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Chapter 34
Just like that, she had been promoted? A Daying... this was likely the lowest rank any "Old Auntie" of the Shang family had ever held throughout history!
Regardless, it was fitting for the current state of the Shang family. Though the political disaster hadn't completely wiped out the inner household, it was an indisputable fact that the Shangs had fallen from grace. Being promoted to a Daying was still better than doing menial chores in the Shangyi Ju. A Daying could become a Changzai, and a Changzai could become a Guiren. Yi Xing set a plan for herself: strive for one promotion every two years. She calculated that there were six ranks between Daying and Huang-Guifei, which would take twelve years. If all went smoothly, she would be twenty-eight by the time she became Imperial Noble Consort. Twenty-eight... it seemed so far away. She only hoped her brother’s life was long enough to see the day she finally made something of herself.
However, there were exceptions to every rule. What if a joyful event occurred and the Emperor ordered a general promotion for the entire harem? At the very least, she could showcase her "specialties" a few more times. This time it was pouncing on butterflies; next time it could be playing the erhu. As long as the Emperor liked it, she wouldn't even mind learning to perform a shamanic trance. Perhaps she was a lucky star; by stumbling along like this, she might reach a high position in half the time.
Liusu was still kneeling on the ground. Yi Xing snapped out of her daze and hurried forward to help her up. "Gugu, please don't perform such a grand salute. I cannot take it."
Liusu insisted. "It is necessary. Back then, a Head Eunuch serving the Late Emperor was disrespectful to a low-ranking mistress, and the Late Emperor was so furious that he punished that eunuch severely. Since then, it became a rule in the palace: no matter how high-ranking a eunuch or female official is, they must kneel and kowtow upon meeting any member of the imperial household ranked above a Guan-nĂĽzi. Mistress, you were promoted today; from now on, you are a Master. Since you are a Master, how can you not accept the bows of servants?"
Of course, such kowtowing was only for major occasions; usually, a simple "squatting peace" (dun-an) would suffice. However, this Old Auntie’s promotion came directly from the Emperor’s verbal decree. Such an honor was different from being randomly selected during the draft; it carried a heavy significance that even Noble Consort Yu dared not overlook.
Having just been promoted, Yi Xing felt naturally embarrassed. Flustered, she asked, "What should I do now? Should I go to Yonghe Gong to kowtow and thank Noble Consort Yu for her grace?"
Liusu nodded. "That is how it should be. Currently, the Noble Consort oversees the affairs of the Six Palaces, and even the promotion order was issued from Yonghe Gong. It is proper etiquette for you to thank her." She smiled again. "Since you’ve just been promoted and don't yet know how to manage things, this servant will take the liberty of offering some advice. After you thank the Noble Consort at Yonghe Gong, you should head to Chuxiu Gong to pay your respects to Concubine Mao(Mao-Pin). She is the Mistress of the Chuxiu Gong, and residing beneath her are a Guiren and Yong-Changzai. After you have exchanged greetings, ask Concubine Mao (Mao-Pin) to assign you a room. Later, the Internal Affairs Department will deliver your daily necessities there."
At the mention of "Yong-Changzai," Yi Xing remembered her, wasn't she the one who caused trouble by stroking a cat at the Longevity Feast? She couldn't say whether they had a real grudge, but now they were assigned to live in the same palace. In the future, they would be seeing each other constantly; if the other woman didn't get along with her, wouldn't life be difficult?
However, changing palaces was impossible. A Daying was only slightly higher than a palace maid; in terms of prestige, she was likely inferior to the head maids of the various palaces. Yi Xing could only meekly agree. "I will follow your instructions later, Gugu..."
Liusu hurriedly said, "I wouldn't dare call them 'instructions.' Please never say that again, Mistress, lest it shorten my lifespan. One more thing: according to the regulations for each rank, the Shangyi Ju should assign two palace maids to serve a Daying. If you have suitable candidates in mind, just tell Shangyi Wu and let her make the final decision."
Liusu had said all she needed to say. Running this kind of errand was the least profitable; palace maids were dirt poor, and she didn't expect this newly promoted "Yi-Daying" to reward her with gold or silver melon seeds.
Liusu bowed once more and backed out of the central room, taking her accompanying young maids back to Yonghe Gong to report.
Only then did the surrounding crowd dare to poke their heads out and gossip. Many expressed surprise at Yi Xing’s promotion; some felt it was only a matter of time, while others showed disdain masked by jealousy. They felt that a relative of a criminal official shouldn't be climbing so high; given her situation, she should have been the last person to emerge.
