Here is the story:
Princess Consort Min, whose name was Wen Jingshu, was the legitimate daughter of the Wen Clan, one of the Five Great Noble Families. Wei Wuji’s current achievements were closely tied to the reputation and influence brought by the Wen family.
Wen Jingshu had a half-sister more than ten years younger named Wen Wan’er, born of a concubine. As a concubine-born daughter, she held little status within the family.
Thirteen years ago, Wen Wan’er came of age and fell in love with a poor but talented scholar. However, the family strongly opposed the relationship. At the time, Wei Wuji, then at the peak of his political power, sought to rise even higher. To do so, he needed the support of key military figures. So he and Princess Consort Min arranged for Wen Wan’er to marry into the Qin family, who held military command.
Shortly after, the poor scholar died unexpectedly. Wen Wan’er was forced to become engaged to the eldest legitimate son of the Qin family.
Wei Wuji gained the Qin family’s support, and, combined with his success on the battlefield, he was soon granted the title of independent prince.
Things got worse. On the day Wen Wan’er was married into the Qin family, the Northern Barbarians invaded. Her father-in-law and husband were forced into battle. Although they repelled the invasion, both died on the battlefield.
Since then, the Qin family declined. Wen Wan’er remained a widow ever since.
Now only Duke Jing of the State, Qin Shan, remained, a lone commander raising his young grandson and widowed granddaughter-in-law, living out their days in hardship.
In the beginning, Wen Wan’er didn’t completely hate Wei Wuji and Wen Jingshu. But ten years ago, she accidentally discovered that the poor scholar she loved had been murdered by Wei Wuji’s men.
From that moment, the two sides became sworn enemies.
This twist-filled and emotional tale made Wei Ran want to clap in delight—but he held back.
By the time the Empress Dowager finished the story, they had arrived at her private palace. She ordered a maid to prepare a selection of tribute fruits, then handed Wei Ran a box of handmade pastries.
She looked exactly like a loving elder caring for a junior.
But Wei Ran didn’t see it that way. In the homes of emperors, true affection was rare. Though they lived in times of peace, one could never let down their guard. Who knew if this kindly Empress Dowager wasn’t a smiling predator?
“These fruits are tribute from every corner of the Empire. Not even the nobles and ministers outside can eat them.”
“If you ever feel like having more, just come to the palace.”
“This box of pastries is something I made yesterday out of boredom.”
“If you want more in the future, just tell me in advance. If I have the time, I’ll make them for you.”
“Go now, and don’t forget to visit your aunt at the Duke Jing’s Residence.”
“Hatred should be resolved, not deepened. Some grudges only fester and grow heavier. It’s best to resolve them quickly.”
The Empress Dowager handed him the gifts and gave him a subtle signal to leave.
Wei Ran bowed and exited the palace.
The Empress Dowager gazed at his retreating figure and looked toward the dusky sky. “In a strange land, I am but a lonely guest. Festivals make me miss home the most… how pitiful.”
“Wen Gonggong, follow him at a distance and make sure he gets back safely.”
“Yes!”
The old eunuch bowed and retreated. He followed after Wei Ran, but left no trace of himself behind.
Wei Ran left the palace with a grin he couldn’t suppress.
In his heart, he was already planning to visit—or rather, seduce—Prince Min’s sister-in-law at the Duke Jing’s Residence.
“Grandmother, you’ve come?”
Seeing the Empress Dowager, Chen Wener flusteredly tried to hide something inside her sleeve.
Looking closely, it was a white silk handkerchief written on with red ink.
The Empress Dowager smiled and asked gently, “Wener, have you thought it through?”
“Um… huh?”
Chen Wener blinked. “Thought about what, Grandmother?”
The Empress Dowager teased, “Silly girl, didn’t you once say your future husband must be talented and eloquent?”
“Prince Wei is full of talent. He casually composed two verses that will be remembered for generations.”
“You and he would make a perfect couple—what a beautiful match.”
Chen Wener’s face flushed bright red.
“Th-this… Grandmother, I… I…”
Seeing her so shy and panicked, the Empress Dowager smiled softly.
“Just now, Prince Wei even praised you.”
