Chapter 8: No time to Explore

Late Spring, 735

Second day in the Palace

Hour of the Rabbit

I wake early in the morning as I always did back at the farm. The sun has just begun to rise, so dawn-light is creeping its way into our chambers.

My sisters are still sleeping peacefully so I decide to take a tour of the palace. I leave the warmth of my bed and throw the soft sheets off me. As my feet meet the floor, the temperature jolts any fatigue out of my body. I re-tuck the soft linen of my bed in place before I creep towards the main door.

I stop at Sister Yingyue's bed and stifle a laugh before trying to help her. Half of her is hanging of the bed and her blankets thrown to the floor beneath her. Looking at her reminded me of my younger cousins. They slept in the same peculiar position. My heart yearned to see them again. 

I try to roll her back up into bed to no avail. I heave her up and she only groans in response, rolling onto her side. I pull her blankets up from the floor and tuck her back in. I gingerly push stray hairs behind her ear, before checking over my shoulder at sister Zhu. Thankfully Chan Juan hasn't awoken from her slumber!

I slip out the door without a second thought, slinking past the other half of my sisters across the cool tiles of Yeting Palace.

I enter the sunroom and finally realize that this must have been the old receiving room of the Sui and old Tang Dynasty Empresses. The room is aglow in morning light, nearly blinding me. Rays of sun stream in from the entry hall, where the mouth of Yeting Palace rests.

I could not believe I didn't realise this before. It is so obvious since the entry hall directly leads here. A small room that forks from the front of the left wall acts as our receiving room. Since the original was far too large for us unranked palace women. Sadly, we have not had a use for it yet.

From my vantage point near our corridor, I could see the other 5 halls leading off from the sun-room. My curiosity always got the better of me, something my Aunt always scolded me for. But today, I ignore my past teaching points and plan to venture forth into the unknown spaces within the palace walls.

I walk down the corridor furthest from our chambers first, and I am increasingly aware of the degradation in light. The murals hung on the walls continue, although the depictions changed. They are far more solemn, scraggly cliffs overlooking dead forests, or large swathes of wintered fields. Just looking at the paintings sent a shiver down my spine, they are eerily beautiful.

I push open the first door and I walk into a grand chamber, one accompanied by delicate landscape paintings and an enormous canopy bed. The bed frame is intricately made, with golden metals and varied gemstones expertly placed. Cut-outs of clouds float above the carvings of cranes and fish near the swirling riverbed. The craftsman who created this bed must have been skilled, the cranes are so lifelike. I trace the wing of one, captured in mid-flight as it ascends from the river. I try to look through the hazy red drapes, but only the outline of the bed-set could be seen.

Daybeds fashioned out of similarly carved wood line the far walls, complete with small tables holding trinkets. Each shimmering in the light, creating bright colored patches on the adjacent door and walls behind me.

A plush fur throw rests at the foot of the bed, nearly reaching the shelf filled with odd vases, jade items, numerous books, and other clay figurines. I reach for a figurine and hold it in my hands. The little woman wore an orange and green ruqun, her tiny hairpins made of 1st class white jade. The clay woman is extremely heavy for her small size, so I put her back to her place on the shelf before stepping back. Out of pure curiosity I run my finger along the shelf and inspect my fingertip, expecting to see an inkling of dust or debris. But much to my surprise, the shelf came to be immaculate, just like the rest of the palace.

The vanity lies beside the large shelf, inlaid with the same amber hued stone. Figures of rolling clouds and full trees decorate the rim of mahogany wood encasing the mirror. The lacquered tabletop shines nearly as bright as the mirror itself. The small stool matched the vanity and bed perfectly, down to the carvings and pale-yellow silk seat.

I walk to the far side of the room and notice a large ink-stained table. Scroll fabrics and old brushes are neatly organized across the tabletop, but the ink pots are nowhere to be found. 

Before I could push open the heavy door nearest to the table, I could hear footsteps coming down the hallway. I run to hide behind the bed and flop onto my stomach.

