There are no walls without cracks. News that the Princess Consort sought support from her family soon reached Shen Wei's ears.
The morning sun was bright and gentle, not too harsh on the eyes. Shen Wei had the maids move the cradle into the courtyard so the child could bask in the sunlight and absorb some calcium. Li Yao hovered eagerly by the cradle, shaking a rattle-drum and giggling as she entertained her little sister.
Shen Wei stepped aside and quietly asked the well-informed Cai Ping, "Are you certain the Princess Consort plans to return to her family in three days?"
Cai Ping nodded hurriedly, her expression wary. "My lady, the Princess Consort's mother holds an imperial title and was once close friends with the late Empress Dowager. When the current emperor was young, he was even fostered in the Tantai family for a time. If the old Madame Tantai speaks up, even the empress might find it difficult to refuse."
