Chapter 639 Princess Fusui

Chapter 639: Princess Fusui

With such a strange and deadly poison, Consort Bai's unborn child couldn't be saved.

Consort Bai appeared completely heartbroken upon hearing the news and fainted.

At this moment, Emperor Jiazheng’s entire focus was on Empress Nie. As for Consort Bai, he only gave her passing consideration, out of concern for the lost child. He ordered that the unconscious Consort Bai be carried away and given the antidote, considering that the end of it.

Ming Yi still knelt in the hall. After a long silence, Emperor Jiazheng had Ming Yi taken away and confined to his quarters for six months.

With tears in his eyes, Ming Yi performed a deep bow before the emperor.

Outside, Li Meiren received the news and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her body swayed slightly before she too fainted.

As for others, they were not so fortunate.

All the maids and eunuchs serving in the side palace where Jin Baolin lived were sent to the Department of Punishments. The two closest attendants, after being tortured, were forced to drink poisoned wine and executed.

Not only that, even Zhou Shufei, who resided in the main palace of Jin Baolin's quarters, was reprimanded by Emperor Jiazheng for poor oversight of her subordinates. She was demoted from her rank as consort, enraging her to the point that she spent the entire day in her chambers cursing Jin Baolin.

Many others involved faced severe consequences—some imprisoned with uncertain fates, the lightest punishment being twenty lashes.

The stench of blood hung over the palace for a long time.

It wasn’t until late into the night that the Imperial Guard Commander wrapped up most of the investigation and finally opened the palace gates, allowing the court officials and their families to leave.

The crowd was eerily silent, not daring to exchange a single word. At most, they shared a glance filled with fear before hastily departing.

Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu paused briefly at the palace gate, waiting for Xingxing to emerge. However, the Imperial Guard Commander clasped his hands and bowed to them: "Lord Yu, His Majesty has requested County Princess Fusui to remain in the palace for a few more days until Empress Nie's residual toxins are fully cleared. Rest assured, the County Princess is perfectly well."

Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu exchanged glances. Yu Yonghuai stepped forward and returned the gesture: "In that case, we shall take our leave first."

The Imperial Guard Commander escorted them out of the palace gates before bowing and departing.

The next day, another imperial edict arrived. Xingxing and Yu Yonghuai were rewarded for their meritorious service in protecting the emperor. Xingxing was granted the title of Princess Fusui, while Yu Yonghuai was promoted to a second-rank general.

Xingxing's title as County Princess had barely been conferred when she was elevated to Princess.

This decree sent ripples through the capital!

However, the Yu family understood the perils of too much glory. Though Xingxing had been ennobled, the family refrained from grand celebrations. They simply waited for Xingxing to return from the palace and gathered together for a lively reunion.

Now, the Yu family had grown even larger, requiring three full tables. Everyone joked that once Princess Qing’an joined the family, there wouldn’t be enough seats. Fortunately, they had already commissioned a carpenter to make a larger table, making sure there’d be room even after Gui Ge and Ju Ge married.

The room buzzed with laughter.

Since Xingxing frequently entered the palace to accompany Empress Nie during her recovery, Emperor Jiazheng granted her a jade token inscribed with the words “Princess Fusui.” With this token, Xingxing could enter and exit the palace at will.

This was an extraordinary honor.

Now, everyone knew that Xingxing was not only of noble status but also greatly favored by Emperor Jiazheng and Empress Nie.

...

When the news reached the Nie household, Dowager Duchess Cheng'en was rather put out. She grumbled to Lady Nie: "...Her Majesty doesn't think of her own family. Look at our A Ke—she's always there to care for the Empress whenever she feels unwell, and whenever we prepare something the Empress likes, A Ke sees to it that it gets sent to the palace... Yet Her Majesty never thinks to reward A Ke with a title like County Princess or Township Lady for her service."

Lady Nie maintained an elegant smile: "Mother, Her Majesty must have her reasons."

Lady Nie understood perfectly well. The dowager duchess was the empress's birth mother; a few private grumbles at home wouldn’t cause any trouble.

But what about her? She was just a sister-in-law; if she were to casually complain, and it got back to someone else's ears, wouldn't that cause real trouble?

The Dowager Duchess Cheng'en was really only complaining a bit. Since Nie's mother didn't respond, she quickly moved on from the topic and turned her attention to Nie Yuke's marriage options: "Speaking of which, how are you viewing A Ke's prospects for marriage?"

