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Chapter 11
Ujin Zhui (The Black Gold Pendant) — Chapter 11
The very next day was the investiture ceremony for Concubine Kang (Kang Pin), Noble Lady Jin (Jin Guiren), and First-Class Attendant Shan (Shan Changzai).
An investiture ceremony is a festival for some; for those fortunate enough to be promoted, the day is already more than half-fulfilled. Those who had already attained their titles long ago could remain indifferent, at most sending one or two items as gifts for the sake of outward harmony, thus fulfilling the sisterly bonds of the deep palace.
However, while the consorts could remain detached, the palace servants organizing the celebration did not have a moment of leisure. Especially at the Bureau of Ceremonies (Shangyi Bureau), they not only had to standardize the rules and arrangements of the day, but because the palaces of lower-ranking mistresses were short-staffed, they also had to temporarily dispatch personnel from the Bureau to handle emergencies.
As for who to dispatch, Wu Shangyi naturally had a small ledger in her heart. She made her selections from the neatly lined-up palace maids. Yixing and Yin Zhu tried their best to keep their heads low, but unfortunately, they still could not escape; in the end, both their names were on the final list.
"This is the first investiture ceremony since the Grand Selection. Among the mistresses whose name tags were retained, only Shan Changzai has been promoted, happening to coincide with the joyous day for Kang Pin and Jin Guiren, thus sharing in the glory. Our Shangyi Bureau, besides usually training new palace maids, must naturally contribute on such days. You few will be split into three groups to assist the mistresses being promoted today." After Wu Shangyi finished speaking, her gaze lightly swept over the tops of Yixing and Yin Zhu’s heads. "Shan Changzai was selected alongside you earlier; perhaps you are even acquainted. I am giving you an opportunity to enter the Palace of Eternal Spring (Changchun Gong). If Shan Changzai takes a liking to you and insists on taking you as companions, I would find it difficult to go against the Attendant’s wishes."
This was a tactic of praising in name while demeaning in secret. On the surface, it appeared she was acting out of personal favor to help them escape the Shangyi Bureau, but secretly, was she not merely delivering playthings to Shan Changzai so the Attendant could torment them?
Unfortunately, now that the words had been spoken, those who followed orders naturally could not disobey and had to allow Wu Shangyi to make the arrangements.
The primary resident of the Palace of Vested Purity (Jingren Gong) was Consort He (He Fei)—the one who raised cats—and Jin Guiren resided with Consort He. The current primary resident of the Palace of Eternal Spring was the newly promoted Kang Pin, and Shan Changzai resided with Kang Pin in Changchun Gong.
The number of servants a consort could employ in the palace was fixed. Wu Shangyi finished assigning the personnel for Jingren Gong and finally handed Yixing and Yin Zhu each a large red lacquer tray, instructing: "This is the attire required by Kang Pin Niangniang and Shan Changzai for their investiture. You must be extremely careful; deliver them safely to the two mistresses. There must be no mistakes, do you understand?"
Yixing and Yin Zhu dropped into a curtsy and said "Zhe." Taking advantage of the fine, sunny weather, they set out in a grand procession with their companions toward the Six Western Palaces.
Speaking of Changchun Gong, it was actually not unfamiliar to them; their third selection had taken place in the area just south of the Palace of Eternal Spring. However, things had changed and people were different; that arrogant and domineering Yun Hui had been promoted to a Changzai. Even if they looked down on her in their hearts, they could only endure her bullying when they met her.
One could only hope that on such a joyous occasion, Shan Changzai could live up to her title (Shan/Kind) and possess at least a modicum of tolerance. Yixing and Yin Zhu had nothing to rely on; everything depended on luck.
Upon entering Changchun Gong, Yin Zhu held Kang Pin's auspicious robes (Jifu), and Yixing held Shan Changzai's. Yin Zhu originally wanted to switch with Yixing, but because a senior maid was supervising them, this was absolutely impossible. She could only give Yixing an encouraging look while on the walkway before they split up to enter the main and side halls of Changchun Gong.
Shan Changzai was currently waiting in her room with anxious impatience. At first, she was full of complaints, blaming the Shangyi Bureau for being slow, but when she suddenly saw Yixing standing at the door holding the lacquer tray, her dissatisfaction instantly vanished, and she let out a merry laugh.
