Chapter Thirty-Six: Golden Brocade Clothes

  Returning to Yifu Hall, Qianxi asked me: "Young Master, are you so sure that An Xiang will definitely gain the Emperor's favor?"

  "What do you think?" I smiled at her. "Onlookers see most of the game, actually you're very clear about it."

  Ling Rong said, "The young master's singing voice is gentle and melodious, surpassing even the legendary singer Niaozi of old. With his humble and cautious nature, being warm, gentle and quiet, he will surely gain the Emperor's sympathy."

  I nodded and said, "Not bad. The Queen is majestic and elegant, the Imperial Concubine is beautiful and charming, Lady Feng is dignified and composed, Consort Cao is quiet and reserved, Consort Qin is gentle and soft-spoken, and Noble Lady Xin is straightforward and refreshing. Each of the imperial consorts has their own strengths, but they all come from noble families and are paragons of virtue among women. As for Rong's humble abode's Jade, her pure and fresh charm is precisely what the Emperor lacks by his side. Everything is precious because it is rare."

  "But," Zhen Yu continued, "Ling Rong's young master has been quiet for a long time and seems to have no intention of receiving the emperor's favor."

  "It has been a long time indeed. However, after what happened with her father, An Bi Hui, she is now well aware that without the Emperor's love and favor, others will look down on and bully her family. She is a filial daughter. Do you still remember when I gave her the plain brocade?"

  "The slave remembers. The young master of the Ling family was very happy, unlike usual."

  I nodded, "Have you ever heard this sentence 'The jade face is not as pale as the crow's color, yet it still carries the shadow of the sun from the Shao Yang'?"

  "The slave's words are rough, but listening to them seems to have a sense of sadness and helplessness."

  A faint sigh: "Even a beautiful face is not as good as a crow in the twilight, and yet it can bring back the sun's shadow from the Zhao Yang Palace. The beauty of the tomb is so self-pitying, lamenting its own fate. I couldn't help but feel sad when I saw it. But at least she finally has some hope for your favor. I don't know if this is a good thing for me or for her."

  "The young master was already hesitant about whether to help Ling Rong, now that Ling Rong has this thought, the young master can also stop worrying."

  "If there's even a hint of envy and longing for wealth and glory, this life like a cold palace can't last long. I've already intentionally hinted to her, thinking that she'll make a decision soon." After finishing speaking, he felt guilty and sighed, saying to Xie Qi: "Am I being too excessive? Knowing that she has emotional entanglements, I'm still leading her down this path." His heart grew even more sorrowful, "The place I led her to is precisely my husband's bed."

  "Master has his own helplessness. Forgive me for speaking too much, but now Master has gained the emperor's favor, yet he has no children to rely on, secondly, Empress Huafeng is rising again, and thirdly, he lacks the support of Mei Zhuang's young master. Although it seems glorious, in reality, he is isolated and helpless, this glory is precarious."

  I sighed, and my eyes couldn't help but get wet. "How could I not understand? The Emperor is very fond of me now. But because of this favoritism, how many people in the harem are eyeing me with envy, just thinking about it makes me fearful." My emotions gradually became agitated, "But I cannot do without the Emperor's favor, only his favor is my way to survive in the harem. No! Zhen Yu, he is also my husband, my good man!"

  "Please reconsider, young master. The Emperor is not only your husband, but also the husband of all the ladies in the harem."

  "My heart is entwined with endless worries. The Emperor is first the ruler of a nation, and then my husband. I understand the weight and urgency in my heart, but I am reluctant to part with Ling Rong, and yet I also cannot bear to leave the Emperor. Zhenxiao, I am truly useless."

  "Master, you really don't need to belittle yourself. Previously, Empress Huai had Li Gui Bin and Cao Rong Hua to assist her, but now only Cao Jie Yu is by her side. However, it's not certain that Qin Fang Yi, Tian Gui Ren, and Liu Liang Yu won't surrender. Master needs someone trustworthy to lend a hand, otherwise, the fate of your father will become a warning for your family." Tears glistened in her eyes: "If you lose your life, what's the point of seeking husbandly love?"

  Suddenly, as if awakened from a dream, his mind cleared and he grasped the armrests of his throne. With sincerity in his heart, he said: "Indeed, I must thank you. Although I am your young master, after all, I'm still young and couldn't calm down for a moment. What you said is right; rather than having everyone become my enemy in the future, it's better to support those who can be trusted. He is the king, and I will inevitably have to share him with others. No matter who it is, it's really not worth risking one's life because of emotions."

