Chapter 3: Entering the Palace

Late Spring, 735

The hours spent inside the carriage have been comfortable and entertaining. I have barely stared out the window at all during the trip, all thanks to Eunuch Qian; whom is quite an interesting character. 

My eyes flicker over to Eunuch Sang. Much earlier in the trip, as Qian and I discussed the importance of poetry, Eunuch Sang had seemingly been bored to sleep. His eyes slowly drooped until he could not hold them open any longer and finally slumped against the back of his seat, soft snores reverberating from his chest. Beside him Eunuch Qian pulls his nose up, snorting like a pig. He grins back at me. 

"Shhh! you'll wake him!" I whisper at him, scared that any second Eunuch Sang would awaken. 

He smiles again, "Even if a cannon was shot off at his bedside, he would not move".

I cover my mouth to stifle my laughter, "Come now Eunuch Qian, you cannot have me laugh like this, it's highly unladylike!"

He shrugs his massive shoulders, "That's the beauty of laughter, it's unique to each person"

I look back into those warm golden eyes of his, nearly entranced. How I wish you weren't a eunuch! Alas that is fate; for you to wear your other half dried and shriveled within a bag across your hips.

I haphazardly twist the jade ring on my finger, beginning to worry about the other women I'll encounter. I read the inscription; Protect and Flourish, over and over again. I keep trying to make sense of it, but nothing comes together in my mind.

My eyes begin to well up thinking about the trials I will have to face once we arrive; and the people I have left back home. The tears begin stinging my eyes, threatening to fall and ruin what my aunt and uncle have worked for. I dab my eyes in desperation to avoid the tears. I lean my head back to stop them from escaping my eyes.

In my distracted state Eunuch Qian snatches my satchel from my lap, "So, what's in here?" He grins, swinging my bag loosely in his large, slightly scarred hand.

"Important things!" I retort, leaning forward to take it back.

"Aha! Is it?" He laughs swinging it back out of reach.

I nod quickly, "Please!"

He shakes his head, that mischievous smirk returning, "What if I opened it?" He asks, swinging the bag to and fro.

Shuyeon hits a bump and Eunuch Sang slides right into the swing of my satchel. Eunuch Qian and I lock eyes bursting into laughter as Eunuch Sang glares at him.

He tears my bag from Qian's grasp, "I believe this belongs to you" He says, his features hardening as the sleepiness fades from his eyes.

I smile graciously at Eunuch Sang, "Thank you". 

He waves me off, shaking his stern head. 

"We are nearing Mingde Gate now" Shuyeon announces to us.

"Ah yes. It appears you have kept us on schedule Shuyeon" Sang laughs dryly, still eyeing Qian.

Excitedly I hang my head out the window, the sky nearly blocked by the mountainous stone and wood encompassed gate, flanked by its large brick walls. Through the large archway the inside of the Outer City is visible to all, guards swarm the large stony expanse like a hive, as the carriage lurches to a stop.

"Ahhh. Shuyeon returns!" A voice shouts from the reach. "You may pass!" The man says, his figure finally appearing upon the wall.

As we trudge along Zhuque Street I can see bustling life. The wealthy, merchants and even servants scurrying along. Small carts of vegetables, and bright painted signs for matchmakers dot the road. Tall, short, long and thin houses line the far side of the cobbled paths, where many more people speed along and converse. Among them are some adorably small children walking with their parents. I flash them a smile and wave to them, the younger girls giggle and wave back, their round little faces filled with glee. Older boys wave back or just nod their heads to me, tiny grins creeping across their lips.

With each smile or wave I receive, warmth spreads in my chest, relieving some of my pent up anxiety for what's to come.

"Miss Yang? Lean back now" He advises.

I look back at him and dip my head, "Apologies Eunuch Sang"

He looks out the window, "They are very cute but contain yourself Miss."

I nod and sit back into the seats.

"Do you like children Yuhuan?" Eunuch Qian asks.

"Address her properly next time!" Eunuch Sang quips. Qian shrugs those mountainous shoulders of his, before bobbing his head towards me.

"I quite enjoy spending time with children" I reply, a smile forming across my lips.

