Having received Sister Shanwei’s promise, Mu Chun cheerfully set off to garrison Yunnan. Never before had a parting made him so happy—if not for still being in mourning period, he probably would have bounced off his horse with joy.
On his way back to Yunnan, Mu Chun deliberately slowed his journey. He memorized poetry ghostwritten by his advisors and visited local scholars and great Confucians along the way, spreading news that Yunnan was thirsty for talent and valued education. Anyone with genuine learning, regardless of whether they held official degrees, could come to Yunnan to work in basic education, teaching locals to read and write. They would receive room and board, care from birth to death, and support for their wives, children, and elderly. If they could cultivate students to become scholars, candidates, or even pass the metropolitan examinations to become jinshi—well, a lifetime of wealth and honor awaited them!
With eloquence that could make straw sound like gold, Mu Chun traveled like combing hair with a fine comb, recruiting and enticing many scholars seeking advancement to follow him with their families to Yunnan.
Mu Chun’s high-profile talent recruitment made his entourage expand rapidly like a pregnancy.
Since Mu Chun’s relatives were all involved in the succession struggle, the Hongwu Emperor had Jinyiwei follow and monitor him throughout the journey. As a result, Mao Qiang’s daily reports were all about how many people Mu Chun had poached from various places, how brilliantly he had performed at poetry gatherings, what poems he had written that earned great praise, and which famous scholars he had convinced to go to Yunnan.
Hearing all this, the Hongwu Emperor finally felt reassured: Mu Chun had no objections to the succession choice and, following Yunnan’s massive resettlement project, was now focusing wholeheartedly on cultural education.
Hu Shanwei was quite pleased hearing about Mu Chun’s activities along the way. Mu Chun was indeed obedient, staying far from the approaching storm.
After performing the forty-nine-day memorial rites for Noble Consort Duanjing Guo and seeing her off on her final journey, Hu Shanwei returned to the palace, planning to request resignation from Palace Administrator Cao.
But as soon as she returned to the palace, Hu Shanwei felt the atmosphere was wrong. Palace servants along the way had grave expressions, some with red, swollen eyes as if they had just been crying, and others covering their faces in tears.
Hu Shanwei thought: Has His Majesty moved so quickly? This doesn’t match his usual style. He should wait for all those who oppose the succession choice to jump out before striking to catch them all in one net, like a shrewd hunter.
Returning to her quarters, Hu Shanwei was about to change clothes to see Palace Administrator Cao when she found Haitang cutting white cotton paper with red eyes—used as disposable collar guards to keep necklines clean, a standard detail of palace female officials’ uniforms.
Hu Shanwei asked: “What’s wrong? Why are you all looking so mournful?”
Haitang choked back tears: “Palace Administrator Cao… has left.”
What?
Like a bolt from the blue, Hu Shanwei pressed with questions: “Such a big thing happened, why didn’t you send someone to Noble Consort Duanjing’s tomb to find me and report? Palace Administrator Cao is such a perceptive person—how did she foolishly anger His Majesty? What was it about? Who made the move? Jinyiwei or the Palace Administration Bureau—”
“Left,” Haitang said. “Not died. Palace Administrator Cao requested to resign this morning, citing advanced age and insufficient energy, asking to leave the harem and return home for retirement.”
Hu Shanwei could hardly believe it: “Requested resignation? Palace Administrator Cao is the highest-ranking and youngest among the seven major ‘Shang’ officials of the Six Bureaus and One Department. She became Palace Administrator at thirty-seven, while other ‘Shang’ officials were promoted to fifth rank only around age forty. She’s requesting retirement? What does this make the other six ‘Shang’ officials look like?”
The youngest requesting retirement would make the other six officials look bad, as if they were greedy for power and clinging to their positions.
However, Palace Administrator Cao rarely considered how others thought or how they could save face. She didn’t care about anyone else. This action was consistent with her usual style.
Hu Shanwei changed clothes and hurried to find Palace Administrator Cao. At this time, all seven leaders of the Six Bureaus and One Department were meeting together, all trying to persuade Palace Administrator Cao.
Palace Administrator Fan wore a stern expression: “You can’t leave. Noble Consort Duanjing is gone, and the harem has been without a leader. His Majesty hasn’t selected a new consort. Now all harem affairs depend on the Six Bureaus and One Department to function. If you leave, not only will the harem consorts be leaderless, but the Six Bureaus and One Department will also lack leadership. Won’t everything fall into chaos?”
Palace Administrator Cao said: “His Majesty will soon select a consort to coordinate the six palaces. There will be a new noble consort, and there will be a new palace administrator—because power is a good thing that many people want.”
Court Rites Administrator Cui said: “Are you facing some difficulty? Speak up, and we’ll figure something out together. When there are people, we contribute people; when there’s strength, we contribute strength. We’ve all served the court for over twenty years—what storms haven’t we weathered? Working together, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome.”
