Chapter 7: Dinner and a show

Matron Song simply waves her hand and the servants swarm the table like hungry ducks, placing intricate cha-ou teacups and steaming delicacies down in a famishing arrangement.

The spicy and sweet aromas waft to my nostrils which makes my stomach churn in anticipation. This all smells so good. Please let us eat I beg of you!

I decide to speak up next, "Please join us for dinner Matron Song, we would enjoy your company and wisdom at the table" I smile broadly.

The matron nods and strides towards the table, refusing to be seated. She instead stood there watching us for a moment, "Mistresses... aren't you going to at least introduce yourselves to your dinner guest?" She asks dumbfounded.

I blush in embarrassment... I knew better than to act like this.

"Apologies Matron Song" We chorus and later introduce ourselves before being seated. 

She winces before speaking again, "Is there anything else that should be said?"

Xin-Yu gasps audibly, "I am appalled at our behavior Matron Song. Let us begin!" At her last word the servants begin separating all the food selections onto small plates, before us.

Before us, a feast of numerous delicacies including steamed pastries with chili paste, fried sweet and sour fish, dried bean curd, pigeon, and sesame cakes among other treats. My mouth is practically watering as the food is placed on the tables.

I smile to a young girl beside me, as she places some seared pork slices onto my plate, with some sesame radish threads. Pork is my favorite! How did she know? 

As I study her, I realize she doesn't look to be more than three and ten years old. As she reaches for a steamed pastry her hands shake, likely out of nervousness. I decide to reassure her, "Thank you young miss, might I ask your name?" I whisper to her, barely audible to the others.

I check to make sure Matron Song's steely eyes are on my other sisters, before I turn my gaze back to the young servant.

She looks at me wide eyed before answering. "Oh m-me? I'm new to the palace!" She stutters nervously.

"You are doing well. I only inquired to tell others of your ethic" 

"My name... right! A-Ahkum" she stutters again, smiling sheepishly.

I nod. "As good as gold... why yes you are" I smile.

She returns it before placing the plate back down and stepping away from us along with the other servants. I could feel eyes on me, and I turn my head, realizing Matron Song is staring at me. When my eyes meet hers, heat rushes to my cheeks.

Was speaking to the Ahkum improper? Am I not supposed to thank her? I do not know my error, I have so many questions!

Matron Song's sharp voice returns my focus, "Well, are you all going to sit there or shall we eat?" She asks sharply.

We nod and begin to eat. She watches each of us. "Miss Sang?? Chew quietly! You mustn't look like a cow at a banquet!" She chuckles making Bo Daiyu's eyes widen to the size of saucers.

I could barely hold back a chuckle. Imagine a cow at a banquet dining with us, ha!

The pork and sesame radish is just too amazing to be consumed in these painfully small portions, but I continue to heed my Aunt's teachings. However my stomach is insatiable tonight and screaming for justice.

Sister Shan is also eating in small increments which influences the rest of the girls to do so as well. However, it appears as though Yingyue has not received any such message; despite her noble upbringing, as she devours an entire roasted duck breast! I look at her my eyes wide. I can almost feel the heat radiating from Matron Song.

Matron Song looks at Yingyue in horror. "Miss Xi, you cannot stuff yourself like this! You will eat tomorrow!"

Sister Xi smiles through her mouthful of food, now realizing her mistake as the matron watches her in disappointment. She flushes in embarrassment when Matron Song glares at her. She sips some tea, elegantly this time, before looking at the matron in hopes of subduing her fury. "My apologies Matron Song. It shall not happen again".

Matron Song's brow furrows before nodding to her. "It mustn't happen again, or your mother ought to be disappointed in her gluttonous daughter."

Sister Yingyue nods, before bowing her head down. I could see the pained look on her face, as she stares down at her plate. Defeat shimmering in her wide eyes. I want to comfort her, but this would have to wait until after that devil woman had left!

Dinner drones on, Matron Song correcting us in every aspect of dining, from the way we ate and what we discussed, to how we sat and drank from our teacups. Statements criticizing our posture, dialect and gestures becomes a common dinner topic.

As time goes on my emotions get the better of me and I lose my appetite. I did feel some remorse for not finishing my plate, but the burning sensation in my heart overpowered any other feeling.

Matron Song often got up from her cushion to physically adjust our positioning, often accompanied by an insult of some kind.

Matron Song seemed to be enjoying this torment.

She suddenly waved her hand and the servants flock to the table removing everything but our teacups and a fresh pot of brewed tea.

"It's now time for the real lesson to commence. Shall we begin?" She asks a smug smirk forming across her thin lips.

