Empress Ma was a commoner empress selected by Hu Shanwei through palace selections—truly a scene of thousands of troops crossing a single-log bridge. To ultimately be chosen among twenty-seven candidates and pluck the great peach of Crown Prince consort, besides her advantageous surname and appearance somewhat resembling Empress Xiaoci, her calm temperament and gracious behavior despite humble origins—showing no inferiority complex—earned Emperor Jianwen’s love and respect.
After three years as Crown Prince consort, people in the royal family and court generally praised her for having Empress Xiaoci’s style.
Know that “resembling Empress Xiaoci” was Emperor Jianwen’s most beautiful imagination for a wife before marriage. As husband and wife are one body, Emperor Jianwen gained an understanding virtuous helpmate. To help his humble-born wife adapt faster to court life, Emperor Jianwen was frank about why the Crown Prince’s consort had been “ill” in the Eastern Palace, wanting his wife to clearly understand this mother-in-law.
Empress Ma was shocked to learn her mother-in-law had actually spread rumors about Court Lady Hu and a high-ranking Embroidered Uniform Guard having an affair. She had a kind of “chick complex” toward Hu Shanwei—during palace selections at Chuxiu Palace, Hu Shanwei’s firm yet gentle, conscientious style left a deep impression. Later when Hu Shanwei resigned from the palace, Empress Ma felt lost for a while, thinking Court Lady Hu might have been burdened by rumors and became disheartened, since reputation was quite important for palace ladies.
Knowing her mother-in-law was this type of ruthless, black-hearted person, previously “recuperating” in the Eastern Palace was fine, but now having become Empress Dowager and moved into Cining Palace, Empress Ma watched Empress Dowager Lu raise her tail at visibly rapid speed, impatiently displaying Empress Dowager authority.
Having been stifled in the Eastern Palace too long, once regaining freedom and position, getting carried away was understandable.
Empress Ma immediately devised a strategy against her mother-in-law: use the mother-in-law’s mother-in-law, suppressing seniority with seniority. Beauty Zhang was the “pearl left behind” in Emperor Hongwu’s harem. Though low in rank and young—only in her early twenties—her seniority was high, being mother-in-law’s step-mother-in-law.
So last night when Empress Ma heard her mother-in-law wanted to seek a Duke of Grace title for the Lu family, knowing mother-in-law couldn’t contain herself and was about to cause trouble, she immediately brought up Beauty Zhang, seeking a Grand Consort Zhang title for her in the name of filial piety.
Grand Consort Zhang survived the calamity because of her three-year-old daughter, living fearfully. Suddenly granted the Grand Consort title, with Empress Ma opening the inner treasury and commanding the Six Bureaus and One Department to renovate the remote Ninghe Hall with all first-class furnishings.
The survivor becomes king. However mediocre Grand Consort Zhang had been before, walking through the King of Hell’s palace once, she immediately became clear-minded, understanding what this sudden wealth meant: mother and daughter would have to make their living under Empress Ma’s hands. Even her daughter’s future marriage was in Empress Ma’s hands. Having received Empress Ma’s benefits now, she would serve Empress Ma’s purposes in the future.
Learning that Emperor Taizu had buried all consorts in the Eastern and Western Six Palaces and even palace maids who shared the imperial bed, Empress Dowager Lu was overjoyed. Who wants a pile of mothers-in-law above their head?
Having endured half a lifetime, good days were finally coming. When Empress Dowager Lu came out from the Eastern Palace to mourn, her tears were sincere—the old Emperor was truly considerate.
On the day Emperor Taizu died, Empress Dowager Lu sang in her heart: “Today is a good day! All my wishes can come true, tomorrow will be good days too, catching up with prosperity… we’ll enjoy—great—peace!”
But after just a few good days, the harem gained a young Grand Consort Zhang. Empress Dowager Lu was a palace intrigue expert and immediately knew this was her daughter-in-law’s handiwork—elevating Grand Consort Zhang to suppress her!
But palace intrigue rules dictated not speaking plainly—speaking plainly ruined the fun. Moreover, Emperor Jianwen’s investiture of Grand Consort Zhang was in the name of filial piety, which was ethically impeccable.
Unable to blame her son, Empress Dowager Lu vented at her daughter-in-law, scolding her for inciting Your Majesty to turn his elbow outward.
