Getting the Eastern and Western Five Residences ready for immediate move-in required cooperation from all Six Bureaus and One Department, and even the Twenty-Four Directorates outside had to participate. After all, having been empty for nearly twenty years, even the best houses needed thorough renovation.
Courtyards that had been quiet enough to seem haunted suddenly bustled with activity. Places where paint had peeled needed fresh coats, all window papers had to be stripped and re-pasted, and new bead curtains, drapes, table covers, and chair covers had to be hung.
To prevent fires, no trees were planted in the Eastern and Western Five Residences, with flowers and potted landscapes arranged according to seasonal changes throughout the year.
Additionally, the important decorative and timekeeping devices in the houses – Western grand clocks – had to be ensured for every courtyard, treating none unfavorably.
After the courtyards were finished, Hu Shanwei took the list and went to each courtyard for “inspection,” discovering that five courtyards lacked grand clocks.
“What’s going on? How could such important items be overlooked?” Hu Shanwei asked.
Cao Siyan looked troubled, saying, “Most of the grand clocks in the palace were brought back when Eunuch Zheng He went to the Western Seas. There are over a hundred, and originally the Inner Treasury had enough timepieces to distribute. But last month the Crown Prince’s Palace requested seven grand clocks from the Inner Treasury, and with several already damaged, expanding to the Eastern and Western Five Residences leaves us short by five. We’ve already sent them to Western missionaries who understand clockwork for emergency repairs, but we’re not sure when they’ll be fixed.”
Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas, besides political reasons, were also large-scale overseas trade operations of bartering goods – taking away silk and porcelain, bringing back clocks, spices, and various uncut gemstones loaded basket by basket like grain, piled into small mountains in the Inner Treasury. Almost all the raw gemstone materials now used by the palace’s Imperial Workshop came from Eunuch Zheng He’s great ships.
The Crown Prince was the heir apparent – whatever the Crown Prince’s Palace requested could hardly be asked back.
Moreover, Hu Shanwei knew where those seven clocks the Crown Prince had requested were – right in her own home. A’Lei had completely dismantled them all, spreading parts across an entire room, tinkering with something all day long and forgetting to eat. A’Lei had once said they were gifts from Brother Xiaoji.
Hu Shanwei said, “Those Western missionaries just know how to slack off. They want His Majesty to agree to let them preach in the capital. By the time they finish repairs, it would be more practical to wait for Eunuch Zheng He’s current voyage to bring back new clocks. Have the palace procurement officers go look at the foreign goods shops outside – if there are suitable ones, buy them for the palace. Smaller sizes don’t matter; we can just make new tall and ornate wooden bases for them.”
Hu Shanwei had watched A’Lei “dissect” grand clocks several times. Regardless of external appearance, the internal mechanisms were the same – thousands of wheels, axles, and gears of various sizes interlocking and coordinating together. Different appearances, same soul.
Cao Shanggong agreed.
Hu Shanwei was about to continue inspecting another courtyard when palace servants came running hurriedly, gasping, “The… the Crown Princess… has gone into labor.”
Crown Princess Zhang was about to give birth. Although she had already borne three sons and was experienced, everyone still dared not relax. Hu Shanwei said, “Immediately notify all the kitchens in the palace – no killing, no slaughtering. Only vegetarian food may be sent to the Crown Prince’s side, and not a drop of meat oil may be used in pastries.”
Hu Shanwei temporarily set aside her work and hurried to the Eastern Palace. The Eastern Palace gates were wide open, with bows and arrows and other auspicious items symbolizing smooth delivery hung at the entrance to welcome the newborn. The Crown Prince had also rushed back from the Administrative Bureau. His fat face showed both anxiety and joy – he already had nine sons, enough to make a string of Calabash Brothers Plus, but still didn’t think it was too many. More sons meant more blessings, and his position as Crown Prince was half secured by his sons.
Noble Consort Zhang, as stepmother and mistress of the harem, immediately came to take charge upon hearing the news.
Guo Liangdi also came, holding little ninth son Zhu Zhanyin who had just passed his hundredth day, while leading eighth son Zhu Zhangai who was learning to walk unsteadily.
The Crown Prince was simply a shared breeding machine for Crown Princess and Guo Liangdi – a human sperm bank. After Crown Princess finished using him, he went to Guo Liangdi, and just as Guo Liangdi became pregnant, she would push the Crown Prince back into Crown Princess’s arms. Their bellies alternately swelled – you just gave birth, now I take the stage.
Noble Consort Zhang urgently wanted to become a mother. Seeing Guo Liangdi both carrying and leading children, she was very envious. Her maternal love overflowed, and she casually picked up a piece of tiger-eye spiral sugar to tease Zhu Zhangai, who walked as unsteadily as a drunkard. “Kai’er, come here.”
Seeing the candy, Zhu Zhangai’s eyes lit up. He pushed away his wet nurse’s support, insisting on walking by himself. To maintain balance, he walked with splayed steps, swaying like a penguin, chubby and white, remarkably resembling the lame Crown Prince.
Noble Consort Zhang’s heart melted. She lifted Zhu Zhangai onto her lap and slowly fed him.
