"It's a pity we can't meet now, for the sake of stability in the palace and also for the mother-son relationship."
Gu Yanxi picked up the teacup and handed it to his grandmother. "We'll meet eventually."
"But don't let this be an excuse to withhold the treats meant for me. I really enjoy those snacks she makes. Tell her that from now on, my portion should match Shaoyao's."
"Yes, I'll tell her when I return."
The Empress Dowager glanced at him, feeling both regret and happiness for him. Finally, there was someone who could share his burdens and make him feel that life was meaningful. Such a clever and capable girl could surely help her grandson, who had faced so many hardships. She believed that any girl trusted by the sharp-witted Shaoyao couldn't be bad—her kindness toward Shaoyao was evidence enough. What sister-in-law treated her husband's younger sister so well?
Taking a sip of tea, the Empress Dowager said casually, "The palace has been quite lively lately. Moon Consort is currently in the Emperor's favor and even went to flaunt it in front of Consort Xu. Now the two are at odds."
"Who has the upper hand?"
"It's evenly matched. Moon Consort is new, young and fresh—exactly what's most cherished now. But Consort Xu has dominated the harem for years and holds a special place in the Emperor's heart. Besides Moon Consort, the Emperor still visits her occasionally. Her advantage lies in having the Fourth Prince by her side, while Moon Consort may not get such an opportunity."
Gu Yanxi now had a clear understanding and was pleased to see them competing against each other, as it kept their attention away from Little Six.
As dusk fell, Gu Yanxi stayed to have dinner and chat with his grandmother before preparing to leave.
"Take this for the Hua family girl." The Empress Dowager took a brocade box from Yu Xiang, touched it gently, and handed it to her grandson. "This set of jewelry was added to my dowry by Wan Niang's mother when I got married. At that time, the family situation was complicated. She cared for me deeply, worried that my dowry might be insufficient and I'd be looked down upon, but also concerned about overshadowing my natal family and upsetting them. So she secretly added many items, and this ruby jewelry set was one of them."
"There's no need for you to do this."
"Take it when it's given to you." The Empress Dowager placed the box firmly in his hands. "After all these years, it has come back to her great-granddaughter. If she knew in the afterlife, she would surely be happy. In my life, I may appear wealthy and noble, but I've been constrained and unable to move freely. I failed to protect the Hua family and caused Wan Niang's early death. I would be ashamed to face her after I die."
"Please don't say that. The entire Hua family is grateful for your protection. Without your help, they might have..."
"So now you're thanking me on their behalf?" The Empress Dowager tapped her outwardly-minded grandson in mock annoyance, then sighed. "But you understand—I merely acted according to the circumstances."
If the Emperor hadn't intended to be completely ruthless, someone else would have pleaded for mercy even if she hadn't. It was better for her to be the one to do it—at least she wouldn't use it as leverage to exploit the Hua family.
"Enough of these unhappy matters. Go back and rest well. Set aside any major issues for now. You need to protect Hua Zhi more carefully. Although The Seventh Division appears to belong to the court, it's actually still under her control. Profit stirs men's hearts, especially when it involves such enormous benefits.""Yes, I have remembered, Grandson." Gu Yanxi looked up at his grandmother, whose exhaustion was evident in her eyes. Day after day in this palace, she had been wearing herself down, draining her spirit and vitality, merely waiting for the time to cast off this skeletal frame.
Gu Yanxi's heart ached, and he said softly, "Grandmother, take care of your health. I will surely bring you out of the palace to live in peace and comfort."
The Empress Dowager was taken aback. Despite having weathered countless storms in her lifetime, she could hardly hold back now. Her lips parted several times before she managed to force out a few words, "Good, good. Grandmother will wait."
Gu Yanxi performed a formal bow, then turned and strode away without looking back.
Yu Xiang, who had been standing guard at the palace entrance, finally stepped forward to support Her Majesty as she sat down. "For the sake of better days ahead, you must take care of your health. Let them stir up trouble as they please. We’ll simply close our doors and pay no mind to anyone."
The Empress Dowager dabbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and shook her head with a light sigh. "As long as I remain in this palace, it’s impossible to avoid it. The Emperor has not appointed an empress, and the Phoenix Seal has been in my hands for years. Who wouldn’t make extra trips to see me? And that Moon Consort—don’t be fooled by her youth, her methods are endless. Didn’t we hear recently that she prescribed a remedy for some court lady’s illness? Once that lady recovers, won’t she be utterly devoted to her? It’s fortunate she has no child to rely on, or else Consort Xu might not be her match."
Yu Xiang could only remain silent. Having spent so long in the palace, she knew that even for the Empress Dowager, staying detached was no easy feat.
"Occasionally avoiding it for a while is still possible. Tomorrow, spread the word that for the next month, I will be devoutly practicing Buddhism and will see no one."
"Yes," Yu Xiang replied, then asked, "But if the Emperor comes…"
"Let him come to my meditation chamber. Once he knows what I’m doing, he’ll be at ease."
"...Understood."
Gazing at the small patch of land outside the palace, a flicker of longing shone in the Empress Dowager’s eyes. Leaving the palace—this was the one thing she had hoped for in this lifetime. Even if she couldn’t achieve it while alive, she would leave a final wish not to be buried in the imperial mausoleum. If only she could be laid to rest beside her mother.
Gu Yanxi once again played the part of a roof-top intruder.
He had originally intended to sneak a glance at A Zhi, but as soon as he entered the room, he met a pair of smiling eyes. The owner of those smiling eyes was reclining on a daybed, her hair cascading on either side, adding to her gentle demeanor.
Footsteps sounded behind him, and he instinctively turned to see Ying Chun leading the way with a lantern, while Fu Dong followed carrying a large wooden tray.
"Aren’t you coming in?" Hua Zhi threw off the blanket and rose to sit at the table.
Seeing this, Gu Yanxi hurried over, picked up the blanket, and tucked it around her legs. "Why aren’t you resting earlier?"
"I thought you might come."
Ying Chun helped Fu Dong arrange the dishes on the table, her expression resigned. "Young Lady was worried you hadn’t eaten well tonight and had the kitchen prepare something."
If word of this late-night meeting got out, her young lady’s reputation would be ruined. But no matter how concerned she was, Ying Chun didn’t stop it. She only hoped this man would remember how well her lady treated him and not betray her.
Hua Zhi was unaware of her maid’s hidden worries. She picked up a pair of chopsticks and placed them in Yan Xi’s hand. "You’ve been spoiled by my family’s chef. How could you stomach more than a few bites of the cold palace food? I had them prepare a lamb soup for you—it’s nourishing in winter. Drink plenty."
"Will you eat a little more with me?""I can't eat anymore, I already had a bowl of soup earlier." Hua Zhi smiled, "I broke my fast long ago, so there's no burden."
Gu Yanxi gently touched her face, "Old Madam wouldn't blame you."
"I wish she would blame me. She never even appears in my dreams." Hua Zhi picked up another pair of chopsticks and served him some food, "Eat while it's hot."
Gu Yanxi lowered his head and began eating heartily. Although the food at his grandmother's place wasn't exactly cold, he truly hadn't eaten much there. He always loved the meals at A Zhi's place - no matter what she served, everything tasted delicious to him.
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