The woman in purple smiled and said, "I'm afraid someone is having a craving. I heard the desserts are quite exquisite."
"No way, young master loves books and paintings, so he must like this tea too, right, young master?" Chengyi asked expectantly.
Wei Yu smiled involuntarily. Seeing her cheerful expression, Zi Yi flicked Cheng Yi's forehead with her finger. "You're right." The observant Zi Yi had noticed several times that Wei Yu seemed preoccupied, her face amiable but lacking genuine joy. "Young Master, the sun is shining brightly today. Since we rarely get out, instead of just having some tea and snacks, why not head out to Qiujiang Pond to watch the fish and admire the flowers? The camellias and magnolias are in full bloom." Cheng Yi nodded vigorously.
The understanding Ziyi, the charming Chengyi, and the kind and loving elders—Weiyu was fortunate indeed. Unconsciously, she had become somewhat dependent on them. Weiyu thought that if she could truly give up everything and sit in this clear and bright thatched hall, leisurely sipping tea, it wouldn't be a bad thing.
On the main road leading from the North Gate to Qiujiang Pond, carriages came and went in an endless stream. The carriages were decorated with intricate carvings, and the windows were draped with gauze. There were sweet, cheerful laughs coming from the carriages, and the air was filled with fragrance. There were maids riding horses beside the carriages, clearly some of the pampered ladies.
Chengyi, who was drinking tea at the tea pavilion, asked in surprise, "Huh? The day for washing hair on the third day of the third lunar month has long passed, so why are there so many people?"
Zi Yi thought for a moment and smiled, "Young master, we have a coincidence today. The palace selection is at the beginning of next month, and I imagine that all the young ladies from various places have already arrived in the capital. Every year before the selection, some beauties would come to Qiujiang Pond to admire the flowers. Ostensibly, it's to admire the flowers, but actually it's to compete in beauty. Over time, this has become a tradition. There must be quite a few princes and noblemen at Qiujiang Pond today. If those young ladies are not selected, they might still have a chance to find a wealthy husband. As for those princes and noblemen, if they take a fancy to someone of high status, they can ask the Empress Dowager or His Majesty to arrange a marriage after the selection."
Chengyi scoffed, "Boring. Hey, why has Second Master never mentioned this? Could he be secretly going to admire beauties behind our backs?"
The woman in purple laughed and said, "What kind of spirit does Second Master have? Why would he care about those people? They're just ordinary women. If someone is truly talented and beautiful, why would they allow others to criticize them?"
Wei Yu frowned slightly. "Zi Yi, since that's the case, why don't we go back?"
Knowing that she preferred quiet, Zi Yi nodded and called the waiter to settle the bill. Just as the three of them left their seats, two men and two women, dressed in blue, walked in one after the other. They were obviously servants, and their faces were arrogant. They shouted, "Our Lord Xue's young lady wants to rest here. All irrelevant people, please get out of the way immediately."
Chengyi had always been polite and courteous whenever she traveled with Ji Zhonglian, and no one had ever treated her like a servant. She had never seen anyone boss her around like this before. Her eyebrows furrowed, and she looked like she was about to lose her temper. Ziyi squeezed her hand and gestured for Weiyu to speak. Chengyi snorted and walked out of the tea pavilion, protecting Weiyu.
At this point, everyone had already fled, but the two maids ignored them and went straight to take out snow-white handkerchiefs to wipe the seats and chairs.
Outside the tea pavilion, a magnificent carriage with red wheels and an ornate canopy was parked at the foot of the steps. Several young maids helped out a delicate and beautiful woman. Her veil was pulled back, revealing a string of pearls hanging from her forehead, making her face appear like a silver moon. She had almond-shaped eyes and cherry lips, a graceful figure, and her eyes sparkled with a captivating charm. Before Wei Yu and her two companions had even descended the steps, they stepped aside to let them pass. The beauty suddenly looked at the three of them and said sweetly, "Aren't these Zi Yi and Cheng Yi from the Ji family?" Zi Yi was taken aback. The beauty covered her mouth and laughed, "My brother, Xue Zhao, knows your Second Master Ji and has even had tea with him." Cheng Yi remembered that last year, when she accompanied the Second Master and three friends on a spring outing at Shuangta Temple, she had met the children of the Duke of Xue. The delicate and pretentious daughter was indeed the beauty before her. Zi Yi curtsied gracefully, "So it's Miss Xue. We were impolite." Cheng Yi, however, remained standing behind Wei Yu.
