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Chapter 31
The wounds on Yin Zhu’s buttocks were healing by the day, thanks to Physician Xia’s treatment. Three days later, when Yi Xing applied the medicine for her, she no longer let out heart-wrenching screams; at most, she would draw in a sharp breath of air with a "hiss," enduring it from beginning to end. Initially, she had been beaten out of her wits, remaining listless and refusing to speak, but once the wounds had mostly scabbed over, she was finally willing to lift her head and exchange a few words with Yi Xing.
"In your opinion, will it leave a scar on my backside?"
Yi Xing was packing up the medicine box. Hearing this, she looked back and said it wouldn’t.
"Really? This wound is quite large; I’m afraid that once the scab falls off, it’ll be ridged and uneven, like tiger stripes. Even though it’s hidden in my trousers, if I marry in the future, it won’t look good for the groom to see." Yin Zhu finished speaking, a smile squeezing onto her round face. "Guba, don’t forget to apply some of your Tai-Zhen Red Jade Ointment for me."
Yi Xing burst out laughing. "Your backside is even more precious than your face. Don’t worry, I’ve been using it on you all along. But the area you need it for is large, so one bottle might not be enough. Anyway, it doesn't matter; we can collect our monthly allowance today. Once we have money, we’ll go find Physician Xia and buy another bottle. It’s embarrassing to keep asking for things for free; we can’t always take advantage of people—we have to let him get a little something out of it. That Physician Xia seems popular, but he only holds an eighth-rank title; his monthly salary probably isn't very high either."
Everyone had it hard. They were serving in the harem and being bullied, while Physician Xia was working in the Imperial Academy of Medicine, where there was bound to be friction among colleagues. As for the salary of unranked officials, it probably wasn't much higher than theirs. Every time they needed help, if they just opened their mouths to ask for favors, the sentiment would eventually run dry. Only by settling accounts clearly and granting people appropriate benefits could they remain on polite terms and get along in the long run.
Mentioning money made Yin Zhu seem more spirited. Leaning her body to the side, she asked, "We’ve been in for nearly three months. They didn’t pay us last month, so we should be getting two months' worth of wages this time, right? One tael and two mace per month—that’s two taels and four mace for two months. If the two of us put it together, we’ll have four taels and eight mace. If we save up for half a year... it’ll be enough to bribe the superiors. When the Six Palaces promote head maids again, we can put your name in."
Yin Zhu was always like this, thinking of the "Old Auntie" first whenever something good happened. She wasn't in a rush herself; if the Old Auntie succeeded, she would surely give her a pull.
Yi Xing wasn't in a hurry to calculate how to save the money. Remembering that savory braised pork hock, her heart still felt a bit empty.
"Yin Zhu, are you craving something?" Yi Xing asked, leaning beside her bed. "Do you want to eat meat? The kind of braised meat that’s boiled in a pot of thick soy sauce and spices, taken out to cool, and then sliced... where the lean meat is marbled with fine fat..."
Yin Zhu finally swallowed her saliva, her appetite running wild from the description. Things that had been easy to come by back at home, things they hadn't even cherished, had now become delicacies beyond their reach. Thinking about it, this palace was truly a place that could re-adjust one’s appetite.
But thinking was just thinking. The meals for palace girls were mostly vegetarian; having a few shreds of meat was already a feast. How could they hope to eat meat in large bites?
Yin Zhu touched her face. "I’ve been in for three months and I’ve gotten thinner. My face has clearly shrunk a circle, and even these..." She looked down at her chest. "They aren't such a burden anymore. It seems eating less meat does have its benefits."
"Sigh..." Yi Xing sighed, smacking her lips. "I’m so bored I could die. I want to gorge myself on fish and meat; I don’t know when I’ll have that luck."
Yin Zhu said, "Think of a way to show your face before the Emperor. You’ve befriended Physician Xia and gotten to know a palace eunuch. Work a bit harder, and maybe one day you’ll run into the Emperor on the West First Long Street."
Yi Xing smiled. Listening to her, it sounded as if the Emperor lived right next door and they could see him just by stepping out, but in reality, it wasn't that easy. Such things required planning. She was waiting for an opportunity; when the time was right, perhaps she would suddenly stumble right into the Emperor's heart.
However, the most important thing for now was collecting the silver. Without money, nothing could be accomplished in the palace. Yin Zhu couldn't leave her bed, so Yi Xing looked after her in the tatan (living quarters) first. Once she was settled and the time was right, Yi Xing headed out.