Shagyi Wu, who had been waiting nearby, finally came forward to salute Yi Xing. She led several head Gugu in kneeling down. "Congratulations to the Mistress. This is a great joy."
Yi Xing hadn't gotten along well with her before, but since Hanzhen had bridged the gap, her relationship with Wu had softened considerably.
Yi Xing stepped forward to offer a symbolic hand. "Shangyi Wu, please don't be so formal. I’ve only been promoted to a tiny Daying; I don't dare accept such a grand salute from you."
"It is only right. You are now the Master, and we are the servants. There is a distinction between high and low; we dare not overstep." As she spoke, Wu turned to look at the gossiping young maids and said to Yi Xing, "According to the rules, two maids must be chosen to serve you. Take a look, Mistress, see if anyone catches your eye to take with you to Chuxiu Gong."
As it turned out, not a single person among them seemed willing to follow a low-ranking Daying. Wherever Yi Xing’s gaze landed, they bowed their heads like grass being blown over, avoiding her eyes.
After scanning the room, not one person volunteered. Everyone likely knew that a Daying would find it extremely difficult to rise further; many Daying never even saw the Emperor’s face for their entire lives, let alone climbing to the rank of Consort by bearing a child.
Yi Xing felt a bit awkward. It seemed she had failed quite spectacularly; she didn't even have the charisma to recruit troops. Just then, Yin Zhu, having heard the news, came rushing back from outside. "Guba! I’m willing to serve you. If you don't find me too stupid, please take me with you."
Another wave of whispers broke out. Hearing Yin Zhu call her "Guba" in front of everyone, some mocked her privately: Look at that, she already brought her own servant.
But even with one person to make up the numbers, she was still missing one. Whoever was drafted would be the unlucky one; clearly, no one was going to volunteer.
Who doesn't weigh the pros and cons? Staying in the Shangyi Ju, there was still a chance to serve high-ranking consorts in the Six Palaces later. At the very least, after three years, one could become a lead Gugu.
It was different from following a Daying. The master’s rank was low, meaning her maids would barely look human, they’d be lower than everyone else and be mocked wherever they went.
Yi Xing felt helpless and thought to herself that she should just let it be; having Yin Zhu with her was enough.
Just as she was about to speak to Shangyi Wu, Han Zhen stepped inside with a smile. "Such a wonderful event, and the Mistress is personally picking people, how is it that no one is willing? Think again: are you truly unwilling?" Her eyes swept over the group, and indeed, everyone shrank back. She gave a hum. "In that case, I won't be polite. Mistress, please pick me. I am willing to follow you, accompany you to Chuxiu Gong, and serve you daily from now on."
As soon as these words were spoken, not only the maids inside and outside the room, but even Shangyi Wu was stunned.
Given Han Zhen’s character and seniority, she was destined to take over Wu's position and become the next Mistress of Ceremonies. No one understood why she would throw away such a bright, attainable future just to look for trouble and be a follower to a tiny Daying.
Shangyi Wu could no longer hold back and hurriedly winked at her. "You’ve been in the palace for many years. If you go over there, I’m afraid people will talk."
"No one can say anything," Hanzhen said calmly. "The Late Emperor’s edict stated that those below the rank of Pin (Consort) cannot choose daughters of official families to be their servants. Although I’ve been in the palace for many years, I am from the Bo-yi (Booi Aha) class. There is nothing inappropriate about me serving the Mistress."
The crowd was in an uproar. Yi Xing, of course, couldn't let Han Zhen ruin herself. "I know your heart is with me, but this concerns your entire future..."
"Is there no future in following the Master?" Han Zhen smiled. "I see a very bright future. Those who don't know how to appreciate an invitation today will be the ones regretting it until their hearts break in the future."
This was a kind of unconditional trust. Even if they truly never reached great heights, for the sake of their bond, she would stay on this path until the very end.
Yi Xing was truly grateful to Han Zhen for giving her enough face at such a moment so that she wouldn't be humiliated right after her promotion. But afterward, she still tried to persuade her: "It was enough to settle the matter in front of people. When the time comes, Yin Zhu and I will go to Chuxiu Gong, and you should stay in the Shangyi Ju. You’ve worked so hard for so many years; don't break your progress for my sake."
Han Zhen stood with her hands down, packing things. Hearing this, she looked back. "You’re off to climb high branches and you plan to leave me behind? That’s not very kind. I follow the Master to share both joy and hardship. When the Master becomes a great power in the future, won't I be more glorious than staying cooped up in the Shangyi Ju?" She turned around and sighed. "I’m doing this to repay our life-and-death friendship. If it weren't for you looking after me in the Anle Tang, I’d have crossed the Bridge of Forgetfulness by now, would I even be alive to stand here? Furthermore, I was part of the plan to show your face to the Emperor. If the Master has any plans in the future, I can offer my advice. To be honest, you’ve just been promoted and your rank is not high; the road ahead will only get harder. I’ve been in the palace for many years and know a few people here and there. If there's a need, me pulling some favors will be better than you bowing and begging people everywhere."