"Who is this?" Shan Changzai shifted her "flower-pot" platform shoes and stepped forward half a pace in mockery. "If I’m not mistaken, isn't this the 'Old Auntie' of the Shang family? Such a proud person, how can she be willing to become a palace maid?"
The servants waiting nearby naturally catered to their mistress's whims, wagging their tails like dogs. "Mistress, no matter her background, once her name tag is rejected, she only has the lot of a menial errand-runner."
A layer of mean-spirited laughter floated onto Shan Changzai’s small, pointed face. "Indeed. Everything is fate; today, I am the master, and she is the slave."
When Yixing first entered the palace, she still possessed a spine of pride, but after encountering so many things, she had learned to swallow her anger.
She followed the rules of the palace servants and performed a curtsy for Yun Hui. "I pay my respects to Shan Changzai. This servant has been ordered by Wu Shangyi to deliver the auspicious robes to the Attendant. Today is your joyous day; do not let this servant clash with the festive spirit. The Attendant will accompany the Emperor in the future and rise higher and higher."
Shan Changzai quite enjoyed hearing these words; after all, nothing was more important than her successful promotion.
Back during the selection, if one were to speak of hatred, she hated Yin Zhu even more than Shang Yi xing. Now that this golden phoenix of the Shang family was humbling herself to deliver her finery, she would show greatness of spirit and spare her for the time being.
A maid nearby stepped forward to take the tray. Shan Changzai pulled back the cover, joyfully reaching out to touch the complex gold and silver embroidery on the surface of the robes. A sense of natural pride filled her heart.
Often, fighting for a rank is perhaps not because of the Emperor, but to continue this glory and dignity. Even for a mere Changzai, the crown and robes were so magnificent; one could not imagine how brilliant and unapproachable the Empress's ceremonial robes must be.
At this moment, Shan Changzai finally adopted a dignified posture, but she could not contain the festive joy in her heart, so it painted itself onto her cheekbones. With full presence, she called out "Come," and the palace maids immediately crowded her into the side chamber to change clothes.
Yi xing, having completed her errand, finally relaxed. Normally, this kind of task of delivering ceremonial robes should come with a reward, but with Shan Changzai, she sought no merit, only to avoid fault. As long as the mistress waved her hand and let her withdraw, she would cry out "Amituofo."
However, the scenery in Changchun Gong was quite nice. A tall, sturdy loquat tree grew near the western wall. Since it was the season of warm spring and blossoming flowers, the branches and leaves that had been withered all winter were gradually sprouting tender buds. The new leaves grew cluster upon cluster, standing straight and reaching upward. The lower layer of the canopy was dark green, while the upper layer was tender-colored, swaying gently in the warm sun; even the veins crossing the leaves seemed stained with a faint light.
In truth, if no one treated you harshly, the years in the palace were not so hard to endure.
Yixing’s comfort-seeking personality sometimes could not support her grand ambitions. She had been a pampered child at home, but now she ran errands back and forth in the palace; having grown accustomed to this tense pace, she could endure the exhaustion. It was clear that human potential is forced out by circumstances.
At this moment, a string of footsteps came from the central room. Yi xing quickly turned her head; Shan Changzai had come out wearing her honey-colored "Joyful Reunion" auspicious robe with eight circular patterns. With a silver-gilt headdress (Dianzi) inlaid with jewels and a string of coral court beads (Chaozhu), she did indeed project a bit of noble aura.
But before Shan Changzai could finish a turn of self-admiration, the managing auntie from the Shangyi Bureau at the door suddenly became uneasy. With a look of panic on her face, she let out a stunned "Eh?"
The newly promoted Changzai's servants were all randomly dispatched, and she had no old nannies who understood palace precedents to guide her.
Shan Changzai was startled by the auntie’s "Eh." Standing there supported by her maids, she looked a bit foolish and hesitantly asked, "What is it?" Just as she finished speaking, a senior maid hurried over from the direction of the main hall, glanced into the central room, and anxiously said to the managing auntie, "It’s wrong."