The Crown Prince picked up a golden powder-painted Longevity Star rattle and shook it. Little ninth son Zhu Zhanyin in Guo Liangdi’s arms turned to look at the sound: Very good, pig-head, you have successfully caught my attention.
The Crown Prince continued shaking the rattle. “Zhaomei! Do you want this?”
The Eastern Palace had nine sons but no daughters. Crown Princess particularly wanted a daughter for her fourth pregnancy. Commoners who wanted sons would name their daughters “Zhaodi” (Summon Younger Brother).
Guo Liangdi thought what Crown Princess thought and worried what Crown Princess worried, giving second son Zhu Zhanyin the pet name “Zhaomei” (Summon Younger Sister).
Zhaomei only wanted that golden powder-painted Longevity Star rattle, not to be held by that strange pig-head. He burrowed into his mother’s arms, stretching out his fist pointing at the Crown Prince, “Yi ya ah ah!”
Guo Liangdi took the rattle, “Zhaomei ah Zhaomei, if you can really summon a younger sister, you’ll have ten rattles.”
The Crown Prince chuckled, “If we truly get a little princess, a hundred would be fine.”
Hearing this, Guo Liangdi stared hard at the Crown Prince, “This consort also wants a little cotton-padded jacket.”
The Crown Prince suddenly remembered that Guo Liangdi had given birth to Zhaomei four months ago and could conceive again. This statement was a blatant hint! He immediately felt his legs go weak.
Noble Consort Zhang, who was feeding Zhu Zhangai tiger-eye spiral sugar nearby, felt even more desolate hearing this. She held the small person on her lap, greedily breathing in his milky fragrance. The scent of new life was so wonderful – why couldn’t she have it?
Everyone’s attention was focused on the child about to be born, only Hu Shanwei noticed the dejection in Noble Consort Zhang’s eyes. Noble Consort Zhang had been somewhat off lately – previously spirited and energetic, inquiring about everything thoroughly, seeking perfection with confidence.
But since renovation work began on the Eastern and Western Five Residences, Noble Consort Zhang had been listless. Even for the final inspection after renovations were complete, she didn’t go see for herself, leaving everything to Hu Shanwei.
Noble Consort Zhang had troubles on her mind.
Seeing Noble Consort Zhang’s tender yet dejected gaze as she tightly held Zhu Zhangai, Hu Shanwei suddenly understood why Noble Consort Zhang was acting abnormally.
Noble Consort Zhang wanted children.
But Emperor Yongle had already revealed his hand before Hu Shanwei re-entered the palace as Shanggong: relocate the capital, establish no new empress.
So Noble Consort Zhang would forever remain Noble Consort Zhang. At her young age, she had already reached the end of her life’s journey.
Hu Shanwei hadn’t known then that Emperor Yongle would not only refuse to establish an empress – he no longer wanted children from other women either.
Initially, when Empress Renxiao was giving final instructions and reviewing the harem consorts, she had explicitly stated that women from Korea, Jurchen, and Mongol tribes would not conceive.
Emperor Yongle’s throne hadn’t come honorably, so he wanted to maintain the purity of Ming royal bloodline – even though Emperor Yongle’s birth mother Consort Shuo was actually a Korean tribute girl, giving him half foreign bloodline.
But precisely because of this, he cared even more about bloodline.
Otherwise Emperor Yongle wouldn’t have altered history, writing his birth mother as legitimate mother Empress Xiaoci Ma, erasing records of his real mother Consort Shuo from historical books, even moving the spirit tablet and coffin from Xiaoling Mausoleum’s side hall to hide secretly under Dabao’en Temple.
At that time Hu Shanwei only knew that the most favored Consort Quan wouldn’t become pregnant – playing the flute was just playing the flute, nothing else would happen.
Now Hu Shanwei understood that even Noble Consort Zhang was the same.
She could neither become empress nor become a mother.
Looking at the dejected Noble Consort Zhang, Hu Shanwei saw previous employers flashing before her eyes in a trance.
Empress Xiaoci, Noble Consort Guo, Young Empress Ma, Empress Renxiao.
Finally settling on Noble Consort Guo’s shadow.
Noble Consort Zhang resembled Noble Consort Guo somewhat – same noble birth, same good brother, same family sending her to court to show loyalty, same pride.
The difference was Noble Consort Guo had a son; Noble Consort Zhang did not.
Noble Consort Guo didn’t love His Majesty, only loved her son and the empress position. In the end, to avenge her son, she gave up the easily obtainable empress position.
Noble Consort Guo was never for His Majesty from beginning to end.
But Noble Consort Zhang loved His Majesty.
Hu Shanwei was a veteran of romance and had witnessed too many palace love stories. Noble Consort Zhang’s feelings for Emperor Yongle weren’t just romantic love between man and woman, but mixed with complex emotions like an accelerant, making love burn more intensely – a beauty’s infatuation with a hero, worship of absolute power in fame and fortune circles.
And power itself was the best aphrodisiac and filter.
A man with superior appearance and physique, exceptionally capable in battle, devoted to his first wife, and also the most powerful man in Great Ming – all these combined created fatal attraction for a noble family woman like Noble Consort Zhang.
