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Chapter 29
Physician Xia was taken aback. He thought to himself: Well, well, she’s even trying to bribe me now. On the surface, however, he remained impassive and asked, "And why do you have such a thought?"
Yi Xing said, "I am ambitious. I want to be a Consort or a Concubine. I want to earn honor and merit so I can fish my brother and niece out of trouble. You’ve heard of my family’s situation, haven’t you? My brother was punished and sent to the Ussuri River to watch over boatmen. He has bad legs and can't stand the damp and cold. And my niece, she’s hated chanting Buddhist sutras since she was a child, yet the Emperor has punished her to copy sutras every day. Isn't that making her life worse than death? I want to climb up for no other reason than to restore my family’s honor. We girls can’t hold office in the front court, so we have to work hard in the harem. For the sake of my grand ambitions, please help me."
She truly treated him as no stranger at all; after only two meetings, she was pouring her heart out with such easy familiarity.
Physician Xia tilted his head and pondered for a moment. "There are many concubines in the harem. The Emperor might not pardon your brother and niece just because of you."
"Then that depends on my skill. In any case, I am determined to be a favored consort; if not favored, then having power will do. I have no other thoughts; I only want to save my brother and niece. You are a person of feeling; you must understand the heavy responsibility on my shoulders, right?" After Yi Xing spoke, she put on an expression of absolute determination.
Determined to be a favored consort; if not favored, then having power will do? She certainly had a beautiful imagination.
Physician Xia looked at her calmly. "Consorts are not permitted to interfere in politics. Even if you climb up, you might not be able to save your family. Actually, don't think so much. Put yourself first before worrying about others; that’s what a sensible person does."
Yi Xing agreed. "I am putting myself first. Look at me..." She stood before him, gesturing to herself. "A perfectly fine lady from a great family, with such high seniority, yet I’ve come to the palace to be a maid, getting punished and beaten every few days—how embarrassing. I was served by others since I was small; coming here to serve people truly goes against my grain. So I must rely on you. Mention me twice to the Emperor, say a few good words; perhaps once the Emperor remembers my seniority, he might grant me a rank."
At this, Physician Xia found himself in deep thought. "If the Emperor promotes you based on your seniority, he would be treating you like an elder. What’s the point in that?"
Yi Xing said there was a point. "I’ll use my 'seniority' to act the part. As long as I can have a foothold in the harem, it’s enough. I’ll walk the rest of the road myself."
Physician Xia thought it over and finally relented. "Fine. When I find an opportunity, I’ll certainly put in a few good words for you. However, the Emperor is a practical man; he doesn't just look at appearances. You must think about what other merits you have besides beauty to hold the Imperial heart and earn a high promotion."
This question was a bit sharp and required a lot of thought. She pondered for a while and realized she truly didn't seem to have any particular strengths. She dabbled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but was a master of none. Regarding her merits, she asked hesitantly, "Does being able to eat well and sleep well count?"
Hearing this, Physician Xia’s eyebrows shot up. "Do you think it counts?"
Yi Xing suddenly felt embarrassed and gave a sheepish smile. "Probably not. But I do have one strength—gentleness. I guarantee that whatever the Emperor says goes; I will never breathe a word of disagreement."
Gentleness? The Forbidden City lacked many things, but "gentleness as soft as water" was not one of them. Did she think the women of the Three Palaces and Six Courtyards were all she-devils who didn't know how to win over an Emperor?
Alas, asking her to list her own strengths was clearly too difficult for her. Physician Xia figured he should drop it. "When the time comes, I’ll just make something up myself."
Hearing this, Yi Xing felt he was truly a loyal friend. She curtsied to him with profound gratitude. "Then I entrust my affairs to you. Please, keep it in your heart." By then, they had reached the Qiongyuan Right Gate. She stood by the gate and nodded slightly. "Physician Xia, I’ll leave you here. The weather is getting hot; be careful of the heat on your way. You know where I live; if there’s any news, just send a servant (Sula) to give me word, and I will visit the Imperial Pharmacy again."
She finished speaking politely and performed another blessing, her face beaming with a smile—the same look she had all those years ago.
Physician Xia let out a heavy breath and looked away. "Go back, Miss." He lifted his robe and stepped over the threshold.