Shan Changzai grew even more confused. The managing auntie turned pale and suddenly knelt, saying, "Mistress, please forgive us... the Attendant's ceremonial ribbon (Caihui)... seems to have been mixed up."
Mixed up? Shan Changzai looked down at the green ceremonial ribbon on her chest; it didn't even have a pattern on it and looked nothing like something noble. How was it mixed up?
The senior maid from Kang Pin's side saw that the managing auntie hadn't explained clearly and was also anxious. Shan Changzai had just entered the palace and understood nothing of the palace’s crown and robe regulations, so she said: "According to the regulations in the Huidian (Collected Statutes), the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort use green embroidered with 'Abundant Harvest of Five Grains.' Noble Consorts and Consorts use green embroidered with 'Cloud Fungus and Auspicious Grass.' The rank of Pin also uses green but without embroidered patterns. You are a Changzai; according to precedent, you are like the wives of officials and should use moon-yellow."
Now Shan Changzai was completely stunned. Does this mean she was mistakenly wearing Kang Pin's ribbon? Then where was her own ribbon? Could it be with Kang Pin?
Thinking of this, she broke into a cold sweat. Kang Pin was the primary resident of Changchun Gong, and she herself lived under her. Mistakenly wearing Kang Pin's ribbon might be a good omen for herself, but what about for Kang Pin? A perfectly good Pin suddenly downgraded to a Changzai—wouldn't Kang Pin find it unlucky and fly into a thunderous rage?
Shan Changzai stumbled, fortunately supported by the maids nearby. She hurriedly tore off the ribbon and ran stumbling out of the side hall.
Kang Pin was currently sitting in the secondary chamber, wearing an incense-colored satin robe embroidered with eight circular cloud-dragons, which made her complexion look as soft as silk. There was no sign of anger; perhaps it was to maintain the dignity of a primary resident. Seeing Shan Changzai enter, a slight smile touched the corners of her lips.
However, Shan Changzai did not dare assume nothing had happened just because the mistress looked gentle. She held the ribbon up with both hands, panic-stricken and curtsying repeatedly. "It was my rudeness; I did not know the palace regulations for attire. Please forgive me, Kang Pin Niangniang."
Kang Pin turned around and smiled. "It’s not such a big deal. Is it worth my sister being scared like this? It’s common for subordinates to make mistakes; just switch them back and it's fine."
Though she said this, Shan Changzai dared not believe that an unfamiliar person could possess such great magnanimity.
Sometimes, the more generous the surface, the more petty the calculation behind the scenes.
Shan Changzai’s heart hammered. They were promoted and invested on the same day; one was a Pin and she was merely a Changzai. It was said they were only separated by the rank of Guiren, but that path was enough to take several years.
Though Shan Changzai was reckless, she still understood the principle that a higher rank could crush a lower one. The more magnanimous Kang Pin acted, the more she lived in fear. Wiping away tears, she said mournfully, "I have just arrived and my heart is set on serving under Niangniang; please have consideration for me. I’ve just moved in and such a blunder occurred... I feel guilty in my heart, I am truly sorry to Niangniang." The more she spoke, the more terrified she became, until she burst into loud wailing.
This crying made the situation awkward for both sides. The nanny beside Kang Pin quickly said, "Mistress, do not forget the rules. On such a joyous day, crying and wiping tears is not good. You and Yu Pin Niangniang are from the same family; our mistress has always respected Yu Pin. Even for the sake of Yu Pin Niangniang’s 'gold face,' she cannot seriously hold a grudge against the Mistress, can she?" Only then was Shan Changzai persuaded to stop.
"Alright, alright. Just switch them back. Sister, do not take it to heart," Kang Pin said graciously. "It’s getting late; hurry back to freshen up and redo your makeup. It wouldn't be good if the Imperial Decree arrives and you aren't ready to receive it, delaying the auspicious hour."
Hearing this, Shan Changzai finally wiped her tears and retreated from the main hall.
However, just because Kang Pin did not pursue it did not mean the matter was over. Shan Changzai vented all her resentment onto Yi xing, who had delivered the robes. Gritting her teeth, she said, "This lowly slave is jealous of me and intentionally tried to humiliate me. Tell Wu Shangyi to punish her severely! If the punishment is light, I will absolutely not let this go!"
