Chapter 10
Edward Quan ·
My gift was ancient warming jade Father had found on the northern frontier, made into a pair of knee warmers by a renowned craftsman.
“Imperial Grandmother.”
I smiled.
“I know your knees ache in rain and damp weather. These jade warmers can warm the meridians and ease the pain. Will you try them?”
She had looked rather indifferent on seeing Xiao Jingyan.
At my gift, she smiled.
She immediately had someone put them on.
Moving her legs, she exclaimed, “Oh, they really work!”
“So warm and comfortable. Much better!”
“Qingning is still the thoughtful one!”
She took my hand and seated me beside her.
Her questions were warm and affectionate.
“Is your father well in the north?”
“I heard he won another great victory recently.”
“A true pillar of our Great Xia!”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“Father is well.”
“He says when he returns at year-end, he’ll bring you the finest fresh deer antler.”
“Good, good!”
We talked happily, old and young.
Xiao Jingyan remained ignored.
His expression grew worse.
At the feast, the empress was attentive too, repeatedly giving me food.
“You’ve grown thinner. Is anything troubling you at home? Tell me. I’ll stand up for you.”
She was the daughter of Father’s old friend and had liked me since childhood.
Her words plainly held meaning.
I quickly rose to thank her.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Everything is well. The weather has been sultry lately. My appetite is poor.”
I didn’t complain.
Household shame shouldn’t be aired outside.
But I knew they had seen my attitude.
Throughout the banquet, I was in my element, conversing easily and responding naturally.
Xiao Jingyan looked like an outsider.
Unable to get a word in.
His face was so dark it seemed it might drip.
For the first time, he understood clearly: I had never depended on him for my existence.
My standing.
My glory.
My support.
All came from the powerful family behind me.
Without its support, this supposedly noble prince was nothing at the center of imperial power.
On the ride home, the carriage was almost too stifling to breathe in.
Near the residence, he finally spoke.
Hoarse.
Dry.
With an uncertainty I had never heard.
“Qingning… can we never go back to how we were?”
I lifted the curtain and watched the familiar street.
I didn’t answer.
I only said lightly, “Look, Your Highness.”
“The weather is about to change.”
7
It truly was.
Three days after the birthday banquet, a thunderbolt struck the court.
The Censorate submitted a joint accusation against Father: abusing his military strength, withholding army provisions, and plotting in the northern territory.
The alleged evidence was detailed.
It even carried signatures from several supposed northern commanders.
The whole court was shaken.
On his dragon throne, my imperial father-in-law’s face was dark.
No one could read his feelings.
He didn’t rage.
He only said, “We’ll discuss this later.”
Then he dismissed court.
Everyone knew a storm was gathering.
When news reached the residence, I was copying scripture in the side courtyard’s Buddhist chapel.
Chunhe almost stumbled in.
Her voice had changed completely.
“Your Highness! Terrible news! The palace says… the General…”