Extra Story Sixteen: Marriage Matters (4)
As they were leaving, Bai Peiqiu caught sight of Hua Bolin. She seemed to have forgotten their previous encounter at the market, offering a dignified bow before walking away without a sideways glance.
"Her current situation isn't favorable. I thought she might ask for my help," Hua Zhi remarked, rising to her feet. She waited for the Emperor to be seated before resuming her own seat. "Had she asked, I wouldn't have refused. After all, I owe Uncle Bai for past kindnesses."
The Emperor rested his chin in his hand, lost in thought for a moment. Hua Bolin, well-versed in these matters, nodded and added, "She must have been through considerable hardship. Normally, her marriage should have been settled long ago. I suspect it's only because of Uncle Bai's past connection with Elder Sister that..."
"From what I understand, her mother fell ill due to the Bai family's treatment."
"But what can she do? As long as the Bai family doesn't relent, she's powerless."
Exactly. Though Hua Zhi had come with her own agenda, she couldn't help but feel sympathy for the girl. Sometimes, being too sensible works against you—only those who cry get the candy.
Noble families hosted numerous banquets under various pretexts. Hua Zhi attended a select few with her two companions. By now, the entire capital knew she was searching for a suitable wife for the Hua family's eldest grandson. Attention focused entirely on Berlin, leaving no one to notice the Emperor, who was dressed inconspicuously as a servant.
"Does the Grand Tutor favor that young lady from the Bai family?" the Emperor asked with a smile after another encounter with Bai Peiqiu.
"I favor any young lady with a sense of responsibility," Hua Zhi replied lightly. "Such women might not possess the delicate charm and gentleness that men typically favor, making it hard for you to lose your hearts to them. But in my view, they have the courage to face challenges and the intelligence to think independently. It's women like these who can free you from worries. Besides, who's to say such women can't be charming and gentle? Once they give their hearts, all their tenderness will be yours."
Just like the Grand Tutor? The Emperor swallowed these words that had risen to his lips. His mind was already circling around a candidate. As the Grand Tutor had said, what the Daqing Empire needed was an empress with intelligence and a strong sense of duty.
After seeing the Emperor back to the palace, Hua Zhi brought Berlin home.
"Have you made up your mind?"
"Yes, Elder Sister," Hua Bolin replied frankly. "The eldest daughter of the Xu family would make a suitable wife for the Hua family."
Hua Zhi nodded. She remembered the girl well—one who understood propriety, possessed subtle cleverness, and the ability to extricate herself from messy situations. The Xu family oversaw the Censorate and had always been among the Emperor's closest allies. Though slightly less prominent than the Hua family, this made the match appropriate—after all, one should marry a daughter-in-law from a slightly lower social standing.
However, "Setting aside these external factors, do you have any personal affection for the girl?"
"Yes, Miss Xu is quite admirable."
He didn't elaborate on what made her admirable, and Hua Zhi didn't press. Some things didn't need to be spelled out clearly. What she wanted was precisely this kind of fondness born from finding someone agreeable. In these times, this was already considered unconventional. She couldn't ask for more, since relationships like hers and Yan Xi's were already exceptions. Had they not been of extraordinary status and gone through so much together, they would likely have been thoroughly disgraced.
The next day, an imperial edict went directly from the palace to the Bai family—specifically, to Bai Mingxia's household.
Breaking with convention, the Emperor bypassed all the usual selection processes and directly designated the empress—Bai Mingxia's eldest daughter, Bai Peiqiu. The entire capital reacted as if water had been poured into hot oil—it exploded. But the most furious reaction came from the main branch of the Bai family.Upon receiving the news, the matriarch of the Bai family immediately went in person. No one could stop her at the gate, yet she failed to meet anyone she intended to see—only a concubine received her and informed her that the Princess Consort of the Regent had sent people to escort the lady and her daughter to the princely estate. Despite her full intentions, the Bai family could do nothing without seeing them.
Over at the princely estate, Hua Zhi excused the mother and daughter from formal courtesies and said gently, "With your husband currently away from the capital, that gate likely cannot stop those with ill intentions. Whether for the Emperor's sake or out of respect for your husband, I cannot allow you to be manipulated. Please forgive any offense in my actions."