The very next day was the investiture ceremony for Concubine Kang (Kang Pin), Noble Lady Jin (Jin Guiren), and First-Class Attendant Shan (Shan Changzai).
An investiture ceremony is a festival for some; for those fortunate enough to be promoted, the day is already more than half-fulfilled. Those who had already attained their titles long ago could remain indifferent, at most sending one or two items as gifts for the sake of outward harmony, thus fulfilling the sisterly bonds of the deep palace.
However, while the consorts could remain detached, the palace servants organizing the celebration did not have a moment of leisure. Especially at the Bureau of Ceremonies (Shangyi Bureau), they not only had to standardize the rules and arrangements of the day, but because the palaces of lower-ranking mistresses were short-staffed, they also had to temporarily dispatch personnel from the Bureau to handle emergencies.
As for who to dispatch, Wu Shangyi naturally had a small ledger in her heart. She made her selections from the neatly lined-up palace maids. Yixing and Yin Zhu tried their best to keep their heads low, but unfortunately, they still could not escape; in the end, both their names were on the final list.
"This is the first investiture ceremony since the Grand Selection. Among the mistresses whose name tags were retained, only Shan Changzai has been promoted, happening to coincide with the joyous day for Kang Pin and Jin Guiren, thus sharing in the glory. Our Shangyi Bureau, besides usually training new palace maids, must naturally contribute on such days. You few will be split into three groups to assist the mistresses being promoted today." After Wu Shangyi finished speaking, her gaze lightly swept over the tops of Yixing and Yin Zhu’s heads. "Shan Changzai was selected alongside you earlier; perhaps you are even acquainted. I am giving you an opportunity to enter the Palace of Eternal Spring (Changchun Gong). If Shan Changzai takes a liking to you and insists on taking you as companions, I would find it difficult to go against the Attendant’s wishes."
This was a tactic of praising in name while demeaning in secret. On the surface, it appeared she was acting out of personal favor to help them escape the Shangyi Bureau, but secretly, was she not merely delivering playthings to Shan Changzai so the Attendant could torment them?
Unfortunately, now that the words had been spoken, those who followed orders naturally could not disobey and had to allow Wu Shangyi to make the arrangements.
The primary resident of the Palace of Vested Purity (Jingren Gong) was Consort He (He Fei)—the one who raised cats—and Jin Guiren resided with Consort He. The current primary resident of the Palace of Eternal Spring was the newly promoted Kang Pin, and Shan Changzai resided with Kang Pin in Changchun Gong.
The number of servants a consort could employ in the palace was fixed. Wu Shangyi finished assigning the personnel for Jingren Gong and finally handed Yixing and Yin Zhu each a large red lacquer tray, instructing: "This is the attire required by Kang Pin Niangniang and Shan Changzai for their investiture. You must be extremely careful; deliver them safely to the two mistresses. There must be no mistakes, do you understand?"
Yixing and Yin Zhu dropped into a curtsy and said "Zhe." Taking advantage of the fine, sunny weather, they set out in a grand procession with their companions toward the Six Western Palaces.
Speaking of Changchun Gong, it was actually not unfamiliar to them; their third selection had taken place in the area just south of the Palace of Eternal Spring. However, things had changed and people were different; that arrogant and domineering Yun Hui had been promoted to a Changzai. Even if they looked down on her in their hearts, they could only endure her bullying when they met her.
One could only hope that on such a joyous occasion, Shan Changzai could live up to her title (Shan/Kind) and possess at least a modicum of tolerance. Yixing and Yin Zhu had nothing to rely on; everything depended on luck.
Upon entering Changchun Gong, Yin Zhu held Kang Pin's auspicious robes (Jifu), and Yixing held Shan Changzai's. Yin Zhu originally wanted to switch with Yixing, but because a senior maid was supervising them, this was absolutely impossible. She could only give Yixing an encouraging look while on the walkway before they split up to enter the main and side halls of Changchun Gong.
Shan Changzai was currently waiting in her room with anxious impatience. At first, she was full of complaints, blaming the Shangyi Bureau for being slow, but when she suddenly saw Yixing standing at the door holding the lacquer tray, her dissatisfaction instantly vanished, and she let out a merry laugh.