Sweet and spicy aromas waft their way from the West market all the way into the carriage. My stomach trembles as I think about the delicious delicacies residing inside. I could not help but to dream up a plan to visit the market one day.

"Do you wish for a large family Miss Yang?" He drawls, leaning heavily into Eunuch Sang like a dog.

He shoves him off with a roll of his eyes, "You ought to behave around the other women" Eunuch Sang huffs, scooting a little further away from his apprentice.

I laugh at their antics, Eunuch Sang then crosses his arms, a small smile twitching across his lips. HA! He does have emotions!

"I do hope the eighteenth prince wishes for a large family, couples with many children always look the happiest!" I gush, imagining what he must be like. 

"I have met his highness before; he isn't the warmest character" Eunuch Qian explains.

"Hold your tongue boy, he is of royal blood!" Eunuch Sang grumbles.

Despite Qian's attempts to ease my fears, I began to feel more nervous as we near the next gate.

The carriage lurches forward and I slide into Eunuch Sang. I blush hard; flustered and uncomfortable.

"I-I am so sorry!" I scramble off him, my ears flaming hot.

Eunuch Sang's face is encased in a snarl as he turns to the wall Shuyeon is seated against. He raps his fist against it, the frame rattling, "Easy you filthy rascal! You unseated the young Miss!"

My cheeks flush once again in embarrassment and Qian laughs at me! Shuyeon says nothing in reply, and yells for someone instead, "Let us through the Zhuque Gate, we have urgent business in the palace".

Being the curious girl I am, I swing my head out the window and my jaw nearly drops, "It's so beautiful!" 

Eunuch Qian chuckles, his laugh still the same thunderous sound I have grown to love hearing.

Zhuque Gate is grand and all encompassing, separating the civilians of Chang'an, the Capital City from the Imperial City. The wood paneling is lacquered a radiant red, complimenting the dark green shingles of the roof. Five men stand beneath the shadowy upper level of the gate, standing watch. 

One of the five guards comes forward into the sunlight, his armor shining dimly. He leans over the parapet, staring down at us, "Is Eunuch Sang with you?" He yells down.

"Yes Baoyong! Now let us through!" Shuyeon shouts.

Baoyong nods and shouts behind himself "Open the gates!"

The doors are painted with the same crimson hue as the paneling, with beautiful chrysanthemum flowers and sparrows expertly whittled into either panel. It's as if the sparrows could take flight at any moment and leave their earthly confinement. The doors slowly creak open and six more armored men are exposed, the gateway into the Imperial City finally revealed. As we pass beneath the large gate the scenery changes, paths now lined in crisp stone and small, localized blooms or lush foliage. Deep, rich colors paint the massive spread of buildings in the Inner Imperial City. I only notice the signs of a few important palace buildings like the Rites and Receptions Bureau and the Agricultural Department before being distracted again by the many new surroundings. 

Servants avoid Chengqian Gate Street entirely and walk on nearby lesser paths meant for the members of servitude. They dash between buildings on missions of their own. The high ranked people walk alongside the carriage on Chengqian Gate Street, and dress lavishly, boasting their rank and status. I begin to feel self-conscious and worry that I am dressed far too simply for the prince. I turn away from the window again, to avoid any further embarrassment.

"Are you nervous?" Qian asks, leaning towards me.

I nod, "Quite nervous in fact"

He smiles, "I have met them all previously, you have nothing to worry about!"

"Thank you" I meant what I said to him, but only halfheartedly. No matter what I would remain nervous until my sisters were revealed to me.

As I look out the window once more, I can see another grand stone gate coming into view. This one far more extravagant than the last, as it shimmers in the light during our approach. I could not help but stare at the beauty of its craftsmanship. Vermilion lacquered wood frame massive squares of the deep grey stone. At each intersection of wooden slats, carvings of lotus flowers etched with gold spiral out in full bloom. The conjoined sister walls of equal beauty and detail, extend for what seems like forever, separating the Imperial City from the Inner City. Giant doors in that same fiery red tint are decorated with those lifelike gold-encrusted lotuses. The same geometric parapet also existed here, enclosing at least seven other guards on the upper level.