Miss Xue smiled slightly, her beautiful eyes turning to Wei Yu. She thought to herself that the only person who could be served by the two maids, Zi Yi and Cheng Yi, was Ji Zhonglian or the rumored Song Shi from a few days ago. "This is..." she seemed unsure, "Could she be the lady-in-waiting personally appointed by the Emperor?" Cheng Yi chuckled inwardly. She hadn't even been selected yet, but she already acted like someone from the palace. Was the Emperor just a title she used casually? Just then, Zi Yi laughed and said, "Miss Xue has good eyesight. She really is our young lady."
Miss Xue looked delighted and stepped forward. "I am Xue Ruyao. I have long admired your name, elder sister. It is my great honor to meet you today. Are you also going to Qiujiang Pond, elder sister?"
Without saying a word, she shook her head. She didn't want to talk to the woman in front of her. Although the woman was laughing and acting all warm and friendly, she was carefully scrutinizing her, as if trying to see something on her face.
The woman in purple, composed and seemingly unintentionally, stepped aside from the two. "Our young lady is new to the capital and is just getting familiar with the place." She turned to Wei Yu and said, "Young master, we've been out for quite some time. I'm afraid the second master will worry. Let's go back to the manor soon." Wei Yu nodded and gave Xue Ruyao a slight nod of apology. Xue Ruyao had been given a slight rebuff. Wei Yu was exceptionally beautiful, with an air of elegance and gentleness. She unconsciously stepped back, and Cheng Yi stepped down first. Zi Yi smiled at Xue Ruyao and hurriedly followed.
Xue Ruyao stood on the steps and watched them enter the city, lost in thought.
The maid beside her curled her lip, "Miss, they're just two maids, are they really worth your perfunctory attitude?"
Xue Ruyao scolded, "What do you know? Go and tell them to behave themselves. Under the Emperor's nose, even two maids dare to give me attitude. How dare they?" She said bitterly.
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In late midsummer, the garden is a riot of colors. In the early morning, willow branches weave a wisp of smoke, and petals float on the clear stream in the garden, flowing gently until they converge into a pond under the bridge. The pond's water is as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the pavilions and towers.
Wei Yu stood by the Nine-Bend Bridge. The air was fresh and fragrant. She sprinkled some fish food, and the koi leaped, causing ripples in the pond. Wei Yu clapped her hands, her slender fingers like scallions. She looked down at the person in the pond. She wore a light green floral shawl over a white gauze shirt with a diamond pattern. Her long, tie-dyed skirt trailed on the ground. Her black hair was just long enough to be tied up and held in place with a jade hairpin. Dressed in casual summer clothes, she couldn't help but laugh at herself. It was only February, and she seemed quite used to this pampered life.
Two months had passed since Wei Yu entered the Imperial Observatory. The day before her seclusion, the two elders personally escorted her there. They repeatedly told her to rest assured and instructed Ji Zhonglian and Ziyi to take good care of her. Wei Yu had spent some time with the two elders, and their kindness made her feel a sense of kinship she had never experienced before. When she parted from them, Wei Yu felt reluctant to leave, only to realize that she was already entangled in something, and that the day of separation would be even more difficult to sever. Wei Yu avoided Ji Zhonglian's concern and had not left the Imperial Observatory since entering, even though the Imperial Observer treated her very well and often granted her leave.
The Imperial Observatory had four female officials of two ranks: two scribes and two proofreaders. Unlike the palace officials, they served for two years and then returned to their own families. They did not participate in the daily affairs of the Imperial Observatory, only copying classics and proofreading bibliographies. When the Imperial Observatory was busy, they helped organize the archives for recording. Sometimes, the scriptures needed by the palace were also written by them. Most of the female officials were daughters from poor families. After they passed the age for selection, they came to take the exam because they could not afford a dowry and had difficulty finding a husband. The female officials received a salary, all paid by the government, which helped them maintain their family's livelihood and gain the reputation of a talented woman, so that they could find a suitable husband. Then there were young widowed noblewomen. As for young girls, they had the opportunity to enter the palace or marry into the royal family and would never come here. When Wei Yu entered, there were already two noblewomen. This year, only one was selected, which was one in a hundred. She was from the Chu family in Lintao.
