It was not until the death of the first Marquis of Jingbei, when Ji Wanqing's father inherited the title and Empress Ji formally took her place as empress, that things truly changed. By then, Empress Ji's ambitions were laid bare—her blade pointed squarely at the Eastern Palace. Her political stance was completely at odds with that of Ji Wanqing's father, and only then did the two branches of the family gradually drift apart.
For this reason, Ji Wanqing—eldest legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Jingbei—had not once gone to pay her respects to the empress over all these years.
Thinking of this, Ji Wanqing gave a faint, bitter smile. Her uncle was a man of mediocre ability, yet he paid great attention to the Empress Dowager and the Linjiang Marquis' household, hastening to ingratiate himself. Long ago, the two families had already reconciled.
Ji Wanqing sighed quietly to herself. Since even the hereditary title had been taken over by another, how others chose to conduct themselves was no longer her concern. She only wondered what sort of agreement had been reached between the two families, such that she was summoned into the palace today.
Otherwise, a lonely orphan who had lost both parents like her would never have been summoned the moment her mourning period ended.
"The Empress has issued her summons. Eldest Miss Ji, please follow this servant."
A palace maid in an apricot-colored gown approached from the front. Judging by her attire and bearing, she was likely a senior maid serving by the empress's side. She took over from the guide and led Ji Wanqing toward the main hall.
Ji Wanqing gathered her thoughts and followed quietly behind. When matters deviated from the norm, there was always something amiss. No matter what plans the other party harbored, they would have to reveal them eventually. She would simply wait and see.
"This subject's daughter greets Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand upon ten thousand years."
Upon entering the main hall, she was met with dazzling splendor. Palace attendants stood silently with lowered heads. Ji Wanqing did not glance around; she merely lowered her eyes and performed a full formal salute.
From above came a slightly hoarse female voice, warm with laughter. "There is no need for such formality. Rise quickly."
At once, a senior palace maid stepped forward to help Ji Wanqing up. As she straightened, she allowed herself a subtle glance toward the seat of honor.
The empress sat there in a bright yellow phoenix robe. Though nearly forty, she appeared barely past thirty. Her face was long and graceful, her phoenix eyes vivid, her skin smooth and lustrous. Her makeup was immaculate, her smile gentle and amiable, giving an impression of warmth and kindness.
"You child—by rights, you should call me 'Aunt.' Why be so distant?" the empress said with a smile, beckoning her closer. "Come, stand nearer to your aunt."
Ji Wanqing's heart remained unmoved. If there were genuine affection, the empress would not have waited until she had completed the full formal prostration before allowing her to rise. This was nothing more than empty courtesy.
Clear-headed as she was, Ji Wanqing nonetheless went along with it. She lifted a pleased smile and stepped forward slowly. "Wanqing obeys."
She changed her self-address from "this subject's daughter" to her given name, sounding far more intimate. Yet between her brows lingered a trace of timid unfamiliarity—perfectly in keeping with the image of a young orphan who had kept mourning for three years and rarely seen outsiders.
From her elevated seat, the empress examined the girl before her. Though young, she was strikingly beautiful. Whether in her steps or in her formal gestures, she was measured and proper—clearly raised with the education of a noble household for over a decade.
At first glance, the empress was satisfied. For several months now, she had been searching for a suitable noblewoman. Ji Wanqing's background fit perfectly, and seeing her in person confirmed that she had not been disappointed.
The Crown Prince had reached marriageable age; it was time for a grand wedding. This was precisely why the empress sought out a suitable candidate.
As for why she would choose a lone girl of awkward standing to be the Crown Prince's consort, the reason was simple: the Crown Prince was not her biological son.
The current Crown Prince was born of the late empress. Intelligent and diligent from a young age, he possessed both talent and virtue. Upon reaching adulthood, he entered court to assist the emperor, achieving notable results. Within and beyond the court, his reputation was excellent. Gentle and refined, respectful to worthy men, he earned universal praise from the imperial clan and the officials alike.
Aside from a slight frailty caused by an illness carried from the womb, he could almost be called the very embodiment of the saying "no man is perfect."
Faced with such a Crown Prince, Empress Ji felt immense pressure.
She had struggled to become the successor empress, and her own sons were legitimate princes. Only one step remained between them and the throne. Who could truly accept that?
Empress Ji certainly could not. The faction centered around her and her two sons had long been striving for the Eastern Palace. This was no secret.
Since ancient times, marriage alliances had been one of the most effective means of consolidating power. If handled well, the position of Crown Princess could give the Eastern Palace wings like a tiger's.
Naturally, the empress was unwilling to allow that. Thus, she began to search for a suitable candidate—someone who could occupy the position of Crown Princess without strengthening the Crown Prince's influence, while also serving as eyes and ears within the Eastern Palace, ready for use when needed.
A single move, two gains.
However, the empress also had her concerns. If the Crown Princess were to bear a legitimate son, the Linjiang Marquis' household or the Jingbei Marquis' household might very well switch allegiance. After all, supporting the Crown Prince would hardly be more troublesome than supporting her and her sons.
This matter required the utmost caution.
After much deliberation, the empress finally found a suitable choice within her natal family—Ji Wanqing.
Ji Wanqing was born of a distinguished lineage, a descendant of meritorious service. She would not disgrace the position of Crown Princess. And yet, she was an orphan, with not the slightest power backing her. Even if she became Crown Princess, it would merely add a Crown Princess to the Eastern Palace—nothing more.
Moreover, the current Marquis of Jingbei was only her uncle. The likelihood of him turning his allegiance for her sake was negligible.
Afterward, the empress could maneuver further by marrying her own son to the marquis's biological daughter, thus eliminating all future worries.
Before summoning Ji Wanqing, the empress had already thought everything through. She was confident and composed. If the girl proved acceptable, she would proceed exactly as planned.
Now that she had seen Ji Wanqing in person—her appearance, her manners, all exceeding expectations—the empress felt even more satisfied. She drew the girl closer, took her hand, and smiled warmly. "What a handsome child. Your aunt took a liking to you at first sight. From now on, come into the palace often to keep your aunt company."
Ji Wanqing's brow twitched. A sense of foreboding rose within her. Yet her expression remained unchanged as she smiled with apparent delight. "Wanqing thanks Aunt."
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at their clasped hands. The empress's hands were exquisitely cared for, her fingers encased in ruby-inlaid nail guards. Her palms were warm, but the nail guards were cold. The sharp tips brushed against Ji Wanqing's skin, causing a faint sting.
A subtle glint passed through Ji Wanqing's eyes. The timid smile on her face, however, did not waver.