Today was the third of the month. The Internal Affairs Department was distributing monthly wages inside the Yanqing Gate, where palace staff from various departments collected their shares. Yi Xing took her and Yin Zhu’s name tags, told Yin Zhu to wait, and left.
The Hall of Yanqing was located on the east side of the Rain Flower Pavilion and could be entered through a small gate in the Pavilion’s northeast corner. Every year during the "Beginning of Spring" (Lichun), the Emperor would come here to pray for blessings. At other times, it sat idle and was used by the Internal Affairs Department to distribute salaries and measure the palace girls for their quarterly clothing.
Clutching the name tags, Yi Xing walked quickly toward the Rain Flower Pavilion. On the way, she encountered palace girls she had learned the rules with at the training center; they exchanged smiles and greetings before passing each other. By the time she reached the Yanqing Gate, there weren't many people left. She was a latecomer and hurriedly joined the end of the line. When the queue reached the long table, the Internal Affairs official sat with downcast eyes, flipping through the register while asking, "Which department? What is your name? Which year did you enter the palace?"
Yi Xing reported honestly, "Shang Yi Xing and Jiao Yin Zhu, both serving in the Bureau of Ceremonies, entered the palace in February of this year."
The official didn't even lift his eyelids, searching through the register line by line. Finally, he found two names that hadn't been checked off, muttering, "Shang Yi Xing, Jiao Yin Zhu..." One hand reached for the tray full of silver, picking out two pieces of broken silver and weighing them on a small scale. It was a bit light, so he pinched an even smaller piece and added it. This time it was right. He tipped it out in front of her. "Two taels and four mace. Keep it safe. Next..."
Yi Xing looked at these three small pieces of silver and couldn't make the math work. She hesitated before saying, "Sir, has there been a mistake in the distribution? We entered in February and didn't receive the March or April allowance... for two people, it should be four taels and eight mace."
This time, the official’s eyelids finally lifted, but he didn't bother to calculate for her. He simply said, "There’s no mistake; it’s two taels and four mace. Everyone is collecting this much." Losing his patience, he raised his voice, "Next!"
The person behind pushed forward, naturally shoving her aside. Yi Xing stood there, her frustration beyond description. Palace girls had it too hard; their monthly allowance was already lower than the eunuchs', and yet they were still being fleeced when it came time to collect. How much was even left after all that? Serving as a palace girl, she had truly seen through the darkness of the bottom rungs. If she ever had a day of prominence in the future, she would definitely have to clean up this chaos.
For now, there was no way around it; no amount of lingering would produce more silver. Why stay here? So, she turned dejectedly toward the side gate. After only a few steps, she heard someone behind her call out, "Miss."
She turned in surprise, and upon seeing who it was, she quickly curtsied with a smile. "What a coincidence. Has the Anda (Eunuch) come to collect his monthly allowance too?"
The newcomer was the palace eunuch Manfu, who had delivered a message for her that day. Manfu walked over with his splayed gait, his hands tucked in his sleeves and his back slightly bowed. "Indeed, it is a coincidence; I saw you the moment I entered. Have you finished collecting your silver, Miss?"
Yi Xing said, "I was just about to head back."
Manfu nodded. "I just came from the Hall of Mental Cultivation... if the Miss is free, could we have a word in private?"
If someone from the Emperor's presence had something to say, it was bound to be important. Even if she wasn't free, she had to make time.
Yi Xing said quickly, "The Bureau of Ceremonies allowed us out today to collect our allowance; it doesn't matter if I return a bit late." As she spoke, she moved to a secluded spot. "If the Anda has any instructions, please speak. I’m listening."
Manfu gave a sheepish smile. "I wouldn't dare call them 'instructions'; you are too polite. I sought you out because of what happened yesterday. When His Majesty had his health check yesterday, Physician Xia was the one attending. I was standing right there and heard it clearly: Physician Xia mentioned you to His Majesty. Guess what? His Majesty actually remembered you, saying, 'The one who spilled soup all over Consort He at the Longevity Feast?' See, you’ve made quite an impression before His Majesty."
But that kind of "impression" sounded rather awkward.
Yi Xing felt a bit ashamed, lacking the joy of being queried by the Emperor. She touched the earring on her ear in confusion and said, "The Emperor saw all the fools I made of myself—how embarrassing." However, Physician Xia was truly loyal; he had acted on her request from that day so quickly.
