Chapter 2
I suspect that this matter will be investigated by the Internal Affairs Court. In my opinion, there is much more to it than meets the eye. If one wishes to die, there are countless places to do so; why go all the way to the lantern store? The rule that palace women are not allowed to wander around has been taught since the very first day of entering the palace. After countless reminders and warnings, can one not remember? It is said that someone must have offended another, or seen something they should not have, or heard something they should not have; surely one of these applies, and that is why someone was silenced. Pinchun sat on the kang, selecting patterns, and while speaking, she held up a piece of the 'ten thousand characters' flower pattern to show them, asking if the embroidery on the stockings looked good.
Sitting on a low stool, wiping my feet with a dry cloth, I felt exhausted after a long day. On top of that incident, my mood has also become quite low. "I was pondering a couple of days ago whether I had said something inappropriate that hurt her feelings."
"You really shouldn't take it upon yourself; what kind of mindset is that?" The girl reclined on the kang and interjected, "If Auntie is going to discipline me, even if it's just a few words of admonition, isn't it her responsibility? All the palace women have gone through this. If one were to seek death over just three wrong words, how many people would die in the palace? Just be practical; this has nothing to do with you. Even if the Internal Affairs Court comes to inquire, just push it off to someone else, and you'll avoid unnecessary trouble. All the palace women have gone through this. If one were to seek death over just three wrong words, how many people would die in the palace? Just be practical; this has nothing to do with you. Even if the Internal Affairs Court comes to inquire, just push it off to someone else, and you'll avoid unnecessary trouble. As for these unfounded cases, they can investigate however they like. Those people have nothing better to do than to dig up old bones; consider it a way to keep them occupied."
Upon returning to the tatami, the girls in the same room, Niuzi and Pinchun, had not yet fallen asleep. Seeing her enter, they hurriedly pointed to the copper basin on the table and said, "Look in the mirror, see how many shadows there are. Don't bring back any dirty things, it's quite creepy."
The teaching of horizontal and vertical skills follows a fixed pattern, with repetitive explanations that can leave one hoarse. Then comes the practice of fundamental skills, such as balancing bowls, stretching arms, and learning to stand properly. There are also standards for walking; one must walk straight and gracefully, with poise and confidence. It is unacceptable for the shoulders to be uneven or for the legs to twist awkwardly. The aunts are most apprehensive about encountering students with numerous minor issues, as it requires repeated corrections, making the adjustment process difficult and the effort deeply taxing.
Thus, the instructor leads the newcomers down, and the matron has a designated duty room. She stands by the southern window and begins to explain the rules of the palace one by one. The newcomers know nothing and must be taught step by step. From food, clothing, housing, and transportation to court etiquette, everything must be covered comprehensively. Otherwise, if someone is sent out and causes trouble, it reflects poorly on the instructor's teaching, and the matron will be held jointly responsible and punished.
The palace concubines engage in a battle of wits, each employing their unique strategies. Within the Forbidden City, even the slightest conflict can serve as a spark for a major uproar. Perhaps due to the overwhelming boredom, it resembles the marketplace outside, where rivals are everywhere. Once a suitable opponent is identified, they take pleasure in scheming against one another daily. Such manipulations during the night of service are not difficult to execute; the older generation of aunts, having navigated these high walls for years, are quite adept at discerning the strengths and weaknesses of others. The selected concubines are indeed of the third rank, yet even among them, distinctions of status and wealth must be made. What criteria are used for this differentiation? Naturally, it is money! With wealth, one can traverse the world, and the inner palace is no different. Those willing to spend can easily suppress others. For the lower-ranking concubines who have just entered the palace and lack favor, some opportunistic individuals may invest heavily, ensuring that these women wither away in the corners for the rest of their lives.
That is the ancestral system, and there is no way to refuse it. For now, one must make do, and when one encounters someone suitable, then it can be discussed further. The girl murmured, "Like the master and the Empress Dowager of Changchun Garden, for so many years, they have been like a pair of celestial lovers, making others envious!"
We have been in this position for so many years, it is simply a matter of bad luck, unable to rise or fall. If we are not serving in front of our masters, who knows who you are!" Pinchun sighed and said, "Those people in front of the emperor are the most favored for promotion. If they perform well, they are rewarded, and they even have the privilege of raising their status, walking out with their noses in the air.
