Chapter 2: Departures
Late Spring, 735
The first two senses I re-encounter are my hearing and sense of smell.
Amidst the shuffling and the worry filled whispers of a man and a woman, I could smell fresh air, carrying the aroma of sweet grass, wet with morning dew and the homey scent of horses.
My eyes flutter open and I am met with the view of a grey speckled ceiling, like the shell of a rocky hen's egg.
As I sit up from the firm mattress I laid upon, I realized the man and woman waited at the edge of the bed for me. The worry stricken woman in pale green, continues to hold my left hand in hers, as she sits on the edge. A stony faced man in a similar shade of green stands behind her, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder. As I pull my hand away and grasp the back of my neck, she begins to speak.
"Yuhuan?" She whispers her eyes searching my own. Her dark hair is pulled from her face in an elegant twist, a single silver hairpin piercing the dark knot.
I look back at her, my mind and thoughts still cloudy. "Forgive me, I-I don't recognize you" I say bowing my head.
Her inky eyebrows furrow together, "Husband she does not remember me!" She gasps staring at the man beside her.
His face is lined with uncertainty. His dark hair streaked with silver is held back with some sort of cloth. The untamed wisps feather across his green cloth-clad shoulders, framing his chiseled face. As I continue to study the man and wife all the memories began flooding my head.
"Do you remember who I am dear child?" He asks.
I nod in response, my mind sound once more. I stand up from the bed and drop to my knees before them in haste, "Aunt Yingtai, Uncle Xuanjiao, please forgive this useless girl for her memory!"
"Yuhuan, rise my child, we forgive you" Uncle sighs, his voice laced with irritation.
I bow my head and stand up, desperate to not disappoint him. He gives a curt nod to my aunt and leaves without another word.
My aunt and I had been preparing for this day for months. I'm to enter the palace to begin the examinations to become the wife of the 18th prince, Li Mao. Because of my father's place and his service to the empire, I was given the honor to be one of six women to be examined.
I mustn't fail. I will not fail. I will restore my father, my uncle and our clan the honor that my great grandfather took from us; all those years ago.
She and I traveled to the outskirts of Puzhou province to reach what people call the Silk Road; a nationwide collection of trading posts that carried items from all over the world! They had so many beautiful fabrics, cosmetics, and jewelries to choose from!
It was customary to wear the colours of your rank for state occasions and ceremonies, so Uncle decided it was most honorable to do so during the examinations. Aunt Yingtai and I finally settled on white and green fabrics for the future ensembles; colours that complimented my birthright, of a lower 7th rank gained Uncle Xuanjiao.
"Yuhuan, are you alright?" She asks, passing me my white floral Qun-zi skirts. I slide the skirt over my wide hips and up to my chest, as Aunt Yingtai ties the back of the skirt in place.
I nod as she hands me the next pair of strips belonging to the skirt, from behind. I grasp the green fabric and knot it tightly above my breast, over my jade colored Shan-zi blouse.
"I will make Yang clan proud, Aunt Yingtai" I promise her.
She appears before me and fidgets with the Shan-zi blouse and the fabric strips that held my heavy skirt in place, "I did not ask for something I already knew child. Are you alright?" She asks again firmly, gesturing for me to sit down before the tiny vanity I used to share with my elder sisters.
"This child thanks her aunt for her kindness, she is alright" I reply, brushing through my silky dark hair.
She stands behind me scowling. She snatches the brush from me and begins to style it. I watch her in awe and amazement, as she incorporates the small wooden Yi Ji; which acts to increase the height of my hairstyle.
The finishing touches a massive pink silk lotus hair pin, nestled into the massive coil of my dark hair. I could not believe how she could get my hair to cooperate and comply into such an elegant style! The Ban Fan Ji hairstyle is tall, and looks very similar to an overturned lotus leaf.
"Turn to face me little one" She smiles, touching my face gingerly. Tears well in our eyes as we gaze at each other.
She shakes her head to steady herself, "Let us finish getting you ready before we begin your antics." She laughs bending over to apply the cosmetics we bought. "Remember to adhere to the seven steps of cosmetic application, this will serve you well in the palace." she reminds me.
She starts with the white-rice face powder to aid in paling my skin perfectly. She then grabs the red-rose rouge and applies a light dusting across my cheeks and sweeps up to my temples. "An unmarried maiden must not wear much rouge" She mentions, setting down the rouge powder.
She moves on to my eyebrows, drawing them on dark where they would furrow and whisking their tails towards my temples, in a graceful arch. Aunt Yingtai thusly picks up a lip brush and the vermillion lip pigment. She paints an intricate lotus on my forehead, and I watch her reflection in the bronze mirror intently. I am desperate to memorize the various steps, to imitate her hard work. She then paints my lips into a blossoming pout.
