Chapter 273: Birthday Congratulations
Fu Tingyun listened in astonishment and remarked, "This He Fu is quite an interesting character."
Zhao Ling nodded. "If the opportunity arises, I'd like to get to know him properly."
Back when He Fu was transferred to Gansu as a regional commander and returned to the capital for an audience with the emperor, Zhao Ling had been just an insignificant commander in the Imperial Guards, so they had never met.
Fu Tingyun scooped a ladle of warm water and poured it over Zhao Ling's shoulders, smiling as she asked about A Sen. "When will he be back? Will you be in the capital for his wedding?"
"I should be," Zhao Ling replied with a smile. "I left him with some minor tasks, so he ought to return in five or six days."
Fu Tingyun then told Zhao Ling about Shopkeeper Ye San's visit.
Zhao Ling let out an intrigued "Oh" and became very interested in the items Shopkeeper Ye San had brought. He quickly finished his bath, dressed, and pulled Fu Tingyun along to the storeroom where the items were kept.
"Not bad, not bad," he said, circling the glass screen twice before smiling in satisfaction. "He’s saved me quite a bit of trouble."
Fu Tingyun then asked about the birthday gifts from the Miao tribesmen. "What were they?"
"An eagle," Zhao Ling replied with a somewhat proud smile.
The eagle, also known as the "azure bird," was considered an auspicious creature in legend. There was a saying: "When a virtuous ruler practices filial piety and benevolence, moving heaven and earth, and refrains from killing, the bird will come." The emperor had made a grand spectacle of the Empress Dowager's seventieth birthday precisely to showcase his filial devotion. Zhao Ling and his men presenting the azure bird was a perfect complement to the occasion—nothing could have been more fitting.
Fu Tingyun quickly asked, "Where did you find such a treasure?"
Zhao Ling chuckled. "They said someone spotted it by chance, and tribesmen were sent deep into the mountains to lure and capture it. It took quite some effort." He added, "Since it's a live creature and extremely precious, I had them set off early. It’s better to travel slowly than risk any harm to the bird. Moreover, we had to keep it quiet along the way to avoid any mishaps. If something went wrong, what was meant to be an auspicious sign could turn into a disaster, displeasing the emperor."
Fu Tingyun nodded, then pressed her lips together in a smile and asked Zhao Ling, "So when can you 'return'?"
Zhao Ling laughed. "I should be back by mid-next month."
Over the years, Zhao Ling had been constantly occupied with social engagements whenever he returned to the capital. This meant they could finally shut the door and enjoy a few quiet days together.
Fu Tingyun was naturally overjoyed and spent each day devising ways to prepare delicious meals for Zhao Ling, while he played with the children.
A few days later, A Sen returned, and the two of them holed up in the study for half the day before emerging.
Seeing A Sen in high spirits, Fu Tingyun knew things had gone well. Though she wasn’t sure what exactly had transpired, she was happy nonetheless. She eagerly pulled A Sen aside to try on his wedding attire.
A Sen’s ears turned red with embarrassment.
Third Sister came to visit. "I’ve been counting the days—it’s about time for the formal betrothal between your families. How are the preparations coming along? Is there anything I can help with?"
"Everything’s already prepared," Fu Tingyun said with a smile. "All we need is for your whole family to come, enjoy the feast, listen to some opera, and join in the celebration!" She then brought up the matter of hiring a tutor for Youyou.
Third Sister readily agreed and went back to discuss it with Third Older Cousin's Husband.
After some thought, Third Older Cousin's Husband said, "It might have to wait until after the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebrations. Everyone’s busy with that right now.""We also started our education at the age of seven when we were young," Third Sister said with a smile. "Starting next year won't be too late."
Even so, Third Older Cousin's Husband took it to heart. By mid-November, when he learned that Zhao Ling had "returned," he made a special trip to Shi Family Alley. However, Zhao Ling had gone to the palace for an audience, so A Sen came out to entertain him. Third Older Cousin's Husband congratulated A Sen with a smile, and A Sen, blushing, stammered modestly in response. Then, Third Older Cousin's Husband asked him some questions about his studies.
