Construyendo una dinastía de canciones armoniosas

Capítulo 26

The imperial harem of the Great Yang Kingdom operates on a system of one empress and four consorts. In addition, there are numerous noblewomen and talented women. Throughout history, every monarch has had a harem of three thousand beauties. However, the current Emperor Hong of the Great Yang Kingdom only has Consort Qi, whom he took in when he was crown prince. He also has only two children: an infant princess and a five-year-old prince. Although Emperor Hong has only been on the throne for almost a year, the issue of imperial offspring is of utmost concern to the ministers. Therefore, recently many ministers have submitted memorials proposing the selection of consorts. In fact, the Ministry of Revenue had already completed the statistics on the daughters of ministers of marriageable age some time ago. This was only postponed due to Emperor Hong's visit to Yan and Liao. Now that Emperor Hong has returned, and the Great Yang Kingdom is temporarily in a period of peace and stability, it is a good opportunity to handle this matter.

"I will consider this matter," Emperor Hong said calmly.

"Your Majesty, I believe this matter cannot be delayed. Although Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, the ancestral system must not be abolished. Only by selecting concubines to fill the harem as soon as possible can we ensure the continuation of our Great Yang Dynasty," Fang Xi advised logically.

"What? Minister Fang, do you really want me to establish an heir apparent?" Emperor Hong looked at Fang Xi expressionlessly.

"Your Majesty." At this moment, Lin Cheng also stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I also believe that what Lord Fang said makes sense. We dare not presume to say which he will become the crown prince. However, the selection of a new emperor's consort is an ancestral rule of our Great Yang Dynasty. If Your Majesty is not clear about this, we will inevitably be worried. We beg Your Majesty to understand our sincere intentions."

After Lin Chenggang finished speaking, many other ministers stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, please understand our sincere intentions and hold the selection ceremony for imperial concubines as soon as possible."

Emperor Hong coldly observed them, then turned his gaze to Lin Suyang, who stood silently to the side. "What does Grand Tutor Lin think?"

Lin Suyang stepped forward slowly and leaned down slightly, saying, "I believe that what the ministers have said is absolutely right. Our Great Yang has too few princes and princesses. Firstly, we fear that we will be ridiculed by foreign countries, and secondly, there will be few people to share the Emperor's worries. Therefore, filling the harem is the best policy."

"Grand Tutor Lin is indeed right." Emperor Hong snorted a few times, his mood indescribably irritated. "Alright, no need to say more. The selection of concubines will take place in Qingxiang Palace in three days. At that time... Grand Tutor Lin will be in charge of selecting the officials. Court adjourned." With that, he turned and left.

After the court session ended, Lin Suyang headed towards the Imperial Study as usual. As he passed Lin Cheng, he overheard Lin Cheng say, "Go home early."

Qin Hao sat on the dragon throne and flipped through several memorials, most of which were about him choosing concubines. He then angrily threw them all on the ground.

Lin Suyang walked in and happened to witness this scene. Without saying a word, she bent down and picked up the folders one by one.

"Who is Your Majesty angry with?" Lin Suyang placed the memorial on the desk, took a few steps back, and looked calmly at Qin Hao.

Qin Hao looked at her coldly, "Truly, father and son are of one mind; even the Grand Tutor and Minister Lin are so in agreement."

"I think Your Majesty's words are inappropriate," Lin Suyang said, still looking at him. "It is true that father and son are of one heart, but the selection of concubines by the new emperor is an ancestral rule, and it is not only Minister Lin and I who have raised this point. Does Your Majesty mean that I am colluding with my father?"

For some reason, ever since returning to Da Yang, Qin Hao had been intentionally or unintentionally opposing Lin Suyang. He would either assign her more tasks or find fault with her in court, making things difficult for her at every turn. Lin Suyang, in turn, learned to use sharp words to retort. Unconsciously, their relationship, seemingly strained between ruler and subject, had actually become slightly closer and more amicable than before. Although Lin Suyang didn't seem to notice, it stirred a faint joy within Qin Hao from time to time.

