Uncertain if Wei Luo was genuinely relieved or attempting to console his mother, his cold demeanor displayed a trace of gentleness as he spoke, “My cousin is fine. Her husband didn’t participate in the war, and she even wrote me a letter after father ascended to the throne. She mentioned that her brother-in-law initially demoted her to the status of a concubine as a strategic move in dealing with the court, but she has since resumed her position as a wife, and the couple is living harmoniously.”
This news brought relief to Concubine Wen Shun, alleviating her worries about her niece.
Still in her early forties, Concubine Wen Shun’s resilience surpassed that of younger individuals. Gradually, she calmed down and told her son and daughter-in-law, “Hurry up and prepare for Xiao Ning’s birthday party; I’ll be fine in a couple of days.”
Yin Hui understood that her mother-in-law needed time to mourn her deceased brother. Just as she had experienced upon learning of her grandfather’s death in her previous life, sometimes solitude was preferred. Compared to the constant visits from others, including Xu Qingwan, Ji Xianxian, and even her mother-in-law and Wei Ying, Wei Luo’s quiet support comforted her more. A simple hug from Wei Luo sufficed.
Before departing, Yin Hui embraced her mother-in-law.
Concubine Wen Shun, amidst tears and laughter, remarked, “I’m not Ning Ning.”
Yin Hui whispered in her mother-in-law’s ear, “Actually, the Prince loves you the most. He was so concerned about how to talk to you last night that he hardly slept. He may not express it verbally, but he cares deeply.”
Concubine Wen Shun gazed silently at her son, while Wei Luo observed them both. Seeing his mother’s tearful eyes fixed on him made him feel awkward.
Concubine Wen Shun, feeling content, wiped away her tears and saw her son’s family off.
Outside Jinghao Hall, Wei Luo inquired, “What did you say to Mother?”
Yin Hui candidly explained, “You are the most important and cherished person in Mother’s heart. I can’t console her with a hundred comforting words like your single sentence can. Since you’re not adept at comforting, I can only fill in for you.”
Wei Luo, aware of his limitations in offering comfort, was grateful that Yin Hui was adept at soothing his mother.
“Spend more time with her these few days.”
“Yes, Mother likes Ning Ning the most.”
News of the Wen family’s tragedy gradually circulated in the palace, prompting visits from Empress Xu and others. Yin Hui brought Xiao Ning along and coincidentally encountered Concubine Cui Shu twice.
Concubine Cui Shu embraced Xiao Ning and enviously commented to Concubine Wen Shun, “Look at you. You’re only seven years older than me, yet you have a daughter-in-law, two chubby grandsons, and a granddaughter. My child is still single. All the kids appear in front of my eyes every day, but out of the children, none of them belong to my son.”
This was a source of pride for Concubine Wen Shun. Her daughter-in-law was not only beautiful and caring, but her grandsons were also strong, intelligent, and amiable. The little granddaughter was particularly enchanting, resembling a little fairy. In her opinion, her family surpassed even the grandchildren of Empress Xu.
Privately delighted, Concubine Wen Shun kept her sentiments to herself. In return, she praised Concubine Cui Shu, “Yu Lang was young before. Just wait, when we reach the capital, the Emperor will surely arrange a good marriage for him. And he got the title of a Prince in his teens. Many aristocratic families in Jinling City must be eyeing him; you just need to choose a lady to be your daughter-in-law.”
The two concubines exchanged compliments, focusing on the positive aspects, wearing smiles on their faces.
Yin Hui listened with a smile on the side. She knew that Prince Gui, Wei Jing, was indeed going to get married soon, and the woman was also an aristocrat. As for Cui Yu, the current life was different from the previous life, so Yin Hui didn’t know what would happen to him. The only thing that was certain was that there would be no more rumors that Cui Yu was an eunuch in the capital, and he would never leave Beijing sadly.
However, some things did not stand up to scrutiny.
If Cui Yu was punished by her father-in-law to become a eunuch before Wei Ying got married in her previous life, then why didn’t rumors surface during the three years when her father-in-law started the revolt?
Was someone deliberately targeting Cui Yu? Was the reason for targeting personal enmity, or was someone jealous of Cui Yu’s seat as they aimed to pull him down?
That matter was too complicated.
Then again, wasn’t the capital the place where people’s hearts were the most complicated in the world? High-ranking officials were generous, and civil and military officials were striving to make progress.
Concubine Wen Shun’s mood gradually returned to normal, during which Wei Luo also shared some news about the capital with Yin Hui.
Wei Luo was not one to gossip, and the information he voluntarily revealed was related to Yin Hui.
The first topic he mentioned was the Yin family.
Yin Yong accepted the title of Earl of Jichang bestowed by Emperor Yongping but declined the additional honors, citing his age as a reason not to serve the court actively. He felt it was better to leave such responsibilities to the younger generation. Yin Lang, however, chose a different path. Despite being only twenty one years old, he was dedicated to studying, had a strong foundation, and had engaged renowned tutors. Yin Lang aimed to pursue the Imperial Examination, and Wei Luo emphasized that there was still time for him to achieve success.
Yin Yong had a heartfelt discussion with Wei Luo, expressing that although the Yin family could gain temporary official positions due to their merits, it might not bode well when surrounded by other officials who were serious Jinshi scholars. Yin Yong wanted to maintain his dignity and not embarrass Wei Luo and Yin Hui. Wei Luo conveyed this to Emperor Yongping, who praised both the grandfather and grandson, commending Yin Yong for his long-term vision and wisdom.
Aside from the Yin family, there was news about the Jiang family.
Yin Hui’s cousin-in-law, Jiang Weijiao, earned merit for supporting the Emperor and was promoted from a local county magistrate of the seventh rank to a Beijing official of the fifth rank, working in the Ministry of Officials.
If Wei Luo hadn’t mentioned him, Yin Hui might have almost forgotten about her cousin-in-law. Before getting married, Yin Rong had agreed to maintain correspondence, but she never received any letters after marriage. Thus, no one had any idea about events in her husband’s household.
“What do you think of my brother-in-law?” Yin Hui asked.
Wei Luo squeezed her hand and commented, “He is a smart person.”