Life at the Summer Palace was always more relaxed and joyful than in the Imperial Palace.
One day, Qi Daiyu received another letter from home. Her elder sister-in-law had given birth, to a daughter. This was the first child of the younger generation in the Qi family, and the old matriarch was overjoyed, generously donating thirty taels of silver to the temple for incense.
Qi Caishang proudly declared that he had already chosen a name for his granddaughter: "Qi Shutao," with the wish that she would master all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, painting—and be accomplished in both literary and military affairs. He believed his granddaughter had the potential!
Mrs. Wan had recently learned quite a few characters and could now write to Qi Daiyu herself. In the letter, she first complained a little about Qi Caishang giving the child such an ambitious name, saying she thought names like "Pearl" or "Cinnabar" were just fine (Qi Caishang had added a note beside this sentence: Your mother's view is that of a shortsighted woman!), and then lamented that she couldn't see her granddaughter, and so on.
Qi Chuchu and his wife were still stationed at Yunnan Guard, and it was unknown when they would return. It was likely they wouldn't see the child for several years.
Qi Daiyu wrote back: She thought the name "Qi Shutao" was excellent! If they felt the formal name was too grand, they could simply give her a pet name to use at home.
Delighted to have a niece, Qi Daiyu was in high spirits, and soon the First Princess and Second Princess noticed that all the little pastries and sweets at "Overlooking the Sky and Water" pavilion these past few days were exceptionally delicious! The two little ones stuffed their cheeks until they were puffed out, their bellies round and full, yet they still wanted to keep eating.
Qi Daiyu dared not let them make themselves sick, so she quickly persuaded them to stop.
The Second Princess had been there for some time now, and Qi Daiyu had only just learned that her pet name was "Bao'en" (Precious Grace). Judging by the name, Consort An had placed deep maternal love and hopes upon this daughter.
Through these days of interaction, the Second Princess had gradually moved from her initial timidity and shyness to being able to speak and move about comfortably in front of Qi Daiyu.
However, the foundation of her personality was already set. Compared to the First Princess, she was a quiet and sensitive child.
Such children are often kind-hearted and fragile, so one must be mindful of their words, careful not to let them overthink.
Fortunately, Qi Daiyu was quite experienced in this regard and got along very well with the Second Princess.
Thus, Consort An discovered that every day, almost as soon as she got out of bed, the Second Princess would eagerly run off to "Overlooking the Sky and Water." In the evenings, she'd return chattering, one moment about "Eldest Sister," the next about "Auntie Hui." Naturally, Consort An felt a bit jealous, but she also noticed positive changes in her daughter. True to her initial promise, she sent all sorts of nice things to Qi Daiyu.
By the eighth month, Qin Saizhu's belly had grown large, round and plump like she was carrying a watermelon.
She secretly told Qi Daiyu that she had asked the imperial physician, and it was most likely a princess in her womb.
"A princess is good too. They say daughters are more considerate. That day, watching the First and Second Princesses jumping rope, I thought, if it's a daughter, she can play with them in the future."
According to palace rules, princes enter the Upper Study at five sui, and princesses at seven sui. This meant princes would begin their education around three sui, naturally leaving little time for carefree play.
Qi Daiyu said, "Yes, a princess is wonderful. In the future, we can dress her in pretty clothes and braid her hair beautifully! If she wishes to marry, she can take a handsome prince consort. If she doesn't wish to marry, she could keep a few consorts and live a carefree life all her days."
The treatment of princesses in this dynasty was quite good. The nation was prosperous and strong, so princesses were not required for political marriages. Upon reaching adulthood, they would have their own princess estates. If favored by the Emperor, they could even have their own fiefdoms.
Hearing her unconventional words, Qin Saizhu laughed heartily, and then her belly suddenly bulged in one spot.
Qin Saizhu was startled. "She moved!"
Qi Daiyu laughed loudly. "It seems she agrees with what I said!"
For Qin Saizhu, pregnancy was naturally a happy event, but it also had its troubles. As her pregnancy progressed, she developed stretch marks. These vary from person to person; some give birth to several children with skin still smooth, while others develop fierce, frightening marks.
