By custom, a young woman should be betrothed around fifteen or sixteen, or at the latest, eighteen or nineteen. Yet Wu Zhen, now twenty-six, remained unmarried – a truly unique case in Chang’an.
Since she turned sixteen, her father, Duke Yu, and her sister, Empress Wu, had worried endlessly about her marriage prospects. Over the years, several matches have been proposed, but all failed.
This seemed incredible. Given Wu Zhen’s background and beauty, even with her somewhat tarnished reputation, surely someone would be willing to marry her. But she remained single, mainly because Wu Zhen was too much of a troublemaker.
Her first engagement was with young Master Fan, the son of Minister Fan. Their families were of equal status, and Master Fan was fairly handsome. Had Wu Zhen been content to wait demurely for marriage like other young women, all would have been well. But she was wild by nature. After the betrothal gifts were exchanged, she boldly invited Master Fan to go hunting outside the city. Whatever happened during that hunt terrified the young man so badly that he wet himself. He fell ill upon returning home and thereafter would tremble uncontrollably at the sight of Wu Zhen, unable to speak coherently. Naturally, the engagement had to be called off.
The next match was with young Master Huang, son of Attendant Huang. Master Huang was a strapping fellow, tall and strong, much to the satisfaction of Duke Yu and Empress Wu. However, one day Wu Zhen visited her prospective husband and, on a whim, challenged him to a horse-riding and archery competition. She won decisively. This proved disastrous – Master Huang came to respect her as a fellow man, feeling inferior and wanting to become her disciple. When she refused, he proposed they become sworn brothers instead. The marriage never materialized, but Wu Zhen gained a good friend. Master Huang had long since married and now had several children.
Another time, she was matched with the son of the Left Scattered Rider Attendant-in-Ordinary. This situation was even worse – Wu Zhen and young Master Lü got into a fistfight before the betrothal gifts were even exchanged. The reasons were complicated. Master Lü was quite similar to Wu Zhen, both frequenting entertainment districts. He was infatuated with a courtesan named Huzhu, who scorned him but often went out with Wu Zhen. Rumors spread that Huzhu had sapphic inclinations and had taken a liking to Wu Zhen. Master Lü was envious. While their elders were arranging the marriage, he refused to accept it and angrily confronted Wu Zhen, only to be beaten to a whimpering pulp. Their relationship remained tense to this day.
The next engagement was pure misfortune. The ill-fated young Master Chen completed two of the six betrothal rites before suddenly falling gravely ill and passing away.
The fifth time, the sixth time…
And so it continued until now. As Wu Zhen grew older and her reputation worsened, arranging a marriage became even more difficult. She lived freely, roaming as she pleased – whether taking courtesans on spring outings or leading young nobles in causing mischief, she did as she liked with increasing ease. Even Duke Yu had given up hope for his second daughter’s marriage. He spent his days chanting sutras in the temple, tending flowers, and drinking tea, wishing only to turn a blind eye like a bald monk.
When he received a letter from his elder daughter, Duke Yu was so excited he dropped his wooden fish. Unlike his second daughter, the elder had always been reliable. Someone who earned her effusive praise must be exceptional. It seemed his younger daughter might finally be married off!
Wu Zhen asked a question, noticing her father had suddenly fallen into a daze, tears welling up in his eyes as if lost in melancholy reflections. She couldn’t help but nudge his arm again, asking curiously, “Father, whose son are you and Sister trying to match me with?”
Duke Yu came to his senses and replied, “The nephew of Consort Mei.”
Wu Zhen thought for a moment, then covered her face in exasperation. “Consort Mei’s nephew? Do you mean Mei Si? He’s only seventeen, isn’t he? That’s far too young. Besides, he’s been following me around since he was little. I know him well – he wouldn’t dare marry me even if he had ten times the courage.”
Mei Si’s admiration for her was like that of a young soldier for a battle-hardened general. While he idolized her, it had nothing to do with romantic love. If he were suddenly told to marry her, he’d likely drop dead from fright on the spot.
Seeing her misunderstanding, Duke Yu sighed and explained, “Not Mei Si. That boy is unreliable. Her Majesty the Empress has proposed Mei family’s eldest son for you.”
Wu Zhen rubbed her chin, searching her memory, but couldn’t recall who this eldest Mei son was. As the most well-connected young noble in Chang’an, she knew almost all the officials’ children, yet she had no impression of this Mei fellow. How strange.
“I can’t remember anyone like that. Are you sure you’re not making this up?” Wu Zhen tapped the small table in front of her.
Duke Yu stroked his beard. “The eldest Mei son is Mei Si’s cousin. His father used to be the prefect of Quzhou. He’s been in Quzhou all this time. I heard his parents passed away a few years ago, leaving him alone there to observe the mourning period. He only returned to Chang’an a year ago and now serves as a section chief in the Ministry of Justice. According to Her Majesty, he’s a man of few words – perfect to keep you in check.”
Section chief in the Ministry of Justice, eldest son of the Mei family. Wu Zhen narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t heard of him in the year since he’d been in Chang’an – he must be truly low-key.
