Chapter Seventeen: Heart's Allegiance

This time, the Empress Dowager had come with the intention of arranging Jin’an’s marriage, so within a few days she began hosting flower-viewing tea gatherings in the gardens. The Empress, as the mistress of the inner palace, was obliged to accompany her, and ladies from prominent families—generations of nobility, meritorious officials, and scholars—attended with their children. After all, such occasions were perfect for forging alliances and expanding one’s connections.

Gu Li and Jin’an stood on either side of the Empress Dowager, wearing graceful and courteous smiles, quietly listening as she and the Empress conversed with the distinguished ladies.

There was no need for introductions; a glance at their bearing revealed which was the beloved Princess Danqing and which was the neglected Princess Jin’an. Their attire was equally splendid, for the Empress Dowager, having come specifically for Jin’an’s marriage, had ordered a set of exquisite garments for her—so that, in comparison with Gu Li, who always enjoyed the finest, there was little difference.

As for their appearance and demeanor, both were striking: one dazzling and bold as fire, the other gentle and serene as water—each with her own unique charm.

The ladies of the court weighed their options in their hearts. Princess Danqing had not yet reached the age of maturity, so the Empress Dowager’s purpose was clearly centered on Princess Jin’an. Yet everyone knew how little favor Jin’an received, and so the eagerness of the scholarly and noble families to ingratiate themselves faded somewhat. Still, they reasoned, she was a princess; to be linked with the royal family, however modestly, was no small matter.

Those from the ranks of nobility and distinguished officials, however, had little interest in Jin’an. They were royal kin themselves, their status unmatched. To them, an unloved princess was less appealing than none at all; only Princess Danqing, most cherished and honored by the Emperor, drew their ambition.

Her coming of age was not far off; to secure a betrothal early would be ideal, they thought.

Thus, each lady at the banquet harbored her own calculations. Despite their private scheming, outwardly they praised the Empress Dowager and Empress, encouraging their sons to shine—reciting poetry, composing couplets, all with practiced ease.

The Empress Dowager smiled throughout, appearing pleased with everyone. When the opportunity arose, she quietly asked Jin’an, “Well? Have you found any young gentleman to your liking?”

Jin’an understood well that the Empress Dowager was staging all this for her future. Grateful, she blushed faintly at the direct question, but shook her head honestly.

Her heart belonged elsewhere—none of those present.

The Empress Dowager was surprised, raising her brows. “These are the finest young men in the capital, and you don’t fancy a single one?”

Jin’an knew these gentlemen were outstanding in lineage, looks, and talent. This was her best chance; the Empress Dowager was not forcing her hand, nor arbitrarily assigning her a marriage, but allowing her to choose for herself.

Such an opportunity, once missed, might never present itself again.

But what could she do? The man she cherished was not here—nor was he a scion of any noble house.

With resolve, Jin’an shook her head. “Grandmother, I do not wish to leave the palace just yet. Please understand.”

The Empress Dowager could not fathom her refusal. She knew her granddaughter well: Jin’an had grown up ignored and neglected in the palace, with little attachment to it. Surely, she thought, Jin’an would be eager to find a good match and leave.