Madam Zhou thought to herself, "What a bunch of good-for-nothings! Even at this age, they're still fighting over a beauty." "Alright, you two aren't as thoughtful as Consort Xue. She came from the East Palace a full incense stick earlier than you." Lin Yuzhen stamped her foot. "Empress Dowager."
"Alright, alright. Since the Imperial Concubine won't arrive until noon, you may all take a stroll in the palace's back garden. The Imperial Concubine is the Imperial Concubine; you cannot be lacking in etiquette. Just wait here." After saying this, Madam Zhou helped the Palace Attendant to her feet. "Hongda." "Yes, Your Majesty." Hongda darted out from the side. "Prepare some refreshments for the ladies-in-waiting and serve them well." Madam Zhou then beckoned, "Consort De and Consort Xue, please keep me company for a while. Come here."
Xue Ruyao was flattered and hurriedly followed. Only Consort Sima, who had just moved out of Shangyang Palace the night before, showed a trace of sorrowful smile.
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Chengqian Palace remained quiet and still. Qianqing Palace sent people to inquire twice, and they were told that the Consort was still resting.
Ziyi and Chengyi gathered the clothes from the floor of the east side room. They lifted the gauze curtains several times, finding Weiyu fast asleep. They then stood guard under the veranda. Rong Shanggong, knowing they were originally the Seven-Colored Guards of the Ji family, dared not treat them as ordinary palace maids and instead assigned twelve other maids to their command. The maids' faces beamed with joy, but Ziyi felt a hidden worry, constantly peering inside, wondering what would happen when Weiyu awoke.
Wei Yu opened her eyes. She had slept for a very long time, and she wished she could sleep forever. Perhaps one day she would wake up and be home. But the soreness in her body, the discomfort in her legs, and the fact that she was naked beneath the brocade bed—all clearly marked by the events of the previous night—made her gaze wander. The embroidered brocade canopy, the exquisitely carved walls, the peonies and crabapple blossoms, the sun, moon, stars, mountains and rivers, dragons and phoenixes—all these elements painted a vivid picture. Such a magnificent bed was something she had always longed for. She remembered lingering for a long time on that thousand-crafted bed when the school visited Wuzhen in Nanxun last year. A pang of pain shot through Wei Yu's heart. Why? Why her of all people? Perhaps she was wrong from the start. She should have stayed in that market and waited for a miracle to happen day after day. But deep down, she wanted to see how people's lives differed from the books she had read. She was captivated by the vast collection of ancient books and longed for the beautiful natural scenery that could be found there. She followed the two elders to the capital, and so, regardless of her will, everything happened.
She didn't want to cry, but tears streamed down her cheeks. Her first night was in another space—absurd, yet real. She didn't want to mourn her lost virginity. Although she had resisted, she ultimately succumbed to her body's instincts. She even remembered Emperor Xuande's hands igniting her body. She used almost all her strength to tightly seal her moans, but her body still yielded to him. This naivety even pleased him. A hint of burning appeared on her pale, speechless face. She smiled bitterly. Should she feel ashamed? Should she be filled with resentment? She couldn't bring herself to cry, make a scene, or threaten suicide. It was just a matter of how to face him in the future. She wasn't naive enough to think that Emperor Xuande would stop after just one time.
