1. Red Plum

When will the pain of longing and distant aspirations come to an end? Nothing compares to the depth of feelings. The sorrow of parting is now entangled in a thousand threads, as the east path is further obscured by the drifting willow catkins. The sound of the horse's neighing grows distant, and the dust of travel remains unceasing; where can I recognize the trace of my beloved?

The twin mandarin duck pond's water is gently flowing, with small boats passing between the north and south. After dusk, the steps cross the painted pavilion, when will the feelings of longing and distant aspirations ever cease? Nothing compares to the depth of emotions. The sorrow of parting is entangled in a thousand threads, and the east path is further obscured by drifting willow catkins. The distant sound of horses is gradually fading, with the dust of travel unending, yet still, it is the slanted moonlight through the window. Deep resentment, when contemplated, is not as sweet as peach and apricot blossoms, which still know how to marry the east wind! Where can I recognize the trace of my beloved? The twin mandarin duck pond's water is gently flowing, with small boats passing between the north and south. After dusk, the steps cross the painted pavilion, yet still, it is the slanted moonlight through the window. Deep resentment, when contemplated, is not as sweet as peach and apricot blossoms, which still know how to marry the east wind! Deep resentment, when contemplated, is not as sweet as peach and apricot blossoms, which still know how to marry the east wind! Where can I recognize the trace of my beloved? The twin mandarin duck pond's water is gently flowing, with small boats passing between the north and south. After dusk, the steps cross the painted pavilion, yet still, it is the slanted moonlight through the window. Deep resentment, when contemplated, is not as sweet as peach and apricot blossoms, which still know how to marry the east wind!

Xiao Shunzi said: "But she lives in that dilapidated place, which is even worse than that of the servants! I have been in the palace for four or five years, and if it weren't for today when Consort Shu suddenly took an interest in climbing the artificial hill to play, and saw this beautiful tree from afar, I wouldn't have known there was such a place in the palace! Although Rong is one of the nine consorts, a proper master, how did it come to this?"

Everyone let out a sigh of relief; it finally snowed

Yao Youde glared at his disciple and said: "Of course, who other than the empress can live in the palace!"

Yao Youde shook his head: "I don't know about this either, perhaps it is because she is not favored. In this palace, there is no shortage of beauties. The Emperor favored her for a few months and then gradually lost interest. Wang Chongrong was only granted the title after giving birth to the Seventeenth Princess. She was originally supposed to have her own palace, but Consort Gao never agreed to her moving out. Later, seeing that the Emperor had not favored her for several months, she felt it was useless and sent her to Gan Zhi Palace. Wang Chongrong had no complaints at all, only taking an old maid with her, and she has lived there for all these years. Originally, she was supposed to have her own palace, but Consort Gao never agreed to her moving out. Later, seeing that the Emperor had not favored her for several months, she felt it was useless and sent her to Gan Zhi Palace. Wang Chongrong had no complaints at all, only taking an old maid with her, and she has lived there for all these years.

Taking advantage of the moment when the young eunuch was momentarily distracted, Qing Tong snatched the flower branch back from his hands and swiftly ran far away. The young eunuch attempted to pursue her, but Qing Tong, being agile, jumped back and forth, making it impossible for him to catch her

Little Shunzi nodded and said: "Truly beautiful! If the Empress Chongrong from back then had looked like her, she would have undoubtedly been a top beauty!"

Qing Tong was somewhat reluctant. When she first moved to Gan Zhi Palace, she was only 2 years old, and at that time, the old tree in front of the door was dead. Little Qing Tong brought water every day to water it, and surprisingly, the tree came back to life. In the summer, she and Hua Jian often climbed the tree to play, and in the winter, her mother would collect flower petals for her to brew in water as tea. She cherished this old plum tree very much and never had the heart to break its branches. However, her mother was looking at her seriously, and after thinking for a moment, Qing Tong handed the flower branch to Xiao Shun Zi and said, "Since it is already broken, it would be a pity not to put it in a vase; you take it." In the summer, she and Hua Jian often climbed the tree to play, and in the winter, her mother would collect flower petals for her to brew in water as tea. She cherished this old plum tree very much and never had the heart to break its branches. However, her mother was looking at her seriously, and after thinking for a moment, Qing Tong handed the flower branch to Xiao Shun Zi and said, "Since it is already broken, it would be a pity not to put it in a vase; you take it."

Adjacent to it are four side halls with a similar style, named "Gan Zhi," "Le Qiao," "Qin Nong," and "Huan Yu." These were once the favorite places of the founding emperor and empress of the Dayuan Kingdom. The names given to these four palaces reveal that the mythic couple, who rose from humble beginnings, actually wished to lead a simple life. Unfortunately, the succeeding emperors did not share the same sentiments as Gan Zhi and Le Qiao. The Dayuan Kingdom has been established for over 200 years, with a total of 17 male emperors and 2 female empresses. The imperial palace has undergone several renovations and expansions, gradually pushing these four palaces from their original central location to a remote corner behind the imperial garden. Now, Gan Zhi and the other three palaces have become an unspoken cold palace, inhabited only by those favored concubines who have fallen out of favor and have no hope of regaining their status. Here, it is only a lock away from being a true cold palace like the Lengquan Palace.