Yi Xing still hesitated. "Keeping you is beneficial to me in every way, but..."
"Then that’s that. Don't think about anything else. Just focus on how to deal with those other Masters from now on."
Since she insisted, Yi Xing accepted the kind gesture and felt at peace. She took Hanzhen and Yin Zhu’s hands. "Rest assured, I will definitely win us some glory. I’ll make something of myself and show them all!"
However, becoming a "Mistress" so suddenly left her feeling a bit melancholic. It felt as if she had managed to get herself married off, without the command of parents or the words of a matchmaker. Even her mother at home wouldn't get the news, because this rank was so low that likely no one would even be sent out to announce the joy.
Meanwhile, the Cining Gong was in an absolute uproar.
The news that the Emperor had promoted the Shang family's Old Auntie to a Daying spread through the East and West Six Palaces in an instant. The Mistresses of the various palaces couldn't sit still and flocked to the Empress Dowager to complain, saying they didn't know what the Emperor was thinking to favor a member of the Shang family.
"The deposed Empress was just before her. Shouldn't he be avoiding this for a while? It hasn't been that long, and yet he’s promoted that Old Auntie to Daying. Though the rank is low, it’s the attitude that matters! What will the court officials think when they hear this? Even if one commits a crime, it doesn't hinder the future of the sisters and daughters at home—if others follow suit in the future, won't the court be in chaos!"
Hearing this, the Empress Dowager’s face soured. "The Emperor has indeed acted recklessly in this matter. There were no signs beforehand; just when did they get involved with each other?"
This question was difficult to answer. The Emperor had long ago entrusted Noble Consort Yu to look after the Old Auntie. Although this was an open secret known to everyone in the Six Palaces, they all pretended not to know so they could make things difficult for the Old Auntie and intentionally embarrass the Noble Consort.
As for the Noble Consort, she had nowhere to vent her massive sense of loss. The Old Auntie’s promotion, for some reason, brought her a heavy sense of pressure.
For the past two years, she had been the one managing the palace, finally managing to escape the shadow of the former Empress. Just as she was calculating when the Emperor would promote her to Imperial Noble Consort or even Empress, this Old Auntie appeared out of nowhere and jumped in front of everyone.
Another Shang... The Shang family had monopolized the position of Empress for several reigns. Just the mention of a Shang gave people the feeling that a candidate for the next Empress was being groomed. Perhaps she was overthinking, but having such apprehensions was only human nature.
However, she was the virtuous Noble Consort. She was always careful not to make mistakes, playing the role of a non-jealous and magnanimous figure before both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. So, even though she felt more threatened than the other concubines, she couldn't let out bitter words like they did.
The Noble Consort said, "The Emperor has remembered Yi-Daying for a long time. Some time ago, he even mentioned her in my palace, saying that since the Shang family produced so many Empresses for previous reigns, it would look bad if they were treated too coldly—it would invite gossip about people being forgotten once their power is gone. This servant believes that even though the Emperor promoted Yi-Daying this time, he did it out of respect for old ties and nothing else. Don't worry, everyone—she’s just a tiny Daying; what kind of waves can she possibly make?"
Consort He had always been dissatisfied with the Noble Consort. Lately, Consort Gong and Consort Yi had been grounded because of the previous incident with the Lama Jiangbai, so she was currently the only one of "Consort" rank who could challenge the Noble Consort.
"This isn't about whether she can make waves. The front court and the back palace are always connected. Even if I don't say it, everyone understands. When fathers and brothers at home achieve merit, we gain face in the back palace, receiving promotions and rewards, that is the Emperor's favor. But what is the deal with this Yi-Daying? Shang Fuhai is still watching boatmen at the Ussuri River, yet here she is, promoted to Daying. He can respect 'old ties' now, but what about the future? Will he promote her further as he sees fit? I must say, since the Noble Consort oversees the affairs of the Six Palaces, you should advise the Emperor more. It’s not good if you just nod and agree with everything the Emperor says; if this continues, things won't be good."
