Chapter 114 |
Consort Zhou ultimately did not hold on.
She had reached that age, worn thin day by day by the bonds of longing.
On the day of her departure, Consort Liang, the two other consorts from Cining Palace, Consort Xuan, Noble Lady Guo, as well as Qu Dubian and Zhiyi, were all gathered by her bedside.
Yet among so many people, the one Consort Zhou longed for most in her heart was not there.
She grasped Qu Dubian's hand. "The pastries... she did get to eat them, right...?"
It was about the pastries she had entrusted Zhiyi to deliver to Princess A'Xiang that day. Though they were late, Qu Dubian had ridden swiftly to catch up and delivered them into Princess A'Xiang's hands.
Consort Zhou had asked him several times, confirmed it over and over. Not having seen it with her own eyes, she couldn't be at ease, worried it was just others comforting her.
Qu Dubian said patiently, "Set your mind at rest, Grandmother Consort. Auntie must have tasted them. I rode very fast; they were still warm when I delivered them."
"Don't you trust me? Have I ever lied to you?"
She then looked northward through the window. "If one day, A'Xiang returns, you must tell her that her mother tried very, very hard to live a few more years, to hold on until she could see her face again, but... my allotted lifespan reached its end. There's nothing anyone can do about such things. Tell her not to grieve. I have merely returned to the Xiang River. Send me back to my hometown. I will wait for her in the ancestral spirit grounds there..."
"Little Qi, Zhiyi, tell me, if I return to the Xiang River, can my soul follow the river flow to the northern frontier, to see her one more time?"
Qu Dubian tightened his grip on her hand. He affirmed, "It can. It certainly can."
Consort Zhou smiled with relief. "I trust you the most."
She murmured, "Then I shall depart a little earlier. Remember to tell her, in the next life, I still wish to be her mother."
A turbid tear traced its way from the corner of her aged eye, disappearing into her silver-grey temple hair.
Consort Zhou closed her eyes. In the vase on the windowsill, flower petals withered and fell.
The window in her room had always faced north. Through decades of time, from dark hair to white locks, no one knew how many times she had gazed out from that window, how many prayers she had uttered.
Low sobs rose within Cining Palace.
Qu Dubian's eyes reddened. Zhiyi leaned against the bed, suppressing her weeping.
Fifteen years of nurturing, over twenty years of separation, one brief reunion lasting only half a month, and now this eternal parting between life and death.
The latter half of Consort Zhou's life was spent in longing.
Now, that longing had finally drawn to a close.
-
The arrangements for Consort Zhou's funeral affairs were somewhat complicated.
Because Princess A'Xiang had been sent for a political marriage, Consort Zhou had once fiercely quarreled with the late Emperor. The late Emperor had promised her that after the leadership of the Northern Frontier royal court changed, he would allow Princess A'Xiang to return and live with her in Consort Zhou's hometown.
There, they would live in peace and tranquility, free and unconstrained, never setting foot in the political court again.
With the late Emperor's decree in place, Consort Zhou did not need to be buried in his imperial concubine tomb.
The Empress was responsible for handling the matter: "Before her death, Consort Zhou also spoke of returning to her hometown by the Xiang River. Since it is both the late Emperor's decree and Consort Zhou's final wish, His Majesty surely will not refuse. However, the selection of the escort to accompany the coffin back needs careful consideration."
Inside Fengwu Palace, Emperor Chongzhao was also present. He nodded upon hearing this: "Indeed. A'Xiang is still in the northern frontier. Consort Zhou's funeral must be handled properly. Proceed according to her final wishes and the late Emperor's decree."
The Empress: "Then... what about Princess A'Xiang?"
Emperor Chongzhao sighed: "Keep it from her for now. Inform her only after everything is settled. Do you have anyone in mind to escort the coffin back to her hometown?"
The Empress pondered: "By protocol, I could go myself. Alternatively, Your Majesty could assign a high-ranking consort to lead the procession."
"Better to be more solemn," Emperor Chongzhao thought for a moment.
Such an escort duty had little to do with court politics; it was only because it involved A'Xiang that solemnity was required.
Consort Zhou had been close to Shunning Palace during her life, visiting frequently. Little Qi escorting the coffin to the Xiang River would be fitting, but his health was truly too frail. Emperor Chongzhao worried they might set out with one person lying down and return needing to bury two.
Little Six is willful and has just entered the court. Sending him for some experience might steady him upon his return.
