This was Wanwan’s first time interfering in the Prince’s mansion affairs. She herself didn’t think much of it, but the Dowager Consort learned of it and was very pleased: “Her Highness has finally taken root. Look – having a child makes all the difference. This is what living like a family looks like. Ah, this child has such a kind heart. An insignificant tea room eunuch, something like dust, yet she treats him as human – this nature isn’t like someone raised in the palace.” Speaking of this, she remembered Lan Ting: “That scoundrel Ting, causing trouble every day – he truly deserves proper discipline! Lucky the Grand Princess encountered this. If he’d offended his father, getting beaten like a spotted tiger wouldn’t spare him!”

Nanny Ta respectfully offered tea: “Second Young Master has been like this since childhood – quite wild, but he’s clever inside, doesn’t like standing out or showing off.”

“Isn’t he just like his mother? Zhou Shi was unreliable, dragging Ting down to be like her. Speaking of well-born sons, it’s still Tala Shi. The eldest is sharp as a needle – at such a young age, he handles affairs with perfect logic. He’ll surely have great achievements in future.” The Dowager Consort squinted her eyes. Outside, blazing sunlight penetrated through vast whiteness, as if seeing the future: “Now we’re just hoping for the Grand Princess’s pregnancy. If it’s a boy, that would be legitimate bloodline – remarkable, the whole family’s treasure. If it’s a girl, that’s fine too. Our family has no daughters – having a princess would be good. Anyway, they’ll have more children – three or five of them. No more than that though, or it would harm her body and she couldn’t endure old age.”

Nanny Ta laughed: “You’re thinking rather far ahead – one hasn’t even been born yet and you’re already planning the rest.”

The Dowager Consort was delighted: “I don’t mind being a grandmother many times over – I’m counting on a house full of children and grandchildren. You know, having married a princess, he can’t take concubines anymore, and those three were sent away. How can we not hope the young couple has many children?” After a pause: “That Cui fellow is quite fortunate. Assign him to serve nearby – Her Highness also meant something by it.”

Nanny Ta agreed, then hesitated: “Her Highness will surely have sons in future. Nothing else matters, but it’s a pity for First Young Master…”

The Dowager Consort glanced at her, understanding her thoughts. The two brothers Lan Zhou and Lan Ting had been brought to her for care at six months old – one could say she watched them grow up, so her feelings were different. Lan Zhou had prime ministerial talent, but due to his birth circumstances, could only remain subordinate. Nanny Ta felt sorry for him in her heart.

The Dowager Consort patted the pine-crane pattern on her skirt, saying slowly: “Children and grandchildren have their own fortune. If the boys are accomplished, merit must be earned by themselves. He suffers from his birth circumstances – that can’t be helped. But chaotic times produce heroes. In future, establishing his own household and becoming marquis and minister wouldn’t be difficult. Under heaven there’s not just Prince Nanyuan’s noble rank.”

Just as they were chatting leisurely, suddenly a series of footsteps reached the door. The chief steward bowed outside the threshold: “Reporting to Master, an imperial edict has arrived from the palace. Please come to Silver Peace Hall to receive it.”

The Dowager Consort’s heart skipped: “So formal – what’s the reason…”

While speaking, she arranged her hair and went to the front hall. Halfway there she met Wanwan hurrying over, her face somewhat pale, calling softly “Mother.”

The Dowager Consort went to take her hand: “Don’t rush, walk steadily. Anyway, they won’t read the edict until we arrive.” Suddenly she noticed her hand was very cold – probably knowing her brother’s character, she feared he’d caused some new trouble.

Entering Silver Peace Hall, incense tables for receiving edicts were already lit. Liangshi’s expression appeared natural, but his hands were clenched tight. Wanwan looked around, surprised that Yan Sunlang had actually come. Seeing her, he quickly rose and bowed deeply: “This subject respectfully wishes Grand Princess Your Highness golden peace.” He also bowed to the Dowager Consort: “Paying respects to Dowager Consort.”

Wanwan nodded: “Did Director Yan bring His Majesty’s edict on this trip?”

