Chapter 26: The Empress's Test
The turmoil at the palace banquet seemed to have subsided, but Su Wanrou knew in her heart that Miss Liu was merely a pawn easily wielded, and the real test had probably only just begun. The Empress's "reassurance" and "deserves a beating" were less about protection and more about a condescending scrutiny. Whether this young Duchess could truly live up to the reputation of the Duke's mansion was clearly still undecided in many people's minds.
Sure enough, on the third day after the palace banquet, a lady-in-waiting from Kunning Palace personally visited the Duke's residence, saying that Her Majesty the Empress had been thinking of the Duchess and had acquired some interesting little trinkets from Jiangnan, and invited the Duchess to come to the palace to speak with her when she had time.
This time, it was a private audience.
Gu Yangui went to inspect the camp in the suburbs of the capital early in the morning. When Su Wanrou received the imperial edict, she already had a plan in mind. She was no longer as nervous and at a loss as she had been the first time. Instead, she calmly instructed her maid to prepare elaborate makeup according to her rank. She also specially chose a simple yet elegant red gold and kingfisher feather hairpin, which was both dignified and not too ostentatious.
"Mother, are you going to the palace to see the Empress again?" Mingxuan came home from school and, upon hearing this, his little face showed obvious dependence as he tugged at his mother's sleeve. "Can Xuan'er come with me?"
Su Wanrou bent down and straightened his slightly disheveled collar, saying softly, "Her Majesty only summoned Mother. Xuan'er, stay home and study diligently until Mother returns to check your lessons, okay?"
Mingxuan was a little disappointed, but still nodded obediently: "Then Mother, come back soon. If there are any delicious snacks from the palace, bring some back for Xuan'er."
"Okay." Su Wanrou smiled and agreed, her heart warmed by the child's pure concern. She briefly handed over the affairs of the manor to the steward, and then went to the small study to look at the writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones that Mingxuan had laid out, before boarding the carriage to go to the palace.
Inside Kunning Palace, unlike the bustling and noisy banquet at the last time, it was more secluded and tranquil. The incense had a faint scent of orchids and angelica. The Empress was not wearing her formal phoenix robe today, but only a crimson purple casual dress. She was sitting on the warm couch under the window, fiddling with an exquisite ivory backgammon set.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty live a thousand years." Su Wanrou bowed respectfully, her demeanor more composed than before.
"Get up quickly, there are no outsiders here, no need for formalities." The Empress put down the chess piece in her hand, her smile warm, and pointed to the embroidered stool beside the couch. "Sit closer and let's talk. I'm feeling bored by myself, and remembering that you are a quiet person, I asked you to come and keep me company."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." After expressing her gratitude, Su Wanrou sat down on the embroidered stool, her posture respectful but not humble.
The Empress looked her over. Today, Su Wanrou was wearing a light purple palace dress with a lotus-patterned design. It was less heavy than her previous dress, which made her skin look even whiter and her features more delicate. Her calm demeanor was indeed not that of a young girl who had just come of age.
"The last palace banquet was so rushed that we didn't have a proper chat." The Empress picked up her warm tea, took a sip, and spoke in a casual tone, "Are you getting used to living in the Duke's mansion? Yan Gui is a cold and taciturn man. He's been leading troops all year round, so he's bound to be a bit clueless about romance. If you have any grievances, feel free to tell me."
These words sound like a show of concern, but they are actually a test, an attempt to find out about the couple's private interactions.
Su Wanrou lowered her eyes slightly, a touch of just the right amount of shyness on her lips: "Your Majesty, everything is fine in the manor. My husband... treats me extremely well." She paused, her voice soft yet firm, "Although my husband is not one to smile easily, he is fair in his dealings, kind to his servants, and especially devoted to teaching Xuan'er. I am young and don't understand many things, and my husband has given me much guidance. I am only grateful."
She interpreted Gu Yangui's "coldness" as "unsmiling" and cleverly linked it with "fairness," "kindness," and "care," ultimately focusing on "gratitude." This not only responded to the Empress's question but also maintained her husband's dignity and made her appear more polite and sensible.
A fleeting hint of appreciation crossed the Empress's eyes, but her smile remained unchanged: "That's good. I've practically watched Yan Gui grow up. His past... alas, he was unfortunate." She mentioned the late Lady seemingly unintentionally, but her gaze carefully observed Su Wanrou's reaction. "Now that you're taking care of him and Mingxuan, the Emperor and I can finally rest easy. Is Mingxuan still obedient? I heard he's very close to you."
