Moma Liangshan

Chapter 122 The Former Empress Dowager and Powerful Ladies

Emperor Huizong moved to Genyue, bringing the gathering within the imperial family to a climax. Facing Empress Yuanyou, Huizong recalled the days of Emperor Zhezong, and after a long silence, said, "Greetings, Sister-in-law!" Empress Yuanyou, however, showed a hint of coldness, slowly saying, "I am merely a twice-deposed empress; I cannot bear Your Majesty's address!" Time had passed, and Huizong was no longer the frivolous and impetuous man of his youth. He said, "When my elder brother passed away, Empress Liu was in charge of the harem. At that time, I did not know her true nature and bestowed upon her the title of Empress Dowager. Unexpectedly, she did not fulfill her duties, repeatedly interfering in court affairs, causing the officials to be enraged. Later, knowing she could not defy public anger, Empress Liu hanged herself. It has been twenty years since then!" Empress Dowager Meng, her face full of melancholy, changed the subject, saying, "Yaohua Palace is too quiet; it is very suitable for clothes made of wool!" She then smiled. A hint of surprise flashed in Emperor Huizong's eyes as he said, "I will inform Wang Xianmeng to select a batch of fine woolen cloth and send it to the palace." Empress Dowager Meng shook her head and said, "How can an emperor ask his subjects for anything?" Seeing Emperor Huizong's troubled expression, Princess Roufu quickly said, "Brother Xianmeng gifted me two hundred bolts of fine woolen cloth. Huanhuan doesn't need it for the time being, so send it to Yaohua Palace as well!"

Empress Dowager Meng looked at Princess Roufu and asked, "Which princess is this?" Emperor Huizong replied, "Princess Roufu, daughter of Consort Wang, whose nickname is Huanhuan and formal name is Duofu!" Empress Dowager Meng, from a scholarly family, was strict with etiquette. She looked Princess Roufu up and down, noticing her unbound feet and lively nature, and couldn't help but feel displeased. She said, "A young lady should be quiet and reserved; otherwise, how will she uphold the dignity of the imperial family when she comes to her husband's family?" Princess Roufu felt wronged and, after a long while, slowly said, "I will follow my aunt's teachings!"

Seeing her daughter wronged, Consort Wang was displeased and said, "Huanhuan has already been betrothed to Wang Xianmeng. Xianmeng is used to being unrestrained, and she and Huanhuan are a match made in heaven!" Empress Dowager Meng's face darkened, and she looked at Emperor Huizong and said, "I am not one to meddle, but etiquette and manners cannot be neglected. I was just saying that Princess Roufu's behavior lacked composure, so I spoke out of turn." Empress Zheng, seeing this, said, "We are all family. It is our duty as elders to regulate the behavior of the younger generation. Let's not let this damage our harmony!" Consort Wang was always protective of her own, but she couldn't argue too much in front of the Emperor and Empress, so she conceded, saying, "I only have one daughter, Huanhuan, and I have indeed spoiled her a bit too much!" Consort Wei, who had been silent all along, also spoke up, "Huanhuan has three elder sisters who take such good care of her. I envy her for her!" Zhao Gou was well-read and courteous, and even Emperor Huizong and Empress Zheng liked him very much. Emperor Huizong said, "Gou'er is naturally clever and diligent in his studies. Among the many princes, he may not be as handsome or talented as Kai'er, but when it comes to saving me trouble, no one can match him!" Consort Wei was secretly pleased and quickly looked at Zhao Gou, saying, "Have you remembered your father's teachings?" Zhao Gou stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your son will certainly continue to strive and cultivate his mind and character!" Emperor Huizong was very satisfied and said, "Whether pursuing studies or seeking knowledge, one must distinguish between primary and secondary matters and not be impatient for quick success. At such a young age, Gou'er can already regulate himself with Confucian classics; his future is bound to be limitless." Zhao Gou quietly glanced around at everyone and said, "Your son will certainly remember your father's encouragement today and will never slacken!"

Despite Empress Zheng and Consort Wang's meticulous arrangements, they still couldn't have foreseen that Consort Wei and Prince Kang would shine so brightly before Emperor Huizong. After the exhibition, Consort Wei and Prince Kang returned together. Reaching a secluded spot, she said, "My son, your performance today was outstanding; your future is limitless." Prince Kang, still young at heart, and having received praise from Emperor Huizong, couldn't help but feel a little proud. He said, "I wish to take three days off from school to go on a spring outing!" Upon hearing this, Consort Wei's smile vanished instantly. She said sternly, "You've only received a little praise, and you're already so arrogant. If your father knew, how would he view you?" Prince Kang retorted, "I was merely going on a spring outing to relax; I wasn't indulging in pleasures. Even if Father knew, why should he treat me differently?"

Consort Wei remained silent until she returned to her palace, when she suddenly spoke, "If you know the reason, then your mother will tell you!" Prince Kang sensed the resentment and helplessness in Consort Wei's heart. He clasped his hands together in front of him, turning slightly to the side, unable to meet his mother's gaze. Consort Wei closed the doors and windows and continued, "Born into the royal family, it's easy to be a leisurely and mediocre prince, but to be a prince respected and remembered in history is as difficult as ascending to heaven. In your father's heart, your mother is merely a dispensable consort; I don't want you to become a dispensable prince in your father's heart!" Prince Kang couldn't accept this reality and said sadly, "Your mother and Consort Wang are both consorts, and I and Huanhuan are both Father's children. Why is Huanhuan always free and unrestrained, while I always live under the gaze of others?" In an instant, several expressions flashed across Consort Wei's face: helplessness, desolation, and resentment. Zhao Gou sensed the turbulent waves in his mother's heart and unconsciously took a half-step back. Consort Wei gazed at Zhao Gou and said, word by word, "Because your mother has no family background, no talent, no beauty, and no favor from your father, you must not make a single wrong step. Otherwise, the slightest mistake will lead to your being forgotten in the cold palace!"