She smiles gently and sets down my cosmetic items, "I do believe we are finished here my girl. I fear I do not know what is in fashion these days, so please learn from the other young ladies during the examination" She takes a step back and waves towards the mirror.
I finally look into the mirror at myself. I couldn't recognize the person who stared back at me. Before me is a beautiful, confident and curvaceous woman who captivates those around her. I nearly burst into tears.
I look as delicate as my mother! I became the woman my mother and Aunt Yingtai always claimed I would be. I am just as beautiful as my elder sisters, I would finally be enough for them and for the family. How I wish they were home to see me off!
I stand and quickly kneel before my aunt. "This child is undeserving of your talent. This child thanks you!" I exclaim.
She smiles down at me her own eyes tearing up. She pulls me up into an embrace, one I will dearly miss when I get to the palace.
"You were a joy to raise, Yuhuan" she smiles a tear slipping down her cheek.
"I will miss you, Aunt Yingtai" I whisper.
"And I you. But we must not fret as you must be fully ready for the eunuch to arrive". She says adjusting the blouse of my ruqun once more.
I smile at her antics as we continue to finish putting myself together. As time goes on, I begin looking more and more like the noble woman I was to become.
Aunt Yingtai passes me a small pouch. "This is now your scent, as beautiful and unique as you are. Let us hope you will enchant his majesty." She smiles, gently applying the fragrance behind my ears.
How odd, as the eighteenth prince he isn't referred to as such. Not even the crown prince has the privilege of that honorific. Why did she misspeak now after all those lessons she tried to teach me?
"Apply every day before morning greetings as you get ready" She continues setting down the pouch. "Do not forget to wear some in a scent pouch on your waist. Send for me when you are low, and I'll have the perfume ready" She finishes.
I study her face expectantly, only signs of motherly worry worming into her heart, "Will you and uncle manage the horses and farm well while I'm away?" I ask nervously.
"We managed the many summers before you came to us. We are grateful for your efforts, but now you must focus on what lies ahead."
I nod in agreement. "I'm going to miss Asuga. Please visit her in the morning. She gets lonely" I say envisioning the mare I raised from a foal.
"I will Yuhuan." She promises.
I nod satisfied. "This child thanks you."
We place my newly made sleeping attire, cosmetics and four other outfits into a small trunk and Aunt Yingtai quickly sets it outside the door, for Guozhong to take. Next my herbal perfume, embroidered sachet and a braided lock of Asuga's mane is gingerly placed into a small bag I planned to carry with me. I slide into my silk slippers and drape my pibo across my arms. "Aunt. I am ready to meet with uncle now"
She shakes her head. "It seems we have forgotten one too many things Yuhuan." She laughs striding towards me. In her hand, is great, great grandmother's pearl and jade earrings. "Wear these, it will grant you luck, and fortune within the palace."
These earrings have been passed down for generations to each woman marrying into or out of the Yang family for their wedding day. It's now my turn, and maybe for a daughter of my own one day. I only wished my mother could have given them to me. I simply nod and place them in my ears.
I quickly wrap her in a hug. "Thank you for raising me and my sisters" I whisper, fighting to hold back my tears. She strokes my back and mumbles sweet nothings into my ear to calm me. I pull away and smile weakly at her. "Please give my regards to my sisters, I wish they could have been here to see me off"
She squeezes my hand gently and nods. "They each have their own chores to attend to my dear, if they could have been here, they would have."
I nod.
I am being selfish but, I am going to miss them all so dearly.
"Now we may meet with your uncle and wait for the arrival of the Eunuch" Aunt Yingtai explains, entwining her arm with mine, patting my hand in comfort as she used to.
As I stare longingly at my Aunt's reassuring hand over my own, I realize a peculiarity. The jade ring I have on my finger, is one I don't recognize. I decide to let it be, as I must not confuse my thoughts on such an important day. Before we step out of the bed chamber, I take one last look around. This would be my last time seeing my childhood bedroom of which I shared with my three elder sisters. With dread, we step out of my room and into the hall.
As we neared his quarters I could see memories of my childhood flash by. Thoughts painted pictures in my head of the day my sisters and I arrived at farm, when our Cousin Guozhong brought home a cricket and the first time Asuga and I cantered across the ground as one, amongst other heartfelt memories.
We close in on the entry way to Aunt and Uncle's wing quickly, almost too fast for my liking. "Uncle Xuanjiao, your wife and niece have come after preparations." I call out before pushing the heavy set door open.
I dip my head as I enter, Aunt Yingtai's reassuring hand leaving my own as we cross into the small room he was sat inside. Uncle sat at his paper and book strewn table, anger etched into his face until he looks up at us, his face softening. "Yuhuan, you are as beautiful as your mother once was" He whispers.
