Chapter 39

Following Shen Yanxin as she walked, Si Yunqin realized they weren’t returning to the Respectful Peace Palace but heading elsewhere.

Their destination seemed to be across the entire Imperial Garden. As they walked, Shen Yanxin told Si Yunqin the purpose of the Grand Princess’s return to the palace.

“The war between Southern Yue and Zhao has begun, and the opposition in court is even greater than I imagined. Prince Han’s faction, the Royalists, and the aristocratic clans all oppose starting a war.”

“As for supporters in court, there are only a few military generals who followed the Late Emperor on his campaigns north and south.”

Si Yunqin had the answer ready: “The civil officials are all bound by their families or teachers, each serving their own masters. The Emperor is still young, so naturally he cannot intimidate the various factions. The Empress Dowager is a woman after all, and the men of the world look down on women, considering them useless. As for military officers, most rose from humble origins, so their connections aren’t as complicated. They also built their careers following Emperor Taizu and the Late Emperor—my father is one example. So these people are loyal to the Late Emperor, and the Late Emperor instructed them to assist the Empress Dowager. Besides, they earned their merits on the battlefield; war is a good thing for them.”

Shen Yanxin nodded. “Yes. The Empress sees it clearly.”

“The bystander sees clearly,” Si Yunqin said. She felt that most people understood this, even those directly involved knew it deep down.

Shen Yanxin curved her lips. “That’s why I stirred the pot to bring the Grand Princess back to the palace. You’ve been out of the palace only once, Empress, and someone already came to find you. Don’t you think even more people will come knocking on the Grand Princess’s door, far away in her fief?”

This time, Si Yunqin understood. Shen Yanxin was worried about the Grand Princess.

“Qiyue won’t harm Luo’er. I am absolutely certain of that.” Her tone suggested that Shen Yanxin didn’t distrust or oppose Yuwen Qiyue as the rumors claimed.

Si Yunqin’s focus immediately shifted, and she thought to herself that rumors really couldn’t be trusted.

Shen Yanxin glanced at her, as if she could read minds, and asked, “Do you also think I sent her to her fief because I was afraid she would shake my position?”

Si Yunqin shook her head. “Not really.”

“Oh? Then tell me, Empress, why do you think I sent her away right after the Late Emperor died?” Shen Yanxin was genuinely curious about what Si Yunqin thought.

“Does what I think matter?” It wasn’t her business anyway. She was just here to listen to gossip and have a good time.

“Not much, but I’m a little curious.” She was straightforward.

So straightforward that Si Yunqin had to answer: “I didn’t think much about it. I heard some rumors, but after listening, I felt that someone like you, Empress Dowager, wouldn’t need to use such methods. There’s no need. The Grand Princess has no power in the palace or at court, and she’s not worth your targeting. I think it was probably the Late Emperor’s idea, maybe to protect her. That’s just my guess.”

Shen Yanxin looked at the woman beside her, a full head shorter, and thought she was really trying her best to stay alive.

“It really was the Late Emperor’s idea.”

Si Yunqin was speechless.

Shen Yanxin had actually told her. Why did she trust her so much?

“As for summoning the Grand Princess back this time, besides my wishes, it’s also because the marriage contract with the Wen clan has come due. The Late Emperor set it when the Grand Princess was to marry the eldest son of the Wen clan upon turning eighteen.” Shen Yanxin’s voice cooled slightly.

Si Yunqin felt like she had become a mind reader for Shen Yanxin. Just hearing her tone shift slightly told her the woman was unhappy again.

“Qiyue won’t cause trouble, but others will. Qiyue is young and hasn’t experienced much. She’s easily exploited by those with ulterior motives. If she does something careless, I don’t want to be caught in a difficult position later.” Shen Yanxin explained in a soft, slow voice.

Hearing this, Si Yunqin turned her head to look at the flowers beside her. The Imperial Garden was vibrant all year round, almost never showing signs of decay. Even when there were no flowers, evergreen plants were planted.

