Volume One, Chapter 18: The Empress Mother-in-law Observes Her Son-in-law
Emperor Xuanwu was at his wit’s end.
The Empress was perfect in every way—unmatched in virtue, always considerate of him, and she even restrained her own family. Because of her, the Sun family had not produced a single high-ranking official or noble.
Though many members of the Sun family held positions, whether in local administration or various ministries of the court, none occupied particularly prominent posts. Their family’s conduct was also above reproach.
Any slight change in Emperor Xuanwu’s demeanor never escaped the Empress’s notice, for she knew her husband all too well.
He smiled helplessly and replied, “Indeed, I have taken a liking to someone—Qin Bao, the eldest legitimate son of Marquis Changping’s household.”
Empress Sun was well-acquainted with the noblewomen of the realm and knew the details of every household of rank, including the now-declined Marquis Changping’s estate.
She frowned with concern. “Your Majesty, Qin Bao is the eldest son by birthright in the Marquis Changping’s house, but he has always been neglected and is timid by nature. He is not a good match.”
Emperor Xuanwu shook his head. “Qin Bao is distinguished and handsome, exceptionally talented—a first-rate gentleman. Most importantly, Caiwei does not dislike him.”
The Empress blinked in surprise.
Talented? A first-rate gentleman?
All the reports she’d heard described Qin Bao as a feeble good-for-nothing.
She knew that once the Emperor made up his mind, his decision was not to be challenged. Therefore, she did not argue, but instead smiled gently. “Your Majesty is right. I will observe for myself and speak further then.”
With that, the Empress rose and took her leave.
Upon returning from the Zhangtai Palace to her own quarters, she summoned, “Nanny Rong!”
“At your service!” replied a woman in her fifties, stepping forward to salute.
She was the Empress’s wet nurse, who had accompanied her from the prince’s manor to the crown prince’s residence, and finally into the palace as Empress. Time had etched wrinkles across Nanny Rong’s face, but her eyes remained bright and spirited. Anyone who dared offend the Empress would face her sharp retaliation.
The Empress instructed, “Go and find out everything you can about Qin Bao, the eldest legitimate son of the Marquis Changping’s household. Be thorough—do you understand?”
“Understood, Your Ladyship.” Nanny Rong rose and departed immediately.
Left alone in her palace, the Empress’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. She knew the Emperor’s standards were exacting, but she still needed to investigate.
She picked up a miscellaneous record of the various states to read, and after half an hour, Nanny Rong returned, bowed, and reported, “Your Majesty, I have learned what you wished to know.”
“Speak,” said the Empress.
Nanny Rong replied, “You are already familiar with Qin Bao’s background, so I will not dwell on it. Recently, a significant event occurred in the Qin family. Qin Bao quarreled with Qin Sheng, left the household abruptly, and wrote a novel called ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ which caught the Princess’s attention.”
“Afterward, the Princess recommended Qin Bao to Yunhua Pavilion, where he participated in the selection for the Four States Literary Gathering. He defeated Wu Xian, who had returned from Zhou, and became Liang’s representative.”
“He has become close to the Princess, and seems involved in brocade weaving and dye workshops, though further details are unclear.”
The Empress asked directly, “Does Qin Bao have any poems?”
“Yes!” Nanny Rong produced a sheet of paper, offering Qin Bao’s compositions: “Ode to the Chrysanthemum” and “Bamboo and Stone.”
Reading the two poems, the Empress’s bright eyes widened in surprise.
“When autumn comes, on the eighth day of the ninth month, my flowers bloom after all others wither.”
Such spirit!
“Though battered and pounded a thousand times, still it stands firm, facing winds from all directions.”
What a phrase—facing winds from all directions.
The Empress admired talent; after reading these poems, much of her previous disapproval of Qin Bao faded, replaced by curiosity. Qin Bao, who had always endured mistreatment quietly in the Marquis Changping’s household, had shown a very different side after leaving.
She asked, “You said Qin Bao wrote a novel called ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ Is there a manuscript?”
“No,” Nanny Rong shook her head. “The manuscript is with the Princess and has not yet been printed or sold.”