Consort He’s tactless way of speaking wasn't new. Hearing her sharp words, the Noble Consort felt very displeased. She turned her head and looked at Consort He with a half-smile. "Since Sister loves to speak up for justice, the next time the Emperor decides to promote Yi-Daying again, I will immediately send someone to inform you." Seeing Consort He’s resentful face, she arrogantly looked away and said helplessly to the Empress Dowager, "This servant is only managing the Six Palaces on his behalf. How can this servant have a say in the Emperor's decisions? But having said that, I don't feel the Master did anything out of line by promoting Yi-Daying. Your Majesty, think about it: among the Shang family ladies who entered the palace in the past, even the lowest would start at the rank of Pin or above. When has anyone ever been assigned the rank of Daying? Perhaps the Master is doing this to warn the front court—meaning that when one person commits a crime, the whole family suffers? Sigh, the Master is still soft-hearted; although he hates Fuhai's actions to the bone, he still remembers the generational marriages with the Shang family. The Master rules the world with benevolence; isn't this proof of his magnanimity?"
Noble Consort Yu was always like this, creating an illusion of being understanding and skilled at winning the Master’s heart. Every concubine present scoffed at her, but unfortunately, the Empress Dowager was still willing to listen to her.
The Empress Dowager pondered for a long time, tapping her knee. "After hearing your words and thinking it over, it seems there is logic to it. The Shang family has been graced with favor; since the founding of the Great Ying, they have frequently produced Empresses. If you look closely, which generation of Emperor doesn't have Shang blood? Your Master is nostalgic, and he has his own considerations. Regardless, that Shang girl is only a Daying; whether she is favored or not is another matter. Let it be."
Once the Empress Dowager quelled the fire, there was nothing left to say. Just as everyone was feeling a bit dejected, Concubine Yu (Yu-Pin) said, "This servant thinks that Yi-Daying is likely no ordinary person. Your Majesty, think about it: even before she was promoted, she already caused Consort Gong and Consort Yi to be grounded. In the future..."
In the future, everyone would practically be in danger!
Everyone looked at the Empress Dowager. Consort Yi was a member of the Empress Dowager’s own family; would the Empress Dowager truly not care?
Sure enough, the Empress Dowager’s face darkened. Though her full cheeks were well-maintained, they seemed to sag downward.
The crowd grew anxious for a moment; seeing the Empress Dowager displeased, no one dared to speak further. After a long while, they finally heard the Empress Dowager say, "He only gave her the rank of Daying today, and you all are acting as if you're facing a formidable enemy. If he promoted her to Guiren or Pin in one go, what would you do?" As she spoke, she swept her gaze over everyone. "Be more open-minded. Living in this harem, how can one last long by being jealous and bitter! The Emperor belongs to everyone; competing for favor before him depends on your own skills. It's not guaranteed that if he doesn't favor others, he'll favor you. Can suppressing a single Daying really keep a man's heart?"
These were the teachings of the Empress Dowager, who had seen through the essence of living in the palace for many years. It truly reached the core, diagnosing the chronic ailments in their hearts with perfect clarity.
Thus, everyone quieted down, knowing that resistance was futile. Since the grace had been granted, the Emperor would never take it back.
The smoke in the Cining Gong finally dissipated silently. Cui Piao helped Noble Consort Yu walk back. Looking at the clear blue sky, Noble Consort Yu snorted and smiled. "They fear the Emperor too. Which one of them doesn't act gentle and lovely before the Master? And which one dares to go straight to the Imperial Presence to challenge him? They only know how to exert effort behind his back before the Empress Dowager, I find them truly laughable."
Cuipiao agreed. "So there is no need for my Lady to lower herself to their level. Now that the authority to manage the Six Palaces is in your hands, as long as they don't cause trouble, everything is fine. But if they don't stay quiet—well, even someone as favored by the Empress Dowager as Consort Yi can be punished just like that."
Hearing this, the Noble Consort smiled calmly. The Emperor and the Empress Dowager were indeed good in this regard: they didn't use people they mistrusted, and they trusted those they used. They had never embarrassed her in front of those concubines.
It was just this Shang family "Old Auntie"... she always felt a bit uneasy about her. This feeling was inexplicable. She wanted to discuss it with Cuipiao but felt she had nowhere to start. She tried to comfort herself with the words she had just said to the Empress Dowager, only to find that she couldn't even convince herself—it was no wonder Consort He and the others had argued.
Sigh, it's difficult... The Noble Consort let out a long sigh, lifting her robes to step through the Guangsheng Left Gate. Just as she entered the alleyway, she saw three people standing before the Deyang Gate, performing a "squatting peace" salute toward her from afar.
The Noble Consort’s face immediately filled with a smile. From a distance, she stretched out her hand and said warmly, "Quickly rise. You’ve come at just the right time; this Palace hasn't congratulated you yet."
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