Palace Administrator Cao said: “No particular difficulty. I’m just tired. Among the Six Bureaus and One Department, the Palace Administrator is the busiest, managing everything. I’m forty-seven this year and lately feel overwhelmed, not as energetic as before. If I resign now, I can still walk out upright. Palace work requires zero mistakes—if something goes wrong, I’ll have to be carried out horizontally.”
Palace Works Administrator Song, who had always been Palace Administrator Cao’s greatest supporter: “If you leave, what will I do? Without a backbone, I can’t continue.”
Palace Administrator Cao was succinct: “None of my business.”
Palace Garments Administrator Wang, Palace Food Administrator Xu, and Palace Quarters Administrator Zhao all basically said the same thing: “You’re more than ten years younger than us. If you’re requesting retirement, should we be eating dirt in coffins? If you find being Palace Administrator difficult, you could transfer to one of the other six bureaus for a more relaxed position.”
Palace Administrator Cao took on the posture of debating multiple female officials. No matter what others said, she wouldn’t turn back: “Since I’m retiring, I should do it decisively. Staying in the palace to work, regardless of which bureau, would only create obstacles for the new Palace Administrator, getting in the way and being annoying. I’ll leave the palace to tend flowers, walk birds, and feed cats, enjoying myself for a few years. It’s been so long since I’ve experienced sleeping until I wake up naturally—just thinking about it makes me yearn for it.”
Just as Palace Administrator Fan was about to persuade her further, Palace Administrator Cao waved her hand grandly: “My mind is made up, and His Majesty has already agreed. There’s no turning back once the bow is drawn. I called you all to discuss selecting the next Palace Administrator. Rather than waste your breath trying to change my mind, you’d better think about who’s most suitable to replace me as the new Palace Administrator. This person will need to lead all female palace officials—you should choose carefully.”
Once Palace Administrator Cao said this, all the female officials fell silent.
If His Majesty had already agreed, who dared object?
In terms of seniority and prestige, among the six present, only Palace Administrator Fan stood out most. Therefore, although no one spoke, everyone peripherally watched Palace Administrator Fan’s expression.
After a long while, Palace Administrator Fan said: “Stop looking at me. The Palace Administrator position requires someone like Palace Administrator Cao with an exquisitely clever heart who can handle things independently. I know my limitations—I can’t fill this position. I’ve decided to stay in the Palace Administration Department, working steadily until I can’t continue. You should select someone else capable.”
Palace Works Administrator Song raised her hand: “Same here. I won’t compete for the Palace Administrator position.”
The other officials thought: No one would choose you anyway!
Palace Administrator Cao’s sharp eyes swept across the six officials before settling on Court Rites Administrator Cui.
Court Rites Administrator Cui remained a beauty. Three years younger than Palace Administrator Cao, she was forty-two this year without a single white hair. Except for slightly looser skin around her eyes, she showed no signs of aging. Someone could believe she was in her early thirties. She was like a rose in full bloom—beautiful upon entering this world, charming and stunning. Even if she were to wither, her beauty remained unrestrained and undiminished.
In terms of seniority and authority, Palace Administrator Fan, who supervised the six bureaus, ranked first.
But the Court Rites Bureau was the busiest and most favored by His Majesty among the six bureaus besides the Palace Bureau. Whenever palace personnel left the court or outsiders entered the palace, or when noble ladies came to pay respects, the Court Rites Bureau had to approve and arrange routes and guiding personnel. This involved major palace security matters and required female officials His Majesty could trust.
Court Rites Administrator Cui had managed the Court Rites Bureau for fifteen years. This showed how much the Hongwu Emperor trusted her.
Therefore, Court Rites Administrator Cui was undoubtedly the most competitive candidate for Palace Administrator. If she wanted to compete, the Palace Administrator position would almost certainly be hers.
Today, for some reason, meticulous Palace Administrator Fan felt Court Rites Administrator Cui seemed strange. The corners of her eyes appeared as if cut with a knife—relaxed, with eyes clear as autumn water and slightly upturned eyebrows. Since they were in the Crown Prince’s mourning period and couldn’t wear makeup, Palace Administrator Fan could clearly see dark circles under Court Rites Administrator Cui’s eyes, suggesting she hadn’t slept well last night.
Palace Administrator Fan managed harem punishments and daily handled palace disputes, conducting investigations. Although she mainly relied on harsh interrogation methods like beating and scolding, over time she had become more sensitive than ordinary people.
Court Rites Administrator Cui was acting strange today…
As Palace Administrator Fan pondered this, Palace Administrator Cao raised her chin toward Court Rites Administrator Cui: “You say something.”
Court Rites Administrator Cui coughed lightly and said: “I have three things to say. First, I won’t compete for the Palace Administrator position. Second, effective immediately, I resign from my position as Court Rites Administrator.”
