When the palace servant arrived at the Marquis’s mansion, Qin Zhao Yu never expected the Empress would summon her to the palace today. Seeing this, Madam Hu immediately ordered people to help her prepare, “Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival banquet. The Empress must have instructions for you today.”
Madam Hu’s eyebrows rose in delight, and she suddenly said, “Could it be that they’re deciding on the Crown Princess candidate tomorrow? Is that why the Empress is summoning you to the palace, to tell you in advance?”
At these words, Qin Zhao Yu’s eyes brightened, though she maintained a composed expression. She carefully dressed herself before following the palace servant into the carriage. Madam Hu stood at the mansion gates watching them leave, her eyes full of anticipation!
Upon reaching Kun Ning Palace, Qin Zhao Yu entered the main hall with her usual respectful manner. As soon as she entered, Zhao Shu Hua smiled, “Zhao Yu has arrived – come quickly and help me examine this painting-“
Qin Zhao Yu curtseyed and hurried forward. She saw a landscape painting hanging before Zhao Shu Hua, and her eyes immediately lit up, “Your Majesty, is this Zhang Xi’s ‘Landscape of You Province’?”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled immediately, “Your reputation as the capital’s foremost talented lady is well-deserved! Indeed, this is Zhang Xi’s ‘Landscape of You Province’! Come and see if this is the original.”
Zhang Xi was a renowned painter from the previous dynasty, and this ‘Landscape of You Province’ was his masterpiece, priceless in the market. Even Qin Zhao Yu had only seen it in books. Logically, to authenticate such a famous painting, the Empress could have called upon senior court officials or palace painters skilled in this area. Yet now, she asked a young lady like Qin Zhao Yu to examine it, showing her high regard and appreciation.
Qin Zhao Yu dared not be careless. She examined it thoroughly before saying, “Zhang Xi was especially skilled in watercolor and ink techniques. This painting is one of his representative works. Legend has it that when Zhang Xi painted this, his wife had just passed away, and ancient You Province was his wife’s homeland. Therefore, when he created this painting, it was filled with longing for his wife. The painting shows verdant mountains in the foreground, with a river flowing between them in the background – the Yu River of ancient You Province. The river’s colors are profound, and looking closely, one can almost see the tumultuous currents beneath, representing his deep yearning for his wife. His brushstrokes vary in pressure and speed, with strokes of different lengths. While the river appears to flow chaotically, the details of the coloring are exquisite. Compared to the layered green mountains, the rushing river appears almost real, and this seal…”
Qin Zhao Yu looked toward a corner of the painting, “This is Zhang Xi’s private seal. All discovered paintings by Zhang Xi bear this seal. The most difficult part for later imitators to replicate is the broken corner of the seal…”
Qin Zhao Yu pointed to a tiny crack in the red seal, “Right here.”
After leaning in for a closer look, Qin Zhao Yu said, “If I’m not mistaken, this painting should be authentic.”
Having said this, Qin Zhao Yu straightened up and looked at Zhao Shu Hua, “Your Majesty, if I’ve spoken wrongly, please don’t blame me. My knowledge is shallow-“
Hearing this, Zhao Shu Hua laughed and took Qin Zhao Yu’s hand, leading her to sit on the window couch, “Oh you! You are indeed the capital’s foremost talented lady – based on what you just said, the title is well-deserved. I trust your judgment.”
She then ordered her servants, “Put this painting away carefully.”
Qin Zhao Yu relaxed and showed a genuine smile, “Your Majesty, to be safe, perhaps we should invite some more experienced painters to examine it…”
Zhao Shu Hua shook her head as she sat down, “No need. When I say I trust you, I truly do.”
Qin Zhao Yu looked gratefully at Zhao Shu Hua, “Thank you, Your Majesty…”
Servants served tea to both of them. Zhao Shu Hua didn’t drink, but instead carefully observed Qin Zhao Yu. Feeling somewhat embarrassed under the Empress’s gaze, Qin Zhao Yu shifted uncomfortably. Zhao Shu Hua smiled, “What? You know what day tomorrow is, don’t you?”
Qin Zhao Yu nodded, “Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival banquet.”
Zhao Shu Hua curved her lips, “Yes, tomorrow is the Lantern Festival banquet. I summoned you to the palace today because I have some personal words to share with you…”
Hearing this, Qin Zhao Yu thought Madam Hu’s prediction was correct, and her expression showed she was ready to listen attentively.
“Please speak, Your Majesty-“
Zhao Shu Hua held Qin Zhao Yu’s hand and sighed, “I don’t know if speaking to you now is right or wrong, but since tomorrow the list will be sent to the Imperial Astronomers, I can’t help myself. Whatever I tell you next, keep it in your heart.”
Qin Zhao Yu quickly nodded, and Zhao Shu Hua continued with weighted words, “Right now, I’m not speaking to the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s daughter, but to Che’er’s future wife-“
Qin Zhao Yu’s heart suddenly jolted, her eyes instantly sparkling!
Che’er’s wife…
The Empress was already viewing her as the future Crown Princess!
Qin Zhao Yu’s emotions surged, and she took a deep breath to steady herself.
