Lin Yuchan found a secluded spot and pulled out her pocket watch to check the time.
Since pocket watches were rarely used in Beijing, only fashionable among royalty and nobility, she dared not display such wealth.
Still an hour remaining. Wandering around, she discovered “Ma Juyuan” in Dashilar—a shop selling high-end hats. Though it lacked Shanghai’s variety of fashionable styles, the craftsmanship was exquisite, and the materials were fine. For high officials and nobles, it was a status symbol that commanded respect when worn.
For travel convenience, Lin Yuchan sometimes wore men’s clothing, casually choosing hats. After consideration, she selected a respectable tanned leather cap with walnut-sized white silk thread tassels—steady yet stylish, with a somewhat mature youthful appearance.
Most importantly, it was genuine Beijing merchandise that should add considerable points when showing her face in public.
Then she chose a feathered satin skullcap for Su Minguan, adorned with a broad bean-sized white jade ornament. Low-key luxury at seven taels of silver, fixed price.
Supporting a man wasn’t easy—Lin Yuchan gritted her teeth and paid.
Just as she picked up the hat, the shopkeeper quickly exchanged it for another of the same style.
She was puzzled. The shopkeeper smiled: “Everyone knows Northerners have large, flat heads while Southerners have small, pointed ones. You’re buying this for family, right? We sell thousands of hats yearly—this small size won’t be wrong.”
Lin Yuchan was impressed. This old Beijing brand truly provided thoughtful service, even selling with big data analysis!
Then let him take the small size. If it didn’t fit, she could wear it herself.
Next to Ma Juyuan was a shop selling dough figurines. An ordinary cart with small drawers below and tools above—picks, combs, fine combs, scissors…
The dough figurine craftsman had rough fingers but extraordinary flexibility when kneading. Beside him lay vermilion, emerald, and snow-white dough. First a roll, then a pinch, another roll, then precision carving with small tools—bit by bit, the colored dough was given life, becoming vivid sculptures: Rabbit God and Rabbit Grandmother, Monkey King and Pig Bajie, the Twelve Beauties of Jinling, Nezha and Zhuge Liang… Each showed perfect detail. Finally, a dot of blackened dough on the eyes brought them alive!
The figurines were mounted on bamboo sticks like candied hawthorns, arranged in circles as if holding a folk legend convention. Children crowded around watching, adults unable to pull them away.
Lin Yuchan was immediately charmed, squeezing among the children to watch for a while. She wanted to buy one but felt overwhelmed by the choice.
The craftsman noticed an adult child before him, suddenly looked up, studied her, sipped jasmine tea, and smiled: “Young lady, from out of town?”
Lin Yuchan nodded, smiling: “How much each?”
The craftsman smiled without answering, handed out the Wu Song in his hands, collected payment, then lowered his head to grab white dough. His ten fingers flew up and down—soon a White Snake beauty emerged. Unlike other figurines’ full moon faces, this lady had a lotus petal-sharp chin, vaguely Southern features. Though simply detailed, her expression was vivid.
Watching, children chorused: “Wow, it’s her!”
Lin Yuchan delightedly accepted it: “I’ll take it!”
Seeing her generous manner and spending, the craftsman playfully asked: “Want to add Xu Xian?”
This bundled sales pitch was seamless. Before Lin Yuchan could answer, the craftsman was already kneading another piece.
Her heart stirred: “No Xu Xian. I want Fa Hai.”
Street craftsmen had seen all sorts of strange requests and wasn’t surprised, quickly switching dough colors: “What does he look like—long or round face, big or small eyes? Beard or no beard?”
In the capital, Lin Yuchan naturally wouldn’t describe a rebel’s appearance in detail, only smiling: “Use your creativity.”
The craftsman could read expressions, knowing this Fa Hai was probably someone close to this young lady.
Since he was close, their temperament should be similar. So his fingers worked like shuttles, quickly carving a monk. The eyebrows and eyes were delicate, but the expression retained Fa Hai’s villainous styling—the combination looked like a smiling merchant with hidden daggers.
