Chapter 118: Praying for the Nation
The Kingdom of Ji and the Kingdom of Wu officially went to war on the very first day Ji Wuqing left.
Xuexue went to the upper academy, hesitating slowly among the many books. Her delicate hand lightly picked up a book, then put it back, and then picked up another. This repeated several times, even she was somewhat surprised by herself.
Originally, she had come to pick some books to pass the time, but unexpectedly, her mind was elsewhere.
Only now did she realize how unbearable it was. Was Ji Wuqing once in such a state of mind too?
She sat by the window, one hand gently caressing her closed eyes. There was a strange feeling, as if her eyes sensed a faint glimmer of light. Although it was only inadvertent, that glimmer was especially conspicuous.
After all, her world was entirely dark; how could there be any other colors?
Lost in thought, a fiery red little raccoon jumped onto her lap, curling up comfortably on its own. Its red fur rose and fell gently, and its small head softly rubbed against the hand resting on her leg.
"Little Raccoon, do you think I should change? Sometimes I feel that being blind isn’t so bad," she softly stroked the little raccoon's head, quietly speaking, "Although the entire world appears colorless to me, I can see many things clearly—like my own heart."
The little raccoon responded with a low howl, probably unable to understand why she was so troubled.
"Yes, what nonsense am I thinking about?" She leaned against the window, a smile of relief spreading across her face.
Blind or not, it's still me.
After spending the whole morning reading at the academy, she rested a while there before leaving to return to her Anxue Palace.
As she stepped out of the study, Lingyin and Qinghe were waiting at the door. Each stood on one side, expressionless and silent. Only after Xuexue and her accompanying maids emerged did they follow at a moderate distance.
She did not take a sedan chair but instead walked around the lake for a while. The palace was unusually quiet; fallen leaves drifting onto the lake's center stirred ripples in circles.
"Your Majesty, shall we rest a while at the Lakeside Pavilion? I will have some tea and snacks sent over for you to enjoy," Yuzhi said, glancing around at the beautiful scenery. It was a perfect place to relax.
Though Her Majesty said nothing, Yuzhi could sense her lady’s troubled mind. Staying out longer was better than being cooped up in the palace, which might only cause more distress.
Xuexue shook her head, "Let's return to Anxue Palace. Who knows if Xiaoxi has skipped school again—I must keep an eye on her."
The group returned to Anxue Palace, but before they neared the familiar grounds, a graceful figure outside caught everyone’s attention.
A lavishly decorated sedan chair was parked outside Anxue Palace, elegant and refined—standard for Consort Yu.
Consort Yu wore a robe embroidered with fallen leaves, dressed with great elegance. Her long skirt brushed the ground, and her white pearl high-heeled shoes peeked out subtly, exuding grace. Her hair was styled in the imperial consort bun, adorned with several exquisite golden hairpins studded with teardrop-shaped jewels.
The beauty stood poised as if waiting for her arrival.
Consort Yu? What is she doing here...?
Xuexue led her people forward slowly; Consort Yu had already turned to face them, respectfully waiting for her to approach.
"Your Majesty, this humble one pays respects to the Queen," she bowed respectfully, her eyes lowered.
"When did Consort Yu arrive? Have you been waiting long?" Xuexue waved her hand in a casual but deliberate gesture.
"This humble one has just arrived. Knowing that Your Majesty was not in the palace, I waited here. I did not expect Your Majesty to return so soon," Consort Yu replied kindly, with no hint of sarcasm or provocation.
Xuexue nodded and invited Consort Yu in.
Inside Anxue Palace, everything remained the same. Every corner was meticulously maintained as ordered personally by the late king, blending elegance and splendor perfectly. While other palaces might boast excessive grandeur to match their occupants’ status, Anxue Palace was refined without excess, exuding a tasteful grace befitting the queen’s demeanor.
Consort Yu looked at Xuexue walking ahead, dressed in a simple white robe with a white gauze cloak embroidered with plum blossoms. The fresh and elegant attire was solemn yet dignified, highlighting a unique aura that stood out even among beauties.
They entered the main hall, where tea and snacks were promptly served.
"The tea here remains so special; only Your Majesty's palace serves such exquisite tea," Consort Yu praised as she sipped the fragrant flower tea.
"If Consort Yu likes it, I can send some back with you," Xuexue said calmly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, but I do not wish to take what belongs to you. This tea is best suited for Your Majesty," she replied. As Consort Yu, she had her own preferences, different from the queen’s.
Xuexue said nothing further, though it seemed Consort Yu’s words hinted at something deeper.