From my place on the floor, I could see the person just beyond the small daybed. Pale pink skirts drag on the floor as the maid takes a few tentative steps forward. I scuttle backwards and pray for the maid to leave. She comes around the corner of the bed and gasps. I have been spotted.

"Miss, what are you doing down there?" Dai-tai laughs, craning her neck to look down at me.

I sit up from my sprawled position on the floor and smile sheepishly, "I woke up early and decided to go for a stroll. Was I not allowed to be here?"

"The servants were just sent by Matron Ling to wake the examination women to bring them to the Yeting Bathhouse. Directress Chu was set to leave but the younger miss noticed you were already gone" she explains.

I nod. "Thats Sister Yingyue. I apologize if I worried you, it's become natural for me to wake up in the hour of the rabbit" 

"Yes miss I understand. It's time to meet with your sisters in the sun-room, we will leave for the bathhouse immediately."

I follow her out of the chambers and back to the sun-room. All of my sisters waited here, their sleeping attire still on.

"Nice of you to finally arrive, Yuhuan" Da Chun calls, her arms folded across her chest, whereas Sister Shan just stares me down.

Directress Chu stands off to the far side, keeping her sharp gaze on me before I greet her. "Good morning Directress Chu" I say bowing.

She nods to me before addressing us all. "I shall take you to the Yeting Bathhouse. Follow me and we will get there on time."

We all simply nod as she takes the lead. We walk down a maze of unexplored hallways before we make it outside behind the palace. The entire palace complex is covered in the same stonework. A small discoloured path leading from the back entrance of Yeting Palace, directs us to a small offset building, fashioned out of dark stone.

A wooden tablet lies above the building engraved with the words Yeting Bathhouse, in green. When we walk inside I expect a dimly lit, almost cave-like bathing room. Yet I'm pleasantly surprised by what I see. The bathhouse is brightly lit by both sun and candlelight. Small shelves line the walls holding many candles and other bathing essentials. Smooth pale grey stones line the many deep pools in the floor and chiseled seats made of marble lie just beneath it's steaming surface.

The bathhouse has a light aroma of flowers and other herbs that waft through the warm humid air. I look towards the far wall, which besides the large expanses of shelves, held the largest selection of standing huapings I had ever seen.

"It's time to change mistresses. Head behind the huapings and a servant will give you a robe" she explains gesturing towards them.

My eyes search the folding screens until I find one I'm drawn to. I pick a red lacquered huaping, the silk paneling covered in paintings of a summertime countryside. My sisters and I walk behind these separate folding screens to shed our garments. while I change out of my sleeping attire, a soft linen robe is thrown on top of the folding screen. I wrap myself in the smooth linen and stride out from behind the painted screens.

I walk over to the pool closest to my huaping and I slip off my robe, sliding in the pool. The water hot, just as I like it. I find the ledge and sit down, my entire body save for my head are submerged. Thankfully the textured seat has warmed from the heated water, I feared I would be seated on freezing stone!

The steam rising from the surface mists the area around me, effectively hiding my body. I have always been self-conscious of my fuller figure and round face, but according to the locals back home I was almost as beautiful as my sisters. The three beauties of Yang. 

Dai-tai smiles gently, "Miss would you like to add flower petals to the bathwater?"

I almost didn't need to think of the choice "Peony if you please Dai-tai". The flower of Elegance and nobility... I hope it shall bring me luck!

Dai-tai nods and adds the dried flowers into the pool. I poke at the dried peonies as she gently washes my neck and back with a soft cloth. She washes my shoulders and arms the same way; using a cup to rinse my skin. She leaves after handling me a cloth for my intimate areas. Soon she returns to the pool-side to help wash my hair.

I lean back against her as she massages my scalp. I shut my eyes enjoying the moment, completely and utterly relaxed. Her fingers moved expertly in my hair, never pulling a single strand. I became loose under her knowing hands. 

Soon we had to rinse and leave the now lukewarm water. As I attempt to get out, I wrap myself quickly in the robe I was given.

