Chapter 108 Indifference and Ruthlessness

Chapter 108 Indifference and Ruthlessness

Fan Xueyao had no objections to this matter. This Tong Sizhi was a lively person, adept at handling all kinds of situations without favoring anyone. It was said that she treated Empress Xu with the same level of respect, never truly serving her. Therefore, it was fine for her to become Shang Gong.

Fan Xueyao instructed Huaping to take out the reward money prepared in advance and distribute it to everyone in the Shang Gong Bureau.

"The servants dare not accept it," Tong Sizhi, Tan Sizhi, and the other palace attendants of the Shang Gong Bureau hurriedly declined.

"Take it. Buy some snacks and melon seeds to share among yourselves."

Further refusal would be disrespectful, so the people of the Shang Gong Bureau accepted the gift.

After sending them away, Fan Xueyao had Huaping and Chun Die put away the jewelry, intending to wear it on the twenty-seventh day. The clothes were immediately taken to be washed, dried, and ironed.

This was a habit Fan Xueyao had cultivated long ago. She always washed new clothes before wearing them. From weaving and dyeing the fabric, transporting it into the palace, cutting and sewing it, to embroidering it, countless hands had touched the garment, making it quite dirty.

When Fan Xueyao received her new clothes and jewelry, the other concubines also received theirs. They eagerly anticipated dressing up beautifully to make an appearance at the banquet.

Soon, the twenty-seventh day arrived, and the weather cooperated. Although it had drizzled the previous day, today was sunny. Royal women began entering the garden from morning onwards to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Early in the morning, Empress Dowager Wei sent someone to summon Fan Xueyao to accompany her. Of course, the main guest, Crown Prince Chu Xu, was also present.

When Fan Xueyao arrived at the Empress Dowager's residence, there were already people inside.

Princess Jinping had just arrived and was talking about mother-daughter affection with Empress Dowager Wei when the palace attendant announced Zhaoyi's arrival. Empress Dowager Wei immediately invited her in.

A young woman of exquisite beauty entered the hall. Her presence instantly brightened the room, her radiant face and stunning beauty incomparable.

Princess Jinping had met Fan Xueyao once before, but at that time, Fan Xueyao had just returned to the capital, severely ill, and had come to thank the Empress Dowager and the Emperor for their kindness. She had been too sick to notice Fan Xueyao's appearance properly; they had only exchanged brief glances. So this was the first time Princess Jinping truly observed Fan Xueyao.

While Fan Xueyao bowed and greeted everyone, Princess Jinping discreetly examined her. She first looked at Fan Xueyao's attire. Fan Xueyao wore a simple violet robe, with a bean-green embroidered silk undergarment, a necklace hanging around her neck, and a blue satin belt with golden embroidery around her waist. Below, she wore a white silk skirt.

The outfit was neither flamboyant nor luxurious.

Princess Jinping nodded inwardly and then shifted her gaze upward. Fan Xueyao's hair was styled in a Su Yun hairstyle, adorned with a jade-encrusted hairpin and two silver-gilded flower branches. A gold hairpin with jade and pearls adorned her head. With every step, she moved gracefully, exuding charm and elegance.

Finally, she focused on Fan Xueyao's face.

Her skin was as white as snow, her hair as dark as clouds. Her small oval face was slightly rounded, with delicate eyebrows and bright, clear almond eyes. Her nose was small and straight, and her lips were small yet full and charming. Despite her young age, she carried herself with grace and possessed extraordinary beauty.

The favored concubine was indeed as beautiful as rumored.

Upon entering the room, Fan Xueyao saw a woman sitting next to Empress Dowager Wei on the throne. The woman wore a large-sleeved robe with gold-printed patterns, adorned with a crown and numerous jeweled hairpins.

It turned out to be an acquaintance. Fan Xueyao first bowed to Empress Dowager Wei and then glanced at the woman, recognizing her as Empress Dowager Wei's daughter, Chu Nan's sister, and the ailing Princess Jinping.

Fan Xueyao did not know Princess Jinping's exact age, but based on various clues, she estimated her to be around thirty-five or thirty-six years old. However, despite the heavy makeup, her gaunt face and sagging skin made her look more like forty.

Illness might be one reason, but according to Fan Xueyao, the greater cause was likely her inner turmoil. Long-term negative emotions could lead to hormonal imbalances, causing premature aging. Otherwise, she wouldn't have aged so much.

After bowing to Empress Xu, Fan Xueyao greeted Princess Jinping: "How has Princess Jinping's health been lately?"

Princess Jinping smiled warmly and invited her to sit down, saying slowly, "Thank you for your concern, Zhaoyi. My health has improved significantly. I used to be too weak to stand, but now I can sit for half a day. Today is the Crown Prince's birthday, and I have brought a small gift. Please do not disdain it."

Hearing these words, Fan Xueyao gained a clearer image of Princess Jinping.

As the Empress Dowager's daughter, Princess Jinping held a truly noble status. Though she had suffered due to her marriage, her confidence and pride had been greatly shaken. However, her identity remained unchanged. Her tolerance towards her husband and his family was due to Confucian teachings.