Wei Yu gazed silently at the glass lanterns at the four corners of the tent ceiling. Where should she go? How should she spend these unknown years? Wei Yu, you can be content with your lot, but you must never accept your fate. This is a predetermined process. Don't give up. "Once you embark on a journey, whether it's right or wrong, you must persevere through wind and rain." This isn't her—this isn't self-pity or anxiety. From childhood, she always told herself she was lucky to have a good uncle who encouraged her to face everything with courage. So when she learned of her parents' story, she didn't resent them for abandoning her and making her an orphan; when she learned of the large sum of money they possessed, she didn't complain about her aunt's indifference; while sorting through her parents' belongings, she was deeply moved by the passionate and sincere love between them, proud of her father's talent, and proud of her mother's elegant calligraphy. Why is she so weak now? Why is she belittling herself? Has she given up on her dreams? She still wore a jade Pixiu pendant around her neck, a symbol of her parents' love. When she was less than a month old, her mother, on her deathbed, placed the jade in her swaddling clothes, praying for her a peaceful and prosperous life. When her uncle told her this, she cried for the first time, throwing herself into his arms. Clutching the jade Pixiu to her chest, she prayed, "Mother, Father, you are watching over me from heaven. Give me courage and protect me so I can return to your homeland." She gently closed her eyes in prayer.
Hearing the noise, Zi Yi and Cheng Yi hurried into the east side room. Zi Yi hesitated before lifting the gauze curtain, "Miss, are you up?"
Without uttering a sound, she opened her eyes. "Yes, I...I'm up." Unclothed, Wei Yu's voice held a hint of shyness and unease. She said softly, "You—come in."
Chengqian Palace was bustling with activity. Palace maids brought out golden basins and silver dew, while delicacies and jade platters were laid out in Nanxun Hall to the west. He had only drunk a cup of tea last night without speaking, and was really hungry now, so he ate two bowls of rice porridge.
Rong Shanggong said respectfully, "It is almost noon. Please go to Xingqing Palace to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager and express your gratitude."
A few days ago, the old head of Kunyi Palace explained the etiquette to Weiyu. The ceremony was considered complete only after paying respects at Xingqing Palace at dawn on the second day after entering the palace. Weiyu nodded. She didn't mind that the time had passed, and she had no obligation to follow it. However, she didn't want to be impolite for no reason. Life had to go on. She really couldn't play the arrogant role on the first day. So, she would just try walking around.
When the Imperial Concubine's jade-canopied, pearl-embroidered carriage stopped at the Xingqing Palace gate, Consort De and her entourage were already waiting there. She forced a smile, but inwardly she was consumed by jealousy. She was also one of the four consorts, yet her status was far inferior to the Imperial Concubine's. Moreover, this time, Emperor Xuande had personally ordered the Inner Palace to establish an Imperial Concubine's ceremonial attire that was almost on par with the Empress's. Wei Yu, supported by her purple-clad attendant, stepped down from the platform. Seeing the large group of women in brightly colored dresses and fragrant perfumes before her, she felt a little dizzy. "These are the so-called beauties of the six palaces?" Despite her resentment, Consort De had no choice but to step forward. "Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome the Imperial Concubine." The others behind her all knelt down. Consort De merely straightened herself, sizing up Wei Yu. She found her appearance to be average; one could easily find a handful of beautiful women in this palace. She refused to acknowledge Wei Yu's exceptional beauty and captivating charm.
Before speaking, she bowed slightly. This person must be Consort Zhou, whom the woman in purple had mentioned earlier, the Empress Dowager's niece. She was wearing a light pink silk jacket with floral patterns, and a long pink skirt with tie-dye accentuated her graceful figure, revealing a large expanse of her breasts. She wore a tasseled necklace, her hair was styled in a high bun, and she wore a palace flower made of rubies. When she spoke, her pearl earrings and gold hairpins swayed slightly. She was arrogant, noble, and beautiful.
Seeing Wei Yu's gentle demeanor, Consort De assumed she was somewhat wary of her status and became smug. "The Empress Dowager has been grumbling about it all morning, finally welcoming the Imperial Concubine's arrival." Her words implied a rebuke of Wei Yu's neglect of Xingqing Palace, but Wei Yu, determined to ignore the palace's entanglements, simply said, "Thank you for your trouble, Consort De. Please." Seeing no rebuttal, Consort De grew even more arrogant. Behind her, Xue Ruyao smiled contemptuously. Consort De was foolish; she couldn't see that others were just going through the motions. She had met this Imperial Concubine once before; while her bearing was certainly outstanding, her appearance paled in comparison. How could she compare to Wei Yu's natural beauty? It was only a matter of time before she fell out of favor.