Suddenly, she felt that Shen Yanxin’s life wasn’t easy. She said Yuwen Qiyue was young and inexperienced, but she herself was only twenty, just two years older than Yuwen Qiyue and only five years older than Si Yunqin.

At twenty years old, in her previous world, even with some effort in studying, one would still be a naive college student, living carefree on campus.

But Shen Yanxin already had to shoulder the weight of the entire kingdom, protecting both herself and her older sister’s child.

They walked in silence for a while, until Si Yunqin finally spoke: “The Empress Dowager’s good intentions will be understood by the Grand Princess and His Majesty.”

Shen Yanxin let out a soft laugh. “I don’t need them to understand that much. I just don’t want to end up standing opposite them and making things difficult for myself.”

Si Yunqin shot her a glance and inwardly complained: Isn’t that the problem?

“Sometimes, when you’re good to people, you still need to let them know, to avoid misunderstandings.”

Of course, she said that, but she didn’t expect Shen Yanxin to actually tell anyone. First, in her position, she needed to maintain face and put on airs when necessary. Second, Shen Yanxin’s personality wouldn’t allow her to say it directly.

“So I’m telling you, Empress.”

At Shen Yanxin’s teasing words, Si Yunqin choked. She retracted the tiny bit of sympathy she had just felt for Shen Yanxin. If she ever worried about this woman again, she was a dog!

Shen Yanxin was just using her as a messenger.

Sensing the murderous look from the person beside her, Shen Yanxin reached out and patted her shoulder. “Empress, don’t let me down.”

Si Yunqin really wanted to say, why don’t you just stop trusting me? This trust is honestly too much to bear.

“I don’t know much about the eldest son of the Wen clan, but I’ve heard he’s not bad. The Grand Tutor also said he’s someone worth entrusting. But since I promised my elder sister to take care of Luo’er and Qiyue, I still need to investigate a bit. However, the people around me are not well-versed in matters of the heart, so I’ll have to trouble you, Empress.”

Si Yunqin heard half of her sentence and mechanically turned her head, pointing at herself. “You don’t think I have the ability to judge whether the eldest son of the Wen clan is someone worth entrusting, do you?”

Shen Yanxin nodded seriously. “I do think the Empress has that ability.”

“This is a personal request. Her biological mother died young, and my elder sister treated her as her own. So I still hope she finds a good home.” Shen Yanxin added another sentence.

Si Yunqin complained internally: What difference does it make whether it’s a personal request? She couldn’t refuse anyway.

Shen Yanxin seemed to read her mind again. “Hmm, there’s a reward. The Empress can think about what she wants.”

Si Yunqin didn’t hold back. “When I’ve thought it over, I’ll tell you.”

“You really don’t stand on ceremony.” Shen Yanxin said with a smile.

Si Yunqin didn’t think she needed to be polite. She wasn’t the type to work without pay.

“In that case, there’s another commission. In my capacity as the Empress Dowager.” Shen Yanxin’s tone suddenly became much heavier.

Si Yunqin froze. It definitely didn’t sound like good news.

“I want the Empress to help me keep an eye on those who are secretly contacting the Grand Princess, so they don’t twist the truth and confuse her. The Grand Princess has never been involved in court affairs and is naive. I’m afraid she’ll do something foolish out of worry for Luo’er.” Shen Yanxin really didn’t want to have to deal with Yuwen Qiyue one day.

Si Yunqin stared into her eyes. Those usually affectionate peach blossom eyes were now filled with sorrow.

Shen Yanxin reached out to cover her eyes. “Don’t look at me like that. I don’t have many people I can trust and use. Didn’t you hope to have Consort Yu’s book circulate outside the palace a few days ago? I have a bookstore outside the palace. Would the Empress be interested?”

At this moment, Shen Yanxin whispered in Si Yunqin’s ear, making Si Yunqin feel a little shy.

“Deal.” Si Yunqin thought it over. It wasn’t a bad deal.