But love was inappropriate in the imperial court, usually ending in tragedy.
Looking at the obsessed Noble Consort Zhang, Hu Shanwei couldn’t help showing pity. She had to find a way to counsel Noble Consort Zhang. In the harem, falling in love with the emperor was a dead end!
Just as she was pondering this, a newborn’s cry penetrated layers of doors, windows, and courtyards. Everyone stood up simultaneously.
The Crown Prince was becoming a father for the tenth time and was still excited. Despite his lame leg and foot problems, he quickly had two sturdy eunuchs support him as he went out.
Guo Liangdi was even more excited than the Crown Prince. “Listen to that clear cry – definitely a healthy child!”
Immediately palace servants came to report joyfully: “It’s a little princess! Congratulations to His Highness the Crown Prince – now the Eastern Palace finally has both sons and daughters!”
The Crown Prince was so happy he danced with joy. “Quick! Help me into the sedan! I must report this good news to Father Emperor – congratulations to Father Emperor on finally having a granddaughter!”
Guo Liangdi laughed while holding little ninth son: “Zhaomei ah Zhaomei, you’ve accomplished great merit! Wait for His Highness to send you a hundred rattles.”
The Eastern Palace was filled with joy. Noble Consort Zhang smiled on the surface but felt cold inside. The excitement belongs to them and has nothing to do with me.
Hearing the good news of his granddaughter’s birth, Emperor Yongle was indeed greatly pleased. He ordered rewards for the entire harem, opening the Inner Treasury and taking out his private funds – that month everyone received double salaries plus silk fabrics and other goods. It was even more lavish than the birth of an imperial grandson.
On the day the little princess was born, Noble Consort Zhang was busy until the second watch before returning to rest. Cao Siyan came to report that Hu Shanggong requested an audience.
Noble Consort Zhang was puzzled. “Hu Shanggong didn’t return home today?”
Cao Siyan said, “His Majesty said to reward the entire harem – there are several thousand people in the harem! Several storerooms have been emptied, too busy to handle at once. Hu Shanggong is staying overnight in the palace tonight.”
Noble Consort Zhang thought perhaps there was some problem with the rewards? So she summoned Hu Shanggong to speak.
Hu Shanwei was someone who absolutely wouldn’t postpone today’s business until tomorrow. Noble Consort Zhang couldn’t continue like this – she was very worried that Noble Consort Zhang would follow Noble Consort Guo’s path.
Noble Consort Guo’s execution was the pain of her life. She couldn’t help but recall and imagine – if she had spoken or acted differently then, perhaps Noble Consort Guo wouldn’t have risked everything in that life-for-life gamble.
Like Noble Consort Guo, Noble Consort Zhang had some flaws but her character and abilities were rare and valuable in the harem. If she could extend a helping hand when she was on the brink of the abyss, even at risk, she must try, to avoid regrets.
The position of Noble Consort in early Ming was like the Defense Against Dark Arts teacher position in Harry Potter – cursed positions where all occupants either died early or met sudden deaths, none ending well.
Noble Consort Sun died early, having no fortune to enjoy blessings; Noble Consort Li was poisoned with smallpox by Consort Dading and rotted to death; Noble Consort Guo was executed by Emperor Hongwu.
It remained to be seen whether Noble Consort Zhang could break the “Noble Consorts must die” curse.
Hu Shanwei entered and gave a subtle look. Noble Consort Zhang knew she had private matters to discuss, so she dismissed everyone. Having worked together for over five years, they had developed understanding.
Hu Shanwei spoke directly: “Has Your Ladyship been melancholy lately due to having no children?”
Noble Consort Zhang was startled. Being a proud person, she wouldn’t admit it. “I am still young – I will have children sooner or later.”
Hu Shanwei said, “Children are not something Your Ladyship can have just by wanting them. The key is… whether His Majesty wants them.”
Noble Consort Zhang’s thoughts were exposed, feeling as if she stood naked before Hu Shanwei. Immediately both ashamed and angry, she scolded: “How dare you! You dare speculate about His Majesty’s intentions and insult me!”
Hu Shanwei said, “Your Ladyship, not having children is Your Ladyship’s blessing. Your Ladyship has been Noble Consort for three years – why can’t you see through this? From Prince Yan to Emperor, His Majesty has had no other woman bear him children except Empress Renxiao. If His Majesty wanted it, the Eastern and Western Five Residences would never have been arranged for Korean consorts to live in. What Your Ladyship desires, His Majesty cannot give.”
Noble Consort Zhang refused to accept reality, crying: “I don’t believe it! Previously Empress Renxiao’s coffin was in Rouyi Hall, His Majesty was obsessed with the Empress. Now Empress Renxiao is buried at Tianshou Mountain – no matter how thick a book is, turning page by page, it will eventually be finished.
“I don’t fantasize about becoming empress, comparing myself to Empress Renxiao. Moreover, the Eastern Palace has nine grandsons, even the Crown Grandson is established – surely he should feel secure about me now… Why can’t I have one child? I can’t become empress, can’t become a mother – then in this palace, for whom do I toil and labor?”