The female officials lived in the East Garden of the Imperial Observatory, which had its own gate. They were attended to by matrons and maids, and the other servants in the garden, such as gardeners and cooks, were all experienced female servants. Men from the office were not allowed to enter the garden without permission; only the Imperial Observer could bring servants to move books or for relatives to visit. Entering the garden, past the screen wall, one was greeted by a large building with beaded curtains, painted beams, and green-tiled roofs. This was called the Grand View Pavilion, where the female officials usually worked, each with their own room. There were moon gates on both sides of the building, leading to a completely different world: exquisite rockeries, flowing water, lush flowers and trees, pink walls and red pavilions, all nestled amidst verdant greenery. Wei Yu and Zi Yi lived in the Hanbi Pavilion within this area.
Wei Yu rose early and strolled in the garden. Today was June 12th, a day of imperial custom where every household worshipped the gods of the four seasons, praying for favorable weather and peace throughout the year—a day for family reunion. A few days earlier, the other two ladies had been fetched by their families, and their maids had gone with them, leaving the garden much emptier. Ji Zhonglian from the Ji family had come, but Wei Yu politely declined, as it was Zi Yi and Cheng Yi's birthday that day, and their parents and families were still at home. Wei Yu told Zi Yi to go back, as there were nannies in the garden to look after them, and she figured everything would be fine. Zi Yi, however, was still worried and stayed until today. Early in the morning, she helped Wei Yu wash and eat breakfast before preparing to leave the garden.
Wei Yu returned to her room and opened her makeup box. Several exquisite ornaments were quietly displayed inside; these were all things Ji Zhonglian had prepared for her. The second compartment contained her salary for the past two months. Wei Yu had asked Zi Yi to take it for spending, but Zi Yi had laughed and said that she had her own money, and the Second Master had already prepared it. Wei Yu smiled bitterly. She was well aware of Ji Zhonglian's intentions, but she dared not think too much about it and could only avoid the topic. The third compartment contained only a pair of waist ornaments. It was a pair of jade cicadas, exquisitely carved. This was a thank-you gift from the old Grand Astrologer a few days prior. After entering the Grand Astrologer's Office, Wei Yu was captivated by these classic texts and exquisite articles. She would often proofread them, and at the most brilliant passages, she couldn't help but write marginal notes on separate sheets, either commenting or echoing his sentiments. The old Grand Astrologer discovered these notes unintentionally, and was greatly astonished and full of praise. It was truly rare for a woman to possess such flowing calligraphy. His appreciation for her talent was immediately aroused, and he frequently brought her rare and excellent texts to transcribe. Sometimes, he even asked Wei Yu to draft reports on solar eclipses. During this period, whenever Emperor Xuande received books from the Grand Astrologer's Office, which were well-organized and logical, he would issue edicts of praise. The old man, pleased, would bring out this pair of jade cicadas and insist she accept them, saying they were a gift from the palace in the past, and now that he was old, they were of little use and a waste. Wei Yu took them in her sleeve and went out of the room. Purple Robe was already waiting in the courtyard. Zi Yi bowed slightly. "I'm going home. It's hot, so please don't copy for too long. You've forgotten to eat lunch again. I'll be back in the evening." Wei Yu took out a jade cicada and placed it in her hand. "Spend more time with your family. There's no need to rush back. This is for you and Cheng Yi." Zi Yi had known her for three months and was deeply moved by her temperament, but she didn't refuse. "Cheng Yi and I thank you, Miss." The two walked hand in hand, and Wei Yu escorted them to the front of the Grand View Pavilion. After watching Zi Yi turn past the screen wall, she entered the Grand View Pavilion.
