Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 30: Lady of Wei

News of Jia Ji’s pregnancy swiftly circulated throughout the Weiyang and Changle Palaces within a mere two days.

The person most delighted by this news was, of course, Empress Dowager Wang. The grand empress dowager, while pleased, maintained a more restrained joy.

She gently beckoned Chen Jiao to her side, offering her comfort and companionship as she softly reassured her, “You are still young; you will have children. Even if it is the eldest son of a concubine, it is nothing to worry over.”

The second person to feel immense happiness was, naturally, Liu Che himself. For him, becoming a father carried far greater significance than the mere arrival of Jia Ji’s child. It transcended the personal—symbolizing a profound liberation from the silent concerns that had long weighed on his heart, fears he had found difficult to articulate.

The third individual to find happiness was Chen Jiao. Though Jia Ji was on the verge of motherhood and her heart trembled with apprehension rather than joy, Chen Jiao radiated vitality and enthusiasm.

In an astonishing display of sudden energy, she devised several clever strategies within a single day, swiftly elevating Jia Ji’s rank.

“It has been quite some time since he ascended the throne,” she remarked, “and although the harem includes a few palace servants, there isn’t even a true beauty among them. It’s truly unreasonable—since Lady Jia is pregnant, why not simply promote her to the position of beauty and assign her a private hall to reside in?”

With a genuine smile illuminating her face, Chen Jiao shared her ideas with the empress dowager. Her expression was filled with sincere joy, and there was not a hint of dissatisfaction to be seen—only heartfelt happiness.

The empress dowager could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of astonishment. She cast multiple, scrutinizing glances at Chen Jiao, her gaze lingering with intent and curiosity.

Even after years of losing favor, she found herself subtly envious upon hearing that a woman within the harem was carrying a child. What’s more, Chen Jiao herself bore no child of her own.

Though Jia Ji had been elevated by her influence, there could be no doubt about the paternity of the unborn—its origins were unmistakably clear. Nevertheless, Chen Jiao’s conduct exceeded all her expectations, displaying a grace and capability that was truly remarkable.

Had she chosen to utilize the emperor’s and the grand empress dowager’s favor to conceal the pregnancy, even Liu Che might have remained silent.

In that rare moment, the empress dowager felt a genuine happiness, an unblemished joy that rendered her momentarily blind to her own flaws. Yet, she was well aware that many who praised her to her face harbored different sentiments behind her back…

“That’s fine,” she said without changing her expression. “Lady Jia is pregnant, so it would be inconvenient for her to serve the emperor. If she stayed in Yongxiang Hall, it would surely cause trouble. Jiaojiao, how about having her moved to Changxin Hall to look after this old woman?”

She didn’t trust Chen Jiao, and was afraid that she might secretly do something to eliminate the dragon seed in Jia Ji’s womb. Or perhaps she wanted to bring Jia Ji to her side and make her into a confidant of the empress dowager.

Chen Jiao’s eyes dimmed slightly, the voice in her heart already expressing the anger that she did not bother to express, “If she’s going to have an abortion, why make such a fuss? Hmph, I’m afraid she won’t even guess! An evil person is an evil person. If you don’t harm her, she will harm you.”

If it was done according to the empress dowager’s words, those who didn’t know the truth would think that Chen Jiao was very worried about Jia Ji. After all, the empress dowager didn’t know that Jia Ji’s family had already settled down and were living happily under the care of Marquess of Tangyi’s mansion.

If she had known, she would probably have even asked about the Jia family. Besides, if a concubine could live with the empress dowager immediately after becoming pregnant, it would be the same as running out of Weiyang Palace.

How would she, the empress, be able to restrain pregnant concubines in the future?

“I’m afraid it won’t be very convenient, right?” Chen Jiao’s tone was still cheerful. “A’ Che is also very worried about Lady Jia. After all, Weiyang Palace is closer. If she really lives in Changxin Hall, A’ Che will have to come to her. If the empress dowager is worried, you can assign several palace servants to look after Lady Jia. That would be best.”

Although she had answered the empress dowager’s question, Chen Jiao’s arrangements still reassured her. A reserved smile appeared on her lips, but she didn’t praise Chen Jiao.

Instead, she said lightly, “Jiaojiao has grown up and will make her own arrangements.”

Someone had just become pregnant, and she couldn’t wait to knock on the door. Who knew what she was thinking? Did she think that becoming a grandmother would increase her prestige?

Chen Jiao couldn’t help but smile bitterly inwardly, ‘You’re about to become a mother, but you still look like a girl. How can A’ Che be at ease leaving Weiyang Palace to me?’

She poured the empress dowager another bowl of honey juice and urged her to eat, “Mother, this is fresh lotus root. Please have another bite.”

The empress dowager generally regarded her daughter-in-law, Chen Jiao, with a measure of satisfaction, finding her to be exceptionally meticulous when it came to Jia Ji.

The gentle caution she offered was merely a safeguard, intended to prevent any improper notions from taking root. It was advisable for Chen Jiao to remain discreet and subdued until the child’s safe arrival.