The young eunuch standing on the ground impatiently turned his head back, intending to push her aside casually, but upon seeing her face, he was momentarily taken aback. The little girl was astonishingly beautiful! Her glossy black hair danced in the wind, and her fair, rosy complexion was adorned with a pair of eyes that sparkled like stars. These eyes could only be described as dazzling, bright to the point of being overwhelming

Xiao Shunzi couldn't help but curl her lips: "I don't believe it, then how is she like this now?"

The young eunuch was taken aback again, looking up and down at the tattered clothes worn by Qing Tong. Although the fabric was worn out, it was indeed the style of the twelve-petal skirt commonly worn by princesses. However, Qing Tong found the skirt cumbersome and had tucked it up into her waistband.

The ancient palace has also transformed into a world of snow, as if nourished by the essence of winter. Outside the palace, an old plum tree bursts into a profusion of blossoms, its crimson flowers hanging heavily and fully covering the branches, shining brilliantly in the expanse of pure white. It is rare to see plum blossoms bloom so densely, as they are usually sparse. Looking around, even the austere palace city appears vibrant and full of life due to this sea of red flowers

Xiao Shunzi interjected, "Extremely beautiful in appearance? I don't think so!"

The child is easy to coax, and he nervously glances at the adult standing nearby. Wang Chongrong can completely understand what he is afraid of, and with a slight smile, she reassures him with her eyes that it is alright. Only then does he feel relieved, momentarily feeling a bit shy, standing still and unsure of what to say.

The Gan Zhi Palace is located in a very remote corner of the southeastern part of the imperial palace, and the palace itself is quite dilapidated, somewhat out of place compared to the magnificent imperial palace. The red paint on the window frames has mostly peeled off, leaving only the wood color, and more than half of the yellowish glazed tiles on the roof are missing or broken. The owner has carefully covered the exposed roof with thatch, ensuring that it does not leak even in light rain. At this moment, these thatches reveal various shapes beneath the white snow. The owner has carefully covered the exposed roof with thatch, ensuring that it does not leak even in light rain. At this moment, these thatches reveal various shapes beneath the white snow.

As soon as they entered the forest, Xiao Shunzi hurriedly asked, "Master! Was that really the Empress of the Charging Room just now?"

Yao Youde took a moment to size her up before finally recognizing her, and hurriedly stepped forward with a smile, saying: "It is indeed Her Highness, Princess Chongrong. It has been many years since we last met. Please, Your Highness, be at ease!" He then properly performed a bow. Wang Chongrong slightly bent her body in return and offered a half-bow, saying: "There is no need for excessive courtesy, Your Excellency. You must have come for a reason, and it would be inappropriate to delay matters." She turned to Qing Tong and said: "Quickly give the flowers to Lord Yao."

In a moment of distraction, the girl with green eyes rushed over and snatched the branch from his hand, shouting: "Why are you breaking my tree? Give it back! Give it back to me!" Only then did the young eunuch come to his senses and scolded: "Where did this wild girl come from? Go away! There are serious matters at hand here!"

Hua Jian also ran over, panting. She was only six years old, much slower than Qing Tong. She shouted, "This is Princess Seventeen! Don't touch her! Which palace are you from? Why are you breaking our trees?"

Yao Youde shook his head and said: "The little princess's eyes are acceptable, but in other aspects, she is not even half as beautiful as Empress Chongrong! Back in the day, her every frown and smile... sigh, His Majesty was utterly devoted to her!"

Wang Chongrong called out: "Qingtong, stop messing around! Hand it over to this young man." The young eunuch had been chasing her for a long time without success and was getting anxious, so he blurted out: "You little rascal, stop right there!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it; even the least favored princess was still a master, how could he call her a "rascal"? He thought of the possible consequences and his face turned pale. Fortunately, Qingtong did not mind and instead made a big grimace.

Yao Youde glared and said: "What are you talking about? I remember that at that time, there was no one more beautiful in the entire palace than her. Otherwise, how could the virtuous consort keep her hidden and never let the Emperor see her? If it weren't for Guo Shuyuan, she would have certainly kept Wang Chongrong hidden until the age of twenty-five before allowing her to be sent out. Not to mention anything else, just look at how beautiful that little princess is today"

Later, Guo Shuyuan poisoned Gao Xianfei, and she herself was granted death. In the following years, Noble Consort Zhou, Noble Consort Li, Lady Mao, and Concubine Rong... the favored ladies in this imperial palace came and went like a revolving wheel, with some dead, some gone mad, and others relegated to the cold palace... who knows how many there have been!" He sighed and shook his head, then suddenly said, "Oh? When all is said and done, only Wang Chongrong from Gan Zhi Palace has continued to live well.