The Grand Historian was talking with Madam Chu in the main hall. When he saw her come in, he hurriedly said, "Song Shishu, I was just about to trouble you. Today, the front courtyard is ordered to hold a family sacrifice at Daming Palace. Only you and Chu Xiaoshu are left in the East Garden. You two will have to work hard and write down these edicts."
Wei Yu and Chu Shi nodded in agreement.
During the reign of Emperor Rende, the Imperial Observatory had an additional task: to transcribe the emperor's edicts and then seal them along with the originals for the emperor to access and review at any time. In case of conflicting decrees, the edicts could be consulted, amended, or withdrawn. Emperor Xuande used this task even more frequently. Originally, this was the job of the Imperial Observer and his deputy, but after Weiyu arrived, the old man admired her beautiful small regular script and often brought some in for Weiyu to transcribe.
After the Grand Astrologer left, Chu said, "I'll leave all this to Song Shishu. I still have many books to check, so I'll go in first." With that, she walked away. Chu Shi's maiden name was Yi Ying. She was proud and arrogant, confident in her outstanding talent and beauty. She had finally passed the examination to become a female official, thinking that she could impress the nobles and marry into a noble family. However, before she even entered the office, Wei Yu had taken the lead. In the capital, everyone only knew of the talented Song Shishu and knew nothing else. Even the Grand Astrologer valued Wei Yu. In her opinion, her talent was no less than Wei Yu's. The Chu family of Lintao was even more noble. Wei Yu relied only on the influence of the Ji family. Moreover, after learning that Wei Yu was already twenty years old, she became even more arrogant. She also knew that the Grand Astrologer had brought an imperial edict for Wei Yu to copy. She was jealous. Today, with Zi Yi not present, she immediately pretended to be busy and started to do things.
Wei Yu didn't care and called over a maid from inside the building to carry the heavy imperial edict to the study in Hanbi Tower. In the sweltering summer, everyone only went to Daguan Tower to report for duty; the garden was cool, and everyone worked in their own buildings.
The entrance to Hanbi Building is surrounded by lush bamboo, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. Seasonal bonsai are planted in the courtyard. There is a main room, two side rooms, and a study built on the artificial hill behind the building. A tall boxwood tree with intertwined branches and lush leaves provides shade from the sun. The wind rustles through the branches, bringing a gentle coolness. It is a very quiet and secluded place, perfect for reading.
In the afternoon, Wei Yu sat at her desk. She had almost finished logging, with only two edicts remaining. She carefully studied their meaning, and could already discern the handwriting. The edict in her hand, encouraging agriculture, was richly in ink, its entire text imbued with a powerful and forceful style, likely written by Emperor Xuande himself. "If farmers do not work, there will be a lack of food... The emperor will enrich the country, and the people will be wealthy... Therefore it is said: When granaries are full, people know etiquette; when food and clothing are sufficient, people know honor and shame." Wei Yu felt a surge of admiration. For an emperor to be like this was truly wise and enlightened, a blessing for the people. She meticulously copied it, blew on the ink to dry it, and then carefully closed and put it away. The last edict was a yellow silk edict, a favor from the harem. Wei Yu opened it and copied it directly. The opening was grand and imposing, simply stating "Yi Shu" (懿淑, meaning virtuous and graceful). The following three columns of names made her pause slightly: Lady Xue, a talented woman, was being promoted to Jieyu (婕妤, a high-ranking concubine). The day she returned home, Zi Yi had mentioned that this Miss Xue was one of the candidates for the imperial concubine selection this summer. The promotion beyond one's rank must mean she has received the emperor's favor and fulfilled her wishes. Wei Yu had copied many imperial edicts. Emperor Xuande was indeed a diligent and wise ruler, but he was by no means an easy emperor or husband to serve. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he was ungrateful and heartless. Once, the Grand Astrologer asked her to organize and file the imperial edicts from the harem over the past few months. Among them, one edict had been revoked. Lady Sima had disobeyed the emperor's will and was demoted to a lowly concubine, moved to Shangyang Palace. It was a pity that this delicate woman, who had been summoned to the palace because of her virtue and had only enjoyed the emperor's favor for two months, had fallen from grace. Zi Yi had said that Shangyang Palace was in the western palace, and once one entered there, there was almost no hope of advancement. This beautiful young woman was destined to a life of disappointment and loneliness. Thinking of this, Wei Yu still sighed, hoping that this Consort Xue could regain the emperor's favor.
