Chapter 5: Into the Den
He walks towards Taiji Palace and steps directly inside. Sister Shan stops abruptly; us sisters nearly knocking into her. A warning would have been nice Xin-yu.
"Eunuch Sang we cannot enter Taiji Palace, as was previously instructed" Sister Shan called out.
He stomps back to us, ducking back from whence he came. "When you are accompanied by a master or at least a high-ranking servant you can pass through Taiji Palace. Follow me through the servant corridors, it is much faster than walking around the outside of the palace, I assure you".
We kept our heads down facing the floor, and the polished rust coloured stone twinkles back up at me. Eunuch Sang's pace quickens, and we turn sharply down many corridors. We pass by many interesting decorations and even doorways leading into important rooms for past governing Emperors, including a small dining hall and even what I believe to be a side bedchamber for concubine attendance.
We finally return to the light, and I silently curse myself for my nervousness. I cannot become a squabbling mess in front of the Consort Huangfu. I needed to make a good impression on her now, it may keep me safe in the future.
We stand before Xuanwu Gate, beginning the trek to the inner court. The tiny hairs on my neck bristle out of nervousness, my sisters are also feeling tense; shifting in anticipation.
Eunuch Sang spins quickly to face us. "Once you step past Xuanwu Gate, you will walk with grace, in silence. You will not speak unless spoken to. In terms of rank in the palace you will be treated according to your father's or Uncle's earned rank. However, you all must behave as a woman of a prince should: with honour and respect" He explains, locking eyes with each of us.
He turns his back on us and steps forward. "Open the gates!" He shouts upward.
A man in a thick red tunic appears ontop of the wall; his beauty almost breathtaking. Why are all the guards so handsome?
He shouts down to Sang and disappears from view behind the protection of the upper walls, the tiered shingled roofs working as a mountainous barrier from the elements. The heavy latticework gate creaks and begins to lift upward, vanishing above us into the depths of the wood and stone.
Upon passing beneath this gate, we finally enter the inner-court. The bustling servants remain, but the grandeur I initially expected, is nothing compared to the glimmering radiance around us.
The west garden flanks either side of Jinhua path and is enclosed by far-off white walls with five evenly spaced, swirling archways leading to a different destination: the vineyard, the orchards, the football field, the polo field and the Daming Palace Complex. We continue walking along Jinhua path, enjoying the beauty of the west garden.
Many seating areas are scattered beneath large trees or next to flowering plants. four small pavilions also dot the vast expanse of the west garden: allowing for more weather appropriate seating options.
Reaching the eastern wall of the garden, Eunuch Sang walks through the closest garden gate, which is an entry point to the great and formidable Daming Palace complex. This entry point directly leads to the Northern part of Daming Palace; which is where the women of the Emperor and his young successors reside. Where the Empress would reign supreme. However, the Empress died years ago, so Li Mao's mother Wu Hui-fei has control of the inner court.
The Northern section of the Palace is both vast and intricate and Pengalai Pool stretches for what seems like forever. Various expensive blooms, shrubs and trees surround it's enticing turquoise waters.
We pass some decorative walls that hide the gardens, terraces and courtyards belonging to each palace of the inner court.
Everything is just so pristine and beautiful in Chang 'an; I could not help but feel extremely out of place.
My sisters are also just as amazed by our surroundings and also appear to be trying to soak in the visual splendor of the Palace Complex.
We walk across an ornate stone bridge that overlooks the narrowest point of the lake. The view itself, matched with the evening Spring breeze is both tranquil and thrilling.
After passing three palaces on this side of Pengalai Pool, Eunuch Sang stops smoothly. "We are soon approaching the residence of Pure Consort Huangfu" he explains. "You will greet her, and nothing more unless spoken to" he advises. We nod to him and I can feel my palms become slick. I clench my hands into fists, hoping I won't fall to hysterics in front of her.
He avoids the larger palace before us and steps towards the slightly smaller walled in Palace next to it. Above the doorway to the Consort's inner courtyard is a heavily decorated tablet with characters spelling "Shenkai de Xiyue Gong", which easily identifies the palace.
