“Don’t talk about Imperial Mother, even Imperial Father has to respect him. Since the Grand Emperor has already spoken, this situation is final. Just listen to Imperial Mother and send Zhenzhu over.” The Crown Prince had similar thoughts. After all, his Imperial Father owed the Grand Emperor.
Princess Xinnan was adamant. “No. Grand Prince Liang is cruel. Elder Brother, haven’t you heard? Last month, Grand Prince Liang was contradicted, and he beat five palace maids to death. If Zhenzhu offends him, how can she live? Imperial Father dotes on you. Elder Brother, please help me please for mercy from Imperial Father. Beg Imperial Father for help and not send Zhenzhu to Grand Prince Liang.”
The Crown Prince sighed, “Xinnan, you really don’t understand Imperial Father. Imperial Father wishes for the entire world to see him as a filial son to the Grand Emperor. He will definitely not risk making the Grand Emperor angry over such a small matter.”
Princess Xinnan cried, “So, I can only just watch as Zhenzhu gets abused by Grand Prince Liang?”
“I heard that the Grand Emperor loves collecting unique stones.” The Crown Prince retrieved a stone from his stand. He looked at it for a while before reluctantly handing it over to Princess Xinnan. “Bring this to the Grand Emperor to beg him for mercy and protect Zhenzhu.”
Princess Xinnan crinkled her nose. “What is so special about this stone?”
The Crown Prince tapped on Princess Xinnan’s head lightly and placed the stone under the sunlight.
The word “Fortune” slowly appeared on top of the stone. Princess Xinnan could not help but exclaim, “Wow—”
The Crown Prince was proud. “Don’t rush, there is more.” He flipped the stone over and a “Longevity” word could be seen. “This is called a Light Fortune Stone and there is only one of such stones in the world.”
Princess Xinnan's eye widened. “Elder Brother, you are the best! Thank you, Elder Brother!”
The Crown Prince held onto it for another second before reluctantly placing the Light Fortune Stone into Princess Xinnan’s hands. Seeing her delighted look, he also smiled. Forget it. After all, someone has to bury the bones after a fish is eaten. If this stone could save a person, it would be worth it.
Chapter 23.1: Dismantling
Fu Rou requested to see Empress Zhangsun. She wanted to dismantle the mountain-river embroidery. This was because she had spent numerous days trying to figure it out but did not manage to get anything. She wanted to see the underside of the embroidery in hopes that she would be able to figure something out by studying the sewing pattern.
Empress Zhangsun asked her how confident she was.
“Fifty-percent confident.”
“You are only fifty-percent confident and you dare to ask to open up this precious gift?” Empress Zhangsun frowned. This embroidery was given to her by the Emperor. If they were to dismantle it but still be unable to figure out the secret, it would be disastrous.
“There are two reasons why this picture is precious. The first reason has to do with the secret map behind it. The second reason is that the embroidery skill is unrivalled in this world. Now we have no leads and are unable to find a solution, we surely will not be able to find the secret. However, if we open the picture and examine it, even if we are unable to find out the secret, we can still learn Lady Hui’s embroidery method. If we can thoroughly study her embroidery method and pass on her skills, wouldn’t that be more precious?” Fu Rou spoke truthfully but carefully.
Empress Zhangsun laughed, “After saying so much, you are not so much focused on the finding of the secret map as you are for her embroidery skill. However, it is because you are a seamstress that you will think of passing on Lady Hui’s skills. I did not choose the wrong person. I will allow you to open up the mountain-river embroidery.”
Fu Rou was moved. The small embroidery that she had at home was nothing compared to this mountain-river embroidery. This mountain-river embroidery depicts the lifework of Lady Hui and was a once in a lifetime opportunity for her. It was extremely valuable.
That very night, Fu Rou did not sleep but continued studying the embroidery until dawn. She then brought the mountain-river embroidery to see Empress Zhangsun. However, when Fu Rou delivered her report, Empress Zhangsun’s expression changed.
“Say it one more time!” Empress Zhangsun’s voice rose.
Fu Rou spoke calmly, “I have cut the mountain-river embroidery and it cannot be restored to its original state. Not only did I cut it, I removed several strands from the embroidery.” She then gestured to a palace maid to present the embroidery.
What was originally, mountains, a waterfall and clouds had now turned into an ocean and an island. It was completely different from how it looked originally.
Empress Zhangsun was dumbfounded. “This…”
“This is a picture of an ocean.” Fu Rou’s eyes glimmered in admiration. It was a needlework on top of a needlework and a picture hidden beneath another picture. It would be hard to learn Lady Hui’s mind. “When I opened up the picture, I realised that this embroidery had used a completely unnecessary layer of stitching. In addition, the stitches ended very weirdly as if this was not a completed piece but one that was made up of ten smaller embroideries. So, I first used a scissors to cut along one of the veins. When I cut the embroidery, the picture did not fall apart. Hence, I continued to cut along the other veins and then reassembled the ten small pictures into one big piece. In addition, this embroidery had two layers of heavy stitching. I took the liberty to carefully remove the top layer.”
Empress Zhangsun came to a realization. “So that was how this picture of the ocean came about.”
Fu Rou pointed at a red dot on the picture. “Perhaps this is where the treasures are hidden. Even if the treasures are a rumour, this embroidery is still a precious artefact.”
Empress Zhangsun nodded. “Good, very good. Head Seamstress Fu, you have done well. I will reward you. What would you like?”
Fu Rou hesitated for a while. “Your Majesty, I would like…”
Empress Zhangsun lifted her hand. “If you are thinking of leaving the palace, don’t bother saying it.”
Fu Rou’s expression changed. Was it so easy to read her?
Empress Zhangsun stared at her. “It hasn’t been long since you entered the palace, but everyone is already praising you for your work. Look at all the other female officials, who have had more rewards than you? Is the Royal Palace really like a cage to you? Do you not consider the generous treatment that I have been giving you?”
Fu Rou hurriedly replied, “I am very thankful for Your Majesty’s benevolence and generosity.”
“Since you are thankful, stop thinking about leaving the palace all the time.” Empress Zhangsun smiled slightly. “I am looking forward to you staying by my side for another two to three years. That is not too much to ask right?”
“I understand.” Whether it was too much was a personal opinion. However, Fu Rou knew clearly that she could not say no. She still wanted to live to see the person she loved.
Empress Zhangsun could tell that Fu Rou was holding back. “Don’t feel wronged, I don’t mean you any harm. I just can’t bear to let you go. However, I understand that you miss your family. Since you have made a significant contribution, I shall reward you with one day of leave every month. You can leave the palace to reunite with your family. Will you be satisfied with that?”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Fu Rou chuckled bitterly. At least it does not seem like forever anymore.