Zhao Shu Hua spoke slowly, “Zhao Yu, although Che’er has been appointed Crown Prince, you should know that Prince Cheng and Consort Su harbor great ambitions. As long as Che’er hasn’t ascended the throne, they remain a threat to him…”
Qin Zhao Yu nodded; this much she certainly knew.
Zhao Shu Hua continued, “But that’s not all. Although His Majesty has appointed Che’er, he tests him every day. If he feels Che’er isn’t an ideal Crown Prince, changes might occur.”
Qin Zhao Yu’s dark pupils contracted, and Zhao Shu Hua’s voice grew cold, “But at this point, regardless of why Che’er might lose his position as Crown Prince, he, I, and his future wife would not survive. Zhao Yu, do you understand?”
Snow fell outside the window. As Qin Zhao Yu listened to Zhao Shu Hua’s chilling words, she suddenly felt cold creeping up from her feet. She knew something of palace struggles, but hearing Zhao Shu Hua speak of it so directly was a first. Yet, thinking of something, determination gradually appeared in her eyes that had never seen death or bloodshed.
Zhao Shu Hua was very pleased, “Therefore, the person I choose for Che’er must not only love, support, and care for him but also contribute to his cause. Looking at all the noble ladies in the capital, besides you, I see no one else qualified! You have both grace and wisdom, you understand the bigger picture. Only you can stand beside Che’er and accompany him to that position.”
Qin Zhao Yu was naturally proud, but she had never received such praise from Zhao Shu Hua before. At this moment, her heart surged with emotion, and she looked at Zhao Shu Hua with both joy and gratitude. She was grateful for Zhao Shu Hua’s high regard and recognition because she desperately wanted to be the one standing beside Yan Che…
Seeing Qin Zhao Yu’s expression, Zhao Shu Hua’s lips curved slightly. Her gaze suddenly turned loving for a moment, and she even reached out to stroke Qin Zhao Yu’s cheek, “You are a good child. If you married someone else in the capital – a son from a duke’s or marquis’s family, or some other prince’s heir – you would certainly live well, a life of wealth and honor without worry… But you, you’ve caught my eye. Zhao Yu, this is a difficult path. Do you truly want to walk it?”
“Once you become Che’er’s person, those who wish to harm him might target you. Not only that, but the people around you, your family, will become inseparable from Che’er, and when they can’t bring him down, they might go after your close ones and your family…”
“Beyond those people, you will have to manage the inner palace in the future and become the mother figure of the nation. Your burden will grow heavier and heavier. You will stand in a position second only to one person but above ten thousand others. It will truly be difficult for you.”
At this moment, Qin Zhao Yu wished she could offer her heart to Zhao Shu Hua, “Your Majesty, Zhao Yu is not afraid. Zhao Yu wants to walk this path… Please trust Zhao Yu…”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled with great satisfaction, “Good, good, good… Having heard these words from you, I can rest easy. With you by Che’er’s side in the future, I am truly at peace. I also believe my judgment isn’t wrong – you must be the best person in the world to accompany Che’er to that position…”
Every word from Zhao Shu Hua bolstered Qin Zhao Yu’s confidence and filled her with boundless gratitude. She had been waiting for this day for many years, and she would not disappoint Zhao Shu Hua’s trust!
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for trusting Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu will not fail you! Nor will I fail His Highness the Crown Prince. From now on, Zhao Yu will do everything possible to help His Highness!”
Qin Zhao Yu tightly clasped Zhao Shu Hua’s hand, her heart excited and stirred, her eyes gleaming. Zhao Shu Hua nodded with satisfaction, “Good child, I indeed haven’t misjudged you. Rest assured, I will treat you like my own daughter. Che’er will certainly cherish and love you, and in the future, your child will become the master of Great Zhou.”
These words were a promise. Though Qin Zhao Yu would have willingly devoted herself even without these words, now that Zhao Shu Hua had spoken them, she was even more eager to prove herself. Her child would become Great Zhou’s master – what a weighty promise!
“Your Majesty, please be at ease. Zhao Yu will not disappoint you.”
Qin Zhao Yu returned the promise, and the satisfaction in Zhao Shu Hua’s eyes deepened. She removed the bracelet from her wrist and placed it on Qin Zhao Yu’s, smiling as she said, “This was part of the betrothal gifts His Majesty gave me back then. He said if he was fortunate enough to become emperor, I would surely be his only Empress. This bracelet was his token to me. Now, I give this bracelet to you, as a symbol of my and Che’er’s sincere hearts…”
Qin Zhao Yu’s eyes reddened. She had thought the Empress summoned her just for instructions, but unexpectedly, she was being so solemn. When one is treated as a hero, one must respond as a hero. This appreciation and regard ignited a fierce flame in her heart, making her want to sacrifice her heart’s blood for Yan Che’s cause!
“Your Majesty-“
Qin Zhao Yu’s voice choked with emotion, but Zhao Shu Hua smiled gently, “Don’t be frightened by my words. This is just my sincere intention. I feared you might have some apprehension or doubts, but now that you know how I view you, your heart should be more at ease.”
Qin Zhao Yu looked at the completely jade-green bracelet on her wrist, indeed feeling very secure.