Yan Sunlang confirmed, then stood at the head position and proclaimed loudly: “His Majesty has an edict. Prince Nanyuan receive the edict.”

Everyone in the room knelt down. Wanwan prostrated on the blue bricks, listening word by word as Yan Sunlang recited. When she heard the final phrase “Prince Nanyuan need not escort,” her head spun dizzily and she nearly collapsed.

If it were simply visiting relatives, why wouldn’t her husband accompany her? Since ancient times, when daughters returned home, she’d never heard of not wanting the son-in-law. His Majesty even specifically instructed this – what did it mean? After the edict was read, she stood and asked Yan Sunlang: “When Director left the palace, had His Majesty received our Prince’s memorial?”

Yan Sunlang was second-in-command at the Ceremonial Supervision, ranking just below Xiao Duo. The Ceremonial Supervision managed red-ink approval duties – all memorials entering the capital first went to the Ceremonial Supervision, so Yan Sunlang would know most clearly whether the Emperor had received it.

But he said no: “When this subject left the palace, no memorial from the Prince had been received. His Majesty’s edict came quickly, commanding eight-hundred-li express. I ran three horses lame to arrive in Jinling today.”

Liangshi looked down at the date on the handwritten edict – July 17th, the day after Wanwan was diagnosed with pregnancy. Yan Sunlang secretly departed the capital, taking only three days to enter Nanjing territory. Fifth Brother’s carrier pigeon message arrived this morning – he roughly knew the situation already, but such short time allowed no reaction. Since an imperial edict was issued, daring to disobey meant defying imperial orders. He understood what scheme Murong Gaogong was playing – an emperor using such underhanded methods was truly contemptible!

The Dowager Consort had long had bad premonitions and only hated that they proved true. Feigning composure: “Then Director Yan, His Majesty probably doesn’t yet know Her Highness is pregnant?”

Yan Sunlang showed a surprised expression: “This is tremendous good news – congratulations to the Dowager Consort.” He repeatedly bowed to Prince Nanyuan and the Grand Princess: “Congratulations to Your Highness, congratulations to Her Highness.”

The Dowager Consort, relying on her advanced age and at worst being called senile, probed: “Her Highness was only diagnosed with pregnancy on the 15th. The child is still early in development. The hardships of travel might harm the child. Could Director Yan perhaps report to His Majesty requesting a slight delay before sending Her Highness to the capital? The first three months require quiet rest – if anything should happen, regret would come too late.”

Yan Sunlang bowed slightly while listening to her speak, nodding frequently with a respectful expression, but his reply allowed no room for negotiation: “Please understand, Dowager Consort – this subject only conveys edicts. Whatever the edict says, I do accordingly. Her Highness’s pregnancy makes me happy for her, but what’s within my capability is merely using every means to safely escort Her Highness to the capital. As for other matters, this subject is insignificant and dares not disobey His Majesty’s edict. Please forgive me, Dowager Consort.”

The Dowager Consort was helpless, turning to look at her son and daughter-in-law. Though Wanwan struggled to maintain composure, her spirits began flagging. Liangshi remained well, still appearing modest and patient with a smile: “This matter is truly coincidental – just one step’s difference. If His Majesty knew, surely he’d consider the circumstances. Director Yan worked hard all the way, taking only three days from north to south – even our Qi people’s warriors might not match that pace. Since you’ve arrived, even if departing, you must allow this Prince to prepare for Her Highness. Please rest temporarily in the separate estate, Director Yan. Tonight we’ll hold a welcoming banquet for you. When Her Highness is adequately prepared and you’ve recovered your strength, then we’ll set out to avoid exhaustion.”

He was thorough and courteous. With no hope from Xiao Duo’s side, Yan Sunlang would surely be the Ceremonial Supervision’s next chief. Establishing good relations now shouldn’t be too late.

Coming out of Silver Peace Hall, despite the hot weather, Wanwan broke into cold sweat on her back. Tonghuan supported her, constantly watching her complexion: “Your Highness must take care – be careful of the child.”

