Chapter 43: The Rival

This Zhao Panyu is truly vexing; if not for him, the hero rescuing the damsel would have been someone else. Yet this time, the advantage falls inevitably to Xue Tan. But does Xue Tan truly care for Chu Yan? Such a matter is enough to make one's head ache. Xue Ao rubbed his temples.

Chu Yan moved slowly, prompting Madam Zhu to frown and urge her forward. She had no choice but to match the pace and step onto the sedan chair.

This was her first time entering the imperial palace.

The palace was magnificent, its glazed roof tiles ablaze with golden light in the lingering rays of sunset. Though it was the abode of a sovereign, the monarch was powerless, the eunuchs ruled, and the once-glorious halls now seemed to have lost their luster. The dragons carved upon the flying eaves appeared disdainful of the place, yearning to soar away. Crows perched atop the solemn golden roofs and red gates, their presence mingling with the fading clouds to paint a scene of desolation.

Inside the inner palace, the group descended from the sedan and proceeded on foot.

Chu Yan stepped onto the heavy bluestone slabs, passing through layer upon layer of red doors. Only the wind whispered in her ears, along with cries and the sounds of beatings seeping from hidden crevices.

This palace had no empress, only four concubines, together with nine low-born consorts and several ladies-in-waiting and talents. Aside from the Virtuous Concubine and the Beautiful Concubine, all were mere puppets of Lady Fengxian. Even those with powerful families, like the Virtuous and Beautiful Concubines, still had to curry favor with Lady Fengxian. After all, the emperor heeded no one’s counsel but hers.

She had heard that when Lady Fengxian was displeased, she would select pretty maids and torture them—pricking their fingers, slashing their faces, and employing all sorts of cruelties until her mood was sated. Sometimes even ladies with titles could not escape her malice.

The Lord of Nine Thousand allowed her free rein, and the emperor ignored her deeds, while others pretended not to hear. The fate of those unfortunate enough to cross her path was predictable.

Recently, the emperor's health had declined, and the ministers of the court began to secretly align themselves. Lady Fengxian sensed unprecedented peril and was nervous and suspicious, casting a pall over the palace atmosphere.

At this moment, the palace seemed frozen within the stern depths of history, awaiting a true ruler's redemption.

Alas, the times were corrupt, the virtuous found their paths ever narrower, the common folk grew more impoverished, and the wise sovereign was nowhere to be found.

But these thoughts Chu Yan could only sigh over in her heart. Soon she returned to herself, for Han Shujing deliberately slowed her steps to walk beside her, tugging at her sleeve when she saw her distracted.

"We have arrived at the Hall of Joyful Attendance."

Suddenly, the people ahead halted and announced loudly.

Chu Yan slowed, bowed her head, and dared only to follow Madam Zhu’s skirts into the hall.

The Hall of Joyful Attendance was the residence of the Beautiful Concubine, though she had only moved in three months ago. Its decoration was newly renovated, the fresh earth beneath the acacia tree outside still unmatched to the old soil.

Fortunately, the murals on the walls and the stone tiles in the corridors were original, grand and splendid, with pomegranate and gardenia beneath the eaves lending a touch of life.

No matter the palace's merits, it proclaimed the Beautiful Concubine’s exceptional status; with a mere movement of her little finger, she could crush Chu Yan without effort. Thus, every step filled Chu Yan with unease—she wished someone would disrupt this meeting, but now, even dreaming could not make it so. She could only brace herself for the impending ordeal.

Upon entering, a rich fragrance greeted her, maids lighting incense and serving refreshments.

Soon, someone emerged from within: "Madam Zhu, you have returned. Her Ladyship has waited so long, she would not even touch her supper."

"Greetings to the Beautiful Concubine," Han Shujing and Madam Han knelt in salute, Chu Yan and Han Shuwei following suit.

"We are all family; why such grand ceremony?" The Beautiful Concubine rose from her seat, lifted Rong Mingxiu up, and cast a sidelong glance at Han Shujing, her eyes narrowed in a half-smile.

Chu Yan did not dare raise her head, lowering it even further. Unexpectedly, the Beautiful Concubine approached her, reached out, and lifted her wrist. "This must be Yan Yan. She’s grown into a young lady. We haven’t met in years. Lift your head and let me see."

Chu Yan lifted her skirts, raised her eyes briefly, then lowered them again. "Chu Yan offers greetings to the Beautiful Concubine."

The Beautiful Concubine wore thick makeup; after so many years in the palace, her former charm had been worn away. Her arched brows owed their grace to the brush, her large eyes veiled beneath heavy shadow, her skin flawless yet dusted with powder. The vibrant makeup, though striking, made her appear a faded phoenix fallen to the mortal realm. She was only four years older than Chu Yan, yet looked older than Han Shujing, who was her contemporary. Fortunately, her luxurious robes and glittering gold ornaments, together with her proud demeanor, still set her apart.

