Chapter 12: Companionship

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Xiao Zheng laughed heartily and said, “Could it be, Your Majesty, that you’ve discovered my private treasury has recently acquired new treasures, and that’s why you’re raiding it? Well then, since you’ve said so, I shall open my private treasury and let Miss Qiao choose whatever she likes herself. Mother, does this show enough sincerity? Will you allow Miss Qiao to call me ‘Uncle’?”

Wen Qiao covered her lips and smiled, then bowed slightly.

“Your humble servant thanks Uncle for the generous gift.”

“You and your mother are alike—a little treasure lover. Your mother used to raid my private treasury daily. If I hadn’t still had some reserves, she would have emptied it long ago.”

Mentioning Chang Le, the Empress Dowager’s heart inevitably grew a touch sorrowful.

“Though Chang Le is no longer here, Miss Qiao has come to keep you company. Don’t be sad. After all, Miss Qiao is so lively. If you remain unhappy, wouldn’t that upset her?”

In these years, few dared to speak of Chang Le in front of the Empress Dowager. Everyone knew she was the Empress Dowager’s beloved youngest daughter, and every mention brought fresh sorrow. It was by Xiao Zheng’s order that palace attendants were forbidden to dwell on the subject, allowing the Empress Dowager some peace.

Now that Wen Qiao had returned, it was hoped the Empress Dowager’s motherly affection would fully turn to her. Yet Xiao Zheng’s casual remark still stirred old grief anew.

“The Emperor speaks truly. Now that I have company, life is good! The sun is still high; don’t let our Miss Qiao get sunburned if she goes out. Wait until after school, when the sun sets a bit, then let her come choose her treasures!”

“Grand Empress Dowager and Uncle care for me so much. Sometimes it feels as if I’m living in a dream. Whenever I dream of my mother, I hear her say how dearly Grand Empress Dowager and Uncle love her, and she urges me to grow close to them. She even says I might receive many treasures from Uncle!”

Wen Qiao blinked. The more Xiao Zheng looked at her, the more he thought she resembled Chang Le, and his heart grew fuller with genuine affection.

“Since Miss Qiao says so, if I refuse, would that not make me seem stingy? Would it not also make you think your mother deceived you? Jiang Cong’an, wait by the main study after school. Open my private treasury fully and let Miss Qiao choose to her heart’s content!”

Xiao Zheng chuckled, then added, “Today your father came to see me, saying you’ve returned to the Hou residence and are close to Wen Qi. He wishes to bring Wen Qi into the palace to study. What do you think about this?”

Wen Qiao was not surprised by this question, but she was surprised that Xiao Zheng, who could decide such matters himself, still came to ask her. If this wasn’t to support her within the Yongning Hou mansion, Wen Qiao could not fathom his reasoning.

Thinking of this, she finally truly understood how deeply favored Princess Chang Le had been.

“Uncle, I have no objections. After all, we are sisters at the Hou residence. My seventh sister has indeed helped me much since I returned. If she wants to study in the palace, I would be glad. But I did not want to trouble you. If she enters the palace, I worry she may not get along with the other princes and princesses, so I have not mentioned it.”

Wen Qiao had long wished to bring Wen Qi into the palace. Only by keeping her under her watchful eye could she truly rest assured.

“Oh? I thought Wen Qi did not get along well with you. But today I also heard you get along well with the Sixth Prince. Seems I underestimated you. A girl like you can win favor wherever she goes. Very well, since you agree, it’s a small matter. I won’t notify Yongning Hou personally. When you return, just tell him yourself.”

Xiao Zheng was clearly making sure Wen Congqing knew this was Wen Qiao’s doing. Without her, Wen Qi would never have had the chance to study in the palace or mingle with the royal children.

The emperor’s children were the most precious in the realm. Only those from prominent families could even speak with these princes and princesses. Wen Qi, adopted from an unknown origin and from a declining noble family in the capital, had no right to mingle with them.

Thanks to Wen Qiao’s outside influence, Wen Qi’s status was elevated. At banquets, noble young ladies would have to show her some respect simply because she studied in the palace. Who knew when she might rise alongside some prince?