After all, what was the harm in the empress dowager’s desire to bring the child to the Jiaofang Hall for nurturing? Such a gesture exemplifies the fundamental distinction between the husband’s and wife’s families.

To the empress dowager, every child belonged to her—as much as her own grandchild—whereas the grand princess did not share this sentiment.

Though she understood that Chen Jiao’s efforts to promote Jia Ji were motivated by a desire to strengthen her own position, she still harbored underlying discontent. Her feelings, however, were veiled; during visits to the palace, she would either make a fuss over trivial matters, cast subtle insinuations, or wear a somber expression that betrayed her internal unease.

Ignoring Chen Jiao’s objections, she invited the shaman to the palace to pray for her, as if she were praying for a biological grandchild. As for the money she spent, it wasn’t from Jiaofang Hall.

The grand princess herself had plenty of money, so what use was a few thousand or tens of thousands of coins?

Chen Jiao was helpless, and no matter what she said, the grand princess wouldn’t listen.

In a fit of anger, she escorted Jia Ji to Changshou Hall to pay her respects, leaving the grand princess with no one in Jiaofang Hall.

She sat on the palanquin, angrier the more she thought about it, “Don’t you know her? She’s doing this for your own good. What’s the use of getting angry? You’d better think about how to persuade her.”

If her heart did not truly cherish Chen Jiao, why would the grand princess’ emotions run so deeply?

Chen Jiao sighed softly, a familiar weariness resurfacing within her. She closed her eyes, seeking to shut out the world around her, too indifferent even to respond.

Yet, after a moment, another voice broke the silence, “Long live the empress.”

When she looked up, it was the Xiu Chengjun family once more.

This time, their bow was markedly casual, bordering on disrespect; their knees merely brushed the ground briefly before they rose again, before Chen Jiao could utter a word.

Clad in splendid attire, their faces could be considered handsome, yet, coming from a humble farming background, their gaze upon the empress in her ornate carriage betrayed a subtle undercurrent of envy and longing.

Only a select few privileged individuals, such as Chen Jiao, the empress dowager, and the grand princess, were granted the honor of riding in a palanquin within the palace walls.

Even the Princess of Pingyang was compelled to walk on her own two feet upon entering the imperial grounds.

When Chen Jiao espied the Jin Su family, her spirits visibly lifted, and her demeanor softened remarkably—so much so that her kindness bordered on excess.

She graciously commanded her attendants to “lower the carriage,” then gently took Jin Su’s hand, inquiring with genuine politeness about her well-being. Furthermore, she instructed Jia Ji to perform a half bow to Jin Su, demonstrating her respect.

Only after these gestures did she release Jin Su’s hand and proceed to the Changshou Hall.

Watching her retreating figure with a hint of envy, Jin Su, accompanied by her daughter, slowly strolled along the covered corridor, their gaze fixed on the distant Changxin Hall.

“Aunt is truly a noble lady of distinguished origin, the daughter of a marquis,” the daughter of Jin Su’s remarked with a hint of envy. “Princess of Ling, the daughter of the King of Huainan, is also a shining gem—her demeanor is warm and engaging. While Aunt is reserved and quiet, she nonetheless exudes a gracious friendliness, complemented by an inherent noble bearing.”

The admiration and longing woven into her words could not escape the attentive ears nearby.

Jin Su cast a glance toward her daughter. Though she had been adorned and dressed, her complexion and expression still bore a stark contrast to Chen Jiao’s delicate and composed appearance.

She could not help but inwardly sigh, they are only four or five years apart, yet their manners are worlds apart. She grew up among the common folk, carrying that earthy air that nothing can truly wash away, just like me.

Still, despite her nature, her daughter was like that; but her grandson, perhaps, need not be so.

Jin Su smiled again, and finally, a hint of false joy appeared in her simple brows.

She held her daughter’s hand and said softly, “Don’t worry, your grandmother will plan everything for you. Last time Princess of Ling came to talk to me, she also said that her brother, Prince Qian of Huainan, was also an exceptional talent…”

Upon entering the hall, the mother and daughter noticed that the Princess of Pingyang and Princess of Nangong were accompanying the empress dowager.

The Princess of Nangong was indifferent to her half-sister, but the Princess of Pingyang always looked down on her.

When she saw them approaching, she grimaced but didn’t say much.

She nodded slightly, as if she had seen the ceremony, and then continued, “Yongxiang Hall is now so strictly managed that I think I have to send them in. Otherwise, it would be fine if they weren’t pregnant, but if they were pregnant, it would be hard to tell. People who don’t know will think I’m deliberately trying to compete with the empress.”

It was only then that Jin Su observed the empress dowager’s face clouded with displeasure, her expression somber and stern.

Instantly, a wave of fear rendered her speechless; she instinctively grasped her daughter’s hand and knelt humbly at the foot of the chamber.

The mother and daughter fell into a silence as still and quiet as cicadas in winter. Yet, beneath her composure, a twinge of sorrow stirred within her: though both were daughters, it was always the one raised by her side who was more deeply favored.

While she herself was also cherished, her mother had never confided in her, never shared her thoughts—leaving her with a quiet longing for understanding and connection.