Qin Saizhu's stretch marks weren't severe, but for a consort who valued her appearance and body, it was indeed a serious matter. Qi Daiyu procured some essential oils online, claiming she made them herself, and had Qin Saizhu try applying them. It could only be said they had some effect.
"Never mind, let it be. At this age, I don't expect to compete for the Emperor's favor anymore," Qin Saizhu said with a smile. Now, with a child, she felt completely content. Once the child was born, for the child's sake, the Emperor would not treat her poorly in the future, so his favor became less important.
Qi Daiyu glared at her. "What do you mean, 'at this age'? How old are you, really?"
Qin Saizhu was only three years older than her, just twenty-five now.
But she also knew such words were merely Qin Saizhu's way of comforting herself. It was only because of Qin Saizhu's inherently optimistic nature that she could say such things.
Qi Daiyu didn't press the matter further.
With a heavy rain that dispelled the summer heat, the temperature dropped considerably. Autumn seemed to arrive earlier this year.
Before there was even time to celebrate the autumn harvest, news arrived from the border: a great victory in the war against Beili. The Beili Emperor had passed away, and his second son had succeeded to the throne, willing to sign a surrender, acknowledging Zhao as the superior state.
Logically, this battle had boosted Zhao's morale, and Beili was in internal turmoil. If the Emperor ordered a pursuit of the victory, it wasn't impossible to completely overthrow Beili. However, the Emperor's decree was quickly sent out: withdraw the troops and accept Beili's surrender.
Outsiders might have been puzzled, but within the palace, whispers began to circulate.
Marshal Jiang had been injured in the final battle against Beili and was now critically ill.
The news arrived just as Qi Daiyu was speaking with the Empress. She watched as the Empress's face turned pale and she fainted.
The Emperor and the imperial physicians arrived swiftly.
While the physicians went in to diagnose, Jiang Yuan looked at Qi Daiyu and sighed. "Marshal Jiang was injured two months ago. Before he had fully recovered, he returned to the battlefield. On the battlefield, blades and arrows have no eyes. Marshal Jiang was hit by an arrow in the left chest."
After all, he was no longer as strong and vigorous as in his youth. With hidden arrows hard to guard against on the battlefield, and already injured, Marshal Jiang's agility was naturally not what it had been. The arrow struck dangerously close to his heart.
"I have already dispatched palace physicians with all haste. Noble Consort Hui, please comfort the Empress as much as you can," the Emperor said. He could not stay long. The news of Marshal Jiang's injury had not yet spread, and Beili remained unaware. He had to deploy everything before the news got out, to prevent Beili from taking advantage of the chaos.
However much his heart ached for the Empress, he had to attend to this matter first.
Almost as soon as the Emperor left, the Empress regained consciousness.
"Your Majesty," Qi Daiyu took a cup of tea from Mei Yi's hands and offered it to the Empress.
The Empress shook her head. "His Majesty was here?"
Qi Daiyu relayed what the Emperor had said.
Two clear streams of tears flowed down the Empress's face. This was the first time Qi Daiyu had seen the Empress cry.
Her eyes red, the Empress said in a choked voice, "I was raised by my grandparents from a young age."
"I have also heard that Your Majesty's horsemanship and archery are no less than a man's, all taught well by the old Marshal Jiang," Qi Daiyu said softly.
"My grandfather guarded the frontier, wholeheartedly devoted to the people. He was injured, and he could not have been unaware of the dangers of returning to the battlefield. But he knew full well the fearsome reputation he held among the Northern Li army. If he took to the field, the morale of the Northern Li troops would drop by itself, allowing more of our own soldiers to survive."
Qi Daiyu: "The old Marshal Jiang is a hero of Zhao." Her eyes also grew misty; she would always admire and respect such heroes who defended the nation.
The Empress slowly raised her head. "Without my grandmother, I would not be where I am today; without me, my grandmother would have no one to see out her remaining years. Yet, while my grandfather lies critically ill at the border, I, his granddaughter, do not even have the chance to keep vigil at his side."
The vast distance of the road and the profound depths of the palace sea completely separated the grandfather and granddaughter.