Nie's mother smiled faintly: "Mother, what do you think of the Third Prince?"

The Dowager Duchess was first surprised, then somewhat confused: "The Third Prince?... But from what I've heard of Empress Nie's intentions, wasn't she planning to betroth Princess Fusui to the Third Prince?"

Nie's mother gently persuaded: "Right now, the Third Prince is still young, and Princess Fusui is also young. Who knows for sure what will happen in the future? Besides, Mother, A Ke grew up with the Third Prince—they're naturally close. Although A Ke is three years older than the Third Prince, isn't there an old saying that 'a wife three years older brings gold'?... When A Ke marries him, given how much the Crown Prince dotes on the Third Prince, it's inevitable that the Third Prince will be made a prince once the Crown Prince ascends the throne. Then A Ke will become a princess consort."

This argument convinced the Dowager Duchess: "But what about the Third Prince's feelings..."

Nie's mother replied in a polite but firm voice: "Our A Ke is so wonderful—the Third Prince is sure to like her."

...

Old Duke Cheng'en's birthday was approaching, and Empress Nie's gifts poured into the Duke's residence in a steady stream.

On the actual day, guests came pouring in to offer their congratulations.

The Yu family, one of the most prominent families in the capital, naturally received an invitation.

Empress Nie had always treated Xingxing and the Yu family exceptionally well. When Fengge celebrated his first-month ceremony, Empress Nie gave a jade pendant. Later, when Ah Wu also gave birth to a son, tenth in line and named Dongge, Empress Nie gave another jade pendant, giving the Yu family great face.

Given Empress Nie's kindness, the Yu family naturally treated her maternal family, the Duke Cheng'en's residence, with the utmost respect.

For the old Duke's birthday, the male guests were represented by Yu Yonghuai and Yu Yongliu, two imperial ministers.

The female guests were more complicated. Li Chunhua and Ah Wu had recently given birth and were still recovering. Su Rouer was also pregnant, and Cen Yueyi's pregnancy was showing more each day.

Gong Qingniang, who had just married into the family, had gone off with Yu Yongbai on a merchant trip and wasn't even at home.

After thinking it over, they finally decided Wei Pozi would take Xingxing, leaving Bai Xiaofeng to manage affairs at home.

Wei Pozi, as the matriarch of the Yu family, had an enviably comfortable life. Not only were her sons, grandsons, and granddaughters filial, but even her daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law were all dutiful. She had also made several new elderly friends who often joined her for card games, making her days exceedingly pleasant. With Xingxing helping to care for her health, in less than two years since moving to the capital, she had grown more vibrant, full of energy—clearly enjoying a very good life.

For this visit to the Duke Cheng'en's residence, Wei Pozi wore a royal purple satin jacket gifted by the palace, her hair neatly combed and pinned with a fine antique jade hairpin. Combined with the dignified air she had developed over the past two years, she looked every inch the wealthy noble matriarch.

When the doorkeeper saw the invitation Xingxing presented, his attitude couldn't have been more respectful.

Xingxing, holding Wei Pozi's arm, entered the Duke Cheng'en's residence.

Xingxing wore a soft yellow cross-collared blouse paired with a pearl-white flowing fairy skirt. Her attire was elegant yet playful, radiating an indescribable charm—the kind of sweet granddaughter every elder would adore.

Once inside, the grandmother and granddaughter were guided toward the banquet venue in the Duke's rear courtyard.

As Wei Pozi and Xingxing stepped into the flower hall—which could seat dozens—the room fell momentarily silent.

But that brief hush seemed like an illusion, as the hall burst into lively conversation again moments later. Several noblewomen warmly approached to greet Xingxing and Wei Pozi.

—This was Xingxing's first public appearance since being enfeoffed as a princess.

"My, isn't this the Lady of Blessed Peace? She's grown even more beautiful!"

"Indeed! When the Lady of Blessed Peace entered just now, I was stunned—I almost thought a celestial maiden had descended from the heavens!"

Of course, the ladies didn't just flatter Xingxing; Wei Pozi received her share of compliments too.

"This must be Madam Wei?... I knew it—the Lady of Blessed Peace is like a fairy maiden, and Madam Wei resembles a kind heavenly matriarch with her gentle and dignified bearing."

"Ah, Madam Wei, if I'm not mistaken, that outfit you're wearing is an imperial tribute—it's truly exquisite."

Flattery flowed without pause. Wei Pozi rarely attended such gatherings, and her cheeks ached from smiling.