Thunder crashed!
Like a bolt from the blue, the female officials couldn’t believe it. Palace Administrator Cao was leaving, but why was Court Rites Administrator Cui leaving too?
Only Palace Administrator Cao remained calm. Palace Administrator Fan observed expressions, her gaze rolling between Palace Administrator Cao and Court Rites Administrator Cui’s faces. Suddenly, she understood!
So that’s it!
Court Rites Administrator Cui raised her hand: “Everyone, please quiet down and let me finish the last matter.”
Court Rites Administrator Cui looked around and said: “This third matter is that I attended His Majesty last night and will soon be elevated to harem consort.”
Crack!
Thunder and lightning struck out of nowhere. Everyone seemed struck by lightning, frozen in their chairs.
Palace Administrator Fan had guessed correctly. She gave Palace Administrator Cao a meaningful look: You knew all along, didn’t you? You didn’t leave early or late, but chose this moment to leave. Clearly…
Facing Palace Administrator Fan’s questioning gaze, Palace Administrator Cao pretended to be blind and ignored it.
Palace Works Administrator Song pointed at Court Rites Administrator Cui: “You, you, you…”
After repeating “you” many times, she couldn’t voice the blunt truth: Have you lost your mind? What’s good about being a harem consort? Look at all the fallen consorts—each worse than the last. How could that compare to being a comfortable Court Rites Administrator!
Last night was Noble Consort Duanjing’s forty-nine-day memorial… How could you bear to sleep with him?
“Enough.” Court Rites Administrator Cui stood up and removed her black gauze hat: “Working with you colleagues for over twenty years was perhaps the happiest and most relaxed time of my life. I know the road ahead will be difficult, fraught with danger at every step. But since I’ve decided to walk this path, I have no regrets. In the long years ahead in the palace, I hope for everyone’s continued guidance.”
Having said this, Court Rites Administrator Cui put down her official hat, left her seat, and walked toward another journey in life.
Court Rites Administrator Cui’s triple strike was truly devastating. It took everyone a long time to recover, almost forgetting that today’s theme was selecting a Palace Administrator.
How to choose?
The two most capable candidates—one didn’t dare take the position, the other was dragged to the dragon bed by the emperor to become a consort.
Palace Works Administrator Song pitifully pleaded with Palace Administrator Cao: “How about you continue for a while longer? The palace will fall into chaos.”
Palace Administrator Fan shook her head hearing this: Tsk tsk, how did you become a Palace Works Administrator? You have no perception at all. This is clearly a pre-arranged play. Court Rites Administrator Cui attended His Majesty last night, Palace Administrator Cao requested resignation today, and His Majesty immediately agreed. It’s obvious that—
“Palace Administrator Cao!” A voice came from outside. This voice was all too familiar—it was Hu Shanwei.
Hu Shanwei happened to encounter the hatless Court Rites Administrator Cui face-to-face. Since Court Rites Administrator Cui outranked her, Hu Shanwei quickly stepped aside, making way and bowing: “Court Rites Administrator Cui.”
Court Rites Administrator Cui smiled slightly and nodded: “Palace Administrator Cao is inside. Go find her.”
After Court Rites Administrator Cui left, Hu Shanwei turned and entered the room. Seeing all six female officials including Palace Administrator Cao in the study—three sitting on the left led by Palace Administrator Fan, three sitting on the right led by Palace Administrator Cao—when the six officials saw her enter, they first exchanged glances, then twelve eyes looked directly at the newly entered Hu Shanwei.
The middle seat of honor was vacant, waiting for someone.
Seeing this formation, although Hu Shanwei didn’t know what had just happened, her instincts developed through twelve years of palace life were still useful—something was wrong!
Hu Shanwei stepped back and bowed to the six officials: “Sorry for interrupting your deliberations. This subordinate will withdraw now.”
“Since you’re here, don’t leave.” Palace Administrator Cao stood up, first closing the door tightly, then said: “We were just discussing who should replace me as Palace Administrator after I leave. After discussion, we’ve reached unanimous agreement to recommend you as Palace Administrator to lead all female palace officials.”
Hu Shanwei was stunned: “Who?”
Palace Administrator Fan and others said in unison: “You.”
Hu Shanwei waved her hands repeatedly: “Impossible. I came to find Palace Administrator Cao today precisely to—”
Before Hu Shanwei could voice her resignation, Palace Administrator Cao covered her mouth and whispered in her ear: “This is His Majesty’s decision. If you don’t want to die, shut up.”
Hu Shanwei didn’t want to die. She and Mu Chun had just agreed that after the mourning period ended, Mu Chun would transfer his title and marry her, and they would stay away from court struggles to become an immortal couple.
If she died, everything would be for nothing, and her wishes would remain unfulfilled.