Emperor Chongzhao: "Have the Sixth Prince go. Then ask Consort Xuan if she is willing to lead the procession. Finally, select two experienced clansmen from the imperial family."
The Empress assented.
-
Shunning Palace.
Noble Lady Guo said: "Why did His Majesty choose you, sister?"
Consort Xuan: "I am simply the most suitable."
After all, Consort Zhou was a member of the inner court. For burial matters, someone of sufficient status from the inner court needed to be present to oversee the proceedings.
His Majesty chose the Sixth Prince, so it was best for the birth mothers of other princes who already had their own residences and attended court to avoid this escort duty. His Majesty was likely concerned other princes' mothers might act against the Sixth Prince on the journey.
But she was different.
Little Qi still lived in the princes' quarters. She was not his birth mother, her status was sufficient, and she possessed some martial capability.
By all appearances, she was the most suitable choice.
Moreover, their Shunning Palace and Cining Palace were on very good terms because of Little Qi.
Consort Xuan: "Little Qi, what do you think?"
Qu Dubian: "The Xiang River must be quite beautiful. Xia Fuyang is stationed there with the troops. His letters often say it's very lovely there."
Consort Xuan smiled: "Right, I almost forgot. Your little playmate chose to be stationed at the Xiang River garrison."
"Consort Xuan, perhaps you should make this trip," Qu Dubian remembered how Consort Xuan had looked at the scenery outside during the last hunting expedition. "The hunt wasn't fully enjoyable. This trip to the Xiang River will take at least two months; you could properly enjoy yourself along the way."
Consort Xuan seemed momentarily lost in thought, then said: "Escorting a coffin is a solemn matter. How can one think of relaxing and enjoying oneself?"
Qu Dubian: "That is Grandmother Consort's hometown. She would certainly wish others to properly appreciate the place where she grew up."
Consort Xuan: "I will consider it."
Qu Dubian nodded: "Consort Xuan, don't worry about me. After my studies, I will still come to Shunning Palace to enjoy Noble Lady Guo's meals."
He truly hoped Consort Xuan could often go out, ride horses, feel the wind.
Consort Zhou, until her death, had left the palace only a handful of times, withering and being buried within the inner court her whole life. He did not wish the same for Consort Xuan.
After a day of consideration, Consort Xuan agreed to take on the escort duty.
Emperor Chongzhao issued the formal decree.
Three days later.
Consort Zhou was encoffined in her ceremonial robes. The Sixth Prince and Consort Xuan set off for the Xiang River to escort her back to her hometown for burial.
-
Only Noble Lady Guo remained in Shunning Palace.
To keep her from feeling lonely, Qu Dubian and Zhiyi basically came for meals every day.
Not wanting to engage in mind games with Grand Tutor Fang, Qu Dubian left the palace more frequently, mainly heading to his maternal grandmother's house.
Today, his timing was unfortunate; it started raining on the way.
Without an umbrella, upon reaching the Marquis's estate, he hurriedly dashed from the carriage and got slightly wet.
Mother Fang immediately called for someone to prepare ginger soup.
Wusiwan used a cotton cloth to dry his hair, chiding gently: "It's been rainy lately. You should either stay in the palace or stay at the Marquis's estate for a while. Running back and forth like this, aren't you afraid of getting sick?"
Qu Dubian leaned against her affectionately. "I missed you."
Wusiwan reached out a finger and tapped his forehead. "With Consort Xuan gone to the Xiang River, I see no one is keeping you in check. Running wild all over. Will you stay at the estate tonight? The rain probably won't stop for a while."
"Change your clothes later, take a medicinal bath, and eat something warm."
Qu Dubian smiled and said, "Alright~ I'll listen to Grandmother."
The grandmother and grandson hadn't spoken for long when a servant came in to announce, "Old Madam, Young Master, Prince Yuruo is outside our residence. He says due to the rain, he wishes to take shelter at our estate for a moment."
"Prince Yuruo?" Wu Siwan was puzzled. "What a coincidence."
Qu Dubian: "He's here for me."
Wu Siwan: "It's strange you say that. Why do you always avoid him?"
Qu Dubian: "He's a pervert."
Wu Siwan: "..."
Qu Dubian glanced at the simulator showing Yuruo's favorability, currently at 17.
