wonderful! A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. This old woman will have to go with her to serve her and see for herself the wonderful place Grand Madam always talked about.”

When faced with setbacks, there was no need to rush around like a headless fly. Calm down and prepare a way out. Having a way out would give one peace of mind, prevent one from being swayed by others, and avoid being led around by the nose.

Of course, this was a last resort; no one wanted things to develop to that point. The Grand Madam said, “I do not think Jie Ran is that kind of person. Although he handled the Zhiniang matter improperly, aside from that, there’s nothing else to criticize. Anyway, do not worry for now; let’s wait and see. What if he does not intend to follow the Emperor’s lead? Would all our tears not have been all for naught?”

Surou nodded, but despite saying this, her worries could not be lessened. After all, this was not a trivial matter. Between a wife and one’s future, even one’s life, which was more important? Most men would not even consider it.

Later, the grandmother and granddaughter deliberately avoided the topic. The Grand Madam brought up Qingrou and Xun Zheng’s marriage. Originally, it was said that the Zhang family would provide the house and maids after the marriage. After all, Third Young Master Xun was far from home, living in the army year-round, and his rank was not high. She worried that with his salary, settling a family would be somewhat difficult. However, unexpectedly, when he visited the Grand Madam the other day, he reported that everything was already prepared. He bought the old house of Sun Zhuangyuan before he passed the imperial examination, and ordered it to be renovated inside and out. He also prepared more than a dozen servants, enough to serve two people.

Surou was surprised. “Young Master Xun is indeed thoughtful, but such extravagance will likely deplete his accumulated salary over the years.”

Grand Madam Zhang laughed. “This child is quite reserved. He only revealed the truth about his family when it came time for his engagement. It turns out the Xun family was quite wealthy in Haizhou, owning twenty-four pharmacies along Huainan East Road. Their ancestors had been dealing with herbs for generations. He disliked medicine from a young age, preferring martial arts, so he joined the army, rising through the ranks from Gaoyou to Xinyang, and then to Lulong, where he remains today. I was initially worried Qingrou would face hardship, but she’s blessed. Third Young Master Xun is upright and reliable, and now he holds an official rank. We are not afraid of being compared to the Li family; even if people talk about it, we will look good.”

Surou was very happy for Qingrou, saying, “They have no worries about food and drink, no in-laws to set rules, and no gossipy sisters-in-law. The young couple can live a simple and peaceful life; they know how wonderful that is.”

The Grand Madam agreed, “It’s fortunate that Jie Ran has such discerning eyes…”

The conversation eventually circled back to Helian Song. Although she tried her best to avoid mentioning him, she could not shake the feeling of unease. The Grand Madam kept glancing towards the door, secretly hoping someone would come in to announce that Helian Song had arrived, at least to give a definite answer and say something comforting to put the elders at ease.

Unfortunately, he did not show up even by evening. The Grand Madam could not help but feel disappointed. She knew that people’s hearts were most vulnerable to tests, and the Emperor was truly a master at manipulating human nature. With such conditions, who would not be cautious?

Surou, preoccupied with her own thoughts, hastily finished her evening meal and returned to Qiandui Xue Courtyard to rest.

She said she was going to rest, but her eyelids were heavy, and her mind would not stop. She tossed and turned for a long time, vaguely glancing at the water clock on her desk—it was the second watch, then the third…and dawn had not broken yet.

He said he would come to see her the next day; all her hope rested on that day. If he came, she would have chosen the right person, and her life would have been worthwhile; but if he did not come, then, as her grandmother had said, she could go back to their hometown of Hengtang and spend the rest of her life there—it did not seem too unbearable.

Thinking back and forth, her heart was in turmoil all night. Finally, it was dawn. The weather warmed up, the night was not so long anymore, and the window paper gradually brightened. Usually, she would see him off to court, but now that he was not by her side, she did not know what to do. Lying down, her back ached, so she decided to get up. Having nothing to do, she stood on the veranda, watching the vast expanse of red clouds rise on the horizon, watching the sun peek out with a golden edge, and then, calmly and slowly, let its golden rays spread across the entire capital city.

Before the Daqing Hall, the eastern wall obscured half the square. As the sun rose higher, the shadows receded, and the magnificent halls were bathed in a golden light.

In the court, the Privy Councilor was reporting on the border situation. Longyou was naturally at the forefront. “We received an urgent report from eight hundred li away: the Left Commandant has raised an army in Kuozhou, directly attacking Xining Prefecture. Fortunately, they were blocked by the Zhenwu Army and temporarily held off near the border city. However, the Longyou Protectorate has yet to send troops, the Prince of Wukang is still ill, and the Longyou Army is leaderless. If this continues, I fear the Zhenwu Army will not be able to hold out for long.”

Since the court discussion had reached Longyou, all the officials inevitably sought a successor to the Prince of Wukang. However, the seat where Helian Song should have stood was empty; he had not attended today’s court assembly.