As she spoke my heart dropped from my chest and butterflies battered against my stomach. THIS WAS NOT THE REAL LESSON?

I begin to panic and by the look worn on each of my sisters faces, they had my sentiments exactly. I stare back at Matron Song awaiting her next commands, trying to stay calm. What trickery is this?

As I look at Matron Song her face contorts into a wicked grin. "Mistresses, another teacher will be accompanying us soon!"

Da Chun's mouth hangs slightly agape in surprise. Matching my own mask of wide-eyed shock.

Are Eunuch Sang or Eunuch Qian ever going to come back to save us? I wish for his return as I fear I wouldn't be able to handle much more of Matron Song tonight.

A man's booming voice is heard, his voice slightly slurred. "Brother!" The voice shouts from beyond the palace entry way. All of our heads snap towards the door. Is that Shuyeon shouting out there?

"Keep your voice down. The women are being taught by Matron Song. I suggest you head to the barracks. Weimin can accompany me here." Daquan whispers in attempt to hinder our hearing.

Unfortunately for the brothers we all can hear their conversation.

"I am perfectly capable of handling myself here"

"I doubt that Shuyeon, so as I previously ordered go get Weimin!" Daquan snarls.

Suddenly we hear a thud and a groan echo from beyond the doorway, and more shuffling before Daquan's voice booms again, "Keep yourself under control. Or Lord Zao will hear about this and you'll be sent to guard the cold palace!"

What just happened? I look to my sisters: their eyes wide staring off towards the door. I avoided looking at Matron Song and stand up. I rush to the door; completely ignoring the fact Matron Song would disapprove, I worried for the two brothers and hoped I could douse their firey argument.

I round the small corner and cling to the massive red pillar, just inside the entry hall of Yeting palace. Leaning on the pillar, listening to their squabble I think quickly on my feet in an attempt to find a way to help them both avoid issues; "Is Guard Xi in need of a doctor?"

Daquan calls out in response, "Miss Yang, we appreciate the offer. But Xi Shuyeon is unwell so he will rest back at the barracks" He explains.

"I am quite well Daquan!" Shuyeon growls.

"I did not mean to cause a problem between you" I mumble.

"You did not Miss Yang" Daquan says his voice strained.

I could not see much from behind the pillar, so I step into the middle of the wide doorway, where I see Daquan and Shuyeon staring each other down, their arms crossed menacingly over their chests. Directly to my left the small Eunuch from earlier watches the two brothers from his post, leaning against the wall with a mix of worry and amusement on his lips. 

The last slivers of sunlight remain; dimly illuminating the stairway and the brothers' faces in red-gold tones. The sharp angles of their faces are far more prominent when they bear such angered expressions. The shadows dancing across their cheekbones make their eyes appear black.

"I am not your subordinate, Daquan"

"You will be soon enough. So I suggest you return to the barracks!" Daquan snarls.

Shuyeon shoves into his brother's chest, knocking him back. "You know what, I am going to request a reassignment from Lord Zao!" he threatens.

"Do it after you get Weimin!" Daquan retorts.

Shuyeon doesn't respond and he walks away, his helmet under his arm, stumbling slightly down the stairs.

Daquan turns back around as Shuyeon's figure becomes a silhouette. "I apologize for the commotion, but I will humbly request you return to you quarters now. " He says before bowing to me.

I wave him up hastily. "Guard Xi, it is not at any fault of your own" I whisper.

He nods. "Miss Yang, it still was not proper behavior of a palace guard and I cannot apologize enough."

But before I could say more Matron Song suddenly appears beside me and cuts me off. "Come now Miss Yang, we have much to discuss in accordance to the recent events before Matron Ling arrives"

I nod and turn back towards Matron Song.

"My apologies Matron Song, Head of Shangshi" Daquan says, his left hand curling over his fist as he bows to her.

She nods waving him up before we turn away.

We walk back to the table and sit down. "Sister Yang, what really happened out there?" Da Chun asks. "We could only hear scattered sentences!" She babbles, eyeing me curiously.

Even though I knew she likely heard what was said, I played along with her little game. She likes to play these deceptive games.

"Guard Xi Shuyeon is unwell, but his brother has it under control" I explain.

Matron Song studies me for a moment. "Miss Yang, you are right in worrying for the brothers. However, in the palace you may not be alone with any man, under any circumstance moving forward. You are far too lucky that a Eunuch, your sisters and I could both see and hear you. You could have become the root of courtly intrigue. Remember ladies, every move you make is watched."