"Someone has a good father, a walking figure in the military machine, a favored person before the emperor." Pinchun said, "The emperor and the old master are the same as they were back then, emphasizing equal treatment for all. In his eyes, there is no distinction between beauty and ugliness; they are all the same."
The girl was busy at the interface, "Come on! Can dignity be eaten? I heard that the Emperor has a bad temper, and if things don't go his way, he will punish people. Serving a ruler is like accompanying a tiger; better keep your head to eat!" One called out, "So, so... Has your family arranged a marriage for you? You will be sent off next year; have you found a suitable match yet?"
She is busy here, and someone is peeking in through the door. Su turned around to take a glance; the person looked somewhat familiar, but she just couldn't recall who it was
The attendants came in to assist with washing the face and combing the hair. After changing into autumn robes, it was nearly the third watch of the day. Once everything was in order, they proceeded to the office. After greeting the person in charge, the supervisor assigned five individuals to each of them, preparing them for use.
Feeling dazed and confused, I responded, "It seems like I just said something nonsensical, I don't really know... It's getting late, let's sleep! Tomorrow there are new selections for the palace, and there will be a lot to do!"
Everyone is joking about the young emperor of today, who is indeed a handsome young man! The princes of the Chengde Emperor are all quite good-looking. The Yuwen clan of the Southern Garden has been renowned for their beauty since the previous dynasty. The person seated on the Dragon Throne governs the nine realms and is the most precious person in the world. Coupled with youth and beauty, he naturally becomes the object of admiration for all the women in the palace
As usual, starting with the old example, "Today, the noble Consort Min from Yonghe Palace sent a eunuch to the bureau, who spoke a hodgepodge of irrelevant things. Upon seeing Aunt Du, he tried to ingratiate himself indirectly, but then he disappeared in a flash. In the evening, when the list was prepared for the emperor's favor, I noticed that Cheng Changzai was absent and was marked under the menstrual column. What exactly is going on inside? A discerning person can see it clearly. It is nothing but the conflict between Consort Min and Cheng Changzai, who has set a trap to have her green headplate removed!" In the evening, when the list was prepared for the emperor's favor, I noticed that Cheng Changzai was absent and was marked under the menstrual column. What exactly is going on inside? A discerning person can see it clearly. It is nothing but the conflict between Consort Min and Cheng Changzai, who has set a trap to have her green headplate removed!
Pin Chun impatiently said this. She is the assistant to the sixth-rank Tongshi Duogugu, specifically responsible for recording the affairs of the imperial consorts and palace maids. To prevent the eunuchs from the Jing Shi Fang from tampering with the records, the Tongshi also keeps a ledger for comparison and verification by the Zongrenfu. After her shift, she brings back some gossip, occasionally expressing envy towards Duogugu, saying that a certain junior master from a certain palace has sent a eunuch to find the Tongshi again. Although she doesn't say much, it is certain that Duogugu's purse will not suffer a loss.
It is said with great fervor, but to speak seriously, those who serve in these positions are not fortunate enough to see the light of day. Everyone has their own small territory, and they must diligently guard their own ground, unable to move freely without permission. The palace has strict rules; anyone who dares to wander about recklessly would face severe punishment, even death. Even the concubines do not have the opportunity to meet with everyone regularly, let alone the Emperor in the Hall of Supreme Harmony!
Thus, with a cough, "one will inevitably make jokes and jest!"
It is my duty for you to come here to learn the rules, and it is also your obligation. If anyone cannot endure hardship, speak up early. I will guide you, not seeking merit, but only hoping for no faults. Once you have entered under my tutelage, you must accept my guidance. You must listen to what I say, and you are not allowed to argue or be stubborn. Once you enter the palace gates, you are no longer your own master; every step you take and every turn you make must be orderly and reasonable. If anyone dares to cause trouble under my watch, do you see that mat over there?" She pointed to the high cabinet. "Do not expect your aunt to plead for you or speak well of you; all will be punished equally. Do you understand?"
It is merely that the young lady enjoys joking, selecting the most ideal person to match with you and her, and exchanging a few playful remarks to relieve boredom
She nodded slightly, "I couldn't recognize her anymore, poor thing, so dark and plump, looking unkempt. If it weren't for that mole on her ear, I really wouldn't be sure it was her."