But now, facing Fan Xueyao, she showed great humility and respect. This revealed her true nature—despite being a princess, she lacked arrogance and even seemed somewhat insecure, evoking sympathy.

Fan Xueyao was certain that Princess Jinping wasn't always like this. She might have been gentle and virtuous, but not overly humble. Her experiences in Shu had eroded her royal pride.

The maid behind Princess Jinping opened a felt bag, revealing a gift box. She presented a card to Fan Xueyao, who glanced at it. It read: "A set of ivory cards, a jade rabbit paperweight, two jade fish, two jade bracelets with gems, a pair of jade bells, a wide jade belt with floral patterns, and a jade buckle with 'blessing' characters." The card bore Princess Jinping's title and name, indicating that she no longer considered herself part of the Xiao family.

Fan Xueyao stood up and thanked Princess Jinping, instructing Huaping and Chun Die to take the card and box.

Empress Dowager Wei watched their respectful interaction with satisfaction. Noticing Empress Xu's stiff expression, she secretly sneered.

Thinking herself so noble, she dared to treat my Jinping coldly? Jinping is my daughter, the most noble-born woman in the world. You, a commoner, owe your current status to me. What right do you have to show disrespect?

Recalling Empress Xu's arrogant attitude earlier, Empress Dowager Wei felt furious.

Fan Xueyao was surprised by Empress Dowager Wei's anger. What had Empress Xu said to provoke such a reaction? While accompanying Empress Dowager Wei and Princess Jinping, she listened carefully to the thoughts of the serving maids, piecing together the events.

Empress Xu had arrived early to greet Empress Dowager Wei, as was customary for today's banquet. Princess Jinping had been back in the capital for some time and had recovered enough to walk daily. She came early since she hadn't seen her mother in a while.

Before Fan Xueyao arrived, Princess Jinping greeted Empress Dowager Wei, with Empress Xu accompanying her. Initially, everything went well, but as they talked, Empress Dowager Wei became upset seeing her daughter's frailty. She blamed Xiao Shi and his family for their unkindness.

Princess Jinping tried to comfort her mother, but Empress Xu intervened, advising Empress Dowager Wei to remain calm. Then, she criticized Princess Jinping, implying that she lacked virtue and had caused disgrace to the royal family, making Empress Dowager Wei worry.

Fan Xueyao was shocked. How could Empress Xu criticize Princess Jinping like that?

Was Empress Xu herself virtuous? Did she have the capacity to tolerate others? Was Princess Jinping supposed to endure Xiao Shi's indifference and the provocations of his concubines, leading to her own demise?

No wonder Empress Dowager Wei ignored Empress Xu.

Empress Dowager Wei, raised as a noblewoman, had great composure. If it were Fan Xueyao, she would have demanded her son to divorce Empress Xu on the spot!

Fan Xueyao sighed inwardly.

Empress Xu must have convinced herself that she needed to be virtuous and adhere to Confucian teachings. Praised for her virtue in the past, she believed it was right to follow these principles. But recent setbacks had shaken her beliefs.

Otherwise, how could she think criticizing Princess Jinping was acceptable? Even if she disagreed, how could she say it in front of Empress Dowager Wei? Empress Dowager Wei was Princess Jinping's mother. Regardless of whether it was her fault, Empress Dowager Wei would side with her daughter.

Clearly, it was a losing proposition, yet Empress Xu persisted, believing it would earn her respect from those who valued such virtues.

Sighing softly, Fan Xueyao thought, let Empress Xu continue on her path. Empress Dowager Wei already disliked her, and this would only worsen things. When Empress Xu loses all support, her downfall will be inevitable.

Chu Xu suddenly started fussing to get down from his nursemaid's arms. The nursemaid couldn't soothe him and was sweating profusely with worry.

"Let him down. Don't hold him anymore; he just feels stuffy. Let him play on the ground by himself," Fan Xueyao said, seeing Chu Xu kicking his little legs vigorously, causing the nursemaid to turn red from the struggle.

Upon hearing this, the nursemaid sighed in relief and let Chu Xu down when he struggled again, smoothing out his wrinkled clothes.

Princess Jinping looked at Chu Xu with a soft gaze and couldn't help but say, "Is this the Crown Prince? He looks like a little jade doll, so lively. It's hard to believe he's only one year old."

Because of her strained relationship with her husband, she rarely shared a room after marriage. Over time, she fell ill and became gaunt, which made Xiao Shi even less inclined to be close to her. Therefore, she never conceived. Without any children, she naturally developed a fondness for them. Seeing Chu Xu, who was exceptionally fair-skinned and lively, she felt a deep affection.

"Yes, this child is indeed beautiful, but it's all thanks to his mother's care. Look, he ran right to Fan Xueyao and hugged her leg, looking up for a hug. He's so adorable," Empress Wei said, her wrinkles deepening as she smiled.

Fan Xueyao picked up Chu Xu and sat him on her lap, saying, "This child is just too lively. We can barely hold him. The nursemaid can't keep him in her arms for long. He always wants to get down and play on the ground, but since he's still small, he can't stay there for long. The nursemaid almost cries from the constant fussing."

