Chapter 26: Winning the Prize

Chapter 26: Winning the Prize

"Sister Xu Xiu Yuan, the begonia hairpin you wear today looks exquisite. Is it a new creation from Mei Ying Pavilion?" asked Min Jieyu, seated next to Jiang Hui.

Although the emperor did not summon Min Jieyu to his chambers yesterday, with the Empress Dowager's support, no one dared mock her for it.

Grateful for the change in subject, Xu Xiu Yuan touched her hairpin, putting on a dignified smile and nodded slightly, shifting the conversation to clothes and jewelry.

The Empress arrived fashionably late, dressed in a vibrant red court attire with a peony hairstyle, exuding dignity and grace.

"Yuan'er had a fever this morning, hence my delay," the Empress explained in a friendly manner.

Everyone rose to pay their respects, and then took their seats after receiving the Empress's grace.

Xu Xiu Yuan quickly expressed her concern for the princess: "With the recent passing of Guyu, the mornings and evenings can still be chilly. Adults may be fine, but children are more susceptible to illness. Is the princess alright now?"

"She's generally healthy. She just caught a cold playing wildly in Feng Yi Palace yesterday. The imperial physician has seen her, and she's already sweated it out."

Empress Wang smiled, glanced around the hall, and asked Jiang Hui, "Is the Crown Prince feeling better now?"

"Thank you for your concern, Empress. He should recover after one more dose of medicine," Jiang Hui replied with a slight smile.

The Empress nodded, then said, "With the newcomers joining us yesterday, from now on we shall address each other as sisters in this palace. Come forward, let the Empress, Xu Xiu Yuan, and Shi Meiren get to know you."

"Yes."

The thirty-two newcomers took their places according to rank, each paying respects to their seniors in turn.

"Qiu Kui," called Jiang Hui. Her attendant, Qiu Kui, approached, bearing a box inlaid with pearls and jewels, distributing gifts to the newcomers - mostly new bead necklaces from Mei Ying Pavilion, a favorite among the palace ladies.

Taking this opportunity, Jiang Hui scrutinized the newcomers. Some were dignified and beautiful, others pitiable, some gentle and demure, and others vivacious and spirited. Amidst their varied charms, she couldn't help but admire the emperor's good fortune. However, if judged solely on appearance, Wan Cairen and Xie Meiren stood out the most.

Xu Xiu Yuan also noticed this and, after a thorough look at Xie Meiren, asked, "What's wrong with you, Xie Meiren?"

Xie Meiren, quiet and composed, replied with downcast eyes, "Lady Xu, I had an unfortunate fall yesterday at Lan Yue Pavilion and sprained my ankle. I've already informed the Empress and removed my green headplate."

Her words brought relief to some and stirred thoughts in others. Xu Xiu Yuan, however, immediately brightened up and gestured for Xie Meiren to step back.

The ceremony ended swiftly, and everyone returned to their seats. The Empress instructed, "Now that you have entered the palace, your primary duty is to serve the emperor and contribute to the continuance of the Great Zhou dynasty. Avoid causing trouble and adhere to the palace rules."

"Yes," the newcomers responded in unison.

Pleased, the Empress then spoke of paying respects at Ci Ning Palace: "The Empress Dowager is considerate. She instructed us to pay respects only on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. Apart from these times, you should not disturb her."

……

The audience took nearly half an hour longer than usual. Leaving Feng Yi Palace, the day had fully brightened. Jiang Hui's palanquin smoothly passed by Suo Yue Pool and made its way back to Yao Hua Palace without any hindrance.

Comfortably settled on her couch in the warm chamber, Jiang Hui summoned Qing Feng and inquired, "Do you know what happened yesterday at Han Zhang Hall?"

Qing Feng bowed respectfully, "My lady, I heard that His Majesty did indeed choose Min Jieyu's token yesterday and went to Han Zhang Hall for dinner. However, for some reason, he did not stay overnight and instead came to Yao Hua Palace."

"You don't know either?" Jiang Hui raised an eyebrow.

"The staff of Han Zhang Hall are all appointed by the Empress Dowager herself, and they have contacts within the Inner Affairs Department," Qing Feng replied, bowing deeply, "I'm incapable of finding out more."

"It's not your fault," Jiang Hui said with a slight frown, instructing, "Pay more attention to Sun Cairen these days."