The girl laughed and said, "Longan, this metaphor is good. As for Empress Lu, known as Lu Zhi, when she was in control of the court, should her eyes be called phoenix eyes or chicken eyes?"
She was holding a bamboo board and circling around them, "First, let us discuss the common forms of greeting. Common greetings are divided into two types: single-knee and double-knee. The single-knee greeting includes the act of bowing and paying respects, which is a form of etiquette used by eunuchs, and we shall not concern ourselves with that. The palace women must learn four types of greetings: the kneeling and bowing salute, the kneeling salute, the greeting of ten thousand blessings, and the nodding salute. One must use the appropriate greeting for the person they encounter; for people like us, we need to learn the first three. The bowing salute is the most important, followed by the kneeling salute, and then the greeting of ten thousand blessings. One must use the appropriate greeting for the person they encounter; for people like us, we need to learn the first three. The bowing salute is the most important, followed by the kneeling salute, and then the greeting of ten thousand blessings. Anyone can bow, but to bow with diligence and grace requires considerable effort...
The three individuals are all aunts from the Shangyi Bureau. Originally, according to the allocation, four people were supposed to share one room. However, one was released during the beginning of autumn, and since then, no one has come to fill the vacancy. As a result, three people are now living in a space meant for four, and since they have already shared their thoughts with one another, their conversations have become more casual.
Having tidied up, she climbed onto the kang and turned to blow out the candles on the Eight Immortals table. The room darkened, yet the girls' chatter did not cease. One girl, feeling a bit drowsy, continued to murmur, "That Min Guiren is so arrogant, without a hint of modesty. If you asked her to wear a flowerpot sole and walk a few laps, she'd waddle like a duck with her feet turned out. Even my eyes can't stand her; I don't know how she got promoted."
When Pinchun laughs without restraint, "The Empress Dowager is indeed of noble birth; you two should keep your eyes open, for you never know when you might ascend to a higher position. When that time comes, do not forget to promote your brothers in hardship, and grant me a position as a historian. I will place your names on plaques every day, displaying them in prominent places."
Silently, she leaned over the basin and stared for a long time, hoping that the absence of a double image would signify safety. She poured out the clear water, and beside it was the peach branch water prepared by the girl, used for washing the face and neck to ward off evil spirits. The girl, like a housekeeper, rummaged through the boxes to find clothes for her, saying, "Everything has been changed and left outside the door; tomorrow, I will have the servants take it for washing. How about that? That... is it not?"
The young palace maids have an innate fear of the matron, much like many princesses and young ladies are apprehensive of the peculiar wet nurse. Individuals of this kind have a poor reputation, specializing in picking on others and are the most difficult to serve. Having worked in this position for four years, they have long since become impervious to criticism. Regardless of how they are discussed behind their backs, when it comes to teaching, one must not be lenient; it must be handled with strictness.
The sound of the night watchman's clapper came from the south along West Yichang Street, striking three times after walking a short distance, indicating that it was already the hour of Zi.
To speak frankly, the aunt's reprimands and punishments towards the young maid are trivial matters. Although she is usually strict, she is not as domineering as other aunts. It cannot be said that she drives people to death; she herself feels quite guiltless. The one who died had just entered the palace not long ago, a thirteen-year-old girl, tough as a piece of meat. She was hard to bite and impossible to kick away, causing much headache. Although she did not like her, she was still under her charge, and the sudden death left her feeling quite uncomfortable.
Pin Chun ignored her and continued to lament, "You all say that everyone should share equally, but how unfair it is for people! When the old master was in power, he complained about all the fathers-in-law in the court, and in this generation, it remains the same."
The aunt, who holds a prominent position, wields considerable power within a small circle. The young palace maids under her care are clever and adept at pleasing others, so she does not need to handle the daily chores herself; they have already been assigned to them. Since the aunt controls their fate, those whom she favors, after passing an assessment, are sent to the Internal Affairs Office to serve the young masters. If the aunt looks down on someone, deeming them foolish and incapable of managing tasks, they are relegated to menial duties in the lower quarters. The young palace maids strive to curry favor as a means of securing their future, and the aunts feel justified in their positions. The old cats sleep in the quarters, passing down their legacy from generation to generation. The aunts also went through this when they first entered the palace; having endured hardships in the past, they have now gained seniority and reached a time of reaping the rewards after their struggles.