I hadn't gotten cold until we stepped outside, the soft breeze chilling me from beneath the linen I wore. I wanted so badly to race back into the palace, but in time the chill disappeared as I dried off. By the time we arrived back at the palace to get dressed, it was already the Hour of the Snake.

Only an hour away from greeting Huangfu Shu-fei. We all are anxious to find out if she is well again. We all knew how stressed Eunuch Sang was last night about Consort Huangfu.

Once the Directress left, we all separate, and our servants walk closely alongside us. Dai-tai mirrors the other maids and holds my arm for support and we head back to my chambers to prepare for the day ahead. After entering the chambers Yingyue and Chan Juan follow close behind with their maids in tow.

From behind the humble huaping I had access to I slide on the silky white camisole and matching linen pants, before stepping out. With Dai-tai's aid, I slip into my pale-yellow floral shun-zi and she ties it in place.

She adjusts the collar of the shun-zi blouse, "I adore this fabric on you Miss" she gushes.

I could not help but blush my cheeks nearly as pink as the small flowers embroidered on my shoulders, "I hope Consort Huangfu also enjoys the design"

Dai-tai holds me steady, and I step into my bright green brocade skirts whilst she fastens the back panel ribbons. She passes the creme hued ties for the front panels, and I twist the ribbons tightly above my breasts, to avoid my skirts from falling down. I did struggle slightly to breathe but, this was the style preferred by the noble ladies! 

Once dressed, I sit on the stool and allow Dai-tai to practice her skills. She applies rice powder across my features in a flash, and then picks up the willow ash and brow brush. "Miss Yang, what is your preferred cosmetic style?" 

I shrug my shoulders, "I do not have a preferred style yet. You know what fashionable in the harem, I trust you will choose wisely"

"I do not believe you should give me such control Miss" She pleads, setting down the brow brush. 

"You have been trained, I believe you can do this Dai-tai" I remind her gently.

"Allow me to do your hair first Miss" 

Nimbly she separates my hair into 3 sections and begins to create her masterpiece. I could not help but to admire how she began to create the long buns on either side of my head, let alone the tall, thin loops of hair that now delicately soar above my peony hairpin.

My breath catches in my throat as she stands back from the vanity mirror, "Your skills speak for you Dai-tai. I love this hairstyle!"

She blushes darkly, "Thank you miss, this is the Shi Zi Ji hairstyle. I believed it would complement your beauty"

I smile, and take her hand in mine, "I trust your abilities. This ten-cross bun you created is wonderful"

She thanks me and quickly deflects further praise by asking me to shut my eyes. She speedily draws on my brows and delicately dusts my temples and cheeks with rouge. She then paints an intricate huadian between my brows. I sneakily open one eye to observe her, and watch her face shift from concentrated to pleased. I shut my eye before she notices and she colors my lips and dusts the corners of my eyes with more rouge, before she paints those strange crescents on my temples.

"All has been completed Miss, please inspect" Dai-tai grins.

I gingerly touch my face and turn my neck to-and-fro, in awe of my appearance once again. I'm utterly speechless.

Dai-tai smirks as she watches me, clearly pleased with herself. When my gaze falls on her, she quickly wipes that smile off of her face! But it is too late, for I already saw that triumphant look. "You seem proud Dai-tai" I laugh.

She shakes her head, "It is your beauty that shines through. Your humble servant's skills only aid you"

I raise my perfectly painted brow at her and scoff, which only makes her smile. This little girl is not the meek mouse she looks to be! "Thank you Dai-tai. You really did something wonderful!"

She smiles again and curtseys, "Thank you Miss, I do love the praise!" She giggles before leaning forward to steady me.

I take her arm and stand up, finally looking towards my other two sisters as they are finishing getting ready. Seated as her maid finishes a blossom shaped huadian, Chan Juan wears another variegated dark blue ensemble. This one decorated with delicate, pale green pear blossoms.

Sister Yingyue's maid finishes styling her hair in the Shuang Ya Ji hairstyle. The double maiden bun perfectly embodies her youthful beauty. Her shun-zi blouse is a deep red today, complimented by pale pink skirts, covered with white circles of flowers, vines and geometric lines. And a willow green pibo finishes the look.