Here comes the key point: the late wife, and her relationship with her stepson.
Su Wanrou knew this was the key point, and her expression became even more gentle and peaceful: "Xuan'er is an extremely sensible child, with a pure and kind nature. I have only done my best to take care of him in his daily life. The child is simple-minded, and he will be close to whoever treats him well. In fact, it is my late sister's great blessing that she was able to leave behind such a well-behaved and clever child as Xuan'er."
She once again attributed the credit to her "elder sister" and the child's "nature," placing herself in the position of "doing her duty," her tone sincere, without a trace of resentment or deliberate flattery.
The Empress nodded, seemingly quite satisfied: "It's good that you think this way. Harmony in the family brings prosperity, especially for a family like the Duke's mansion, which needs stability even more." She then changed the subject and suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, you're still young, still a child yourself. When you have your own children in the future, will you be able to treat them all equally?"
This question is more pointed and direct than before, almost tearing away all the veil of sentimentality to point directly to the core interests—titles, succession, and the relationship between the second wife and the legitimate son.
The palace servants standing inside the hall even lowered their breathing.
Su Wanrou raised her eyes, her clear gaze meeting the Empress's. She didn't answer immediately, but remained silent for a moment, as if seriously considering the question. Then, she spoke slowly, her voice low, yet each word clear:
"Your Majesty's inquiry is my duty, and I dare not speak falsely. My affection for Xuan'er stems from the depths of my heart, for he is my husband's child, the young master of the Duke's mansion, and the child who calls me 'Mother.' If I am fortunate enough to bear children for my husband in the future, all my children will be my flesh and blood, and also Xuan'er's siblings. I dare not claim that I can be completely impartial, but I will always reflect on myself, remember my husband's teachings, prioritize the harmony of the Duke's mansion, and value the deep sibling bond among my children. I believe that my husband will also manage the household fairly and will not allow any child to suffer any injustice."
Instead of offering vague assurances of "definitely," she frankly admitted she "dared not speak presumptuously," but emphasized "self-reflection," "remembering the teachings," and "prioritizing harmony," further highlighting Gu Yangui's "fair management of the household" as the ultimate guarantee. This answer was both sincere and revealed her trust and reliance on Gu Yangui, making it reasonable and leaving no room for criticism.
The Empress stared at her for a moment, then suddenly laughed. This time, her smile held a genuine warmth: "Good, very good 'prioritizing harmony and sibling affection.' Yan Gui is truly blessed to have married you." She seemed to have finally let go of some kind of knot in her heart, and then enthusiastically ordered the palace servants to bring up the so-called "Jiangnan trinkets," which turned out to be exquisite Suzhou embroidered sachets, clay figurines, and other such items.
"I found these interesting and thought you young wives would like them, so I kept some for you. You can take them home to enjoy or give them to your close girlfriends."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your reward." Su Wanrou rose to express her gratitude, knowing that she had passed this hurdle.
The Empress kept her for a while longer, chatting and asking about the Yongchang Marquis's residence, her tone becoming increasingly gentle. About half an hour later, she said, "I am tired too, you may go back now. When you have free time in the future, come to the palace often to chat with me."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will remember. I take my leave."
Su Wanrou left Kunning Palace, led outside by palace maids. The early summer sun was a bit dazzling, and she squinted slightly, only then realizing that a thin layer of sweat had seeped onto her back. This seemingly casual conversation with the Empress was no less dangerous and exhausting than facing a war without gunfire.
Just as they were about to step out of the palace gates, they encountered a group of people. Leading them was a woman in magnificent attire, adorned with jewels and jade, possessing an extraordinary air. Her features bore a resemblance to Miss Liu from that day, only her gaze was deeper and sharper. Beside her was Miss Liu herself, who was now slightly pouting, seemingly somewhat displeased.
The palace maid leading the way quickly whispered a reminder: "Madam, this is Princess An."
Su Wanrou understood, stopped, and politely stepped aside to make way, curtsying slightly: "Your subject, Su, greets Princess An."
Princess An stopped in her tracks, her gaze sweeping over Su Wanrou with a tangible intensity, from her hair to her shoes, a condescending scrutiny in her eyes. She didn't immediately tell Su Wanrou to rise, but instead smiled, her voice deliberately gentle: "So you are the Duchess of Zhenguo. What a coincidence. I just overheard this maid mentioning that she had offended you, Madam, at the palace banquet that day, and I was just thinking of seeing you to apologize on your behalf." As she spoke, she gently nudged Miss Liu beside her.