Upon entering the courtyard; it's clear that the Palace of Blooming Delight, is of equal grandeur to the Palaces we already passed. But decorated in much more feminine colours like pink, pale yellow and purple. The roof tiles of all the Palaces are that special golden yellow; his Majesty's colour. A tablet above the Palace's entryway once again states it's name, matching the one on the outside of the courtyard.
"This is the Palace of her highness Huangfu Shu-fei. Please heed what I have told you", he warns us, almost nervous himself.
I shiver slightly realizing he may be as nervous as we all are. If the fearsome Eunuch Sang is nervous around Consort Huangfu, I can only imagine what this woman is truly like.
Eunuch Sang bows and begins speaking in a hushed tone with another Eunuch. A female attendant appears from the darkness of the Consort's quarters and joins the conversation.
I shift my stance slightly, trying to hear what they are saying to no avail. I roll my shoulders and neck to ease the tension I felt.
The other Eunuch disappears into the depths of the Blooming Delight Palace and shouts out our arrival to the Pure Consort. We enter, and I struggle to adjust to the darkness, Eunuch Sang however finds his way around.
We enter a brightly lit room and we walk down the few steps that lead to the sunken floorspace directly in the middle of the room.
I lift my head up properly and realize that we have arrived in Huangfu Shu-fei's receiving room. It has many wide windows that let in a glorious amount of golden evening light. Many beautiful items like statues and pottery line shelves and small tables all over the room; showing her prowess in the harem.
As mother to the 2nd Princess and the 5th Prince she is a respected and beloved consort of his majesty. Multiple pots of flowers blanket the room with their subtle fragrance and bright appearance.
Consort Huangfu herself is draped across a plush and intricately crafted ta, a soft smile gracing her lips. Six carved dark wood chairs are arranged directly before her. Huangfu Shu-fei is dressed in the brightest turquoise silk skirt ever created, which is reminiscent of a summertime sky. The skirt compliments the da-xiu shan she wears, which rivals the colour of the sun. Its wide sleeves are adorned with bright pink peonies blooming across the hem. Her pink shan-zi blouse is an ornate fabric, with the famous, geometric fragrant peony design. She also wears a yellow Hezi that matches her long-sleeved robe perfectly; down to the matching life-like peony embroidery. Subtly, silver thread has been worked into the fabric, imitating water droplets on the flower's petals and leaves, which shimmers in the candlelight.
Her hair is styled in the E Ji Lofty bun hairstyle, which is very tall, and wide; and decorated with various precious hair accessories. Two silver bu-yao pins chime on either side of her head, as the dangling pink jade stones and pearls delicately sway. Three pink jade pins fan out on either side of her head, piercing the lofty bun. A large velvet peony shines in the middle of her large hairstyle, with three shanbi combs arranged around it, each shaped like it was made out of intertwining silver vines.
Her makeup is bright and bold; yellow powder blossoms on the outer corner of her eyes, and her delicate brows are painted in the long sweeping willow style. Between her slightly furrowed brow is a tiny bundle of silk petals; crafted to resemble a freshly plucked blossom. The rouge on her cheeks sweeps up into her temples, nearly hiding the same strange crescent shaped red lines that Xin-Yu painted on herself as well. The Consort's lips are painted in a red so bright, it is almost pink, and shaped in such a way to resemble a flower as well.
"Welcome to Chang' an women of the examinations" She studies us, before gracefully rising from her leisurely position; causing her glorious bu-yao pins to twist and chime, as she seats herself upright.
Two female attendants and a Eunuch stand nearby, waiting for orders from their master. My sisters and I file into a line before her just ahead of the chairs, without much error and perform the correct womanly greeting of Lian Ren Li.
She waves us up, with another dashing smile and says, "Forgo the formalities ladies, and please sit."
We all look at each other in slight confusion before deciding to heed her request. Xin-Yu thusly takes the first chair, I timidly sit next to her, and Da Chun seats herself directly next to me, on my right.
