Chapter 65 – Cloud Halting

Chapter 65 - Cloud Halting

Though the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan Yun had been recovered, many tribes from Bei Xi still refused to submit. Thus, Prince Jingbei was busy dispatching large armies to quell rebellions and sending officials to govern each province, leaving no time to visit his newborn daughter in Yan Yun.

Princess Yi Yang paid no heed to this. After the war settled, she returned to Guangping City in Prince Jingbei's domain with her child. The infant was frail and born with deficiencies, so she needed careful nurturing. Having exhausted herself, Princess Yi Yang focused on recuperating. Besides, there was Rong Bi, who was also convalescing. She sent someone to the capital to check on Yuan Jun and learned that, despite a severe illness, he was currently safe. With her heart at ease, she dedicated herself to caring for Rong Bi.

With everything in order, life was tranquil. Rong Bi, now having more free time, began studying various medicinal diets. Her wounds gradually healed, and she often accompanied the princess in the inner courtyard, chatting while watching the little princess.

In the blink of an eye, the little princess approached her hundredth day. Under the careful treatment of the court physicians and the rotation of capable wet nurses, she grew stronger. Her features developed, and her limbs became more robust. According to folklore, giving a child a humble nickname made them easier to raise. Concerned for her daughter's well-being, Princess Yi Yang gave her the nickname Ru Pu. Just like the humble and resilient reed, she wished for her daughter to grow up safely.

Princess Yi Yang chose four wet nurses to take turns breastfeeding and allowed them to bring their own children into the inner courtyard. Grateful, the wet nurses tended to the little princess with extra care.

The princess openly discussed these matters with Rong Bi: "Many high-ranking families and even the palace select wet nurses, forbidding them from bringing their own children. This not only disrupts human relationships but also goes against nature. Besides, the wet nurses' concern for their own offspring could affect their milk production. It's better to let them bring their children here, taking turns to feed. This way, we can win their loyalty, and it also serves as leverage. Children are a mother's weakness; for the sake of their children's future, they will only be more attentive to Ru Pu."

Although Rong Bi didn't fully understand why the princess shared such details with her, she had been receiving frequent guidance lately, so she simply acknowledged it. As winter approached, the princess noticed a sunny day. The court physician had mentioned that the child's constitution was weak and required ample sunlight exposure. She instructed the wet nurse to take the princess to the courtyard for sunbathing and ordered the preparation of warm water infused with mugwort and other medicinal herbs for a bath during the warmest part of the day.

A large copper basin was placed in the center of the courtyard, filled with water warmed by the fragrant mugwort leaves. Soft gauze bags were submerged in the water to hold the baby during the bath. A small brazier stood by the fence, with a copper kettle heating water for topping up as needed. The courtyard was draped with thick curtains, shielding against the cold winter winds while allowing the soft, precious winter sunlight to shine upon the basin.

Additional charcoal braziers were lit around the curtains, creating a spring-like warmth. Only then did the wet nurses carry the princess out of the house. Princess Yi Yang tested the water temperature and personally undressed the child while chatting with Rong Bi with a smile: "Despite her innate weaknesses, this child is easy to care for. She doesn't cry much and mostly sleeps."

Rong Bi observed the princess's slightly worried expression and understood that the child's excessive sleeping was likely due to her innate weakness. She smiled and offered her assistance, as it was also her first time caring for such a tiny infant, and she was filled with curiosity.

The little princess cooed, seemingly aware that her birth mother was holding her, and her lips curled into a smile. She instinctively reached out to grab her mother's sleeve. Once the small robe was removed, revealing her snow-white body, the princess submerged her in the water, and the infant giggled with delight, splashing the water with her hands and feet, clearly enjoying this new experience.

The princess placed her on a mesh hammock, supporting her head with one hand while gently pouring water over her soft newborn hair to wash it. Rong Bi, in turn, reached out to hold the baby's squirming feet, looking down at the translucent toes and pausing in surprise. "Ah?"

The princess chuckled. "She has an extra toe, on her left foot."