  "Young master, I have overstepped today and committed many offenses, please forgive me."

  I sighed and said, "Although Hong Zhu and Huan Bi are my personal maids who followed me into the palace, Hong Zhu is too impulsive and Huan Bi is cautious... but after all, they are young and inexperienced. So there are some things that I really can't discuss with them. You're the only one who can make decisions."

  A hint of brightness flashed in Cui's eyes, "Cui will definitely accompany Young Master by his side."

  The first day passed, the second day was also, and now it's already the third day.

  For three days, Ling Rong didn't step into Yifu Hall once, and even when he sent someone to ask after her, it was only Jiu Qing who came back with: "The young master seems to have gotten heatstroke, she hasn't gotten out of bed for several days."

  Look up at the sky, leaden clouds hang low, the sky is dark and gloomy, swallows fly past in a whirling motion close to the surface of the lake. It seems like a big rain is brewing. After being hot and sunny for so long, finally there will be a big rain.

  I listened quietly and ordered someone to bring her some cooling fruits and medicine, without saying another word.

  It was the sixteenth night of the lunar month, and Xuan Ling was staying in the Hua Fei Palace. At midnight, a thunderstorm rolled in, with loud claps of thunder and flashes of lightning that illuminated the sky as brightly as daybreak. The strong gusts of wind caused the windows to rattle loudly, and I woke up with a start. Jing Qing, who was keeping watch, quickly got up to secure the window hooks, closed the doors tightly, and lit some candles.

  I quietly curled up on the couch, tightly hugging my quilt. I've been afraid of thunder since I was a child, especially on dark nights with lightning and thunder. On stormy nights at my mother's house, my mother would always hold me and comfort me; after entering the palace, Xuan Ling would accompany me on such stormy nights. Tonight, Huafeng must be gently accepting favors and deeply in love.

  The recent turmoil has been entangling me, and I'm mentally exhausted. I finally broke down and cried silently.

  Tears fell warm on the dark red silk fabric like small, slightly darker-colored flowers, making the silk even softer.

  One by one, I drove the maids away. The more afraid I was, the less I wanted anyone to witness my weakness and sorrow.

  Someone came over and gently pulled open the thin silk quilt that I was tightly holding in my arms. I turned back in surprise, softly calling out: "Fourth Brother..."

  He sighed softly, letting me lean against his chest, turning his back to the window to block out the dazzling electric light. He whispered: "I was awakened by thunder and suddenly thought of you being afraid of rainy nights with lightning..."

  There were signs of rainwater on his body, and the wet tactile sensation made my anxious heart gradually calm down.

  "I was slightly puzzled: 'That Imperial Consort Hua...'"

  His fingers gently pressed against my lips: "I'm afraid you'll be scared..."

  I didn't say anything more because he had already opened his arms and tightly hugged me.

  I don't want to think about it anymore.

  He bowed his head, and his cool lips gently touched my warm and sweaty forehead. In this tender moment, it seemed as if I had found a fleeting peace in the mortal world.

  I think, maybe for him, I can find the courage to keep fighting with them, even if... this fight is endless.

  It's just a sound of water on all sides, the rain is pouring down, the cool and fragrant water vapor spreads out, gradually dispelling the sweltering heat into nothingness.

  After being hot for so long, I can finally sleep well...

  The rain was heavy and the wind was strong, but when I woke up, it had turned into a fine day.

  He served Xuan Ling and got up to dress for court, then lay down again and pretended to sleep for a while before getting up.

  The morning light is faint and misty, with a hint of lotus fragrance and fresh water vapor in the air.

  The door suddenly opened, and Ling Rong was standing alone outside the door, her face slightly flushed, her hair covered with sparkling dew, shining brightly in the sunlight like an illusion.

  I was slightly surprised and said: "How come you're here so early? Are you feeling better?"

  The wind blows by, and the withered flowers and leaves fall to the ground, covering it in a vibrant carpet. The soft light filters through the tree branches, casting dappled shadows on the tomb, like a dream or an illusion.

  She lifted her face, revealing a bright and gentle smile, and curtsied, saying: "Ling Rong used to be so stubborn and self-willed, as if she were ill. Today, after a long illness, she has finally recovered, and her mind is clear and open."

  I smiled and extended my hand to her, "Now that you're better, come visit often."

  She stretched out a snowy white arm towards me, smiling: "Ling Rong spent several days of hard work to embroider this with the plain silk her sister gave her, and she especially brought it over for her sister to appreciate together."