Miss Liu reluctantly stepped forward and gave a perfunctory bow: "I was rude that day and offended you, Madam. Please forgive me."
This is not an apology; it's clearly a second round of pressure, an attempt to see how Su Wanrou will respond.
Su Wanrou maintained her kneeling posture, her voice steady: "Your Highness is too kind. Miss Liu is straightforward and outspoken; there is no offense in that. I am young and will need to learn more from Your Highness and the ladies in the future."
She downplayed the other person's "offense" by simply saying "I'm quick-witted," giving the other person a way out while also showing that she didn't take it to heart, which made her appear magnanimous. Her last humble remark was also perfectly tactful.
A cold glint flashed in Princess An's eyes, but she smiled and said, "Madam is truly magnanimous. In that case, I am relieved. Please rise, Madam."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Su Wanrou then straightened up.
Princess An said no more and led her entourage straight into the palace. As Miss Liu passed by Su Wanrou, she secretly glared at her.
Su Wanrou's expression remained unchanged as she continued walking out, accompanied by palace attendants. Only after the carriage had left the imperial city did she truly breathe a sigh of relief, leaning against the carriage wall, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. Empress, Princess Consort of An… the position of Duchess was indeed not easy to hold.
It was already afternoon when they returned to the Duke's mansion. Su Wanrou first went to see Mingxuan, gave him the snacks the Empress had given him, and then tested his studies. Seeing that the child was alright, she then returned to the main courtyard to rest.
She had just changed out of her palace attire when the steward came to report that Gu Yangui had returned from the camp and gone directly to the outer study.
Su Wanrou thought for a moment, then had her maid brew a cup of Yunwu tea, which Gu Yangui usually liked to drink, and personally carried it to the study.
Inside the study, Gu Yangui had just taken off his outer robe and was listening to his subordinates report on camp affairs. Seeing Su Wanrou bring in tea, he waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to leave.
"Husband," Su Wanrou gently placed the teacup on the desk, "I just returned from the palace not long ago. Her Majesty the Empress gave me some trinkets and inquired about the situation in the manor and Xuan'er."
Gu Yangui took the tea, lifted the lid, and the rising steam blurred his cold, hard features. He looked up at her: "The Empress summoned you alone again?"
"Yes." Su Wanrou sat down in the chair below him and calmly recounted her conversation with the Empress in the palace that day, as well as her chance encounter with Princess An. She picked out the important parts and spoke without embellishment or deliberately concealing her responses.
Gu Yangui listened quietly until she finished speaking, then put down his teacup and tapped his knuckles lightly on the desk.
“Princess An…” He hesitated for a moment, then looked at Su Wanrou, “She and the former lady’s mother were very close friends.”
With just this one sentence, Su Wanrou immediately understood the source of Princess An's seemingly peaceful but actually hostile attitude today. It turned out that it was for the daughter of an old friend, and perhaps, she also harbored some intention to warn her, the "newcomer," on behalf of the late Madam's family.
"I understand," Su Wanrou said softly.
Looking at her slightly tired but still calm face, Gu Yangui suddenly said, "You handled things very well today." He paused, then added, "Even better than I expected."
This wasn't the first time he had praised her, but this time, Su Wanrou sensed a different meaning in his words, as if it carried a kind of... approval?
She looked up and gazed into his deep eyes, which no longer seemed like a frozen lake, but rather had some ripples.
"With my husband's teachings yesterday, I dare not do anything wrong," she replied softly, a sweet feeling rising in her heart from his affirmation.
Gu Yangui stood up and walked to her, his tall figure looming over her. He reached out, as if to touch her cheek, but his fingertips paused in mid-air, and in the end he only brushed a slightly disheveled strand of hair from her temple and tucked it behind her ear.
"Go back and rest if you're tired." His voice was deep. "I'll come over for dinner."
This seemingly unintentional action made Su Wanrou's heart skip a beat, and her ears felt slightly hot. She lowered her head, replied "Yes," and left the study almost as if fleeing.
Back in her bedroom, she sat before her dressing table, looking at her slightly flushed cheeks in the mirror. She reached out and gently touched the earlobe where his fingertips had brushed against her. There, she could still feel a trace of his cool touch.
This summons to the palace, though fraught with peril, seems... not entirely a bad thing. She seems to have moved a little closer to his world once more.
End of Chapter 26
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