The craftsman frowned, probably not expecting such a bizarre creation from himself.
Lin Yuchan was delighted, promptly paid, bought a box, carefully packed the two figurines, planning them as a belated childhood gift for the young master.
One hat, one pair of figurines—seemed about right.
Since Feng Yikan had worked hard carrying things, she treated him to roast duck. Halfway through the meal, Uncle Pan personally came out to intercept them, saying customers were anxiously waiting for him to finish “Official Struggles.”
Lin Yuchan had made her bed and had to lie in it, shouldering her burden. Returning to her lodging, she washed off the dust and wondered where to go tomorrow.
She’d barely sat down when urgent knocking startled several nuns.
“Mrs. Su Lin,” the voice sounded like Wenxiang’s old servant, “does Mrs. Su Lin live here? Please come out to speak!”
Lin Yuchan was delighted, knowing the Zongli Yamen had probably issued a policy.
She hurriedly put on her shoes and went out. Having just loosened her hair messily, she quickly pinned it up and casually put on the “small and pointed” Ma Juyuan hat.
The old servant was typical of Beijing officials’ staff—though polite to her, always cold, clearly looking down on outsiders. Today’s sudden visit brought a deep bow, face blooming like opened jasmine.
“Mrs. Su, congratulations! The current Empress Dowager wishes to see you. Please prepare—a carriage will pick you up early tomorrow morning.”
Lin Yuchan’s mind went completely blank for a moment.
“Wait, you…”
Then suddenly she got goosebumps all over, the “Ma Juyuan” hat tilting and slowly sliding off, rolling on the ground.
The measured, ironed Beijing accent sounded burning hot from her ears to her brain.
The current Empress Dowager… wasn’t that Cixi?!
I don’t want to meet the old witch!
What if I accidentally get beheaded—who could I complain to?
This was her first reaction upon regaining consciousness.
The old servant had seen such attitudes often, inwardly laughing at her rusticity while comforting: “It’s nothing. The foreign goods you gave my master—he showed some off, and the Empress Dowager happened to see them. She asked about their origin, praised your eye, and hearing you’re a woman, found it curious, and wanted to meet you. Don’t worry, the Empress Dowager is resting at the Old Summer Palace these days—it’s not entering the palace, so there aren’t so many protocols. My master often goes to keep her company…”
The old servant spoke lightly with a smile, so cheerful you’d want to give him a red envelope.
Lin Yuchan calmed down for a few seconds, then suddenly pushed open the door and brought out a stool.
“Please sit. Explain in detail.”
Her thoughts raced. If “meeting the Empress Dowager” was truly dangerous, this old servant should look at her with sympathy and pity, not this happy, even somewhat flattering manner.
“Ah, madam, don’t look at me like that—I’ve seen many like you.” The old servant thanked her, sat down, showing a knowing smile. “Speaking presumptuously, though our current Empress Dowager is the mother of the nation, her nature is gentle and considerate of her subjects. Sometimes she calls folk cooks to make snacks with generous rewards. Have you seen ‘Flower Zhang’ under Tianqiao Bridge? His handkerchief flowers are so realistic that they could fool anyone. Last year, he performed before the Empress Dowager—the rewards he received would last three lifetimes. Originally a street craftsman, now he’s bought a shop, taken over ten disciples, and business is booming! There’s also a dough figurine maker…”
Lin Yuchan felt dizzy listening to his detailed account.
“Wait, no… I don’t have any skills…”
“But people like you are rare! How many women in the world can earn money? Speak foreign languages?—These are all skills! I’ve followed my master to see the Empress Dowager several times. Don’t worry, she’s not a man-eating tiger! Moreover, you’re recommended by my master, who’s a Grand Secretary—seeing the Empress Dowager is like visiting relatives for him. Not tense at all!”
Several Chinese and foreign nuns from the same room listened for a while, then one came out saying: “The Empress Dowager is indeed a good person. After the warfare of Xianfeng’s tenth year, to reconcile with the church, she specially allocated funds to repair Nantang and personally came to inspect, giving us many gifts.”