She looked at her dully: “It’s precisely because of this child that His Majesty insists on my return to the capital, isn’t it?”

Actually she knew everything – this time she and the child had become hostages, to be held by her own brother. Was marrying her off to Jiangnan merely to someday use them to control Prince Nanyuan? This brother’s calculations ran so deep – born of the same mother, yet completely lacking sibling affection. Truly for imperial dominance, everything could be abandoned.

Tonghuan didn’t know how to comfort her, only gazing at her sadly. If Chief Xiao were still here, perhaps there might be hope for change. Unfortunately, no one in court could now protect the Grand Princess completely. Whatever the future path held – whether smooth or thorny – she must walk it herself.

The Dowager Consort’s heart was also in great turmoil, repeatedly saying for Liangshi to think of other solutions: “The memorial hasn’t reached the capital yet – wait a few days to see how things develop. Perhaps His Majesty will learn the news and issue another edict commanding you to rest peacefully during pregnancy.”

Wanwan smiled bitterly – how was that possible? Prince Nanyuan’s mansion must have spies inside. Otherwise how could the front foot diagnose pregnancy while the back foot sent people to fetch her to the capital? Yet regarding her own brother, what more could she say? She sighed: “Mother has been frightened because of me. It’s nothing – I’ve been away from the capital half a year. Returning for a visit is fine. Mother needn’t worry – I’ll return quickly and still give birth in Nanjing.”

The Dowager Consort nodded, but knew this so-called quick return was probably self-comfort. Previously when the couple was discord, the Emperor never interfered. Now when their feelings deepened and they had a child, he insisted on separating them – this bastard Emperor had truly played a fine hand.

Wanwan returned to Longen Tower, dispirited. Xiao You packed luggage while frequently looking back at her. She reclined on the couch playing with a ruyi scepter, staring blankly out the window. After a long while she sighed, expressing her deepest inner anguish.

Lan Zhou and Lan Ting also received news and hurried back from family school, running breathlessly. Upon entering they choked up, not daring to speak.

Wanwan observed them – both children were sweating profusely. She smiled and beckoned them to sit, having Tonghuan bring ice bowls to cool them.

Lan Ting swallowed saliva: “Mother, we heard the palace wants you to return – is that true?”

Wanwan considered: “Not necessarily to the palace. Before my marriage I built the Grand Princess mansion – this time I should live there.”

“Who will care for Mother?” Lan Zhou stood up: “Mother is having a little brother and is physically weak. How can you endure long-distance travel? The Prince’s mansion has Grandmother and Father – what’s there in the Beijing mansion? Will Mother be all alone?”

Before Wanwan’s eyes appeared a scene of a quiet room where she sat alone under a bean lamp – such desolation made her nose sting. But verbally she had to deflect: “It’s fine – Tonghuan and Xiao You will all be there to care for me. I used to live like this in the palace for sixteen years. Returning for a while now, I’ll be back soon. You must be obedient, serve Grandmother and Father well, and don’t anger them.”

Lan Ting stammered for a long time before saying: “Anyway son is idle – let son accompany Mother to the capital together.”

His words surprised Lan Zhou – this brother usually only loved playing, yet at crucial moments showed such loyalty!

Lan Ting blinked at Wanwan: “Mother, what do you think?”

So he volunteered as hostage? Wanwan beckoned him over and stroked his topknot: “Good child, study well with your brother – that’s most important. The Forbidden City has always been my natal family – when I return to my natal family, could anyone devour me?”

Lan Zhou’s face reddened: “Brother Ting is right – we brothers should accompany Mother to the capital together.”

Wanwan felt comforted but still said it wasn’t necessary, turning away to secretly wipe tears.

They couldn’t disturb a pregnant person too long for fear of tiring her. Lan Zhou pulled Lan Ting outside. Walking by Yanwan Lake in the evening, his mood plummeted: “Dog Emperor – if he falls into my hands someday, I’ll definitely kill him.”

