Chapter 89

Chapter 89

◎Another Confrontation◎

Madame Ji stayed in the palace for a month and then returned home. Huiyin prepared sixty-six pieces of top-grade palace silk, twenty-four pairs of gold and silver ingots, ten bottles of rosewater from the Kingdom of Dashi, various jewels and jade artifacts, and six newly published books, all of which were sent home with Madame Ji.

However, Madame Ji was unaware of the situation with Madame Xu and happily distributed the items, saying to Cui Yuehuan, "This rosewater is not from our country but from abroad. It is much more precious than what is sold in our markets. You young ones should take these and use them."

Cui Yuehuan noticed that the most valuable items bestowed by the Empress were the jewels and jade artifacts, all crafted within the palace. She was secretly amazed; although she had seen many fine things, such exquisite palace-made jewelry was rarely encountered. When she was in Xuzhou, she had heard that the Empress was very fond of beautiful items and that her jewelry was always of the finest quality.

Madame Ji only gave her one box, with another box intended for Madame Xu.

Fearing that her mother-in-law would be implicated, Cui Yuehuan revealed the truth: "When the master heard about this, he arranged a Water and Land Ceremony to pray for the souls of the departed. Madame Xu took De Yin to Miaoyun Nunnery and just returned."

It can be imagined that both Madame Xu and De Yin were angry, and while they might not vent their frustrations on Zheng Wuheng, they might take it out on Madame Ji. Even if they said nothing openly, who knew what revenge they might seek later?

Madame Ji had initially been very happy. Her daughter was pregnant, and the Emperor, as her son-in-law, not only refrained from philandering but was also wholeheartedly trying to please her daughter. How could she not be overjoyed for her daughter? It is often said that sharing hardships is easy for lovers, but sharing wealth and success is difficult.

Unexpectedly, Madame Xu brought such misfortune. Sitting down with her hands on the table, Madame Ji was comforted by Cui Yuehuan patting her back, though she stopped her, saying, "I'm not afraid of her cursing me. What I fear is that she might secretly curse Her Majesty. If anything happens to the Empress, our entire family might suffer."

Cui Yuehuan hadn't considered this and, being young and unaware of the dangers, broke out in a cold sweat after hearing her mother-in-law's words: "Madam, what should we do?"

"There's no need to be afraid for now. Go fetch Madam Song and tell her I need to speak with her." Madame Ji thought to herself that she really shouldn't pity De Yin. She was clear about whom Madame Xu, dressed in red, was cursing.

Cui Yuehuan knew that Madame Ji usually didn't associate with such Taoist practitioners. It was the Empress who forbade it, saying that such things could easily lead to witchcraft accusations or unsettle the household with supernatural disturbances.

Leaving the main room, she first spoke to Zheng Wuheng: "The Empress made it very clear to us last time. But my mother-in-law is worried and wants to fight fire with fire. But this..."

"Good, good, good. It's timely that you told me about this."

"I used to think you never cared about household matters, but I didn't expect you to pay attention." Cui Yuehuan knew her husband; though young, he rarely managed internal affairs, only occasionally commenting when something significant happened.

Zheng Wuheng said, "Mother is afraid that Madame Xu might seek the child of my elder sister, so she's confused by concern and wants to use those Taoist and Buddhist practitioners. But if they engage in illegal activities and are later framed, it won't be good. Last time I visited my sister in the palace, she told me so."

Previously, Zheng Wuheng wouldn't have thought this was a big issue. Elderly women often engaged in such practices, even Madame Xu, who disliked someone and would resort to curses or use these methods to maintain favor. As the youngest in the family, he never paid much attention to the household matters his sister discussed with him at home. But as he grew older and listened to his sister's teachings in the palace, he found them to be wise words.

Zheng Wuheng conveyed to Madame Ji: "When she was alive, she couldn't even compete with you, let alone now that she's dead. Take us, for example; we've been cursed countless times on the battlefield, but a defeated enemy remains defeated."

Madame Ji might not always listen to her daughter-in-law, but she would listen to her son.

Such was the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. Madame Ji was already a rare and good mother-in-law. Openly, she always sided with her daughter-in-law and never made her stand on ceremony. But in her heart, she only considered her son as her own.

"Your words show that you've matured. Let's leave it at that," said Madame Ji.

Zheng Wuheng said, "Should we tell my sister about this—"

"Absolutely not! Your sister is pregnant; how can she hear such things? You're talking nonsense. It's as if your mind is clouded by fat," scolded Madame Ji.

Of course, Zheng Wuheng knew that his mother wouldn't tell his sister. His sister used to get angry at home, and even his mother was somewhat afraid of her. He said this to draw Madame Ji's attention.

On the matter of Madame Xu, his mother was particularly sensitive. The internal household disputes had been ongoing, with Madame Xu and De Yin still at home, making her uneasy. After all, there's a saying that it's impossible to guard against thieves every day.