Manfu simply comforted her. "What does that matter? The blame lies with Consort He’s cat; what does it have to do with you? But your friendship with Physician Xia must be quite deep, right? Physician Xia praised you incessantly before the Emperor, saying the Shang family’s 'Old Auntie' is beautiful, kind-hearted, knows how to act with propriety, and is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—especially her needlework; the flowers, birds, and fish she embroiders look exactly like the real thing."
Yi Xing’s mouth hung halfway open, dazed. "Physician Xia praised me like that?"
Manfu said yes, then gave a natural smile. "You are from the Shang family; a lady from such a household is bound to be impeccable. Upon hearing this, His Majesty became somewhat curious about you, though he’s wary of the business with the previous Empress and can't easily summon you. However, His Majesty did say one thing: that a talent like yours is being wasted in the Bureau of Ceremonies."
Yi Xing was stunned, and after a long moment, she said bashfully, "What kind of talent am I? Physician Xia has overpraised me. But it’s unexpected that the Emperor would actually listen to Physician Xia’s recommendation."
Manfu grinned. "What’s so unexpected? Didn't I tell you? Physician Xia is the 'Red Physician' (favorite) before His Majesty. His Majesty has always trusted his medical skills the most. Physician Xia is prudent and never likes to gossip about harem affairs; since he mentioned you this time, His Majesty found it refreshing and naturally views you in a new light."
Fortune had descended from the sky like a giant pancake, hitting Yi Xing until she was a bit dazed. When she regained her senses, she found Manfu’s behavior puzzling.
"You are from the Emperor's presence. Why are you willing to tell me what His Majesty said?"
"I’m placing a bet, of course," Manfu said without reservation. "I won't hide it from you—we eunuchs love to study the Master’s thoughts and find the most promising lady in the harem to rely on. You are from the Shang family; though your family has fallen and things aren't like before, your family's luck (feng shui) is still there. There’s no guarantee you won't have a chance to turn things around. I’m speaking heart-to-heart with you now; if you rise in the future, just remember to help me out. But to be fair, the one you should thank most is Physician Xia; he talked until his mouth was nearly dry for your sake, saying how good you are and how hard you’ve had it. From my experience at the Emperor’s side, His Majesty has taken it to heart. Next, you just need to find the right opportunity to make an effort and create a 'chance encounter' with His Majesty. Once he sets his heart on you, the matter will be settled."
Yi Xing was still lightheaded, with only one thought left in her mind: Having someone in the court makes for an easy official career. This Physician Xia was helping her all the way; he was truly like a celestial being. When she had mentioned it casually before, she thought it was the fastest method but didn't think it was very feasible; she hadn't really held much hope. Now, Physician Xia had proved so reliable that it had actually worked... But what should she do next? For a moment, she felt a bit lost.
"It is my blessing that the Anda thinks highly of me, and I am grateful to Physician Xia for helping me like this. But a chance encounter... how is that possible? I serve in the harem, and the Emperor is in the area south of the Hall of Heavenly Purity; we have no reason to cross paths."
Manfu clicked his tongue. "Don't you have me? I’ll reveal His Majesty’s movements to you. When the time comes, find a way to make a stunning appearance. When the Emperor sees a girl who suits his heart, promotion is just a matter of a single word."
It sounded like she had indeed "grown wings" (gained powerful help). But was there some trick behind this unprovoked assistance?
Yi Xing said cautiously, "Since my friendship with you is only average, how can I ever repay such great kindness..."
Manfu took on a magnanimous air. "Mentioning repayment makes us strangers. You are such a clever person; if I help you climb to a high branch, you naturally won't treat me poorly. As for me, I’m following Physician Xia’s lead; I trust his character, so could the person he recommends be bad? Besides, you are the descendant of a prestigious family; it was a great injustice that your name tag didn't reach the Emperor back then. A person’s destiny is fixed—what belongs to you will be yours even if it goes up to heaven. Look, things have come full circle and His Majesty is noticing you again. You just wait to rise step by step in the future."
Yi Xing listened for a long while, but she still felt that good luck couldn't be quite this easy to obtain.
Could there be a trap in this...? Having suffered too many losses and knowing to be careful at every step, Yi Xing gave this head eunuch—whom she had only met twice—an ambiguous smile. "Allow me to think it over."
Manfu was stunned. "What is there to think over? The day after tomorrow, the Emperor is going to tour the Imperial Garden—isn't that your perfect chance to stand out? Just go back and prepare."
