"Under a toppled nest, no egg remains intact. If he seeks you out privately, ignore him, lest he grow suspicious," Yu Mingjing cautioned.
Since waking, the Sage had acted erratically and arbitrarily. Court officials trembled. The Crown Prince's plea for the Gu family had even earned him a reprimand from the Sage.
If the Sage were to learn that the Yu family had helped conceal Gu Youyou, it would undoubtedly stir up more trouble.
"Everyone in the capital knows how close Youyou and I are. If I don't scold him, it will raise suspicion. He has endured so much for so long; his mind must be exceptionally deep. There's no avoiding him," Yu Mingyue had ample opportunity to interact with Jing Zhan before and understood him to some extent.
"You will inevitably encounter him when you return to the capital. You must be careful."
The four mother and sons dispersed after having dinner at Cui Shi's courtyard. Yu Mingyue was indeed tired from the journey and soon fell asleep, only waking the next day when the sun was high.
While having breakfast, Dong Zhi, a maidservant of Cui Shi, entered with a smile. "Greetings, my lady. Someone from the Empress's palace has arrived, requesting your presence for a chat."
"The Empress wishes to see me?" Yu Mingyue asked incredulously.
She had not been in the capital during the autumn palace banquet when the Empress had summoned the wives and daughters of officials. Why would she be summoned so suddenly?
"Yes, a palace嬷嬷 is waiting in the outer courtyard," Dong Zhi replied with a smile.
Yu Mingyue glanced down at her loose padded jacket. She had not planned on going out, so she had dressed for comfort.
Yu Mingyue's maidservants were efficient and quickly helped her dress. She wore a layered skirt of hibiscus red, with a tea-white satin shawl draped over her shoulders. The curved collar revealed her graceful collarbones, somewhat mitigating the winter bulk and making her appear dignified yet demure.
As she left, Chi Hua draped a heavy cloak over her to ward off the cold on her journey.
A carriage was prepared by the palace, complete with a charcoal stove and refreshments. However, Yu Mingyue had just finished breakfast and only took a small sip of tea.
Fan Momo observed Yu Mingyue's calm and composed demeanor. Even when summoned by the Empress, she showed no fear. Her bearing and etiquette were rare among the young ladies of the capital; the upbringing of noble families was indeed incomparable to ordinary ones.
Yu Mingyue was quite familiar with the palace, having been engaged to the Crown Prince and often summoned by the former Consort Yao for conversations.
There was a considerable distance from the palace gate to the Empress's palace, requiring a walk of nearly half an hour and passing through three palace gates to reach the Yeting Palace. In such cold weather, she had worked up a light sweat.
The Yeting Palace was centered around the Xuanzheng Hall, where the Empress resided. Built adjacent to the Taiye Pond, it did not feel desolate even in winter; in summer, it must have been even more breathtaking.
After crossing a long covered bridge, she entered the main hall and waited outside for an audience.
A short while later, Fan Momo, who had escorted her, emerged. "The Empress requests that Sixth Lady enter."
Yu Mingyue thanked her and followed Fan Momo inside at an unhurried pace.
The hall was heated by a floor heating system, making it as warm as spring. Empress Wang wore a spring-themed palace gown of crimson silk that trailed to the floor, her shoulders slightly exposed. Her hair was elaborately styled, adorned with a red floral appliqué on her forehead and a nine-tailed phoenix hairpin signifying her empress status. She was truly a vision of unparalleled beauty.
No wonder Consort Yao had never occupied the Xuanzheng Hall, even after the Empress had been away from the palace for years. Setting aside her background, her beauty alone was inferior.
She was certain she had never met the Empress before, yet she felt a sense of déjà vu.
Yu Mingyue curtsied gracefully and demurely, though her mind wandered slightly.
"This humble subject pays her respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Her Majesty be blessed with peace."
"Rise, and be seated!" Empress Wang was remarkably cordial.
A maidservant quickly brought a stool. Yu Mingyue thanked her and then sat down properly.
