Chapter Eighty-Three: I Will Not Return

What does it mean to be an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire? Liu Ling’er felt as if she was lying flat and still struck by an arrow—of all the examples the Empress Dowager could choose to illustrate her criticism of the Empress’s conduct, why must she use hers? Wasn’t this just inviting animosity upon her for no reason?

Having suffered this jab from the Empress Dowager, Chu Yue’er pouted her lips and grumbled, “Mother, why do you always pick on me? I won’t stand for it!”

When the Empress put on her act of petulance, she did it with considerable flair; the Empress Dowager, at least, was always a willing audience for such antics. “Look at you, Yue’er, so petty—there’s jealousy thick in the air! My silly niece, I barely have enough time to love you, how could I possibly bully you?”

“Really?” Chu Yue’er asked, sounding as though she feared the Empress Dowager’s words were mere pleasantries meant to placate her.

The Empress Dowager’s face fell. “Of course! How could you doubt me? What’s gotten into you today, child? You’re acting out of sorts.”

Chu Yue’er took the Empress Dowager’s hand. “Since Mother says she cares for me, why not return to the palace with me? I heard that Aunt left the palace to stay at the Prince Xian’s manor—I thought you’d abandoned me!”

At these words, Liu Ling’er’s eyes lit up. So the Empress’s unusual behavior had a reason after all. The ultimate aim was to invite the Empress Dowager back to the palace, which, truth be told, was precisely what Liu Ling’er wished for herself. The Empress Dowager’s presence at the manor was immensely disadvantageous to her.

She glanced at Bai Li Xian, and when their eyes met, each recognized the other’s thoughts. Together, they looked at the Empress Dowager. Inviting a god is easy; sending one away is not. If the Empress Dowager agreed to leave with Chu Yue’er, Liu Ling’er would wholeheartedly endorse it.

Unfortunately, the Empress Dowager refused. “Yue’er, I’ve been cooped up in the palace too long and only wished to stretch my legs a little. I have no intention of returning just yet. It’s perfectly comfortable here at Ah Xian’s; I feel free and at ease, so for now, I will not go back.”

Bai Li Hai grew anxious—this was putting him in a difficult spot. He stepped forward. “Mother, there are many inconveniences in residing outside the palace. Please, return with your son. I fear if anything untoward should happen to you outside, I would be the one held responsible.”

“Inconvenient?” the Empress Dowager retorted. “Ah Xian has lived outside the palace all these years without trouble—why is it inconvenient only when I do so?” Her words were laced with open sarcasm.

Though Bai Li Xian most wished for the Empress Dowager to return with Bai Li Hai, hearing her mock Bai Li Hai now was oddly satisfying.

Bai Li Hai’s expression darkened. “Mother misunderstands me. You are the mistress of the inner palace—if you are gone, I fear there will be unrest among the consorts.”

This time, the Empress Dowager was truly displeased. “What are you implying, Your Majesty? Are you saying Yue’er is not up to the task of being Empress? I have every confidence in her abilities—she is more than capable of keeping order in the palace.”

Bai Li Hai was now genuinely flustered. If the Empress Dowager did not return, there would be no leading lady for the upcoming birthday celebration. What would the envoys from other states think of him, the Emperor of Dongchu?

The Empress Dowager seemed to see through his concern and said, “Yue’er, Your Majesty, there’s no need to persuade me further. I will not return for now, but you need not worry—I shall go back on the day of my birthday celebration. Will that put your mind at ease?”

With this compromise, Bai Li Hai could not press further. For now, it seemed, things would have to remain as they were. Liu Ling’er shrugged at Bai Li Xian, her resignation clear—until the Empress Dowager’s birthday, she and Bai Li Xian would have to keep up appearances.

Chu Yue’er linked arms with the Empress Dowager. “Aunt, since you won’t return, I’ll stay here and keep you company. One more person means a little more help.”

The Empress Dowager shook her head. “That won’t do. I’m not in the palace, so you must remain to manage affairs. If you abandon your duties as well, who will keep order? You know what those consorts are like—if both of us are absent, there’s no telling what mischief they’ll cause.”

As she spoke, she shot a meaningful glance at Bai Li Hai. The implication was unmistakable—the consorts were all Bai Li Hai’s women. Her dissatisfaction was directed at him, as well as on her niece’s behalf to defend her position.

With the Empress Dowager’s mind made up, there was no room for negotiation. After spending a few hours with her, Bai Li Hai and Chu Yue’er returned to the palace; remaining any longer would have been futile.

With the Empress gone, Liu Ling’er suddenly remembered that, as the nominal daughter-in-law, she ought to prepare a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager. It couldn’t be too simple or too mundane—it would require a considerable sum of silver, no matter what.

This thought brought to mind the infuriating steward at the manor—though appointed by the Emperor, his overbearing ways were intolerable. With the Empress Dowager present, why not use her influence to remove this malignant presence?

No sooner thought than done, Liu Ling’er turned to the Empress Dowager. “Mother, the shops in the capital are bustling with novelty and excitement. Would you care to go out for a stroll? It’s dull to remain in the manor all day; I would be happy to accompany you.”

Chu Meier was also intrigued by Liu Ling’er’s suggestion. Having spent years in the palace, she lacked for nothing—whatever she desired, the palace maids procured for her. To experience shopping firsthand was a rare treat—why not go?

Besides, women are born with a fondness for shopping and strolling about. Chu Meier was no exception, and Liu Ling’er’s timely suggestion was perfectly suited to the moment.