"Is the Grand Tutor saying this to imply that I speak without thinking?" Qin Hao asked unhappily.

"Your subject dares not."

"Dare not? I've noticed that the Grand Tutor's abilities have improved recently; he even dares to contradict me now." Qin Hao's lips curved into a smile.

"As the Emperor's tutor, I believe my past actions need improvement. Does Your Majesty think I am being disrespectful?" Lin Suyang looked at him without flinching.

"It's not so much a matter of insubordination, but as long as the Grand Tutor doesn't embarrass me in front of the other ministers, that's fine." Qin Hao lazily picked up the memorial on the table and began to read it. "For this selection of consorts, does the Grand Tutor have any suitable candidates?"

Lin Suyang said, "I have read the roster. Yang Zhixiao, the daughter of the Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, is virtuous and talented. She has been well-behaved and sensible since childhood and is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. In addition, Zhao Ke, the daughter of the Imperial Censor, is virtuous and dignified and knows when to advance and retreat. Li Fu, the daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, has poetic talent comparable to Yang Zhixiao and is also an excellent cook. I believe she will be deeply loved by His Majesty."

Qin Hao looked up at her: "The Grand Tutor has certainly done his homework thoroughly."

"This is my duty," Lin Suyang said, bowing his head.

"However, as far as I know, the daughter of the Left Grand Counselor is not only proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and songs, but also skilled in riding, archery, and horsemanship. Why is such a spirited and beautiful woman not to catch the eye of the Grand Tutor?"

Lin Suyang paused, then looked up and asked, "I wonder if His Majesty is only looking for beautiful women when taking concubines, or something else?"

Qin Hao turned slightly to the side, tapped the imperial desk with his fingers, and a dark glint flashed in his deep eyes. "What does the Grand Tutor mean by this?"

"Your Majesty must be more aware of the current situation in the court than I am. The Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and the Imperial Censor of the Censorate are very close friends, and both ministers are veterans of the late Emperor. Not to mention that their families are already deeply rooted in the court, their status and prestige are second to none. Your Majesty has only recently ascended the throne, and having the support of these two ministers would surely be more beneficial to Your Majesty."

"What benefit would it bring me to marry Li Fu?"

"His Majesty must have known long ago that Lord Li's younger sister, Li Shuang, is the princess consort of a vassal state, right?" Lin Suyang said only one sentence, the meaning of which was self-evident. Li Shuang is the princess consort of a vassal state, and Li Shuang is also Li Fu's aunt. If Li Fu becomes Emperor Hong's concubine, it is equivalent to receiving the help of the vassal state. Her background is more powerful than the previous two.

Currently, besides Empress Dowager Fengxiang, Consort Qi holds the highest position in the harem. Furthermore, having borne Emperor Hong a son and a daughter, she is widely considered to deserve his favor. In reality, Consort Qi is Empress Dowager Fengxiang's niece, making her Emperor Hong's cousin. This relationship grants her immense power and influence within the harem. The downfall of former Right Chancellor Wang Cheng, with his property confiscated and his dismissal, led to several periods of heightened influence for Empress Dowager Fengxiang's faction, forcing Qin Hao to be wary of potential threats lurking nearby.

If Lin Suyang's suggestion to select those three women as concubines is followed, it will not only restrain the Empress Dowager and Consort Qi's monopoly of power in the harem, but also allow for the secret investigation of Wang Cheng's remaining faction or those loyal to the Empress Dowager in the court, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

However, when it comes to the most powerful family in the court right now, it's probably the Lin family...

"Grand Tutor Lin is very knowledgeable about matters of the court," Qin Hao said meaningfully, "but I feel that there are still many things that the Grand Tutor is not clear about."

Seeing that Lin Suyang remained silent, he continued, "Everyone knows that Minister of Rites Lin Cheng has many disciples, and the number of people who support him in the court should be even greater than that of the Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and the Censorate Attendant Censor. If we are to consider who can provide me with the greatest help by marrying him, Grand Tutor Lin, tell me, who should it be?"