Though such a minor matter could have been handled by a low-ranking eunuch, Xiao Zheng insisted Wen Qiao deliver the message herself. For a moment, Wen Qiao’s feelings were mixed—unsure whether to be happy or saddened.

In her previous life, she had never felt such love from family. She was like barren soil suddenly watered, feeling warmth deep within.

Wen Qi, this time I am personally coming for you. Are you ready?

Xiao Zheng soon departed after a few words, just as afternoon classes were about to begin. Before leaving, Wen Qiao reminded the Empress Dowager to rest well, warning that without a nap, she might lack energy all afternoon.

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After Wen Qiao left, the Empress Dowager suddenly felt weak.

“Youming, help me rest for a while.”

The afternoon passed quietly. Wen Qiao was always low-key, avoiding fuss. Except for Xiao Yunshu, who often whispered to her, she spent the afternoon calmly, undisturbed.

But this peace was shattered at dismissal.

“Why is Eunuch Jiang here? Has the Emperor issued an order?”

An older prince noticed Jiang Cong’an and assumed he had been sent by Xiao Zheng to check on their studies.

“Our lord carries an imperial edict, inviting Miss Wen Six to select treasures from the Emperor’s private treasury. Miss Wen Six, please come.”

Jiang Cong’an beamed, and Xiao Yunshu’s eyes widened.

“Wow, Sister Qiao, that’s great! The Emperor’s treasury is full of treasures. You have plenty to choose from. Eunuch Jiang, the Emperor is biased! Tell him I want to pick treasures too!”

Jiang Cong’an replied, “Yes, I will be sure to convey your words to the princess.”

The other princes and princesses feared Xiao Zheng, so when they saw Jiang Cong’an, the Emperor’s envoy, they avoided speaking with him. What surprised them was that this rustic girl from the countryside had won the Emperor’s favor.

They once thought the Grand Empress Dowager’s fondness for her was due to age and poor eyesight. But even the Emperor highly valued her. They resolved to associate more with Wen Qiao in the future.

Most present lacked such honors and could not simply enter the Emperor’s private treasury.

“Eunuch Jiang, there are so many good things in Uncle’s treasury. I just returned from the countryside and don’t know what to pick. Maybe you can help me choose.”

Wen Qiao was beautiful, soft-spoken, graceful, and sweet-tongued. Anyone meeting her felt warmth. Jiang Cong’an, having served the Emperor since childhood, knew the Emperor’s temper well and that he favored Wen Qiao lately. How could he refuse such a small request?

Besides, Jiang Cong’an was also new to the Emperor’s private treasury. He understood what was appropriate, and by selecting items for Wen Qiao, no one could accuse her of overstepping.

“Miss Six, your words are humble, but even if newly returned from the countryside, I trust your taste. I shall boldly assist you in selecting.”

Jiang Cong’an had quickly grasped Wen Qiao’s meaning and admired her all the more.

Those who suddenly rise from obscurity often feel superior, like nouveau riche, and some look down on eunuchs. But Wen Qiao spoke reasonably and was self-aware.

Not knowing what to take or leave, she entrusted Jiang Cong’an with the choice. He knew, and seeing her kindness, would be diligent.

Soon Wen Qiao emerged from the Emperor’s treasury with six items. Jiang Cong’an had arranged for little eunuchs to carry them, then led her to the imperial study to express gratitude.

“The study is just about to end classes. Uncle is still busy with state affairs, showing his diligence. No wonder I often heard from the countryside that Uncle is a wise ruler. Now I see it clearly—our Great Jing is prosperous and peaceful. If others knew, they’d admire Uncle even more.”

Wen Qiao entered, greeted respectfully, and subtly flattered Xiao Zheng, who was delighted. After all, no Emperor dislikes hearing he is beloved by the people, especially from someone fresh from the countryside who knows more than those confined to the palace.

“You’re such a sweet talker. Far better than your mother. She used to anger me often. You certainly didn’t just inherit her traits, with such a sweet tongue.”

