Chapter 6: Dining and deception

By the time we passed back through Taiji palace, the courtyard is bathing in the glow of sunset. It reminded me of the times Aunt Yingtai and my sisters would sit in the field with the horses; and watch the sun fade behind the rolling hills. I could almost feel them beside me, gazing at the sun together once more. How I wished I could have seen my sisters before I left!

I glimpse the sun one more time; the skies painted in swirling colours of orange, purple, yellow and pink. I walk up the well-worn stairway, giving Xi Daquan a curt nod before crossing over the covered veranda and finally the threshold of Yeting Palace.

Eunuch Sang stops by the door and we turn to face him, "Dinner will arrive soon ladies. Huangfu Shu-fei has sent a subordinate to watch over you and teach you a few things." He says before clearing his throat, "Her royal highness Wu Hui-fei requests my presence at once, so I will take my leave" he nods to us before leaving.

We curtsey to him and turn around. I nearly run to the chaise that sits against the rightward wall, close to the wing where we all would be sleeping. I sink into the plush silky cushions, with a sigh. I throw my head back and shut my eyes, relishing in the moment. This chaise is so comfortable I could sleep here... 

"Ahhhh. The silk is cold. How refreshing" I whisper, skimming my hand across the cooling fabric. The rich red silk embroidered with soft golden lilies. I tried to avoid thinking about what happened at the Palace of Blooming Delight, but I could still feel the worry about Consort Huangfu creeping into my soul.

"Sister Yang, please join us at the table" Sister Sang's melodious voice calls out.

I nod to her and sit back up slowly, thankful she curbed my worries. I walk over to my sisters and lower myself in between Sister Yingyue and Sister Chan Juan. 

"So sisters... What did you think of Huangfu Shu-fei?" Da Chun asks fiddling with her skirts.

I sit directly across from her, our other sisters sitting on either side of her. I had hoped we could avoid this conversation. 

Xin-Yu cuts in with an answer before we could even utter a breath. "She's a benevolent woman, with plenty of power. It would be smart to incur her favor"

But before more could be said, Sister Sang begins to raise her voice. "I could not even introduce myself to Huangfu Shu-fei before she collapsed. Not only have I failed my family, but what if she is gravely ill?" she whimpers, throwing herself upon Sister Da Chun's shoulder.

"You musn't say such ominous things Bo Daiyu!" Sister Shan advises. 

Sister Sang finally breaks down and begins to cry. Her shoulders and body shuddering with sob. I look at Sister Da Chun, her eyes are even wider than my own at Bo Daiyu's actions. I feel deeply for the girl, I just wish she wasn't so hurt.

The room is filled with a quiet uncomfortable tension. Sister Bo Daiyu continues to wail softly. I look at her and Da Chun with empathy but make no move towards her.

If Sister Sang is already emotional, she poses no threat to my position. I do wish however that she doesn't suffer. Oh sister, I am sorry you aren't cut out for this...

Sister Sang sniffles and lifts her head back up, her eyes puffy and face streaked with her tears. "I-I humbly apologize to my sisters for my out-b-burst" she hiccups.

She stands suddenly and races off down the corridors, another sob beginning in her haste. Sister Lin gets up after her and scurries down the hall.

I sigh and look at the remaining sisters at the table. "So Sister Shan. Tell us more about you and your family"

"As you all know my father is a third ranked military official in the six ministries. We have quite an estate like I explained at Consort Huangfu's Palace" She laughs, her eyes glazing over. Likely reminiscing a fond memory. As Eunuch Sang had stated, a noblewoman.

"Are any of your sisters married?" Yingyue asks.

"Yes, two of my sisters are married in fact. My eldest sister Qingming is married off and is expecting her second child" she says, a flicker of happiness flashing in her cold eyes.

I smile at her but Xin-Yu returns a glare instead, much to my dismay.

"What about brothers?" Chan Juan pipes up.

" I have 4 older brothers. Yibai, Wuyou, Renfeng and Chongfen... Oh how I miss my brothers" Sister Xin-Yu sighs.

I could not help but understand Xin-Yu's feelings, "I miss my sisters. But I miss my father the most. He died protecting the county Magistrate during the blood feud of 726... I was almost seven when this happened. My siblings and I still mourn his loss" I mumble.

"He completed a great honor by giving his life to protect the magistrate" Sister Chan Juan says, placing a reassuring hand upon my shoulder. 

Sister Yingyue smiles warmly to me, her eyes filled with empathy.

"I see... This is when you moved to Yongle to live with your aunt and uncle?" Sister Shan asks; for the first time without her trademark glare.