"Who is this?" Shan Changzai shifted her "flower-pot" platform shoes and stepped forward half a pace in mockery. "If I’m not mistaken, isn't this the 'Old Auntie' of the Shang family? Such a proud person, how can she be willing to become a palace maid?"
The servants waiting nearby naturally catered to their mistress's whims, wagging their tails like dogs. "Mistress, no matter her background, once her name tag is rejected, she only has the lot of a menial errand-runner."
A layer of mean-spirited laughter floated onto Shan Changzai’s small, pointed face. "Indeed. Everything is fate; today, I am the master, and she is the slave."
When Yixing first entered the palace, she still possessed a spine of pride, but after encountering so many things, she had learned to swallow her anger.
She followed the rules of the palace servants and performed a curtsy for Yun Hui. "I pay my respects to Shan Changzai. This servant has been ordered by Wu Shangyi to deliver the auspicious robes to the Attendant. Today is your joyous day; do not let this servant clash with the festive spirit. The Attendant will accompany the Emperor in the future and rise higher and higher."
Shan Changzai quite enjoyed hearing these words; after all, nothing was more important than her successful promotion.
Back during the selection, if one were to speak of hatred, she hated Yin Zhu even more than Shang Yi xing. Now that this golden phoenix of the Shang family was humbling herself to deliver her finery, she would show greatness of spirit and spare her for the time being.
A maid nearby stepped forward to take the tray. Shan Changzai pulled back the cover, joyfully reaching out to touch the complex gold and silver embroidery on the surface of the robes. A sense of natural pride filled her heart.
Often, fighting for a rank is perhaps not because of the Emperor, but to continue this glory and dignity. Even for a mere Changzai, the crown and robes were so magnificent; one could not imagine how brilliant and unapproachable the Empress's ceremonial robes must be.
At this moment, Shan Changzai finally adopted a dignified posture, but she could not contain the festive joy in her heart, so it painted itself onto her cheekbones. With full presence, she called out "Come," and the palace maids immediately crowded her into the side chamber to change clothes.
Yi xing, having completed her errand, finally relaxed. Normally, this kind of task of delivering ceremonial robes should come with a reward, but with Shan Changzai, she sought no merit, only to avoid fault. As long as the mistress waved her hand and let her withdraw, she would cry out "Amituofo."
However, the scenery in Changchun Gong was quite nice. A tall, sturdy loquat tree grew near the western wall. Since it was the season of warm spring and blossoming flowers, the branches and leaves that had been withered all winter were gradually sprouting tender buds. The new leaves grew cluster upon cluster, standing straight and reaching upward. The lower layer of the canopy was dark green, while the upper layer was tender-colored, swaying gently in the warm sun; even the veins crossing the leaves seemed stained with a faint light.
In truth, if no one treated you harshly, the years in the palace were not so hard to endure.
Yixing’s comfort-seeking personality sometimes could not support her grand ambitions. She had been a pampered child at home, but now she ran errands back and forth in the palace; having grown accustomed to this tense pace, she could endure the exhaustion. It was clear that human potential is forced out by circumstances.
At this moment, a string of footsteps came from the central room. Yi xing quickly turned her head; Shan Changzai had come out wearing her honey-colored "Joyful Reunion" auspicious robe with eight circular patterns. With a silver-gilt headdress (Dianzi) inlaid with jewels and a string of coral court beads (Chaozhu), she did indeed project a bit of noble aura.
But before Shan Changzai could finish a turn of self-admiration, the managing auntie from the Shangyi Bureau at the door suddenly became uneasy. With a look of panic on her face, she let out a stunned "Eh?"
The newly promoted Changzai's servants were all randomly dispatched, and she had no old nannies who understood palace precedents to guide her.
Shan Changzai was startled by the auntie’s "Eh." Standing there supported by her maids, she looked a bit foolish and hesitantly asked, "What is it?" Just as she finished speaking, a senior maid hurried over from the direction of the main hall, glanced into the central room, and anxiously said to the managing auntie, "It’s wrong."
Shan Changzai grew even more confused. The managing auntie turned pale and suddenly knelt, saying, "Mistress, please forgive us... the Attendant's ceremonial ribbon (Caihui)... seems to have been mixed up."
