Chapter 4, Qixi
Oh, this girl, every time it is her joy that takes the crown! Zhu Di responded in a casual manner.
The noble consort Wang pondered briefly: "The surname is Sun, it seems the given name is Ruowei."
Oh! Zhu Di nodded slightly: "Xian Ning has always been competitive. Although the rules have changed, she still won the championship. This girl's unwillingness to admit defeat truly resembles me!"
And Consort Wang smiled softly, saying: "Your Majesty has forgotten again, the Qiqiao Festival is indeed a custom of Yanjing, but now in this Ying Tian City, the events for the seventh day of the seventh month have long been replaced with new variations"
Is it time to return now? Consort Wang turned around and gently waved the round fan she received from Bi Luo's hand, asking, "How did the task go?"
Concubine Wang carefully observed the expression of the Emperor. Although she was entrusted by others and was the mother of the Crown Princess, whom she could not offend, Zhu Di's temper was also known to change in an instant. Therefore, she chose her words with great care and, after much contemplation, conveyed the words of Lady Pengcheng Bo.
After finishing her words, there was no visible reaction from Zhu Di. Just as she was about to quietly rise and leave, Zhu Di let out a light snort from his throat and said with some disdain: "An eight-year-old little girl, how wise can she possibly be? The wife of the Duke of Pengcheng is too impatient; how old is the child, after all?"
"Your Majesty, how can you praise your daughter so highly?" Seeing that Zhu Di appeared amiable today, Consort Wang could not help but feel pleased and said, "Today, the wife of the Duke of Pengcheng told us an extraordinary story, praising a virtuous woman from Jiaodong. Our Princess Xianning was quite displeased upon hearing it!"
Oh? Wang Guifei was momentarily taken aback. The Huang Gonggong mentioned by Biluo is none other than the Chief Eunuch Huang Yan, who is highly favored by the current Emperor. A few months ago, he was assigned by the Emperor to go to the foreign country of Korea to collect tribute in the form of white paper.
Delicate fingers touch the fine silk, the loom clatters as it weaves.
At this thought, the old eunuch smiled silently. If one were to ask which concubine in the palace is most favored by the emperor, there would be no need to look at titles or rewards; simply asking the eunuchs in the Respectful Affairs Room would provide the clearest answer.
Facing the mirror, one glances left and right, turning several times
"Yes!" said Consort Wang, nodding her head in agreement
In front of the mirror, Susu helped her daughter style her hair into the appearance of a startled bird's wings about to spread, saying: "This is the 'Jinghu Hairdo.'" Then, she left a strand of hair hanging down behind her shoulder beneath the twisted bun.
The imperial palace of the Ming dynasty is located in the capital city of Yingtianfu
Imperial Concubine Wang held a round fan, gently fanning Zhu Di: "Naturally, it is still Xian Ning!"
Between the rippling waters, there is a subtle yet unspoken connection, as if the words are inscribed in a picture or a book
Forget it! Today, Zhu Di appeared somewhat fatigued. After loosening his clothes and donning his crown, he reclined on the couch, seeming to be in a state between sleep and wakefulness. Casually, he inquired, "Which clever girl from the palace is it today?"
Imperial Concubine Wang was neither affirmative nor negative, only managing an awkward smile, while the hand-held round fan in her grasp increased its pace. Zhu Di snatched the fan away, slightly furrowing his brow: "What did you say that girl’s name is?"
The Yongle Emperor Zhu Di strode into the Ruyi Hall, where Consort Wang immediately greeted him with great ceremony
"Mother, why did you leave a strand? Wouldn't it look better if it were all up?" If Wei raised her face to ask, Susu couldn't help but exclaim, "This girl, speaking nonsense again, this is called 'tail feathers'. If you want it all up, you will have to wait until you grow a bit more, only after you come of age can it be done!"
At this time, people usually visit various homes to admire the decorations. Although many guests arrive, the hosts are still delighted to entertain them. The celebration lasts until midnight, which is the auspicious time for the Weaving Maiden to descend to Earth. At this moment, all the lanterns and incense candles are lit, creating a dazzling display of colors; the young women are in high spirits, threading needles and welcoming the Seventh Sister, with joyous voices echoing everywhere. After a final feast, the gathering eventually disperses.