Lin Suyang's heart skipped a beat. What did Qin Hao mean by that? He was well aware of his own situation; he would be resigning from his post and retiring in a year or two. Could it be that he was going to change his mind?

"I remember what I said, so you don't need to worry," Qin Hao said, as if he knew what Lin Suyang was thinking. "However, you should also know that your Lin family is something I have to be wary of." His sharp eyes swept over Lin Suyang.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the Lin family, having become your subjects, will remain so forever, loyal to you even unto death," Lin Suyang said with certainty.

Qin Hao looked at her and sighed inwardly: Even if that's what you think, the people behind you are another story...

"In that case, you can decide what to do in three days. Also, I want to add one more person."

"Who?" Lin Suyang asked.

“Xuan Ge”.

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Sixty-One: The Selection of a Concubine (Part Two)

Xuan Ge. That woman, so gentle and charming, so alluring. That songstress sent by Yan and Liao.

The mighty Emperor of the Great Yang Kingdom was actually going to marry a songstress from another country? This baffled Lin Suyang, but then it dawned on him. Xuan Ge was no ordinary songstress. The fact that Emperor Sheng Han had personally sent her to Emperor Hong was already a clear indication that Yan Liao intended to maintain peaceful relations with the Great Yang. If Qin Hao had refused to accept Xuan Ge back then, a war between the two countries might have broken out. Now, Qin Hao was having Xuan Ge participate in the selection of a concubine, and the reason behind this was likely related to his secret talks with Han Yufeng in Yan Liao.

As dusk settled, Lin Suyang returned to the gates of the Minister's residence in a carriage. Upon alighting, Qiao Sheng hurriedly came to greet him.

"Where is the princess?" Lin Suyang asked, rolling up his sleeves.

“The lady is in her room,” Qiao Sheng replied.

Upon entering, Lin Cheng and Lin Ziyan were sitting in the hall drinking tea. Lin Ziyan saw Lin Suyang and happily stood up: "Brother, you're back!"

"Hmm." Lin Suyang smiled at him, then called Qiao Sheng over and said, "Go and call Madam out for dinner." He then walked to the chair opposite Lin Cheng and sat down.

"The Emperor has appointed you as the chief selector for the imperial concubine selection ceremony three days from now?" Lin Cheng asked, putting down his teacup.

"Yes. The Ministry of Revenue has already compiled the roster, and His Majesty will select a number of people."

"Will Miss Li go?" Lin Cheng glanced at Lin Suyang, and before she could answer, he continued, "Although Li Fu seems gentle and unassuming, she is actually very clever. At sixteen, she is still unmarried and has been waiting for this day. She clearly understands the way to survive in this world. Ha... the girls of the Li family all have good judgment!"

Lin Suyang couldn't tell if Lin Cheng was talking to himself or to himself. He glanced at Ziyan, who was looking down and playing with a few beads in his hand, seemingly not listening at all.

"Yang'er," Lin Cheng suddenly called out. "You are the chief selector. The fate of these people is in your hands. Of the Empress and four Consorts, only Consort Qi remains. The other four are very likely to be chosen by you. Although the Emperor probably already has someone in mind, the list will pass through your hands, so you must not be careless. A slight mistake could bring considerable trouble. I've looked at these people. Among them, the Emperor will definitely not give up on Yang Zhixiao, the daughter of the Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, Chen Yuqiao, the daughter of Chen Keyun, the Minister of War, and Li Fu. As for the last one..." Lin Cheng paused. "...that singing girl from Yan and Liao. Perhaps she is also among those to be chosen."

Hearing this, Lin Suyang was shocked and puzzled. The Ministry of Revenue hadn't even delegated the compilation of the imperial concubine selection list to him, nor had they leaked its contents. How did her father know these women were on it? And the names he mentioned, aside from Chen Yuqiao, the daughter of the Minister of War, and Xuan Ge, were almost identical to what she had in mind. And Xuan Ge was specifically added by the Emperor. She had to admit, her father's intelligence network was incredibly efficient!