A Sen became much more at ease, answering every question without losing coherence.
Third Older Cousin's Husband nodded slightly in approval.
Zhao Ling returned.
Fu Tingyun arranged a banquet in the southern hall.
Zhao Ling and Third Older Cousin's Husband took their seats as host and guest, respectively, while A Sen sat at the lower end of the table.
Third Older Cousin's Husband guessed that Zhao Ling had returned to the capital for the Empress Dowager's birthday celebrations. After three rounds of drinks, he asked about the audience: "...Why did you return so early? You’re one of the frontier officials stationed farthest from the capital."
Zhao Ling then told him about obtaining a rare blue bird: "I wanted to present it before the New Year to bring His Majesty some joy."
Third Older Cousin's Husband was stunned, then burst into laughter and clapped Zhao Ling on the shoulder. "You’re truly remarkable—you actually got your hands on a blue bird! What did the Emperor say? He must have been delighted!"
"He seemed quite pleased," Zhao Ling replied modestly. "The presentation ceremony will be arranged tomorrow."
Third Older Cousin's Husband nodded repeatedly, hinting at Zhao Ling: "First, you quelled the Miao rebellion, and now you’ve obtained an auspicious omen. Doesn’t this signify that His Majesty’s ascension to the throne was in accordance with divine will?"
"Exactly," Zhao Ling agreed, raising his cup to toast Third Older Cousin's Husband.
Pleased that Zhao Ling understood his implication, Third Older Cousin's Husband drained his cup with a broad smile.
Zhao Ling then asked Third Older Cousin's Husband to escort A Sen for his wedding procession.
Third Older Cousin's Husband readily agreed. On the 18th, the entire family dressed in their finest and arrived early. Third Sister helped Fu Tingyun receive female guests in the inner courtyard, while Third Older Cousin's Husband entertained male guests in the outer courtyard. By dusk, accompanied by celebratory music and led by lanterns, Third Older Cousin's Husband rode in a sedan chair to escort A Sen to the Wang residence.
As Zhao Ling's brother-in-law, Lord Wang treated Third Older Cousin's Husband with special regard, toasting him repeatedly until the gathering dispersed at the hour of Hai. By then, Third Older Cousin's Husband was too drunk to tell east from west.
The next morning, the entire street buzzed with talk about the Guizhou Pacification Office presenting a blue bird for the Empress Dowager’s 70th birthday.
This was also the first birthday gift the Empress Dowager received.
Rubbing his temples, Third Older Cousin's Husband couldn’t help but smile.
A few days later, an imperial edict arrived: Zhao Ling was commended for pacifying the frontier, and his wife, Fu Shi, was granted the title of Third-Rank Worthy Person.
Though Zhao Ling had thought Fu Tingyun might receive an honorary title for his role in quelling the Miao rebellion, such matters were unpredictable—perhaps the Emperor had simply decided to reward him. So, when the news arrived, Zhao Ling was still surprised. But beyond surprise, he was delighted. While he guarded the frontier, Fu Tingyun had worked hard to manage the household and raise their children. This title was a recognition of her years of dedication.
Zhao Ling urged Fu Tingyun to prepare the attire befitting a Third-Rank Worthy Person and go to the palace to express gratitude.
Fu Tingyun had been thinking that Zhao Ling’s auspicious offering had been perfectly timed, deepening the Emperor’s favorable impression of him. This would ensure Zhao Ling’s position in Guizhou remained secure despite his distance from the capital. She hadn’t expected the benefit to fall to her instead.
Hearing Zhao Ling’s words, she didn’t dwell on it further and hastily prepared the attire. Then, accompanied by a palace eunuch, she went to Kunning Palace to express her gratitude.The empress smiled, took her hand, and examined her closely for a long moment before saying, "After all these years apart, your appearance hasn’t changed a bit."