"Yan Yan must be coming of age soon? I hear Madam Xue is quite fond of you, intending you to be the Xue family’s daughter-in-law?"

Chu Yan trembled. Though rumors had reached outsiders, none dared mention it, yet the Beautiful Concubine brought it to the fore. Embarrassed, she bowed her head. "Madam Xue and my mother were close friends. My mother, unfortunately deceased, left me pitiful, so I visited the Duke’s estate a few times. The Xue family has two daughters; we played well together. But I dare not aspire to the Duke’s family. Perhaps Her Ladyship has misunderstood."

"Misunderstood, have I?" The Beautiful Concubine raised an eyebrow, displeased.

Chu Yan had not expected to be caught in an error so quickly, her wrist trembling, her palm clammy with sweat. "Your Ladyship, I—"

"Oh my, the Hall of Joyful Attendance is lively tonight." Before Chu Yan could finish, the sound of skirts sweeping the floor and a woman’s laughter heralded another arrival, her voice preceding her presence.

"Virtuous Concubine!" The maids and matrons in the hall immediately knelt en masse. Though the Beautiful Concubine shared equal rank, she was new to favor and could not match the Virtuous Concubine’s power.

The Beautiful Concubine had wanted to teach her guests a harsh lesson, but with the Virtuous Concubine’s arrival, she had to stop and greet her with an artificial smile. "Sister, what brings you here?"

The Virtuous Concubine did not answer, slouching lazily onto a seat, her tone mocking. "You may not know, but I haven’t seen a living soul in ages. The maids hardly speak, it’s truly dull. So I came for a walk and heard laughter from your hall. When I inquired, I learned it was the young ladies from the Han family. My Lin family and the Han family are relatives—you know that. I haven’t seen Shujing in years, so when I heard she entered the palace, I came unbidden to catch up."

Han Shujing remained kneeling, feeling her limbs weak and cold sweat dripping.

The Beautiful Concubine glanced at her and chuckled. Han Shujing, you dared return to your clan; don’t fear the Virtuous Concubine now. It seems she need not act; the Virtuous Concubine would handle this troublesome girl for her.

"Since Sister has come especially, I’ll have Shujing accompany you so you can talk." She raised her hand, letting Han Shujing rise. "See how attentive your sister is, coming just to see you. Go ahead. Madam Zhu, take Fourth Miss and Miss Chu to rest and instruct the staff to prepare supper."

"Yes."

"Sister," the Virtuous Concubine suddenly rose and took her hand, "as for Shuwei and Chu Yan, I haven’t seen them in ages. Why not let me borrow them for the night?" Seeing the Beautiful Concubine’s hesitation, she covered her mouth, laughing softly. "Laugh if you wish, but my favorite white silk robe, the one with ink-wash cloud patterns, tore. I thought I couldn’t wear it and fretted for days. Today, seeing Chu Yan reminded me—her needlework is excellent; she’ll surely fix it for me. Just let me borrow her for a few days, would you?"

"A few days?" The Beautiful Concubine thought this was not the sort of trouble she expected for Chu Yan.

"Oh, Sister, you see through my selfishness. I have a few robes torn from playing in the osmanthus grove last time; I’d like her to mend them. Surely you won’t begrudge me?"

The Virtuous Concubine’s laughter tinkled like silver bells, irritating the Beautiful Concubine, who frowned slightly. "Then suit yourself, but I have two robes needing mending as well. You must return her soon—no more than two days."

"Fine, fine, I’ll return them in a couple of days." The Virtuous Concubine took Han Shujing and Chu Yan by the hand, instructing her chief maid, "Nuo, later send the eight-treasure sweet yogurt and honey incense to the Beautiful Concubine for me."

"Yes."

Han Shuwei, seeing her sisters led away and with no one to support her, quickly rose and followed, not daring to look at the Beautiful Concubine.

The Beautiful Concubine, seeing her guests taken by the Virtuous Concubine and unable to protest, clenched her teeth. "Just a couple of cheap gifts and she thinks I’m easy to fool. I’ll let her enjoy herself for a few more days, hmph—"

"Please, calm yourself, Your Ladyship." Madam Zhu had ordered supper to be served.

Rong Mingxiu went to take her arm. "Sister, eat first, then think of a solution."

"Yes. Any news from Lady Fengxian today?" The Beautiful Concubine slowly set down her chopsticks and asked.

A maid leaned in and whispered in her ear. The Beautiful Concubine clicked her tongue and laughed, "Very good, very good."

"Sister, what’s the happy news?"