"Looking at you, your beauty surpasses that of your mother in her youth. Your mother is truly fortunate," Empress Wang said with a gaze as tender as a mother looking at her child.
"This humble subject thanks Her Majesty for her praise." Yu Mingyue lowered her head slightly, a smile gracing her lips, with the quiet shyness characteristic of a young maiden.
"The Cui family's sudden misfortune has also caused this Empress great concern. You have returned from Qinghe. Is everything well with the Cui family now? How is the old madam's health?"
Due to intermarriage, the Five Great Clans were related to varying degrees.
"The clan members have returned to Anping County. After the mourning period for my maternal grandfather concludes, they will pursue their own livelihoods. My maternal grandmother is also well," Yu Mingyue replied calmly.
Empress Wang nodded and addressed a woman beside her, "Then I can rest assured. Fourth Lady, you need not worry too much about your grandaunt."
Yu Mingyue had guessed that the woman beside Empress Wang was likely Wang Si Niang, the head of the Wang family, as soon as she entered.
Her resemblance to Empress Wang and her dignified bearing could only belong to her.
The two exchanged greetings. After Empress Wang inquired about matters in Qinghe, she began to discuss the Jiangzhou official academy.
"The establishment of the official academy owes much to the books left behind by Sixth Lady. It is rare for someone of your young age to possess such magnanimity."
"This humble subject dares not accept such praise. The academy's establishment is due to the Sage's wisdom in selecting capable individuals and the dedication of Scholar Xie, who fulfilled his duty to the sovereign. It has nothing to do with this humble subject." Yu Mingyue was cautious.
She was not afraid of Empress Wang setting a trap for her, but rather that the Xuanzheng Hall might have spies of the Sage. If she accepted the credit, it might be detrimental to the Cui family if the Sage heard of it.
Empress Wang was surprised by her caution and chuckled, "You are indeed humble. Then tell me about the academy..."
In truth, there was little interesting to recount about the academy's initial establishment; rather, there were many vexing matters. Yu Mingyue was unsure if Empress Wang would be interested, but she was overthinking it.
Yu Mingyue mused that the Empress was perhaps overly amiable.
Empress Wang kept Yu Mingyue at the Xuanzheng Hall for lunch before she departed. Wang Si Niang escorted Yu Mingyue to the hall's entrance.
"Her Majesty meditates every afternoon, so she has asked me to see Sixth Lady out. These are Shu brocades presented as tribute from Shu. Her Majesty saw that this color suited you and has bestowed them all upon you, saying they would be perfect for the New Year's gathering," Wang Si Niang said with a smile.
"This humble subject thanks Her Majesty for her favor and thanks Sister Wang for her care," Yu Mingyue said sweetly, bowing towards the hall.
After returning to the palace, Empress Wang had intentionally promoted Wang Si Niang, appointing her as a female official within the palace. She had secured this position through her own genuine capabilities.
The inner palace was a place of intricate politics, and even Consort Yao had been unable to find any fault with her.
However, Yu Mingyue was also genuinely grateful. The Duke's mansion had been ostracized due to the Cui family's troubles. Empress Wang's bestowal was not merely Shu brocade but a show of support for her.
"I am a few years older than you, Sister, so I shall take the liberty of calling you Sister. If you ever need anything in the future, Sister, please do not hesitate to speak," Wang Si Niang said politely.
This Yu Sixth Lady, at such a young age, acted with great composure and was particularly favored by her aunt. Although her father and brother were temporarily out of favor, they had military achievements and would eventually be reinstated.
Rather than offering congratulations when prosperity returned, a gesture of help in times of hardship was far more precious.
"Then Sixth Lady will take advantage of her youth and shamelessly accept. Sister, please do not find me bothersome. If Sister leaves the palace, you may also visit me at the Duke's mansion."
Being kind to others benefits oneself. Whether it was genuine or feigned, Yu Mingyue was happy to befriend Wang Si Niang.