"Several months after I turned seven, my sisters and I were taken care of by my aunt and uncle." I reply.

She nods, her nose scrunching slightly in thought.

" Jiejie... what about your mother?" Sister Yingyue asks.

"She and my brother passed during her long labor seven months afterwards. She couldn't live without father. Aunt Yingtai and uncle Xuanjiao raised my sisters and I like their own. I can never repay them for their kindness" I say my eyes beginning to tear up.

"I-I had no idea Sister Yuhuan! Please forgive your brash sister's questions!" Yingyue exclaims coming to her knees before me, clasping her small hands together. She bows her head in defeat.

I turn to her and smile. "Sister. You are right you did not know. So of course I will forgive you! Now please sit comfortably, I cannot accept this from a fourth rank!" I smile waving her up.

She looks back up at me, her own eyes sparkling with the threat of tears. We smile to each other. I could not be upset with her, even if I tried. My mother raised me to have a kind heart, and for her I would stay that way. 

"Sister, you have a gentle strength that I am envious of" Sister Chan Juan smiles, taking my hand into her own.

Her hands are soft and warm, reminding me of Aunt Yingtai and how she used to hold my hand while I slept.

"Well enough about Sister Yang and I. Please one of you, tell us more about your lives" Xin-Yu pleads, a softness now in her eyes. I smile to her, my story wound its way into the viper's heart. 

Sister Yingyue laughs at sister Shan's attempt to change our conversation. "My father is the junior minister of Agriculture and my mother Xi Chyo is an inner court official here in the palace".

She tilts her head in thought, "My mother and Consort Huangfu have been like sisters since infancy; so whenever my mother found time, we would visit her highness". She sighs gently before continuing, "My father took in two concubines when I was younger, and they have blessed our family with many children".

She smiles wistfully, "My half-brother Xi Daquan and my brother Xi Shuyeon became palace guards three years ago. Once I was selected for the examinations, they applied for this position to keep me out of harms way". She grins from ear to ear, "My brothers all care deeply for me".

"All of the Xi family are serving the empire in some way. From farmers to officials; our family has always supported the Imperial household." Yingyue laughs, her hair ribbons swaying.

"Xi Chyo was the first woman to pass the Officials examinations! I had no idea you came from that illustrious Xi household. My father speaks very highly of yours" Sister Xin-Yu gasps.

"I hear the same about your father" she says sheepishly, a blush coming across her face, "It's an honor to be considered to serve his majesty the 18th prince!" She exclaims.

Sister Yingyue is so modest, almost embarrassed of her rank... She is a wonderful young woman!

I smile at her, thinking to myself. She has many ties in the Palace, I would be foolish to not become close with her. "Sisters, I will take my leave. I must check with Sisters Lin and Sang" I say standing up, bowing my head.

They nod to me and Sister Shan's signature scowl has returned to her face. I exit the sunroom and enter the dark corridor that houses our chambers. I stop at their doorway and announce myself, "Sister Yang has come to greet Sister Lin and Sister Sang" 

I stand before their door, waiting to be seen and greeted. My eyes begin to wander as I wait, and I dissect the artistry of the paintings lining the walls.

As I stare at their door, I admire the woodwork of the artist; the small intricate swirls and geometric shapes. While I stare into the carvings, my mind also begins to wander. From my place before the semi-opened door, there's an odd light illuminating the further most part their chambers.

From what little of their room I could see, it's set up identical to the chambers I share with sisters Yingyue and Chan Juan. I still cannot fathom how these old chambers were originally for one person. I could only imagine how special it will be when I have massive chambers like this to myself.

As I stood there thinking, Sister Da Chun materializes out of the darkness directly in my line of view. "Hello Sister Yang, what a pleasant surprise" She grins, but the joy doesn't reach her gaze, instead a dark glimmer dances across her eyes.

I nod to her, my throat all of a sudden feeling a little dry. "Is sister Sang well? I came to see her" I explain.

She bows her head and pulls open the door, allowing me to come in. I could see Sister Sang in front of a vanity, the top covered in cosmetics and candles. The candlelight surrounding her flickers brightly. Her vanity is clearly the source of the light I had seen.

Sister Lin slips back into the darkness; to a corner of the chambers far from us. She sits at her vanity, beside very few candles, which shrouded her in dim flickering candlelight. She stares intently at her reflection, touching her face gingerly. I tear my gaze from her, shaking an eerie feeling from my mind. 

I return my focus to Sister Sang and step towards where she's seated. "How is my Sister doing now?" I ask Bo Daiyu, standing behind her.