The empress dowager’s countenance remained solemn, and she remained silent for a considerable time.

It was the Princess of Nangong who finally broke the silence, her voice calm and reassuring as she sought to ease the tension.

“This is but a trivial matter,” she said softly. “A’ Che is still young, and such foolishness is to be expected. Jiaojiao is so virtuous that she will not take offense.”

Though her relationship with the Princess of Pingyang was somewhat strained, Chen Jiao maintained warm ties with the other sisters of Liu Che.

Princess of Longlu, being her sister-in-law, needed little mention. Gentle and mild-mannered, Princess of Nangong was not often involved in lengthy conversations with her brother’s wife, but she had always appreciated the elegant gifts Chen Jiao graciously sent her.

“It’s not a question of whether A’ Che is stupid or not. It’s that you, as his sister, still don’t understand his situation.” The empress dowager seemed rarely irritated, “What if she were to receive his favor? Would she be grateful to you, her sister? She would surely regret it. Isn’t this like slapping her in the face and not listening to Jiaojiao?

You don’t know how to apologize privately. We were already estranged from her, and now you’re complaining about her? Even your sister-in-law is disapproving of you! When you said you were sending someone, she felt she was being accused of lacking a conscience. You’ve just had some fun at the palace, and now you’re sending someone again? You’ve completely lost all sense of reason.”

If Liu Che had been childless, according to Chen Jiao’s logic, Princess of Pingyang would still be right, because having a child is the most important thing, and it is also the matter that the whole family worries about.

But now that Jia Ji is pregnant, Chen Jiao has also taken great pains to arrange the daily life of the Jia family. What does it mean to send someone in now?

Even the empress dowager felt that the Princess of Pingyang really didn’t listen to advice and did a lot of stupid things.

But this matter really wronged the Princess of Pingyang, and her eyes were red, “There is no difference between a singing girl and a servant. She is young and was sent to help A’ Che change clothes. A’ Che must have been worried that day, so he just pampered her and didn’t take it too seriously. If I hadn’t sent her in, and she has A’ Che’s seed, she would be a treasure. If she can’t prove herself, and becomes like Yin Ji…”

The empress dowager’s expression suddenly changed, and the Princess of Nangong also sighed.

Only Jin Su and her daughter were at a loss.

The Princess of Pingyang paused, then said unnaturally, “Didn’t they rush to send her in the next day? If she has no seed, it would be fine to send her away! I don’t believe that a little singing girl can cause trouble for Jiaojiao? Don’t worry, mother, I will go to the Jiaofang Hall in person to explain everything, okay?”

After that, she stood up angrily, stamped her feet, and ordered her subordinates as she walked, “Take Madam Wei to the Jiaofang Hall!”

The empress dowager was angry and amused, and hurriedly stopped her, “Okay, let’s stay here, Jiaojiao will come to greet us later, and we will talk slowly then.”

She was right. After visiting Changshou Hall, Chen Jiao naturally also came to Changxin Hall for a moment, followed by Jia Ji, who looked like a little wife.

She was a little surprised to see everyone in the hall, “Everyone is here today.”

After they had greeted each other and sat down, the empress dowager slowly told her what had happened yesterday. Chen Jiao listened without changing her expression.

Smiling, she said, “A’ Che is really special. If he likes someone, he should just come in. Why was he so impatient when changing clothes?”

Then she turned to the Princess of Pingyang, “What kind of beauty is this that even A’ Che is touched by? Sister, let her in, I’ll take a look.”

The Princess of Pingyang gracefully clapped her hands to summon the attention of a young eunuch.

Chen Jiao, with a gentle smile, turned her gaze toward the empress dowager before subtly guiding the crowd’s focus toward the grand entrance of the hall.

A faint whisper seemed to echo within her mind, causing her to hold her breath and listen intently. It felt as though a taut string was pulling tight across the tranquil surface of her heart, stirring a tumult of mysterious emotions—like a dark tide ready to surge forth at the mere mention of that name.

Soon, bathed in the hall’s bright sunlight, a petite girl with long, lustrous black hair, delicate and visibly apprehensive, was led inside to pay her respects to the empress dowager.

“Long live the empress dowager,” she tenderly proclaimed.

Although Chen Jiao already possessed a delicate grace in this life, her demeanor remained remarkably composed compared to the innate timidity of the young girl beside her.

The singer, like a gentle rabbit suddenly thrust into unfamiliar fields, appeared so unsettled that her ears fluttered with nervousness.

Witnessing her, onlookers felt a tender desire to cradle her in their hands and cherish her with affection.

The empress dowager cast a glance, yet found her presence somewhat tiresome—she was still so young! Even with the emperor’s favor and the impending arrival of his child, her safety remained uncertain.

As she prepared to exchange lighthearted words with Chen Jiao, perhaps teasing Liu Che’s foolishness, an unexpected change occurred: Chen Jiao, standing nearby, let out a soft moan, clutching her head, and suddenly collapsed.

The world seemed to blur and fade away in an instant, plunging everything into darkness.