The Empress Dowager was somewhat moved by her words, unable to help sighing again. “To have someone like the Prime Minister assisting him is my son’s good fortune. It’s a shame the harem has so much nonsense going on, or else my son would have devoted himself wholly to governance long ago.”
The harem did seem to have quite a lot of nonsense. Hua Chun pursed her lips, feeling her right hand ache again. She suddenly felt fortunate—thank goodness Madam Wan had been clever enough to have Hua Jinghua disguised as a man. Otherwise, if she’d transmigrated as a woman, she’d probably have ended up as some imperial consort, fighting for favor and scheming among a crowd of women. That would have been so much more degrading.
And judging by today’s events, the people in the harem really would go to ruthless lengths. She’d just been passing by—what was the point of shoving her?
“By the way,” the Empress Dowager said, “I’ve heard your third younger sister has reached marriageable age?”
“Yes,” Hua Chun nodded. “My father is currently arranging her marriage.”
“Oh?” The Empress Dowager said meaningfully, “Has anyone considered sending her into the palace?”
This was certainly convenient—Hua Chun had been racking her brain over how to handle Hua Xunyue, and now the Empress Dowager was bringing it up herself. It seemed she was genuinely interested in the Hua family’s daughters.
“My father has considered it, but worries His Majesty might not take a liking to her, so it’s been set aside for now.”
“My son’s standards aren’t so demanding.” The Empress Dowager smiled faintly. “As long as the Hua family is willing, I’ll handle the rest. Take good care of yourself, Prime Minister, and do come pay your respects when you have time.”
“Yes.”
For some reason, every conversation with the Empress Dowager carried a certain warmth, as if she were deliberately looking out for this junior. Other officials in court found it hard even to get an audience with her, yet she herself was summoned to Huiming Hall every single time.
The Empress Dowager really is a good person, Hua Chun thought.
Leaving the palace and returning to the Hua residence, seeing her injured hand inevitably stirred up another commotion in the household.
Madam Wan fretted while muttering on and on: “The palace really is a place that devours people. Your body’s never fully healed from one injury before another comes along. Can’t we go into the palace less from now on?”
Hua Chun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “When His Majesty summons me, am I supposed to refuse?”
Madam Wan frowned. “But this…”
“Don’t worry, Madam.” Qing Niao said quietly while massaging Hua Chun’s shoulders. “The young master is blessed by heaven. The hardships endured now will surely turn into fortune later.”
This was exactly what Madam Wan wanted to hear, and she gave her an approving look.
“Mistress.” Pin Tan came in from outside to report. “Concubine Wu has brought the third young lady over.”
At this news, Madam Wan’s face darkened. “What are they here for? Every time my son gets even a small injury, they come running faster than anyone to join in the fuss. What business is it of theirs?”
“Let them in,” Hua Chun said, recalling the Empress Dowager’s words, and quickly patted Madam Wan’s hand.
Hua Liuying was already stuck in the cold palace, and from the Empress Dowager’s tone, she seemed intent on arranging for Hua Xunyue to enter the palace. Offending people now would hardly be worthwhile. Might as well see what they wanted.
Madam Wan quieted down. Concubine Wu entered with Hua Xunyue, her face full of smiles, bright as the most brilliant chrysanthemum of autumn. She bowed immediately upon entering. “Eldest young master, hearing you were injured, I happened to have some tiger bone in my courtyard, so I brought some for you.”
That generous? Hua Chun raised an eyebrow, glancing at Hua Xunyue behind her.
The young girl was sixteen this year, her features unremarkable, her skin not particularly fair—likely taking after Concubine Wu, plain in appearance. But she seemed well-mannered, head lowered, knees slightly bent, handing the tray she carried to Pin Tan nearby.
Madam Wan looked the two of them over and asked directly, “You want something?”
Concubine Wu smiled, moving closer to Madam Wan affectionately, lowering her voice. “Dear sister, why be so distant? Don’t you remember, every time you quarreled with that woman Ren, I always stood on your side?”
This flattery worked well on Madam Wan, who glanced at her, her tone softening. “Whose side I stand on is my business. If you have something to say, just say it—Hua’er needs to rest soon.”
Concubine Wu turned and shot Hua Xunyue a look. The latter understood, kneeling before Hua Chun and speaking softly, “Please grant your permission, Elder Brother, and send your sister into the palace.”
Obviously that was what this was about—but why the urgency? Entering the palace now wouldn’t accomplish anything; she wouldn’t even get to see the emperor’s face.
She couldn’t reveal the Empress Dowager’s intentions—given this family’s level of understanding, if they knew the Empress Dowager meant to help, they’d probably rush straight to Huiming Hall. Better to wait until the timing was right.
So Hua Chun said, “If you want to enter the palace, it’s simple—submit a petition for palace review, saying you’re visiting Consort Hua. In a few days you’ll be allowed in.”
Hua Xunyue paused, looking up at her. “What my sister means is not to visit Second Sister, but to see His Majesty.”
Hua Chun almost laughed. Everyone’s confidence in this family was just innate—she’d already explained that even a prime minister couldn’t bring female relatives into the palace, yet they still didn’t believe her, still thought she had the ability to do it and simply wouldn’t help.
What could possibly save these people—this bunch of fools.