"Liveliness is good. It shows that the Crown Prince is well-cared for. Our imperial children are often wrapped in gold and yet don't survive long. These children are usually frail, suffering from diarrhea, night crying, or fevers. You've raised the Crown Prince well. He hasn't had much abdominal pain even after turning one. You've done a great job, especially considering your young age," Empress Wei praised, her eyes filled with affection and admiration.

Fan Xueyao blushed and glanced shyly at Princess Jinping. "Your Highness... I'm embarrassed by such praise. As concubines, our duty is to bear heirs for the Emperor. Raising princes and princesses is part of our responsibility. Your praise is too much."

Princess Jinping found her childlike demeanor endearing, despite being a mother herself. She felt a sense of closeness. In fact, she could easily be Fan Xueyao's mother.

Clearly, Empress Wei also enjoyed Fan Xueyao's charming demeanor. She chuckled and waved for Fan Xueyao to bring Chu Xu over.

"Jinping, look how cute the Crown Prince is. His face looks just like the Emperor, especially his little nose." Empress Wei held Chu Xu, feeling his weight, and then placed him on the throne between her and Jinping.

Jinping remained composed, but her eyes were fixed on Chu Xu. He resembled her brother, which meant he also resembled her. This thought softened her gaze even more.

"He does look like the Emperor. I vaguely remember the Emperor looking like this as an infant."

If she had a child, they would probably look like this—fair-skinned with bright, big eyes. Their smile would be sweet and innocent, making one want to hug and kiss them.

"The Emperor wasn't as fair as this child, nor did he have such big eyes. This child has inherited the best traits from both parents. He'll surely grow up to be handsome and elegant," Empress Wei said, gently touching Chu Xu's chubby, fair cheeks.

Empress Wei's hands were cool due to her illness and lack of blood circulation, but Chu Xu didn't struggle because he was familiar with her. Instead, he stared at the unfamiliar person, captivated by her rosy cheeks and sparkling jewelry.

"Oh, why is the Crown Prince staring at me?"

Jinping felt flattered yet nervous. Her illness had left her pale and thin, not a likable appearance. Even adults found her scary, let alone children. Years of medication had left her with a bitter smell.

In Shu, even the younger ladies and gentlemen avoided her, and the older ones treated her respectfully but distantly. Even her servants likely harbored disgust and fear. Living in isolation, she now felt both joy and unease at Chu Xu's attention.

Fan Xueyao laughed softly. "He's just fascinated by the sparkle of your jewelry."

"Really? So the Crown Prince likes shiny things?" Jinping exclaimed, delighted, reaching up to remove a jeweled hairpin adorned with tourmaline, turquoise, gemstones, and pearls.

Seeing this, Fan Xueyao quickly intervened. "No, no, you shouldn't give it to him. He'll just ruin it. He likes to look at shiny things but doesn't appreciate them. He already has many colorful toys."

"It's fine. It's just a hairpin. Giving it to the Crown Prince won't matter," Jinping insisted, wanting to please him.

"If it were a small trinket, I wouldn't mind. But this hairpin is too beautiful to be ruined."

Empress Wei, pleased to see her daughter bonding with her grandson, interjected, "It's no big deal. Just give him the hairpin if he likes it."

Fan Xueyao reluctantly stopped protesting. Jinping gave Chu Xu the jeweled hairpin, and he played with it excitedly, chasing the shimmering light and giggling. Empress Wei and Jinping couldn't help but laugh. Eventually, he lost interest and dropped it on the throne.

Empress Xu watched the scene, feeling left out and hurt.

Unable to contain her anger, she spoke up, "Your Highness, the palace finances are tight, and the treasury is depleted. That's why we ordered austerity measures..."

Empress Wei, sensing her intention to spoil the mood, coldly interrupted, "Austerity measures? Why are you wearing new clothes today? And that pearl-studded phoenix crown on your head—wasn't it made recently?"

Empress Xu was caught off guard. She was the Empress, not comparable to other concubines. She tried to defend her position and dignity.

Empress Wei dismissed her excuses coldly, "Confucius said, 'When the ruler himself leads a righteous life, his subjects will follow without orders. If he does not, they will not obey even if he gives orders.' If you order austerity, you should lead by example. Otherwise, how can you govern the palace and earn respect?"

Empress Wei's words hit Empress Xu hard, accusing her of hypocrisy and self-indulgence.

Empress Xu clutched her chest, her eyes unfocused, murmuring, "For ten years, I've worked tirelessly for the Empire and the Emperor..."

Empress Wei, seeing her distraught expression, maintained a calm demeanor but with icy eyes. "I didn't say you were negligent. I was merely giving advice. Why are you so upset?"

"I... I lost my composure. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Empress Xu realized her mistake and apologized, seeing Empress Wei's icy expression. As the Empress, she should have known better than to react so emotionally.

Empress Wei was truly angry and showed no sign of relenting, staring coldly at Empress Xu.

Empress Xu knelt, sweating profusely, her makeup smudging.

Princess Jinping felt awkward. She hadn't visited the palace in a while, focusing on her health, and no one dared to mention court affairs to her.

She had no idea that the relationship between Empress Wei and Empress Xu had become so strained.