Wei Zifu sat poised in the Jiaofang Palace, meticulously reviewing the register of eligible young ladies from the various noble houses.
A few days ago, His Majesty had visited the Jiaofang Palace and instructed her to show more concern for Wei Qing by selecting a suitable wife for him. Upon careful reflection, she realized it had already been six years since the Lady Chen had passed away.
She knew well that their mother had always looked down on the Lady Chen for her lowly birth and had wanted to choose a primary wife from a prestigious family for Wei Qing. However, her brother had refused to comply, declaring that if they dared to force the Lady Chen out of the manor, he would take her, Wei Kang, and Wei Xian and leave with them.
Fearing that Wei Qing might actually depart, they had no choice but to tolerate the Lady Chen’s presence.
Wei Zifu mused that this time, she must choose a wife of equal social standing for her brother, someone who could assist the Crown Prince in the future.
The Grand Manager of the Autumn stepped forward and presented another bamboo scroll. "Your Highness, this is the register of all marriageable women from the households in the capital."
"Mm." Wei Zifu nodded. She had taken a liking to one in particular: the legitimate youngest daughter of Shi Qing, the Marquis of Muqiu and the current Chancellor.
Shi Qing came from a distinguished clan, held the position of Chancellor, and was also the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Wei Zifu felt this was an excellent choice. Furthermore, she had heard that the Shi family maintained a strict and filial household; a bride from such a family would surely serve their mother well.
Since she had settled on a candidate, it was best to report to His Majesty as soon as possible.
"Your Highness, Grand Princess Pingyang requests an audience!"
Wei Zifu was puzzled. What was Pingyang doing here?
"Please, bring her in!"
"Pingyang greets the Empress..." Liu Ying’s posture was exceptionally humble, as she had a favor to ask.
Wei Zifu was surprised by Pingyang’s sudden politeness and quickly moved to support her. "Sister, why such formal ceremony? Please, take a seat."
After a brief exchange of courtesies, the two sat down.
"What is Your Highness looking at?" Liu Ying asked intentionally, noticing the pile of bamboo scrolls on the table.
Wei Zifu assumed Pingyang had accepted a gift from some family and had come to act as a matchmaker. "A few days ago, His Majesty instructed me, as an elder sister, to show more care for my brother. So, I am planning to find a wife for the Great General. It just so happens that you’ve arrived!" If Pingyang truly intended to propose a match, she would have to consider it carefully. "Why don't you help me take a look, sister?"
As she spoke, her hand paused. She bypassed the scroll for the Shi family’s daughter and picked up one next to it.
Liu Ying took it. "The daughter of Shangguan Jie..." She smiled and set the scroll aside.
"Since Your Highness is choosing a wife for the Great General, you must select someone who can assist the Crown Prince and support the Wei family in the future." Liu Ying’s fingers lightly tapped the table.
"Indeed. That is why it is so difficult to choose. Looking at these girls, each one is more endearing than the last."
Liu Ying thought about what she was about to say, a thin layer of sweat forming on her back. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "I... have a candidate in mind."
Hearing this, Wei Zifu realized Pingyang was being serious and gave her full attention.
"I wonder who the Princess has in mind?"
"What does Your Highness think of... me?"
Wei Zifu froze.
"Though I am a few years older than the Great General, I am also His Majesty’s eldest sister. In terms of status and position, there is no one more suited for the Great General than I."
Liu Ying felt that her close attendants were right. Though Wei Qing had once been a mere stable slave in her household, he was now ranked among the Three Ducal Ministers, a Marquis of ten thousand households, and his prestige was unmatched.
Matched with her status, it was perfect.
"Furthermore, I and your Wei family can be considered old acquaintances..."
Wei Zifu felt her heart pounding wildly. "The Princess is of noble status; what you say is indeed logical."
Pingyang was the Emperor’s sister from the same mother. Over the years, she had been socially adept and influential, possessing much of the style of the late Grand Princess Dou.
If Pingyang truly became a second Grand Princess Dou...
Wei Zifu found it impossible to remain calm.
***
Suddenly summoned to the palace by His Majesty, Wei Qing was somewhat bewildered. He wondered if the Emperor had new thoughts regarding the campaign against Loulan.
Upon entering the Xuanshi Hall, Wei Qing discovered that both Wei Zifu and Pingyang were present.
Though confused internally, he did not let it show on his face. "Your servant, Wei Qing, greets Your Majesty and Her Highness the Empress."
Liu Che looked at Wei Qing with a smile. "Enough, enough. Rise. We are all family here." He then glanced at Pingyang, only to see his sister wearing a rare expression of bashfulness.
Recalling the private conversation he had just had with his sister, Liu Che found Pingyang’s current appearance rather agreeable.
"Zhongqing, over the past few days, the Empress and I have discussed your situation. We feel that you truly lack someone to manage your internal affairs."
Wei Qing’s heart sank.
"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness, but I am getting on in years and have no heart for remarriage. I fear I must fail Your Majesty’s grace."
"You aren't even as old as I am, so how can you say you are getting on in years!" Liu Che was slightly displeased.
"That is not what I meant, it is just that I truly..."