After Wei Yu performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and six kowtows, the Palace Attendant Rong knelt and presented a jade tray with a cup of fragrant tea, its steam rising gently. Zhou Shi slowly took the tea from the Palace Attendant, lifted the lid, blew on it lightly, took a small sip, and placed it back on the jade tray held by the maid beside her. She then took the brocade handkerchief to wipe her lips before smiling and saying, "Oh dear, why aren't you all helping the Noble Consort up and sitting down?" She was unimpressed; the Emperor's taste was only so-so. Everyone in this palace was a budding beauty, and he was just indulging in novelty. She had seen plenty of such women in the palace.
"These palace rules are indeed strict. Who has to kowtow to others the day after their wedding? I feel sorry for you. However," she said with a kind face, but her tone was sharp, determined to give Wei Yu a warning. She was the most honored woman in the palace, the biological mother of the current emperor, and the supreme Empress Dowager of the Qin Empire, "Without rules, there can be no order. The Consort has come all the way from Yuan Ning in the northeast. It's understandable that she's not used to the palace yet. Consort De, Consort Hua, Consort Yang," she called out one by one, and those called rose from their chairs to respond respectfully, "They are all from the capital region..." "You come from a distinguished family, and you are the Empress Dowager. You should get closer to them and help the Emperor. As the old saying goes, 'To govern a country, one must first manage one's family.' If you are harmonious, the Emperor can focus on state affairs, and I will have less to worry about." Zhou Shi spoke gently, subtly warning Wei Yu not to covet the Emperor's favor. Wei Yu nodded obediently, thinking to herself, "This is my elegant and formidable mother-in-law. I wish someone would offer themselves to me, but he is so powerful, would he let himself be manipulated?" It turned out that before she left the palace, the Qianqing Palace sent someone with an imperial gift and an imperial decree that the Emperor would have dinner at the Chengqian Palace that evening.
Seeing that Wei Yu was quite sensible, Zhou Shi stopped talking. She was still somewhat wary: she had just ordered someone to bring the daily records, which indicated that the Emperor had stayed overnight at Chengqian Palace last night and had not bestowed any herbal soup. She was shocked. After Emperor Xuande assumed power, he was very restrained in summoning his concubines, and afterwards, he would always bestow herbal soup upon them, even those favored like Consort Sima and Consort Xue. As a result, no babies had been born in the palace for eight years. Because Consort De already had the eldest son, and the mother of the second son was of lowly status and posed no threat, she privately did not want any other concubine to have a child and compete with the eldest son, so she did not care. However, last night the Emperor broke two precedents. If Wei Yu was pregnant, this would be extremely inappropriate. The Noble Consort was above Consort De, and in the future, the son's status would depend on the mother's or the mother's on the son's. Would there still be a place for Zhou Shi in the palace?
"But we can't rush things. It's best not to provoke the Emperor while he's infatuated with the new favorite, lest he become temperamental." Zhou glanced at Xue Ruyao, who looked respectful. "We still need to use this woman; we need to find a way to get her involved." Thinking this, she said kindly, "Alright, Consort, you've worked hard since you've just arrived. Go back and rest. You've all served her for most of the day; take your leave. Someone, bestow that double-branched ruyi from my room upon Consort. Oh, and while you're at it, go to the storeroom and take the crystal screen to the eldest prince's study in the Hall of Longevity." She deliberately highlighted Consort De and the eldest prince. Consort De, who had initially shown displeasure upon hearing about the ruyi, turned her anger into joy upon hearing about the crystal screen: "Thank you, Mother. Your grandson thanks you on behalf of his mother." She emphasized the word "grandson."
"Yes, let him improve himself. He can take whatever he wants from here." Everyone looked on with envy at her words.
