Chapter 4: The Violet Viper

The small Eunuch steps back and Eunuch Sang steps forward, gesturing towards the doorway, "Miss Sang Bo Daiyu of Chan'an province." he calls out.

A petite girl dressed in blue silks, appears from the doorway. Her long hair arranged in a double bun Luo Ji hairstyle, it is reminiscent of two small, pointy rabbit ears or two conch shells strung together. The finishing touches are three delicately crafted white silk Camelias, pinned across the buns. Her blouse is the colour of the winter sky; pale and airy. Her skirts a slightly darker blue, that fade upwards into a murky white, like a hazy morning. Shadows of bamboo are painted onto her skirts, reminiscent of a misty grove. She isn't wearing a pibo, she is instead wearing a white dà xiú-shān.. The long sleeve robe is embroidered with swirls of clouds, making her appear as though she wears the wind itself.

Her lips curl into a small smile. Blue is definitely her color. Miss Sang does not wear any rouge at all, her skin untouched by any red cosmetic. She only wears a face powder, a pale pink lip pigment, brow powder and a simple crescent huadian upon her forehead.

"Miss Shan Xin-Yu of Hebei province." Eunuch Sang declares.

Miss Shan exits the palace and embodies the description of a goddess: a vibrant, ethereal vision. Her blouse a bright white with a deep eggplant purple fabric lining her neck and wrists, and tiny flowers of that same dusky hue are embroidered across her shoulders. Her skirts are a rich, violet floral brocade that shimmers in the sunlight. White ties hang from the top of her skirt, the finished edge embroidered with the same flowers that dot her shoulders. Her pibo rivals the colour of twilight, white jasmine flowers blooming across the expanse of the fabric. Her hair is coiled into a tall Luo Ji single bun style, which looks a lot like a conch shell. She stops smoothly beside Sister Sang. She keeps her head held high; not acknowledging my presence. Her makeup is rouge based, which must be in higher fashion. On each of her temples an interesting crescent shape is painted there, and bright rouge colours her cheekbones and eyelids, accentuating her dark, sultry gaze. Her eyebrows are arched and so dark they are nearly blue. Between them, a single pearl is in place of a drawn huadian on her forehead. Two also dots mark the corners of her lips; yet another strange cosmetic trend I have yet to learn. Judging her fabrics, cosmetics and countenance she must be of high rank.

"Miss Xi Yingyue of Guannei province" Eunuch Sang shouts.

She materializes in the darkness of the doorway. As she steps out, she is illuminated in the glowing sunlight, her blouse a scarlet red darker than blood, which makes her skin appear paler than the moon. A wide panel of pale pink linen is wrapped across her blouse tightly. This is a hezi, and is designed to elegantly hide the ties holding the qixiong skirt up. It is embroidered with two cranes circling one another over her heart. The satin brocade of her skirts is a soft pink, with embroidered cranes soaring across her skirt. Her hair is pulled into the Shuang Ya Ji hairstyle, with starched peonies of the same pale color placed on the buns on either side of the top of her head. Scarlet hair ribbons tie her adorable knots of hair together and gently sway in the breeze. She bows her head to me smiling slightly, before scurrying beside our angry sister in red. She wears the same red dots on the corners of her lips, with rouge swiped over her cheekbones and temples. She is the youngest girl so far; she cannot wear hairpin styles yet. 

"Miss Zhu Chan Juan of Lingnan province" He calls.

My eyes refocus on the next one of my sisters. She's tall, thin and appears to float like a wisp. Her hair compliments her fairy-like features perfectly, and emulates beauty in the Cloud Bun hairstyle; which looks like rolling clouds. She's dressed in a pale lavender blouse with sky-blue linen skirts; painted in a similar fashion to sister Sang, except it's the branch of a magnolia tree creeping up the length. Her pibo is the color of river ice, cold and bright. At first glance she was dressed far simpler than any of the other girls. However, at a close inspection her pibo is embroidered with magnolia blossoms, with such intricacy that rivals my own. Her makeup is subdued like mine; in the peach-blossom style. 

"Lastly, Miss Lin Da Chun of Jingji province" Eunuch Sang finishes.

*BANG!*

A sheepish girl rushes out the doorway, nearly tripping over herself, her face flushed. I nearly frown, I know just how she feels. Her hair is split down the middle in the Double Hanging Buns hairstyle. Small floral Guan hair covers and matching silver Zan hairpins hold the buns together, directly behind her ears. She's dressed in variations of the darkest jade green, her blouse the palest of all. Deep purple and white irises are woven into the fabric of her entire blouse. Her pibo is a green so deep it was almost black. Her skirts sport a striped pattern of three different fabrics: a bright white, muted sage and a blackish green. She hastily brushes her skirt off, her face blushing darkly. She wears bright yellow powder on her forehead surrounding her gold foil huadian, imitating the buddha, openly hoping for his good luck. She wears a hefty dusting of rouge along her temples, and a dark red lip pigment. She also sports the same ret dots on either corner of her lips like Miss Xi and Miss Shan.