Suppressing the sudden unease in her heart, she asked, "Why does Father think these people were already the Emperor's chosen ones? The Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and the Imperial Censor are close friends. If the Emperor wanted to win them over, why would he only choose Yang Zhixiao? And Xuan Ge. She is just a songstress sent from Yan and Liao. Why would the Emperor choose her as a concubine?"

"Hmph." Lin Cheng sneered. "If I were the emperor, I would only want one of them. That way, I wouldn't hinder the support of both sides, and I could prevent them from having any ulterior motives when necessary."

Lin Suyang pondered to himself. How could he not have thought of this? If he had chosen only one of them as a concubine, the other would surely harbor resentment. While the relationship between the two families might not show any obvious cracks, mutual suspicion would be inevitable. If the "necessary time" truly came, Emperor Hong could easily seize control of these two cornerstones with a single scheme to sow discord.

"As for Xuan Ge... he was originally a pawn placed in our Great Central Plains by Yan and Liao. This pawn was placed very well..."

Lin Suyang didn't understand Lin Cheng's words. He just felt that the imperial court was not as simple as he thought. The waters here were too deep, so deep that even if he was suffocating and desperate, he would still throw himself into it.

However, there was one thing she didn't understand: "Then why was Chen Yuqiao chosen? As far as I know, Chen Keyun has always been honest and upright, and has never been close to or distant from anyone. His background is also very clean. What use would it be for the Emperor to choose his daughter?"

Lin Cheng looked at her and shook his head: "Yang'er, you still haven't seen through things after being an official for two or three years. It is precisely because Chen Keyun has always been incorruptible that the Emperor needs such an impartial person to balance the power in the harem."

"Now that Consort Qi has the support of Empress Dowager Fengxiang, if the people I mentioned are indeed selected, it will add the Yang and Zhao factions, and the vassal states. Not to mention Yan and Liao behind Xuan Ge, their power will be divided into three. Chen Yuqiao's addition will curb the unbridled actions of these three factions, after all, one-third of the military power in the Great Central Plains is still in the hands of the Minister of War." This means that the bloodshed and turmoil in the court will spread to the inner palace. At that time, where in this imperial city, on this land, will there still be a peaceful place? Qin Hao must be very tired, right?

"Princess has arrived, let's have our meal." Lin Cheng got up and woke Lin Suyang, who was deep in thought. "Don't worry, just do what you think is right. Even if the sky falls, your father will hold it up for you." Lin Cheng patted her shoulder and walked towards the dining room.

Hearing her father's words, it was impossible not to be moved. Even though he had treated her mother that way before, he was still her father, wasn't he? Blood is thicker than water. However, Lin Suyang wasn't thinking about that now. Those words had been spoken in the main hall, where outsiders could enter at any time, unlike their usual private discussions in the study. She knew that discussing the court so openly was a capital offense if reported by someone with ill intentions. Was her father truly content to be just a loyal subject?

After dinner, back in the bedroom, Qin Yu helped Lin Suyang take off her coat and hang it on the wall. "What's wrong? You look so worried as soon as you get back. Did you encounter any difficulties at work?" Qin Yu made a cup of tea and handed it to her.

"It's nothing," Lin Suyang shook his head. "The imperial concubine selection ceremony will be held in three days. The emperor wants me to be the chief selection official, so I'll be quite busy."

"Oh." Qin Yu looked at her tired appearance and said with heartache, "Look at you, you've lost weight. I'll make you some chicken soup tomorrow to help you recover." As he spoke, he reached out and smoothed Lin Suyang's furrowed brows.

"Thank you." Lin Suyang smiled. "It's late, you should rest." She got up and got into bed. Qin Yu covered her with the blanket, turned around, and gently placed the red paper blanket he had been holding for a long time into the dressing table drawer. He blew out the lamp, groped in the dark, lifted a corner of the blanket, and gently pressed his back against the person on the bed. A smile appeared on Qin Yu's lips.