"Actually, I have come with a request. I wonder if Your Majesty might grant a favor," Consort Yu quickly changed the subject, realizing her previous words might have been ill-placed. "I believe Your Majesty is aware of the Empress Dowager's recent situation. I wish to serve her at Huizhai and humbly ask for Your Majesty's approval."
She set down her teacup and knelt in the center of the hall, lifting her eyes to Xuexue with unwavering determination.
She wished to serve the Empress Dowager?
Xuexue was not particularly surprised but…
"To repay the late king’s filial duty, it is commendable that Consort Yu has such intentions," she said lightly, leaving the matter there.
"In truth, Your Majesty, filial duty is not so simple. With the war between the Kingdoms of Ji and Wu ongoing, I also wish to pray with the Empress Dowager—for the king’s safe return, for the soldiers, and for the nation. I hope Your Majesty will permit this," Consort Yu’s words were difficult to refuse, given her noble intentions.
"Consort Yu, rise. You have not committed any offense; there is no need to kneel before me," Xuexue said unhurriedly. "Moreover, I cannot grant your request."
"Why is that?" Consort Yu asked in disbelief.
"You know the Empress Dowager’s seclusion in the palace is by the late king’s decree, which I cannot contravene. Besides, having heard your intentions, I have a task for you. Would you be willing to accept it?" Xuexue’s mind was set—she could never allow Consort Yu to enter Huizhai, lest the Empress Dowager gain more strength. If any major trouble arose, even a one-in-ten chance was too great a risk.
She could not let Ji Wuqing be hindered anymore.
"Your Majesty, please just give the orders," Consort Yu had no choice but to agree.
"I heard your embroidery skills are exquisite. Why not embroider a pair of cranes symbolizing prayers for safety and health, to celebrate the king’s triumphant return?"
"...” This was far from her original purpose. She had not expected the queen to dismiss her so lightly. “Since Your Majesty has spoken thus, this humble one will obey. However, I still hope Your Majesty will allow me to at least pay respects to the Empress Dowager. It has been a long time since I last saw her, and I miss her dearly.”
Consort Yu took a step back—advancing by retreating.
“That is only natural,” Xuexue nodded without hesitation.
Huizhai.
The sedan chair stopped outside Huizhai. Since all palace maids and eunuchs in Huizhai had been replaced, the place was even quieter. It was not that Huizhai had been noisy before, but now it felt much more solemn. The palace maids passed by expressionless, their words respectful yet cold.
Consort Yu sensed the difference in Huizhai instantly.
“Please, Your Majesty and Consort Yu, follow this old servant,” an experienced nanny led the way, her voice respectful but as cold as stone.
Xuexue lifted her skirt and walked ahead, with Consort Yu behind, observing Huizhai’s transformation. The scenery inside remained the same—the pavilions and corridors were unchanged—but inexplicably, it felt cold and lonely.
Xuexue naturally felt the shift as well. Once, Huizhai had an approachable and serene aura; now, it was filled with the unpredictability of human hearts—cold.
Was this Ji Wuqing’s punishment for the Empress Dowager?
Though still afforded the Empress Dowager’s title, she no longer held her authority.
They arrived at the Buddha hall where the Empress Dowager worshipped. The hall was solemn, with the clear sound of wooden fish and the compassionate Buddha statue gazing gently down on the mortal world.
“I heard it is the Queen and Consort who have come to visit me,” the Empress Dowager said with closed eyes, unchanged as ever.
She wore a simple gown without any adornment, her hair in a modest bun held by a black hairpin shaped like a coin.
“I hope we are not disturbing Your Majesty’s prayers,” Xuexue bowed slightly. Even though the Empress Dowager faced away, she remained sincere.
“Your visit brings me joy, as long as the king does not mind.” Her tone seemed laden with discontent toward the king. With the king having replaced the palace maids and eunuchs at Huizhai, it was clear there were serious rifts between the Empress Dowager and the king. “I heard Xiao’er has also come.”
“Yes, this humble one came especially to see you,” Consort Yu took the cue.
Though they could not meet with the Empress Dowager alone, seeing her at all was a comfort.
“Good, at least you have not forgotten me.” The Empress Dowager smiled with faint affection. “I suppose you know that due to the scheming of traitors, there are misunderstandings between the king and me. But it’s alright; I believe everything will improve in time.”
Xuexue raised an eyebrow, uncertain of the Empress Dowager’s meaning. She understood perfectly well—was this directed at Consort Yu?
“Your Majesty, the king has gone to battle for the nation. Please do not be angry with him. When he returns victorious, all will be well,” Consort Yu said earnestly.
Perhaps she did not fully understand what had transpired between the Empress Dowager and the king...