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Chapter 1
Wu Jin Zhui
“Mistress, it only rained at noon; watch your step, the ground is slick.”
Outside the threshold carved with twin lotus flowers came the soft voice of a palace maid.
With the crisp, rustling chime of beaded tassels, a platform shoe embroidered with gold-traced peonies stepped inside.
A room left uninhabited for a long time lacks a certain vitality, even with palace servants cleaning it regularly. Yu Guifei raised her handkerchief, gently dabbing her nose. Two gilt nail guards inlaid with seed pearls rested against her pine-green silk kerchief, exuding an air of aloofness and sharp authority.
The furnishings in the room remained exactly as they had been. As the evening sun filtered in, the light cast a layer of orange-gold across the window paper, drenching the entire room. The bamboo blinds beneath the eaves swayed in the wind, rhythmically thumping against the pillars. Standing at the door and looking askance, one could see ten thousand tiny specks of dust floating within that waterfall of light, dancing up and down. It felt as though a deep breath would suck them all straight into one’s lungs.
Yu Guifei narrowed her eyes. Standing against the eastern wall was a large garment rack, holding a bright yellow dragon robe woven with gold thread. It was the formal attire worn by an Empress for major occasions—the most singular mark of prestige in the entire palace. This garment had hung here for two years. Ordinarily, it should have been returned to the storehouse, but since the one above had not spoken, even Yu Guifei, who was currently managing the affairs of the Six Palaces, did not dare dispose of it lightly.
Since it wasn't put away, one had to come and pay respects to it from time to time. In the past, when the Empress wore it, no one dared to stare; it represented the dignity of the Imperial House—a majesty that was visible but unreachable. And then there was that morning crown of marten fur inlaid with Eastern Pearls... the pearls on it were a full two sizes larger than anyone else’s.
Yu Guifei’s gaze fell back onto the phoenix robe. “The servants looking after this room aren't diligent. Look at the dust settled all over the shoulders!”
The palace maid, Cui Piao, hurriedly responded, “I will certainly give them a stern lecture later.” As she moved forward to clean it, Yu Guifei called her to a halt.
“Let me do it.” Yu Guifei’s hand, pampered white and delicate, slowly rose.
Cui Piao backed away and performed a slight curtsy. “Then this servant will open the windows, lest the dust flies up and chokes the Mistress.”
The side room of Zhong Cui Gong featured windows with an ice-crack pattern. As the window was propped open, a sliver of the setting sun leaked in from the bottom, hitting the coiled dragon on the chest of the robe. The densely packed embroidery threads reflected a piercing golden glare, momentarily dazzling Yu Guifei. She couldn't help but flinch away. When she regained her composure, she let out a frustrated, silent laugh.
“Ah, the maids of the Seamstress Bureau truly do exquisite work.”
Cui Piao agreed. “It is time to change into spring robes. This year, Jiangnan has sent in several newcomers; I'll have them prepare fresh patterns and bring them to our palace for Mistress to personally select.”
Yu Guifei nodded absently, carefully brushing the dust off the robe.
Just then, a rumbling sound came from the east, accompanied by the rhythmic clacking of wooden clappers. Yu Guifei turned toward the window. “What’s happening?”
Cui Piao smiled. “Noble Mistress has forgotten. Today is the first day of the selection; the daughters of the various Banners have entered the palace.”
Yu Guifei let out an “oh.” “Look at my memory, I really did forget.”
The selection is a path every palace Lady must cross. When you are a newcomer, you are chosen by others; once you’ve made a name for yourself, you choose others.
The Grand Selection happens every three years. In previous years, it was always presided over by the Empress. Two years ago, the Empress was deposed, so this year’s selection fell under Yu Guifei's management.
There isn't much to see in the first round. Eunuchs, with their critical eyes, filter through the girls based on their looks, weeding out nearly half. Those remaining are girls of excellent character, who are then presented to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Those whose names are recorded stay, while the rest are sent to various departments to serve as staff.
However, among these girls, there are always some with special backgrounds. Yu Guifei asked Cui Piao, “How many are from the families of the current concubines this year?”
Cui Piao thought for a moment. “In reply to the Noble Mistress, aside from the one from He Fei’s family, the other five are all from families of lower ranks.”
Guifei nodded. “Then there is no need to worry.”
“However, there is someone from the Shang family this year. Strictly speaking, her seniority is quite high. Even the former Empress had to call her Aunt.”
Yu Guifei was startled for a moment. “What sort of immortal is this?”
Cui Piao said, “The old master of the Shang family left behind a posthumous child. She is five years younger than the former Empress and has reached the age for selection this year.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Guifei remembered. There was indeed such a matter.