Lying in bed, Lin Suyang couldn't fall asleep, her mind still troubled by the conversation that day. She couldn't understand Qin Hao's thoughts. She had thought that once he discovered she had entered officialdom as a woman, she had already committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. Even if he were magnanimous, he should at least punish her. But he ignored it, acting as if it had never happened, continuing to hold her high-ranking position, even increasing her salary and assigning her more tasks.

Currently, the Lin family holds the most power and influence in the court, and Lin Suyang's own status falls within the Lin family's mainstream. Could Qin Hao be after this? If so, Lin Suyang must proceed with extreme caution and not let him succeed. However, if it's not Qin Hao with ulterior motives, but rather… Lin Suyang dared not think further. In that case, she feared she would be plunging into an abyss. No matter how she thought about it, these things were all very possible. What preparations could she make? She had observed Yan'er's recent attitude; she either made excuses to avoid them or, when they met, wouldn't exchange a single word beyond a greeting. Even her closest relatives couldn't guess what they were thinking. What could she do?

Thinking of Si Junxing, the man who disregarded everything for her, she wondered how he was doing now. Lin Suyang had a strong urge to go up Guigan Mountain to find him, and then live a life of seclusion, oblivious to worldly affairs, fame, and fortune—what use were they but piles of dung? She deeply remembered Si Junxing's affection. If it started as gratitude, now it was pure love, the kind of love where once they met, she never wanted to be apart again.

Lin Suyang, who had never been in love before, was now thinking about the most important person in her heart. This caused ripples to appear in her usually calm heart, just like a newly opened flower feeling the warmth of the sun and no longer wanting to return to the cold darkness.

He wholeheartedly hoped that things here could end as soon as possible, but little did he know that his dismissal and retirement two years later would become a cruel and indefinite wait.

Volume Three, Heartbreak, Chapter Sixty-Two: The Selection Ceremony of the Imperial Concubine (Part Two)

Three days later, the imperial concubine selection ceremony was held as scheduled. On this day, Lin Suyang wore a dark purple official robe embroidered with auspicious birds and flowing clouds, worn only at grand ceremonies. It had wide sleeves, a veiled crown, and square-footed blue boots. Coupled with his peerless beauty that kept others at bay, the palace maids and servants who were captivated could only watch from afar, not daring to approach.

The winding corridors and layered palaces of Qingxiang Palace, representing the highest status in the harem, were now fully prepared, awaiting the arrival of the ruler who held the fate of everyone in his hands. Qingxiang Palace had been the residence of the Empress of the Great Yang Dynasty since ancient times; residing here guaranteed one's status and power within the harem. How many of those who came here today were not filled with longing and greed as they gazed upon this magnificent palace? How many were content to remain confined within these high walls, never seeing the light of day? If there was anyone Lin Suyang felt both repulsion and pity for, it was these women who were about to become the emperor's women.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Emperor Hong arrived with Empress Dowager Feng Xiang and Consort Qi. After Lin Suyang and several officials paid their respects, they took their places and waited for the selected ladies to meet the Emperor one by one.

Lin Suyang flipped through the list, and Yang Zhixiao, Li Fu, Chen Yuqiao and others were listed at the top. This list was given to Qin Hao two days ago and only returned this morning. No one else could have made such a change except Qin Hao. Just as Lin Cheng said, Qin Hao had already decided on the candidates. Today's selection of concubines was just a formality. Moreover, when he initially selected the candidates, most of them were already gone, and even fewer would remain. The selection ceremony for concubines held by the ministers, which they had tried so hard to hold for Emperor Hong, would end in less than half a day, and it was all pre-arranged. This was truly a joke.

"Now that everything is ready, let's get started."

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, the palace attendant immediately picked up another list and began to read: "Yang Zhixiao, daughter of the Right Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, step forward..." He drew out the last syllable, causing the row of women standing below to tremble slightly.