When his sister was still at home, she was involved in almost all family matters. She made quick decisions and was a natural leader.

Seeing that his mother's tone had softened, he smiled and said, "I was reckless. What would I do without my mother?"

"I don't need to worry about your elder brother; he's a reliable person. You've grown up under me and your sister, only becoming sensible after marriage and not very familiar with household matters. Now that you've grown up, I feel much more relieved," Madame Ji said with great relief.

Leaving aside Madame Ji's situation at home, it was said that Huiyin's reaction to her third pregnancy was more severe than her previous two. She hadn't experienced morning sickness when she should have, but now, around the four-month mark when most women feel more stable, she started feeling unwell. For some reason, everything tasted like fish to her.

The small kitchen sent over a bowl of sweet soup, but she could only drink half before losing her appetite. Li Cheng paced anxiously beside her, asking, "What are we going to do? You can't keep skipping meals. If this continues, how will your body hold up?"

"It's alright, don't get so worked up. The imperial physician said if I take the fetal-protecting medicine on time, three doses will help me recover. I may be feeling a bit uncomfortable now, but when I feel better later, I'll eat more. Just trust me," Huiyin said, shaking her head.

Li Cheng replied, "Last time you were pregnant with Zhan'er, you loved eating green plums. Why aren't you eating them this time?"

Huiyin covered her mouth and smiled. "Each pregnancy is unique. Maybe this time it's a little princess. Wouldn't you love that? So don't worry so much."

Li Cheng sat down and sighed deeply. "If only I could stop worrying. These days, you're often unable to eat or sleep well. I'm thinking of bringing your mother into the palace again to take care of you for a few days. It's always better to have your own mother by your side."

"Please don't. Last time she stayed here for a month, she wasn't comfortable at all. The palace rules are strict, and though we're used to them, they made her feel constrained. It's not ideal. Besides, as the Empress, I need to set an example. Didn't you notice that when my mother was here for a month, the Empress Dowager called her relatives over for a chat? Moreover, with my condition, it's better for me to rest quietly." Huiyin understood these matters well. They were already not the type to blindly follow filial piety, but with the Empress Dowager's status, the higher you are, the more people watch your every move.

Li Cheng leaned back and shook his head with a smile. "Before I became emperor, I thought it would be the most glorious thing ever. Who knew that the higher we go, the more constrained we become?"

"You're speaking without experiencing the hardship. At least now, no one can threaten us anymore," Huiyin often used "we" to express closeness and a sense of shared power.

Li Cheng felt that Huiyin was always thinking of him. The Xun family wasn't much, but if the Zheng and Xun families started seeking favors, everyone would begin scheming and neglect their duties. He held Huiyin's hand and said, "I only wish for your well-being. I don't care about others. I took this position to protect our family."

Huiyin smiled and gently rubbed her belly. For now, she wouldn't worry about others. Her health was the top priority. Once she recovered, she wouldn't be lenient with the Xun family.

That month, the Empress Dowager's palace was filled with more laughter and joy. New clothes were being made, and new jewelry was being crafted. The Empress Dowager favored eight-year-old Xun Jiying more than she had Xun Rou before.

One day, when Li Cheng visited, the Empress Dowager hinted at rewarding Xun Jiying, but Li Cheng declined. "Now that the new dynasty has been established, I've already granted many favors out of respect for the Empress Dowager. As the saying goes, one should not receive rewards without merit. Now that there are rewards, one should focus on fulfilling their duties instead of seeking benefits from the imperial court."

This was actually quite considerate of him. The Xun family had been relatively well-behaved, but the Empress Dowager often misjudged her position. Seeing that Huiyin had been unwell lately and the palace was less strict, many people came to flatter her. Since Li Cheng often came to pay his respects, the Empress Dowager spoke without thinking.

Seeing that he disagreed, although she lost face, she wasn't upset. "It's not related to them. I just thought that this girl, despite her young age, has a lot of filial piety, and our royal family shouldn't mistreat her, which is why I said that. If the emperor disagrees, then so be it."

This wasn't the same grandson who was once just a prince. Back then, even she had to flatter Wei Imperial Consort, and although she treated her grandson well, her reliance was on the King of Wei. Now, she completely relied on her grandson, so her tone had softened considerably.

However, Li Cheng was someone who didn't yield to pressure and loved to argue. Usually, when Huiyin was around, she could temporarily suppress his sharpness. Now, seeing that the Empress Dowager seemed to be making a big deal out of nothing, he couldn't help but argue again. "It's not that I disagree, but there are no rules that allow this. Even the daughter of a princess needs a significant favor to be granted the title of duchess. How can a marquis's daughter expect a reward without merit? It doesn't make sense emotionally, and it's even less appropriate according to etiquette."

He went on to list the rules and regulations regarding enfeoffment, which startled nanny Fan. Why was the emperor discussing such complex matters with the Empress Dowager? With her limited literacy, it was like talking to a brick wall.