Lan Ting remained silent for a long time before saying: “I was just showing loyalty to Mother earlier – will Mother be moved? Can my mother come back now?”

Lan Zhou was stunned – his admiration instantly turned to anger: “That’s what you were calculating?”

Lan Ting nodded: “I miss my mother.”

Lan Zhou glared at him fiercely: “You should discuss it with Father…”

Lan Ting’s eyes lit up excitedly: “Will Father agree?”

“If you’re not afraid of having your legs broken.”

Thinking about that at this time – it might truly prevent their mother from ever returning. The Grand Princess was only returning to visit relatives – even if detained, there should be a time limit. The whole family was gloomy with worry, yet he thought of bringing his mother back to fill the vacancy – he truly didn’t want to live!

The brothers pushed and shoved out through the hanging flower gate. As sky gradually darkened, Wanwan sat by the window in a daze. Tonghuan kept advising: “Your Highness should lie on the bed. Don’t think so badly of things – perhaps His Majesty just misses you, nothing else.”

She lowered her head, murmuring softly: “Misses me… In the past at the palace, we didn’t meet often either. Why does he miss me now? I’m pregnant – making me travel such distance, if I can’t maintain the pregnancy, how will I face the Prince…”

Speaking thus, tears flowed down torrentially. Losing both parents at a young age, raised by her half-brother, later her full brother used her to fill a gap. When she’d adapted to that gap, he ruthlessly dragged her back, not caring whether she’d get her hands and feet caught and become disabled. She’d been grateful to find family feeling in the vassal prince’s mansion. Even though they’d once been awkwardly incompatible, now with a child, she’d truly planned to settle down. Unfortunately the Emperor gave her no such opportunity. He’d said Great Ye wasn’t just his responsibility but also hers – therefore however much torment, he felt justified.

Xiao You quickly wiped her tears: “You can’t cry – if you cry, little brother cries too. How bad! Wait for the Prince to return – he’ll surely have a solution.”

She slowly shook her head: “Imperial edicts read publicly – who dares disobey? Even if he has solutions, I can’t let him use them.”

Her limbs felt weak in waves – she could only return to bed and recline. The Dowager Consort came to see her, saying many comforting words. She had to console her in return, forcing smiles until her cheeks ached.

Liangshi returned very late. Hearing footsteps, she quickly rose to wait for him. Seeing her standing when he entered, he reproached her for not knowing how to care for herself. Reaching her, his gaze swept her face repeatedly, then he held her tightly.

“Wanwan…” His voice was thick and tearful: “I can’t keep you – we can only endure for now.”

After much consideration, the only solution was probably immediate military action, but events were sudden with no preparations made. Rash action was taboo for military strategists. Moreover, he had to consider her – knowing she might not be willing to rebel against her brother just to avoid returning to the capital. So what he was experiencing now was the same awkward situation Xiao Duo once faced. Last year when the Emperor sent the Western Depot to fetch Bu Yin Luo to the palace, Xiao Duo’s state of mind was probably the same as his now!

Wanwan had been encouraging herself for a long time, unwilling to grieve before him and make things difficult.

She gently stroked his back, cheek against his, saying warmly: “I’m just returning to my natal family once – why are you so distressed? We’re traveling by waterway – there won’t be jolting. Just be at ease. The edict says you needn’t escort, so wait one month, then come fetch me. Is that acceptable?”

He caught his breath, realizing his loss of composure, and quickly turned away to adjust. Facing her again, he put on a smile: “I don’t want to be separated from you for even a moment. Hearing you must leave feels like the sky is falling. You’re right – if they won’t let me escort, I can come fetch you. Wait for me in the capital, don’t think about anything, just count days. When a full month passes, I’ll be there.”

She nodded with a smile, tears glimmering in her eyes: “I’ll spend this entire month thinking of you – you must think of me too.”

She’d long become his entire life – not just her, but the child too. He kissed her forehead: “I’ll think of you constantly. Wait for me – I’ll come fetch you very soon.”

Both were comforting each other, both deceiving themselves – otherwise what could they do? They could only take one step and see the next.