Zhu Di then added: "Let it be known that my intention is to first provide a companion for Xian Ning. If his reputation for virtue is indeed as the outside world claims, we shall consider further actions thereafter"
The current Imperial Concubine Wang entered the palace at a time when Empress Xu was gravely ill. She was cautious in all her actions, respectful and considerate, which not only earned her the praise of the entire harem but also won the favor of the Emperor
Biluoluo withdrew her smile and surveyed her surroundings with her eyes
After all, it is youth that lacks experience, Wang Guifei thought to herself. Nowadays, one must not be hasty. What does the Emperor love most about her? Is it her beauty?
Bi Luo leaned closer to Consort Wang, seemingly fanning her gently with a round fan, but in reality, she whispered, "Your Highness, I have heard that Eunuch Huang is about to return!"
Wang Guifei's place should be a moment of tea.
However, year after year passed, yet Your Majesty still delayed the enfeoffment. Now, with the sudden entrance of a new person into the palace, which was never a peaceful place to begin with, it is inevitable that there will be turmoil. If it were anyone else, no matter how virtuous, how could they not be concerned?
While pondering in secret, suddenly a voice from outside exclaimed, "Long live the Emperor!"
Yes, it comes from Wang Guifei, a member of the prestigious Suzhou family. She was known for her beauty and eloquence, and no one in the palace could compare to her. The current emperor, Zhu Di, married Xu Shi, the daughter of the founding minister, Wang Xuda. She was virtuous and kind, and had the spirit of a warrior. She personally led the defense in the Battle of Yanjing and gave birth to three princes and two princesses for Zhu Di, but unfortunately passed away early.
Concubine Wang clearly did not understand the Emperor's intention and appeared somewhat confused.
As soon as these words were spoken, Ji Zong was taken aback for a moment. Then, he turned slightly and continued to gaze steadily at the night sky without saying another word.
It's Xu Huifei's turn now, and sometimes it takes half an hour.
Oh? Zhu Di paused slightly. The so-called "Xizhu Yingqiao" is to put spiders in a small box, and the next morning, observe the density of their webs to determine their skill level. "So what kind of tricks do you have now?"
Bi Luo looked around, lowered her voice and said, "I heard that out of ten thousand, only five noble Korean women, along with twelve maids and cooks, have already boarded the ship and set off!"
During the whole process, Wei was not idle, curiously asking about this and playing with that. Jizong, who was standing aside, looked a bit foolish as he listened to her speak like a pearl, her voice soft and crisp, extremely pleasant to the ear. After taking a closer look at her, he saw that she was innocent, cute, and mischievous, although young in age, she had a clear and elegant appearance and demeanor, truly more beautiful than those in paintings.
Is it still the intimacy between the sheets?
Mother, how could my younger sister have such a beautiful appearance like a precious gem? With such a character, she will surely marry into another family one day, which is truly a great regret! Ji Zong couldn't help but exclaim in regret, which made Su Su unable to stop laughing. However, Ruo Wei was not amused and chased after Ji Zong to hit him.
Okay, stop messing around! Su Su helped her daughter put on flower decorations such as white orchids and carnations. She lightly drew her eyebrows, applied powder, lightly painted her lips, and stamped a small plum blossom on her forehead. Finally, she dyed her nails with hibiscus juice. With this dress up, she looked even more like a heavenly being descending to earth.
If you behave well today, visitors from far and near will come to visit. At least you should have the appearance of a noble and elegant lady!
"Biluo!" Consort Wang exclaimed, "Don't say such things again in the future!"
Yes! If Wei immediately shows respect and gentleness, and sincerely gives his father a respectful greeting of peace and security.
No, Wang Guifei felt a slight tightening in her heart; it was merely the two words "virtuous and kind"
On such a romantic evening, facing the bright moon in the sky, placing seasonal fruits, offering prayers to the heavens, what are we seeking? If I were to guess, it seems like everyone is praying for the celestial fairies to bestow upon them a wise mind and skillful hands, but that is merely superficial. In reality, each person is praying for a harmonious and compatible marriage.