A sharp voice of a male duck called out: "Xiao Shunzi, have you stopped to pick a flower? How long do you plan to dawdle? The Empress Dowager is urging again." A middle-aged eunuch dressed in apricot-colored palace attire approached, accompanied by two others. Wang Chongrong recognized him as the inner servant Yao Youde, who was close to the Emperor. She smiled and stepped forward to greet him: "Eunuch Yao, it has been several years since we last met, and you look even more spirited now."

It seems that it had been held back for a long time; this snowfall is exceptionally vigorous. First, tiny snowflakes the size of rice grains began to fall from the sky, mixed with even smaller ice particles that stung slightly against the face. After falling like this for a while, the snow began to unleash its power. The snowflakes grew larger and denser, eventually falling from the sky in a frenzy, as if someone were throwing them down in clumps and balls, covering everything in a chaotic white, darkening the sky, and continuing to fall until noon the next day before finally coming to a reluctant stop. The snowflakes grew larger and denser, eventually falling from the sky in a frenzy, as if someone were throwing them down in clumps and balls, covering everything in a chaotic white, darkening the sky, and continuing to fall until noon the next day before finally coming to a reluctant stop

Later, the esteemed Consort Gao of the Cailuan Palace felt displeased and devised a way to let His Majesty see her palace's Wang Su, who is now known as Wang Chongrong. Although Wang Chongrong was already in her twenties, she was exceptionally beautiful, and upon seeing her, His Majesty became infatuated, ignoring Guo Shuyuan.

Only a flurry of rustling sounds could be heard as two young eunuchs, treading on the thick snow, emerged from the grove of the Imperial Garden and ran straight to the old plum tree. One of them climbed up the tree, while the other pointed at the treetop below, saying: "That branch... and that branch over there... Oh! I meant the slanted branch next to it. Are you really going to use such a large trunk for firewood? Be more efficient, the noble Consort and His Majesty are waiting!" As he spoke, he began to break off the red plum branches one by one to carry them.

What a magnificent snowfall! After the skies cleared, there was not a single patch of ground left in the imperial capital, whether in the grand estates of officials or the humble alleys of the poor, all forcibly unified in color by the heavens, with rooftops, the ground, and branches... everywhere filled with this soft, thick white! A transformation of the world, a completely new scenery!

The current mistress of Gan Zhi Palace, Lady Chengrong of the Wang family, is smiling as she leans against the door, watching her eight-year-old daughter, Qing Tong, and a young palace maid, Hua Jian, playing in the snow. Qing Tong's cheeks are flushed, and she is so engrossed in play that steam rises from her body; even when she quiets down, wisps of white vapor emerge around her. Hua Jian is somewhat better off, though her hair is tousled. They resemble two little madcaps, and the clear, cheerful laughter of the little girls can be heard from afar.

Wang Chongrong's facial features were quite beautiful, but unfortunately, her complexion was sallow, and her hair was dull and grayish-yellow. However, her eyes were filled with a gentle radiance as she looked at her daughter. Qing Tong's clothing was somewhat thin, and she was contemplating letting her play a little longer before bringing her back to warm up.

Yao Youde turned around again and earnestly greeted Qing Tong: "Is this the little princess? I saw you once when you were a few months old, and in the blink of an eye, you've grown so much!" Qing Tong had never been treated this way before and took a few steps back in surprise. Wang Chongrong helped Yao Youde up and said: "Your Excellency, please do not be overly courteous; this little one has little fortune!" Yao Youde exchanged a few more polite words and said: "The Emperor is waiting, I shall take my leave for now and will come to greet Her Highness another day." He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Wang Chongrong before leading his two disciples, Xiao Shunzi and Xiao Luzi, back.

There were hardly any people here. At first, Xiao Qingtong looked on with curiosity, but when she saw that these two individuals merely glanced at them before starting to climb the tree and break branches, she became anxious and shouted as she ran over: "Hey! What are you doing breaking my tree! Stop it!" She pulled vigorously on the one standing on the ground.

Qingtong's clothes were altered from Wang Chongrong's old garments. When she and her daughter first moved to the Gan Zhi Palace, there were still some provisions for clothing and food. However, the palace maids and eunuchs, seeing that she had not received any favor for several years and that the Emperor had long forgotten about this concubine and her daughter, gradually began to withhold various items. Moreover, since Wang Chongrong had never made a fuss about it, they became increasingly negligent. It had been two years since any new winter clothes had been sent; while Wang Chongrong could still wear her old ones, little Qingtong was growing quickly, so she had no choice but to make a few garments for her.

The heavens have held back for a full day and night, with the thin and humid air resembling a soaked cotton quilt, thickly pressing down on the head, causing a painful heaviness in the chest. It was not until evening that this winter snow finally began to fall, albeit slowly and reluctantly.

Yao Youde said while walking: "I am not clear about the specifics of how it came to be, that was nine years, no, ten years ago. At that time, the emperor favored Guo Shuyuan the most, staying overnight at Jifang Palace every day, that favor was no less than that of the current Consort Shu!"