Eunuch Sang remains standing and speaks, "They have all finally arrived to the Capital City your highness". Eunuch Sang takes a pause before continuing, "They have not received any formal training for palace etiquette so please forgive them for any infractions".
She waves towards one of her female servants and whispers to her, sending her away on an errand, before addressing Eunuch Sang directly. "I am aware of their current knowledge of the rules here, do not worry Sang". She glances at each of us again, "I am only interested in the women selected for Mao'er, out of concern for her highness Wu Hui-fei. She has so many troubles with caring for the harem. I wish to lighten her burdens".
Eunuch Sang waves us up, "Your highness allow me to introduce each of the young ladies here today". He walks towards Xin-Yu first and begins his introductions. "This is miss Shan Xin-Yu of Hebei province, Daughter of the third ranked Minister of Defense Shan Khanyin" he says gesturing towards her.
"Miss Yang Yuhuan of Shu province, Daughter of fifth ranked Yang Xuanyan, the census official of Sichuan. " he announces as I bow my head.
The Consort eyed me with curiosity, before cocking her head at Eunuch Sang.
"He died protecting Shu Prefecture Magistrate in the blood feud Rebellion of 726. She now represents her seventh ranked uncle" He explains once he saw the curious gaze of the Consort.
He hastily moves on to the other girls, "Miss Lin Da Chun of Jingji province, Daughter of a sixth rank household" he explains waving his hand towards her.
"Miss Xi Yingyue of Guannei province. Daughter of fourth ranked Minister of Agriculture Xi Huiqing and fourth ranked inner court official Xi Chyo" he exclaims as she curtseys.
Once again, Huangfu Shu-fei eyes someone curiously, this time Sister Xi!
I nearly do the same, she is so modest and innocent, I could not believe sister Xi is the daughter of a fourth ranked family!
"Miss Zhu Chan Juan, Daughter of eighth ranked finance official in Chang'an Prefecture" he gestures towards her.
"And lastly Miss Sang Bo Daiyu of Xian province. Daughter of a 9th rank finance official in Lingnan Prefecture" he says before walking back to his place along the wall.
"I see. Thank you Eunuch Sang" She nods to him and then clasps her hands together in what seems like pure glee, "I hope you all would like to spend some time with me today, I would enjoy getting to know you all".
We all smile back at her and nod before she speaks again, "Please sit back down ladies" she reminds, before turning towards one of her remaining servants, "We will also need a small bench for Eunuch Sang".
Her Eunuch leaves down a side hall before promptly returning with a bench and matching cushion. He sets it down for Eunuch Sang and backs away, returning to Consort Huangfu's side.
Sang clears his throat slightly, "Your highness, I musn't sit" He pleads gently.
She waves him off, "Yes you must Eunuch Sang. These girls will be here to chat with me for a while" She giggles.
"Oh, that reminds me, I have tea and cakes prepared for you all". She smiles broadly, "Yinou! We are ready for tea!" she calls out.
Quickly Yinou, the female servant she sent out before returns with six more servants carrying trays of tea accessories and small treats. the small tables between the chairs are then filled with steaming tea cups and cakes.
Yinou serves her master directly, bringing her a teapot, a cup and a plate of delicate pastries. After pouring Huangfu Shu-fei a small cup of the fragrant tea, she returns to her position behind her master.
She takes a delicate whiff of the tea, and raises her cup to us, "To getting to know each other" she toasts, and sips her cup.
We chime similar statements after her and soon we fall into a comfortable conversation about ourselves. Huangfu Shu-fei asks sister Shan about herself first, and she shares willingly.
Xin-Yu has a large happy family and a grand estate due to her father being the Minister of Defense. She is the youngest of the eight marriage eligible children in her immediate family: that being her four elder brothers and three elder sisters.
After another jovial story of Xin-Yu's childhood, Consort Huangfu glances towards me, "Miss Yang, tell me more about you" She says, a small grin on her face.
"I am the youngest daughter as well; however, my father was never blessed with sons. My aunt and uncle raised us in Yongle on their small farm with my three cousins. My aunt was so happy to finally have daughters! I had many chores at home, and even raised a mare named Asuga" My breath catches in my throat slightly as her deep brown eyes appear in my mind. "I miss her dearly" I smiled.