During her previous two visits to the palace, as they were by special decree, Fu Tingyun had merely followed the other noblewomen in offering distant bows to the Empress Dowager and the empress.
Hearing the empress’s warm tone, Fu Tingyun felt slightly reassured, yet she remained composed, eyes lowered respectfully as she replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I am undeserving of such praise."
"No need for modesty," the empress said with a smile, turning to ask the palace attendant beside her, "Don’t you agree?"
"Your Majesty speaks truly," the attendant replied humbly. "Lady Zhao’s appearance remains unchanged."
The empress’s smile softened further as she inquired about Fu Tingyun’s children. Learning she was a mother of three, the empress seemed pleasantly surprised. "Lord Zhao is truly fortunate," she remarked before asking after the children.
Fu Tingyun answered each question in turn.
The empress then spoke of her own three sons.
The atmosphere was warm and congenial.
Only when the attendant discreetly reminded her did the empress conclude the conversation, presenting Fu Tingyun with a pair of gold hairpins inlaid with mutton-fat jade, along with several bolts of gauze, brocade, and gold-embroidered silk. "For the children’s winter garments," she said.
After expressing her gratitude, Fu Tingyun followed the attendant to the inner palace to receive the gifts.
By the time she left the palace, lanterns were already being lit. Zhao Ling waited anxiously outside the palace gates.
Spotting her, he immediately approached and asked in a hushed, concerned tone, "How did it go?"
Noticing the Standard Guards on duty watching them, Fu Tingyun simply replied, "Everything went well," before boarding their carriage. Only when they had traveled beyond Chang'an Avenue did she recount the details of the audience to Zhao Ling.
Zhao Ling exhaled in relief, embracing her happily. "Good, all’s well. We can celebrate the New Year in peace now."
"Perhaps not entirely," Fu Tingyun said with a smile. "By custom, I must attend the New Year’s court greetings on Chuyi to offer my felicitations to the empress."
"Well, I’ll be going for the greetings too," Zhao Ling replied casually. "No trouble at all."
They exchanged a knowing smile.
Fu Tingyun leaned against Zhao Ling’s shoulder and murmured, "Our lives will only get better."
Zhao Ling said nothing, merely tightening his grip on her hand.
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Though the Lantern Festival had passed, the city’s red lanterns remained hanging—unlike previous years—and festive red silks were added along major thoroughfares. Under the Shuntian Prefecture’s supervision, the capital’s main roads were meticulously cleaned. Tributes from across the land arrived steadily, dazzling the capital’s residents: one day, a pair of foot-tall red coral; the next, a human-sized embroidered screen; later, towering porcelain vases... Amidst the marveling, speculation about the Empress Dowager’s birthday ran rampant. Some claimed her banquet would feature 1,080 dishes; others said she would wear a sleeveless vest woven with gold thread and jewels for the celebrations; still others insisted the emperor would declare a general amnesty in her honor... The capital buzzed with excitement, surpassing even the New Year’s revelry.To celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, the Emperor indeed issued a general amnesty on the second day of the second lunar month. Following this, he hosted three consecutive banquets at the Western Park, where imperial relatives, princes, and princesses each paid their respects and presented birthday gifts to the Empress Dowager. On the twenty-first day of the second month, the Emperor held a grand birthday feast at the Hall of Preserving Harmony. The Empress Dowager first received the congratulations of the court officials at the hall before proceeding to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility to accept the homage of the titled ladies from outside the palace.
Fu Tingyun followed silently behind the group of titled ladies, all of whom appeared at least a decade older than her, as they made their way to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility.
Suddenly, someone tugged at her sleeve.
Turning around, she was surprised to see Madam Wu.
Spotting a familiar face in such a place lifted Fu Tingyun's spirits considerably.
She offered Madam Wu a faint smile in return.
Madam Wu, smiling back, silently gestured ahead, suggesting they walk together.
With a nod and a smile, Fu Tingyun fell into step beside her, and the two entered the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility side by side.
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O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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