"Zhongqing, do not be so pedantic. His Majesty is doing this for your own good," Wei Zifu couldn't help but interject.
"Alright, Zhongqing. I summoned you today because I wanted to tell you that I have chosen someone for you. See what you think."
Liu Che stood up, walked slowly behind Pingyang, and patted her shoulder. "My sister, Grand Princess Pingyang. What do you think of her?"
"What?" Wei Qing was struck with immense shock.
"What? Is there some dissatisfaction? Do you think my sister is too old?" Liu Che did think she was a bit old—over ten years older, in fact. If Wei Qing was dissatisfied, he could simply bestow a few more young and beautiful women upon him later.
"No, your servant merely feels that the Grand Princess is of noble birth, while I am but a... bastard. I am truly unworthy to be the Grand Princess's husband." Wei Qing kowtowed heavily, his tone resolute.
Liu Ying’s face instantly turned unsightly.
"Wei Qing!" Wei Zifu stole a glance at the Emperor’s expression, only to see it suddenly become devoid of emotion. Panic rose in her heart. "Your Majesty, Wei Qing does not mean that. He is simply being self-deprecating, fearing he might fail the kindness of Your Majesty and the Grand Princess. In truth, he must be overjoyed in his heart!"
A moment of silence filled the hall.
Liu Che looked at Wei Qing, who was prostrate on the ground. He walked over to help him up before slowly revealing a smile. "My dear official’s sister is my Empress, and my sister is about to marry my dear official. You and I, sovereign and subject, shall be each other's brothers-in-law. Is that not a beautiful tale? Very well, go back and prepare. I shall command the Grand Astrologer to select an auspicious day for the wedding."
"Your Majesty, I..."
"You may withdraw." The Emperor turned and walked toward the inner chambers.
Wei Qing supported himself with one hand on the floor, feeling a throbbing headache.
***
Wei Yuan was holding Ajiao in the courtyard, letting her soak in the sun.
"Ajiao, come eat this. Eating this will make your leg heal faster!"
Ajiao huffed and turned her head away. "I'm not eating it."
"Oh, is Ajiao still angry with her aunt? Don't be angry anymore. If you stay angry, you'll turn ugly!"
The young girl Chen Ying laughed from the side. "Ajiao is small, but she has a big temper. She's the only one who dares to lose her temper with Second Sister-in-law!"
"Hmph! Why did you drop me on the ground? I won't forgive you!"
"Oh, your aunt didn't do it on purpose. I love Ajiao the most, how could I bear to throw you on the ground?"
Suddenly, laughter came from the courtyard entrance. "If the Second Young Mistress loves children so much, why haven't you hurried up and had one of your own?"
"Greetings, Nanny Jin!"
The young masters and misses of the Chen household did not dare to be arrogant before Nanny Jin.
"Nanny, Nanny, what are you holding in your hand?" Ajiao asked with a cheerful smile, taking advantage of her young age. "Did Grandmother send more trinkets for Ajiao?"
"This? This isn't for Ajiao; it's for your little brother! The Old Madam asked me to bring this longevity lock to the young master. Oh, you all carry on playing, I must go see the Eldest Young Mistress first." With that, she entered the house.
Outside, Wei Yuan and the other girls began to tease Ajiao again. After playing for a while, she said, "We've been playing here for quite some time and might be disturbing Sister-in-law. Why don't we go to my place? There's more room there, and we can have some real fun!"
The young girls all agreed.
The group headed toward Wei Yuan’s Anle Residence. Wei Yuan didn't leave Ajiao behind, directly ordering several maidservants to carry Ajiao over.
Nanny He hurried back to prepare fruit and toys, and ordered people to surround the pavilion by the lotus pond with gauze curtains and light some incense. This way, the girls could play inside without being bitten by mosquitoes while still enjoying the scenery.
Just as everyone arrived at the pavilion, someone suddenly came to report: "Second Young Mistress, this is bad! The Young Marquis Wei has charged into our manor on horseback!"
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
椒房殿 | Jiaofang Palace | The residence of the Empress, literally "Pepper Chamber Palace."
大长秋 | Grand Manager of the Autumn | A high-ranking official (usually a eunuch) serving the Empress.
牧丘侯石庆 | Shi Qing, Marquis of Muqiu | A historical figure who served as Chancellor during Emperor Wu's reign.
太子太夫 | Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince | A high-ranking educational and advisory position for the heir.
平阳长公主 | Grand Princess Pingyang | Emperor Wu's elder sister.
刘迎 | Liu Ying | The personal name of Princess Pingyang in this story.
宣室殿 | Xuanshi Hall | The main audience hall for the Emperor in the Weiyang Palace.
仲卿 | Zhongqing | The courtesy name (zi) of Wei Qing.
太史令 | Grand Astrologer | Official in charge of astronomy, the calendar, and choosing auspicious dates.
安乐居 | Anle Residence | Literally "Residence of Peace and Joy," Wei Yuan's living quarters.
卫小侯爷 | Young Marquis Wei | Likely referring to Huo Qubing (the Marquis of Champion), who was Wei Qing's nephew.
平安锁 | Longevity lock | A traditional Chinese ornament given to children for protection and long life.
