The Great Wu Empire, spanning thousands of li, had stood for over a hundred years with clear governance and stable borders. The capital, situated slightly north of the empire’s center, enjoyed a pleasant climate with flourishing culture, trade, and peaceful citizens.
North of the capital’s Vermillion Bird Street and south of Mount Wansui, bordered by Mirror Lake to the east and Cabinet Lane to the west, lay the Imperial City, known as the Forbidden Palace, encircled by moats over ten zhang wide.
In the Western Six Palaces of the Forbidden City dwelt thirteen consorts of varying ranks. Adjacent to the Hall of Mental Cultivation was the Palace of Eternal Longevity, where Imperial Noble Consort Du Tingxin resided. Due to her elegant demeanor, reminiscent of a secluded orchid, palace inhabitants preferred calling her Noble Consort Lan.
Noble Consort Lan was the orphaned daughter of the late Duke Du Ruhe. Raised from childhood by the Empress Dowager alongside the Emperor, she was undoubtedly the most favored imperial consort. Behind the Palace of Eternal Longevity stood the Yikun Palace, where Consort De Xing Yiyong, daughter of the Minister of Personnel Xing Yu, resided as its principal occupant. She was the only other consort besides Noble Consort Lan to receive formal investiture. Two talented ladies also dwelt in Yikun Palace’s side chambers.
The Palace of Lasting Spring had no principal occupant but housed eight ladies-in-waiting and talented ladies. Next to the Palace of Universal Fortune was the Palace of Stored Excellence, with two parasol trees in its courtyard. Adjacent to the Imperial Garden and separated from the Hall of Mental Cultivation by two palace compounds, it was rarely frequented. I lived there alone. I was the Empress.
Since moving from the Palace of Earthly Tranquility three days after the wedding night to take residence in the Palace of Stored Excellence, I had rarely been summoned for imperial favor – an Empress practically confined to the Cold Palace. I was also the only daughter of Ling Xuefeng, First Grand Secretary of the Cabinet who wielded great power over internal and external affairs. I was the Empress whom the Emperor had promised harmonious union between our two families at the wedding and coming-of-age ceremonies, to serve the ancestral temples and continue the imperial line.
Now I was idly playing with an ivory lotus bead chain. I didn’t believe in Buddhism – worship of Buddha and Immortals was a game for old women who had lost hope in life.
I was still young, with many unfulfilled wishes and things I wanted to obtain. I remained confident in myself, even though Xiao Huan had never truly looked at me once.
Xiao Huan was my husband, this empire’s Emperor, a man who had just come of age to rule but lacked control over state affairs and didn’t have much appetite for women.
He was my husband in name and equally the husband of other women in the harem. Those women would swarm to him like mosquitoes to blood. If not for maintaining proper etiquette, I imagine they would pounce on him and desperately kiss those excessively refined eyebrows of his.
They would gossip about who had been rewarded with half a cup of silver ear soup that he had left unfinished – practically divine nectar! They would bathe themselves pristinely white, speculating whose green token would be turned over by Xiao Huan’s hand that night. They would discuss how that talented lady with the outdated hairstyle could still strut around proudly.
They didn’t know what love was, and neither did I. Once I thought I understood love, but then that man said “sorry,” and I knew I was wrong.
But those were all old matters, not worth mentioning again. Right now, I was plotting how to make a woman apologize to me.
I wasn’t a vain woman, but I wasn’t magnanimous enough to let another woman trample over me. I planned to teach that arrogant Talented Lady Wu from Yikun Palace a lesson.
This presumptuous woman had only been summoned to serve the Emperor at the Hall of Mental Cultivation for two consecutive nights, yet she dared to defy me in front of the Empress Dowager and other consorts. Did she think the harem was her father’s little garden, that mere third-rank official?
Of course, there were many ways to teach her a lesson.
I could spend several months befriending her, making her believe the Empress of the Forbidden Palace was her most loyal sister. Then spend several more months or even years waiting for an opportunity to destroy her – perhaps when Xiao Huan had lost interest in her, and she, relying on her closeness to the Empress, would create some moderate trouble.
If I found this method too mentally taxing, I could casually praise Wu Lieming’s dazzling imperial favor during harem gatherings… Without much provocation or even showing appropriate jealousy, before long, those palace women with their sophisticated schemes would eagerly and carefully help me remove this common thorn in everyone’s side.