"It is time for you to become acquainted with each other, as you sisters will be spending much of your time together." Eunuch Sang says, his eyes softening looking at the other ladies.

Eunuch Sang frowns slightly, in thought, "There are servants assigned to the palace, and you will share the living quarters of Yeting Palace including the gardens and the courtyard. You will not cross into Taiji Palace on any circumstance, unless accompanied."

"I along with my brother and three other men will be assigned to keeping you women safe", one of the guards from the stairs announces, bowing to each of us, his left hand folded over his right fist.

Leather clad feet slap the stone tiles of the courtyard, from the far gate behind Taiji Palace. The servant runs with all their might, shouting for someone. 

As they come into focus, their shouts also become coherent, "Eunuch Sang!" They call, desperately trying to reach him. 

The lanky Eunuch wears red robes embroidered with silver geometric patterns. His breath heaves, as he finally comes to a stop at the stairs mouth of the stairs, near me. 

"Eunuch --" He huffs, holding onto his knees for dear life, "Eunuch Sang, her high--" He coughs trying to regain composure. "Her highness Wu Huifei requests you to report to her palace immediately" 

Sang nods slightly, before walking down the staircase. He then glances between the other five girls and I, once he reaches the bottom of the stairway, "Upon my return a meal shall be served. Until then feel free to traverse Yeting Palace and please ensure the servants have arranged your accommodations adequately." And no sooner did he say this, did he leave us.

Yibin waves at me as he hurriedly catches up with Eunuch Sang. "Good luck" He mouths over his shoulder before he too leaves me alone.

I take a deep breath and prepare myself to meet the other women. These are the ladies I will be competing with for the title of first wife of the eighteenth Prince, Li Mao.

I steady myself, keeping my head held high. I stride towards my sisters, and with each step closer, I can feel their eyes rest upon me; judging me. The breeze blows downwards, their perfumes caught within the current are carried right to me.

I finally reach the last step below them, "Your sister Yang Yuhuan, greets you" I say bowing my head.

I silently pray for a response from one of my sisters. My necks aches from this prolonged bow, but I will remain here until I receive word.

"Miss Yang, your sisters welcome you to Yeting Palace" Sister Lin announces.

I nod and look up at my sisters, only to feel the hairs on the nape of my neck prickle. I glance to the left and lock eyes with Miss Shan, her eyes staring coldly into my own.

She looks down her nose at me before turning towards the others. "Let us decide our living arrangements, sisters" She winces at the last phrase as if being sisters with any of us holds a foul taste on her tongue.

I try not to think of her tone as my sisters form a line behind Sister Shan. Sister Lin in the green linen walks ahead of me, I carry the end. Their perfumes catch on the warm evening air and float to my nostrils pleasantly; none far too overpowering.

I sigh quietly as we enter Yeting Palace, it is still brightly lit but much cooler than that of the terrace. The walls of the palace are covered in elegant paintings of the countryside, and ancient poetry. Across from the entry way sat a huge ta; an elegant daybed made of dark wood and gold, covered in brilliant red silk cushions.

Floor length crimson curtains hang from the large lattice windows, simple gold chains used to hold them open. The floor tiles are a rich mottled brown, darker than the soil back home. I could feel Sister Shan's stare and I try to regain my composure. I then focus on my sisters rather than the surroundings.

I clutch my satchel of my few belongings and follow my sisters. We walk down the few steps, and the women fan out around the low table, picking their seating arrangements. I settle myself down onto a plush red wine-coloured zabuton between Sister Sang and Sister Zhu.

They both smile at me but then look away quickly, the table becoming increasingly more tense. I look down to the table and notice an intricate green tea set decorated with dragons. The steam rising from the pot smelled sweet and inviting.

"Might I pour you all some tea to get to know my sisters better?" I ask bowing my head slightly.

Sister Sang smiles and nods eagerly. "That is a delightful proposal Sister Yang"

I smile to her and begin pouring each of my sisters some tea, careful to pour the way I was taught ages ago. I smile content with my skills and pass each cup to the women seated around me. Each Lady's eyes lit up when tea was presented, besides Sister Shan. She avoided any kind of acknowledgement towards me. I grasp my own cup and take a sip, savoring the pungent yet sweet flavor of the tea. This is exactly what we needed.