Heading south along the alley, the West First Long Street of the Forbidden City felt incredibly long. The Inner Right Gate in the distance was so far it was almost a blur. He rarely walked such long distances alone. When he had things to think about, he enjoyed strolling over these paved bricks. As he walked, he wondered: Should I first grant her the title of "Daying" (Respondent)? The rank of Respondent was low, and by rule, she could still be tempered by hardships. The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) hadn't suffered since childhood; if the promotion was too smooth, she would get ahead of herself again. The consorts in the harem were not easy to deal with. If she didn't have the means to handle them, how could he expect to rely on her for a quiet life?
But even if he wanted to grant a title, there had to be a reason. Once promoted, she would have to meet the Emperor, would that mean Physician Xia should make his successful exit?
Actually, he quite liked their current way of interacting. Though it was absurd and boring, it was a very interesting diversion in his tedious imperial life. The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) was a bit dim-witted; she never imagined that Xia Qingchuan was the Emperor. This also proved she was a person of her word, as she had never mentioned that name to others.
Interesting... he thought. After walking only twenty feet, he even turned his head, wanting to see if she was still at the gate watching him go.
Perhaps he would get a sincere smile, different from that strange grin ten years ago... So he looked back, only to find with surprise that the Qiongyuan Right Gate was completely empty! The Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) was a cold-hearted one; she chatted warmly to his face, but the moment his back was turned, she didn't delay for a second and hurried off to her own business.
In the alley ahead, two figures had been hugging the wall and creeping forward. As they got closer and saw he was alone, they hurried up, took the medicine chest from his shoulder, and said, "Your Majesty, you have worked hard."
The Emperor felt it didn't matter; it was a rare chance to walk like this and stretch his muscles.
Manfu glanced toward the Qiongyuan Right Gate and muttered, "That Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ )—she was so eager when she was asking for a favor, even helping carry the medicine chest. How can she just let you walk back by yourself now that she's done with you?"
The Emperor said, "What else should she do? Walk me back and forth just to invite gossip?"
Indeed, gossip in the Forbidden City was a lethal weapon. Fortunately, there were Buddhist services at the Baohua Hall today, and the various palaces had gone there to pray. Otherwise, some busybody would surely have made it their mission to find out who this masked physician was.
The Emperor strolled southward and entered the Zunyi Gate. Once inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he could finally remove the gauze from his face.
Huai En wrung out a towel to serve him as he wiped his face. As the weather warmed up, it really was stifling and breathless under that mask.
"Find two pieces of top-grade celestial silk," the Emperor ordered.
Minghai, standing on duty at the door, answered with a "Ya." Before long, he presented two pieces of Tianshan celestial silk from the Western Border.
The Emperor took them and rubbed them between his fingers; they were indeed much lighter and thinner than gauze. But while they were thin, he feared they might be too transparent, so he folded them and tied them over his face, asking his attendants to check if they could recognize his features.
Huai En thought to himself: Good heavens, he intends to keep up this disguise for the long haul. But aloud, he said, "It’s perfect. With that official robe, the Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) certainly won't recognize you."
Speaking of the official robe, the Emperor smiled. That ambitious Old Auntie (GĹ« BĂ ) had said that if he performed well, she would promote him in the future and let him wear the silver pheasant patch.
Admittedly, he was becoming addicted to playing the physician, but he was also wary of a messy situation if he were exposed. He ordered Huai En: "Send word to the Imperial Pharmacy. From now on, if anyone looks for Physician Xia, stall them and report to the Hall of Mental Cultivation immediately."
Huai En took the order and retreated under the eaves to send Shizi to deliver the message. He looked up at the Western clock in the front hall—it was time for the "Small Meal."
Sure enough, the Imperial Kitchen arrived right on time. A line of serving eunuchs appeared from behind the screen wall, carrying various plates of pastries. Each plate was covered by a small umbrella, with silver bells hanging from the ribs, jingling all the way.
The routines of the masters in the palace were fixed by regulation; what should be done at what hour could not be altered one bit.
It was so in the Hall of Mental Cultivation: breakfast at the hour of Chen (8 AM), a small meal at the start of Wei (1 PM), an hour's nap after the meal, rising at the start of Shen (3 PM), and the main meal at the end of Shen (5 PM). At this time, the various consorts would prepare themselves and go to the "Perimeter Room" to wait for the Emperor to "flip their tag." Those chosen would stay to serve for the night; those not chosen would return to their palaces as they pleased. To be honest, life in the palace, repeating the same process day after day—was incredibly dry and tedious. But because there were many people, strange sparks could occasionally fly.
