The Innocent Heart - Chapter 44

Wei Qing left his nephew’s courtyard in a fit of pique and retreated to his study.

He didn’t understand why he had lost his composure so completely. Yet, the moment he closed his eyes, he was haunted by recurring dreams of those two boys—Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao—sitting drenched in blood before a dead tiger, waking him in a cold sweat. What incensed him most was that the two brats remained utterly self-satisfied, acting as if the life-threatening ordeal were of no consequence at all.

He considered asking his second sister to discipline her unfilial son, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Given Wei Shao’er’s temperament, she would never be able to rein in their wild, rebellious streaks.

Sigh… raising children is truly exhausting. Who exactly did Second Sister bear this son for? In the end, it is I who have had to act as both father and mother to raise Qubing.

Wei Qing sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with his hand as he let out a heavy sigh of exasperation. To make matters worse, it seemed that for every one of these incorrigible boys he had to manage, another one was thrown in for free.

At that thought, the silhouettes of Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao drifted into his mind. Fate is truly a strange thing, he mused. Sometimes Wei Qing wondered if the way His Majesty looked at Huo Qubing was the same way he himself looked at Guan Yueyao.

Just then, the study door was flung open with a loud bang. Gongsun He stumbled inside, nearly losing his dignity.

“Zishu? What happened?” Wei Qing’s heart tightened as he stood up to meet him.

“The Empress… news just came from the palace. Her Majesty used witchcraft and sorcery to invoke spirits, intending to curse the imperial concubines… His Majesty has summoned Imperial Censor Zhang Tang and the Chancellor to the palace tonight. It seems… he intends to depose the Empress!” As Gongsun He spoke, his face grew increasingly pale.

Using witchcraft to harm the concubines… Wei Qing’s expression darkened.

“Zishu, my third sister… how is she?” Wei Qing didn’t even notice the slight, imperceptible tremor in his voice as he asked.

“Lady Wei and the three princesses are all safe and sound,” Gongsun He added hastily, seeing Wei Qing’s concern.

The people of Han were deeply superstitious regarding gods and spirits, fearing witchcraft and “crushing victory” (suppression) spells as one would a venomous snake. Now that he knew his sister was safe, Wei Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief. He turned his mind toward analyzing, alongside Gongsun He, what benefits the Wei family might gain from this sudden and cataclysmic event.

“Zhongqing, do you think His Majesty truly intends to depose her this time? The Grand Princess Guantao doesn’t seem like the type to let this matter drop,” Gongsun He leaned in and asked, his voice urgent now that his friend had calmed down.

He knew his own temperament was somewhat reckless; he lacked Wei Qing’s steady caution and his talent for deciphering the Emperor’s will. Therefore, whenever major events shook the court, he followed Wei Qing’s lead to ensure he never made a misstep.

Wei Qing hummed in contemplation but did not immediately answer. Instead, he asked, “You said His Majesty summoned Zhang Tang to the palace tonight?”

“Yes!” Gongsun He nodded, a look of disdain crossing his face. Zhang Tang had a reputation as a “cruel official.” Most noble families avoided him like the plague, and few were willing to associate with him.

“Then Empress Chen’s position… is in grave danger,” Wei Qing sighed, his words heavy with unspoken sentiment.

Empress Chen and Wei Zifu had been locked in a bitter struggle within the harem for many years. Now, it seemed a final result was finally at hand.

“Does this mean our Lady Wei can…” Gongsun He looked delighted. He trailed off halfway, glancing in the direction of Weiyang Palace.

“Zishu! You cannot speak such nonsense! The walls have ears. If this reaches His Majesty’s ears, where will that leave the Wei family? Where will it leave my sister?” Wei Qing’s expression shifted instantly, and he issued a stern warning.

Gongsun He was usually a careless man who didn’t take much to heart, but he held immense trust in the words of his brother-in-law. Upon hearing this, he nodded immediately and patted his chest, vowing not to say another word.

“The more things are like this, the more we must act with caution. We cannot give them any leverage. Besides, nothing is finalized, and no one knows the ultimate outcome. Zishu, do not be impatient. Go home now, and do not let anyone see anything unusual in your behavior.”

Wei Qing spoke with such gravity that Gongsun He felt the pressure. He tucked away his playful, improper demeanor and straightened his robes, which had become disheveled from his hurried arrival.

“Zhongqing, I shall take my leave then.” Gongsun He bowed and turned to leave. Suddenly, he remembered something and turned back. “Oh, right—where is Qubing? I heard the boy hunted a tiger! Truly, a hero comes from the youth; he’s far more formidable than you or I were at his age!”

He can’t stay serious for more than three seconds, Wei Qing thought. His mouth twitched as he replied crossly, “He and Yueyao risked their lives and refused to admit they were wrong. I’ve placed him under house arrest.”

“Tsk, you really are strict. If my son Jingsheng could win me that much glory, I’d want the whole of Chang’an to know about it!” Gongsun He remarked. Unfortunately, his own brat inherited none of his father’s spirit; spoiled by his wife, the boy was delicate and couldn’t endure even a light scolding.

At that, Gongsun He smiled helplessly, his mind filled with the faces of his wife and child. Fine, let them be spoiled. As long as I am here to be the pillar of the family, it is enough.