As soon as the words were spoken, a petite woman walked up with her head bowed. According to the usual rules, the selection of a concubine was divided into two parts. The woman whose name was called first had to recite an article by a sage in front of the emperor and the selection officials to show that she was well-educated and polite. Then she had to demonstrate her talents, whether it was playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting, as long as she was good at it.

Yang Zhixiao stood there delicately, looking as if she couldn't withstand the wind, her hands clasped together, appearing very nervous. Lin Suyang said softly, "Miss Yang, there's no need to be nervous. Just read an article."

Yang Zhixiao raised her head and gave Lin Suyang a grateful look. Then, facing the expressionless Emperor Hong, she read a passage from the "Women's Script" in a soft voice. The Empress Dowager Fengxiang, seated above, seemed to nod in satisfaction. Consort Qi, standing to the side, straightened her head, which was adorned with gold and jade hairpins, and her eyes showed obvious disdain.

After Yang Zhixiao finished reading the article, Lin Suyang asked her to choose one of her talents to demonstrate, and she chose painting. She set out her brush and ink, picked up the wolf-hair brush, dipped it in ink, and finished the work in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. A palace servant came down to take the painting and presented it to Emperor Hong, but Emperor Hong did not accept it and instead waved for him to give it to Lin Suyang.

Lin Suyang took the painting and examined it carefully. The ink-wash landscape was quite imposing, and in terms of its artistic conception, it had the style of the master Gong Ji. However, it still lacked refinement. Given time, it would probably be not far from Gong Ji's level. Lin Suyang smiled at Yang Zhixiao, put the painting aside, and after she left, picked up a pen and made a mark on the register.

Next up was Li Fu. Lin Suyang had met Li Fu once before. Because of Lin Chengdi, she had visited the Li family a few times. However, Li Fu usually stayed in her boudoir and rarely went out, even at home. That time, Li Kuangjin had to call her to come out and greet the guest.

Li Fu was much more open-minded than Yang Zhixiao. Secret writing was also a subject that scholars and princes needed to review for the imperial examinations. When it came time for the talent demonstration, she paused only briefly before composing a poem, "Butterfly Loves Flowers":

Why complain that the wine is weak and the people are heartless?

The Peach Blossom Pond is deep. A long-parched desert.

The ancient road in the west wind is filled with sorrow.

Every thread and inch exudes coolness.

The courtyards and palaces are cold and deserted.

Farewell to the old scenes, I sever my thoughts with the sword.

Red pavilions and jade steps are not my hometown.

Don't dwell on childhood memories of the nightingale playing.

The words were simple, yet filled with melancholy. Though written spontaneously, they seemed inappropriate for this time and place. According to her poem, was she perhaps suffering in the loneliness of the deep palace, with no one to confide in her? Her father said Li Fu was power-hungry and ambitious; given her intelligence, she shouldn't have made such a mistake at this crucial moment. How could she be so careless? Lin Suyang glanced indifferently at the three people above. She saw Empress Dowager Fengxiang's brows furrow, Consort Qi looking at Li Fu with schadenfreude, while Emperor Hong remained expressionless. She sighed, and the vermilion brush fell to the ground.

Following Li Fu were Chen Yuqiao, Zhao Ke, and several other young ladies-in-waiting. Lin Suyang had been secretly observing the Empress Dowager and Consort Qi's expressions and attitudes. These women didn't seem to attract much attention from them. However, when they heard a palace attendant call out "Xuange, the songstress of Yan and Liao," their expressions changed, and they both looked down at the stunningly beautiful and alluring woman in the light gauze dress.

Her phoenix eyes sparkled, gazing at Emperor Hong on the high platform. Swaying like a willow branch, she moved with delicate steps, her appearance fragile and endearing. Such a woman filled Consort Qi with an unprecedented sense of crisis. In her haste, she disregarded the Emperor sitting beside her and blurted out, "How can a lowly songstress like her participate in the selection of concubines?"