Chapter Eighty-Two: The Empress Dowager's Birthday Celebration

How could Emperor Baili Hai not be anxious? In just a few days, it would be the Empress Dowager’s birthday. Though Chu Meier was not his birth mother, her fortieth birthday was an occasion that could not be taken lightly. If she were to develop any grievances against him, it would be disastrous.

He was well aware that Chu Meier still wielded considerable real power. In the years since he had ascended the throne, he had always had to tread carefully around her, restrained more by circumstances than by choice.

Since yesterday, he had been receiving reports from the palace eunuchs that the Empress Dowager had gone to live for an extended period at the Virtuous Prince’s residence with the Virtuous Princess. He had been thrown into a panic on the spot. In just a few days, it would be her birthday, and he had invited envoys from the five great nations a month in advance to come celebrate. If the guest of honor were missing from her own feast, it would be a farce of epic proportions.

He had originally planned to bring the Empress Dowager back before nightfall, but just then, the eunuchs reported that the Crown Prince and Princess of Zhongtong had arrived and requested an audience. As the host, he was obliged to receive and settle his guests properly. This unexpected delay, compounded by various trivial matters in the harem, caused the matter of fetching the Empress Dowager to be set aside.

Thus, barely had the morning court ended when Baili Hai, accompanied by Empress Chu Yuer, set out in person to bring the Empress Dowager back. Upon arriving at the Virtuous Prince’s residence, he did not wait for the eunuchs or servants to announce his arrival but strode straight to the rear of the estate. By the time the others heard the eunuchs proclaim his approach, Baili Hai had already reached them.

As soon as he arrived, he saw He Jun Tian and He Yan’er and immediately asked in surprise, “Crown Prince of Zhongtong, Princess of Zhongtong, what brings you to my royal brother’s home?”

He Jun Tian shot a covert glare at He Yan’er before answering with a smile, “Your Majesty, you may not know, but we came specifically to pay our respects to the Virtuous Prince. We have long heard of his mysterious and reclusive nature and were simply driven by curiosity.”

Liu Ling’er and Baili Xian exchanged glances, but did not expose the brother and sister’s lie. They had not come to pay their respects but had barged in uninvited and even tried to snatch someone away to take back to Zhongtong.

Baili Hai nodded after listening, then, together with the Empress, made his way to Chu Meier. Upon reaching her, he placed his hands together in a formal gesture and bowed deeply. “Your son pays his respects, Mother!”

“Rise,” Chu Meier said, lifting her hand to signal that Baili Hai and Chu Yuer could stand. Chu Yuer immediately moved to her aunt’s side.

Baili Xian and Liu Ling’er stepped forward to greet the Emperor and Empress. Considering the company present, Baili Hai did not require Baili Xian to perform the full prostration, and Liu Ling’er merely executed a graceful curtsey.

At this point, He Yan’er and He Jun Tian were dumbfounded. The beautiful young woman before them was actually the Empress Dowager of Dongchu! What a twist of fate! He Yan’er shuddered inwardly as she recalled that she had just been teasing her and had even boasted of taking her back to Zhongtong.

Stealing a glance at Chu Meier, who showed no sign of anger or intent to seek retribution, He Yan’er’s eyes darted mischievously. “So you are the Empress Dowager. I was terribly rude just now, calling you ‘Elder Sister.’ It’s just that Your Majesty looks so young—I hope you won’t be offended!”

Any woman would be delighted to be praised for her youth, especially one nearing forty. Chu Meier’s lips curled in a gentle smile. “Princess Yan’er is innocent and forthright. How could I take offense?”

He Yan’er’s eyes sparkled as she spoke sweetly, “Truly? The moment I saw you, I felt such joy. Why don’t you become my godmother?”

Heavens! This was clearly taking advantage of the situation. The more Liu Ling’er watched He Yan’er, the more she felt that her intentions were not as simple as they seemed. That sly demeanor sent a chill through her heart.

The Empress Dowager, flattered and somewhat bewildered by the praise, didn’t notice Chu Yuer’s discreet tug on her sleeve. Unaware, she readily agreed to He Yan’er’s request. “Very well! I have had no children of my own. Who would have thought that in my later years, I would gain a goddaughter!”

He Yan’er’s face lit up with delight at the Empress Dowager’s reply. She bowed and called out sweetly, “Godmother!”

The Empress Dowager removed a jade bracelet from her wrist and handed it to He Yan’er. “My dear, I have nothing of great value with me outside the palace. This bracelet has been with me for over ten years and is among my most treasured possessions. Now I give it to you—do keep it well.”

The bracelet was a luminous red, translucent as glass, its worth evident at a glance. Liu Ling’er noticed the flicker of envy in Chu Yuer’s eyes as she gazed at the bracelet.

After accepting the gift and offering her thanks, He Yan’er turned to He Jun Tian and boasted, “Brother, did you see? I now have the Empress Dowager for a godmother. If you ever disobey me, I’ll have her deal with you!”

He Jun Tian had a good many things to say, but with so many people present, he let it go. Besides, he could not help but feel that there was nothing particularly amiss with this arrangement.

A short while later, after He Jun Tian and He Yan’er had bid farewell to the Empress Dowager, Chu Yuer clung to her aunt’s arm and pouted, “Aunt, how could you give your jade bracelet to that little princess? Are we not your children too?”

Chu Meier patted Chu Yuer’s hand. “What’s this? Is our Yuer jealous? Look at Ling’er—she hasn’t said a word! You should learn from her and be more composed.”