Chapter 8: Private Pledge of Lifelong Devotion

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In the rigidly Confucian Song Dynasty, marriage required parental consent and a matchmaker's introduction—how could proper men and women privately pledge their lives to each other?

Zhao Yu's blunt declaration that he wished to make Zheng Xiansu his Wang Fei was utterly heretical, even bordering on a rake's seduction of a virtuous maiden.

Zheng Xiansu had been raised under strict Confucian teachings and molded for years by Empress Dowager Xiang, a feudal old conservative; naturally, she could not accept Zhao Yu's reckless confession.

Yet on the other hand, in this feudal age, being openly admired by a noble prince of unique charm was, for Zheng Xiansu, an unprecedented psychological shock, a thrill. Though she knew the rules of propriety, Zhao Yu's words were like a stone cast into her heart's lake, sending ripples across her soul.

To be honest, Zheng Xiansu was truly curious: was Zhao Yu merely teasing her, or was he sincerely intent on making her his Wang Fei?

If it were the former, then no further words were needed—she must flee this place of trouble at once.

But if it were the latter…

Every time Zhao Ji came to Ci Xiao Degong to pay his respects, Empress Dowager Xiang would order Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu to serve and attend him.

Thus, not long ago, Empress Dowager Xiang had half-jokingly, half-probingly declared she would bestow Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu upon Zhao Ji.

Zhao Ji was gifted, dignified, elegant, and possessed a fine character—he seemed a fine match.

But the problem was Zhao Ji had already married the daughter of the Inspector of Dezhou, Wang Zao, over two months ago.

Even if Zhao Ji had not married Wang Zao's daughter, he could never make Zheng Xiansu his Wang Fei.

—Zheng Xiansu's father, Zheng Shen, was merely a low-ranking official, from no great clan, at best a humble family—this doomed Zheng Xiansu to be nothing more than a concubine if she married Zhao Ji.

In this era, the difference between wife and concubine was vast; the gap between Wang Fei and concubine was even greater.

If she could truly fly up to become a phoenix, ask any woman raised in the power arena of the imperial harem—how could Zheng Xiansu not be tempted?

Wang Yisu reacted first, stepping decisively in front of Zheng Xiansu to warn Zhao Yu: "Your Highness, do not tarnish my sister's reputation."

At Wang Yisu's words, a flush spread across Zheng Xiansu's face.

—Though her heart was fluttering with confusion and shame, deep within, a faint, indescribable anticipation stirred.

As things stood, Zhao Yu lagged far behind Zhao Ji.

Worse still, no one was there to speak well of Zhao Yu before Empress Dowager Xiang, who held ultimate authority over imperial succession.

If he could win over Zheng Xiansu, and have her and her inseparable companion Wang Yisu whisper in Empress Dowager Xiang's ear…

This problem could be perfectly solved.

Moreover, if Zhao Yu married Zheng Xiansu, he would be irrevocably bound to Empress Dowager Xiang, who had no children.

Thus, even if he could not guarantee defeating Zhao Ji and ascending the throne after Zhao Xu's death, he could at least greatly narrow the gap between himself and Zhao Ji, even bring them to the same starting line.

Therefore, even if Zheng Xiansu were less than beautiful, talented, virtuous, and destined to be a fine Empress—even if she had flaws or problems—Zhao Yu would still marry her as his Wang Fei.

Of course, most importantly, Zhao Yu knew he was inferior to Zhao Ji in every way, and feared that without offering Zheng Xiansu the position of Wang Fei, he could never steal her from Zhao Ji.

Zhao Yu spoke solemnly: "Marriage is no trivial matter. I swear before Heaven: if Zheng Yaban has any willingness, I shall swiftly petition the Empress Dowager to seek your hand, and make you mistress of my Shen Wang Fu."

As Empress Dowager Xiang's absolute confidante, Zheng Xiansu knew that recently, the Empress Dowager had been selecting brides for the princes, and had already chosen Wang Fei for Zhao Bi and Zhao Ji—the next would be Zhao Yu.

In other words, this was a heavenly opportunity for Zheng Xiansu to marry Zhao Yu and become Shen Wang Fei.

Added to this, Zhao Yu had just risked himself to save Empress Dowager Xiang.

If Zhao Yu truly wished to marry Zheng Xiansu, and meant what he said about actively pursuing it, Zheng Xiansu truly had a chance to become Shen Wang Fei.

Zheng Xiansu bit her lower lip, then spoke softly: "Thank Your Highness for your favor, but we, as servants, leave all matters to the Empress Dowager's decision. We dare not privately accept Your Highness's kindness. We beg Your Highness's understanding."

Words are heard by their tone; drums are understood by their rhythm.

Hearing Zheng Xiansu's reply, Zhao Yu could not fail to grasp the path she had pointed him toward.

Zhao Yu said: "Zheng Yaban, rest assured. Once this matter is settled, I shall spare no effort to make the Empress Dowager aware of my sincere feelings, and secure her blessing for this union."

Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu had entered the palace together, grown up side by side beside Empress Dowager Xiang, jointly managed Ci Xiao Degong, and always followed Zheng Xiansu's lead in every matter—they were closer than blood sisters.

Moreover, they had long made a pact: if one became wealthy and noble, she must never forget the other.

Zheng Xiansu had even told Wang Yisu that they would one day marry the same man, never part, always care for each other, and remain sisters for life.

Thus, seeing Zheng Xiansu had a chance to become Wang Fei, Wang Yisu genuinely rejoiced for her.

Furthermore, if Zheng Xiansu truly became Zhao Yu's Wang Fei, according to their earlier pact, Wang Yisu might become his concubine.

—Concubines were sometimes called side wives; they might be relatives of the principal wife, such as her sister or cousin, formally wed into the husband's household. Their status was usually higher than that of a mere concubine, sometimes nearly equal to the principal wife, granting them considerable influence and respect within the household.

Clearly, being a side wife was far superior to being a mere concubine.

Crucially, after confronting Liu Qingjing, condemning Zhao Xu for favoring concubines over his wife, and saving Empress Dowager Xiang, Wang Yisu held a very favorable impression of Zhao Yu; if she could become his side wife, she would certainly not choose to become Zhao Ji's concubine.

Thus, Wang Yisu kindly warned Zhao Yu: "Though Your Highness's sincerity is wholehearted, the palace is a place of shifting tides and tangled factions, and the Empress Dowager upholds propriety rigidly—she may well refuse. If Your Highness truly seeks to wed my elder sister, you must plan carefully."

Zheng Xiansu blushed: "Stop joking! Our marriages are decided by the Empress Dowager—how can we privately pledge ourselves? Come, let us return to the palace at once!"

Saying this, Zheng Xiansu feigned composure and addressed Zhao Yu: "We were ordered to deliver your meal; the task is complete. We take our leave."

With that, Zheng Xiansu pulled Wang Yisu away.

Zhao Yu watched the graceful retreating figures of Zheng Xiansu and Wang Yisu and said: "I have declared my heart—I will not keep Zheng Yaban waiting long. In no more than a few days, I shall come to Ci Xiao Degong to propose."

Hearing this, Zheng Xiansu's lips curled slightly upward as she continued pulling Wang Yisu toward the palace gates.

Wang Yisu, meanwhile, covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, yet could not help wondering: "Will Shen Wang be our true destiny?"

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(End of Chapter)