Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Second Sister’s face suddenly turned deathly pale as she finally grasped the profound depth of Father’s maneuver.

Political balance in the imperial court was never about playing both sides; it was an all-or-nothing gamble made after carefully assessing the situation.

No matter how much Prince Xian enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, he was ultimately just a pawn for the man on the dragon throne.

A truly clever person only ever bets on the side guaranteed to win.

This move was to ensure the Emperor saw clearly: the daughters of the Kong Clan would rather marry down to a man with a hollow title than touch the struggle for the succession.

Still unwilling to give up, Second Sister asked with a stumble in her voice.

“Since Father has already decided to pledge his loyalty to His Majesty, why do we still associate with Prince Xian’s Mansion?”

Mother slowly and methodically turned the pair of mutton-fat jade bangles on her wrist.

“Silly child. Attending banquets and admiring flowers is merely the standard social interaction for noble families.”

“Prince Xian hosts a banquet, and the entire court of high-ranking officials attends. If the Kong Mansion did not go, it would instead seem intentional.”

Faced with Mother’s almost blatant explanation, Second Sister suddenly understood.

Years ago, when Father told Mother to focus on teaching Eldest Sister, it was merely bait used to test which daughter was better suited for the palace.

What Father wanted to see was who could keep to their station and who could hide their brilliance when faced with the temptation of power.

Eldest Sister’s infatuation and Second Sister’s schemes had long been laid bare before those eyes, seasoned by years in the bureaucracy.

“Eldest Sister has lost her virtue! If anyone is to enter the palace, it should be me!”

Mother picked up her teacup and took a sip before answering.

“There are three levels of cleverness in this world. Low-level cleverness is being full of schemes; mid-level cleverness is biding one’s time and hiding one’s light; but high-level cleverness is making others believe you aren’t clever at all.”

At this moment, Second Sister’s body could not stop trembling.

I hurried forward to support her, my fingertips pressing lightly against her wrist.

“Is Sister so happy she’s become muddled? Hurry and give your thanks for the imperial grace.”

Second Sister gave me a deep, searching look.

Though her eyes were full of resentment, at this moment, it could only dissolve into desolation.

Father had already seen through her; her intelligence was too sharp, her brilliance too exposed.

If she entered the palace, she would inevitably act on her own initiative.

And while Eldest Sister seemed naive, she actually understood how to read the situation best of all.

What Father and the Emperor wanted was never the most outstanding one.

Rather, they wanted the most suitable pawn.

Once the crowd dispersed, Mother kept me behind.

She held a Yue kiln celadon cup, her loving features carrying a hint of scrutiny amidst the curling tea steam.

“Do you think Mother is cold-hearted?”

I lowered my eyes to stare at the silver-threaded vine patterns embroidered on my skirt. After a moment, I looked up at the carefully pruned Weizi peonies outside the window.

“Everything in this world comes with a price. No matter how delicate a peony is, if it leaves the gardener’s shears, it is nothing more than wild mugwort by the roadside.”

Mother nodded with satisfaction, her eyes filled with praise.

“Exactly. Though you are young, your mind is clear. That is your strength.”

“Only…” she suddenly paused, her tone turning somewhat cold. “For a young girl, your heart is a bit too cold.”