Wei Qing had no idea what his friend was thinking. His own mind was occupied by Weiyang Palace, consumed by worry for his sister. “Zishu, have you said enough? If you have, go home. My eldest sister is waiting for you.”

Wei Qing wanted to carefully consider what the Wei family should do next and how they should position themselves. However, his friend’s chatter made it impossible to focus, so he practically chased him out.

This tactic never failed. Upon hearing that his beloved wife was lonely at home, Gongsun He agreed that he shouldn’t linger. He stopped pestering Wei Qing, waved his hand, and left the study as energetically as he had arrived.

With Gongsun He gone and no interruptions from Huo Qubing or Guan Yueyao, the study fell silent. This was Wei Qing’s private time. He was not yet married and had plenty of time to contemplate the future path for himself and the Wei family.

Strangely, when everything grew quiet, the first face that appeared in his mind wasn’t his sister’s. He found himself thinking of Empress Chen Ajiao. Having once caught a fleeting glimpse of her, he had been stunned by her transcendent, peerless beauty. Because of that, he could understand the despair his sister had once confessed to him in private.

With an Empress of such noble birth and celestial grace, all other women in the harem seemed like common dust, unworthy of a second look. That was why, a year after entering the palace, his sister had begged the Emperor to release her. At that time, both she and the Wei family were in despair. That tearful plea hadn’t been a calculated move of “retreating to advance”; she had truly lost heart after witnessing the deep affection between the Emperor and his Empress.

Yet, life is unpredictable. It was precisely because of that tearful plea that she regained the Emperor’s favor and became pregnant. From then on, her fortunes soared, and the entire Wei family began to live as elites.

And now, the tables had turned. The once-proud and invincible Empress Chen was now reduced to pinning her hopes on sinister arts like witchcraft to regain the Emperor’s grace. Meanwhile, his sister, Wei Zifu, could sit back and watch the storm brew. As the only consort to have borne the Emperor three children—even if they were all princesses—she held a transcendent status in the harem.

If Empress Chen truly falls because of this incident, Wei Qing thought, my sister seems to be the strongest contender for the throne. In terms of seniority, status in the Emperor’s heart, and the strength of her maternal family, no one in the harem could surpass Wei Zifu.

However, Wei Qing felt neither joy nor excitement. Instead, a faint trace of sympathy for Empress Chen stirred in his heart. The story of the “golden house” and the childhood bond between the Emperor and Empress was a legend he had heard many times, even back when he was a mere horse groom at the Marquis of Pingyang’s estate.

Furthermore, Grand Princess Guantao had played a pivotal role in the current Emperor’s ascension to the throne. But now that His Majesty’s power was solidified, he seemed to be clearing away his old supporters.

What about the Wei family? What will be our final end?

Because he studied military strategy year-round, Wei Qing had developed the habit of thinking three steps ahead. Thinking of this, he felt a sudden chill down his spine and couldn’t help but shiver. When the rabbits are dead, the hounds are cooked; when the birds are gone, the bow is stored. This seemed to be an eternal truth.

I must become the sharp sword in His Majesty’s hand that slays the enemy. I must remain cautious and humble, never letting wealth and status make me arrogant… Wei Qing cautioned himself.

Meanwhile, inside the Weiyang Palace, the massive commotion at the Pepper Chamber kept everyone in the harem awake.

Wei Zifu sat expressionless under the eaves of her bedchamber, gazing in the direction of the Pepper Chamber. The cries and pleas for mercy from the maids were still faintly audible, sending a chill through the hearts of those who listened.

“Lady Wei… His Majesty… His Majesty has arrived.” Her personal maid, Qiuyan, ran to her side and whispered the reminder.

In an instant, Wei Zifu reverted to her usual gentle and submissive demeanor.

“Zifu, it’s late. Why aren’t you asleep?” A familiar voice sounded from behind her.

Wei Zifu seemed to have expected this. She performed a graceful bow and said softly, “I did not know His Majesty would visit so suddenly. Please forgive my lack of greeting.”

“It’s fine. Rise.” Liu Che waved his hand dismissively and personally bent down to help her up.

The moment she looked up, their eyes met. Wei Zifu saw that there was no tenderness in Liu Che’s expression; he seemed to be scrutinizing her.

“Your Majesty? Is there something on my face?” Wei Zifu showed a trace of panic and confusion, reaching up to wipe her cheek.

“It is merely that I find you very dear to me, and could not help but look a few moments longer,” Liu Che said, seating himself on a nearby couch. His complexion was poor, marked by weariness and a sense of desolation. Standing to the side, Wei Zifu was unsure if she should disturb him.

They sat in silence for a long while. Feeling she couldn’t let it continue, Wei Zifu finally forced a smile and asked cautiously, “Is Your Majesty hungry? Shall I have the kitchen prepare some light snacks to settle your stomach?”

“Ah? No…” Liu Che seemed to wake from a dream. He looked at her, remained silent for another moment, then stood up abruptly. “I suddenly remembered I have unfinished business. I must return to the Xuanoshi Hall. You need not wait for me tonight.”

Liu Che left in a hurry. Wei Zifu followed behind, watching him go. For some reason, his departing figure looked as if he were fleeing in retreat.