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As evening fell, the last rays of the setting sun stretched the eaves and brackets of the palace buildings long, and the imperial city gradually merged into the twilight.
The imperial city was filled with government offices and palaces, now divided into the East Inner Palace and the West Inner Palace, separated by the Lingqu Canal and connected by nine arched bridges. The West Inner Palace had the Daming Palace as its main hall, flanked by the Taiji Hall and Fengyi Hall, followed by the Kunyi Palace, Xingqing Palace, Changsheng Hall, Chenxiang Hall, Shangyang Palace, and other courtyards, pavilions, and towers. In front was the Taiye Pond, and behind was the Shanglin Garden. It had been repaired and expanded over a thousand years to reach its current scale. It was the residence of emperors, empresses, and concubines before Emperor Xuande. The central government offices were located outside the Yong'an Gate of the West Inner Palace. Nowadays, Emperor Xuande only stayed at the Daming Palace for a few days during palace sacrifices or grand ceremonies. The Eastern Inner Palace was built during the reign of Emperor Rende. An elder of the Ji clan drew a map of the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the palace was constructed according to that design. After Emperor Rende's death, almost all of his policies were rejected, except for this one project, which was not only retained but also funded with additional funds. Construction took twenty years, employing skilled craftsmen and spending enormous sums of money, collecting rare treasures. Completed in the fifteenth year of the Xuande reign, it was magnificent and resplendent, named the Forbidden City, also known as the Eastern Inner Palace. By then, Emperor Xuande had assumed personal rule and moved to the Qianqing Palace for his residence. The offices of the three ministries—the Secretariat, the Chancellery, and the Ministry of Personnel—as well as the six ministries—Personnel, Revenue, Rites, Works, Justice, and War—were all moved into the Eastern Inner Palace, and the central government also moved there. The imperial concubines continued to reside in both the Eastern and Western Inner Palaces. However, the Kunning Palace in the Eastern Inner Palace, like the Kunyi Palace in the Western Inner Palace, was the Empress's central palace, and the position remained vacant. Empress Dowager Zhou originally wanted to live in Kunning Palace, but was refused. So she simply stayed in Xingqing Palace. She disliked Cining Palace as a retirement palace. When the concubines saw that she would not move, they had no choice but to stay in the West Palace. Only Consort Geng had a son, Prince Rui, whom Emperor Xuande loved. She moved into Shou Kang Palace to live out her days in peace and was happy to not have to see Empress Dowager Zhou's face.
Generally, favored concubines mostly resided in the Eastern Palace. Consort Zhou, residing in the Changsheng Palace in the Western Palace, was not favored by Emperor Xuande. Although she had given birth to the eldest son and was the Empress Dowager's niece, she had secured her position among the Four Consorts and was currently the highest-ranking concubine in Emperor Xuande's harem. She repeatedly petitioned to move into the Chengqian Palace in the Eastern Palace, but Emperor Xuande refused. The other concubines appeared respectful but secretly rejoiced. According to regulations, only those of the rank of Xiuyuan or higher could manage a palace or hall. Emperor Xuande had over twenty concubines, including those recently selected, but few were qualified. The recently popular Consort Xue was granted residence in the Yonghe Palace in the Eastern Palace, but she could not yet reside in the main hall and could only live in the side hall, Lixiang Pavilion.
Tonight, the Daming Palace is brightly lit. After the Xuande Emperor held a family memorial service for the Empress Dowager, he hosted a banquet for the harem, princes, and princesses at the Xingqing Palace. He already had two sons and three daughters. His eldest son was seventeen years old but had not yet established his own residence. The youngest was ten years old. Before assuming personal rule, he lived a dissolute and decadent life, indulging in excessive favoritism. He deeply resented this period. Therefore, apart from the mother of his eldest son, Consort Zhou, the mothers of his other children did not have high status. Not counting those who were posthumously granted titles, the highest they could attain was only the rank of Consort.