The head of the Eastern Palace, in the Hall of Soft Elegance. Consort Wang is applying makeup in front of the mirror, her jet-black hair sliding between her snow-white fingers. Her hair is coiled into a bun, with jade hairpins loosely holding it in place. She then adds a golden hairpin, and long strands of pearls tremble and sway on her temples. With a slight pursing of her vermilion lips, her once peerless beauty is now enhanced by a smile that shines like a brilliant pearl, dazzling to the point where one cannot keep their eyes open.
Later, the queen passed away, and the emperor ordered Consort Wang to take charge of the harem, being only one step away from the position of queen.
He is proficient in the six arts, but when did he ever mention it?
The eyes of Concubine Wang Guifei shimmered slightly. She smiled, and in the palace, survival was most important. It required a strong intellect, enough wisdom to anticipate the emperor's desires, and to subtly cater to them without leaving a trace. She would make him unknowingly fall into the gentle trap she had set, gradually becoming addicted. No matter how freely he indulged in the sea of flowers, in the end, he would return to my side!
The Milky Way is clear and shallow, how far apart are we from each other
A large hand suddenly grasped her jade-like arm, and he smiled slightly: "This coral bracelet looks so beautiful only when worn on your wrist!"
Graceful and delicate, at the tip of the budding willow, it is early February! The newcomer, Jizong, who had rushed in from outside, was taken aback, staring blankly at Ruowei, reciting this line of poetry, which caused Susu to cover her face and laugh, while the pride and joy in her heart were clearly reflected on her face
"Your Majesty!" Wang Guifei's face turned red and she turned her face to the side.
The surname is Sun, is it Ruowei? Zhu Di's brows gradually relaxed: "So it's her, and she has also made Guangxiaoyan fall into the trap. It's fine. You go instruct Lady Pengcheng to arrange for Sun Ruowei to enter the palace and wait for the year."
Indeed! The noble Consort Wang said: "This time she returned and discovered a treasure. Today, she hurried to the Crown Prince's East Palace to present the treasure, but unfortunately, our Crown Princess is an ice beauty and firmly turned her away. That is why she came to me and sat for quite a while."
Bi Luo immediately understood, and the two gauze curtains in the sleeping chamber slowly descended. The inner palace attendants and maids withdrew one after another, leaving the hall in complete silence. Apart from the sound of garments rustling, there were only Zhu Di's low growls and the soft gasps of Concubine Wang. The night-watch maids knelt outside the hall with their heads bowed, while the eunuchs on duty in the Jing Shi Fang occasionally raised their heads to exchange quick glances, their expressions filled with bitterness.
The Emperor is easily angered and often shows a lack of compassion within the palace. The palace maids and eunuchs are frequently subjected to punishment by whipping for the slightest mistake. Only Consort Wang is able to skillfully mediate in front of the Emperor, and not only the palace maids and eunuchs, but even the Crown Prince, various princes, and princesses all rely on her.
On the morning of the seventh day of the seventh month, Ruo Wei was awakened early by her mother. With the help of her mother and Zi Yan, she changed into a beautiful new outfit: a pink pleated skirt, topped with a matching light gauze fitted jacket, adorned with fluttering tassels and colorful threads, making her look exceptionally lovely
Having said that, he secretly began to laugh, and Ziyan also laughed continuously beside him. Ruowei glanced at Jizong, who was standing at the door, and with a glare said, "Why are you blushing? You didn't say anything wrong."
The imperial concubine Wang's eyes flickered, and she gracefully moved her lotus-like steps, picking up a coral necklace and a red jade bracelet from the dressing table, comparing them on her wrist: "You insolent girl, you are becoming more and more unruly!"
What makes He Bao worthy of her such concern? Zhu Di is quite satisfied with this crown princess personally chosen by Empress Xu. She is virtuous and gentle, neither too hot nor too cold, not competitive nor jealous, always maintaining a detached calmness. Initially, the intention was to find a suitable match for the loyal yet somewhat lacking in strategy crown prince, which is why such a talented and understanding woman was selected as the crown princess. However, it now seems that there are still some shortcomings; both of them are too kind-hearted and too aloof, giving off a sense of being above the mundane world.