Fortunately, Xingxing remained composed. Despite being surrounded by so many ladies, she deftly guided Wei Pozi out of the crowd, skillfully deflecting their invitations with ease.

Now a noblewoman of high rank, Xingxing’s refusals left the ladies no choice but to smile and return to their seats, not daring to appear displeased.

Nie Yuke approached with an apologetic smile. "Your Highness, were you overwhelmed?"

Xingxing smiled faintly. "You're too kind, Miss Nie. The ladies were all very warm and engaging. It's just that my grandmother is getting on in years—she shouldn’t stand for too long."

Her reply was impeccably polite, earning nods of approval from the gathered women, who began weighing the prospects of marriage proposals from their sons.

Nie Yuke maintained her gentle smile, showing no sign of irritation. She said, "I'm glad you're alright, Your Highness. My grandmother mentioned she hasn't seen you in a while and would like to chat. Would you join us?"

Xingxing stood. "Since the Dowager Duchess has invited me, how could I refuse?"

Nie Yuke smiled and gestured. "Please."

Xingxing glanced back at Wei Pozi, who nodded reassuringly, signaling that she would be fine and that Xingxing should go ahead.

Xingxing then departed.

The Dowager Duchess of Cheng’en was resting in a nearby pavilion. When Xingxing arrived, the fifth young master, Nie Lvming, was keeping her company.

Nie Lvming was scrupulously proper—not looking at her directly—and simply bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Highness."

Having resigned himself to their impossible match, he faced Xingxing with composure.

"You're too kind, Fifth Young Master Nie," Xingxing replied with a smile before curtsying to the elderly noblewoman. "Greetings, Your Grace. When I last visited the palace, Her Majesty the Empress asked me to deliver something to you during the Duke's birthday celebration."

Xingxing took out an embroidered pouch from her sleeve—crafted in the palace but containing a protective charm the Empress had entrusted her to bring.

The Dowager Duchess accepted it with a smile. "How thoughtful of Her Majesty."

Placing the pouch on a side table, she took Xingxing's hands and examined her closely, sighing. "What a fine young lady. What a shame she couldn't join the family."

"How is Her Majesty's health now?" the matriarch asked wistfully. "As a child, she loved my sweet rice balls. When she was poisoned, I brought some to her, but the imperial physician said she wasn’t well enough to eat them... Can she have them now?"

Xingxing nodded. "Her Majesty has improved greatly. Just yesterday, I visited the palace and saw Noble Consort Rou bringing the Seventh Prince to see her. Her Majesty even held him for a while."

The Dowager Duchess nodded in approval.

Just then, a servant announced the arrival of the Third Prince, who had come specifically to pay his respects to the matriarch.

Her face lit up with joy. "Please invite the Third Prince in at once."

As they waited for Wei Shiyu to enter, the Dowager Duchess suddenly seemed to remember something and involuntarily glanced at Nie Yuke, who sat silently nearby.

Xingxing thought this strange. Why would the Dowager Duchess look at Nie Yuke when Wei Shiyu was arriving?

But she gave little thought to Nie Yuke, and the question quickly passed.

Wei Shiyu swept in energetically, calling, "Grandmother!" even before stepping through the door.

Dowager Duchess Cheng’en was grinning ear to ear, answering eagerly, “Yes, yes!”

Wei Shiyu couldn’t wait for the maid to lift the beaded curtain for him and burst right in.

The beads jingled as Wei Shiyu had just called out, “Grandmother,” again, apparently about to pay his respects when he noticed a young girl in a pale yellow dress standing near Dowager Duchess Cheng’en. At first glance, she looked sweet and well-behaved—and upon closer inspection, wow! Wasn’t this Princess Fusui, his imperial parents’ current darling?

Wei Shiyu’s mouth instantly stretched into a grin. “Princess, what are you doing here?”

The question threw Xingxing for a loop.

Luckily, Wei Shiyu didn’t insist on an answer. He tossed off the question casually, then bounced over excitedly and asked, “Princess, last time I asked you to call me ‘brother,’ but you didn’t. Now that we’ve met again, how about saying it this time?”

Xingxing smiled faintly but gave no reply.

Wei Shiyu looked downright crestfallen. “…Fine, fine.”

Nie Yuke watched the interaction between Wei Shiyu and Xingxing from the sidelines, her expression darkening.

She found this Yu Xingxing completely irritating—from head to toe.