The Emperor, seated at the head, was ashen-faced. Although he knew why Helian Song had not attended, he was still displeased. However, patience was needed for now, allowing him to release some pent-up emotions. Therefore, discussions were held with the Privy Council to quell the mutiny in Longyou, with the plan to first dispatch the Dingbian Army from the Xihe Road to provide reinforcements.

Grand Tutor Hang, ever astute, said with clasped hands, “Distant water cannot quench a nearby fire. The Prince of Wukang has been ill since last winter. Does Your Majesty not understand the reason? He claims to be seriously ill, but who knows if he’s using this as a pretext to petition the court to recall the Heir Apparent? Currently, there’s internal strife in Longyou. Whether it’s the Jishi Army or the Dingbian Army, it’s treating the symptoms, not the root cause. Sending more troops is futile because the root of the problem is not the rebellion of the Left Commandant, but the Heir Apparent’s right to return to his position. The late Emperor promised the Prince of Wukang that he would be allowed to return to Longyou once the Heir Apparent came of age. Now the Heir Apparent is married and has a son. If Your Majesty continues to obstruct this, it will likely anger the Prince of Wukang and alienate Longyou.”

Grand Tutor Hang was always stern in his words. Recently, when officials petitioned for the release of the Heir Apparent, the Emperor repeatedly delayed, showing no sincerity whatsoever. Now that things were urgent, what was the use of mobilizing troops everywhere? If this provoked the Prince of Wukang to the point of desperation, even abandoning his son, and Longyou then sided with Western Xia, what would the Emperor do then?

The Emperor naturally understood the gravity of the situation, but given the current predicament, releasing Helian Song back to Longyou was inevitable. He merely wanted to satisfy a small portion of his own desires while still having room to maneuver.

“This matter has been discussed with the Heir Apparent…”

But before he could finish speaking, a person dressed in a single layer of clothing, with disheveled hair and bare feet, strode towards the center of the square.

The Emperor’s expression immediately changed. Everyone noticed and turned to look. Upon closer inspection, they saw that it was Helian Song, and they exchanged bewildered glances.

The eunuchs who had accompanied him tried to persuade him earnestly, but he remained unmoved. Upon reaching the court, he raised his royal robes and crown above his head, shouted, “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s cultivation,” and then kowtowed.

The Emperor, unable to remain seated, stood up and shouted, “Helian Song, what are you doing!”

The man in the hall, kneeling, bowed respectfully and said, “The most precious thing in life is to live according to one’s aspirations. I am unworthy; my heart yearns for a secluded life in the mountains, and I am ill-suited for such a heavy responsibility. Therefore, I resign my title of Heir Apparent and return the golden seal. I hope Your Majesty will find another capable advisor to assist you. Even in the mountains, I hope for peace and stability throughout the land and for the people to submit to your rule.” Then, with great fanfare, he prostrated himself and cried out, “Long live the Emperor!” with a heartfelt intensity.

He entered the hall in plain clothes, thus beginning his complete confrontation with the Emperor. Previously, both sides had exercised restraint and tested each other, neither willing to escalate the situation beyond repair. However, the situation had changed, and people’s hearts were restless. Everyone wanted their own satisfaction, so the conflict was bound to reach its peak; this day was not unexpected.

The Emperor sneered and nodded repeatedly. “Good! Very good! You dare threaten me with the stripping of your title? Are you not afraid I will execute you and your entire family!”

Zhang Ju and Zhang Zhi, terrified, rushed forward, raising their tablets and pleading, “Your Majesty… please calm your anger. The Heir Apparent is young and impetuous, and, understandably, he might act rashly and make a mistake. Please forgive him this time, for the sake of our past friendship and the Prince of Wukang.”

Although the Emperor was furious, he understood the gravity of the situation and did not want things to escalate further. He looked at Helian Song and said, “Your behavior is absurd, but I cannot stoop to your level. Quickly remove your crown… Take back your official robes and seal, and I will pretend today’s events never happened, and I will spare your life.”

Unfortunately, Helian Song had no intention of backing down. He straightened up and said, “Since I removed my official robes and entered the Daqing Hall, I was prepared to be punished by Your Majesty. My wife and I are husband and wife, and we have never thought of separating in this life. If Your Majesty forces me to betray her, then I would rather not return to Longyou than take a concubine as my wife and break the established order. My wife went to her parents’ home yesterday, and my decision was made without consulting her; it was all my own idea. If Your Majesty wishes to punish me, I am willing to submit to the law, and my wife is innocent. Please, Your Majesty, do not make things difficult for her.”

He did not explain the reasons to the court officials, but his words were enough to leave a lasting impression.

Back when Lady Zhang was still unmarried, rumors circulated that both the Emperor and the Heir Apparent favored her. However, the entanglement between a nobleman and a beauty was always considered a respectable affair, and no one saw anything wrong with it. Later, Lady Zhang married the Heir Apparent, and everyone thought the matter was settled. But now, the Heir Apparent had stormed into the court with such a resolute attitude to resign his title, his words revealing a murky undercurrent of events. It was inevitable that people would wonder what the Emperor’s true purpose was in ordering him to take his concubine as his wife.