Rong Bi was taken aback, but the princess remained calm. "It's a bit unusual, but the doctor confirmed that each toe is normal. Thankfully, it's on her foot, and shoes can easily conceal it. I'm now hesitating whether to have it surgically removed before she becomes aware of it. While she's still young, the scar should heal almost invisibly, and it wouldn't affect her in any significant way."

Rong Bi hesitated before reassuring her, "If it doesn't hinder her walking, there's no need to take the risk, right?"

Princess Yi Yang replied, "For myself, I don't think it's a big deal. But this isn't happening to us, and there were instances in the palace where children of different ethnicities were bullied because they looked different. They felt inferior and eventually chose to enter the palace. One had different eye colors."

She sighed softly. "If she grows up thinking she's different because of the extra toe, always feeling inferior, and then having to bow before her husband, it would be better to address it now while she's unaware. I've lived my life spontaneously, never worrying about the future. Yet, as a mother, I find myself indecisive. It's just that this child is pitiful, born weak and unwanted by her father... All these are my fault, so I only wish for her to grow up safely..."

Her voice was gentle, and Rong Bi could empathize with her emotions. As she looked up to comfort her further, she froze upon seeing someone. "Your Highness?"

Yi Yang turned to see Guo Shuji standing behind the curtains, dressed in armor with a sword and dagger still attached. He lifted the curtains, gazing at the lively little princess in the basin with a mix of emotions. The princess became alert and cautious. "Why didn't you send word, Your Highness? Be careful not to let the draft in; Princess Pu cannot catch a cold."

After a moment of silence, Guo Shuji said, "I rarely have free time, but I specially returned to the city to discuss with the Princess about Yan Yun's hundred-day celebration." He, however, made no mention of why he hadn't sent word beforehand.

Yi Yang had already reached out to pull the child from the water, ignoring the dampness as he cradled the infant in his arms. He wrapped the baby in a soft blanket nearby and lifted his gaze to look coldly at Guo Shuji, his voice remaining composed. "The child is constitutionally weak. Given their fragile state, I believe it's unnecessary to have a grand celebration for the hundredth-day banquet."

Guo Shuji's voice was taut as he declared, "My daughter deserves nothing less than a grand celebration, which will also serve to reward the three armies and the officials of the prince's mansion. You need only rest with our daughter within the palace, free from worry; I will see to it that everything is handled appropriately."

Yi Yang fixated on Guo Shuji, but he averted her gaze, lowering the curtain. "Carry on, I'll take my leave first."

Yi Yang suddenly asked, "Your Highness, the imperial physician mentioned that Princess A Pu has an extra toe on one of her feet. It could be surgically removed while she's still young and ignorant, and the scar would barely be noticeable. What do you think about that?"

Guo Shuji replied, "If it doesn't hinder her mobility or health, there's no need for surgery. She's already constitutionally weak; why subject her to the pain of an unnecessary operation? Who would dare mistreat my daughter?"

Yi Yang interjected, "But what if, in the future, she encounters a foolish husband or a family that dislikes this extra finger, fearing it might be passed on to their children? The royal physician mentioned that this condition often runs in families, and her offspring might inherit it as well."

From outside, Guo Shuji spoke firmly, "If the husband is foolish, he's not worthy of my daughter anyway. Such a man can be dealt with accordingly."

Yi Yang chuckled. "Prince, you truly have a bold spirit."

Guo Shuji fell silent for a moment before assuring, "Rest assured, I will not settle for less when it comes to choosing a suitable husband for her."

Yi Yang spoke nonchalantly, "Your Highness, I've always attended to your bedtime routine, but I've never seen you remove your socks. May I ask if this extra toe of my daughter's is an inheritance from the Guo family?"

Guo Shuji fell silent.

Yi Yang continued, "Today, Your Highness came to take me away and use me as leverage, to make me your puppet, right? But now that you realize she is truly your flesh and blood, you're hesitant? You've been the victim of a scheme, and this might be your only descendant. Will she survive without her birth mother by her side?"

Guo Shuji remained silent, and Yi Yang chuckled. "Your Highness has a brilliant plan. You are indeed a rare and formidable leader. Yi Yang submits to your superiority."

Guo Shuji finally spoke, "I'm sorry."

Yi Yang asked, "Are you still taking her with you?"