 She stands in triumph. "Sisters, let's beat the others to the sunroom!" She whispers excitedly. Her maid begins to speak up in protest but she waves her off, "Bo-Ya you must partake!" 

I look towards Dai-tai and a mischievous look blossoms in her eyes. All of us quietly slip out the door and Yingyue, Chan Juan, and I all run to the sunroom, the maids close behind. As we clutch one another laughing, we step onto a small, raised platform. This is where the large red peony daybed resides, which flanks the wall our corridor is attached to. 

But before we could sit down a man clears his throat. "Ladies.. what was that?"

I lock eyes with him and see the frustration etched into his face, his jaw clenched tightly. Uh-oh, now we've done it.. Have mercy on us..

These three sisters, greet Eunuch Sang" I say bowing to him. 

"Our apologies Eunuch Sang, we were only playing" Sister Chan Juan smiles walking down the few stairs, with Yingyue and I in tow. We walk to the front of the palace near the doorway in which he stood.

"And you three, you are supposed to steer these young ladies!" He chastises the maids.

They hang their heads and mumble their apologies to Eunuch Sang, before each maid returning to their place beside their masters.

He then looks at us with disdain. "As examination women you mustn't behave as small children. What if it was her highness here to greet you. Or even the 18th prince?" He inquires scolding us.

"We finished our preparations early Eunuch Sang. It was only to release some nervous energy" Yingyue says, averting her eyes. I nod hastily in agreement.

"You are all lucky it was I. But I am proud that you all knew to bow when you greeted me". Pride flashes in his eyes.

We nod.

"Where are the rest of your sisters?"

"Still preparing themselves, Eunuch Sang" Chan Juan replies.

"I will see to it that they understand the importance of punctuality" He stomps down the hall before shouting at their doorway.

I bite my cheek to stiffle my laughter, and instead start to smile. "Careful sister, or Xin-Yu may curse you!" Yingyue giggles, throwing her hands up to cover her face.

I swat her arm playfully. "Now now, keep your voice down. Let's sit and wait for them".

We walk back up to the raised ta and sit ourselves down. Making sure not to wack our heads on the enormous painting of a mountain range behind us. Which I believe to be an early work of the famous poet Wang Wei. Our maid-servants stand nearby, ready to help us.

We continue with small talk amongst the six of us, until we hear our other sisters coming back down the hallway. We stand up quickly, with the aid of our maids and await their entry.

"Greetings sisters" Yingyue announces.

"Hello again Eunuch Sang" Chan Juan says all of us bowing once more, before walking down to them.

Each of the girls are accompanied by their respective maids. Sister Shan gives me a rare smile before her face resets to her normal irritated expression. Judging by Sister Shan's smile and Da Chun's glare, we have performed well. I return Sister Xin-Yu's smile and flash one at Da Chun as well. She shakes her head and turns to Eunuch Sang.

Sister Xin-Yu is dressed in an umber colored blouse covered in creme geometric ovals. A bright purple hezi, decorated with yellow chrysanthemum blooms sits over the top of her deerskin-colored skirts, which are embroidered with a flock of floating magpies.

Da-Chun's blouse is a dusty sage green and covered in small pink plum blossoms. Her skirt is crafted from alternating rectangles of white and deep green fabric, also embroidered with cascading plum blossoms.

He clears his throat. " Women, you will not be meeting with Consort Huangfu today, she has fallen ill and does not want the sickness to spread."

"Have the physicians checked on her yet?" I ask.

He simply shakes his head. "Yes Miss Yang, they've visited her". he clears his throat before continuing, "His majesty's beauties will visit you later in the day for lessons."

I look at him confused, and Sister Shan steps in. "You do mean the beauties of the imperial harem, yes?"

He nods. "Yes Miss Shan, now follow me. It's a beautiful day after all"

He turns sharply and with our maids holding us steady, we follow him outside through the threshold. Xi Daquan and a man whom I assume is Weimin stand guard on either side of the wide door, beneath the latticework veranda.