Wei Yu watched as the two women sang back and forth, almost exactly as she had imagined. If it weren't for her own troubles, she would have found it quite amusing. Rong Shanggong accepted the auspicious brocade box, and Wei Yu bowed again before leaving with the others.
After leaving Xingqing Palace, the concubines once again respectfully saw off the Imperial Concubine's carriage, their confidence greatly boosted. Their beauty was no less than that of the Imperial Concubine, and they were confident that if they used their charm, they would surely win her favor. Only Lady Sima secretly shook her head and boarded her sedan chair, saying, "To Ci'en Temple."
Two months ago, she had the same idea. Confident in her family background, talent, virtue, and beauty, she believed she would enter the palace as a high-ranking concubine, frequently favored by the Emperor. Full of ambition, she thought the rank of Consort was within her grasp, and the Emperor's son would surely be born from her womb. Who knew that a bolt from the blue would strike at Jiufeng Mountain Garden... For two months, she endured the cold winds and rains of Shangyang Palace, suffering endless humiliation. She and her two maids sometimes struggled even to feed themselves. When she asked her family for money, they treated it like trash, fearing she would bring shame upon their noble family. Seeing the beauties and talented women in the palace sitting there all day, lost in thought, filled her with fear. She hoped the Emperor would remember her gentle and charming nature. She refused to give up, but from expectation to disappointment, and even despair, she realized that the Emperor's favor was as fragile as paper. When she first entered the palace, she often restrained herself, but later she became arrogant and complacent. Last night, she unexpectedly received an imperial edict to move out of Shangyang Palace. The palace maids all thought her suffering was over and were overjoyed, since no one had ever left Shangyang Palace before. However, she noticed something in the old palace maid's cold yet respectful expression. Among the several residences arranged for her, she extinguished her last hope. There would be no more favor from her. She chose the most remote Zhaotai Pavilion. The palace maids were puzzled. She sighed sadly. From now on, it would be good enough if they could provide for her without any problems.
Today she met Weiyu, but her heart remained calm. However, she still went to Ci'en Temple to chant sutras to dispel her anger.
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Time flies, and it's already mid-autumn. It's been two months since Wei Yu entered the palace.
As the sun sets, a pale purple twilight blankets the sky above the east and west sides of the palace, making the overlapping palace ridges and eaves appear hazy, graceful, solemn, and mysterious.
In the main room on the right side of the East Warm Pavilion in Qianqing Palace, the enchanting spring scenery had not yet faded. Emperor Xuande gently stroked Weiyu's smooth shoulder. Weiyu turned around and wrapped herself tightly in the quilt. Emperor Xuande knew she was annoyed and couldn't help but chuckle. His gaze fell softly on her black hair. What a contradictory little thing. Usually, she was aloof and cold. Only after each tender moment would she show her annoyance and unease. He was happy to see this. It made him feel both pity and love. He was almost tempted to make a move. But he was also afraid that she would really be angry because she really dared to show him a bad attitude. This little woman was not afraid of his imperial authority. He would have to be turned away for several days and could only get into her bed in the middle of the night. Now, everyone in Qianqing Palace and Chengqian Palace knew that his authority as a husband was not very strong.
When did it begin? Emperor Xuande, inhaling the delicate fragrance of Wei Yu's hair, embraced her tightly. Perhaps it was the first day; he was already completely captivated. The second night, the third night, Wei Yu's resistance severely wounded his imperial dignity. He used various methods to manipulate her, making her oblivious body sob in ecstasy. He forcefully possessed her, and she submitted, yet grew increasingly thin, her spirit withered. When she lay submissively beneath him, yielding to his every whim, he panicked. He realized her gaze was unfocused, her mind elsewhere. He held her tenderly, but his heart felt empty. She was so frail, as if she might collapse in an instant. She would melt away, and though she was in his arms, he felt as if he hadn't grasped anything. Heartbroken, for the first time in his life, he humbled himself, treating her gently, patiently coaxing and pampering her. He hadn't expected to fall so deeply. Perhaps when he was writing the imperial edict, unconsciously giving her everything he considered best, he had already fallen in love with her. He hadn't imagined he possessed such abundant tenderness, weaving a dense net that enveloped his heart. Now that things were finally somewhat harmonious, how could he dare to anger her? "My lovely..." he chuckled, inhaling her soft breath.