  I walked hand in hand with her into the hall and sat facing each other.

  On the white silk fabric as smooth as frost and snow, a peach tree stood out with its blossoms connected in a continuous line, shining like clouds and sunset, radiant and resplendent.

  Her demeanor was gentle, with a subtle smile, her voice like dripping pearls: "Sister thinks that rather than embroidering a crow with the shadow of the sun on a clear day, it would be better to depict peach blossoms blooming in the Upper Forest Garden on this fine silk."

  I pulled out a golden hairpin with peach blossoms from my head and inserted it slantingly into her smooth, flat low bun. The long pearls and jade pendants added to her delicate beauty. I said softly: "The peach tree is young and vigorous, its flowers are brilliant. Sister, you are naturally suited for domestic life."

  Her attire was deliberately elegant, a pale green silk dress with a long skirt that trailed on the ground, only the sleeve openings were embroidered with delicate small lotus flowers in light pink silk thread. A yellow silk ribbon was tied around her waist, making her slender figure even more striking, like a swallow flying in the wind. Her hairstyle was simple, just parting her hair in the middle and casually pinning it back with a white jade comb, securing it with two branches of broken pearl hairpins, yet exuding a fresh and elegant natural beauty.

  I also racked my brains to think about what to wear, and finally chose a light gauze dress with a crimson red color, embroidered with sea pinks in spring sleep, the texture of the flower-patterned Luo, from any angle, it is a delicate and shallow gold and silver color. The whole person seems to be surrounded by beautiful floating clouds, extremely luxurious. Just to set off Ling's appearance as "clear water produces lotus flowers, naturally without carving".

  The gentle willow on the second lunar month is the softest touch of spring color, while I am the most gorgeous band of sunset clouds at the edge of the sky.

  Vibrant is indeed vibrant, and noble is unmatched. However, in the midst of a scorching summer day, refreshing colors always captivate people's hearts more easily than gaudy ones.

  It's a beautiful summer morning, with a refreshing breeze blowing gently, bringing the faint scent of lotus leaves and reeds. The sky is a bright blue, like a fine piece of jade, with thin white clouds that are light and dreamy. The cicadas chirp sparsely, and the honeysuckle flowers bloom profusely, their delicate petals trembling lightly in the wind.

  How wonderful everything is.

  Leading Ling Rong's hand, they walked along the corridor, surrounded by winding bridges and corridors with intricate gold and five-color paintings. The latticework screens floated with green gauze, now open to let in the breeze, making it very cool. In the Flipping Moon Lake, mandarin ducks and egrets played in the water, their feathers shining brightly, a dazzling sight that made one's eyes spin. A tree stood by the water, its branches stretching out horizontally, swaying gently in the wind, with deep and light pink flowers on the tips of the leaves. Occasionally, petals fell, filling the air with fragrance.

  I whispered in her ear, "If it were an ordinary introduction to the Emperor, it would be fine, but doing so would not necessarily make the Emperor pay attention to you, and he might even forget about you in three to five days. It would be a mistake for you."

  Ling Rong's hands were sweating profusely, cold and clammy, as she only lowered her head to look at the ground: "Sister is right."

  "Since we are to meet, let us have a heart-to-heart meeting." I gaze up at the azure sky and stop in my tracks, saying: "The Emperor will surely pass by here on his way back from court every day. The time is about right. Just sing out loud and that will be it."

  Ling Rong nodded slightly, tightly grasping my hand, and sang in a melodious voice: "Advise you not to cherish the golden embroidered clothes, advise you to cherish the time of youth. When flowers bloom, they should be picked immediately, don't wait until there are no more flowers to pick empty branches."

  I patted her hand and said with joy: "Great. It's intoxicating just hearing about it."

  Her face was flushed with a faint smile, her head bowed in shyness.

  Suddenly heard a lazy voice: "Who is singing?"

  Having heard the voice, she knew it wasn't good. She turned her head and followed the rules to pay respects, "Greetings, Empress Hua." Ling Rong hadn't seen Empress Hua in a long time, and upon seeing her, she couldn't help but become flustered, kowtowing repeatedly without stopping.

  The Empress Hua said, "Rise," her gaze sweeping lightly over my face. "When did Zhen Cuiyu learn to sing and dance? She's so talented, it's a real treat for me."

  She smiled and said: "Your Majesty is overpraising. I am not worthy of such a good voice, it was just a song sung by the selected servant An Shi."

  The imperial concubine glanced at Ling Rong beside me, saw her standing with her head bowed and eyes downcast, suddenly reached out to lift up Ling Rong's chin, her eyes narrowing slightly: "You don't look bad."