Zhao Gou couldn't believe what Consort Wei had said. He cried, "Mother is virtuous, Mother is serene, Mother is just!" Consort Wei smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "My talent and looks are mediocre, only virtue remains; powerless to contend, only serenity remains; walking on thin ice, only justice remains!" Zhao Gou bit his lower lip. Huanhuan looked up and said, "Your son is unfilial, failing to understand Mother's good intentions; from today onward, your son will certainly study diligently, cultivate virtue and character, and never again cause Mother sorrow!" Consort Wei's mood softened slightly, and she said, "My son is intelligent and diligent; one day he will rise to great heights and achieve great things!"

The turmoil within the palace did not reach Wang Hao's ears. Several days later, the cloth exhibition, which invited noble ladies from wealthy families, was held as scheduled in Genyue. Although Wang Hao was the host, he was not allowed to attend because all attendees were women. The cloth that Wang Hao had given to Princess Roufu was also delivered to Empress Dowager Meng's Yaohua Palace that day. Empress Dowager Meng looked at the dozens of bolts of cloth piled up in the main hall and said, "Wang Hao is your future consort?" Princess Roufu nodded and said, "Yes!" Empress Dowager Meng sighed slightly and said, "You, a princess of the royal family, why are you betrothed to a merchant?" Princess Roufu argued, "My brother Xianmeng is the magistrate of Laoshan County and has been granted the title of Viscount of Laoshan County. He is not a commoner!" Empress Dowager Meng shook her head and said, "He has never taken the imperial examinations. The reason he was able to enter officialdom is because of your father's special decree." Princess Roufu was unconvinced, but... Unable to refute, she could only say, "Brother Xianmeng is a good official, serving the country and its people well, ensuring their peaceful and prosperous lives!" Empress Dowager Meng sighed again, saying, "The Song Dynasty was founded on military strength and governed by civil administration. Although merchants face few restrictions in our dynasty, they are ultimately not considered to have a good background." Princess Roufu looked disappointed but had no way to refute, comforting herself inwardly, "Brother Xianmeng's talent is simply beyond your comprehension!" She said, "If there is nothing else, Aunt, I will take my leave!" Empress Dowager Meng said, "Princess, please go ahead!"

Hundreds of noblewomen attended the Genyue exhibition. Following Wang Hao's suggestion, Empress Zheng had prepared ample tea, dried fruit, and snacks. According to the pre-arranged schedule, Empress Zheng and Consort Wang would not arrive until noon. Among the many ladies present, the wives of Cai Jing, Gao Qiu, and Tong Guan held the highest ranks. Although Tong Guan was a eunuch, he was highly favored by Emperor Huizong and had been bestowed with a palace maid by the emperor. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the three women happened to meet in a pavilion. Cai Jing, as Grand Tutor, wielded immense power in the court, and his wife, naturally, followed suit. She spoke first, saying, "What a coincidence, both of you sisters are here too?" Tong Guan, having rendered meritorious service in defending against the Western Xia and being a court official, was not to be outdone by Cai's wife, who said, "Although it's early spring, the midday sun is still scorching, making it hard to open one's eyes!" Gao Qiu's wife then added, "Although the weather is a bit hot, this woolen cloth is truly exquisite, smooth and warm to the touch, perfect for late autumn and early spring." Tong's wife looked disdainful and said, "Woolen cloth is fine, but unfortunately it's in Wang Hao's hands; it's destined not to last long!" Cai's wife looked surprised and asked... "What makes you say that, sister? This is an exhibition personally presided over by Her Majesty the Empress!" Lady Tong retorted, "Does elder sister know where this wool comes from?" Lady Cai replied, "It is said to come from the Liao Kingdom!" Lady Tong said, "The war between Jin and Liao is raging. As long as the war continues, it will inevitably affect the wool trade. Moreover, our dynasty is about to form an alliance with Jin, and then we will inevitably go to war with Liao. How can the source of wool not be cut off?" Lady Gao said, "Our dynasty also has sheep and can provide wool." Lady Cai said, "Sister, you have been in the capital for a long time and may not know, but our dynasty mainly raises goats, which have less wool and more meat, so they cannot be the main source of wool."

Madam Tong looked around and, seeing no one else, whispered, "Besides the Liao Kingdom, there's another place in the world that also abounds in cattle and sheep." Madam Cai suddenly understood and said, "Sister, you mean the Western Xia and the Tibetan Empire?" Madam Tong nodded and said, "Exactly!" Madam Cai already understood Madam Tong's intention and said, "Sister, you also want to get involved in the woolen cloth industry and get a share of the profits?" Madam Tong replied, "My husband can import a steady stream of wool from the Western Xia. I wonder if you two sisters can obtain the looms unique to Jiaozhou?" Madam Gao said, "The County Magistrate Zhu of Jiaozhou was sent by my husband; he can be of use to us." Madam Cai was not to be outdone and said, "The Registrar Feng of Jiaozhou is my husband's protégé; he can also lend a hand!"