Absurdities are common among the Banner people; it’s not strange to see a sixty-year-old grandson and a three-year-old grandfather. The old master, Shang Lin, had fathered six sons and one daughter. The youngest was still in the womb when the old master passed away. The Empress's father was the eldest son; thus, the niece was several years older than the aunt.
When the girls of the Banners reach the age, every single one must enter the palace; this is beyond reproach. The awkwardness lay in her status. While her plaque certainly read “Daughter of the late Shang Lin,” her niece had been deposed and her brother demoted. It was truly difficult to arrange a place for her.
Truth be told, although Yu Guifei wasn't close to the Shang family, their ancestors had once been linked. After hearing Cui Piao’s words, a look of slight regret appeared on her face. “Their family performed great services for the throne in the early years. Now, waves of officials are impeaching Fu Hai. The man has been demoted to the Ussuri River. If this girl stays, how will she manage? It would be better to just reject her.”
Hearing this, Cui Piao whispered, “Then this servant shall inform the Chief Eunuch.”
Yu Guifei raised a finger. “No need. The selection has many hurdles. The Shang family are no longer imperial relatives, and many are watching the drama. Since I am managing the Six Palaces, if I release her of my own accord, I’ll provide fuel for gossip. Let her be.”
---
The light filtering through the curtains of the mule carriage gradually dimmed.
Yi Xing had been sitting upright for a full six hours. They were likely approaching Shenwu Men; the line of carriages was moving slower and slower. Despite the strict rules, hushed whispers drifted in from outside.
“This gate tower... it's so high!”
“I heard that if you touch the door studs of Shenwu Men in the first lunar month, you’ll give birth to a son.”
Several girls immediately broke into giggles. “How shameless, you're already thinking of sons...”
Yi Xing smiled as she listened. She reached out and quietly lifted the hanging curtain of the window.
A gust of cool air met her. Looking out, countless carriages converged before the palace gates. The twin lanterns mounted on the shafts reflected the twilight, extending north from Shenwu Men and lighting up both banks of the Tongzi He.
Further ahead, the candidates before the gate arch had disembarked. Yi Xing was curious; she leaned forward and asked the driver: “Can you enter the palace with me?”
The driver was an old-timer from the Shang estate. He said gently: “No. Once the Mistress enters the garden, I will drive the carriage south out of the palace through the Shenwu Men East Alley. When you finish tomorrow, I will be right here waiting to take you home.”
Yi Xing gave an “oh.” She wasn't particularly afraid, but she thought to herself that if the first selection took all night, the scale was truly grand.
Later, she heard a raspy voice calling for her Banner to line up. She stepped out of the carriage, leaning on the driver's arm for support.
Everything was novel. Yi Xing had never seen so many people. She was the youngest of the old Master; her parents had her when they were fifty, and she was the only girl of this generation. She had been pampered since birth.
When disaster struck—her brother lost his title and her niece, the Empress, was deposed—she felt the heavy pressure of living. But a young girl’s sorrow is brief. Aside from remembering the Empress crying “Aunt, I’m going now” at her wedding, nothing had truly made her bitter.
When the official called “Daughter of the late Shang Lin,” she stepped forward and replied, “Present.”
A senior eunuch led her group of seven into Shunzhen Men.
Yi Xing followed her mother’s teachings, keeping her eyes on her toes. But her peripheral vision caught the scenery—the greenery and the Yanhui Ge lit with lanterns.
Suddenly, her clothes were tugged from behind. A girl whispered, “Are you from Minister Shang’s house?”
Yi Xing nodded. The girl was delighted. “My father is a Captain; he's sworn brothers with your brother. I should really call you Aunt, too.”
Yi Xing was surprised to find a relative here. Just as she was about to greet her, a eunuch shouted: “No whispering! This is not the place for family chat!”
Startled, Yi Xing stuck out her tongue and hurried into the hall.
Next was the inspection by the Chief Eunuch. He sized her up and down. “Daughter of Shang Lin, sixteen years old—is that you?”
Yi Xing kept her eyes down and said yes.
“Show me your hand,” he said.
Yi Xing didn't understand the protocol. Seeing his palm up, she thought he was reading her fortune, so she placed her hand palm-up in his.
The nannies nearby laughed. The Chief Eunuch chuckled at the simple-minded girl and looked at her palm. “Hmm, it’s a lifeline for longevity.”
It was a pity the Shang family had fallen. If this were two years ago, she would have been a formidable figure. Since no one had given specific orders about her, he followed the normal process.
The eunuch sang out: “Daughter of the late Shang Lin: Retain the plaque.”