“I can’t help with this.” There was no point saying more, so Hua Chun got straight to the point. “You’ll get into the palace sooner or later regardless. Just wait—there’s no need to come begging me.”
Hua Xunyue froze, her brow furrowing.
Madam Wan said, “Does everyone think my son can move heaven and earth? Everyone comes asking for favors. Your father already told Hua’er before—if Hua’er could actually do it, she wouldn’t have made your father angry.”
Concubine Wu, unwilling to give up, said, “Isn’t the eldest young master His Majesty’s favorite lately? Is even this small matter too difficult?”
“If you have the ability, then do it yourself.” Hua Chun looked at her calmly. “Other people’s abilities belong to them. Don’t act so entitled when asking for favors—no one owes you help. Out of respect for family, I’ll explain why I can’t help. If it were anyone else, I’d have thrown you out already.”
This type of person could be found everywhere—asking for help while running their mouth, acting like others were obligated to help, and treating refusal as some kind of moral failing. What gave anyone the right to think the world revolved around them, that everything should center on their needs?
Rolling her eyes, Hua Chun stood and walked toward the inner chamber.
She was normally quite gentle, easygoing even—but there was one thing: step on her tail, and she’d bare her claws faster than anyone.
Give her an inch, she’d give five back. Push her an inch, and she’d shove you straight into the river.
Concubine Wu and Hua Xunyue both froze, though they’d half-expected this outcome. Madam Wan was known to be stingy, so of course the eldest young master wouldn’t help—no doubt afraid Xunyue might gain favor and steal his thunder.
“Hmph, let’s go.” Concubine Wu’s expression darkened, and she turned to call Hua Xunyue.
Hua Xunyue complied, glancing sideways at Pin Tan, reaching out to take back the tiger bone and carrying it away with her.
“How petty.” Madam Wan clicked her tongue, looking at Qing Niao. “Take good care of Hua’er. I’m going out for a bit.”
“Yes,” Qing Niao nodded.
This was just a minor episode. As the wedding date drew closer, more and more gifts arrived at the residence. The Empress Dowager personally issued a decree granting Prime Minister Hua half a month’s leave to recover, with court affairs to be handled by the Central Secretariat in the meantime.
Hua Chun was delighted with the free time, lying in bed with her injured hand, contentedly eating fruit peeled by Qing Niao, eyes half-closed, enjoying life.
“Everything at the residence seems to be ready,” Qing Niao said quietly. “Madam’s idea is for the bridal sedan to depart from the Hua residence, circle half the city, then arrive at the Prime Minister’s residence.”
After the marriage she’d be moving out, and Hua Chun found herself a little reluctant to leave Madam Wan. The Hua family’s back courtyard was still being renovated—she’d need to discuss with Master Hua about having Madam Wan come stay at the Prime Minister’s residence for a while, to let her enjoy some comfort too.
“Mistress.” Pin Tan’s voice sounded from outside. “Marquis Gongyu has come to visit.”
She hadn’t seen He Chang’an in a few days. Hua Chun sat up happily. “Let him in.”
Qing Niao obediently withdrew. He Chang’an entered in a jade-green robe with a gold belt, and the moment he stepped in, Hua Chun felt her spirits lift.
“A few days apart, and Second Brother looks even more dashing.”
He Chang’an chuckled softly, glancing at her. “You seem in good spirits. I suppose with no court affairs to worry about and no need to see His Majesty, you’re enjoying yourself alone at home?”
“Heh heh.” Hua Chun gestured for him to sit—there was a chair right beside the bed.
But He Chang’an quite naturally sat on the edge of the bed itself, leaning closer to look at her bandaged right hand, shaking his head. “What a shame, how did you injure your right hand?”
“An accident, no one wanted it to happen.” Hua Chun lowered her eyes guiltily. “Did Second Brother come to see me for something?”
“Nothing major, just wanted to ask you…” He Chang’an paused slightly, his expression turning more serious. “Have you received a lot of wedding gifts recently?”
Hua Chun nodded. “Yes, quite a lot of people have sent gifts. I received Second Brother’s gift too.”
“Mm.” He Chang’an nodded, casually reminding her, “Just be careful. With so many things coming in, mistakes can happen easily.”
“Don’t worry, Second Brother.” Hua Chun smiled. “We have people specifically counting and recording the gifts at the residence, nothing will go wrong.”
“That’s good then.” He Chang’an nodded, then thought for a moment before asking, “Have you seen Prince Xi recently?”
What? Hua Chun raised her eyebrows in surprise. “No, I haven’t.”
The last time she’d heard that name was from the emperor’s own mouth. She had no idea whether Hua Jinghua had met him before, but she herself certainly hadn’t.
“Then it’s nothing.” He Chang’an let out a light breath of relief, standing and patting her shoulder. “Rest well.”
Hua Chun raised an eyebrow, watching the slightly odd expression on his face, something stirring in her heart.
Her instincts told her something had happened, but He Chang’an had no intention of letting her know—he’d only come to feel her out.
This handsome man seemed carefree on the surface, but he also seemed genuinely loyal to the emperor, always doing things on his behalf.
She felt an inexplicable pang of regret. His kindness to her was probably mostly because she was the Prime Minister—being on the emperor’s side gave the emperor a great deal of support, so he was likely helping Yuwen Jie win her over.
She suddenly felt a bit like she’d just been dumped.