Mixed up? Shan Changzai looked down at the green ceremonial ribbon on her chest; it didn't even have a pattern on it and looked nothing like something noble. How was it mixed up?
The senior maid from Kang Pin's side saw that the managing auntie hadn't explained clearly and was also anxious. Shan Changzai had just entered the palace and understood nothing of the palace’s crown and robe regulations, so she said: "According to the regulations in the Huidian (Collected Statutes), the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort use green embroidered with 'Abundant Harvest of Five Grains.' Noble Consorts and Consorts use green embroidered with 'Cloud Fungus and Auspicious Grass.' The rank of Pin also uses green but without embroidered patterns. You are a Changzai; according to precedent, you are like the wives of officials and should use moon-yellow."
Now Shan Changzai was completely stunned. Does this mean she was mistakenly wearing Kang Pin's ribbon? Then where was her own ribbon? Could it be with Kang Pin?
Thinking of this, she broke into a cold sweat. Kang Pin was the primary resident of Changchun Gong, and she herself lived under her. Mistakenly wearing Kang Pin's ribbon might be a good omen for herself, but what about for Kang Pin? A perfectly good Pin suddenly downgraded to a Changzai—wouldn't Kang Pin find it unlucky and fly into a thunderous rage?
Shan Changzai stumbled, fortunately supported by the maids nearby. She hurriedly tore off the ribbon and ran stumbling out of the side hall.
Kang Pin was currently sitting in the secondary chamber, wearing an incense-colored satin robe embroidered with eight circular cloud-dragons, which made her complexion look as soft as silk. There was no sign of anger; perhaps it was to maintain the dignity of a primary resident. Seeing Shan Changzai enter, a slight smile touched the corners of her lips.
However, Shan Changzai did not dare assume nothing had happened just because the mistress looked gentle. She held the ribbon up with both hands, panic-stricken and curtsying repeatedly. "It was my rudeness; I did not know the palace regulations for attire. Please forgive me, Kang Pin Niangniang."
Kang Pin turned around and smiled. "It’s not such a big deal. Is it worth my sister being scared like this? It’s common for subordinates to make mistakes; just switch them back and it's fine."
Though she said this, Shan Changzai dared not believe that an unfamiliar person could possess such great magnanimity.
Sometimes, the more generous the surface, the more petty the calculation behind the scenes.
Shan Changzai’s heart hammered. They were promoted and invested on the same day; one was a Pin and she was merely a Changzai. It was said they were only separated by the rank of Guiren, but that path was enough to take several years.
Though Shan Changzai was reckless, she still understood the principle that a higher rank could crush a lower one. The more magnanimous Kang Pin acted, the more she lived in fear. Wiping away tears, she said mournfully, "I have just arrived and my heart is set on serving under Niangniang; please have consideration for me. I’ve just moved in and such a blunder occurred... I feel guilty in my heart, I am truly sorry to Niangniang." The more she spoke, the more terrified she became, until she burst into loud wailing.
This crying made the situation awkward for both sides. The nanny beside Kang Pin quickly said, "Mistress, do not forget the rules. On such a joyous day, crying and wiping tears is not good. You and Yu Pin Niangniang are from the same family; our mistress has always respected Yu Pin. Even for the sake of Yu Pin Niangniang’s 'gold face,' she cannot seriously hold a grudge against the Mistress, can she?" Only then was Shan Changzai persuaded to stop.
"Alright, alright. Just switch them back. Sister, do not take it to heart," Kang Pin said graciously. "It’s getting late; hurry back to freshen up and redo your makeup. It wouldn't be good if the Imperial Decree arrives and you aren't ready to receive it, delaying the auspicious hour."
Hearing this, Shan Changzai finally wiped her tears and retreated from the main hall.
However, just because Kang Pin did not pursue it did not mean the matter was over. Shan Changzai vented all her resentment onto Yi xing, who had delivered the robes. Gritting her teeth, she said, "This lowly slave is jealous of me and intentionally tried to humiliate me. Tell Wu Shangyi to punish her severely! If the punishment is light, I will absolutely not let this go!"
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