However, she didn't listen to him this time. Instead, she took a half-step back and said, "I know you are doing this for my sake, Anda, but meeting the Emperor is no small matter. If it goes poorly, heads will roll. I don't dare act recklessly. Besides, for a girl like me to plot a 'chance encounter' with a man is truly shameless; please let me think more carefully. Once I’ve decided, I will ask for your help." As she spoke, she moved toward the side gate and took the opportunity to curtsy. "I’ve stayed too long; I must return to the Bureau of Ceremonies. You must be busy, Anda; I’ll see you again."
Manfu called out a few times, but before he could finish, the "Old Auntie" had already passed through the small side gate and run off without looking back.
"What’s the meaning of this?" Manfu was a bit puzzled. Wasn't wanting to win fame and merit her own idea? Why did she suddenly not want it now that a good opportunity had arrived?
Manfu returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation with a heart full of doubt and reported the conversation to the Emperor. Finally, he said, "Master, what is the Old Auntie thinking? Does she not trust your servant?"
That goes without saying; she definitely doesn't trust you. The Emperor frowned. "I have a thousand matters to attend to every day; where would I find the leisure to play such games with her! Did she understand when you said there would be a garden tour the day after tomorrow?"
Manfu said, "Your servant said it very clearly, telling the Old Auntie to go back and prepare so she could capture the Imperial heart in one go."
The Emperor was expressionless. He lifted his eyes to glance at Manfu. "She said she needs to think it over?"
Manfu said sheepishly, "The Old Auntie clearly didn't believe it. It’s no wonder—your servant appeared too eager, causing her to be wary."
The Emperor felt a bit irritable. He lowered his head again to write Imperial comments, complaining, "Girls are such trouble. When you don't give it, they want it; when you give it, they make excuses... let her be. If she truly doesn't have the destiny for it, I can't be blamed. Just let her rot in the Bureau of Ceremonies as a lowly palace girl for the rest of her life."
Yet, despite saying so, it wasn't guaranteed he could truly remain indifferent. From Huai En’s observations of him lately, he felt that His Majesty would likely change his mind in the end.
A long reign as an Emperor must be quite boring! Supreme over all heaven and earth, every day was about the state and the people’s welfare. Although his harem was full, not one of those concubines held his heart. Now that his childhood rival had finally entered the palace, love and hate could happen in an instant. His Majesty’s mood at this moment could be described as nothing if not complex. On one hand, he felt the Old Auntie was a nuisance, ungrateful for the face he was giving her—but on the other hand, he couldn't bear to let the "scheme" he had spent so long building go to waste. He still wanted to give it a push, eventually forming a situation where they were the only two for each other, so he wouldn't have to deal with that room full of women every day.
Since the Old Auntie had received the news, she must be prepared in her heart; now she was just missing one final push. Huai En was willing to be the loyal official who offered advice, giving the Emperor a way out. He said, "Your Majesty, the Old Auntie has suffered many hardships; in this palace, she likely only trusts Yin Zhu, Han Zhen, and Physician Xia. Your having Manfu deliver the message—how could that be as reassuring for her as Physician Xia personally going to tell her?"
The Emperor looked a bit displeased. "So you mean Physician Xia has to make another trip just to deliver this news to her?"
Huai En smiled and said yes. "Who told the Old Auntie to trust that 'Old Gentleman' the most?"
The Emperor snorted, clearly with a hint of mockery, then lowered his head again to review memorials, not speaking for a long time.
The hall fell silent, with only the iron weight of the Western clock swinging back and forth, making a "tick-tock, tick-tock" sound.
Huai En stood to the side holding his fly-whisk, eyes focused on his nose and nose on his heart, looking as if he were entering meditation. About the time it takes for two sticks of incense to burn, the Emperor finished his work. The stacks of petitions were placed into a leather box. Huai En bowed and stepped forward to lock it, preparing to return it to the Internal Petition Office.
Just as he picked up the box, he heard His Majesty clear his throat. He turned his head and saw the bright yellow figure with hands behind his back, pacing twice before the south window. Finally, the Emperor stopped and ordered Shizi: "Go to the Imperial Kitchen and get a piece of braised beef. Make it a large one."
Shizi replied with a "Yes," but didn't understand. He hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, what do you want braised beef for?"
The Emperor’s gaze shifted, looking out at the clear blue sky. He let out a sigh and said:
"To feed an eagle."
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