The Empress could scarcely remember the last time she had seen her grandfather. Was it when she had just been named Crown Princess?
Back then, his rough hand had patted her head as he spoke to her with solemnity and earnest hope: "A'Nu Ying, be loyal to the sovereign, be a model for the realm, constantly reflect upon yourself, and value harmony above all."
At that time, she was still immersed in a maiden's shyness. She did not ponder her grandfather's earnest exhortations deeply, nor could she fully discern the pride and affection in his eyes. She merely said, "Your granddaughter does not wish to be any Crown Princess! I only want to follow you to the frontier, to ride and slay the enemy!"
Now, recalling the past, the memories were almost blurred.
With a long sigh, the Empress forced a smile. "You may return now. Do not worry about me. Since His Majesty has decreed this matter must be kept secret, naturally I cannot let others notice anything amiss and jeopardize this important affair."
She instructed Mei Yi, "If anyone asks, say it is because I have been overworked lately and am lacking in energy."
She conducted herself with measured composure, seeming still to be the unflappable Empress. Yet, this only made Qi Daiyu want to cry even more.
Before the Mid-Autumn Festival could arrive, the Emperor ordered the return to the palace. The notice was abrupt, causing inevitable fluster among the various palaces. The Empress promptly stepped in, dispatching several senior palace maids to stabilize the situation and coordinate everywhere. Soon, all the palaces had their belongings packed.
The returning procession moved swiftly. Worried that Qin Saizhu might not withstand the journey, Qi Daiyu specially went to ride in her carriage to keep her company. The Empress also sent a palace physician.
"Who would have thought we'd spend this year's Mid-Autumn Festival on the road? It could be considered a unique experience," Qin Saizhu said with a laugh. "At least we can see if the moon outside the palace is rounder than the one inside!"
Qi Daiyu offered a matching smile.
Qin Saizhu noticed her low spirits. "Yu'er, has something happened?"
This matter could not be spoken of. Qi Daiyu only said, "I'm just regretting those pickled plums I made. Shihu was careless and actually forgot to pack them!"
Qin Saizhu then laughed. "It's rare to see Shihu be absent-minded! You always say I'm fond of food, but you are certainly no less so!"
Only after returning to the palace did Qi Daiyu learn that the Emperor had issued an edict ordering the Yunnan Guard Commander, Qiu Sheng, to lead his personal guards swiftly to the border to take charge of the Northern Li surrender.
Once the decree was announced, the common folk of the capital buzzed with discussion. Could it be that the Emperor feared the old Marshal Jiang's achievements would overshadow the throne? It was clearly the old Marshal who led the border army to victory over Northern Li, yet Qiu Sheng was sent to take over. Wasn't this stealing credit?
At court, some censors also submitted memorials of concern.
Only a very few knew that the Emperor's move was to have Qiu Sheng shoulder the pressure the border would face after the old Marshal Jiang's passing.
At Yanqing Residence, Shihu and the others were still unpacking, but Qi Daiyu could not sit still.
Her elder brother Qi Chuchu's father-in-law, Lang Zhonghao, was the Assistant Commander of the Yunnan Guard, a trusted subordinate of Qiu Sheng. If Qiu Sheng took Lang Zhonghao to the border this time, then Qi Chuchu might very well be among the party!
The border was not yet completely stable. Qi Chuchu's journey there would not be without danger. Although she had never met this elder brother in person, Qi Daiyu could not help but worry.
Yet, worry was useless. All that could be done now was to wait.
Ten days later, Qiu Sheng finally reached the border. At the same time, news that the old Marshal Jiang had succumbed to his severe injuries and passed away reached the capital.
The entire nation was shaken. For a time, men of letters penned mournful verses, military men roared in grief, and the common people wept freely.
The Emperor decreed that the old Marshal Jiang be posthumously enfeoffed as the Duke of Loyalty and Valor, granted the posthumous title "Zhongzheng" (Loyal and Upright), and interred in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
His coffin was to be brought to the capital, and the people were permitted to pay their respects.
In the Kunning Palace, Her Majesty the Empress fainted once again.