Emperor Xuande alighted from his seven-jeweled dragon-carved imperial couch. He had never summoned any other concubines to the right main room; he always resided alone. Now, the room was filled with tenderness—her jade hairpin, her scrolls, her ink, her dress and cloak. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips. He gathered his scattered robes and dressed neatly, a habit he had developed over the past two months. It was impossible for Wei Yu to help him dress at this moment; she was still embarrassed and annoyed, and he didn't want to engage in another predatory act. The languid Wei Yu aroused his desire more easily than ever before. He also didn't want to call Gao Qing in. Firstly, he didn't want anyone else to share this still intimate space, and secondly, he wanted to maintain some imperial dignity. With no other choice, he had to dress himself. He fastened his jade belt, leaned down, and kissed Wei Yu's delicate cheek: "Sleep a little longer. I'm going to look at some memorials. I'll call someone in later. You get up and have dinner with me."
In the East Warm Pavilion, the incense burner emitted a faint scent of sage. Emperor Xuande sat before the rosewood carved dragon table by the window. The palace lanterns with tassels were already lit. The sky darkened, and the crescent moon climbed into the night sky. After reading several memorials, he became somewhat distracted when he saw that there was still no movement from the right main room.
He recalled that three hours earlier, he had sent Gao Qing to fetch Wei Yu. Usually, he would only summon Wei Yu to Qianqing Palace during dinner, or he would go to Chengqian Palace. After dinner, in the west study, he would read memorials while Wei Yu mostly practiced calligraphy. At this time, a tacit understanding flowed between them. With just a glance, Wei Yu would add tea and bring him inkstone. He could sense that Wei Yu had feelings for him. Sometimes, when he commented on her calligraphy, Wei Yu's eyes would be filled with tenderness and admiration. This tranquil happiness intoxicated him, making him long to return home every day.
In the afternoon, he finished his official duties early and wondered if he should bring Wei Yu over soon. He knew that if he entered the palace too early, the officials would object, and even though he was the emperor, the upright officials still needed to be respected. Just then, a large golden begonia flower tea tray and a jade cabbage, exquisitely carved and crafted, arrived from the official kiln in western Beijing. He hurriedly sent Gao Qing to fetch her, but Gao Qing returned alone soon after, saying that a palace maid in Chengqian Palace had suddenly fallen seriously ill. The Imperial Concubine said it was appendicitis, which could be excruciatingly painful. She said she would come after the imperial physician had treated her. However, he waited until sunset, and he had to urge her three times. Wei Yu arrived late, his enthusiasm dampened and his afternoon wasted. He was quite unhappy that a palace maid was more important than him. Knowing full well that he was just jealous, he still swallowed his anger. Wei Yu ignored his inexplicable outburst and, tired from the afternoon's commotion, went to her room to rest. Wei Yu became even angrier. Seeing Gao Qing's seemingly smiling expression, he immediately followed her in, even to the bed, to prove his importance.
Thinking back, he was already out of breath. Wei Yu's body wasn't exactly delicate, but it couldn't be overworked. So he simply put down the folding book, and Zi Yi lifted the curtain, made a shushing gesture, and tiptoed inside.