Empress Ma was a woman who fought through thousands of troops crossing a single-log bridge, having spent three years in court “internship,” and bore the legitimate eldest son Crown Prince—how could she be vegetarian? She immediately retorted:
“Empress Dowager, family closeness has distinctions—how could I not know? Marrying into the imperial family makes me the imperial family’s daughter-in-law; my natal family is my natal family. Speaking of closeness, naturally the imperial family is closer than the natal family. Grand Consort Zhang is Emperor Taizu’s consort and Princess Baoqing’s birth mother—clearly legitimate inner family, how could she be an outsider?”
This statement left Empress Dowager Lu breathless. Indeed, ethically speaking, Grand Consort Zhang was closer than Old Master Lu.
How do I have such a daughter-in-law!
Empress Dowager Lu found Empress Ma unpleasant no matter how she looked—truly an empress selected by Hu Shanwei, naturally incompatible with me!
Empress Dowager Lu couldn’t swallow this grievance. Her tone began softening: “Regardless, the Lu family is Your Majesty’s maternal family. My father has been dead twenty-one years now—seeking just a Duke of Grace honorary title for the old man. He enjoyed no wealth and honor in life—must he lack even this final honor in death? Besides being Empress, you’re also the Lu family’s grandson’s wife. Seeking a Duke of Grace title for the Lu family would also bring you honor.”
Empress Dowager Lu’s father was named Lu Ben, who died in the tenth year of Hongwu. Lu Ben had no sons, only daughter Lady Lu. However, because her immediate family was sparse, Empress Dowager Lu maintained close relations with the larger Lu clan.
The Lu family was a great clan currently serving as civil officials, but their ancestors were actually military—the famous Southern Song general Lu Wenhuan.
Speaking of Lu Wenhuan, readers might find him unfamiliar, but mentioning the battle in “Return of the Condor Heroes” where Guo Jing, Huang Rong, Yang Guo, Xiao Longnü and other heroes defended Xiangyang to the death, readers might have some impression. Yes, Lu Wenhuan was the Southern Song general who defended Xiangyang.
In the novel, Lu Wenhuan was ineffectual, defending Xiangyang for six years relying entirely on martial artists like Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Actually, in real history, Lu Wenhuan led troops alone, defending Xiangyang without support until finally running out of ammunition and food. When Mongol forces declared they would massacre the city like neighboring Fancheng if he didn’t surrender, Lu Wenhuan reluctantly surrendered to protect Xiangyang’s people.
After surrendering, Lu Wenhuan became a Yuan Dynasty general, turning to attack the Southern Song, breaking through the Southern Song capital Lin’an. When Southern Song fell and Yuan Dynasty was established, Lu Wenhuan was enfeoffed as Right Chancellor of Jianghuai Province as a founding general. After resignation, he retired in Nanjing, thus the Lu family settled in Nanjing. His son Lu Shisheng was later enfeoffed as Pacification Commissioner of Jiangdong. Afterward, the Lu family completely abandoned military for scholarly pursuits, changing allegiances from military generals to civil officials, multiplying in Nanjing with family children studying and serving in government, becoming a scholarly family, a great clan of Jiangnan.
Empress Dowager Lu was selected into the Eastern Palace as concubine in her youth because of her poetic talents, uniquely gaining Crown Prince Zhu Biao’s favor. Besides her natural ability to read expressions and gentle compliance, this was also related to the Lu family’s rich scholarly heritage.
Except for Lu Ben’s branch facing extinction with only Empress Dowager Lu as a woman, other Lu branches flourished. With Empress Dowager Lu’s position, the family began its third transformation—from scholarly family to imperial in-laws.
Empress Ma had long investigated her mother-in-law’s natal family. True, Lu Ben’s branch was extinct, but recently, tempted by the Duke of Grace title, several other Lu branches competed fiercely to adopt heirs under Lu Ben’s name to continue the family line. Though extinct branches couldn’t inherit titles like Duke of Grace, once Lu Ben was posthumously enfeoffed as Duke of Grace, adopted sons could be granted earl titles, or the family could gain several official positions or Imperial Academy student places.
As they say, when one person attains enlightenment, even dogs and chickens ascend to heaven. Empress Dowager Lu’s intention wasn’t the wine but the cup—claiming to posthumously honor father Lu Ben, she actually wanted to promote Lu family members and gather some influence at court.
Empress Ma saw through her mother-in-law’s calculations at a glance. Mother-in-law had been stifled in the harem most of her life and really wanted to taste power. She alone wasn’t enough—she needed manpower support. The Lu clan was large; once enfeoffed Duke of Grace, this family would be formidable.
