Chapter 3

dancing lotus in a caged garden

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Lianhua didn't expect the first few days in the Inner Palace to go as quickly as they did. Yingtao was incredibly helpful when it came to showing her around and even drew out a map to give Lianhua correct directions so she wouldn't get lost.

"It's imperative that you know your way around the Inner Palace. Although, to be honest with you, the Inner palace is basically just one big square inside a much larger square, it just has pavilions and gardens and other buildings that make up the Inner Palace."

Lianhua sat at her round table, sipping on some tea Yingtao had brewed earlier. Linahua had taken the chance to study a few etiquette lessons since the textbooks had been given to her in a wicker basket by one of Madam Feng's assistants. The basket had pretty much been left on the doorstep of Lianhua's chambers, with a small note listing the relevant textbooks that were to be used for the classes. Lianhua understood the importance of hard work and studying and wasted no time in reading the materials.

Halfway through her stack, Yingtao had entered, and told her that it would be a good time to break for tea. 

Lianhua blew on her tea, the fragrant liquid still too hot to drink properly. When presenting the map, Jing pointed to a building outline in the western side of the court. 

"This is where the meeting will take place in a few days. If you get there early and it ends up being the wrong place, you can ask around. But, getting there early will help save time. I'll accompany you of course." Yingtao explained. Lianhua nodded along, sipping her tea slowly, relishing in its fragrant warmth.

Her current textbook lay on the table near her elbow - The 200 Techniques and Patterns of Imperial Embroidery - and it caught Yingtao's eye.

"How far have you gotten through reading that textbook?" Yingtao asked, curious. Lianhua swallowed her mouthful of tea to answer.

"I have gotten to the chapter detailing the technique of embroidering the 'The Swan's Lament' but I think I'll be able to pull it off if I'm given the design as part of the exam. It seems all of these textbooks relate to the lessons that would be taught by Madam Feng at some point. Hopefully I can pass the Qualifications exam next week - it'll be a bit of a waste if I don't."

"What would happen if you don't pass the first stage?" Yingtao asked. Lianhua sighed. "Probably go back home to the pleasure district and resume my existence there. Perhaps I could take you with me? Teach you the tricks of the trade?" Lianhua offered sweetly. Yingtao broke into a giggle. "As much as I would love to accompany you to your hometown, I am contracted to stay employed at the Imperial Palace for another few years, so I'm afraid that I might have to wait."

Lianhua shrugged, seeing that this dilemma was the inevitable truth. In all honesty, going home this early would be quite embarrassing, especially since her mother - the Madam of the brothel - was the one who had worked hard to get all the courtesans dressed their best for the visitors from the Imperial Palace. Her mother had advocated quite hard for Lianhua to be chosen for becoming a concubine, hoping that this might help secure any marriage prospects. Going home now without a suitable husband or her courtesan debt not being paid off could result in her being shunned.

And Lianhua did not wish to be shunned.

"I think perhaps we should go for a walk. To clear our minds. Perhaps another tour of the western quarter to familiarise ourselves might do me some good." Lianhua suggested, getting up from her stool. Yingtao nodded and put away the tea set before following Lianhua outside.

They both walked through the south quarter - where the low ranked concubines and the trainees lived - all the way to the western quarter to have a look around. The western quarter was quite large and boasted many pavilions- used and dis-used - as well as mini green forests and several pagodas and koi ponds. The scenery was quite beautiful in Lianhua's opinion as both young women asked for directions to the pavilion that would be used as the location for the qualifications exam. After a few minutes, they had found the pavilion, a tall square building with its crimson-red roof and carved spires. Amongst some of the other buildings, this one looked plainer, yet still exuded some level of opulence.

"This is the building. All maidservants and the new trainee concubines were informed of this building's location and appearance beforehand, so I'm glad I was able to remember." Yingtao appraised. Lianhua only nodded

"I'm guessing we're allowed inside?" She asked. Yingtao shook her head, her simple hair loops shaking too. "No. The eunuchs closed off the building on the Matron's orders."

"I see. We should get back to the chambers and hunker down for a while. I have some studying to do. Oh, and before I forget, did the Matron mention any requirements for the health exam to you and the other maidservants?"

Yingtao looked confused. "No, she didn't. I thought she would have told the new concubines?"

Lianhua sighed. "No, she never did. She was going through her introductory explanation when that mysterious person addressed as "His Highness" I told you about, interrupted her. I don't think she ever got around to give us more details." Lianhua explained. Yingtao tapped her chin in thought as they both walked back through the western quarter.