Hu Shanwei was pushed by Palace Administrator Cao to the central seat of honor. Palace Administrator Cao and Palace Administrator Fan, one on each side, forcibly pressed her shoulders to make her sit in the main position, rather like when Zhao Kuangyin was forced into the yellow robe.
The six female officials stood up together and bowed to Hu Shanwei: “Congratulations Palace Administrator Hu, felicitations Palace Administrator Hu!”
On the first day of the ninth month in the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu, three explosive pieces of news emerged from the palace:
Palace Administrator Cao resigned and left the palace.
Court Rites Administrator Cui resigned her position. Secretary Shen Qionglian took over as Court Rites Administrator, now called Court Rites Administrator Shen. The just-resigned Court Rites Administrator Cui was immediately elevated by the Hongwu Emperor to Consort Shu, granted authority over the harem, and took residence in Yanxi Palace, which had been vacant for twelve years.
Consort Shu Cui, at the “advanced age” of forty-two, became the new palace favorite with unlimited glory, the oldest favored consort in history.
Palace Secretary Hu Shanwei was promoted to Palace Administrator, called Palace Administrator Hu, becoming the youngest Palace Administrator in history at the “young age” of thirty-two.
The Hongwu dynasty’s harem thus entered the “post-Hongwu” era.
After nightfall, Hu Shanwei waited outside the imperial study until late at night. Only after the Hongwu Emperor finished reviewing all memorials did he summon her to speak.
As soon as Hu Shanwei entered, she knelt on the ground: “I beg Your Majesty to rescind the appointment. This subject lacks virtue and ability and is unfit for the Palace Administrator position.”
The Hongwu Emperor was eating a late meal—just simple white rice porridge with a few side dishes. After a few bites, he put down his chopsticks. At his age, he needed to pay attention to health, neither starving nor overeating.
The Hongwu Emperor rinsed his mouth and casually said: “It’s for Mu Chun, isn’t it? You want to go to Yunnan to find Xiao Chun.”
How did His Majesty know?
Hu Shanwei was shocked but used all her composure to avoid showing alarm, saying: “Your Majesty shouldn’t believe such rumors. This subject and Duke Qianguo… are completely innocent.”
This wasn’t a lie. Although Mu Chun and Hu Shanwei loved each other, they had maintained proper conduct without improper behavior.
The Hongwu Emperor said: “You don’t need to rush to deny it. Empress Xiaoci noticed your relationship with Mu Chun early on. When Mu Chun kept refusing marriage, I felt something was wrong and ordered Mao Qiang to secretly monitor him. That’s when we discovered your private relationship. Since you both maintained propriety, I didn’t expose it. Empress Xiaoci left final words before dying, asking me to unite you two to make up for my error in matchmaking years ago. What I promise Empress Xiaoci, I will certainly fulfill, but I have conditions.”
Each of the Hongwu Emperor’s words sent chills down Hu Shanwei’s spine while also warming her heart. Empress Xiaoci had known all along!
No wonder she asked me to leave the harem before dying, not to seek revenge for her or find the mastermind behind her death. There was this deeper meaning.
The Hongwu Emperor said: “Now the harem lacks a leader, and the Eastern Palace succession isn’t stable. I trust none of the consorts from the six eastern and western palaces, the princes outside, or the princes in the five eastern and western residences of Qianqing Palace. I suspect they all harbor different intentions. So I need trustworthy people to help me through this crisis.”
Having experienced “betrayals” by Consort Da Ding, Noble Consort Guo, Crown Prince Yiwen and others, the Hongwu Emperor saw danger everywhere and no longer trusted any harem consorts. But someone had to manage all the large and small harem affairs for him to sleep peacefully. Otherwise, if the rear courtyard caught fire, who knew what more terrible things might happen.
“Consort Shu Cui was formerly my Court Rites Administrator, loyal only to me, serving as my eyes and ears and confidant. I gave her status by elevating her to Consort Shu so she could legitimately manage harem affairs. But one Consort Shu isn’t enough—the Six Bureaus and One Department must cooperate in execution.”
The Hongwu Emperor said: “The Palace Administrator position requires both loyalty and capability, independent judgment without blind following, finding ways to accomplish tasks well. I don’t need a mere subordinate. You have strong opinions, a resilient character, and although you’ve repeatedly contradicted me, your loyalty to the Ming is unquestionable. Even Palace Administrator Cao and Consort Shu said you’re the best candidate. With you and Consort Shu cooperating to oversee the harem, I can feel at ease.”
“Next, to ensure the Crown Imperial Grandson’s succession safety, the court will undergo a major purge. Many will die, many important figures will be eliminated. My requirement is that regardless of the political storms in the front court, the harem must remain stable—no chaos, no incidents. If you accomplish this, I will eventually unite you with Mu Chun.”