She looks at me through the reflection of the mirror as she reaches for a brush. "I am much better now Sister Yang" she says as she applies her face powder.

"That is wonderful. I'm glad Sister Sang is well now" I smile at her, placing my hand on her shoulder. "Allow me to apply the huadian sister, it's my favorite part" I say excitedly.

She laughs lightly and turns to me. I grab a fine brush and paint a simple crescent upon her forehead; in her red lip pigment.

"There, a moon for my pure and bright sister Sang!" I say setting down her brush.

She smiles to me after looking at her reflection. "Thank you Sister, you are too kind" she whispers, tears sparkling in her large eyes.

"Oh sister do not cry your cosmetics will run!" I laugh gently, laying my hand back on her shoulder.

She sniffles before speaking again. "You're right... thank you sister" she says.

I smile in return and step away from her. I hope my words are enough to comfort you sister, I only wish the best for you.

"Sister Yang" Da Chun calls from across the room.

"Sister, what is it that you are in need of?" I ask tentatively as I walk over.

"Yuhuan, come closer I need help to adjust my hairpins" She smiles waving towards her.

"Sister, what seems to be out of place?" I ask investigating the hairstyle.

She laughs and shakes her head slightly. "Just there" she says pointing.

I nod leaning over her right shoulder slightly, and remove the silver pin so I can adjust the position of the guan clasp. In my distracted state I could barely notice her mumbling under her breath. I could only make out my name, but the rest is incomprehensible gibberish. I pin her hair back properly and satisfied with my work, I take a step back. She rests her chin on her left shoulder, a smirk forming on her lips as her eye meets mine, ice chilling my veins. Her stare is unfocused and haunted, looking through me like I am organza screen. 

I take another step back, stumbling out of fear and confusion. Her head snaps back towards the mirror, and mumbles something else.

"Sisters?" Bo Daiyu queries, resting her hand on my shoulder, startling me.

She cocks her head to the side in bewilderment, "Sisters, are you alright? It became very quiet" she says looking between us.

I nod and Da Chun answers. "Yuhuan fixed my hair for me; I am just too clumsy today!" She smiles, patting her hair. 

My stomach flutters with apprehension, there is something off with Sister Lin. What in the world was she mumbling just now?

She gracefully stands up and leans over the back of the chair, plucking something off of my shoulder. I jump away from her, unsure of her actions.

She laughs, "Yuhuan are you well? I only noticed a stray hair on your shoulder"

I nod fervently and avert my eyes from Da Chun, and instead focus on the doorway. Quick footsteps come echoing down the hall towards us, before a voice rang out. " Xi Yingyue has come to fetch her sisters!" She announces from the door.

Just in time, I thought. I then look to my sisters and attempt a smile, "Well, we must make haste, Sister Xi and the others request our presence"

I link my arm with Sister Sang's and walk towards the doorway; where Yingyue is waiting.

"Sister Xi, have the servants arrived with our meal?" I ask as we stop in front of her.

She looks between us and then Sister Lin; whom is looming behind us. "As of yet, the servants have not arrived. But we all should be ready to receive them!" She smiles brightly, her eyes becoming crescents.

Sister Yingyue is so pure... I love her smile. It's so infectious. I return her smile, and she waves us forward down the corridors. Thank the heavens that she came to my rescue. 

Upon my arrival in the sun-room I smile to my sisters seated around the low table, "So, what did I miss when I had left?"

Sister Xi sits down before motioning for us to do the same, "Jiejie Zhu just finished telling us about her family!" Yingyue says her ever-bright smile growing wider.

Sister Xi is the light I will need through these trials. Thank you ancestors for sending her to me.

Bo Daiyu smiles to us before beginning to speak. "Sisters, I would once again like to -"

But before she could finish her sentence, our small Eunuch cries out an announcement, "Ladies of the examinations, now receive Matron Song Mei of Shangshi"

A woman enters the room, with servants in tow; carrying trays of delicacies. Her dark hair streaked with silver is pulled into a tightly manicured low bun. 

We all stand immediately, to receive our guests. Sister Shan takes a few steps towards the palace entrance to welcome the matron in. "Welcome Matron Song" Sister Shan smiles and curtseys, "We hope to learn well from your teachings". 

We mirror Xin-Yu's deep curtsey, nodding to Song Meixiang and her entourage of maids.

Matron Song walks with an air of sophistication, wearing cloth robes of a deep blue hue.

Her steely eyes focus on us. "I see," she sighs, watching the four of us still around the table. "We have much work to be done".

K.V