Lin Yuchan listened in a daze, her historical views somewhat refreshed.
Anyone answering “evaluate Cixi” like this on an exam would get few points!
After all, she wasn’t living in history books. She set aside various preconceptions and carefully listened to every word from others.
The old servant smiled: “If you truly lack courage, I could report to my master about some sudden illness. But that… wouldn’t be good. You understand—it wouldn’t look good for my master’s face, and people would find it inauspicious. Seeing you, a lone woman, coming to Beijing wasn’t easy—speaking as an elder today, missing this blessing would be truly regrettable.”
Lin Yuchan thought that from her years of contact with Wenxiang’s family, Wenxiang was among the few relatively reliable Qing officials who wouldn’t deliberately harm an unrelated outsider. Moreover, she was now somewhat tied to Wenxiang—if not sharing glory, at least sharing losses. If she suffered misfortune, Wenxiang would be criticized.
For Wenxiang, being her to the Empress Dowager was the greatest recognition of her visit.
Understanding this, Lin Yuchan stood solemnly, bowed to the old servant, and said seriously: “Thank you for Mr. Wen’s support.”
She, a dignified socialist successor, still feared Cixi?
Of course, thinking was one thing—she still had to treat her like a boss, handling everything with utmost caution.
“I’ll go,” Lin Yuchan smiled. “You saw me lively today—if I pretend illness tomorrow, should someone catch this weakness later, wouldn’t that bring unwarranted disaster? By the way, I’m young and inexperienced. In your opinion, how much money should I prepare for this trip?”
The old servant quickly stood to return the bow, whispering: “You’ve listened to too many folk stories and operas, thinking those eunuchs will demand money all along—refuse and they’ll make things difficult, right? That’s not how it works. Everyone knows you’re a commoner, a widow, summoned temporarily by the Empress Dowager—how much profit could there be? They can’t be bothered demanding from you. Speaking cynically, countless profit-seeking people worldwide desperately want an imperial audience—they spend thousands, tens of thousands of taels. Isn’t plucking wool from them more satisfying?”
Lin Yuchan nodded slowly, accepting the lesson.
The old servant smiled: “Noble people have many affairs—certainly won’t delay long over you. At most a few words, at least just a glance before dismissal. But even glimpsing the imperial countenance from afar, you certainly won’t leave empty-handed—rest assured!”
Lin Yuchan felt somewhat relieved, hearing hints in his words, and smiled: “Thank you for the guidance. Without your explanation, I’d have been scared to death.”
She wondered if TV dramas at this point required giving money to the messenger?
Feeling her pockets, fortunately she carried some loose silver—change from buying the hat. Her first time being polite with Banner people, unsure of appropriate amounts, she felt around and found a piece weighing over two taels, wrapped it properly in her sleeve with a handkerchief, and neatly passed it over.
The old servant readily accepted it, felt its weight, and looked somewhat alarmed.
“Madam is too kind—I just delivered a message, no need for such courtesy!”
But he didn’t return it. This was established custom.
Lin Yuchan’s heart ached. She’d given too much.
The old servant felt bad, smiling: “There’s still an hour before curfew, half an hour for me to return. If Madam doesn’t mind, I could treat you to tea nearby. Not to boast, but serving my master these years, I know something about etiquette and protocols.”
…
Lin Yuchan returned to her lodging, body hot, completely sleepless, pulled out a pen and recorded the knowledge points just heard, both hands trembling slightly.
She’d maintained composure talking with the old servant, but now seemed to have opened floodgates—her entire circulatory system felt spring-loaded, restless from head to toe.
Achievement unlocked: Meet Cixi! (1/1)
So thrilling!
Miss Aldersey came to congratulate with many words. Several nuns in the room began chatting, recalling Cixi’s last visit to Nantang—that glimpse, what colors the Empress Dowager wore, how many people accompanied her, where they stood… all vividly remembered.
This was a celebrity effect!
