Coming from Jiang Taohua’s mouth, Shen Zaiye didn’t want to believe a single word. Yet, for some reason, the anger in his heart subsided a bit. He quietly watched her and Qingtai go back and forth, tidying up everything and even began to reflect silently.
Was he not gentle enough, not considerate enough towards others?
But as a dignified man, did he need to cater to a little woman’s every whim to be considered thoughtful? Women were so superficial, always looking at things on the surface without carefully considering who truly cared for them the most. Jiang Taohua was fine in other aspects, but why was her judgment of men so poor?
Shaking his head, Shen Zaiye changed his clothes and tidied up, then retired to Zhengchun Pavilion with a heart full of melancholy.
Early the next morning, Qingtai found the clothes Taohua had requested. As soon as Shen Zaiye got up, he saw that Jiang Taohua was almost ready, dressed in a goose-yellow chest-high ruqun. The golden-threaded waistband was elegant without being overly complex. The snow-white jacket bore subtle peach blossom patterns, and the floating ribbons were adorned with auspicious designs, both dignified and graceful.
“This is yours, my lord,” Taohua said with a smile, unfolding his official robes. It was still the same one he usually wore, but now there was an additional goose-yellow sachet next to it, matching the color of her skirt.
Raising an eyebrow slightly, Shen Zaiye stood up, allowing her to help him change. Then he picked up the sachet with disdain, examining it. “Did you embroider this?”
“How could I have had the time?” Taohua pouted. “I just picked one at random.”
His disdain grew stronger. Shen Zaiye reached out to remove it, saying, “It’s really ugly. Better not to wear it.”
“Hey, hey, hey!” Taohua quickly pressed his hand, smiling. “I did embroider it! There wasn’t enough time, so there were only a few small flowers on it, but it matched my skirt. The palace is so big; if I get lost, people will see the color and bring me back to you.”
Hearing this, Shen Zaiye found it somewhat interesting. He thought for a moment and released his hand. “If that’s the case, then let’s go.”
“Alright!” Taohua responded, holding onto his arm as they walked out. However, she couldn’t help but wonder to herself.
Why had this lord become increasingly difficult to serve recently?
The envoys would enter the palace early in the morning, first meeting with the emperor, then with the civil and military officials, and finally attending a banquet in the inner palace. So, upon entering the palace, Shen Zaiye headed towards the frontcourt, while Jiang Taohua was led to the inner palace by palace attendants.
“Congratulations,” Lan Guifei said, reclining on her noble couch, her face exceptionally ornate with makeup. “You’ve finally become an official wife.”
Taohua stepped forward to pay her respects, smiling, “Thank you, Your Highness. It’s all thanks to the Prime Minister’s deep affection.”
It truly is deep affection, Lan Guifei thought with a light chuckle. She sat up straight and looked at Taohua, saying, “I’ve known him for so many years, and I’ve never seen any woman stay by his side for half a year without losing his favor. You, on the contrary, seem to be increasingly favored. Madam Jiang, you truly have great skill.”
It wasn’t about skill; she was just better at seizing opportunities and going along with Shen Zaiye’s wishes. In this man’s world, wasn’t it all about prospering by following him and perishing by opposing him?
However, facing Lan Guifei, she could only respectfully say, “Your Highness flatters me.”
Coughing twice, Lan Guifei’s face showed signs of fatigue, which even her heavy makeup couldn’t conceal. “With the Crown Prince gone, the day he desires is not far off. Have you thought about what your fate will be?”
The palace hall was quiet, with all the maids withdrawn. Jiang Taohua raised her eyes and looked at the person before her for a moment, then tilted her head and said, “What fate could there be? I’m too foolish to know.”
“Shen Zaiye is a ruthless man,” Lan Guifei said with a bitter smile. “No matter how deep the feelings once were, no matter how much someone likes him or has sacrificed for him when he no longer needs that person, he will discard them mercilessly.”
This was something she had indeed observed in the Prime Minister’s residence. Taohua smiled slightly and asked, “Is this why Your Highness resents him?”
Lan Guifei was taken aback, her gaze losing focus for a moment. After a while, she came back to her senses and said, “I can’t tell if I resent him or love him too much.”
“Your Highness!” Taohua exclaimed in shock, instinctively looking around.
This was the imperial palace, after all. How could she dare to say such things?
“Don’t worry,” Lu Zhilan sneered. “There are no outsiders in my palace. Apart from my confidants, there are only your Prime Minister’s trusted people.”
So powerful? Taohua was amazed. If Shen Zaiye could control even the imperial palace, wouldn’t it be easy for him to rebel?
“I’ve been ill recently, which has given me time to think about many things,” Lu Zhilan said softly. “All my life, I’ve lived for him. Yet now he treats you so well. What does that make me?”
“Your Highness,” Taohua quickly waved her hands. “Don’t be fooled by appearances. Only I know how the Prime Minister truly treats me. He’s the same with everyone; I’m no exception.”
This mistress’s emotions were crucial. If she gave up because of her, wouldn’t Shen Zaiye beat her to death?
“Is that so?” Lu Zhilan closed her eyes. “He hasn’t spoken to me in a long time. I don’t know when the next time will be.”
Looking at her for a moment, Jiang Taohua finally couldn’t help but ask, “The Emperor seems to treat you quite well. Have you never been moved by him?”
Lu Zhilan was startled, a flash of guilt crossing her face. She lowered her gaze and said, “In this life, Shen Zaiye owes me, and I owe His Majesty. If there’s a next life, I will first repay His Majesty’s kindness, then seek retribution from Shen Zaiye.”
Once you fall in love with someone, it becomes hard to accept anyone else, no matter how good they might be. It’s not a question of who’s better or worse; it’s just a matter of timing, what we call fate.
Taohua quietly looked at Lan Guifei’s face, unable to help but sigh softly. She was about the same age as herself, yet she looked as if she were ten years older. Within these palace walls, despite having the Emperor’s favor, she didn’t seem to live happily.
As the time approached, Taohua helped Lan Guifei up and they walked out together. The wives of various officials had already gathered. With the Empress seriously ill and resting, the responsibility of hosting the envoys fell solely on Lan Guifei’s shoulders.
As they approached the crowd, Taohua noticed that the fatigue on Lan Guifei’s face had completely disappeared. Her face was now radiant and charming as she gracefully greeted the wives and young ladies of various families, elegantly taking her seat at the head of the table to enjoy tea. Frankly speaking, Lu Zhilan was indeed a beauty, no wonder the Emperor favored her so much.
She even began to wonder why Shen Zaiye didn’t like someone like her. Such a person had been with Shen Zaiye all along, never leaving his side, willing to sacrifice for him. Why didn’t he like her?
As noon arrived, the Emperor led the envoys to the inner palace. Lan Guifei led everyone to respectfully greet them at the entrance. Just as Taohua lowered her head in a bow, she heard the Emperor’s hearty laughter: “Princess of Zhao, please rise. Today, you are like family visiting. You shall sit to my left later.”
(End of Chapter)