We walk down the dark-stone stairway and pass two deer statues, that stand on either side of the stairwell. I hadn't even noticed how intricate the smallest pieces of Yeting palace is...They look as though they could awaken at any moment!

As we passed them, I almost thought I had saw one move, but I simply shrugged it off. They are just too lifelike. We reach the gardens quickly and we are met with plush grasses, and blooms of many colours and fragrances.

I could not help but stare, "Dai-tai have you been here before?" I whisper to her.

"No Miss, I have not had the pleasure" She whispers back.

A slight breeze carries some of the last fluttering plum blossoms from the highest boughs. Eunuch Sang stands directly beneath the old tree, petals cascading around him. A large stone table rests behind him. "Go on and explore" he says waving us off.

I look at him confused before he shakes his head slightly.

"I can just enjoy the scenery?" Sister Bo Daiyu questions.

He nods. "That is what I said, isn't it? Or would you prefer to go back inside?"

"No!" I almost shout. I attempt to recompose myself. "I-I mean no thank you Eunuch Sang. This is wonderful"

He shakes his head slightly before a smile creeps onto his lips. "I myself have always enjoyed the gardens here".

We bow and separate from him; glad to enjoy the sunshine. Our maids walk a few paces behind me, and Chan Juan and Yingyue appear by my side, and we enjoy the scenery together, our arms linked. The giant plum blossom tree lies in the middle of the garden, the petal carpeted path winding around it.

She glances behind us at our maids, and puts a finger to her lips, "Sister, did you see that guard?" Chan Juan asks quietly as we pass by a peony bush.

I glance at her and nod. "I believe that's Weimin, Xi Daquan mentioned him last night"

"Why do you ask sister?" Yingyue inquires her eyes lighting up.

"Quiet meimei!" She shushes, glancing around for anyone that could be listening.

Different blooms line the walkway and benches that we pass. Yingyue nods quickly while we pass a stone warhorse. Yellow Osmanthus winding it's way up the base of the old statue.

"Sisters let's get away from the others" Chan Juan whispers gesturing to the other women. 

I toss my head back, "Follow us please Dai-tai" I call to her and the other two maids. We walk across the blossom covered path towards a magnolia tree. Pink azaleas lining either side of the path. The enormous creamy magnolia blossoms boast their signature sweet scent. We brush the small table and stools free of petals before sitting down. The maids stand out of earshot, Dai-Tai being astute enough to realize we needed privacy.

"So sister, about the guard?" I gush eagerly.

She nearly blushes beneath her face powders before she speaks. "He reminds me of a boy from my province, his name was Guo Weimin"

"Sister, were you betrothed?" Yingyue gasps.

She shakes her head furiously. "He was betrothed to my eldest sister, but the matchmaker denied their match after comapring their fortunes".

"So he reminds you of a familiar face. Is that all?"

Chan Juan gazes at me her eyes almost glassy. "Yes, he reminds me of that boy I used to know"

Sister Yingyue simply laughs. "Come sisters let's finish exploring!"

We get up and I link arms with Chan Juan patting her hand. Yingyue a few paces ahead of us, being chased by her maid Bo-Ya. By the look in Chan Juan's eye, he wasn't just a boy she knew; he was a boy whom she had loved. I knew that look... Sister Xi is oblivious to Chan Juan's inner torment, so I squeeze Sister Zhu's hand in reassurance. She smiles weakly. 

"Allow me to guide Miss Zhu" The mousy maid says, holding her arm out for Chan Juan. 

Chan Juan reaches for her, "Thank you Jiayu" 

Dai-tai returns to my side and we follow behind Yingyue and Bo-Ya, chatting all the way. Pots of colourful camellias reside in the corners of each twist of the path.

"Sisters come here! This flower smells heavenly!" Sister Xi exclaims. She points towards a bushel of flowers the colour of flames. We come closer and I take a sniff, the same heavenly aroma she mentioned filling my senses. "I believe Yingyue found the best flowers of the garden".

She flashes her signature grin, making her eyes form those cute crescents of hers. I smile back at her.