Respondent Shan was dressed very exquisitely today, in a misty-green silk undergarment topped with a cloud-collar embroidered in gold thread with peaches of longevity. Since she hadn't received any favor since her promotion, she put all her effort into every visit.
Her maid, Shiliu, had gone out early to mingle. She appeared to be on very good terms with Xu Sa, who was in charge of the meal tags. Stepping out from the door of the Perimeter Room, she gave a coy wink and said, "Brother Xu, didn't you complain last time that your boots were loose? I’ve embroidered a pair of insoles; my skill is average, so please don't look down on them." As she spoke, she pulled a pair of "Magpies on a Branch" insoles from her sleeve and smilingly tucked them into Xu Sa’s hand.
Xu Sa exclaimed, "Oh, Miss, you are so thoughtful, even embroidering insoles for me... even my mother hasn't treated me this well."
Shiliu giggled and gave him a light pat. "Listen to you! Duty is duty, but isn't there friendship outside of duty? What is a pair of insoles worth? If you have any sewing or mending in the future, just send someone to tell me."
Hearing this, Xu Sa thought the girl was truly hardworking to go to such lengths for her mistress. If Respondent Shan earned the Imperial favor, she shouldn't be treated poorly.
But eunuchs were seasoned at taking advantage. As for friendship, what friendship? Both money and beauty could become "friendship."
Shiliu's light slap just now was like a willow branch plucking at his heartstrings; for a moment, his bones felt soft. Seeing no one around, his hand dropped down and used the insoles to graze against her full backside. "Then I shall first thank the Miss for her kindness."
The girl grew shy, her face turning as bright red as a pomegranate on a branch after the Autumn Equinox. The tiny red agate pendants on her ears reflected the light in the room, casting a shimmering red glow against her neck.
"Jokes aside, Brother Xu, don't forget to look after our Mistress on the plate," Shiliu said softly. "When the Mistress rises, don't we all rise with her? If we have a request in the future, the Mistress will surely remember your merit and show extra favor."
This was quite a hook—a request in the future. What request? It was nothing more than forming a "Dui Shi" (a palace "marriage" between a eunuch and a maid) and having the Mistress turn a blind eye.
Xu Sa swallowed and stared straight at Shiliu’s full chest, saying, "Sister, you are like an October fruit—perfectly ripe."
Shiliu gave a half-hidden smile. "Then, on the plate..."
"It will be in a prominent spot," Xu Sa vowed. "Since you think so highly of me and don't mind that I’m a 'chipped teapot' (a eunuch)... what more can I say? I would lay down my life for you."
Shiliu was satisfied. That lingering, inviting smile was incredibly charming. Having made the deal, she didn't stay, walking away while looking back at every step.
Xu Sa stared blankly at her back, stroking his chin with relish—stroking it so much it felt as if a beard could actually grow there.
His apprentice, seeing his master like this, understood the gist of it. He searched for Respondent Shan’s green-headed tag on the silver plate. Finding it, he pointed and said, "Master, it’s here."
He thought Xu Sa would pick it out, but instead, Xu Sa’s finger took a turn and picked up Consort He’s tag, placing it in the spot with the "best luck."
The apprentice didn't understand and asked why. Xu Sa picked at his teeth. "No matter how good a woman is, can she be as good as cold hard cash? Trying to bribe me with a pair of insoles—how short-sighted. Let her wait at the back." As he spoke, he hoisted the silver plate onto his head and walked with quick, small steps toward the Eastern Warm Pavilion.
The lamps had just been lit, but a remnant of daylight remained. The Emperor sat on the southern kang, half his body bathed in the setting sun.
Huai En was serving the meal nearby. Seeing Xu Sa enter with the tags, he said softly, "Master, the meal tags have arrived."
The Emperor slowly raised his eyes. At dinner time, there were always two sets of tags: red-headed tags for clan princes reporting affairs, and green-headed tags for harem concubines waiting for the night. Both were called "meal tags." The latter was something the Emperor was extremely reluctant to see, but it was a necessary administrative duty for a monarch.