Empress Ma remained outwardly gentle, personally holding the pot to pour tea for her mother-in-law: “Empress Dowager, please calm down. Regarding the Duke of Grace matter, Your Majesty didn’t refuse outright. It’s just that Your Majesty has just ascended with unstable footing. Many major court affairs need decisions, working until midnight daily, even talking politics in his sleep. This should be considered carefully. Moreover, speaking of Your Majesty’s maternal grandfather’s family, the Duke Kaiping Chang family should rank before the Lu family.”
Though the Chang family was exterminated by Emperor Hongwu, only grandson Chang Jizu was secretly hidden by Mu Chun in Yunnan as rare goods for future political capital, but nominally, Lady Chang was still posthumously honored as Empress Xiaokang. In the future when Lady Lu died, she would still rank behind Empress Xiaokang.
So Emperor Jianwen’s most legitimate maternal grandfather’s family was actually still the Chang family.
Hearing the Chang family mentioned, Empress Dowager Lu immediately broke character, remembering the difficult years as a concubine. Too lazy to pretend, she said coldly: “The Chang people were insatiably greedy, colluding with Lan Yu in rebellion. The Chang family all died—how to enfeoff them? Empress Xiaokang’s father Chang Yuchun was already posthumously enfeoffed as Prince Kaiping, buried with princely rites. His title far exceeds Duke of Grace.”
Earl, Marquis, Duke, Prince—princely rank was highest.
Empress Ma said: “Chang Jizu who escaped the Chang family has had no news. Now some at court petition to pardon Chang Jizu, summoning him back to the capital to appease old ministers and show Your Majesty’s benevolence.”
Empress Dowager Lu angrily said: “These people are truly idle troublemakers!”
Empress Ma said: “Exactly. The Chang family’s rebellion had solid evidence—treason is unforgivable. But the Chang family is ultimately Your Majesty’s maternal family. If we’re to enfeoff the Lu family with Duke of Grace titles, then we must pardon Chang Jizu’s crimes and even grant Chang Jizu office. Your Majesty is very troubled, so he’s temporarily shelving this matter. When conditions are ripe in the future, without the Empress Dowager speaking, Your Majesty’s filial heart will surely grant the Lu family titles.”
Empress Ma was unhurried, following a “delay” strategy—anyway, Empress Dowager Lu was already old. Honestly speaking, because Empress Dowager Lu was too troublesome, both Empress Ma and Emperor Jianwen didn’t want the Lu family having too much court influence, or it would definitely fan the flames and encourage Empress Dowager Lu’s arrogance.
The gentler and calmer Empress Ma was, the more uncomfortable Empress Dowager Lu felt. Confined in the Eastern Palace for three years, she and her son had grown distant. Previously, her son told her almost everything; now her son’s most trusted person was replaced by his daughter-in-law. Even seeking a nominal title for the Lu family, her words were less effective than her daughter-in-law’s!
How could Empress Dowager Lu accept this? She had endured half a lifetime, paving the way for her son, only to have the victory fruits enjoyed by a humble country girl.
Indeed, Empress Dowager Lu’s ancestor was Southern Song general Lu Wenhuan, experiencing Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties. The Lu family had served as high officials for generations—Empress Dowager Lu’s father Lu Ben ultimately held high positions like Minister of Personnel and Salt Commissioner of Zhejiang. But Empress Ma’s father Ma Quan was just a poor scholar who became a minor Court of Imperial Sacrifices official managing horses through his daughter’s position. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law’s backgrounds were too disparate.
Empress Dowager Lu was speechless, with nowhere to vent her frustration. She couldn’t confront her emperor son, so she targeted daughter-in-law Empress Ma, putting on mother-in-law airs: “Today I’m quite tired. Could the Empress trouble herself to massage my shoulders?”
Filial piety comes first—anyone must bow their head. Even tough guys like Mu Chun, when pressed by father, could only turn the blade on themselves.
What must come will come eventually. Empress Ma said nothing and massaged Empress Dowager Lu’s shoulders and back.
Serving Empress Dowager Lu’s afternoon nap, the Empress Dowager also wanted Empress Ma to fan her. Any pause would wake the Empress Dowager with displeasure.
Empress Ma appeared uncomplaining, working until late at night before Empress Dowager Lu released her from Cining Palace.
Emperor Jianwen routinely worked until midnight before returning to the palace. Empress Ma lay fully clothed on a daybed. A palace maid was about to wake the Empress when Emperor Jianwen stopped her: “Let the Empress sleep.”
Going to the side room, Emperor Jianwen asked the palace maid what happened to the Empress. The maid related everything about how Empress Ma served Empress Dowager Lu in Cining Palace.