It wasn't that he hadn't tried to interact with Yuruo normally, but normal interactions didn't increase his favorability. The current 17 points were mostly gained by undermining him, making sarcastic remarks, and a few points added for inexplicable reasons.
Was there really such a person in the world?
He couldn't figure out the pattern, and Yuruo was from an enemy country. It felt better to just give up.
Wu Siwan: "Then should I, your grandmother, send him away?"
Qu Dubian: "He's already pursued us here, and he is a prince after all, asking to borrow a place to shelter. It would be unreasonable for us to refuse."
Wu Siwan nodded: "Go, invite Prince Yuruo inside."
Qu Dubian: "I'll go see."
-
Yuruo was ushered to a sheltered pavilion within the Marquis's estate.
The pavilion was surrounded by bamboo curtains, making it slightly dim. He lifted a curtain.
Qu Dubian entered holding an umbrella. "I won't invite you to the inner chambers. My grandmother is resting."
Yuruo turned around, smiling. "It's truly not easy to get an audience with you."
Qu Dubian shook the water droplets off his umbrella, flicked his robe, and sat on a stone stool. He placed the food box he was carrying on the table.
"Ginger soup, and some pastries. Have some."
Yuruo drank some ginger soup and ate a few bites of pastry. "I came to Great Zhou five years ago. The original hostage agreement was for five years."
Qu Dubian: "Oh? You're leaving?"
Yuruo was silent for a moment. "I submitted a memorial. The Great Zhou emperor inquired with Nanning about allowing the hostage to return home. Nanning said no."
Qu Dubian nodded. "Using you to buy peace. A discarded piece. Quite tragic."
Yuruo: "Aren't you going to console me?"
"We're not close. If you hadn't attached yourself to me, I wouldn't even want to see you."
"..."
Qu Dubian, biting into a pastry, said vaguely, "Isn't it simple to analyze? My imperial father doesn't want to let you go, your imperial father doesn't want to take you back. The five-year agreement is just words on paper. If the two countries cross swords again someday, you'll probably get to go back then."
Yuruo said sorrowfully and self-deprecatingly, "You mean my corpse going back?"
Qu Dubian: "Even a single strand of hair going back counts as going back." He glanced at Yuruo. "I see you're not that heartbroken. Being sent to Great Zhou in the first place shows you weren't very favored. Being refused repatriation now is expected, isn't it? Why put on this pitiful act in front of me?"
Yuruo wasn't embarrassed either. The sorrowful expression instantly vanished from his face, replaced by a calm, smiling demeanor. "You see, even though you always avoid me, you still know what I truly think."
Qu Dubian silently rolled his eyes.
This shameless fellow had pestered him for five years without giving up. Would he break down over this?
"If your health were better and you were a bit older, there would be no place for your elder brothers in the current court affairs."
Qu Dubian's alarm bells rang loudly. "Don't even say that. With my level of knowledge, I might not even pass the establishment assessment."
Yuruo: "The tutors usually go easy."
Qu Dubian was really annoyed by this person. It felt like this guy had a grip on the safe, lamb-skin disguise he was wearing.
"Why do you always fixate on me?"
"You're different."
"How am I different?"
Yuruo: "I don't know. Intuition."
Qu Dubian: "..."
The rain outside lightened slightly. Yuruo stood up to take his leave. "I'll go now."
Qu Dubian spat out two words: "You're sick."
-
July.
The heavy rain continued relentlessly.
The gloomy weather gradually seeped into people's hearts.
Emperor Chongzhao's brow remained furrowed day by day. He ordered close monitoring of the water conditions in some southern counties and commanderies, strengthening the dikes.
Qu Dubian also sent a letter to Xia Fuyang, who was far away at the Xiang River.
He asked him to look after Consort Xuan and the Sixth Prince, who were about to arrive near the Xiang River area, suggesting that the burial could wait until the rain stopped.
Xia Fuyang replied succinctly, saying he had already dispatched his soldiers, along with local officials and the maternal family of Consort Zhou, to receive them.
Only then did Qu Dubian feel slightly relieved.
He looked at the dark, rainy sky. His cheap father's face hadn't cleared for days. He hoped the sky would clear soon.
However, just a few days after he received Xia Fuyang's reply,
an urgent eight-hundred-li dispatch arrived from Xiang River Commandery, shaking the entire court—
The Xiang River dike had burst, a catastrophic flood inundated three commanderies.
Among them was Xiang River Commandery, where Consort Xuan and the Sixth Prince were located.