The Empress continued, “What is the Princess doing today?”
Nanny Rong answered, “She met Qin Bao early this morning, then accompanied him to see His Majesty in the palace. Now, they have likely returned together to the Princess’s residence.”
A sharp glint flashed in the Empress’s eyes.
A single man and woman together in the Princess’s residence—who knows what might happen?
The Empress had once been a young woman in love herself; she knew that when a girl’s heart was captured, she would rush in heedless of consequences, even if it meant being hurt.
She ordered, “Nanny Rong, prepare to leave the palace. We’re going to the Princess’s residence.”
“At once!” Nanny Rong replied and went to make arrangements.
—
At the Princess’s residence, in the study.
Wang Caiwei and Qin Bao were discussing the sale of cloud brocade.
After returning from the palace, they talked about making garments from the brocade—for the Emperor, the Empress, the Retired Emperor, and for Wang Caiwei herself.
Qin Bao’s mind brimmed with memories from a future world. He had even sketched out some designs. Fortunately, in his previous life, he had once studied art in a library during idle days, so his basic skills were solid.
As he finished several sets of clothing designs, Wang Caiwei grew ever more enthusiastic, greatly admiring his work.
With the garments planned, they discussed expanding their operations in Dahuang Village—acquiring land, enlarging workshops, recruiting more skilled artisans. Only then did they turn to the matter of sales.
Eyes shining, Wang Caiwei said eagerly, “To promote our cloud brocade, we’ll buy more shops in Xianyang. Beyond that, we should set up in every province of Liang—we’re going to make a fortune.”
Qin Bao advised, “Your Highness, we will certainly make a great profit. However, there’s no need to open so many shops.”
Wang Caiwei asked, “Why not?”
Qin Bao explained, “Cloud brocade is extremely difficult to weave and therefore very expensive. Only the elite and wealthy of the various states can afford it, so opening too many shops is pointless.”
“If anyone wishes to buy cloud brocade, they will have to come to Xianyang.”
“With our shop in Xianyang, we’ll reap the profits without overexerting ourselves. The key now is to build the reputation of cloud brocade. Though the Emperor, Empress, and the Princess herself will wear it, and I will promote it at the Four States Literary Gathering, it still isn’t enough.”
“After the gathering, Your Highness should invite the noblewomen of the court to a banquet and discreetly showcase the brocade. Women are the primary buyers of such goods.”
He went on, “Men pay little attention to such things, but give a woman a new dress and she will show it off to her friends. Word will spread quickly, and soon customers will come to us without any further need for advertising.”
“Brilliant! Simply brilliant!” Wang Caiwei laughed heartily, exclaiming, “Master Qin, you truly are my lucky star!”
“Ahem! Ahem!!”
Suddenly, a cough sounded outside the study.
“Who is out there?” Wang Caiwei’s face turned cold as she heard the cough. She snapped, “Eavesdropping on confidential matters—show yourself at once!”
Creak!
The door swung open.
Empress Sun entered, Nanny Rong at her side. Seeing Wang Caiwei and Qin Bao standing close together, she said calmly, “And whom did you wish to have come in?”
Wang Caiwei was struck dumb. Why was her mother here?
She was never afraid of Emperor Xuanwu, but she did fear the Empress.
The Emperor doted on Wang Caiwei, but the Empress often called her over, lecturing her on a proper woman’s conduct, teaching her embroidery, weaving, and other feminine skills—none of which interested Wang Caiwei in the least.
She only wanted to make money.
Her mouth went dry, and she stammered, “Mo—”
Before she could finish, the Empress cut her off. “The Princess acts so unrestrained—aren’t you worried word will reach the Empress? I am here at her behest, to see what you are up to.”
Wang Caiwei instantly understood.
Her mother did not wish to reveal her identity, which was a relief. If she had, Wang Caiwei would have had to endure another lengthy lecture.
She said awkwardly, “Your Ladyship, rest assured, we were merely discussing business matters.”
The Empress’s gaze fell on Qin Bao. Seeing his handsome features, clear eyes, and distinguished bearing, she felt a more favorable impression of him.
Feigning ignorance, she asked, “And who might this be?”