Chapter 15: Betting He Won't Return to the Palace

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Before she could finish speaking, Song Qingyan’s face was filled with fear. Wen Changying helped her up gently, saying, “If you are willing to tell me about your father, I can overlook what has happened before.” Song Qingyan was no fool. She finally understood Wen Changying’s intentions. Hesitantly, she whispered, “Your Highness… I can guarantee that if my father sends any letters home, I will inform Your Highness immediately.” “Thank you very much.” Wen Changying handed the magpie a food box. “These are pastries I made myself. You can take them back and try.” “Miss Song, if you encounter any trouble in Bianjing, you can come to me. I will help you as much as I can.” This was the benefit Song Qingyan gained for keeping an eye on news from Yan City for her. Sensing her goodwill, Song Qingyan hesitated before speaking, “A few days ago, I learned some news. I don’t know if it will be of help to Your Highness.” “Speak freely.” Wen Changying now had to rely on others to speculate about her brother’s situation and would not miss any opportunity. “My Fourth Brother went to Yaoshan with troops.” Song Qingyan’s Fourth Brother had not told her the purpose of going to Yaoshan, but Wen Changying pieced together what she had heard from Zhuge Shi and had already guessed. “When did they leave?” Song Qingyan recalled, “About seven days ago.” Wen Changying’s heart sank. It seemed Uncle Shi was right. While he might withstand interrogation, others in the Wen family army might not. But a good bird chooses a good tree to rest on, and given Aye’s situation, Wen Changying truly could not blame him. She was silent for a long moment, then forced a weak smile. “Thank you, Miss Song. If you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit the Eastern Palace for company.” Song Qingyan’s eyes brightened. Was this her way of clinging to the powerful Crown Princess? “Thank you, Your Highness!” Wen Changying selected some items from her private treasury as gifts for her. By the time Song Qingyan left the Eastern Palace, it was already afternoon. Xie Genghe arrived at dusk, followed by Bi Gui carrying memorials. The two of them saw Wen Changying sitting cross-legged by the window in the courtyard. As Xie Genghe was about to speak, a voice called, “Your Highness.” Turning around, it was none other than Cheng Yu. “My father has received Your Highness’s message and will set off today, but before leaving, he wishes to invite Your Highness to the residence for a talk.” This trip would likely mean a late return to the palace. Xie Genghe stopped midway, exchanging a distant glance with Wen Changying. “Aye, I’m going to discuss official matters. With Bi Gui and Lord Cheng present, it won’t be a private meeting.” Wen Changying said nothing, closing the window abruptly. Out of sight, out of mind.

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Xie Genghe was silent for a moment. “If you’re uneasy, I’ll take the magpie along.” No reply came from inside. Wen Changying had resolutely decided to give him the cold shoulder. He was helpless but government affairs were more important, so he had Bi Gui set down the memorials and left first. Not long after, the magpie followed on her own. “Your Highness, I am willing to go on behalf of the Consort.” Xie Genghe asked, “What does she mean?” “The Consort says you should give her the divorce papers as soon as possible.” Xie Genghe’s expression darkened once more. He did not take it out on the magpie but arranged for her to ride with Cheng Yu. The group headed toward Cheng’s residence. Inside the Cheng En Hall, Wen Changying was still sorting through old belongings. She could tell Cheng Yu was anxious, looking for chances to pry at this precarious foundation. That was fine. It was good for everyone. She would no longer be trapped in the Eastern Palace’s torment, those who desired Xie Genghe could have him, and the Crown Prince now had support in court, no longer needing to struggle so harshly. Such a perfect threefold victory. Why then was Xie Genghe so unwilling? The old items bore too many memories between her and Xie Genghe. Wen Changying only sorted briefly before becoming somewhat dazed. The lake-blue shimmering narcissus dress had been specially made for her by Xie Genghe, with over a hundred embroiderers from all corners of the land working stitch by stitch. Because she liked it, Xie Genghe even retained these embroiderers and set up a shop for them—the Xiufang Garden—dedicated to the Eastern Palace’s business. But half a year ago, the clothes on Cheng Yu were also made by Xiufang Garden. This was a favor the Empress Dowager had sought for her niece. Xie Genghe neither refused nor told her. If Wen Changying hadn’t discovered it and confronted him, she might have remained in the dark indefinitely. “Aye, it’s just a piece of clothing. So many embroiderers can’t make clothes for only you. You can’t wear them all.” “Why can’t you be magnanimous and not argue over such trivial matters?” Why couldn’t she argue? Wasn’t it said repeatedly that Xiufang Garden existed for her? Just because Cheng Yu was the Empress Dowager’s niece and had greatly contributed to managing the Eastern Palace, did she have to endure constant humiliation and retreat everywhere? It was so unfair. The same thing—how could it be given to two people? Since then, those clothes were sealed away, and Wen Changying refused to wear them. “Your Highness.” The night watchman suddenly came to report, “Consort Mei requests an audience.” Wen Changying did not raise her eyebrows. “I am still confined in the Eastern Palace. If she wishes to see me make a spectacle, let her come herself.” The guard left quietly, likely to communicate with the palace maids who had come. Shortly after, Tao Hong, the chief palace maid beside Consort Mei, arrived. “Your Highness, my lady specially went to the Empress Dowager to seek favor for you. You may visit Weiyang Palace for a talk.” Wen Changying replied, “I have nothing to discuss with her.” In these seven years in the palace, apart from Xie Genghe and the magpie, no one had shown her kindness. In fact, she and Consort Mei had known each other since youth, but the latter was sent to the palace by her family and became the Emperor’s consort. When Wen Changying first entered the Eastern Palace, she thought at least she might have a companion in Consort Mei. But over the seven years, the one who crossed her most severely was Consort Mei. What kind of past could there be to reminisce about? Nothing but cruelly mocking her in various ways. “Your Highness, she knew you would say so. She wants to talk about the Crown Prince.” Tao Hong avoided the guard’s gaze and silently mouthed the words ‘divorce.’ Wen Changying furrowed her brows but finally relented, “Fine.” She would not let herself suffer unfairly. She wanted to see what tricks Zhu Meiwei was playing. At Weiyang Palace, after the guards escorted Wen Changying there, they could not enter further. They surrounded Weiyang Palace in layers, as if she had merely changed places for her confinement. Her expression unchanged, she walked to the front hall of Weiyang Palace and, without waiting for Tao Hong to invite her, chose a seat by herself. “Crown Princess, my lady has not invited you to sit.” Wen Changying propped her chin on one hand. “Have her come out and say it herself.” Tao Hong endured again, unable to offend her, and hurried inside to report. Soon after, a beauty emerged from the inner hall, her waist slender, her brows and eyes filled with arrogance. “Wen Changying, you really can sit still. Your own husband sneaks off to another woman’s home for secret meetings, yet you show no concern.” Consort Mei sneered, “Even if you want a divorce, is it necessary to push your beloved away?” Wen Changying replied, “He’s not defecating in front of me, so why should I care?” Consort Mei’s face darkened repeatedly before she spat, “Vulgar!” Regaining her composure, she sipped her tea. “Let’s make a bet. Guess whether the Crown Prince and Cheng Yu will return to the palace tonight.” Wen Changying hadn’t spoken when Consort Mei placed her wager first. “I bet he won’t.”