"Sister Yang, what Province did Eunuch Sang say you were from?" Xi Yingyue asks.

"Shu Province at birth. But I moved to Puzhou province, where I lived on my Uncle's farm in Yongle" I smile.

"Ah that must be why you are so dark sister!" Shan Xin-Yu grins, her lips curling into a venomous smile.

My other sisters eyes widen at her comment and stare at me nervously, scared for what may be said next. I analyze my next move whilst looking at sister Shan.

Do I bite back, or should I attempt to remain calm? I feign a giggle at her comment and take a deep breath. "Yes, however I did master the arts a Lady should know" I counter, a smirk creeping upon my lips.

Sister Sang sighs in relief, while the other three take a sip of their tea, trying to calm their own nerves.

I ignore Xin-Yu's glare and focus on my sisters instead. "Sister Lin I love your ruqun! The green jewel tones accentuate your beauty perfectly!"

Sister Lin smiles graciously, a slight blush forming upon her round cheeks. "My mother is a gifted seamstress and owns a very successful shop, where many nobles purchase from" She explains, dipping her head modestly.

"She must be very proud you are here; you'll bring even more honor to your family!" Sister Xi pipes up, admiring Sister Lin's blouse.

I then direct praise elsewhere, "I also couldn't help but notice the intricacy of your pibo sister Zhu, its gorgeous!"

She shakes her head in attempt to hide her blush. "My sister and I designed this outfit" she explains, the corners of her lips slightly curling into a smile.

"Jiejie Yang, I do love the pale jade green on you, you look like a fairy!" Miss Xi says excitedly, her shrill voice becoming cute and sweet.

"Excuse me sisters but I...." Sister Shan interjects.

"Why Thank you sister Xi! I love how your hair is styled; the two pink flowers are just perfect on you!" I say cutting off Sister Shan.

"I agree with Xi Yingyue, green suits you Yuhuan. It makes you look like a boiled jiaozi" Sister Shan says slyly, sipping upon her tea, with a small smile on her lips.

A dumpling! Is she seriously declaring I am overweight? "Sister Shan if you would quell your sharpness, a man would find you more agreeable" I nearly snarl.

"How dare you a woman of lowly Shu province insult the daughter of the Minister of Defense! Know your place 7th rank!" She raises her voice, standing up.

I match her gaze locking eyes across the table. "I dare not insult you, Sister Shan. We don't need a disagreement between us all before the examinations begin."

"Sisters let us be rational, and kind to each other" Sister Lin quips, in attempt to calm us. Yet her intentions do not reach her eyes, instead they sparkle with that same glint Yibin's have when he's up to something.

"Sister Lin is right, as sisters we must not start rivalries already! Tonight is to get to know one another" Sister Zhu sighs exasperated.

"Sisters, if there is no rivalry to begin with, then why shall the eighteenth prince only have one wife?" Shan Xin-Yu shoots back.

"It does not matter as of now sister Shan. Please let us sisters get to know you" Sister Zhu sighs, creases of worry forming across her brow.

"He is only allowed one wife because of his ranking" Sister Xi mumbles, crossing her arms.

The small Eunuch from before enters the room quickly, "Ladies is everything alright?" 

"Yes!" We announce in unison, sister Shan and I glaring at each other.

The Eunuch nods, slightly confused and returns to his post just on the inside of the palace, making sure to keep the guards and us maidens seperate. 

"Well sisters shall we arrange out sleeping situations?" Sister Zhu asks desperate to get Lady Shan and I apart.

Xin-Yu smiles before she parts her lips, "Sister Zhu, that is the most intellectual proposal I have heard, as of today" She brushes off her skirts before allowing Chan Juan to lead the way.

Stuck up and righteous? How could Shan Xin-yu be anything less as a maiden noblewoman. Zhu Chan Juan's cheeks flush before we walk towards the bed chambers. The hallway became darker but the walls remain being draped in tapestries of many colors and designs. That of the lotus and turtle being the most common.

Only two of the six doors were open in this hall. I could not help but wonder why we were not entitled to separate rooms, given the size of the palace. Half of us split to the left chambers, and the others split off to the right. I carried the rear, entering the left doorway.

The chambers were dimly lit by a few candles, and four small windows. Sister Zhu lit more of the candles that we found around the room; and soon the chamber is brightly lit with flickering candlelight. The paintings and tapestries decorating the dark walls are simple depictions of beautiful women and lush country sides. Sister Zhu and Sister Xi have chosen their beds already, so I walk to the bed between them and set my belongings inside the small dresser.

"Sisters, are you comfortable with the arrangement?" I ask, settling into a seated position on the bed.

