On New Year’s Eve and the first day of the new year, Xi Linxuan planned to go to Qi Mountain Temple outside the city to worship heaven and ancestors, insisting on bringing Xi Qi. Wei Linxia did not stop him. Establishing a crown prince required honoring the ancestors, which Xi Linxuan had omitted when he first ascended the throne due to the chaos. The ministers left the palace, leaving only the concubines.
Wei Linxia, accompanied by Xi Yaya, returned to the South Inner Palace. The eunuch reported that the former Emperor would not see them, so they went to pay respects to the imperial concubines. Most had the same attitude as the former Emperor, and those they did see showed no good expression.
Xi Yaya commented that the people here were less lively than clay figures.
“They will become lively one day. Don’t tell your father about this; it will make him sad,” Wei Linxia instructed.
“Why?” Xi Yaya asked.
“Mother will explain later, okay?” Wei Linxia coaxed, and Xi Yaya nodded happily.
This new year was not pleasant for Wei Linxia. She felt uneasy about managing the empire for Xi Linxuan in his absence, as the distance to the grasslands weighed heavily on her.
“Take this silver needle; I hope you haven’t neglected your skills,” she said, packing the needle and manual into a bag.
“Chenbi, if it gets too tiring, don’t persist. We never cared much for this empire,” Xi Linxuan replied reluctantly.
Despite being attended by imperial physicians, this year had drained much of his energy, leaving his face pale.
“I know. Don’t slack off. I’ve arranged everything you’ll do daily and kept records. Everything will be carefully checked later,” Wei Linxia said with a smile.
They didn’t care, but they wouldn’t easily hand it over, especially not to those people. She would be unwilling.
She took out an imperial decree from a locked compartment and placed it in Xi Linxuan’s hand: “This is tomorrow’s imperial decree for suppressing rebels and military leadership appointments.”
That night was not peaceful. The usually quiet Xi Qi cried all night, making Wei Linxia’s eyes sore, but she could only endure.
Wei Linxia knew Xi Linxuan wasn’t asleep, though his eyes were closed. She wanted to look at him but didn’t dare, afraid of bursting into tears. She comforted herself that this brief separation was for a long-term reunion on their dreamed grasslands.
She hugged Xi Linxuan: “Xi Qiushui, you must wait for me and complete everything I’ve arranged.”
“Okay.”
“You must wait.”
“I will.” Xi Linxuan’s voice was slightly choked.
In the side hall, Wei Linxia heard Feng Shou read the imperial decree. After a long silence, Wang Ling’s voice opposed it, with Mu Feiyun supporting him.
Finally, she heard Xi Linxuan say, “My decision is final. After my personal expedition, you two chief ministers must work together to manage state affairs.”
For any unresolved matters, send an urgent message within six hundred li for my decision.”
After the court session, Wang Ling and Mu Feiyun’s request for an audience was rejected by Xi Linxuan. They knelt outside the Noon Gate until dark, and Mu Feiyun fainted and was sent home, leaving only Wang Ling. Wei Linxia had a eunuch summon him to the hall. Feng Shou informed her that the right minister was almost frozen stiff.
Wang Ling insisted, “This minister must see the Emperor.”
“His Majesty will not see you, Wang Qing. Go back to your residence.” Wei Linxia had a eunuch bring him ginger soup, which he ignored. “Just leave it there; the Right Minister probably has numb hands from the cold and can’t hold the bowl.”
“What if I die in remonstrance?”
“Then the Right Minister would probably die in vain.” Wei Linxia replied sharply.
“Your Majesty, I do not understand why the Emperor would personally lead a western expedition when state affairs are unstable. Isn’t this tantamount to handing over the empire?” Wang Ling’s voice was cold, as if he had been frozen outside.
“The Right Minister’s concerns have surely been considered by the Emperor. Since he has decided on this course, he must have his reasons. I have served the Emperor for years and know his temperament. Once he makes a decision, he will not change it. Moreover, he has already proclaimed it publicly.”
“If he were to go back on his word tomorrow, wouldn’t it make the court and rebellious officials laugh?” Wei Linxia said.
“The western expedition can proceed, but why must the Emperor personally lead it? We have so many capable generals. How can a small western rebellion not be quelled?” Wei Linxia repeated.
Wang Ling suddenly stood up and walked towards her. Wei Linxia retreated two steps but stood firm.
“If the Emperor insists on this, I request to resign and return to my farmland.” Being closer, Wei Linxia could now see his ashen face. Wang Ling turned to leave.
“Wang Ling, stop. Are you trying to force the Emperor? Is this how a subject should behave?” Wei Linxia called out, her palm sweating. She calmed herself and walked behind him, saying, “Do you think the Emperor is unaware of what you’re thinking? He leads the expedition because state affairs are unstable and many eye the throne. He trusts you in the court. Can’t you understand the Emperor’s intentions? Resigning now would risk being labeled a power-hungry official. Do you really want that? If that’s your choice, I won’t stop you. This empire was never meant for us anyway. If others want to take it, let them.”
“Wang Ling did not move, which slightly relieved Wei Linxia, indicating he was weighing his options.
“You’ve been outside in the cold all day. Drink the ginger soup and don’t catch a cold. Stay in this hall tonight. Call Feng Shou if you need anything,” Wei Linxia said softly.
After leaving the hall, Wei Linxia looked back. Wang Ling had sat down, his head leaning against the chair back, his hand clenched into a fist on the armrest, clearly struggling with a decision. However, she believed his staying meant he had made up his mind.
On her way back to the palace, Wei Linxia contemplated something but ultimately dismissed her thoughts. Forget about marrying the “fake princess” Tai Qing to Wang Ling; even a real princess might not be interested. Besides, Tai Qing had feelings for Wei Feng Zhi, and she couldn’t do such a thing, as it would create too much resentment.
As she stepped into the palace, Xi Yaya jumped and hugged her legs. Wei Linxia wanted to laugh – this little girl really liked being held by Wang Ling, but she was too young for such things.
“Not kneeling?” Xi Lin Xuan asked, teaching his son to write.
“Not kneeling. Going to resign and return to the farmland,” Wei Linxia replied.
“No, he won’t,” Xi Lin Xuan said calmly.
“How can you be so sure?” Wei Linxia asked, surprised by Xi Lin Xuan’s understanding of Wang Ling.”
This time, Xi Lin Xuan looked up at her: “This is based on a man’s understanding of another man.” His evasive tone was obvious, meaning he would tell her nothing.
The imperial edict was issued, troops were deployed, and soon it was the day of the military expedition. Even many years later, Wei Linxia would remember standing on the city wall, watching Xi Lin Xuan’s imperial carriage and dragon banner leave through the Zhengyang Gate until they disappeared.
Strangely, before that day, she felt heartbroken and impulsively considered hiding Xi Lin Xuan in the capital or palace. But when she saw him leave, she felt at peace, looking forward to their reunion. Nothing could be hidden from him in the capital or palace; only the grasslands could truly distance him from intrigue.