Seeing her expression, Duke Yu immediately grew wary. “This time, you absolutely must not cause any trouble!”
“Father, you worry too much. You of all people should know that those previous engagements falling through wasn’t entirely my fault.” Wu Zhen’s face was the picture of innocence as she toyed with the horsewhip at her waist. She asked eagerly, “How old is this Mei fellow?”
Duke Yu had already made an early visit to the palace and returned, so he naturally knew all about the eldest Mei son from his elder daughter. He answered, “His name is Zhuyu, and he’s twenty-two this year.”
Wu Zhen leaned her arm on the table, grinning. “Mei Zhuyu? That’s a nice name. But isn’t twenty-two too young? He’s a full four years younger than me. Even if you’re in a hurry to marry me off, you shouldn’t deceive the poor lad. He’s only been back in Chang’an for a year – he probably hasn’t heard about my reputation. Don’t trick him into marrying me only for him to regret it later.”
“Nonsense!” Duke Yu’s face darkened. He was about to lecture his daughter when Wu Zhen suddenly stood up and walked out.
“Father, I’m going to the palace to see Sister and ask her more about this Mei Zhuyu.”
Her steps were light as she quickly crossed the platform and ran down the steps toward the front courtyard. Duke Yu couldn’t stop her in time. Clutching his chest and gasping for air, he could only point at the door and shout, “Behave yourself! Don’t you dare go scare young Master Mei!” He knew his daughter all too well – she was capable of such mischief.
Wu Zhen’s head poked back through the doorway. She waved, saying, “Don’t worry, my temper has improved a lot these past two years. I won’t frighten the young master without reason.” This somewhat reassured her poor old father.
Wu Zhen left without any attendants, as usual. She mounted her swift horse “Red Tassel” and galloped towards Daming Palace.
Since the renovation of Daming Palace was completed, the emperor and empress had moved there, leaving only a group of officials and clerks in the old Taiji Palace. Daming Palace was very close to Duke Yu’s residence in Daning Ward, just a short ride away. As Empress Wu’s full-blooded sister, Wu Zhen was greatly favored by her. Even the emperor looked upon her kindly. Thus, she had the special privilege of entering Daming Palace to see her sister at any time.
When Wu Zhen arrived, Empress Wu had just woken from her afternoon nap and was sitting on her couch, wearily rubbing her forehead. Consort Mei, who had been sitting beside her, rose and stood behind her, gently massaging her temples to ease her headache.
Wu Zhen sat at the lower seat, observing the deep affection between her imperial sister and Consort Mei. Though not for the first time, she couldn’t help but feel that every time she saw these two so intimately together, the jade crown on the emperor’s head seemed to grow even more emerald green.
The current emperor was extremely fond of musical instruments and skilled at composing poetry and music, but he neglected state affairs. Empress Wu had been assisting in governance for several years, and the emperor held her in high regard. However, everyone knew that the emperor’s favorite was Consort Mei, who excelled in singing, dancing, and playing instruments. This nobly-born Consort Mei lived up to her name, as proud and cold as plum blossoms defying frost. She maintained an aloof demeanor towards almost everyone, including the emperor, but only with Empress Wu did she show tender affection. Her eyes were full of gentleness, just as they were now –
“Sister, are you feeling better?” Consort Mei’s breath was as fragrant as orchids, her face full of concern.
Empress Wu smiled at her, supporting her head. “Much better. Don’t trouble yourself anymore, sit down.” She took Consort Mei’s delicate hands and pulled her to sit beside her. Consort Mei obediently sat down but wasn’t idle, beginning to pour tea for the empress.
Wu Zhen thought to herself: Anyone who didn’t know better would think these two were the real sisters.
Empress Wu took a sip of water from Consort Mei’s hands, then glanced at Wu Zhen’s expression and asked with a half-smile, “So, you’ve heard?”
Wu Zhen: “Your Majesty, I heard you’ve chosen a husband for me – the eldest son of the Mei family?”
Empress Wu: “Yes, I’ve met him. He’s a fine young man, good enough for you.”
Wu Zhen glanced at Consort Mei and said teasingly, “I heard he’s Consort Mei’s nephew. Surely Consort Mei didn’t whisper sweet nothings in Your Majesty’s ear to arrange this?”
Empress Wu was long accustomed to her sister’s impertinence and replied impassively, “Indeed she did.”
Consort Mei pursed her lips in a smile. Though over thirty, her smile was still as charming as a girl of sixteen. She said, “My eldest nephew is virtuous and has no concubines or lovers. His parents passed away early, so you won’t need to serve in-laws. Moreover, his temperament is steady, and he won’t bully you. He’s truly the best match possible. Her Majesty has been worried about your marriage. If this union can be realized, I’ll have eased one of her concerns.”
Wu Zhen listened and thought it did indeed sound good, but… She curiously asked Consort Mei, “May I ask, sister Consort, has this eldest Mei son offended you in some way?”
Consort Mei: “What do you mean?”
Wu Zhen spread her hands innocently: “If he’s done nothing wrong, how could you bear to push the poor young man into this blazing fire pit that is me?”