Though she was confident about obtaining the Crown Princess position, Qin Zhao Yu didn’t know Zhao Shu Hua’s true thoughts. Now that she did, she felt that Zhao Shu Hua was on her side. This unity of purpose filled her with fighting spirit – she absolutely could not disappoint Zhao Shu Hua or Yan Che.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Indeed, I was uncertain before, but now seeing Your Majesty’s sincere treatment of Zhao Yu, I am truly reassured. Your Majesty, please rest assured, in the future Zhao Yu will serve you well with filial devotion!”
Zhao Shu Hua’s smile deepened, “All is well here with me. You should focus on keeping Che’er’s heart.”
Qin Zhao Yu blushed, lowering her head somewhat shyly, and nodded, “Yes, Zhao Yu will obey.”
Zhao Shu Hua nodded, about to speak again when suddenly Yun Yan entered from outside with an unusual expression, “Your Majesty-“
Zhao Shu Hua released Qin Zhao Yu’s hand, and Qin Zhao Yu sat up straight. Yun Yan looked at Zhao Shu Hua, then at Qin Zhao Yu, appearing hesitant to speak.
Zhao Shu Hua raised an eyebrow, “What has happened?”
Yun Yan glanced at Qin Zhao Yu again, and Zhao Shu Hua raised her eyebrows, “Zhao Yu is one of us, speak freely.”
Qin Zhao Yu had been wondering if she should excuse herself, but hearing Zhao Shu Hua’s words, she felt grateful once again. Yun Yan hesitated for a moment before saying, “Just now, servants from Chang Xin Palace came to report that… that Consort Su and Prince Cheng plan to harm the Empress Dowager tomorrow. They want to make her illness flare up in front of everyone, using this to… to blame Ninth Miss.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhao Yu’s expression immediately changed, and Zhao Shu Hua raised her eyebrows, “What?!”
Yun Yan lowered her eyes, “Our people reported this. The information should be accurate, though we don’t know what Consort Su and Prince Cheng are planning…”
Understanding dawned on Qin Zhao Yu’s face, “No wonder… no wonder…”
Zhao Shu Hua looked at her, “No wonder what?”
Qin Zhao Yu quickly said, “No wonder Father wouldn’t let Ninth Sister enter the palace. So it was because Prince Cheng’s side meant her harm!”
Zhao Shu Hua’s expression changed several times before she let out a cold laugh, “So your father saw through Prince Cheng’s intentions and kept Qin Wan from entering the palace? Well played, Prince Cheng. Unable to move against Che’er, he aims to strike at your Marquis’s mansion instead. If something goes wrong with the Empress Dowager’s illness, not only will Qin Wan suffer, but you and your father will be implicated as well. Then, forget about entering the Eastern Palace – who knows if the Marquis’s mansion could even survive…”
Qin Zhao Yu’s heart pounded as she saw a smokeless battle brewing before the Lantern Festival banquet had even begun!
“Your Majesty, what should we do? Father has already planned to keep Ninth Sister from entering the palace tomorrow.”
Zhao Shu Hua’s face showed serious preparation, and after a moment she firmly shook her head, “Not entering the palace is the worst strategy. Qin Wan has been treating the Empress Dowager’s illness – whether she enters the palace or not, if something happens to the Empress Dowager, it will certainly be blamed on Qin Wan.”
She looked at Qin Zhao Yu and continued, “She must enter the palace! Only by entering and watching over the Empress Dowager can she avoid this disaster… Who would dare act under Qin Wan’s nose?”
Qin Zhao Yu saw the logic in this, but then thought further – could it be so simple? “But Your Majesty, what if Ninth Sister enters the palace but can’t prevent it? Or what if her entering the palace falls right into their trap?”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled, “You think very thoroughly, but you’ve forgotten that we now know about this – we have the advantage! If they dare to act tomorrow, not only will we prevent Qin Wan from being trapped, we’ll catch them in the act!” She looked at Qin Zhao Yu and added, “Moreover, we need Qin Wan’s help.”
If they truly meant to use Empress Dowager’s illness, who could be more convincing than Qin Wan?!
Qin Zhao Yu immediately nodded, “Good, Zhao Yu understands. I’ll return to the mansion and tell Father. Tomorrow, we’ll bring Ninth Sister to the palace…”
The situation had developed suddenly, and Zhao Shu Hua wore a grave expression. After a few more words, Qin Zhao Yu took her leave to return to the mansion. Zhao Shu Hua didn’t keep her but ordered many jewelry and treasures to be bestowed upon her.
After Qin Zhao Yu left, Yun Yan softly said, “Your Majesty, the Eighth Miss showed some doubt earlier. After she returns and discusses with the Marquis, might they see through your scheme?”
Zhao Shu Hua smiled, “It’s good that she has her thoughts. If she believed everything I said without question, she would be nothing but a foolish incompetent. I won’t misjudge people – she can be clever and astute, as she should be, but she still must listen to my words. Right now, she won’t doubt me, and even if she has some doubts, she’ll choose to trust me. As for Qin Shu, he understands the bigger picture. The person he values is Zhao Yu, not Qin Wan.”