After Emperor Xuande finished his routine toasts, he found the scene of the hall filled with sweet chatter and flowery words rather dull. Observing Empress Dowager Zhou's expression, he guessed that she was about to make some request. In order not to spoil the mood, he ordered Gao Qing to prepare a carriage to return to Daming Palace.
The palace was deep and solemn, with beaded curtains rolled low, incense smoke curling gently, and lanterns shining brightly in the vermilion pavilion. The sounds of laughter and chatter from Xingqing Palace could be faintly heard. Emperor Xuande casually picked up a scroll of philosophical works. The handwriting at the beginning of the scroll was neat and upright, showing great skill and the style of a master. "Oh, the Imperial Observatory has made progress in the past two months. Which master's work have they acquired? I'd like to go and see for myself." Gao Qing looked at the scroll in his hand. "Your Majesty, it was written by Song, a female scribe in the Imperial Observatory."
Emperor Xuande put down his book, the woman in his memory still vivid. "I never expected this." He walked to the rosewood dragon-carved desk, flipped through the Grand Historian's memorial, and sure enough, it was in the same handwriting. He went outside the palace. Tonight was the fifteenth, and the moonlight was as clear as if it had been washed, making the eaves of the palace glow with a jade-like light. The Daming Palace was built on a thirty-foot-high Sumeru platform, overlooking the entire imperial city, shining like stars. Gao Qing said, "Your Majesty, the moon is so bright tonight, it is truly a rare and beautiful time."
Emperor Xuande glared at Gao Qing, dismissing her words as "nonsense," and strode towards the white jade steps. Gao Qing took the palace lantern from the maid holding it, indicating that he didn't need to follow, and then led the way step by step. Heng Chong followed closely behind with a dozen or so Dragon Cavalry Captains. After descending the steps, Emperor Xuande strolled towards Linzhi Gate, to the right of which was the Imperial Observatory.
The vermilion iron gate was tightly shut. Gao Qing and Heng Chong whispered to each other. Heng Chong waved his hand, and someone leaped over the wall. Soon, the deputy chief historian on duty rushed out to greet them, prostrating himself on the ground. Emperor Xuande ignored him and walked straight into the office. Heng Chong and his men followed and disappeared without a trace. Gao Qing helped the dizzy deputy chief historian to his feet and gently advised him, "Chief historian, there's no need to panic. As long as you please the Emperor, that's your good fortune." After saying this, he quickly followed Emperor Xuande into the office.
A cool breeze stirred, and the night-blooming jasmine blossomed under the moonlight, densely carpeting the ground. The east garden and west corridor were utterly silent. Gao Qing accompanied Emperor Xuande through the left gate of Daguan Tower. Hundreds of tall bamboos formed a dense, verdant canopy. A winding path led to the end of the path, where a door was already ajar. Entering the courtyard, the main building bore a plaque that read "Hanbi Tower." The vermilion doors were tightly shut, but slivers of light shone through the window frames. Gao Qing coughed slightly, as if to signal the person inside, but there was no response. He gently pushed the door open, and Gao Qing was taken aback. Emperor Xuande followed his gaze.
The room was simply furnished, with a bed, a table, and chairs. There were no paintings or calligraphy on the walls, nor any other furnishings. Beside the only marble-inlaid, cloud-white desk, two women lay down, one on the floor and the other on the floor. The desk was piled with books, and a sheet of Xuan paper was spread out. A brush had fallen onto the paper, and ink had smeared on it. It was obvious that they had been under the lamp, one holding the ink and the other writing.
Gao Qing sniffed; there was indeed a faint scent of rosemary in the room. She thought to herself, "This Heng Chong, I told him to subdue all the bystanders so as not to disturb anyone and to avoid bothering the Song family. But he just threw them all to the ground, acting like some kind of thief who can scale walls. Does he think everyone becomes a lecherous scoundrel at the sight of a beautiful woman?"
Emperor Xuande snorted. Gao Qing smiled obsequiously, quickly stepped forward, placed the palace lantern on the table, bent down, carried Zi Yi out, and closed the door.