Chapter 17: The Harmless Princess of Beiyang vs. The Fratricidal Prince of Beiyang

Madam Wen stroked her hair and pulled a jar of ointment from her pocket. "Here, apply this. It is an imperial gift; the swelling should subside in a few days."

"Mm-hmm."

"Alright, your aunt must be going now."

"Very well."

Once Madam Wen had departed, Wen Ruwei lay back on her bed. Once those seven days had passed, the people from the Marquis of Zhenxi's estate would come to take her as a concubine. What did it matter if she was only a concubine? By then, she would have everyone dancing in the palm of her hand!

Thinking of this, the corners of Wen Ruwei’s lips curled upward.

"Hmph! Wen Yurou, I will not let you off!"

A cool breeze swept in, carrying a faint scent of dragon incense.

"Who is out there!"

Wen Ruwei sat up vigilantly, scanning her surroundings. Finding no one, she was just about to let out a breath of relief when a woman’s voice echoed.

"Everything you desire, the Empress can provide. You are to follow the plan and obtain the military tally and the border defense map from the Marquis of Zhenxi’s estate."

Wen Ruwei froze upon hearing this. "What did you say?"

"The Empress has mapped out everything for you; the rest is up to you now. Once you have acquired the items, the Empress will arrange for you to enter the Eastern Palace."

As the voice faded, the figure gradually vanished.

Wen Ruwei snapped back to reality. "Wait! Who exactly are you?!"

There was no reply.

Wen Ruwei stared blankly at the empty doorway, feeling momentarily dazed. What was happening? Who was this woman who had suddenly appeared? And what was it she said… The Marquis of Zhenxi… The military tally and the border defense map…

Just then, footsteps approached.

Wen Ruwei narrowed her eyes and spun around sharply. "Who is it?"

A servant stood at the door, looking at her with curiosity. "Miss?"

"It’s you…" Wen Ruwei’s expression faltered. She hurriedly said, "Get out!" She slammed the door shut in haste.

***

"Strange, why was she acting so shifty just now?" The servant shook his head, puzzled.

Inside the hall, the two women were offered seats. As they drew closer, Wen Yurou finally got a clear look at Empress Dowager De'an. She wore a golden-threaded, eight-treasure beaded bun with a morning-sun five-phoenix hairpin. She carried an aura of immense majesty, commanding respect without a word.

Feeling the weight of her presence, Wen Yurou felt somewhat uneasy.

"Empress Dowager, what instructions do you have for us today?" Yang Liuyan spoke first.

"It is nothing of great importance." The Empress Dowager took a light sip of tea and said calmly, "I summoned you both today because there is something I wish to discuss."

"Please speak, Empress Dowager," Wen Yurou said softly.

Yang Liuyan glanced at her, remained silent, and kept her head bowed.

"You are Xuan'er’s Princess Consort; come forward," the Empress Dowager said.

Wen Yurou stood up and stepped forward immediately. The Empress Dowager scrutinized her closely, noting her elegant bearing and exquisite features, and felt a sense of satisfaction.

"You are Dean Wen’s daughter? How old are you this year?"

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, I am eighteen."

The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened. "Good! Excellent!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Liuyan’s expression shifted, and she gripped her hands tightly at her sides.

"Though Xuan'er can be unruly, his heart is good," the Empress Dowager continued. "Spend more time together so that you may soon bear fruit. Have you ever regretted marrying him?"

"Replying to the Empress Dowager, it is my great fortune to be married to the Prince of Beiyang. How could I ever regret it?" Wen Yurou replied quickly.

A smile touched the Empress Dowager’s lips as she looked at her. "That is good. See that you serve Xuan'er well in the future."

"Yes."

"Very well. The main reason I summoned you today is to tell you that bearing children is of the utmost importance. Crown Princess, you have been married to the Crown Prince for over a year; you should know what is expected of you without me having to teach you."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"You may withdraw."

"I take my leave," Wen Yurou said, rising quickly.

Yang Liuyan stood up as well. "I take my leave."

After bowing, the two women left the Empress Dowager’s bedchamber together. Once outside, Yang Liuyan looked at Wen Yurou and remarked with bitter sarcasm, "The Princess of Beiyang? Heh, I truly misjudged you! I once thought you were a fool, but now I see you are full of schemes. I truly underestimated you!"

Wen Yurou frowned slightly, looking up at her. "Crown Princess, what do you mean by that?!"

"What do I mean? You know perfectly well!" Yang Liuyan sneered and walked away.

Watching her back, Wen Yurou felt completely bewildered. What could she possibly mean?

"Princess, let us go," the maid, Chunmei, asked curiously. "Was she complimenting you? After all, the misunderstanding has been cleared up…"

Wen Yurou chuckled softly. "Complimenting me on what?"

***

"Why, on your beauty, of course!" Chunmei blinked, smiling brightly.

Wen Yurou’s brow furrowed, and her expression darkened. "Chunmei, don't talk nonsense!"

Chunmei pouted, daring not to say another word. Seeing her reaction, Wen Yurou’s expression shifted again. As she prepared to board the carriage, she realized Qingyu was missing.

"Where is Qingyu?"

Chunmei’s expression flickered. "He was summoned by the Empress Dowager’s people."

Wen Yurou’s expression changed. The Empress Dowager?!

Just then, Qingyu walked over from a distance.

"Greetings, Princess." Qingyu looked troubled, his brows knitted together.

"What is the matter with you?" Wen Yurou asked, feeling a surge of curiosity.

Qingyu ignored the question and changed the subject. "Princess, we should set off to return to the estate."

Wen Yurou’s eyes flashed with confusion. "Return to the estate?!"

"Yes! Princess, the Empress Dowager summoned you today specifically to ensure you return home quickly…" Qingyu said urgently.

Wen Yurou frowned. "What do you mean by that?!"

"Returning to the Prince’s estate! The Empress Dowager said the Prince of Beiyang has been waiting anxiously, and we should return early," Qingyu said, frowning.

Wen Yurou’s brow furrowed deeper. "What is all this? She didn't say I had to return to the estate immediately!"

Qingyu looked troubled. "Your subordinate does not know why either."

At that moment, another voice called out.

"Greetings, Princess!"

The three of them looked up to see Imperial Physician Furong. His face was beaded with sweat. He looked at Wen Yurou and said, "Replying to the Princess, the Empress Dowager has a message for you."

Wen Yurou was taken aback. "What message?"

"The Empress Dowager commands that you set off for the estate immediately, as the Prince is growing impatient. Her Majesty also said that from now on, I am to take over your care and properly regulate your health."

"What?!" Wen Yurou frowned, looking at Imperial Physician Furong with bewilderment.

Qingyu’s expression shifted. "Do you still not understand the Empress Dowager’s intent, Princess?"

Furong smiled slightly, bowing to Wen Yurou. "Please forgive me, Princess, but my duty is to fulfill the tasks entrusted to me by the Empress Dowager!"

Wen Yurou’s expression flickered, her heart filled with doubt, but she still addressed the physician. "Then I shall trouble you, Imperial Physician Furong."