Love in Red Dust - Chapter 72
Chapter 72
The next day, Dingyi had to meet her prospective mother-in-law. Lacking confidence, she rose before dawn, tidied herself up, and sat in the main hall waiting for the Twelfth Prince to arrive.
Sha Tong had been reassigned to serve her, likely to prevent anyone from causing trouble. Having followed Hongce since he was a child, he possessed great martial skill and could ensure her safety. During their journey to Ninguta, the two had developed a good friendship and often spoke their minds. Treating him not as an outsider, Dingyi lamented, "I am terrified. I’m even more scared than the first time I followed my master to the execution grounds. Tongzi, have you ever met the Noble Consort Dowager? What is she like? Is she difficult to get along with?"
Sha Tong’s response was quite tactful. "The Noble Consort Dowager, well, she has no other traits, except that she is a bit pedantic and has a rather difficult temper."
This made Dingyi feel even more uneasy. "What do you mean by that?"
"She has suffered a lot of bitterness in her heart. She was favored by the Retired Emperor for over three years, but later, when the old master and the Empress Dowager reconciled, there was no longer a place for her. Just imagine: one day you are cherished like the apple of one’s eye, and the next you are cast into the mud. Anyone would be devastated. She remains resentful over this, and the bond between mother and son isn't deep either. The Consort herself once said she wouldn't rely on her son for support in the future; how chilling it must be for the Twelfth Prince to hear such words. Back then, our Master had just returned from Khalkha—he was sent there due to his origins—and he suffered greatly in that place, even damaging his hearing. He returned full of grievances, hoping to pour his heart out to his own mother, but who would have thought the Noble Consort would say such a thing? I saw that the Twelfth Prince’s eyes were red when he left. Can a mother really be like that?" He shook his head, sighed, and continued, "Our Master has not had an easy life. As a child, he was placed in the palace of his foster mother, and nobody truly cared for him. As for his birth mother, she was too busy complaining and lamenting the spring to show him any concern. He grew up squeezed in such a way. Now that he has met you, I know he doesn't say it aloud, but he truly cares for you. So, if you happen to endure a few harsh words today, try not to take them to heart. As long as you and the Twelfth Prince are happy, that is all that matters. As for what others say, if you don't let it enter your heart, you will be tempered."
Listening to his long string of chatter, Dingyi understood that the Consort would not be easy to deal with and that Sha Tong was giving her a preemptive warning. Nothing else bothered her as much as the fact that the Consort did not value the Twelfth Prince; that thought made her feel deeply pained. She knew the imperial family had such flaws, and in truth, it was the same in any wealthy household. It was nothing unusual, and she hadn't been close to her own mother either, but knowing this about the Twelfth Prince made it inexplicably heartbreaking.
She nodded. "I am prepared to be berated, and for the sake of the Twelfth Prince, it is worth it. The old lady has been unhappy; she has been unhappy for over twenty years, and I fear this knot in her heart can never be untied."
"Isn't that the truth!" Sha Tong said. "Technically, it is not for a slave like me to gossip about the old master, but I am only confiding in you in private. Back then, there were many ladies in the palace, and the Retired Emperor had thirteen princes alone, not to mention those who bore no children. The Noble Consort just had too much pride and spirit." He laughed. "I heard that the Seventh Prince has been matched with a Mongolian princess; that requires caution. Prince Bao is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and his daughter is very capable. The Seventh Prince is henpecked, so I fear he has no choice."
Dingyi smiled and agreed. "Heaven has already arranged it; one must be capable of managing the household for the family to stand strong. If two people have the same temper, the house will collapse."
As they spoke, the sky brightened, and a chorus of rooster crows echoed through the alley. Dingyi stretched her limbs and stepped out to look at the sky. The snow had stopped, and a faint red glow appeared on the horizon; it looked like the sun was about to emerge. Two servants took long poles to extinguish the lanterns. Without taking them down, they extended the poles through the holes at the bottom of the lanterns; the tip of the pole held a small copper cup-like device, which they inverted to snuff out the flame. Soon, they were finished, turned to smile at her, and left for the back of the residence.
She rubbed her hands together and inhaled deeply. The world was covered in snow, and the air was cold and crisp. Her situation was different now, and her state of mind had changed as well. In the past, she would have been at the stables, hitching horses and preparing to go to the office. Remembering her old life of busyness, she felt a sense of peace. Some people, once they attain wealth, refuse to face the hardships they endured, speaking of them with sighs of melancholy. She was not one of them; she was broad-minded and knew how to find joy in suffering. Perhaps that was the main reason the Twelfth Prince had chosen her!
This simple girl is lucky, she thought, smiling to herself. Just as she planned to return inside, she caught sight of him entering the gate, dressed impeccably in a formal court robe with gold and silver embroidery of four-clawed dragons, a warm hat with a three-eyed peacock feather, and a collar trimmed with sea dragon fur. He walked toward her, his shoulders wind-swept.