"Nothing." Rong Mingxiu was always more hindrance than help, so the Beautiful Concubine kept her own counsel, patting her cheek meaningfully. "You must keep a close watch on your husband. Don’t be like your sister—having a husband is the same as not, forced to rely on an aging, unpleasant woman."

"Sister…"

"Eat." The Beautiful Concubine cut her off, unwilling to hear comfort. "Han Zhen must prove himself. If he succeeds, I can ask the Lord of Nine Thousand to grant him honors."

"Thank you, Sister. I will ensure he achieves something noteworthy."

"Mm." The Beautiful Concubine replied indifferently, her mind still on the Virtuous Concubine.

Chu Yan followed behind the Virtuous Concubine, hardly daring to breathe. She glanced at Han Shujing, who seemed calmer than she had in the Hall of Joyful Attendance, with no sign of panic.

Upon reaching the Palace of Dragon Virtue, the Virtuous Concubine had the doors shut and ordered supper.

"Don’t stand on ceremony; eat." The Virtuous Concubine invited them to sit, smiling. Her manner was entirely different from before, leaving Chu Yan puzzled, yet unable to ask.

"Thank you, Your Ladyship, for resolving matters today." Han Shujing rose and bowed respectfully, Chu Yan and Han Shuwei following.

"No need for thanks. Sit down. I watched you three grow up—how could I let you be bullied by that wretch, Rong Mingli? Eat." She poured wine for them.

Chu Yan was startled but saw Han Shujing nod and bow in thanks.

The Virtuous Concubine, sensing Chu Yan’s confusion, took her hand. "Yan Yan, do you think me so cruel? I married into the royal family myself and know well the pain of being husbandless. If I could divorce, I would have long ceased to be the so-called Virtuous Concubine."

"Your Ladyship…" Chu Yan was shocked, never expecting her to speak so frankly. Indeed, the women of the palace were miserable; the emperor heeded only Lady Fengxian and the Lord of Nine Thousand, and devoted himself to carpentry, sparing not a glance for his harem. Yet for the sake of family honor and fortune, some still sent their daughters into the palace, like the Lin family and Rong family.

The Virtuous Concubine was open-hearted, patting Chu Yan’s hand with a gentle smile. "My brother is gone; how could I let Shujing’s youth be wasted in my Lin family? My mother is stubborn, and because of the clan’s return, made things difficult for Shujing, causing her to wait two extra years. I feel guilty over it."

"Your Ladyship, the clan’s return was Shujing’s fault; Madam Lin’s displeasure was understandable. Thanks to your generosity and support, Shujing was able to return to the Han family in peace." Han Shujing was full of gratitude. "This time, I had no one else to turn to but my mother, who troubled you. You forgave past wrongs and lent a helping hand; I am truly grateful and indebted."

"Ah, Shujing, you’re still so courteous—it warms my heart. But you’re thanking me too soon; I only borrowed you for two days from the Beautiful Concubine, but her birthday banquet is half a month away. You must find a way to delay or seek a means to leave the palace."

The Virtuous Concubine disliked excessive courtesy, and Han Shujing knew this, so she said no more.

Chu Yan realized the Virtuous Concubine meant them no harm; rather, her own suffering made her particularly compassionate. She relaxed somewhat, though they still had to beware of the Beautiful Concubine’s tricks, for the Virtuous Concubine could only shelter them for a time, not forever.

"Your Ladyship, regarding the Beautiful Concubine, I have an idea I wish to share, if you would hear it?"

"To deal with that wretch?" The Virtuous Concubine’s interest was piqued.

The nine consorts and talents were insignificant, but relations among the four concubines signaled the balance of power among their families. Even if none sought the emperor’s favor, they still vied for influence with Lady Fengxian and the Lord of Nine Thousand. All the concubines and consorts had risen bit by bit at the whim of these two. There had originally been only three concubines, and relations between the Virtuous, Gentle, and Kind Concubines were fairly cordial. Suddenly the Beautiful Concubine appeared, neither pure in appearance nor in conduct, always scheming against them. It was intolerable, and so, while outwardly polite, the Virtuous and Beautiful Concubines competed fiercely in private. Hearing Chu Yan had a solution, her eyes brightened.

"I dare not deal with her, only seek to prevent her from threatening Your Ladyship further."

"Excellent, what’s the plan?" The Virtuous Concubine leaned in, and Chu Yan whispered her idea.

The Virtuous Concubine nodded repeatedly, highly satisfied.

"Your Ladyship, Lord Xue’s attendant, Xue Zhu, requests an audience." As they finished, a maid entered to report.

"Lord Xue?" The Virtuous Concubine looked at Chu Yan with a meaningful gaze.

Author’s Note: Ah~ the author really is a diligent little bee~

Thank you, m, for your thunderbolt, kisses~

m threw a thunderbolt, time: 2014-02-02 02:46:34