Hehe! The close maid behind her, Bi Luo, chuckled and said: "Our lady is truly unparalleled in beauty. Her brows are naturally dark without any makeup, her face is fair and smooth like cream without the need for powder, and her lips, when slightly pursed, are as charming as ripe plums! Those who see her feel a stir in their hearts"
If Wei turned her head and smiled, her face bore a clarity and serenity that was extremely incongruous with her age: "I am wondering, whether the fate of my life lies before me or in the distant horizon"
Is it talent?
At this thought, Bi Luo felt a surge of anxiety in her heart and could not help but exclaim: "Your Majesty, in light of the current situation, we must plan ahead. It would be best to have His Majesty make a decision soon and establish Your Majesty in the position of Empress, so that we can feel at ease!"
This is an ancient custom passed down in Zouping, where offerings are made to the Qijie Goddess on the Qixi Festival
Originally, the elevation of Consort Wang to Empress Wang was a matter set in stone
All day long, I am unable to compose, my tears fall like rain
Day after day, they followed the Emperor, and night after night, they stood guard outside the sleeping quarters, listening to the so-called pleasures of love. Yet, they could not discern whether the sounds emanating from within were of pain or joy. The alluring sounds stirred a constant heat within them, but how long could this heat be sustained?
On a clear summer-autumn night, the sky is adorned with twinkling stars, and a vast, luminous Milky Way stretches across the heavens. On either side of the river, there shines a bright star, gazing at each other across the water, that is the legendary Cowherd Star and Weaver Girl Star.
Such a temperament is indeed good, but managing the harem and the court is always a source of concern. Upon reflecting on this, Zhu Di secretly sighed, thinking that the second brother is better, as he resembles himself the most, fierce and ruthless like a tiger or wolf; only in this way can he feel at ease. However, whenever he thinks of the second brother's covetous gaze fixed on the Crown Prince, he becomes somewhat anxious.
"Ruo Wei, what are you thinking about?" Ji Zong stood behind Ruo Wei, watching her lost in thought as she gazed at the starry sky, feeling a bit anxious.
A jade-like hand gently caressed her own cheek, were Huifei and Lifi not more enchanting and alluring than herself
Oh? Zhu Di seemed to come alive: "Has the Lady of Pengcheng returned?"
At this moment, everything in the courtyard was already prepared; the main gate was wide open, and the Qiqiao table was adorned with flour-made delicacies shaped like peonies, lotuses, plums, orchids, and chrysanthemums, offered in tribute to the Weaving Maiden. The family gathered together, reciting poetry, composing couplets, engaging in games of riddles, while the girls threaded needles to pay homage to Qiqiao and played the guqin and xiao.
Oh! The face of the imperial concubine Wang seems calm and serene, but only Bi Luo knows that from the barely audible sighs of the empress, it is evident that she is concerned
"Speak, is there really no one in this hall?" In the end, the noble consort Wang chose the string of crimson coral beads, adorning her fair wrist. As she lightly raised her jade-like arm, her skin appeared as white as snow, while the beads shone like fire, creating a striking brilliance with every gesture. Today, she had specially selected a deep red silk skirt, complemented by a green ribbon, her graceful figure lingering before the mirror, exuding countless charms.
In contemporary Yingtian City, the daughters of the common folk gather today, placing bowls of water under the scorching sun, each casting small needles to float on the water's surface, observing the shadows of the sun beneath the water. Some scatter like flowers, move like clouds, are fine like threads, or thick like awls, thus divining the skill of the girls. Empress Wang elaborated: "In the palace, there is a high platform where colorful threads are threaded through nine-tailed needles. The one who finishes first is deemed skilled, while the one who finishes later is considered lacking in skill. Furthermore, each presents their embroidered works for appraisal by the elder, and those who stand out are also regarded as skilled"
It is said that he is the destined one, yet in his own eyes, he clearly resembles a fierce tiger. However, the tiger, when faced with one new prey after another, is bloodthirsty, ferocious, and driven by primal instincts. Yet, after numerous hunts for deer, when he becomes tired and weary, what is it that he truly needs?
The distant Cowherd star, the bright Weaver Girl of the Milky Way
In fact, it is merely to deceive others; it is said that this trip is to go to North Korea to select tribute women for the emperor