"I'm sure she'll fill you all in. For the time being, I'll take care of your physical health. We must draw baths filled with warm milk and lavender petals for smooth and supple skin - pale like moonlight yet healthy all the same, we'll be using only the best hair products I can get my hands on and soft cotton and gossamer robes so it doesn't rub and chafe against your skin and give you rashes. Early nights and warm herbal tea….yes, I think this little plan could work. Just until you pass the Qualifications Exam, then we can relax, but not too much. If and when you pass the Consort Exam, you can relax a lot more. I'm sure the Emperor will have more high ranking concubines to attend to if he doesn't end up visiting you." Yingtao continued her planning out loud and Lianhua became lost in her thoughts.

The Qualifications Exam was something that she had to pass, her mother's time and dignity was on the line. Sure, it would be nice to return home, however before she left, her mother had given her strict instructions to not fail and come out like a champion. Failing the Qualifications Exam could mean humiliation for Lianhua - and she did not wish to bring back luck to her family.

It was during their trip back to the south quarter that Lianhua spotted a small group of musicians and a few concubines in their regal clothes, standing off to the side of the courtyard they were passing through. The musicians were playing some music to entertain both residents and workers of the Inner Palace and Lianhua was drawn to the group. 

Approaching the group and into a large area unoccupied by passersby, she suddenly spun in a circle, her lightweight skirt flowing around her as she twirled. Her footsteps were light yet practised and the musicians took notice of this and played a jovial piece for Lianhua to dance to. Yingtao watched in amazement as Lianhua continued her little dance, arms spread out wide as she spun. Her elegant moves coupled with the music had drawn more attention, maidservant, eunuchs and consorts all noticing and becoming entranced by Lianhua's dance. 

Lianhua's hair had become loose and flew free from the confines of the plain hair pins she had been wearing, tresses of dark brown glowing in the sunlight at a certain angle. She pranced forward, spinning on the spot before reversing her movements in a mirrored reflection, her dance catching the attention of more onlookers and some even cheered and clapped, their applause becoming loudly and encouraging Lianhua to continue.

Unbeknownst to the small group watching Lianhua dance and twirl around the courtyard, two individuals had arrived amidst the buzz of joy and happiness. 

The first was a man in dark blue uniform, his tunic long and held securely with a thick sash around his waist. His face was that of a serene calmness, like a wave lazily brushing against land. He surveyed the crowd, his eyes sharp and taking in necessary information. Next to him was a young man dressed in more lavish robes, cementing his status as someone of a high rank in the nobility. His long hair was a shade of incredible brown, yet there seemed to be traces of inky black or midnight purple through the thick strands. This young man wore a similarly calm look, as if he was used to strolling through the gardens of flowering beauties.

Weaving their way through the now larger crowd that had gathered, they found themselves almost front and centre, however they shirked away from people's line of sight just enough.

"Well, what do you know? This must be the reason for the large gathering." The first man in his plain uniform spoke quietly. The cheers and music drowned out his words, making it harder for others to hear - except his companion heard every word.

"Who is that dancing in the middle?" the second man in his impressive ocean blue and white robes asked, leaning in. He watched the performance from where he stood, curious as to who was dancing.

His companion shook his head. "I don't know. Perhaps a concubine?"

The regal-robed young man continued to watch the dance that was happening before him and became enchanted by the fluid, elegant moves this young woman was performing. Her skirt flowed around her as she twirled with such grace and precision, her sleeves billowed out as she raised her arms and it made her like she was floating on clouds or flying through the air like a delicate butterfly or petals scattering on the wind. He became transfixed on this woman, unable to tear his eyes off of her not even for a moment. All that background noise faded out, leaving only the sound of his heartbeat - a steady, pulsing rhythm that only he could hear. He felt a tug on his heart as he continued to watch the splendid performance before him - his heart calling out to the dancer in pink flowing robes, the string tightening and pulsating. He could not keep his eyes away from this wondrous sight, not even to register his surroundings. He took a step forward, entranced when he felt a heavy hand on his arm.

"No. You mustn't give your identity away. If people knew you were amongst them, they would swarm you in adoration." a familiar voice warned him, bringing back to reality. He shook himself out the revere, chuckling a little.

"My apologies, I got a bit distracted by the dance."

"We should head back, we've seen enough." The man in dark blue uniform informed - no - advised. The other young man simply nodded and they both turned away from the crowds and the performance.

Yet, he could not help but look back, hopefully their eyes would meet. 

They did not.

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The moon hung in the inky sky like an orb, its silver glow casting eerie shadows amongst the trees and homes nestled together on the earth far below. Stars danced around the moon, a nightly waltz that captivates all those who look above.

The moon's silver glow shines through the window of a bedchamber, currently occupied by one person.

Seated on a canopy bed, with a long scroll of finely penned calligraphy etched onto the surface, splayed across his lap, was a young man in his mid-20s dressed in expensive cottons of dark blue and white. His eyes scanned the ink.