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______
Chapter 1
Wu Jin Zhui
“Mistress, it only rained at noon; watch your step, the ground is slick.”
Outside the threshold carved with twin lotus flowers came the soft voice of a palace maid.
With the crisp, rustling chime of beaded tassels, a platform shoe embroidered with gold-traced peonies stepped inside.
A room left uninhabited for a long time lacks a certain vitality, even with palace servants cleaning it regularly. Yu Guifei raised her handkerchief, gently dabbing her nose. Two gilt nail guards inlaid with seed pearls rested against her pine-green silk kerchief, exuding an air of aloofness and sharp authority.
The furnishings in the room remained exactly as they had been. As the evening sun filtered in, the light cast a layer of orange-gold across the window paper, drenching the entire room. The bamboo blinds beneath the eaves swayed in the wind, rhythmically thumping against the pillars. Standing at the door and looking askance, one could see ten thousand tiny specks of dust floating within that waterfall of light, dancing up and down. It felt as though a deep breath would suck them all straight into one’s lungs.
Yu Guifei narrowed her eyes. Standing against the eastern wall was a large garment rack, holding a bright yellow dragon robe woven with gold thread. It was the formal attire worn by an Empress for major occasions—the most singular mark of prestige in the entire palace. This garment had hung here for two years. Ordinarily, it should have been returned to the storehouse, but since the one above had not spoken, even Yu Guifei, who was currently managing the affairs of the Six Palaces, did not dare dispose of it lightly.
Since it wasn't put away, one had to come and pay respects to it from time to time. In the past, when the Empress wore it, no one dared to stare; it represented the dignity of the Imperial House—a majesty that was visible but unreachable. And then there was that morning crown of marten fur inlaid with Eastern Pearls... the pearls on it were a full two sizes larger than anyone else’s.
Yu Guifei’s gaze fell back onto the phoenix robe. “The servants looking after this room aren't diligent. Look at the dust settled all over the shoulders!”
The palace maid, Cui Piao, hurriedly responded, “I will certainly give them a stern lecture later.” As she moved forward to clean it, Yu Guifei called her to a halt.
“Let me do it.” Yu Guifei’s hand, pampered white and delicate, slowly rose.
Cui Piao backed away and performed a slight curtsy. “Then this servant will open the windows, lest the dust flies up and chokes the Mistress.”
The side room of Zhong Cui Gong featured windows with an ice-crack pattern. As the window was propped open, a sliver of the setting sun leaked in from the bottom, hitting the coiled dragon on the chest of the robe. The densely packed embroidery threads reflected a piercing golden glare, momentarily dazzling Yu Guifei. She couldn't help but flinch away. When she regained her composure, she let out a frustrated, silent laugh.
“Ah, the maids of the Seamstress Bureau truly do exquisite work.”
Cui Piao agreed. “It is time to change into spring robes. This year, Jiangnan has sent in several newcomers; I'll have them prepare fresh patterns and bring them to our palace for Mistress to personally select.”
Yu Guifei nodded absently, carefully brushing the dust off the robe.
Just then, a rumbling sound came from the east, accompanied by the rhythmic clacking of wooden clappers. Yu Guifei turned toward the window. “What’s happening?”
Cui Piao smiled. “Noble Mistress has forgotten. Today is the first day of the selection; the daughters of the various Banners have entered the palace.”
Yu Guifei let out an “oh.” “Look at my memory, I really did forget.”
The selection is a path every palace Lady must cross. When you are a newcomer, you are chosen by others; once you’ve made a name for yourself, you choose others.
The Grand Selection happens every three years. In previous years, it was always presided over by the Empress. Two years ago, the Empress was deposed, so this year’s selection fell under Yu Guifei's management.
There isn't much to see in the first round. Eunuchs, with their critical eyes, filter through the girls based on their looks, weeding out nearly half. Those remaining are girls of excellent character, who are then presented to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Those whose names are recorded stay, while the rest are sent to various departments to serve as staff.
However, among these girls, there are always some with special backgrounds. Yu Guifei asked Cui Piao, “How many are from the families of the current concubines this year?”
Cui Piao thought for a moment. “In reply to the Noble Mistress, aside from the one from He Fei’s family, the other five are all from families of lower ranks.”
Guifei nodded. “Then there is no need to worry.”
“However, there is someone from the Shang family this year. Strictly speaking, her seniority is quite high. Even the former Empress had to call her Aunt.”
Yu Guifei was startled for a moment. “What sort of immortal is this?”
Cui Piao said, “The old master of the Shang family left behind a posthumous child. She is five years younger than the former Empress and has reached the age for selection this year.”