Huangfu Shu-fei takes a delicate bite of one of her assorted treats, "I also enjoy the accompaniment of animals, you must see the stables here Yuhuan!" She smiles wholeheartedly.
Sister Lin talks about her mother's successful dressmaking business in Jingji province and how her elder brother took over her father's position in government, and the family home. She is very excited for her sister-in-law's first pregnancy to end; so, she can finally meet her little niece.
"My niece speaks highly of your dear mother Miss Da Chun; she has purchased many ensembles for her daughters" The pure consort elaborates.
Yingyue is the next to chat with Consort Huangfu, and it becomes clear they know one another well; as Yingyue avoids sharing much about her family history and instead talks about recent events.
The Consort reminices in old stories Yingyue was telling, before promptly asking her a small favor, "I would love to invite you and your mother here for tea another time. It has been so long since I have seen you! You have grown into a dazzling young lady".
Yingyue agrees easily, "My mother and I would love to visit with you soon. I know my mother is regretful of not seeing you recently your highness"
The Pure Consort just nods, seemingly satisfied and directs her attentions to Zhu Chan Juan; which gives Yingyue the opportunity to snack on the sweet treats we were given.
"Now Miss Zhu I am so--" Consort Huangfu grabs her temples suddenly, gasping for air. She sways whilst remaining seated on her daybed.
"Your Highness!" Yinou exclaims, rushing to her aid, holding her arm to steady her. "Are you alright your highness?" She asks, the fear in her voice evident.
Consort Huangfu nods slowly and mumbles something to Yinou.
Us young ladies look between ourselves, the ill Consort and Eunuch Sang, unsure of what to do, and just continue to wait for instruction.
She waves Yinou off weakly, still holding her temples in her hands, "I feel light-headed"
"I believe her highess is in need of rest. Thank you for your visit" Yinou announces and waves towards the other servants in the room, "Yize will escort you" She commands, waving us out.
Eunuch Sang stands and waves us up, readying to leave as Yinou instructed.
"No, no Yinou--" She winces slightly, " I am fine. I promised his majesty I would aid her highness with this". She attempts to stand, and she wobbles, grasping her servant's arm for stability.
Eunuch Sang jumps into action, attempting to block the Pure Consort from out view, "She is feeling unwell due to the change of seasons; it is time to leave ladies" He urges.
Huangfu Shu-fei's stance wavers as she holds onto Yinou for support. But as she attempts to stand straight, her knees give out beneath her and she falls into Yinou's arms limply.
Yinou gasps and turns towards the other two servants in the receiving room, "Call for the Imperial Doctor!"
She repeats herself when they don't move, "Call for the doctor! And get the ladies out!" Yinou shouts before trying to guide the collapsed Consort back onto her gemstone encrusted ta.
Eunuch Sang continues to guide us
around the chairs to leave. The Consort remains kneeling on the floor as Yinou struggles to get her up onto the daybed, " I-I apologize Eunuch Sang" She wheezes and begins to cough hoarsely into her handkerchief.
Yinou screams for extra aid and the Consort continues coughing. Eunuch Sang finally ushers us out of the receiving room as many Blooming Delight servants rush in in to help her.
As we exit the palace I cannot get over how quickly she fell ill, and a sick feeling laid in my stomach. Was she going to be okay?
Eunuch Sang exits the Palace courtyard in silence, and leads the way back through the harem residences, and onto the small bridge where he stops. "Her highness will be fine" .
He assures us, "She is always ill at the time of season's change" he explains before taking a deep, steadying breath, "Her highness has arranged for your first lesson this evening once dinner is served".
Upon the last statement he spins on his heels and directs us on the journey back to Yeting Palace in complete silence.
As we walk I begin dreading the lessons to come. I knew only one of us could become the eighteenth Princess Consort, and I dread losing some of my sisters.
I only hope that I will overcome adversity and become the first wife of the 18th prince. To bring honor to both my family and the ancestors, just like Huangfu Shu-fei did for her clan.
K.V.