“You’re rather devoted to Consort Yu.” Shen Yanxin said meaningfully.

Si Yunqin nodded. “Of course. She’s the only one in this world who truly understands me.”

Shen Yanxin sighed for no reason. “A true confidant is hard to come by. Truly precious.”

Si Yunqin didn’t know why she was so emotional. Maybe she felt lonely because she had no one to confide in.

They slowly walked to their destination. Seeing the gifts Shen Yanxin had prepared for Yuwen Luo was quite a lot.

Among them was a specially crafted short sword. “His Majesty is turning four after his birthday. It’s time for him to start martial arts. This short sword should be fine for two years.”

Si Yunqin picked it up and swung it. It felt good, light enough for a child.

There were other things as well. Under Si Yunqin’s advice, they finally selected a few items, including the sword and a bow, all custom-made.

“Alright, the weapons are chosen. Now it’s time to pick the instructors. Since the Empress knows martial arts, she can help evaluate them?”

Si Yunqin was speechless again. Shen Yanxin was just determined to use her to the fullest.

She spent another afternoon helping pick instructors and finally settled on two.

Even though she hadn’t done any physical labor, she felt oddly exhausted.

In the evening, Shen Yanxin asked if she wanted to have dinner together. Si Yunqin decisively refused. Shen Yanxin’s pits were one after another; who knew what she would want her to do after the meal.

She didn’t want to see this damn woman Shen Yanxin for the next few days.

Watching Si Yunqin slip away like she had greased her feet, Shen Yanxin wasn’t annoyed. There was even a faint smile on her face.

“The Empress Dowager’s mood has improved a lot when spending time with Her Majesty the Empress.” Since the former Empress passed away, she had rarely seen such a carefree smile on Shen Yanxin’s face.

Shen Yanxin lightly curled her lips. “All the consorts in the harem like the Empress. Why would it be strange for me to like her? It takes talent to make everyone love you.”

Lan Xi felt these weren’t words Shen Yanxin would usually say. It seemed she truly liked Her Majesty the Empress.

But Her Majesty the Empress was indeed a wonderful person. She understood people without being offensive. She didn’t seem overly formal, yet she wasn’t impolite either.

“Let’s go back to the palace. The Empress is indeed well-learned. She even has considerable insight into education.” Earlier, when she asked Si Yunqin to help select instructors, Si Yunqin had asked the candidates some questions that Shen Yanxin herself had never thought of.

“The Grand Tutor wouldn’t teach these things.”

“The Empress and Consort Yu aren’t from the same master lineage. It must have been taught by that reclusive expert.” Lan Xi guessed. After all, she had also read Consort Yu’s storybooks. What the storybooks talked about matched what the Empress usually said and did.

“Don’t rush.” Shen Yanxin had plenty of time to lure these two out. It would be a waste for such talents to be confined to the harem, just looking at beauties and writing storybooks all day.

As Si Yunqin walked, she sneezed again. She rubbed her nose. It must be Shen Yanxin thinking about her again.

She ground her teeth and sighed inwardly. She really loves me.

But this love was too heavy. Si Yunqin felt she couldn’t bear it.

She didn’t know that part of this heavy “like” was due to what she had said when drunk about wanting to assist a female emperor.

Just as she was about to return to her residence to rest, she ran into Yuwen Qiyue coming from the opposite direction. Yuwen Qiyue seemed to be coming out of Consort Chen’s palace. Because of Si Yunqin, she had a good relationship with Xi Fengyu and Consort Chen, and now she had people to talk to in the palace.

Originally, she had thought entering the palace would be boring, but now each day was full of joy.

So when she saw Si Yunqin, she unconsciously showed happiness.

Si Yunqin, however, thought of Shen Yanxin’s commission and felt tired inside. She could only force a smile.

But Yuwen Qiyue, the person involved, didn’t know any of this. She still smiled and greeted Si Yunqin.

She even invited her to have dinner together. Si Yunqin finally agreed with a smile. At least the Grand Princess was really beautiful.