The Imperial Kitchen came again with instructions. Gao Qing thought for a moment. The Emperor felt sorry for the Imperial Concubine, so he boldly took the initiative to select several exquisite dishes, including the Imperial Concubine's favorite rice porridge. He set up a sandalwood table on one side of the East Warm Pavilion. Sure enough, not long after, the Emperor carried the Imperial Concubine out and gave him an approving look. Gao Qing touched his nose and signaled everyone to leave. He was already used to this. As he closed the door, he could hear the Emperor gently patting him on the back.
When the weather was cool but not yet cold, a crescent moon hung in the sky, its light as silver as silver. While Emperor Xuande was reviewing memorials, Wei Yu, along with Zi Yi and Cheng Yi, strolled under the eaves of the rear hall of Qianqing Palace. Leaning on the white jade railing, she gazed at the layers of palaces and courtyards. Yet, Wei Yu felt hopeless. How could she possibly grow wings and fly out of these towering palace walls?
"Turning through the vermilion pavilion, lowering the embroidered window, the light shines on the sleepless."
She wasn't entirely unmoved by Emperor Xuande's affections. Her initial resistance led to his forceful possessiveness, which she met with indifference, expecting him to be angry, but instead, he became increasingly gentle. She then tried to provoke him with coldness, but he seemed completely unconcerned. Although rumors were forbidden in Chengqian Palace, she could deduce that since her entry into the palace, she had been exclusively favored by the Emperor, who hadn't summoned any other concubines. Even on her days when she was unwell, he left early and returned late, like a working man; she could feel his devotion. She wasn't made of stone; this month she had bleeding again, and his subtly disappointed gaze filled her with a sense of melancholy, even though she had secretly taken most of the medicine. Because of this, Lady Zhou summoned her to Xingqing Palace several times, explicitly and implicitly suggesting that she should possess the virtues of a virtuous woman, eventually even saying, "The Emperor's widespread blessings are a blessing to the nation," practically calling her a demon. But how long could such affection last in the imperial family? She dared not, and could not, fall in love, otherwise she would be the one to be ruined. She was just an ordinary woman, a passerby in this time and space. Let it be a fleeting dream that would eventually end.
But as she pondered this in the quiet of the night, could she truly remain silent and unreliable in the face of future midnight dreams? She sighed deeply.
"Silently I ascend the western tower alone, the moon like a hook, a lonely paulownia tree in the deep courtyard locks in the clear autumn. Unbreakable, tangled, is the sorrow of parting, a unique taste in my heart."
"My beloved, reciting poetry under the moonlight, what a refined taste you have!"
She turned around and saw Emperor Xuande smiling warmly under the moonlight, dressed in a moon-white silk robe with nine dragons playing in the water, looking tall and dashing.
A pair of clear, slightly melancholic eyes looked into his, their blackness tinged with a light blue halo. The wind blew her dress as if she were about to ride the wind and return, which suddenly startled Emperor Xuande.
A gentle breeze and sparse shadows, the hearts of two people beat simultaneously, seemingly near yet far.
The autumn air was crisp and clear. A breeze rippled across the surface of Taiye Pond, reflecting the elegant palaces and pavilions, which trembled slightly in its reflection. The covered walkways and waterside pavilions were exquisitely crafted; on the jade belt and golden bridge, several beautiful women in their finery swayed in the breeze, their skirts fluttering. Sitting by the window, admiring the distant mountains and the ten miles of misty waters should have been a delightful experience, but Empress Dowager Zhou was restless and agitated.
Today is the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. As usual, the emperor will hold a family banquet at the Daming Palace with the Empress Dowager to symbolize the reunion of the imperial family and to set an example for the people of the world to live in harmony. In the palace courtyards of the East and West Inner Palaces, palace maids and eunuchs shuttle back and forth, carrying embroidered clothes and jade. The concubines are all dressed up carefully and full of anticipation. Some of them have not seen the emperor for three months. Consort Zhou shamelessly pretended to bump into him by chance when she went to Xingqing Palace to pay her respects on the first and fifteenth of each month. She asked him in a warm manner, but the emperor was indifferent and did not say a word.