In this harem, there were far too many ways to make someone disappear without a trace.
However, today I didn’t plan to use any of these methods – because they weren’t satisfying enough.
The celadon chimera incense burner on the desk exhaled wisps of smoke. I sat up from the couch, slipped my bare feet into gold-embroidered mandarin duck shoes, and stood up, my crimson dress with its hundred phoenixes trailing onto the Persian carpet.
Supporting my head to prevent the gold phoenix hairpin with seven treasures from falling, I smiled at Xiaoshan beside me: “Want to watch me take down Talented Lady Wu’s arrogance?”
Xiaoshan was my maid who had entered the palace with me, now the managing palace maid of the Palace of Stored Excellence. Used to being informal, she glanced at me and tossed back: “What game are you playing now?”
I smiled, raised my hand to examine my freshly painted fingernails, and glanced back at her: “Just watch. Go, send someone to summon Talented Lady Wu to the Imperial Garden. Also, have someone prepare tea under the wisteria trellis in front of the Crimson Snow Pavilion.”
Xiaoshan had some interest in embroidery and now pouted, rather unwillingly tossing aside the shoe upper she was embroidering to rise and make arrangements.
I waited a while, donned a snow-white cloud cape to cover my exposed shoulders in the palace dress, strolled out of the room, and beckoned several palace maids and eunuchs for some whispered instructions.
With everything arranged, we set out. A procession of parasols wound along, followed by a group of palace maids.
When we reached the Imperial Garden, fresh tea and pastries were already prepared in the small pavilion. I sat down on the cleaned stone bench, just in time to hear a commotion at the garden entrance – Xiaoshan had brought Talented Lady Wu.
From the conjoined pine and cypress branches at Tianyi Gate to the front of Crimson Snow Pavilion was about two hundred paces, requiring passage through a flower bed, a row of large lotus vats, a Taihu rock garden, and a wisteria trellis – normally just moments to walk through.
I lifted the cup of West Lake Dragon Well tea from the table, slowly sipping, and then heard a succession of screams, breaking porcelain, water splashing, slipping, running, and shrieking sounds from Tianyi Gate.
When all sounds ceased, I put down my teacup and looked up.
Talented Lady Wu stood beneath the pavilion, her ornaments in disarray, hair falling along her cheeks, beautiful large eyes wide with terror, the light green gauze clinging wetly to her body, mud, and grass sliding down her shapely curves.
If my arrangements hadn’t gone wrong, she had first been doused with a bucket of cold water, then pushed into the muddy lotus vat while still dazed.
Yet she was truly beautiful – even in such a sorry state her charm wasn’t diminished. No wonder she alone gained such favor among the harem consorts.
I narrowed my eyes, rose with a smile, using the round fan to cover my chin, revealing half my mouth: “Oh my, isn’t this Talented Lady Wu? How did you get so muddy?”
Talented Lady Wu stared at me blankly, her eyes growing even wider, voice trembling: “You, you…”
I lowered the fan from my mouth and folded it in my left hand, my gaze sharp: “Talented Lady Wu, have you forgotten palace rules? Someone, teach her!”
Those palace maids were far more obedient than Xiaoshan – as soon as I finished speaking, someone immediately jumped forward: “Following the Empress’s command!”
Then with two swift kicks, Talented Lady Wu crashed to her knees.
Those fierce palace maids hadn’t kicked lightly. Wu fell to the ground, barely avoiding falling flat by propping herself up with her elbows.
She supported herself, struggling to raise her head, almond eyes wide open, actually still wanting to argue with me.
I laughed softly, slowly walked to her front, bent down, and extended my hand, using the fan handle to press on her trembling shoulder. The force wasn’t great, but precisely hit her shoulder blade, enough to make half her body go numb.
Looking down at her, I began to smile: “Wu Lieming, do you feel it’s unreasonable that, being the Emperor’s woman like me, yet more beautiful and better at pleasing him than I am, you must kneel to me, must pay respects every time you see me?”
I raised my smile higher, looking straight into her eyes: “I can tell you, even if you are more beautiful and better at pleasing the Emperor than I am, I can still make you fall every time you see me. If you see me a hundred times, you’ll fall a hundred times. If you don’t believe it, I’ll slowly make you believe.” I smiled, bringing my mouth to her ear, “Or you can go beg the Emperor who dotes on you or the Empress Dowager, see if they can protect you.”