Naturally, the Emperor had the right to say "Dismissed." Huai En thought today would be the same, but unexpectedly, the Emperor lazily shifted his gaze and actually did him the honor of scanning the silver plate.
Xu Sa immediately perked up, straightening his back and bringing the tags right under the Emperor’s eyes.
The Emperor raised his hand. His long, fair fingers passed over tag after tag inscribed with titles and names, finally stopping on a Guiren (Noble Lady) tag.
He picked it up, then flipped the tag over. His imperial meal wasn't finished yet; having flipped the tag, he continued to slowly eat his cherry cake.
Xu Sa bowed and retreated out of the room. At the door, he ran into Minghai, who asked, "Did he flip one today?"
Xu Sa nodded. "A Noble Lady." He handed the silver plate to his apprentice and hurried to the Perimeter Room behind. Standing at the door, he flicked his sleeves and performed a "Qian" (a half-kneel). "Noble Lady of the Palace of Accumulated Purity (Chuxiu Gong), to serve the night."
The Noble Lady was stunned, standing up from the crowd as if she couldn't believe it, looking at her maid.
The maid was overjoyed, gripping the Noble Lady's hand and curtsying. "Mistress, great joy!"
As for the other concubines who weren't chosen, their faces were filled with disappointment. Only Noble Consort Yu showed the bearing of a leader, smiling and nodding to the Noble Lady, saying only, "Serve the Emperor well."
The Noble Lady complied, only now daring to believe it was all real.
She had been in the palace for two years, and favor had always been thin for her; she was an inconspicuous one among the blooming flowers. Being chosen today stirred envy and hatred in many.
Respondent Shan was the worst at hiding it. She stomped her foot, her face full of resentment. She had been promoted for two months, and the Emperor hadn't even given her a direct look. She didn't understand, was her family background not good enough, or was she not dressed well enough? Didn't everyone say men were like greedy cats? Where in the world was there someone who promoted a concubine only to leave her sitting there idle!
Concubine Kang, who always played the "good person," comforted her with a smile. "It’s all right. If not today, then tomorrow. His Majesty will remember you sooner or later."
Respondent Shan muttered angrily, "I fear I’m becoming the laughingstock of the Six Palaces."
Consort He let out a sneer. Glancing at the departing back of the Noble Consort, she said sarcastically, "Not necessarily. Remember our Noble Consort—she was in the palace for half a year before she was called to serve once. Now isn't she the most favored in the Six Palaces? This is called 'great talent matures late.' You? Just wait; your good days are ahead." Having spoken, she adjusted the flower in her hair and swayed out of the room with her maids.
Respondent Yong, who had been demoted, still had to come every day for the roll call. She sighed, resting her hand on her maid's arm, and whispered, "His Majesty hasn't flipped a tag for a while. With this service, the Noble Lady is bound to conceive a dragon seed."
This made those who hadn't left even more sour. Concubine Mu rubbed her nose and said, "I suppose the luck of the Palace of Accumulated Purity is good. Concubine Mao is already pregnant, and now it’s the Noble Lady’s turn. If she conceives, the Internal Affairs Bureau should send a few 'confinement nannies' to live there permanently, to save them the trouble of running back and forth."
In any case, such sour words had to be endured by anyone lucky enough to be chosen. Soon the crowd dispersed, leaving only the Noble Lady and her personal maid in the room. Someone who hadn't served for a long time vaguely remembered she should move to the Hall of Extended Joy (Yanxi Tang) to wait, so she lifted her skirts and stepped out.
However, just as she stepped onto the veranda, she saw Manfu, who served in the Imperial Presence, approaching. Coming close, he bowed with a smile and said, "Blessings to you, Mistress. His Majesty has an oral command—he invites you to the Eastern Warm Pavilion to speak."
The Noble Lady was somewhat terrified. In her memory, His Majesty was not someone who enjoyed chatting with concubines. Having her tag flipped and then being called to the Eastern Warm Pavilion instead of going straight to the bedchamber—she didn't know if this was good or bad.
If she thought for the best, perhaps His Majesty wanted to share his heart with her, and she was no longer just a tool to pass the time or produce heirs. If she thought for the worst... perhaps today's flipping of the tag was just an empty joy. Maybe His Majesty didn't intend to favor her at all, but only wanted to use her to shut people's mouths, lest they say he was lazy in his duties and had no regard for the eternal foundation of the Great Ying dynasty.
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