The Lucky Heiress

Also present were Madam Qin and another elderly woman Wei Ruo had never met before.

Madam Qin introduced her to Wei Ruo, “My dear, this is Madam Zeng.”

Wei Ruo looked at her, gauging from Madam Qin’s tone and demeanor, she deduced that while both were palace matrons, Madam Zeng’s status was somewhat higher.

“This humble subject greets you, my dear.” Madam Zeng slightly bowed, her attitude towards Wei Ruo being polite and respectful, much like Madam Qin’s.

“Madam Zeng.” Wei Ruo nodded to her in return.

“My dear, these are all gifts from Her Majesty, acknowledging your contribution to the people of the Taizhou prefecture.”

A few boxes rested next to Madam Zeng, covered with red cloth.

Although the contents were not visible, Wei Ruo knew from the ceremony that they were valuable and exquisite gifts.

“I thank Her Majesty for her gracious gifts.” Wei Ruo responded.

She thought to herself, that the Empress, at least, was more generous than her son, knowing full well when to give her a gift in return for the effort she put in helping the Empress’ son.

“No need for the formalities, my dear. The rewards given by Her Majesty are also approved by His Majesty, acknowledging your capabilities.”

Wei Ruo’s role in leading the disaster relief made her eligible for commendation, but since she is a member of the royal family, it would not be proper for the Emperor to reward her directly. Instead, the Empress, mother of Prince Seven who was highlighted in this event, granted the reward. This approach displayed propriety, whilst still acknowledging the accomplishment.

“I humbly accept His Majesty’s gracious favor.” Wei Ruo quickly said.

“Her Majesty said that she wants to summon you to Capital City to thank you in person.” declared Madam Zeng, in the kindest voice.

“I am terrified, having merely done my duty; I dare not claim any credit.” Wei Ruo immediately replied.

Madam Zeng took Wei Ruo’s hand and softly patted the back of it, “My dear, I hope that in the future you will continue to strive for the betterment of the people, much like what you did with His Highness Prince Seven.”

Wei Ruo rewarded Madam Zeng with a faint smile, instantly understanding the implications of her words.

They were subtly insinuating that she should continue to support Chu Lan.

Wei Ruo replied: “Madam, I am a mere woman; there isn’t much I can do. I was only able to serve the people to the best of my ability after Madam Yuan deigned to mentor and guide me. I have already displayed all my capabilities, and I don’t think I can assist with anything else.”

“Don’t belittle yourself, my dear. Even the things you have done so far are out of reach for many young girls from noble families.” Madam Zeng said.

Wei Ruo simply responded with a smile.

Seeing that Wei Ruo wasn’t very accustomed to this kind of situation, Madam Yuan stepped forward to talk to Madam Zeng, “Madam, your words have nearly embarrassed our dear Ruoruo to death. You mustn’t put too much pressure on her.”

“Alright, alright.” Madam Zeng agreed, laughing, “It’s clear to see that the Commandery Princess truly likes you, dear Ruo. She is afraid that I, an old woman, might scare you.”

“Isn’t it just your fear of her? I’ve heard of your reputation since I was a child.” Madam Yuan teased.

Madam Yuan had often visited the palace, and was acquainted with the favored palace matrons which included Madam Zeng with her substantial years of service.

“Oh, Commandery Princess, your words make me, a humble old woman, more than just a little anxious. If our Prince hears of this, it might cost me my life!” Madam Zeng said, wearing a big smile.

The two matrons, Madam Yuan, and Wei Ruo chatted for a while – the conversation mostly dominated by the former three while Wei Ruo occasionally threw in her own agreement and uttered few words.

After a quarter of an hour, Madam Zeng and Madam Qin bid farewell to Madam Yuan, who sent a maid named Qingyi to send the two matrons off.

Only Madam Yuan and Wei Ruo remained in the room.

Madam Yuan gently told Wei Ruo, “Although Empress Hui lacks favor, she has the meritorious Prince Seven as her son. Her place in the palace is unshakeable. As for Madam Zeng, she’s a seasoned palace goer, even having served the Empress Dowager. Her words carry some weight even before the Emperor.”

Wei Ruo nodded, “Thank you, Madam, for enlightening me. I will remember this.”

Madam Yuan continued, “The rewards from Empress Hui must be directed by the Emperor himself, so you do not need to worry about any presumable ties with Prince Seven caused by this.”

“I have thought of that.” said Wei Ruo, having deliberated on this issue on her way here.

Empress Hui was a concubine and openly bestowing gifts to a member of the royal family, if she was trying to recruit Wei Ruo to her side, she would be incredibly foolish.

Madam Yuan’s words confirmed Wei Ruo’s thoughts.

It was evident then, that Wei Mingyong’s concerns were all unnecessary, nothing more than his foolish assumptions.

Then Madam Yuan said to Wei Ruo, “Speaking of which, before you arrived, Madam Zeng told me something important that recently happened in the Capital City.”

“What is it?”

“You probably have heard that the competition for the heir apparent has been heating up recently between Prince Six and Prince Seven. Prince Six has the backing of his maternal relatives in the court with numerous supporters, while Prince Seven with his superior abilities is also a strong contender. Prince Six initially held a slight advantage, but the tide has turned as of late in favor of Prince Seven, after the former’s unsuccessful relief efforts during the disaster and the latter’s meritorious actions.

“I’ve heard something about it.” Wei Ruo wondered why Madam Yuan brought this up at this time.

“Then you probably don’t know yet that Prince Nine has appeared. The situation is about to change.” Madam Yuan dropped a bombshell.

“Prince Nine?” Wei Ruo looked at Madam Yuan in disbelief.

“Yes, Prince Nine.” Madam Yuan assured.

“I have heard some rumors about Prince Nine before, but those were surely just rumors, right?”

Wei Ruo felt justified to be doubtful, as Prince Nine never featured in the competition for succession in the original script. When the dust settled, it was Chu Lan who emerged victoriously and there was no mention of Prince Nine anywhere.

Prince Nine only existed in the people’s conversation and seemed to be a character in the Emperor’s heart, much like the male lead’s deceased beloved in his memories.

Whenever Prince Six or Prince Seven did something to upset Emperor, he would remember his child with his beloved Empress Xu. Even though the child died soon after birth, it did not prevent him from imagining, in his heart, the child as the perfect and excellent son he could have had.

“I initially thought the same too, but it turns out that he really does exist. And appeared just in time when the treason case of Duke Xu was being re-reviewed.” Madam Yuan said.

“Is it really Prince Nine? Or someone posing as him?” Wei Ruo asked.

Madam Yuan shook her head, “We are still not sure about that, but the people escorting him to Capital City are the former servants of Empress Xu, and they have her relic with them, a feat that an ordinary impersonator can’t achieve.”

Wei Ruo furrowed her brows in confusion.

The original script never mentioned anything like this!

“However… it appears that Prince Nine suffers from ill health, as he looks sickly and as if he won’t live long.” Madam Yuan added.