“Ah? W-what did he say about me?”
Chen Wener became even more flustered.
The Empress Dowager said, “He said you were stunningly beautiful—a rare beauty.”
“Wener, if you’re willing, I’ll go speak to your father and arrange the marriage.”
Chen Wener’s heart pounded like a drum. Her emotions were a mess of shyness and delight.
After a moment, her face glowing like the sunset, she curtsied and whispered like a mosquito, “I leave it to Grandmother’s decision.”
The Empress Dowager smiled. “Very well. I’ll go speak to your father. Tomorrow, he will grant you two the marriage.”
Chen Wener bashfully ran off.
The Empress Dowager then made her way to Longde Hall and entered the imperial study.
Emperor Chen Yao quickly approached. “Mother, what brings you to Longde Hall? Had you told me, I could’ve come to welcome you.”
The Empress Dowager took his arm and said, “You’re not well, and it’s cold outside. I didn’t want you catching a chill, so I didn’t say anything.”
“I’ve come today to discuss something important.”
Chen Yao helped her sit on the cushioned seat and poured her a cup of hot tea himself.
“Whatever you need, please say it freely.”
The Empress Dowager spoke slowly. “At the banquet for Wener’s coming-of-age ceremony today, I saw that Prince Wei was not as unruly and domineering as rumored in the northern regions.”
“On the contrary, the boy is quiet, steady-minded, and truly talented—one of the finest among the younger generation.”
“I see that he and Wener are a fine match. Wener also seems fond of him.” This chapter is updated first at g.com.
“So I’ve come to ask—if we were to grant Wener’s hand in marriage to Prince Wei, would that benefit the stability of the Empire?”
After speaking, she looked directly at Chen Yao.
Chen Yao frowned.
“Mother, everyone in court knows that Wei Wuji harbors rebellious thoughts.”
“Even if Prince Wei is talented in poetry, his background is too complicated.”
“If I grant him a marriage, never mind whether his father agrees—even Wener may not accept it.”
The Empress Dowager smiled. “You don’t need to worry about Wener. If she hadn’t already agreed, do you think I’d be here discussing it?”
Chen Yao was shocked. “She agreed?”
“Yes. She said she would follow our arrangement.”
Seeing her nod, Chen Yao’s eyes lit up.
“That’s excellent. In that case, we can ensure the boy never leaves Chang’an.”
Then he hesitated. “But I fear Wei Wuji won’t agree.”
“His ambitions are written all over his face. A princess in exchange for his son won’t make him back down.”
“A man who dreams of carving up the Empire will never be deterred so easily.”
The Empress Dowager calmly said, “Even if he does have rebellious thoughts, it’s just a rumor. We believe it, but we can’t fully rely on it. What if the rumor’s false?”
Chen Yao thought for a moment. His eyes grew sharp and contemplative.
“Mother, I can grant the marriage—but Prince Wei must stay in the capital as an imperial son-in-law, and he must never leave Chang’an for life.”
“If Prince Min agrees, granting his son wealth and prestige second only to me is not a problem.”
The Empress Dowager nodded. “If that’s the case, Wei Wuji would surely consider his son’s safety and not dare to rebel.”
Chen Yao smiled faintly. “Very well. Tomorrow, I’ll summon Prince Wei to court and grant him the marriage during the morning assembly.”
“If Wei Wuji objects, he won’t escape the charge of defying an imperial decree.”
With this plan in mind, Chen Yao’s mood brightened significantly.
But the Empress Dowager quickly poured a bucket of cold water on him.
“Son, the Empress has long lived in the palace and suffers in silence. Though your illness prevents intimacy, you shouldn’t spend every night in the imperial study.”
“Even if you can’t consummate the marriage, just showing her a little care will improve your relationship. The Empress asks for very little.”
Chen Yao’s face twitched.
It was only because the person speaking was his birth mother that she wasn’t dragged out and executed.
In the end, he shook his head helplessly.
“I know the Empress is a good woman, but I don’t share any feelings with her. Besides, she’s too young—we have nothing in common.”
“Ah, forget it. Do as you like.”
With those words, the Empress Dowager left the imperial study.