Lin Yuchan suddenly realized that returning to Shanghai from Beijing with the “met the Empress Dowager” achievement would probably double her business orders—no one would trouble her again due to her humble female status!
Provided everything went smoothly.
She set aside various materialist historical views, warning herself: a strong woman can adapt—she and Cixi were from different worlds. Just go brush up reputation, absolutely don’t court death.
She rolled out of bed and began rummaging through the bedding.
Though Wenxiang’s old servant told her not to prepare bribes, she wouldn’t be foolish enough to go truly empty-handed.
She found over a hundred silver yuan notes, sealed ten-yuan groups in envelopes for emergencies.
Finally she carefully shaped her eyebrows, found clean, proper clothing and suitable jewelry and headwear, neatly folded beside her.
The old servant told her not to prepare special clothes to avoid overstepping—her status was commoner, rusticity was appropriate. Clean was better than anything.
Fully prepared, lying in bed, tossing and turning, still insomniac.
She simply got up again, lit a lamp to write letters, happily reporting today’s events, casually mentioning she was about to meet Empress Dowager Cixi!
She sealed the envelope, addressed it to Shanghai Yixing Shipping, and placed it in the church’s communal mailbox for special delivery.
Only then did the twisted muscles throughout her body relax slightly. By the time she fell asleep, it was midnight.
Early the next morning, a small mule cart appeared punctually, carrying Lin Yuchan toward the Old Summer Palace.
The journey was long. Outside went from silent to bustling, sky from dim to bright, sun rising from the east.
Fortunately, Lin Yuchan was prepared—after rising, she hadn’t even drunk tea. Finally, on the verge of collapse, they arrived.
Lin Yuchan had come with many questions. Wasn’t the Old Summer Palace burned down four years ago?
Arriving, she discovered that the imperial “Three Mountains and Five Gardens” covered enormous territory with countless lakes and mountains. The Anglo-French forces had plundered for over ten days and burned for three days and nights, but couldn’t destroy the geography. A small portion of palaces and attractions still survived, newly enclosed.
When Cixi was a concubine, she spent most time at the Old Summer Palace, accompanying Emperor Xianfeng—this was her place of origin. After the Anglo-French destruction, she remained obsessed, planning reconstruction early.
However, costs were enormous. Currently arguing with the Ministry of Revenue, unable to begin work.
They could only first conduct small-scale concentrated repairs of limited attractions, creating a small landscape garden for the two Empress Dowagers and Emperor’s excursions.
Lin Yuchan looked around. Northern deep autumn wasn’t desolate—layers of red leaves decorated exquisite pavilions and towers, carefully cultivated exotic flowers bloomed at her feet, fragrance masking fresh paint smells.
Ignoring the garbage outside the walls and blackened walls with bullet holes, it was indeed a fine autumn recreation spot.
Several old palace maids came to search her, then explained etiquette—no direct eye contact with imperial countenance, no speaking without being asked, etc. Having received guidance yesterday, she now reviewed once, carefully memorizing and thanking them.
Outside walls, armed guards stood in layers, everyone bearing a special, hollow yet dignified expression. Countless palace maids in Banner dress walked quickly with similar cheerful smiles. Bored, Lin Yuchan watched their footsteps on stone slabs, discovering each step was nearly identical—unknown how long training produced this.
She secretly observed the flower-dressed chief eunuch walking back and forth, busy with unknown tasks.
She secretly guessed: pale and clean-looking, was this Li Lianying? Didn’t resemble photos… others called him “Manager An.”
Unlike TV’s effeminate, affected eunuchs. At first glance, just an ordinary pale young man.
Inside the walls, the Empress Dowager was discussing with several ministers, voices rising and falling. Wenxiang was among them; others were also elderly male voices—all high-ranking ministers.
The temporarily repaired warm pavilion had poor soundproofing. Lin Yuchan heard someone say:
“The way to establish a nation value propriety and righteousness, not power and schemes. The fundamental path lies in human hearts, not techniques. Mr. Wen, your Tongwen Academy treats foreigners as teachers—righteousness doesn’t flourish while evil energy spreads. You’re still deceived by this—dangerous! Empress Dowager’s clear judgment—Yu Sheng believes Shanghai Circuit’s actions were completely correct. Those red-haired foreigners should suffer to inspire our people’s loyal fervor, letting them know our Qing has backbone!”