I nod my cheeks once again burning in embarrassment.

"Matron Song, some guards become very close to the women they protect. How come this was so different?" Sister Chan Juan asks curiously.

"These men aren't Eunuchs, and shall be kept at a distance from you. These examinations are an exception. Miss Zhu, you are correct that guards and concubines become close, but you will learn in time how those relationships can become blurried in court"

We all nod in simple understanding. Relationships with guards can become sullied no matter how pure. As I ponder with what we have learned thus far, my other sisters and Matron Song continue to converse.

Soon that little Eunuch shouts again. We will have to learn his name. "Matron Song of Shangshi and the Ladies of the examinations now receive Matron Ling of Shanggõng"

We stand quickly and curtsey deeply, "The ladies of the examinations and Matron Song welcome Matron Ling of Shanggõng." I announce before settling myself back to a comfortable position.

Matron Song smiled and nods to Matron Ling, "The real lesson will begin now that you are here. I will now request you to take over, I must head back."

"Our regards to you Matron Song!" We chorus as she leaves, curtseying again.

Matron Ling suddenly begins circling the table, her hands folded neatly before her, just below the sash of her robes. "Once a member of the Imperial family it is vital to understand the ranks of others, and greet them accordingly"

She continues to circle around us, "You will be in attendance of important events such as imperial banquets, where there are usually many officials of different rankings attending. You all know your family's rankings, yes?"

We nod as she begins to speak once more, "You all recognize that your ranking until coronation will remain, so you must wear the colors that coordinate as such. I see you all are following that rule currently, but you may wear other colours if you are not in attendance of a formal gathering." She explains.

"Remember that officials are greeted differently according to their ranking, and age. If you were raised with sophistication and respect; you should know the etiquette for greeting those of rank" She deadpans.

At her mentioning of a sophisticated upbringing heat rushes to my cheeks. My aunt and uncle did their best raising my sisters and I, on top of the farm and their own children. In Yongle the highest ranking family was the Xian Clan, which are 5th rank officials. My aunt had not encountered an official higher than that, and due to her background was never taught. And thusly, my knowledge of rankings by colour was blurred to say the least.

"Male members of the imperial family are greeted using Dunshao; and the women are greeted differently". She gestures towards us, "All of you stand up. Let's begin" She says smiling.

We stand up and form a line in front of her. She then runs through the Rites of Zhou in terms of greetings. Including Kungshao, Dunshao, Shiyi, Tianyi and long bow. She has us on our knees for what seemed like hours, perfecting Kungshao. My knees have already started aching.

She often came between all of us, adjusting our arms, heads and hands. With the amount of times she readjusted my arms I worried they would be stuck like this forever.

"Ladies, Teishao is the most formal form of kowtowing. You should have used this when worshiping at a temple. However, this is also used for greeting the Emperor. Show me what you remember" I quietly groan and place myself into position.

We all go from Kungshao and lean forward until our foreheads touch the floor.

"That was good! Now Miss in the red could you shift your head slightly? Your forehead must touch!" She reminds gently.

"Miss in the dark green, straighten your back! You must have a sloped back instead of a divot!" She laughs.

Da Chun is beside me, so from the corner of my eye I could see Matron Ling push on Da Chun's abdomen to straighten out her back.

"There, that's much better!" She sighs contented.

At least I was not corrected with Teishao Sister Lin, hopefully you do not stumble like this again...

"Ah I did not learn names! Everyone up!" She says her tone light.

I stand back up and the blood rushes past my numb knees. I look around and see that Sister Sang and Yingyue are both looking exhausted. However, Chan Juan still looks as graceful and calm as she did earlier today.

"Now for you all to greet the female members of the imperial family, use Lian-Ren-Li, it is a more formal curtsey" She explains as she demonstrates before expecting us to do so.

"When you do so, I'd like you to introduce yourself to me just so I know your names!"

I mimic her, folding my right arm over my left; my hands clenched in fists. I slightly twist my torso to the right as I lower myself the way she did. "Greetings Matron Ling, I am Yang Yuhuan"

As I straightened back out, she nods to me with a smile. My sisters then follow suit curtsying the way Matron Ling showed us. We practice this a few more times with her guidance before she steps back, satisfied.

"Despite the examinations, your rank will remain the same as the one you possess outside of the palace. Until the Princess Consort is crowned, you will all follow a specific set of rules. And the princess shall then learn etiquette befitting her new station. For now, you must use long bow when greeting Eunuchs of the first and second rank. These high ranked Eunuchs are also identified by gold embroidery with matching belts. Their jade pendants are only worn for special gatherings." she explains.