Upon hearing this, Yu Guifei remembered. There was indeed such a matter.
Absurdities are common among the Banner people; it’s not strange to see a sixty-year-old grandson and a three-year-old grandfather. The old master, Shang Lin, had fathered six sons and one daughter. The youngest was still in the womb when the old master passed away. The Empress's father was the eldest son; thus, the niece was several years older than the aunt.
When the girls of the Banners reach the age, every single one must enter the palace; this is beyond reproach. The awkwardness lay in her status. While her plaque certainly read “Daughter of the late Shang Lin,” her niece had been deposed and her brother demoted. It was truly difficult to arrange a place for her.
Truth be told, although Yu Guifei wasn't close to the Shang family, their ancestors had once been linked. After hearing Cui Piao’s words, a look of slight regret appeared on her face. “Their family performed great services for the throne in the early years. Now, waves of officials are impeaching Fu Hai. The man has been demoted to the Ussuri River. If this girl stays, how will she manage? It would be better to just reject her.”
Hearing this, Cui Piao whispered, “Then this servant shall inform the Chief Eunuch.”
Yu Guifei raised a finger. “No need. The selection has many hurdles. The Shang family are no longer imperial relatives, and many are watching the drama. Since I am managing the Six Palaces, if I release her of my own accord, I’ll provide fuel for gossip. Let her be.”
---
The light filtering through the curtains of the mule carriage gradually dimmed.
Yi Xing had been sitting upright for a full six hours. They were likely approaching Shenwu Men; the line of carriages was moving slower and slower. Despite the strict rules, hushed whispers drifted in from outside.
“This gate tower... it's so high!”
“I heard that if you touch the door studs of Shenwu Men in the first lunar month, you’ll give birth to a son.”
Several girls immediately broke into giggles. “How shameless, you're already thinking of sons...”
Yi Xing smiled as she listened. She reached out and quietly lifted the hanging curtain of the window.
A gust of cool air met her. Looking out, countless carriages converged before the palace gates. The twin lanterns mounted on the shafts reflected the twilight, extending north from Shenwu Men and lighting up both banks of the Tongzi He.
Further ahead, the candidates before the gate arch had disembarked. Yi Xing was curious; she leaned forward and asked the driver: “Can you enter the palace with me?”
The driver was an old-timer from the Shang estate. He said gently: “No. Once the Mistress enters the garden, I will drive the carriage south out of the palace through the Shenwu Men East Alley. When you finish tomorrow, I will be right here waiting to take you home.”
Yi Xing gave an “oh.” She wasn't particularly afraid, but she thought to herself that if the first selection took all night, the scale was truly grand.
Later, she heard a raspy voice calling for her Banner to line up. She stepped out of the carriage, leaning on the driver's arm for support.
Everything was novel. Yi Xing had never seen so many people. She was the youngest of the old Master; her parents had her when they were fifty, and she was the only girl of this generation. She had been pampered since birth.
When disaster struck—her brother lost his title and her niece, the Empress, was deposed—she felt the heavy pressure of living. But a young girl’s sorrow is brief. Aside from remembering the Empress crying “Aunt, I’m going now” at her wedding, nothing had truly made her bitter.
When the official called “Daughter of the late Shang Lin,” she stepped forward and replied, “Present.”
A senior eunuch led her group of seven into Shunzhen Men.
Yi Xing followed her mother’s teachings, keeping her eyes on her toes. But her peripheral vision caught the scenery—the greenery and the Yanhui Ge lit with lanterns.
Suddenly, her clothes were tugged from behind. A girl whispered, “Are you from Minister Shang’s house?”
Yi Xing nodded. The girl was delighted. “My father is a Captain; he's sworn brothers with your brother. I should really call you Aunt, too.”
Yi Xing was surprised to find a relative here. Just as she was about to greet her, a eunuch shouted: “No whispering! This is not the place for family chat!”
Startled, Yi Xing stuck out her tongue and hurried into the hall.
Next was the inspection by the Chief Eunuch. He sized her up and down. “Daughter of Shang Lin, sixteen years old—is that you?”
Yi Xing kept her eyes down and said yes.
“Show me your hand,” he said.
Yi Xing didn't understand the protocol. Seeing his palm up, she thought he was reading her fortune, so she placed her hand palm-up in his.
The nannies nearby laughed. The Chief Eunuch chuckled at the simple-minded girl and looked at her palm. “Hmm, it’s a lifeline for longevity.”
It was a pity the Shang family had fallen. If this were two years ago, she would have been a formidable figure. Since no one had given specific orders about her, he followed the normal process.
The eunuch sang out: “Daughter of the late Shang Lin: Retain the plaque.”
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