Lin Yuchan felt numb all over, her head ready to explode.
The absurd “conservative faction” rhetoric from history textbooks rang in her ears, doubling the sense of absurdity.
Outside servants maintained normal expressions, accustomed to ignoring political affairs—actually, most palace maids and eunuchs were illiterate and might not understand anyway.
Then came Wenxiang’s voice: “Lord Yu is mistaken. Since you mention ancestral laws, ancestors also said military conflicts shouldn’t be started lightly. Now foreign legations haven’t reacted—we should act decisively, extinguishing fire in its infancy, leaving foreigners speechless!…”
“Empress Dowager, listen!” that Yu Sheng shrieked like a stepped-on tail, “Foreigners! Those are barbarians! White-skinned inferior breeds—how can they be honored with ‘foreign’? Su Zi said: Barbarians cannot be governed by Chinese methods—they’re like beasts! Our Qing territory is vast, talent abundant, products innumerable—since ancient times, a nation all aspire to. When did we need barbarians for self-strengthening? Even if the current national fortune has minor setbacks, that’s only because there are too many profit-over-integrity people like you! If subjects have integrity, following heavenly way, naturally we can rectify discipline, clarify governance, resist disasters and enemies…”
Another joined the argument, sneering: “Lord Yu’s insights—rather than nitpicking with us old men, better go home and discipline your son properly. We hear your son went to Shanghai, returned wearing foreign pocket watches and glasses, and secretly smoking Western cigars at home. You punished him to kneel for two hours—the whole alley was wailing, haha…”
Yu Sheng screamed in rage. The warm pavilion erupted in chaos.
Until a clear female voice said, displeasedly: “Enough! About that orphanage—hasn’t the Emperor already issued edicts following the Zongli Yamen’s memorial? Unseal it, operate normally, allocate funds for repairs—can’t let foreigners do all the good deeds. That’s settled. Turn the page! Did you all forget today I invited you to tour the gardens today? Really…”
The buzzing old men’s argument immediately stopped. Lin Yuchan’s heart jumped slightly.
Undeniably, Empress Dowager Cixi, who left heavy marks in history, had a pleasant voice, probably sweet when young, now deliberately lowering her tone to achieve authoritative gentleness with strength.
She heard Cixi say: “Recently, someone gave me some fresh novelties—come look.”
Suddenly, it darkened before her. Manager An approached, telling Lin Yuchan, “Called up, follow me—Mrs. Su Lin, don’t mind things you don’t understand. Just focus on pleasing the Empress Dowager—you won’t suffer.”
Lin Yuchan tensed, gathering herself. Time for her performance.
She was this “fresh novelty.”
“What’s your surname?”
“Replying to the Empress Dowager, this woman’s maiden name is Lin. My deceased husband’s family name is Su.”
“Banner person or Han?”
“Han.”
“Native place?”
“Nanhai, Guangdong.”
“What work do you do?”
Foreign trade business. Importing Western goods from Europe. Using machines to process local goods for foreign firms. Additionally, helping purchase some Western instruments for the arsenal under His Excellency the Governor-General of Liangjiang…”
“Do you earn much?”
“By the Empress Dowager’s grace, I can’t claim wealth, but at least I can support several hundred workers and employees, with some small reputation locally.”
In the warm pavilion, Lin Yuchan finished her greeting and answered systematically, her heartbeat gradually stabilizing.
Her first time formally kowtowing to a feudal ruler. She gave herself psychological preparation: just pretend filming at Hengdian Studios. Good performance gets rewards, bad performance gets lunch boxes.
Lin Yuchan slowly raised her head to admire this modern China’s only female politician—
Suddenly remembering the old servants’ and palace maids’ warnings, she quickly lowered her neck again.
What Cixi looked like, she hadn’t seen at all.