  Ling Rong was shocked and her face turned pale, but after hearing the Empress's words, she slightly calmed down. Who knew that the Empress would suddenly become angry, scolding: "How dare you! You actually sang such lewd songs in the Imperial Garden!"

  Ling Rong's face changed, and she lowered her head in fear, "This concubine does not dare."

  Empress Hua gazed coldly at Ling Rong, seemingly sizing her up. After a moment of silence, she spoke: "I thought it was someone else. So it's the daughter of An Bi Huai, who was pardoned by the Emperor just the other day." With a hint of disdain in her expression: "The daughter of a guilty official, instead of reflecting on your actions, you're still gallivanting around the imperial garden." As soon as she finished speaking, the palace maids and eunuchs behind Empress Hua couldn't help but cover their mouths to stifle their laughter.

  Ling Rong saw this and couldn't help but feel choked with anger, almost crying out, biting her lower lip to force back the words: "The father of the concubine is not a criminal minister."

  "I said: 'Release An Xuan's father from his unjust imprisonment and restore him to his former position. He is not a guilty official.'"

  The Empress's expression changed slightly, and she immediately became cold and detached. "Sometimes being released without guilt doesn't mean one is truly innocent. You should understand the reasons behind it, Concubine Wei." She turned to me and said, "It's forgivable that a young palace maid like you doesn't know the rules, but how could Concubine Wei not teach her about propriety and shame?" I was taken aback, exchanging glances with Ling Rong, unsure of how to respond. All I could say was, "It's just a song, what does it have to do with propriety and shame? I'm unclear, please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

  The Empress's face showed a hint of a smile, her beautiful eyes fixed on me as she said: "How is it that Consort Wei, who is well-versed in poetry and books, doesn't understand this?" Holding back my breath without saying a word, the Empress continued: "Then let the palace ask you, who wrote this song?"

  "This song is called 'Golden Threads and Brocade', written by Du Qiuniang of the Tang Dynasty."

  "Dù Qiūniáng was first a concubine of Lǐ Jiān, but after Lǐ Jiān's rebellion was put down and he was executed, Dù Qiūniáng then served under Táng Xiàn Zōng and was summoned into the palace where she was conferred as Autumn Concubine, receiving great favor. Having been a member of a rebellious minister's family, she also served two husbands with one body. Such an unchaste and unrighteous woman, yet still daring to sing and chant without restraint in the palace."

  Ling Rong listened to her misinterpretation and repeatedly knocked his head to beg for forgiveness.

  I knelt down and said: "Your Majesty's words are extremely reasonable. Du Qiuniang was a member of the traitorous minister's family, but it was not her heart's desire. Moreover, after entering the palace, she devoted herself to serving the emperor and assisting with state affairs, which can be considered as redeeming her crimes. After Emperor Mu took the throne, he also appointed her as the imperial son's nanny. It seems that she is not entirely in the wrong either. I hope Your Majesty will have a clear understanding."

  The imperial concubine smiled lightly, but her eyes shot out a cold and stern light: "Zhen Bijun is indeed quite skilled in rhetoric." The smile had not yet faded when her face turned stern, and her voice was filled with suppressed anger: "'A woman's virtue lies in gentleness and obedience, not in strong arguments.' How can you, Bijun, not even follow this basic virtue of women, using strong words to seize the argument and speaking out of turn?!"

  This move came swiftly and fiercely, forcing out cold sweat on her forehead, she said: "I dare not, Concubine."

  Ling Rong hastily rushed forward, with a sobbing tone, and begged: "Zhen Yueru didn't mean to, please forgive her, Your Majesty."

  The Empress coldly snorted, "You dare to plead for others after making a mistake yourself? Indeed, sisterly love is deep." Suddenly she smiled again, her smile was enchanting and captivating, but it clashed with her tone at the moment, making people feel eerie: "As the leader of all the concubines in the harem, I will definitely do my best to teach the two younger sisters the rules they should follow." She ordered behind her back: "Come here——" Although she no longer had the power to govern the six palaces, she was still the most respected after the Empress Dowager, but it was unknown how she would deal with me and Ling Rong.

  Two loud claps, like thunder from the clouds. Without seeing the person, the voice entered his ears first, "This singing is truly wonderful."