Moving my head from her ear, I was still smiling – in Wu Lieming’s eyes, it must have seemed as venomous as a snake: “Actually, you should look at it this way – who made me the Empress, and not you?”
Standing straight, I removed the fan from her shoulder, casually throwing it at her feet: “This fan is a bit muddy now, so I’ll reward it to Talented Lady Wu.” I smiled, “The Internal Textile Bureau only produces five Western gossamer fans each year – don’t waste it.”
Turning to call Xiaoshan and the group of palace maids who had been watching the show, I swayed back to the palace. Turning past that flower-filled wisteria trellis, I looked back once – among the abundant flowers, Wu Lieming lay on the ground, fists clenched tight, face buried in disheveled hair, her expression hidden.
Returning to the Palace of Stored Excellence, I idly waited until dusk when news came from the Hall of Mental Cultivation that Xiao Huan had summoned Talented Lady Wu to serve him that night.
The next morning, when I went to pay respects to the Empress Dowager as customary, Xiao Huan was unexpectedly present.
I walked over with a smile, first paying respects to the Empress Dowager, then bowing to Xiao Huan: “Your humble consort greets Your Majesty.”
“Come, come, Empress, no need for such formalities. Quickly, sit here.” The Empress Dowager warmly pulled me to sit beside her, taking my hand, every bit the loving elder.
Smiling, I asked Xiao Huan beside me: “It’s been a while – has Your Majesty’s health improved?”
I wasn’t being affected – the Imperial Physicians’ Bureau always claimed Xiao Huan suffered from a Cold illness requiring much rest, making him appear frail. This was why he had only married and assumed power after coming of age.
What Cold illness? If he had a Cold illness, I’d laugh my teeth off. Always used poor health as an excuse to avoid government affairs – yet he never missed court meetings, dumping all state matters to the Cabinet, only responsible for stamping their proposals in red ink. He played the part of “keeping a low profile” quite authentically.
Before Xiao Huan could answer, the Empress Dowager furrowed her brows and turned to ask him: “A while? Emperor, has it been long since you’ve seen the Empress?”
Xiao Huan immediately stood up, respectfully answering: “Mother, your son has been negligent these past days.”
The Empress Dowager looked at him, paused for a moment, then sighed: “Since ancient times, what emperor hasn’t had his favorites? It’s natural, as long as it’s not excessive – it doesn’t harm family or state. But Emperor, though other women may have countless merits, isn’t the Empress also a fine woman? You must show more affection to the Empress.”
I listened quietly at the side, head lowered: How beautifully put, how considerate of me – absolutely no hint that she was suggesting I couldn’t keep a man.
Xiao Huan respectfully nodded: “Mother’s instruction is correct. Your son will keep it in mind.”
“You always say you’ll keep it in mind, keep it in mind, but don’t take it to heart at all.” The Empress Dowager’s expression softened as she complained teasingly, then turned to me, “Empress, though the Emperor has his faults, he’s been weak since childhood and busy with state affairs. Shouldn’t the Empress also consider the Emperor’s position regarding these harem matters?”
I hurriedly stood up: “Your humble daughter-in-law will heed Mother’s teachings.”
“Alright, alright, I wasn’t scolding you, no need for this.” Though saying this, the Empress Dowager’s expression had softened. Smiling, she took both our hands, one on each side, “Quickly, sit down, let us three chat about family matters.”
Xiao Huan and I sat down again. The Empress Dowager held my hand and rambled on about many things, mostly trivial matters. I responded appropriately, and we chatted like this for almost an hour.
Only when the Empress Dowager said she was tired and wanted to rest did Xiao Huan and I take our leave together.
Leaving the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, I accompanied Xiao Huan through the long corridor back to the Hall of Mental Cultivation. He suddenly smiled: “Has the Empress been in such a temper these days?”
I first sighed, then smiled at him: “Not seeing even the edge of Your Majesty’s robes for days and nights, your humble consort has been burning with anxiety. For Your Majesty to ask such a question truly breaks your humble consort’s heart!”
He let out a soft laugh: “If the Empress truly wanted to see me, couldn’t you have simply sent someone to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to say so? I’m flattered that the Empress would care so much.”