The first time she saw him, he was also wearing court robes, and she had felt an inexplicable sense of awe toward him; that impression had remained carved deep in her memory. She stood in the morning light to welcome him, determined that no matter how much the Noble Consort Dowager made things difficult, she would not leave him. Besides, they hadn't even met yet; all this speculation was idle talk. Perhaps the rumors were untrue, and perhaps the Noble Consort was actually a very kind person.
She was lost in thought until he stopped before her. With a doting smile, he leaned down and asked, "Why are you standing outside? Waiting for me?"
She smiled and said yes, then looked out and asked, "Leaving now?"
He grunted in assent. "It’s a long way; we should arrive around the middle of the morning, which is perfect." He looked her up and down. Today, she had applied a thin layer of powder, giving her an air of serene and harmonious beauty. As a maid brought her a heavy cloak, he carefully fastened the collar for her and laughed, "We won't have time for breakfast; let’s buy some steamed buns on the way."
She agreed and looked up at him. There were faint shadows under his eyes, indicating his worry. She reached out to rub his cheek, teasing him on purpose, "Reading杂书 (miscellaneous books) again last night? You don't look very energetic!"
He chuckled softly and leaned close to her ear. "You didn't let me stay the night, and I couldn't get used to sleeping alone. If the imperial edict comes down today, I won't leave tonight. How about that?"
She blushed and retorted, "You men always think of such things all day; aren't you afraid of being laughed at?" Despite her complaints, she was secretly happy. She also wished to be with him every moment; she loved him to the point that she could never get enough of looking at his face.
A palace eunuch came to report that the carriage was prepared and requested they set off. The two traveled together in a light carriage, with only Guan Zhaojing and Sha Tong driving. The garden was not within the inner city, and the winding streets were difficult to navigate, but Hongce was in no hurry. On the way, they stopped at a bun shop to buy lamb-eye buns. The merchant was honest; the skins were thin, the fillings large, and they were glistening with oil after being steamed. Wrapped in brown paper, warm in her hands on such a cold day, she felt a sense of comfort.
Langrun Garden was built between Minghe Garden and Wanquan River. Almost all of the Great Qing’s imperial gardens were concentrated in the area south of the Forbidden City. Langrun Garden was small compared to the others, consisting of two main courtyards housing three Consort Dowagers. Though the grounds were not large, the scenery was excellent. The garden was surrounded by artificial hills, and there were over a dozen gatehouses and corridors. In the depths of winter, all was desolate, but the water systems had recently been dredged; where there was water, there was spirit, and the courtyards became vibrant and lively.
The garden manager was in high spirits today, standing upright at the main gate in a vermilion robe embroidered with longevity patterns. Seeing the carriage approach, he hurried over, bowing and lifting the curtain, laughing, "Greetings, Twelfth Prince! The Noble Consort has been missing you all morning, asking why the Twelfth Prince hasn't arrived yet. She has come in and out several times already, just waiting for you."
The eunuch was glib-tongued, capable of talking the dead back to life. Hongce ignored the flattery, listening as he led Dingyi inside. "I haven't visited in a while. How is the Consort Dowager's health?"
The head eunuch replied, "She is well. She has no major ailments, though she often suffers from headaches. Just be careful not to let her go out in the cold, and she will be fine." As he spoke, he glanced at the girl who had arrived with him, assuming she was someone important to the Twelfth Prince. He wanted to start a conversation but swallowed his words. He led the way, bypassing the rockery to enter the eastern residence, and guided them into the rear hall of the "Enlightened Grace and Remaining Joy" compound.
The deeper they went, the more nervous Dingyi became; her palms were damp with sweat. Hongce glanced down at her but said nothing, gripping her hand firmly as he led her into the main hall.
The palace maids and eunuchs on duty knelt in salute, and he raised his hand to signal them to rise. The Noble Consort Dowager was sitting with the Consort Dowagers Xun and Rong, drinking tea and chatting; when she saw him enter, she straightened her posture. He swept his robes and knelt within the threshold, bowed his head to the ground, and said, "I wish you a happy birthday, Mother. May your beauty be eternal like the daylily, and your halls be filled with lasting spring. Your son kowtows to you."
The Noble Consort Dowager was in a good mood today and signaled a nearby maid to help him up. She smiled, "I appreciate your concern. You are busy with official business, yet you hurried here; I am very happy."
Hongce laughed, "Today is your joyous day; I should have arrived before dawn. Unfortunately, I was delayed by a morning court session; I ask Mother to forgive me." He turned and performed a bow, "Greetings to Consort Dowager Xun and Consort Dowager Rong."
The two Consorts told him to forgo the rites. "The Twelfth Prince looks healthy and in good spirits." They smiled and glanced at the person behind him, "It must be that happy events bring a spirited mood. Who is this young lady? She looks quite lovable."
Dingyi did not dare look up, standing perfectly still. Upon hearing them mention her, she blushed, stepped forward, performed a curtsy for each of them, and then kowtowed to Hongce’s mother. The Noble Consort Dowager told her to rise, having already made her assessment. She turned to ask Hongce, "Is this someone from your chambers?"
