His Majesty’s health had long declined, and his fondness for the Wei family had faded with age. The Shao Family’s power was too great; though the Emperor was wary, he was ultimately helpless.
The path she had paved, she must walk no matter the difficulties—but that path did not involve her mother.
After arriving at her mother’s main courtyard, Wei Lingci ran into Bi Zhu. The latter spotted her upon looking up, curtsied, then took a garment from the hands of a servant behind her—a begonia-red gossamer skirt, vibrant in color, perfect for a young girl Xun Changqing’s age.
“Miss, this was taken from the cabinet. The material is good, though the style is a bit dated. It can serve in a pinch. Do you think it’s suitable? If you nod, this servant will deliver it to the little County Princess.” Bi Zhu also took out an embroidered box filled with simple hairpins and earrings. She smiled, “This is also arranged by Madam. The little County Princess is young; overly luxurious accessories wouldn’t suit. These are just right.”
Wei Lingci’s mind was elsewhere. She glanced and found it suitable, nodded, then hurriedly entered the room.
The south window was closed, blocking the outer chill. Inside, there were potted plants—unlike the withered yellow trees in the garden, the leaves in the pots were verdant, branches straight and vigorous. In early winter, they brought comfort to the eyes.
Wei Xiao, when idle, liked tending these. She disliked traveling out; even when dragged to admire scenery, she resisted. Raised in the palace as a child, she had seen too many unspeakable things—nothing compared to the outside world’s interest. These years, she avoided the Imperial Capital as much as possible.
Shangrao had the Emperor’s spies, as well as people from the Empress and Shao Family. But behind closed doors, none could insert anyone to monitor her. Having followed the Empress Dowager for years, she didn’t believe in rigid male superiority either. She wouldn’t constrain her daughter, letting her follow her nature. But these years, she increasingly regretted it—wandering the jianghu too long had made her temperament too free-spirited; she could no longer control it.
Looking at her daughter, who walked with hurried steps, Wei Xiao set down her pruning shears and said directly, “You’re here about me going to the Imperial Capital? I know what you want to do, but fighting the Shao Family and contending with the Empress—you lack the experience.”
Wei Xiao’s temperament was straightforward, especially with her own daughter—no beating around the bush. She knew Wei Lingci valued the Xun Yi family’s girl, personally handling her affairs over the past five years with great care.
Seeing Wei Lingci silent, she continued, “I know you like that girl, but she’s a young lady. Why concern yourself so much with her family matters? If Xun Changqing were a boy, it would be fine, but following her will delay your own life.”
Wei Lingci knew her mother’s thoughts—it was all about her marriage. She handed over a clean cloth from the table. “You’re overthinking. I treat Changqing only as master and disciple. Besides, you and the Prince are old friends from youth—can you bear to see Changqing struggle alone in the Imperial Capital? You going would only bring trouble to yourself. Stay in Shangrao, and I’m at ease.”
Wei Xiao took the cloth to wipe her hands and turned to look at her. “So you mean I’d be a burden to you?”
Wei Lingci was in the wrong and lowered her head. “No, Daughter doesn’t mean that.”
“That’s exactly what you mean. I won’t go, but if you marry, then do as you please—I won’t interfere.”
Wei Lingci’s head ached. Every return home brought this issue. She simply didn’t want to marry. She watched as Wei Xiao tossed the hand-wiping cloth to her; she raised her hand to catch it. Her mother rarely insisted so stubbornly, but once decided, nothing could change her mind.
But the Imperial Capital was absolutely not a place she could go, no matter what.
She compromised. “Give me some time. Marriage is a major event; it takes preparation.”
Wei Xiao thought she’d misheard and had Wei Lingci repeat it before confirming her ears worked. No matter how she’d pressured her over the years, Wei Lingci never yielded. Now that she agreed, she had to seize the chance. She hurriedly asked, “Do you have someone you like?”
Wei Lingci’s gaze flickered. Sensing her mother’s stare, her hands in her wide sleeves unconsciously clenched. She pursed her lips and shook her head very ‘honestly.’ “No, so give me time.”
“You’re just brushing me off. Give a timeframe, or if you go to the Imperial Capital, I’ll go too.”
Wei Xiao had been alone at home these years, tending flowers and reading. Her mind dwelled on one thing: her daughter’s marriage. Women in Great Qi married somewhat late—some past twenty—but none like Wei Lingci. No wonder she was anxious.
“Then give me two years.”
Two years later, the Emperor would pass, Xun Changqing would come of age, and fates would be sealed.
Wei Xiao’s face darkened to the extreme. As her anger peaked, she saw Xun Changqing approaching unhurriedly, still in that cyan robe, her delicate face bearing a serenity beyond her years.
She seemed obedient, but deep down shared Wei Lingci’s cold aloofness—this was Wei Xiao’s thought. She glanced at her daughter, beckoned Xun Changqing over directly. The two sat on the soft couch. Wei Xiao liked children too, but after birthing Wei Lingci, her health suffered, preventing more pregnancies.
She found Xun Changqing adorable and pleasing—skin fair as snow, brows like painted ink. Though not yet of age, she would surely grow beautiful. Her looks took after Xun Yi, not the border Princess Consort—more Great Qi blood.
She patted Xun Changqing’s little head, her expression kindly. She smiled, “Little Changqing, your master is getting married.”
“To whom?” Xun Changqing reacted swiftly, blurting it out. Wei Xiao was Wei Lingci’s mother; parental orders and matchmaker’s words weren’t like her Second Uncle Master’s nonsense. If she mentioned it, it must be true.
A slight disappointment stirred in her heart. She still marries first. Had she learned of her previous life’s thoughts after rebirth, prompting her to marry early this life? Women loving each other wasn’t accepted by the world, after all.
Yuan Man and Sister Asu were mutual, unafraid of worldly eyes. She pursed her lips. She’d just wondered if her master was truly reborn. If so, given her care these years, she probably wouldn’t disdain her.
But now marriage… She pursed her lips tighter, a bit angry.
Unaware of the thoughts in her little head, Wei Xiao pulled her into her embrace. The soft little body was like A’ci back then; her heart softened. She laughed, “Of course to someone else—did you think to you? Why so agitated? Children being so sensitive isn’t good.”