"I wonder…." He muttered to himself. His quiet musings were interrupted though by a voice - a deep, rich and sensual voice, oozing like maple-honey.

"What troubles you, young prince?"

The "prince" in question looked up and saw a beam of moonlight stream into his chambers, the gentle jingling of bells catching his attention. A few silver butterflies fluttered into, their gossamer wings transparent against the light that filled the room. A silhouette of a figure, tall and regal, appeared within the beam of moonlight.

The figure stepped forward, the soft clack of leather against the pine wood of the flooring, accompanied by a slight rhythmic jingling of silver accessories. 

"I wasn't expecting you to show up." The young man spoke in a hushed yet relaxed voice. 

The figure came more into view and red coloured his vision. The figure was indeed tall, possibly a few heads taller than him, with long strands of inky-black hair framing his face and cascading down his back. The deep red tunic paired well with the beige pants and leather boots the figure wore. The jingling noise that was made everytime the figure moved came from the large amount of silver accessories on the clothes - there was a silver chain link around each boot where the figure's thighs joined up with his knees, there was silver necklace that was hanging across the span of the figure's quite broad chest, and hanging from the silver chain were polished silver butterflies.

Looking closer, the "prince" saw that part of the figure's side bangs covered a black eyepatch that was hiding their right eye from view and a shiny silver scabbard was hanging from the belt around the figure's waist, the scabbard itself was curved and sharp with a long, slender hilt. 

"Nothing troubles me at the moment." The "prince" replied. The figure towered over him. 

"Really? But you were muttering to yourself…" the red-clothed figure spoke quietly. The young man shook his head. "Sorry, I don't mean to worry you. I was just going over this calligraphy. Please don't worry about me." 

The figure in vibrant red hummed and came closer, wanting to inspect the calligraphy. "Such neat writings. Obsidian Moon would be pleased." an eye of the loveliest shade of brown - like liquid maple honey, scrutinised the calligraphy inked on the scroll - the ink seemingly shimmering under the silver light illuminating from the delicate wings of the silver butterflies coming to rest on the red-robed figures's broad shoulders.

The "prince" in his night robes chuckled a little, wondering what Obsidian Moon would say exactly about the calligraphy.

"Pleased about what, Crimson Rain?" another voice broke through the quiet of the night. Both looked up and saw another silhouette bathed in the beam of moonlight, dark purples and midnight blues a mere camouflage against the backdrop of the rest of the room. The silhouette slowly emerged and formed a figure dressed lavishly in said purples and midnight blues robes befitting of a higher status, long hair cascading downward like a vibrant waterfall of gorgeous violets swirling amongst strands of ebony-black silk threads. The figure's face was smooth and pale like the finest china porcelain or polished alabaster, with elegant willowy eyebrows, peach lips and a small nose. The figure glided over to the tall black-haired man in red and the young man sitting on his bed with ease, almost as if the figure was floating.

The man in red pointed to the calligraphy on the scroll. "The Prince has very nice penmanship." The figure replied.

The moonlit spirit lurched an eyebrow upwards in curiosity and glided right over, peering over the young man's shoulder to judge the calligraphy. The figure clad in silken robes nodded.

"I'm impressed." The spirit praises earnestly. "Umm…thank you. Lovely night though isn't it?" The young man asked. The spirits both looked at the glowing moonbeam that was shining through into the room.

"Yes. Quite so. Are you not planning on sleeping tonight?"

"I was about to ask that myself. You're not like us little one, you need your sleep."

The young man seemed to pout, wanting to argue that he wasn't ready to sleep, but a small yawn escaped his mouth. Both the spirits chuckled quietly.

"See? You are sleepy. Put away that scroll and get some shut eye. The halls will be patrolled tonight."

"You're on night duty this time. I did it last time."

"You're not going to try and spook the guards tonight are you?" The young man asked worriedly. The red-clothed spirit looked offended, gasping a little in mock dramatics.

"No we would never. It's not our fault these mortals can be scaredy-cats. We're simply testing their resolve."

The moonlit spirit in its silken deep purple robes raised a willowy eyebrow. "We're making sure those guards do their duty properly, and to ensure they don't fall asleep standing up. Gotta keep the Crown Prince protected."

The young man rolled his eyes playfully and rolled up the scroll, now that the ink had dried. "Well, I'll take your advice and get some sleep, I have training in the morning anyway. Just don't make too much noise, especially you Crimson Rain."

The red-clothed spirit scoffed playfully. "I like making noise, it keeps the mortals on their toes and lets them know I'm here."

The spirits bade a fond goodnight to the young man in their care as he fell into a soft slumber beneath his warm blankets, and the red-robed, eyepatch wearing spirit disappeared in a cloud of silver butterflies, followed by the purple robed spirit, who faded into the beam of moonlight. 

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