Chan Juan nods. "I myself prefer the Magnolia tree. We must visit there together often".

"As you wish!" I jest, performing a mock bow to her, Dai-tai following suit.

She swats towards me, barely missing my arm, "You and Dai-tai are just alike" She laughs.

"Bo-Ya, could you get Eunuch Sang for us?" Yingyue requests.

In a flash, she curtseys and heads toward him. After a brief conversation, they both return quickly from the opposite side of the garden.

"Greetings!" We call out bowing to him.

"Yes Miss Xi?" He replies.

Bo-Ya returns to Yingyue's side, "What kind of flowers are these? They have a wonderful fragrance!" Yingyue gushes.

"These are lovingly called queen of flowers. They even bloom during the coldest of winters" he explains.

"Are they exotic?" Chan Juan asks.

"No, they're native here. They bloom in red, orange and creme. As seen here, many bloom with all three colours"

"You are very knowledgeable about the flowers Eunuch Sang" I pipe up.

"Yes of course, when I first came to the palace, I was training to be one of her highness's eunuchs. So I learned about many blooms and grew to love them as she did. Later she assigned me to her son, your future husband. As she trusted me with his welfare"

"Would you be willing to teach us three sisters more about the flowers here?" Chan Juan asks.

He nods. "It would be in your best interest to learn about one of her majesty's favorite activities..."

"Then its decided!" Yingyue exclaims happily, clapping her hands together.

While Eunuch Sang, my two sisters, our maids and I walk along the paths, we ask many questions. As we pass a small sapling he stops. "This here is a maidenhair tree. It will be nearly as tall as Daming Palace one day! It will grow swiftly and a few years from now will bear fruit".

I stare at the small sapling in awe, wondering how such a tiny thing will grow to the monstrous proportions he claims. But before we could continue nine well dressed women accompanied by an entourage of servants and a few guards enter the gardens.

"Eunuch Sang!!!" The woman in bright orange calls.

We bow, before he scurries towards her in haste. We follow close behind him, our servants in tow as we finally meet with our other sisters. We stand at the mouth of the gardens, watching the servants and guards interact with Eunuch Sang, before he focuses on the nine concubines.

"Women of the examinations now receive the Jieyus, the ladies of handsome fairness!" Our resident Eunuch shouts.

We look at each other nervously, before we all decide to curtsey.

The woman in orange smiles brightly, as do most of the other women. Each dressed in similar hanfu, with their hair tied up, bejeweled with hairpins.

I was slightly envious of the trendy styles they wear. Each woman's hair is slightly unique in either height, shape, ornamentation or having intertwining braids woven into the style.

All the women are dressed in fine fabrics many in floral patterns, ranging from soft pinks to chilling blacks. The women are dressed to impress. Their skirts are tied somewhat lower and tighter than ours, creating a perkier, and far more daring bust-line. Their blouses are a different shape and cut as well, with small cap sleeves. Save for their shawls or pi-bos they were very exposed in comparison to us!

"Greetings women of the examinations, I am Zhou Jieyu and we have come to spend some time with you, our guests!" She announces, her orange skirts fluttering in the breeze.

"We have brought some silk squares and other essentials for us all to embroider together" A concubine in a rich green and black ensemble announces.

"Let us sit around the large plum blossom tree. There are many stools to sit upon here!" Lady Zhou smiles.

We all walk over and wait for servants to finish moving more stools over for both their masters and us. They arrange the stools around the table that Eunuch Sang had stood in front of earlier. The female servants arrange the embroidery equipment out on the table and step back.

Chan Juan sits on my right, as a concubine in many shades of pink sits down beside me on my left. "Good morning lady..." She pauses, waiting for a response.

I smile. "I am Yang Yuhuan, it's nice to meet you"

"And I am Cheng Jieyu. I am also pleased to meet you Miss Yang. Now, let's begin embroidering our handkerchiefs!" She announces excitedly.

I smile, contentedly. Dai-tai waits nearby, and I am pleased to have her and my sisters at my side during these trials.

K.V.