Regarding his mother, Emperor Jianwen was clear as a mirror, knowing his mother was taking out her anger over the Lu family’s Duke of Grace rejection on the Empress, feeling sorry for his wife. He carried his tired wife to bed. When Empress Ma’s body was moved, she woke momentarily. Emperor Jianwen looked guilty: “About today’s matter… I’ve wronged Zitong.”
Empress Ma removed her outer garments and ornaments: “Your Majesty is busy all day. My going to Cining Palace to fulfill filial duties is proper—where’s the wrong?”
The more Empress Ma was like this, the more guilty Emperor Jianwen felt, working extra hard in bed to comfort his wife. The next day, Empress Ma brought the palace’s only two consorts to pay respects to Empress Dowager Lu in Cining Palace. Seeing Empress Ma mentally tired but glowing with satisfaction and affectionate eyes, having once been favored in the Eastern Palace by Emperor Xiaokang, how could Empress Dowager Lu not understand what happened last night?
Empress Ma was in her romantic prime, while the two consorts stood like wooden posts behind her—they hadn’t touched Emperor Jianwen for half a year. Truly, some flood while others drought.
This fox spirit!
Empress Dowager Lu found Empress Ma unpleasant no matter how she looked, saying: “Now the harem has only the Crown Prince as a child. The Empress should often advise Your Majesty to share his rain and dew equally.”
Empress Dowager Lu’s typical double standard—when she monopolized the Eastern Palace, she never advised Emperor Xiaokang to sleep with other women, but now as mother-in-law, immediately different.
Whatever Empress Dowager Lu said, Empress Ma always appeared submissive, “Yes, yes, yes,” “Right, right, right,” just going through the motions. Anyway, Emperor Jianwen said before having a second legitimate son, he wouldn’t touch these two consorts to avoid future trouble.
Empress Dowager Lu dared not torment Empress Ma for days consecutively, fearing her son’s displeasure: “You’re the harem master with many duties—go tend to your business. Noble Consort and Virtuous Consort stay to accompany me for a garden walk.”
“Yes.” Empress Ma repeatedly instructed the consorts: “You two serve the Empress Dowager well.”
Empress Ma knew what Empress Dowager Lu planned—nothing more than using Noble Consort and Virtuous Consort to constrain her as Empress, creating opportunities to push them toward Your Majesty’s dragon bed.
Empress Ma felt somewhat disgusted. Empress Dowager Lu’s behavior still resembled her former Eastern Palace favored consort days, lacking any dignity of a national Empress Dowager.
Returning to Kunning Palace, all Six Bureaus and One Department female officials arrived, only missing the leading Court Lady Fan.
Court Bureau of Rites Court Lady Shen Qionglian respectfully presented a letter: “Empress, Court Lady Fan has been bedridden with illness. Last night she struggled to write a resignation letter, requesting to resign her Court Lady position and permission to leave the palace to recover.”
Empress Ma opened the letter—Court Lady Fan’s handwriting said she’d been ill two months, aged and weak, probably not long for this world, unable to serve the harem, asking the Empress to find another capable person as Court Lady. She wanted to leave the palace to recover; with the hot weather, she feared spreading illness in the palace.
Sigh, truly adding frost to snow. Empress Dowager Lu was causing trouble, and the capable Court Lady was bedridden. Next, Empress Dowager Lu would certainly make more moves. With the Empress Dowager as backing, the two consorts might become restless. What to do?
Empress Ma felt melancholy, wondering who could replace Court Lady Fan’s position, share her worries, and suppress the harem. Thinking it over, none seemed suitable or as capable as Court Lady Fan.
Suddenly, Empress Ma had a flash of inspiration, thinking of one person. If this person returned, the harem’s peace would be ensured.
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Yunnan under blazing sun, Hu Shanwei sat under an ancient locust tree drinking tea and reading, watching a father-daughter pair swimming in the pond.
A’Lei was already five months old, robust and plump all over. She was a natural swimming expert with limbs stretched underwater, swimming fast. White, plump, and round, plus with a shaved head due to heat, she looked like a spherical lightning bolt in water while Mu Chun escorted her—truly more filial than filial sons.
Hu Shanwei sneezed three times in a row, murmuring: “Strange, who’s thinking of me? I keep sneezing today.”
Author’s Note: “Zitong” is Your Majesty’s term of endearment for the Empress, not a name. Emperor Hongwu called Empress Xiaoci “Zitong,” and Emperor Jianwen also calls Empress Ma “Zitong.”