"Matrons wear robes of dark blue. They should also receive long bow when you greet them. Directresses wear dark grey and must also receive a bow." she explains.

"Once the primary wife of the 18th prince has been selected, she will begin her training in etiquette befitting of the 18th princess consort". She smiles gently, "You will learn the rest of the rankings and proper decorum at a later date mistresses. The moon has nearly risen, so it is time for you all to prepare for bed. I bid you farewell".

"Good night Matron Ling safe travels!" We chorus before bowing as she showed us.

Her eyes twinkle with a sense of pride and she nods in approval, "I will send for servants to bring some water basins for washing up before bed". She taps her chin in thought, "Each young girl assigned to you shall be your new maid servant. Tomorrow you will all head to the bathing house to wash in the morning, with your new maid in tow. Goodnight ladies"

She dips out of the palace and I finally feel the fatigue aching deep in my bones. This is far more tiring than any day on the farm. I stifle a yawn looking at my sisters.

"I believe we should head into our quarters. Goodnight sisters" I smile before heading down the hall.

I enter my shared chambers and slump onto the stool in front of my vanity. I pull the large lotus pin out of my hair and set it down gingerly, before carefully prodding my hair to find out how to take it down.

My sisters enter the sleeping chambers as I continue to blindly feel for another hairpin.

"Sister Yuhuan! You have only removed your lotus?" Chan Juan laughs.

I nod. "I cannot figure out how my aunt did this!"

Yingyue and Chan Juan both start to giggle and sit at their vanities before fumbling with their own hair.

Thankfully three young maids arrive promptly with wash basins in tow. Each of the three servants separate, and finds their respective masters. The smallest girl approaches me with a small smile.

She bows deeply, holding the wash basin upright. "Good evening Miss, your servant Dai-Tai greets you". As she stoops in a deep curtsey to show her respect, she is nearly swallowed up by her pale pink attire.

I am slightly taken a back by this, but I smile and pretend I have been greeted by servants my entire life. I wonder if once I marry into Mao mansion if my uncle will be able to afford servants.

I wave her up and she sets the wash basin on my vanity and begins to skillfully take down my hair. She gently unwinds my locks and retrieves the wooden Yi Ji that holds my hair sky high.

Soon my dark tresses cascades down my back, and Dai-Tai brushes it smooth for me. I lock eyes with her in the mirror and she jerks her head away, avoiding eye contact.

I laugh gently, "Are you not supposed to make eye contact with me?"

She nods fervently, "I cannot meet the eyes of my master Miss Yang".

I cock my brow, thinking back on the eye contact I had with Eunuch Qian and a warmth spreads across my cheeks. Is this why Eunuch Sang is always flustered by his apprentice? His gaze is just so.... heated.

"Miss Yang?" She queries. "Miss Yang?"

She pulls me out of my thoughts by grabbing hold of my hands, "Miss Yang, I do need the cloth!"

I let go of the cloth, "I did not realize I was holding it, my apologies Dai-Tai"

Dai-Tai sighs, relieved I was now involved in the present moment. "Miss Yang, are you well? Your face is flushed!" She whispers.

I nod quickly, "I am quite well. Just feeling... warm is all!" I continue to face the mirror, my cheeks still heated from thinking of Eunuch Qian... It is truly a shame that a man born with a face like that must live this life as a half-man.

She nods, but her face scrunches in disbelief, "More like fleeting thoughts of romance". She mumbles under her breath.

I clear my throat and turn to look at her, "Pardon me? Repeat what you said at once!" I scold, curious if I heard her correctly.

She sheepishly puts her head down, "Your servant meant no harm Miss Yang, my apologies", she then kneels before me in submission.

I wave her up quickly. "I believe you Dai-tai".

She smiles and clasps my hand in hers before letting go and requesting for me to shut my eyes, so she could begin cleaning my face.

After her initial act of defiance, we fall into a comfortable lull, and we learn more about each other. We bond over our mutual curiosity of the world and share many of our stories.

Dai-tai wrings out the cloth one last time, "Good night Miss Yang, your servant will return in the morning".

And with that, the three girls bid us good night once more and leave our bed chambers. My sisters and I select our outfits for the very next morning, before finally blowing out our candles and settling in for bed.

"Goodnight sisters, sleep well" I call.

"Dream of happy things like a meadow of bunnies!" Yingyue giggles.

"I will see you in the morning" Chan Juan whispers, likely with a grin on her face.

I smile to myself before rolling over. As I curl up on my side I quickly drift off into a dreamless slumber.

K.V