Seeing this, Du Jingyi finally grasped, more deeply than ever, the true majesty of imperial authority.
No wonder everyone in the world dreams of climbing higher. In the face of absolute power, all those things that others treasure and cherish are nothing but fleeting ornaments.
With that realization, her steps grew steadier, no longer timid or uncertain.
Following Eunuch Hu, she did not enter the main hall of Changchun Palace directly but instead took a detour through the small western garden.
Within that garden stood a modest courtyard, its gates already open.
As they drew closer, the faint sounds of women’s laughter and soft conversation drifted to her ears. Listening carefully, Du Jingyi quickly recognized the voice of her aunt — Madam Xing, the wife of General Xing — and her anxiety eased slightly.
Soon, Eunuch Hu led her to a doorway and said with a warm smile,
“Young Madam, please enter. Her Majesty the Empress and Madam Xing are waiting inside.”
Du Jingyi bowed slightly.
“Thank you, Eunuch Hu.”
Then Eunuch Hu announced loudly,
“The wife of the General of the Cavalry has arrived.”
The sound of movement came from within, and the silk curtain at the doorway was quickly lifted. Two beautiful palace maids appeared — from their attire, Du Jingyi could tell at once that they were the Empress’s personal attendants, women who served closely by her side.
With a composed breath, she entered.
But the moment she stepped in, she paused in surprise.
The interior décor was nothing like the main hall of Changchun Palace she had seen earlier.
The furnishings here were simple and elegant, yet carried a warmth found only in private quarters, a subtle intimacy that softened the imperial grandeur.
Inside, by a bright lattice window, sat two women on a kang (a raised heated brick platform used as both bed and seating in northern China). Nearby, a silver brazier burned quietly, filling the air with gentle warmth.
A clear, dignified voice called out,
“You’ve arrived?”
Du Jingyi immediately recognized that the voice did not belong to Madam Xing — it had to be Her Majesty the Empress.
Quickly, she dropped to her knees in formal salute.
“Your humble servant, Du Jingyi of the Shang family, greets Your Majesty the Empress.”
The Empress smiled softly.
“Rise. There’s no need for such formality here — treat me as you would an elder in your own family.”
Though the words were kind, Du Jingyi didn’t dare take them lightly.
She bowed again respectfully.
“This servant thanks Your Majesty for your grace.”
The maidservant brought a round wooden stool and placed it behind her. Du Jingyi hesitated for a moment before sitting down half-perched, her back straight, head slightly bowed, and eyes lowered — careful not to glance around too freely.
Seeing her restrained manner, Madam Xing smiled indulgently and said,
“Your Majesty, this child is still young and inexperienced. Please don’t take her nervousness to heart.”
Her tone carried familiarity — the ease of one who had long been close to the throne.
The Empress chuckled.
“Look up, child. Your aunt has praised you endlessly, saying you’re a perfect match for Liu Lang.”
(Liu Lang — courtesy name of General Shang Liu, Du Jingyi’s husband — was known in the capital as a distinguished young general.)
Du Jingyi rose slightly, her cheeks faintly flushed.
“Your Majesty is too kind.”
At that moment, she felt just like a bride meeting her in-laws for the first time — awkward and a little self-conscious. She hadn’t been this nervous even before her father-in-law.
The Empress, who had seen countless court beauties, didn’t find Du Jingyi’s appearance particularly dazzling, yet there was something about her — a quiet, spirited brightness.
Her eyes shone like morning stars, clear and lively. Looking closely, one could even glimpse a hint of playful wit behind her composure.
Three years into marriage, she still carried the warmth and energy of a young woman who had not been hardened by the world — a sign of good temperament and emotional restraint.
The Empress smiled approvingly.
“Your aunt did not exaggerate — Liu Lang is truly blessed.”
Du Jingyi lowered her head modestly.
“Your Majesty flatters me.”
“How old are you this year?”