Guo Shuji replied, "Take care, Your Highness. If the child needs anything, just ask." With that, he turned and strode out, his figure hurried and somewhat disheveled, as if defeated.

Yi Yang rose with the child in her arms and stepped outside. She saw that the soldiers who had somehow entered with Guo Shuji were now quietly retreating, their swords at the ready, armor shining, movements disciplined.

A layer of sweat broke out on Yi Yang's back. Gazing at her daughter, still smiling sweetly, tears welled up in her eyes. Rong Bi stood uncertainly by her side. After a moment, Yi Yang lifted her head slightly and looked at her. "Focus on healing. If you recover, I want to send you and your brother back to the capital."

Rong Bi was taken aback. Yi Yang explained, "The Jingbei King feels guilty towards me and won't make any moves against the court for a while. Besides, he needs time to consolidate his recent annexation of the sixteen states of Yan Yun and regain strength. Therefore, there won't be any more conflicts in the near future."

"Naturally, this guilt and pity won't last long. A formidable leader's strides won't be hindered by sentimental attachments. I will endeavor... to secure more time. The court, lacking justification and capability, temporarily dares not make a move against Jingbei. My public display of affection with the King of Jingbei will also deter Father Emperor from acting against the crown prince. After all, any harm to the prince would give the King of Jingbei an excuse, and the prince's situation should improve somewhat in the short term."

"Yet, the Emperor's suspicions towards the Crown Prince will only deepen. Hence, it is imperative for the Prince to have trustworthy individuals around him. Of course, what he truly needs... is freedom, the ability to leave the palace..."

She gazed deeply into Rong Bi's eyes and said, "You understand what I mean, don't you?"

Rong Bi understood in her heart: "The Crown Prince needs my body to carry out activities outside the palace."

Yi Yang said, "Yes, Prince Jingbei now feels a sense of guilt towards me and is unlikely to restrict my actions for the time being. This is a rare opportunity. You should seize the chance to escape and return to the capital with your brother. There, you can gather strength and adapt to the changing circumstances. It would also be beneficial for you since I know you have another brother in the capital. Your return would provide an opportunity to visit him…"

Rong Bi hurriedly responded, "Princess, there's no need to be so formal. It's better to be a dog in peaceful times than a person in chaotic ones. What can my sister and I possibly consider when it comes to the greater good? It is fate that has led us to this point, and I find solace in being able to contribute in some way."

With reddened eyes and a solemn expression, Yi Yang held his daughter tightly and bowed deeply to Rong Bi. "It is our fault, my sister and I, that we have burdened you. Yet, it is also out of my selfish desire. If Hengzhi were here, he would undoubtedly be worried about me and refuse to leave Jingbei. Taking advantage of your presence, I send you back to the capital. This way, you can reunite with your brother, and you won't have to waste your youthful years in this cold and desolate land of Jingbei."

Rong Bi inclined her body in a graceful salute, responding to the princess, "Your Highness, though my position is humble, I am well aware that peaceful days are what bring prosperity to our common folk. If the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne smoothly, he would surely be a merciful and enlightened ruler."

Yi Yang's expression softened. Gazing at Rong Bi, she said, "The Crown Prince is a wise ruler and an upright gentleman."

Rong Bi sensed that the princess seemed to be conveying another meaning, but she couldn't quite decipher it. She merely advised the princess, "You should prioritize taking care of the young princess for now. There's no need to rush this matter."

Princess Yi Yang gently lifted the young princess into her arms and smiled faintly. "Yes, His Highness the Prince is planning a grand Hundred Days Feast to showcase and declare certain matters. Naturally, we can also take this opportunity to make life easier for the crown prince in the capital."

Her gaze lifted to the desolate sky, where behind the dark winter clouds, storms seemed to be brewing. In a soft voice, she murmured, "In this world of mortals, a thousand feet deep in the dust, the struggles are like tempests, and the pursuit of fame and fortune is an obsession like a wind demon's enchantment."

Rong Bi, however, was familiar with this little verse; it was one the Crown Prince had once written in his study. She softly continued the verse, "Unbothered by worldly ties, free from worries, I shall never reach the shore of storms."

Volume II: Phoenix Soaring and Dragon Ascending