  As they looked up, they saw the five-colored and nine-dragon umbrellas welcoming the wind and fluttering. The emerald green and purple parasols were dazzling in color. Xuan Ling stood behind the back of the imperial concubine with his hands clasped behind him, while the empress stood silently beside Xuan Ling with a faint, sparse smile on her lips. Li Chang led the golden, resplendent sedan chair, with its ceremonial guards standing quietly on both sides, not making a single sound. It was unknown when they had approached, and it was also unknown how many scenes of this morning had fallen into the eyes of the emperor and empress.

  A weight off one's mind, overjoyed to the point of wanting to cry out loud.

  The Empress Hua was taken aback, and hastily turned around to pay her respects: "Your Majesty, may you have good fortune. The Empress Dowager, may she have good fortune."

  A group of people knelt on the ground, but Xuan Ling pretended not to see them. He walked forward through the crowd, helped me up with one hand, and said with a warm gaze, "You rarely dress so brightly." I stood up beside him and responded with a gentle smile.

  Xuan Ling stood up with the others, including Empress Hua, and said to me: "I heard someone singing from afar, but it turned out to be you here." She glanced at Empress Hua: "Today's weather is refreshing, and the imperial garden is lively."

  The Empress Hua wanted to speak but stopped herself, and instead spoke warmly: "Has Your Majesty finished with the morning court? Are you tired?"

  Xuan Ling did not speak immediately, but after a moment, he seemed to smile and said to the Empress: "So early in the morning, are you tired, Huaying?"

  I smiled and said: "The Emperor has arrived at just the right time, Consort Hua is currently enjoying An's singing with my wife."

  He grasped my hand and said "Oh?" then asked Empress Hua: "Is that so?"

  The Empress was embarrassed, but hearing Xuan Ling ask this way, she felt relieved and said: "Yes." She forced a smile and said: "I think An Xuan's singing is very good."

  Xuan Ling's long eyes narrowed slightly, and a hint of a smile appeared on his handsome face. He turned to Ling Rong with a warm tone: "Just now I heard it from afar and didn't quite catch it, would you sing again?"

  I looked at Ling Rong with encouragement, she took a slight breath, nodded heavily, cleared her throat and sang again.

  The singing voice is like a green lotus in the pond, lush and verdant, and also like a gentle breeze rising from the tip of the green duckweed, refreshing and intoxicating. It winds its way through the intestines, with one twist and one swing, each note unique, having the beauty of cracking crystal and shattering jade. It's as if the silk is gently swaying, saying it's sentimental, but also seemingly nonchalant, as if all 360 pores on the body are fully open, warmly and coolly expressing an unspeakable comfort. The so-called beautiful singing voices in the world become ordinary and common, only comparable to Kunshan jade fragments and fragrant orchid tears.

  I am utterly amazed and humbled, for in this world there exists such a wonderful voice, as delicate as the oriole's, as gentle as flowing water, as smooth as silk, and as tender as a dove's, it makes one's soul melt away, wishing to drown in the sound forever.

  Xuan Ling's expression was as if he was drunk; Empress Hua's face turned ugly with surprise, as if it was about to crack. The empress's surprise only lasted for a moment, and then she smiled quietly without saying a word, as if she was just appreciating an ordinary melody, without any special new meaning.

  I couldn't help but secretly wonder, the Empress's composure was actually this good.

  The music faded away after three rounds, and the beautiful melody seemed to still linger in the air, swirling around and refusing to disperse. Xuan Ling was entranced for a long time, her spirit as if fallen into a dream.

  The queen softly called: "Your Majesty." Xuan Ling seemed to have not heard, the queen again called out a few more times, only then did he wake up as if from a dream.

  I know, Ling Rong has already done it. And did a great job. It's surprisingly good.

  The queen smiled and said to Xuan Ling: "An Xuan's song is really good, it sounds like heavenly music."

  Ling Rong heard the empress's praise and, after thanking her, deeply lowered her slender neck. Xuan Ling told her to raise her head, his gaze falling on Ling Rong's face, which was as colorful as a sunset.

  A pair of autumnal eyes, filled with a mixture of unease, shyness and timidity, sparkled in her gaze. The shy color was truly heart-moving. This tender and weak girl's shyness and helplessness were precisely what the imperial concubines around Xuan Ling lacked. Her blushing cheeks, delicate and touching demeanor, evoked a strange feeling in my heart.

  Xuan Ling's mood was great, as good as the clear blue sky today. "What a 'pick the flowers when they are in bloom'!" He asked with a smile: "What is your name?"

  Ling Rong looked at me with a bewildered expression, I smiled and nodded, she then calmed down a bit, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "An Ling Rong."