Shuyeon pulls to a stop in front of this gate as well. "Miss Yang, this is Chengtian Gate, this separates the Imperial City from the Inner City" he explains, before shouting to the guards on the upper level, "We arrive with the last young miss of the examinations".

Another group of men thusly begin pushing open the doors and yet another long expanse of road lies ahead.

Eunuch Sang starts to explain the next section of the Palace Complex to me. "The General Palace Services complex lies here, separating the Inner City from the home of the Imperial Family. The six houses include Ceremonial, Wardrobe, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Artisan, and Imperial Affairs. On the right side of Lunli Street is the residences of the servants that serve in the workshops". He smiles slightly, and rolls up the window cover on his side so I can look out both windows and investigate. 

As I gaze outside; I can get a real view of what life is like here in the palace workshops. Lunli Street cuts through the middle of the Workshop Courtyard, severing it in two; the left side for the warehouses of Shanggong, and the right side for servant sleeping quarters.

Quarter walls outline Lunli Street towards the next gate in the distance. Either side of the main road is flanked by smaller more worn in walkways for servants and in increments there are small breaks in the quarter walls to accommodate servants crossing over Lunli Street.

Eunuch Sang gestures towards the twelve large buildings that are nestled on the outskirts of the courtyard. The buildings are all alike in their architecture: slanted dark jade-colored roofs, vivid green carved wooden beams and milky white walls. The servant sleeping accommodations are far more modest in decoration than the workshop buildings, however they are still constructed in the image of the imperial family; with sturdy, reliable construction and elegance in mind.

In terms of the six workshop buildings, each massive labyrinth of corridors is decorated uniquely; to ensure they are easily identifiable. Large tablets hang above their highest peaks, naming each building. The pathways to any of the six workshops are neatly manicured with shrubs and flowers in clay pots. 

The Seamstress house has expertly embroidered floral screens strung between the green supporting pillars. The screen acts a delicate barrier meant to protect the youlang walkway; which is a narrow covered porch that wraps around its walls. Atop the few steps leading to the Shangfu building, long creme-hued, gauzy curtains hang in the doorway, blocking insects from passing into the covered veranda. 

The Palaces Services complex is alive with activity; bustling servants and lowly eunuchs rushing around for their masters. Their voices and shuffling feet echoing off the stone around us. The Eunuchs and female servants bow their heads when passing the carriage.

I lean back into the seat again, and a chill runs down my spine; what if I am rejected and end up working as a servant? Whilst in my head, Eunuch Sang and Qian argue once more, about some other etiquette problem, and I cannot help but smile slightly.

"Miss Yuhuan, we are nearing the Taiji Palace Complex" Eunuch Qian smiles, mockingly bowing in my direction. 

Eunuch Sang only scowls, and just holds the bridge of his nose in his hands. All too soon we arrive at another gate. I lean my head towards the window slightly, to drink in the image of Taiji Gate. Its intricately carved with the emblems of a dragon and a tiger. The shingles are a deep green, reminiscent of a woodland forest. At the tallest peak hangs a wooden tablet, the characters for Taiji Palace painted in gold. My palms become slick as we pass beneath. I rub the sweat from my palms across my bag grimacing, oh how unladylike!

"Miss Yang, we have arrived at Taiji Palace" Shuyeon announces pulling the horses to a stop.

I take a deep breath and look out the window again, and I am awestruck! Do my eyes deceive me? Taiji Palace isn't one place at all; but three palaces conjoined by a single, enormous stone courtyard! Separated nearly in half by a sparkling blue stream. Yeting palace flanks the lower left side of Taiji Pavilion, and the East palace planks the upper right quadrant. Taiji Palace is the largest palace in this complex and is directly in the middle. 

An even more grand archway, sparkling in riches lies beyond our palace complex, just out of reach. The gate's shingles are the same shade of deep green as the Taiji Palace archway.

The gate in question leads to the main palace pathways, past the west garden and eventually Daming Palace. The Daming Complex is where the Imperial family lives, holds events, practices religion and even where the Emperor will hold court.