"Very much so, yes" Sister Zhu replies.

"Sisters, in our chambers may we release some of the formalities to ease the process of getting to know one another?" Sister Xi asks in a pleading tone.

I look at them both and nod, satisfied with whom resides with me.

"You may call me Yuhuan, if you wish" I smile at them.

"Well that goes for me as well Sister. You can address me as Yingyue, here" Sister Xi smiles.

"I aswell! You may use Chan Juan, here" Sister Zhu replies.

"But if we are getting comfortable with each other we must learn each other's ages!" Sister Chan Juan says, her eyes glittering in the candlelight. "I have just turned six and ten" she explains.

"I'm four and ten, so that means I'm your meimei!" Sister Yingyue laughs.

"I will be six and ten by the summer" I laugh.

"I believe we will get along well jiejie-men" Yingyue announces.

"I believe so aswell" Sister Chan Juan smiles.

"Do either of you know Sister Shan well?" I ask tentatively.

"No not well, Sister Yuhuan. However, Sister Lin knows the Shan Clan well, because of her mother's profession" Sister Yingyue explains.

If they know each other well, does this mean they will be working together? Was that the reason behind that unsettling glint in her eyes?

"Sister Shan did not behave as a Lady today. She should be disappointed in her own behaviour" Sister Chan Juan sighs.

"She's entitled to her actions as a noblewoman. Her ranking alone gains her more favor than most, she has the second highest ranking of the maidens here" Sister Yingyue explains.

"That may be true, but if the eighteenth prince is as good a man as he is a warrior, she does not stand a chance!" I smile triumphantly.

"UGH YOU UGLY TURTLE!" Sister Shan's sickening voice rang out through the palace.

My sisters and I jump in shock from the sudden outburst, and rush across the hall. I could not wait to find out why that viper screamed.

"What is wrong sisters?" I ask at the doorway, not daring to enter, to avoid angering Sister Shan further.

"Sister Shan is upset. Do not worry sister Yang," Lin Da Chun rushes block the doorway, nearly out of breath.

I look at her unconvinced. I lower my voice to a whisper. "Sister Lin, what happened?"

"Well she's be-" Sister Lin begins before being abruptly cut off.

"Sister Zhu, Sister Xi and quaint, little Yuhuan... what a comforting surprise" Sister Shan sneers, "Is everything alright in your chambers?" She feigns concern, then glares at me for looking at her intently.

"Quite well Sister, we worried for you after your outburst" Sister Chan Juan replies calmly.

"I am only becoming used to sharing such humble chambers with Sister Sang and Sister Lin. They are just far too careless, but this is nothing a woman with grace such as myself could not fix" Shan Xin-Yu states.

"If that is all sisters, I request we make our way back out to the sun-room. Just in case we are to receive Eunuch Sang, earlier than expected" Sister Yingyue requests assertively, trying to gain our attention.

I nod to her and begin walking down the hall. For the first time taking the lead in front of my sisters.

The sun-room is as glorious as it was earlier today. I make way towards the table and gasp audibly, "Sisters! The tea set is missing!"

Shan Xin-Yu frowns in annoyance. "Eunuch Sang said there are servants that will be here to serve us and keep Yeting Palace in its rightful glory" she explains exasperated.

"You are likely right Sister Shan" I sigh in defeat. I realize there is no point in fighting her for the rest of the evening.

"So sisters, how are your chambers?" Sister Sang asks tenderly.

"Spacious and beautiful. The women I reside with are also quite admirable" Sister Chan Juan smiles, her eyes meeting mine and Sister Yingyue's.

"Future ladies of the Eighteenth prince now receive Eunuchs Sang" The meek voice of our resident Eunuch shouts.

"Sisters fall in line!" Xin-Yu whispers sharply.

We shuffle together quickly, Sister Sang only seconds away from blowing our cover. As I run between my sisters a sharp elbow is driven into my left side. I tuck my arm against my wound as I stand between Xin-Yu and Da Chun. It takes all of my power to not shudder and to only let out a quiet grunt.

"Greetings to Eunuch Sang" We chorus, my ribs angry from the sudden attack of Xin-Yu's elbow. Eunuch Sang sighs and his lips curve into a slight frown. As if he's not telling us something. "It's time for evening regards to Huangfu Shufei, the Pure Consort of his Majesty the Emperor" Eunuch Sang explains.

My heart drops from my chest, why does she want us to greet her? I glance around behind him, hoping to see a familiar face; but I am met with an empty wall. Where is Yibin?

"Follow me" He grunts waving us on. We file out behind him, the sun setting on the Taiji Palace complex bathing everything in a golden glow.

K.V