I could almost imagine her smiling at me while we prepared for this day. I only wish my mother could have helped me instead of Aunt Yingtai. Yet these two became the parents I had lost long ago.
"This child thanks you for your praises and your hospitality. She will bring honor to the Yang Clan". I gracefully extend my arms above my forehead and fold my right hand over my left, to then bend over deeply in a traditional Tian-Yi long bow, to thank them for everything they have done for me.
The rattle of a cart and the thudding of hooves fill the silence. My eyes widen and my hands become slick with sweat. The Eunuch, he's here!
Uncle Xuanjiao quickly grabs the battered trunk from beneath his table and stands up swiftly, "It is time little one" He smiles wearily.
"Come forth for the imperial edict!" A voice calls from outside Uncle's quarters.
We all file out the front doors, I carry the end. We make our way down the flattened dirt path skirting around our loose hens. I try my best to appear graceful and unafraid yet all I feel is my nerves.
We finally end up in the middle of our tiny cobbled courtyard, the stone caked with years of dust.
A eunuch in dark green robes stands before us, just beyond our old rickety fences. I couldn't help but recognize the disgust he held in regard to our shabby little farmhouse.
Just beyond him in the street sat the magnificent carriage painted like a grey stormy sky, pulled by two massive bays. The carriage seemed larger than life and stretched for at least fifteen feet. Its two wheels are almost taller than me! A dark thatched roof lies over the top, its edges decorated with red scalloped wood, dipped in gold.
The Eunuch visually searches the three of us his sharp eyes peering into my own. I look away out of fear and confusion, could I look a half man in the eye?
His dark gaze matched with his even darker knot of hair, made him quite intimidating. He opens the wobbly gate with ease. Sending its creaking hinges to fly open, only for the frame to thud against the fence and send up a cloud of dust.
He nearly prances forward, stopping a few feet in front of us, "Accept this imperial edict!" He shouts.
We all go to our knees, as customary when receiving the news from the imperial family. Uncle sets down the trunk with a soft thunk, dust spiraling out from underneath it. The carriage lurches as a single guard hops down from the reach, closing in behind the Eunuch dressed in green. His frame is nearly triple the size of the Eunuch before him. His gaze is even more intimidating beneath that shining helmet of his in the early morning light.
"Yang Yuhuan of Shu province, is to begin the testings of becoming the wife of his highness the 18th son of Emperor Xuanzong, Li Mao the Prince of Shou. By the royal mandate of heaven, end of edict!". The eunuch calls out, rolling the scroll back together.
"We accept this edict." We chorus, kowtowing before standing up. Uncle cupping his fist and bowing once more to the eunuch. I smile as I hold Aunt Yingtai's hand in reassurance, she always knew how to calm me down.
Uncle picks up the trunk again, unsure of the next step. It is not every day your niece is sent to the palace!
The Eunuch bobs his head between uncle and the guard, "We will need to take the Missus' things to the carriage".
The guard nodding turns towards Uncle and holds his large hands out, to receive the box holding most of my belongings. With an almost pained look Uncle hands my things to the guard.
The Eunuch's eyes glaze over my form, "It is time for you to bid farewell to your family, and then we shall be on our way." Without another word the Eunuch then marches off towards the carriage; flanked by the guard accompanying him, his heavy armor clanking with each step.
"The honorifics can be put aside" Uncle mumbles suddenly, his eyes glittering.
I nod and grasp his hand. "Thank you for everything you've done for me" I say my own eyes tearing up.
He places his hand on my shoulder holding firmly. "You remind me so much of your mother. You will make your parents proud". He finishes his hand leaving my shoulder.
Aunt stays quiet, her face streaked with silent tears. I hug her desperately. "This isn't going to be our last goodbye. I promise you" I reassure her.
She nods and I pull away. I readjust myself as the eunuch walks back towards us.
Before he completely reaches us, Uncle slides beside me and whispers into my ear, "The world is full of vipers, hiding beneath the petals of their sweet deception. Stay vigilant my child, I want to see you soon"
I simply nod to his words, wrapping them both into a final hug before pulling away for the last time.
The half-man then returns with his beastly guard in tow, "We will make our leave." He says gesturing towards the carriage. I lock eyes with the guard for a moment, his eyes darting away immediately.
I gently give them a nod of my head and walk forward, down the shattered cobbled path leading from my past and into my future. I walk between the Eunuch and the guard, likely to ensure I would not escape the destined fate of a palace woman. I focus my gaze onto the carriage before me, simply out of curiosity and for a distraction during my approach.
The Eunuch stood at least a head taller than me, making it hard to see passed his shoulders, but I manage. The carriage's door is quite intricate; an emblem of the dragon and Phoenix circling one another rests in the middle, dark red curtains hang above it, seated in the window to keep out the light.