Without diminishing my smile in the slightest, I said coyly: “Your Majesty’s words seem rather insincere.”
“Oh?” He turned to look at me, a faint smile still on his lips, “Aren’t the Empress’s words equally insincere?”
I raised an eyebrow, with a smile so fake even I felt it hypocritical: “Every word of your humble consort comes from the heart, unlike Your Majesty, who won’t show even a bit of sincerity.”
He lowered his head and smiled, lightly changing the subject: “Though Talented Lady Wu is spoiled, the Empress has already punished her. Could you, for my sake, not hold it against her anymore?”
Finally, getting to the real point? I knew it – usually avoiding meeting me intentionally or unintentionally, yet today not afraid of mutual disgust, especially waiting for me at the Empress Dowager’s place, all to plead for Talented Lady Wu.
“About that, Your Majesty knows. Others might have twisted intestines with many turns, but your humble consort only follows one principle – whoever makes me uncomfortable, I’ll make them uncomfortable. However, once I’ve vented my anger, it’s over. I’m not like some people who smile to your face while plotting behind your back, so deeply scheming.” I smiled at him, “Don’t you agree, Your Majesty?”
He smiled lightly and nodded: “It’s good to hear the Empress say so.”
As we were talking, a dark figure approached hurriedly from the end of the corridor, dropping to one knee: “This subject Li Hongqing greets Your Majesty and the Empress.”
The arrival was Li Hongqing, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard Following Division responsible for palace security.
The imperial guards were divided into two divisions of about two hundred men each: the Following Division supervised the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was responsible for palace security, while also overseeing the training and inspection of the capital’s twenty-four military guards; the Ghost Division’s two hundred plus men were scattered throughout the empire, gathering intelligence and monitoring officials at all levels – any corrupt official would tremble at the mention of the Ghost Division. Though less than five hundred in total, they were all elite warriors picked from thousands, not only skilled in martial arts but many possessed extraordinary abilities, not to be underestimated.
These two divisions were directly commanded by the Emperor and held a special position in the empire. Their four commanders, both senior and deputy, had for generations been inherited by four non-imperial noble families who had fought alongside the founding emperor. Li Hongqing was a descendant of Duke Wei Yi Li Zhaolin and held the title of third-rank Baron Wei Yuan, also granted the title of General of Light Cavalry.
Great Wu emperors had always treated the division commanders with exceptional courtesy, almost like brothers. With this mutual understanding, the two divisions of imperial guards, as the emperor’s closest followers, had unquestionable loyalty to the imperial family.
Li Hongqing usually didn’t stand on ceremony with Xiao Huan. After his knee touched the ground, he immediately stood up, glanced at me, and said with slight hesitation: “Your Majesty, I have matters to report.”
Knowing I should avoid such confidential reports, I smiled and bowed to Xiao Huan: “Your humble consort will take her leave first.”
Xiao Huan smiled and nodded: “Take care, Empress.”
I smiled again and backed away.
When I had walked some distance, I looked back. Li Hongqing stood before Xiao Huan, reporting something unknown. Then from within the nearby Shunyi Gate emerged a slender figure in white who, disregarding propriety, very naturally took Xiao Huan’s arm and, whether intentionally or not, glanced in my direction.
Imperial Noble Consort Du Tingxin.
I couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. Was this display for my benefit? Why not show it to Talented Lady Wu, who currently enjoyed imperial favor? What was the point of showing me? I posed no threat to her – Xiao Huan probably didn’t even want to touch me with one finger.
Looking at their two intimate figures, I felt a slight twinge in my heart, just slight.
This visit to pay respects had somehow left me short of breath and tight-chested. Walking with my palace maids and eunuchs along the corridor to the Palace of Stored Excellence entrance, I hesitated for a moment, then simply dismissed my followers and took only two palace maids to get some air in the Imperial Garden.
The lotus vat that had been broken during yesterday’s toying with Wu Lieming had already been cleaned up and replaced. Now only hidden corners still showed some faint traces of mud.
The magnificent brocade robes felt uncomfortable on my shoulders. As a breeze arose, rustling through shrubs and flowers, for some reason I had an illusion – I seemed to hear footsteps. Looking back, there was nothing but the lush garden vegetation, swaying and stretching in the wind.