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Xiao Zheng laughed joyfully, and Wen Qiao felt truly happy.

She genuinely wished to grow close to the Emperor and Empress Dowager, not merely to curry favor for revenge. She truly sensed their care for her.

Though she benefited from her late mother’s legacy, they had sincerely invested affection in her. It was natural for her heart to respond.

“Uncle is so busy; I won’t trouble you further. But to be honest, Uncle’s private treasury is vast and splendid. It’s my first time seeing so many treasures. I thank Uncle for his generosity. Now that I have these fine gifts, I must cherish them well.”

After Wen Qiao spoke, Xiao Zheng felt a pang of tenderness. He arranged for Jiang Cong’an to escort her out, then set aside his brush. After hesitating, he wrote something on paper and handed it to Jiang Cong’an’s godson, Xiao Dengzi.

“Send all these items to the Hou residence.”

Xiao Zheng disliked Yongning Hou, a fact well known to their close attendants. Since Princess Chang Le’s death remained unresolved, he remained suspicious of Wen Congqing. Thus, the gifts were clearly intended for someone else.

Hua Ping and Dai Qiao followed excitedly alongside the sedan chair.

“Miss, the Emperor rarely opens his private treasury. You’ve entered the palace these days and always receive gifts. When you return, Seventh Miss won’t dare to snatch from you again.”

When Wen Qi once wanted to move Wen Qiao’s gifts to herself, these two maids hadn’t yet arrived. But after hearing the servants’ complaints, they were outraged.

However, everything in the Emperor’s private treasury was meticulously logged—entry dates, exit dates, final destinations. If anyone knew Wen Qi had taken the Emperor’s gifts, she’d be accused of defying imperial authority, causing grave trouble.

Wen Qiao hoped Wen Qi would still try to snatch her things, but Wen Qi was no fool. Likely, she would gnash her back teeth in her courtyard afterward.

“We don’t speak nonsense. We’re sisters; there’s no ‘you’ or ‘me.’ If Seventh Sister wants something, I’ll give it to her. As the elder, I should yield. But these gifts are from Uncle. Even if Seventh Sister desires them, I cannot give them away.”

The palace was full of spies. Within moments, their conversation would reach Xiao Zheng’s ears. She had just agreed to Wen Congqing’s claim that she and Wen Qi were close. If he learned Wen Qi often snatched her things, it would not only be a crime of disloyalty but also tarnish her image in his eyes.

How Xiao Zheng would interpret this remained to be seen. Perhaps it would strengthen the narrative of Wen Qiao as the wronged who dared not resist.

Hua Ping and Dai Qiao dared not speak further. The Empress Dowager had asked them to serve Wen Qiao but had not instructed them to report. Naturally, they would avoid inviting trouble.

Life outside the palace was far better—fewer rules, no fear of offending nobles and losing one’s head. It was much easier than inside.

Moreover, these two had no grand ambitions. They never intended to make a career in the palace, only to leave at the proper age. With their savings, they could live well. Marriage was uncertain; leaving the palace at twenty-five meant the best matches were taken.

Thankfully, they had no strong desire to marry. Having witnessed palace consorts eagerly awaiting the Emperor daily, they saw men as fickle. After leaving the palace, they wished only for a few peaceful years. Marriage might bring more troubles, not less.

Outside the palace gates, Wen Qiao boarded a carriage. After all, the honor of returning in a sedan chair was rare. Likely, Xiao Zheng intended to raise her status so she wouldn’t be looked down on for coming from the countryside.

Yet riding in a sedan chair for so long was uncomfortable. Carried by men, it was slower and more tiring than a horse. The little eunuchs carrying it must have been exhausted, and even she felt aching in her back.

This carriage was specially arranged by Wen Congqing after learning Wen Qiao would study in the palace. Li Yanlan prepared it, spacious, well-lit, with thick cushions, fearing palace staff might gossip if they saw it. If such words reached the Emperor, Wen Congqing would be doomed.

He already felt guilty over Princess Chang Le’s matter; one more mistake could frighten him to death.