Once we reach the carriage I skirt around the Eunuch to say hello to the horses that are about to take me back to their home. The large bay on the left dips his head and knocks his muzzle into my bag, snuffling. "Hello boy" I laugh, scratching the small swirl of white hairs between his eyes. The guard appears by the horse's flank, and pats him. I glance over at the guard and realize he's actually looking at me! He freezes and I smile shyly.
His face then softens into a dreamy lopsided grin, "You have such a pretty face" He sighs.
I couldn't help but laugh and lean into the big bay horse as he scrambles to change what he said, "Uh I meant smile. I said smile!" He exclaims, as he tries to lower his octave.
The Eunuch eyes us both and I look away again. My goodness if his eyes could kill!
The Eunuch frowns, "It's time to leave if we wish to arrive on time, unless you would much rather walk?" He starts tapping his foot on the stone impatiently.
I dip my head, "I apologize, horses have always been a comfort to me"
He smiles, a wicked look in his eyes forming, "Oh I see, you aren't happy being chosen is that it? Do you dare say this in the face of a palace Eunuch?"
Oh, how I wish I had a way with words, "No, I am only nervous!" I exclaim.
His smirk vanishes with a bob of his head, seemingly satisfied, "Come along then". He waits at the carriage door and it swings open, the face of another Eunuch materializing in the light.
"AHHHHH!" I shriek in terror.
He glances down at me, his brow raised in an amused manner. This man had eyes like molten gold, nearly shimmering in the sunlight. His face looked as though he was carved from marble and then blessed to walk the earth. Amongst all his other masculine features, his entire self has me dazed.
"I apologize if I scared you Miss Yang" he whispers.
I smile awkwardly and his deep voice thunders as he laughs, "Are you coming in?" He chuckles, still leaning in the way of the entry. Its truly a marvel for a man with such broad shoulders to fit through the door frame!
"Miss Yang if you shall stand here to marvel in the fact another Eunuch is accompanying us, could you kindly excuse me? I hate standing in direct sunlight"
I don't think I needed the rouge today! I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks, so I nod quickly and try to step up into the compartment. I slip on my skirts and I expect to plummet to the ground, likely leaving me with a heavily sore bottom.
Thankfully two big, strong arms catch me and I hit his chest-plate instead. "Here, let me help" He says, placing me back down on the ground again.
He stands beside the door and offers me his arm, a small grin on his face. I gladly take it and successfully enter the carriage, the younger Eunuch watching the guard suspiciously, a frown on his lips. I turn towards the friendly guard once I am seated and looks back at me, his eyes now sparkling with a completely new emotion.
Remember why you're here Yuhuan, to restore your family's honor. He is only but a guard and the handsome Eunuch seated before you is a half-man; neither of which you could ever be with.
As I talk myself down from these two awkward introductions, the intimidating Eunuch in the emerald silks climbs into the compartment with us. He shuts the door with vigor, snuffling out the light that once illuminated inside. He eyes me as he sits beside the younger Eunuch he brought along, he is likely the green Eunuch's apprentice.
Now that we are all situated, I slide close to the door and roll up the curtain on my side, the light returning to the carriage compartment. I tuck my feet back and my heels knock into a hefty item beneath my seat. I whisk my skirts to the side and try to feel for the familiar chipped wood; smiling in comfort knowing my items are safe, I sigh and lean against the window.
Shuyeon quickly mounts up and clucks to the horses, the carriage soon set into motion. I turn my gaze onto the Eunuchs, my arm still resting against the window sill, "-I never had the chance to learn your names" I say.
"When speaking in regards to me, use Eunuch Sang" The one in green explains.
"Eunuch Qian, I am his prodigy." The other replies as he fidgets with his light blue Eunuch robes, the seams across his shoulders stretching with each flex of his arms.
I nod to their responses, but I would have liked to learn their full names instead. "I'm not skilled in palace courtesy. How should I address eunuchs such as yourself. Or the guards?" I ask nervously.
"You'll be taught this once you arrive at the palace". Eunuch Sang replies.
"Do you serve one of his majesties?" I question Sang, in attempt to continue conversation.
Eunuch Sang sighs, "Yes. Directly under the 18th prince"
Eunuch Qian smirks, as he looks at Eunuch Sang, his eyes shining with a mischievous glint. I attempt to pay no mind to Eunuch Qian as there wouldn't be a point in fantasizing about what the future could hold. I admire Sang and his use of few words; I could stand to learn from him, I never learned to hold my tongue.
"We will be at the palace by the hour of the Rooster" Shuyeon announces.
I turn back to the window and watch Yongle disappear, my old friends, family and old hideouts are now left in the rear view. I was going to miss this place. But I could not wait to arrive at the palace!
K.V.