Lady Bai bowed deeply once more, her voice trembling with emotion, "Your Highness must not say such things. Were it not for your protection in bringing us to the princely estate, by now we would likely have..."
"They wouldn't dare go too far—they merely state facts and reason to make you remember that one brushstroke cannot write two different 'Bai' characters. Even with divided households, you should remain united."
Lady Bai stared blankly at the Princess Consort. Since she clearly understood their motives yet stated them so plainly—what did the Princess Consort mean?
"Though one brushstroke cannot write two 'Bai' characters, the strokes may be heavy or light. Deep affection calls for thick ink and bold strokes, while indifferent feelings warrant faint traces. Don't you agree, Madam?"
Lady Bai's heart gradually cleared—wasn't this exactly true? The main branch had bullied them so, her in-laws favored the main branch while turning a blind eye. They even held her daughter Qiu'er's marriage prospects to threaten her husband into returning to the Bai family—all to seize the foundation he had built over recent years. Now that their eldest daughter had been chosen as Empress, how could they give up the immense benefits that came with being imperial in-laws? How could she accept this? How could she!
At this moment, Bao Xia entered to announce, "Fourth Aunt has arrived."
Following the announcement, Wu Shi entered with a smiling face. Hua Zhi stood to greet her.
"Spring brings so much rain—fortunately, the distance was short." As she spoke, Wu Shi exchanged greetings with Lady Bai. "Sister, you're looking much better now."
Due to their husbands' relationship, the two often interacted. Lady Bai returned the courtesy, her smile relaxing somewhat. "After resting all this time, if I weren't better it would be no minor ailment."
Wu Shi glanced at the Princess Consort seated above. "Did you summon me in such haste to keep company with guests?"
"Precisely. Fourth Aunt, may the capable bear more burdens."
"Capable indeed." Wu Shi affectionately stepped forward to take Lady Bai's arm and walk out with her. "Our Grand Tutor and Princess Consort likely needs to impart confidential advice. We shouldn't linger to intrude."
Lady Bai glanced back at her daughter, clenched her teeth, and allowed herself to be led out by Wu Shi. The Princess Consort must have purpose behind today's arrangement—this was Qiu'er's opportunity. Learning even a trick or two would be better than entering the palace in complete ignorance. After all, if anyone in this world understood the Emperor, none could surpass the Princess Consort.
The room fell silent for a moment. Hua Zhi looked at Bai Peiqiu, who kept her head lowered. "Frightened?"
More startled than frightened, Bai Peiqiu's muddled mind since receiving the imperial decree finally began functioning again. Clutching her handkerchief tightly, she lifted her head. "Might I ask Your Highness—why was it I who was chosen?""You were chosen precisely because you are suitable, and this was the Emperor's own decision—made after he met you and learned about you. It wasn't my suggestion or anyone else's." Seeing the girl's tense posture, Hua Zhi softened her tone. "You may also think of it this way: the Emperor recognizes the person you are now—resilient, wise, responsible, and courageous in facing adversity. He desires such an empress by his side."
Bai Peiqiu pressed her lips together. Did the Emperor... like her this way?
"Remember, you are Bai Peiqiu. You may be sensible and strong, but never forget you are a woman. Gentleness overcoming strength is a woman's greatest weapon."
Bai Peiqiu engraved every word in her heart. The path had been set; all she needed to do was make it smoother to tread.
Seeing her receptiveness, Hua Zhi continued, "Before your father returns, you and your mother shall reside at the Regent's Palace. Pay no mind to outside affairs. In due time, people will understand how to conduct themselves."
"I would be most grateful, but my grandmother…"
"Would she dare demand your return from the Regent's Palace? Rest assured and stay."
Bai Peiqiu bowed deeply. Had it been anyone else, she might have questioned their motives. But this was the Regent's Consort—the Imperial Tutor, widely known as the Emperor's most trusted confidante. All she needed to do was accept this kindness and hold it firmly in remembrance.
PS: New book pending review, likely to pass next week. One more chapter of extras remains.
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