"It would be best for you to step out of the carriage to investigate further, Miss Yang" Eunuch Sang scowls.

Eunuch Qian scoffs at his teacher's behavior and hops out of the carriage before either of us, "I don't want you to fall this time, Miss Yang" He smirks, holding his arm out to me.

I take my satchel and hold his arm firmly to steady myself. Beneath my grip I could feel the muscles in his arm ripple. I get down gracefully this time. As I lift my head and observe my surroundings I am nearly blinded by the splendor of my new home. I could almost feel my jaw on the ground. I could only imagine what Daming Palace is like.

"If Miss Yang could kindly contain herself, we may begin able to introduce her to her sisters." Eunuch Sang says sharply, hopping down from the compartment.

I nod. My cheeks flushing hot beneath my face powder. Both Shuyeon and Eunuch Qian snicker at Sang's remarks. "Where would my sisters be Eunuch Sang?" I ask.

"Waiting in Yeting Palace; which is where you all will reside until the examinations are over." He explains.

Yeting palace was the home of past Empresses in both the Sui and early Tang dynasties, it is such an honor to be staying here!

"Thank you" I say bowing my head.

"Xi Shuyeon take the carriage and horse back to their rightful places." Sang commands.

He nods from his place in the coach, smiling at me before turning the horses towards the East Palace. In his retreat, Eunuch Qian glares at him; his usually easygoing expression now replaced by a scowl similar to the one his instructor would wear.

Eunuch Sang walks up to Yeting Palace to group the women outside to greet me. On the veranda stood two more guards, both wearing the same red coloured robes beneath their monstrous mountain pattern armor. At the base of the stairs, two leaping deer statues lie on either side of the stairway.

"Keep her in your line of sight apprentice. We don't need harm to come to her already" Sang reminds, shooting a glare in my direction.

I can feel my face flush again, and I wish for a fan to hide my embarrassment. Why does Eunuch Sang hate me so?

"He'll warm up to you in time. he cares deeply for the prince" Eunuch Qian says, leaning against one of the deer statues.

"Could you tell me your first name? I feel as though that would be easier for the both of us, as friends"

He grins, "Ah! A troublemaker I see" He taps his finger on his chin, "The prince won't like that at all"

I could not help but to roll my eyes, he's just like a young boy, playful to a fault!

he sighs, "My name is Qian--" He laughs when I threaten to never speak to him again. He puts his hands up in mock defeat, "Fine! You win Miss Yang! My name is Qian Yibin"

"Thank you, was that so difficult?"

"It was the most difficult part of my life thus far" He cries, grabbing his chest.

Looming to my right is the grand Taiji Palace, one of the largest buildings I have ever had the pleasure or honor of witnessing. I could not begin to imagine the grandeur of the inside, nor how lost I would become if I ever tried to navigate it. This was the domain of Emperor's past, easily indicated by the many sun, dragon and cloud emblems that decorated any available space. The golden yellow shingles also being a dead giveaway at the significance of this monument. The old scent pouches and tapestries that were hung for luck and a long life still sway gently underneath the covered patio. Beams painted like the richest green agate still shine brightly, enticing me to investigate its hidden secrets. Important events like foreign dignitary meetings were held here by many Emperors before the great expansion. 

I turn away and stare back at Yeting Palace, its tiered roof painted the same bright yellow; as it was the home of many of the late phoenixes. Blood red beams support the lowest part of the roof, creating the shaded veranda from which the two guards stand beneath. Slats of the same red hue separate panels of the pale grey rock, intricate swirls carved into the aged stone.

"Its quite beautiful"

"As are the gardens here." He smiles looking behind us.

A large plum blossom tree lies in the middle of the old imperial garden, peeking over the white stone wall closing in the greenery. Through the circular entrance to the garden, the winding path is shrouded in pale pink petals.

I smile back at him, once again twisting my ring in anticipation. I look back up towards the stairs leading into the palace. I nervously await the arrival of my sisters, nearly dreading it.

Eunuch Sang re-emerges with a small Eunuch in tow, "Welcome your sisters, the future wives of his majesty the 18th prince" The young Eunuch announces from his place beneath the tiered roof.

K.V.