“This humble one is nineteen, Your Majesty.”
The Empress nodded thoughtfully.
“Nineteen? When I was your age, my prince was already a year old. You still look like a maiden — no trace of a matron’s waistline yet.”
At that, Du Jingyi froze, unsure how to respond.
Was Her Majesty hinting that she ought to bear an heir soon to continue the Shang family line?
Madam Xing, sitting beside the Empress, noticed her niece’s discomfort and laughed lightly to ease the moment.
“Your Majesty, have you forgotten that Liu Lang was dispatched to Cezhou right after the wedding and only returned a few days ago? They’ve barely had time to enjoy married life — surely the matter of an heir need not be rushed.”
Only then did realization dawn upon the Empress.
“Ah, yes. With age, I’ve become forgetful. Liu Lang has indeed been stationed in Cezhou for three years. You’ve waited alone all this time.”
Du Jingyi smiled softly.
“The General serves the nation, Your Majesty. It is my honor to wait for him. The hardship is light compared to his.”
The Empress gave a short laugh.
“You’re quite an unusual girl. Tell me — how do you make that sound like a blessing?”
Her tone was playful, but there was an intent behind her words — a probing curiosity. It seemed Empress Guo had summoned her today not merely for pleasantries, but to quietly gauge her character.
Composing herself, Du Jingyi answered,
“Cezhou is a border region often plagued by unrest. The General went there under imperial orders — a righteous duty for the sake of the realm. Though I am a woman of the inner quarters, I know that without a stable country, there can be no stable home. Thus, I feel fortunate to be the wife of such a man.”
The Empress raised an eyebrow.
“So righteous — but after three years apart, you truly feel no resentment?”
Du Jingyi smiled faintly.
“The General fights on the battlefield. I cannot wield a blade beside him, so the least I can do is guard our home faithfully.”
“Quite well-behaved,” the Empress remarked, her tone half approving, half testing.
She did not press further, leaving Du Jingyi unsure whether her response had pleased or disappointed her.
Madam Xing quickly spoke up to lighten the mood.
“Your Majesty, the young couple are still in their prime. Now that Liu Lang has returned, all their years of separation will soon bear fruit.”
The Empress chuckled.
“True enough. Youth has the luxury of time — to wait, to hope, even to make mistakes. Unlike you and me, Yunqing…”
(Yunqing was Madam Xing’s courtesy name, used only among those close to her.)
“…the older we grow, the less time remains. We wait and wait, yet some things will never come.”
Her self-deprecating tone carried a quiet sorrow that made Du Jingyi’s heart tighten.
Wasn’t the Emperor said to be affectionate and devoted toward Her Majesty?
Then why did her words sound so… lonely?
Madam Xing’s expression dimmed. She understood the hidden meaning, yet, mindful of propriety, could only respond gently,
“Your Majesty is still in your prime. How could such words apply to you?”
But the Empress merely shook her head.
“Everyone grows old, Yunqing. I am no exception. Do not let the world’s gaze bind you — aging is but the way of Heaven.”
Hearing her call Madam Xing by her courtesy name with such ease confirmed what Du Jingyi’s husband, Shang Ji, had once said — the Empress and Madam Xing indeed shared a deep and genuine friendship.
Madam Xing’s eyes dimmed with concern, wanting to say something, but before she could, the Empress smiled softly to end the moment.
“Let us not speak of such things — it only brings sorrow.”
She turned to one of her maids and gestured. The girl brought forward a jade ruyi — its smooth body inlaid with gold and precious stones, a symbol of imperial favor and auspicious wishes (Ruyi, meaning “as you wish,” was a ceremonial scepter often given as a token of goodwill and blessing).
The Empress held it out to Du Jingyi.
“I summoned you today simply to see for myself how Yunhe’s daughter-in-law is faring. Now that I’ve met you, I am quite satisfied. Take this jade ruyi — may you and Liu Lang live long and happily together.”