  The Empress's smile was somewhat stiff: "When answering the Emperor's questions, one should use the words 'your subject' or 'your concubine', otherwise it would be considered impolite."

  Ling Rong's face turned red with anxiety, and she hastily lowered her head even further, "Yes. Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance."

  The empress looked at Imperial Consort Hua and said: "It seems that from now on, Imperial Consort Hua will meet with Eunuch An often. Take your time to instruct him slowly, there's plenty of time."

  The Empress's eyes sparkled with a hint of a smile, revealing her pearly white teeth: "Of course. Your Majesty is already overwhelmed with the affairs of the harem, I should help you share your worries."

  Xuan Ling smiled and looked at Ling Rong, instructing her to get up. He said, "Very good. A clear song makes a clear person."

  I quietly stepped back two steps, maintaining a dignified smile as a concubine should, and it was no longer any of my business.

  The Empress Dowager left with the Emperor, and I just said I was a bit tired and wanted to go back first.

  Xuan Ling instructed me to rest well and ordered the maid to send me back safely. Ling Rong also wanted to accompany me back.

  Xuan Ling and the others had just taken a few steps forward when Li Chang hurried over to invite Ling Rong to join them.

  Ling Rong couldn't help but glance at me, then lifted her skirt and hastily followed after Xuan Ling.

  I supported Zhu Liu's hand and walked back slowly, with Pin Er and Jing Qing following closely behind. Zhu Liu asked me: "Miss, do you want to go back immediately?"

  I gently bite my lower lip, shake my head, and continue walking slowly along the shores of Fan Yue Lake. Slowly lowering my head, I see the beautiful hem of her skirt trailing on the ground, like the clouds at the horizon unfolding in a majestic display. The peony spring sleep pattern on her dress, each petal is as delicate and lovely as the boundless beauty of spring. Every stitch, every thread, how much heart and soul has been poured into weaving this exquisite and resplendent beauty.

  Lacking a needle or thread, it cannot be accomplished. I suddenly had an idea, when the sharp needle tip pierced through the dense and smooth satin, would the satin feel pain? Is its pain what I'm feeling right now?

  The lotus flowers are in full bloom on the lake, perhaps it's no longer the season for peach blossoms...

  A pomegranate tree in the front yard is blooming like a raging fire. A gust of wind blows, making the lush flowers blaze even more fiercely.

  Suddenly, a faint sense of unease flashed through my mind, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. A few dark red pomegranate petals fell onto my sleeve, and I reached out to gently brush them off. All I saw were my own pale hands as white as snow, with the pomegranate petals stuck to them, making the red even redder and the white even whiter, strikingly vivid.

  That sorrow gradually became clear, like pomegranate juice staining a white hand, winding and distinct.

  A single tear silently falls onto the palm of my hand.

  Perhaps it's not tears, but a drop of dew that fell accidentally on this clear summer morning, or perhaps it's the leftover rain from last night's storm that didn't let me sleep, now glistening in today's sunlight, moistening my empty heart.

  I lifted my face, gently wiping away the tears on my cheek, plucked a pomegranate flower in my hand, and smiled silently.

  Note:

  (1) Du Qiuniang: According to Du Mu's "Du Qiuniang Poem Preface", she was a woman from Jinling, Tang Dynasty, with the surname Du and the name Qiuniang. She was originally the concubine of the governor Li Ji, skilled in singing the tune of "Jin Lu Yi". Later, she entered the palace and was favored by Emperor Xianzong. When Emperor Muzong ascended to the throne, she became a wet nurse for the imperial son. After the imperial son was deposed, Qiuniang returned to her hometown, living in poverty and without support. In ancient times, this name was used to refer to an old woman who had lost her beauty.

  (2) In the Song Dynasty, Sima Guang wrote "Family Rules", advocating that women should read books such as "Analects of Confucius", "Classic of Filial Piety", "Admonitions for Women" and "Biographies of Exemplary Women". He believed that a woman's virtues were:

  1. Gentleness

  2. Cleanliness

  3. Non-jealousy

  4. Frugality

  5. Respectfulness

  6. Diligence

  However, he also upheld the idea of male superiority and female inferiority. In his essay "Teaching Sons and Grandsons", he wrote:

  "Husband is like heaven; wife is like earth. Husband is like sun; wife is like moon. Husband is yang; wife is yin. Heaven is noble and above; earth is humble and below; sun has no defects, moon has phases; yang creates life, yin completes things... Therefore, a woman's virtue lies in gentleness, not in strong arguments."