"Someone from his chambers" referred to a girl who had been intimate with him—perhaps a maid or a woman of respectable background—but one who lacked proper status. He did not want others to view her that way. He answered that she was not, and bowing low, said, "After I returned from Ninguta, I petitioned the Emperor for a marriage bestowal. She is the Princess Consort I wish to marry. Today, taking advantage of your good mood, I brought her to kowtow to you, Mother. I hope you will see if she is suitable."
The Noble Consort Dowager knew the palace had reserved twenty spots for the marriage of members of the imperial clan and assumed she was one of them. She looked the girl over from head to toe. The girl wore a Manchu banner dress, her attire not overly ostentatious, and she kept her head lowered, standing as straight as a pole. Her posture was good. Looking at her face, her brows were clear and her features were exquisite and moving; her appearance was beyond reproach. She nodded but did not commit fully, only asking, "Whose daughter is she? What is her name? How old is she this year?"
This step was unavoidable. Fearing that Dingyi would panic, Hongce answered first, "Her name is Dingyi—'Ding' for establishing order, 'Yi' for making a home. She is nineteen this year, born in the Year of the Sheep. She comes from a family of scholars, though sadly her parents died young, and she has had a difficult life. She doesn't have many relatives left; her brother is a merchant trading in foreign ports, and her uncle is a minor official here in Beijing, serving in the Board of Rites for ceremonial and sacrificial affairs."
This was already an exaggeration; Rujian had opened a coal mine, but he was no "imperial merchant." As for her uncle, his position was low, and they did not associate with one another. Dingyi suddenly felt guilty; even with his embellishments, her background remained humble. How could it possibly be worthy of the royal bloodline?
As expected, the Noble Consort Dowager did not seem enthusiastic. The two Consorts on the side did not speak either, each sipping from their teacups, watching from above the rims with the air of people watching a show.
Dingyi stood there, sweat blooming on her back, soaking her undergarments until they stuck to her skin, making it impossible to move. It felt as though an eternity had passed before she finally heard the Noble Consort Dowager speak in a cold, indifferent tone, "It is acceptable. She is qualified to be a Shu Princess Consort (a secondary consort/concubine)."
Her ears buzzed. She gritted her teeth and held her posture, not letting her unease show. A Princess Consort is a Princess Consort; however, the difference between the嫡 (Primary) and the 庶 (Secondary/Concubine) was immense. A secondary consort did not need to be officially titled by the court and was only slightly higher in rank than a maid. Others might politely call you a "Secondary Princess Consort," but in reality, it was just a concubine, with no status to speak of.
She had predicted this outcome before arriving; it was roughly what she had expected. Yet, even with preparation, she could not help but feel disappointed. It wasn't the status she valued, but the person. She had developed selfish desires for him and did not want to share him with others. However, she was clear-headed enough to understand that with her background, attempting to climb so high was merely a delusional fantasy. She had once said she was willing to be his mistress, and that determination hadn't changed. If the marriage bestowal did not happen, she would not enter the Prince of Chun’s residence as a secondary concubine; she would simply continue living in the Jiucuiju alley, keeping to herself, and avoiding situations that would embarrass him.
She accepted the outcome quickly, but Hongce could not. He did not act impatiently, but said slowly, "Mother, you have misunderstood. I am requesting a formal imperial decree and official investiture from the court, not some nameless secondary concubine. In this life, I will not marry another woman. I simply want to live quietly until old age with the one person I love. If I am forced to marry someone on orders, and it leads to a lifetime of resentment, who will share that misery with me?"
At this, the Noble Consort Dowager’s anger flared. She wanted to lash out, but she was wary of the others present. Since today was her birthday, she did not want to end on a bad note. She looked again at the girl, who was biting her jaw and remaining silent—a look that reminded her of Murong Jinshu.
Talk of loving one person and staying with one person—I find the rhetoric of the men of the Yuwen family sickening! To be in such a high position and yet obsess over the idea of "a pair for a lifetime"—was that not a joke? Among the Consorts present, which one was not a victim of marriage? The pain forced upon them by the previous generation had not yet faded, and now another lovesick fool had emerged in this generation, incessantly demanding only one person—was that not like sprinkling salt on her wounds? Her son, the most noble of all the princes, ended up wanting to marry a girl of such low birth; what would people say? The young man had been blinded by his emotions, but she could not let him have his way. She could not control the man's thoughts, but she was still the one to decide for her son. Her patience had been forged over decades, and she knew there was no need to clash head-on right now. She would let it rest; as long as she did not nod, she wanted to see who would dare grant him this marriage!
As the sun climbed higher, a rhythmic sound echoed from the palace gate. Looking up, she saw the Empress leading the wives of the nobility arriving. The Noble Consort Dowager whispered, "I do not wish to discuss this further today. If you have any filial piety, stop this talk here, and happily accompany me to the banquet. If you have no regard for me, or if you are unhappy, then leave at once; I will not press you to stay." She cast a cold glance at Dingyi and rose to greet the guests.