Sun Cairen was not as straightforward and naive as she seemed. Her confrontation with Xu Xiu Yuan in Feng Yi Palace today, aside from knowing Xu Xiu Yuan's character was not prone to complex schemes, also pushed Wan Cairen into the spotlight. After all, compared to Sun Manyun, a lady of a third-rank official's family, Feng Pingping, a well-born beauty, was the easier target.

She was adept at using others to achieve her ends. The Empress’ placement of these two in the same palace was also a clever move.

"Yes," Que Feng acknowledged and withdrew.

*

Shen hour, Liang Yi Hall.

Gong Su Quan Shun, holding a redwood tray, tiptoed first to the ear chamber. Seeing An Jing being served tea by a young eunuch, he eagerly approached and said, "How has Grand Eunuch An been?"

An Jing glanced at Quan Shun and immediately beamed with narrow eyes, "Ah, it’s Grand Eunuch Quan, please have a seat."

"I dare not, I have urgent matters," Quan Shun pursed his lips, gesturing for An Jing to look at his tray full of green-topped tablets, "May I inquire about His Majesty's mood today?"

This was an inquiry about the Emperor's disposition.

An Jing glanced into the redwood tray, noticing the tablet labeled "Wan Cairen" in the center, and "Min Jieyu's" slightly askew. Somewhat surprised, he thought to himself which lady had bribed this clever eunuch. Still smiling, he pointed towards the outside, indicating the time of day.

"The clear sky outside suggests His Majesty is in a great mood," Quan Shun observed, relieved.

Feeling relieved, Quan Shun laughed heartily, "I'll treat Grand Eunuch An to a drink another day. Now, I must go." With that, he tiptoed to the main hall's entrance, sneaking a peek inside. Sheng An was gesturing for him to come over.

Immediately straightening his robe, Quan Shun entered the hall with the redwood tray, bowed deeply, and knelt, announcing loudly, "Your servant Quan Shun from the Palace Steward's Office humbly requests His Majesty to select a consort."

Emperor Xiao Sheng was absorbed in reviewing a memorial about the provincial examinations, his brush flying across the paper, not sparing a glance for Quan Shun.

Quan Shun remained silent, standing still like a wooden statue, eyes fixed on the thick, gold-threaded carpet, holding the tray aloft steadily.

After a long pause, the sound of a tea lid being lifted was heard. Shortly after, a pair of black boots with gold dragon embroidery approached Quan Shun, who bowed even lower in deep humility.

On the redwood tray, covered with red silver-gleaming satin, the green-topped ivory tablets were neatly arranged. Xiao Sheng's gaze quickly found the "Wan Cairen" tablet in the center. He glanced at Quan Shun, who was still kneeling, picked up a tablet, and casually dropped it into Quan Shun's lap.

Quan Shun scrambled out of Liang Yi Hall.

He pulled out the tablet from his robe - the "Wan Cairen" inscription glittered in the sunlight.

"Master, what happened?"

The waiting junior eunuch hastily took the rosewood tray and supported Gong Ye, expressing his concern.

Assisted by the eunuch, Gong Ye wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and instructed, "Send someone to... no, I'll personally go to Jiang Xue Xuan to inform Wan Cairen. You prepare the Feng Luan Chun En carriage. When the time comes, go to pick her up."

Given Wan Cairen's status, she didn't have the privilege of waiting in her own palace for the emperor's favor.

*

In Chong Hua Palace's Zhu Xia Xuan, the palace maid Hua Mei stood by the window, discreetly observing Jiang Xue Xuan. Soon, she returned to Sun Manyun's side and whispered, "Miss... my lady, the Palace Interior Bureau has sent someone. Indeed, His Majesty has chosen Wan Cairen for the night."

Sun Manyun was sitting at her dressing table, fiddling with a porcelain white narrow-necked vase, its mouth tightly sealed, emitting a faint sweet fragrance from the cork.

"She has that look, and she's so naively endearing. Instead of suppressing her, it's better to let her come forward early," Sun Manyun said with a slight smile.

Coming forward early would certainly bother others.

"But how did you know His Majesty wouldn't visit Min Jieyu again today?" Hua Mei asked curiously.

"I don't know," Sun Manyun unexpectedly replied, "But it seems something definitely happened yesterday. Prepare yourself; we're going to visit Sister Yun at Chang Chun Palace."