Chapter 14: The Pepper Chamber

  I woke up to a faint light, but I was alone on the imperial bed, and Xuan Ling had vanished. My heart racing, I called out loudly: "Who's outside?" A group of palace maids carrying washing utensils and clothes entered in a line, led by Fang Ruo. Seeing an old acquaintance, my heart suddenly filled with joy, and I involuntarily blurted out: "Auntie Fang Ruo."

  Fang Ruo also looked overjoyed, but had to maintain her composure, leading the others to kneel down and pay their respects: "Young Master, good morning." I hastily gestured for her to get up, and Fang Ruo smiled and said: "The Emperor went to the early court session at the fifth watch, saw that Young Master was sleeping soundly, and specifically instructed not to disturb you."

  I recalled the exhaustion of last night and felt ashamed, lowering my head. Fang Ruo pretended not to notice and said, "The servant will help the young master change clothes." After speaking, she and Xun Xi helped me up from either side.

  I had them dress and wash up before asking Fang Ruo: "How did you end up working here?"

  Fang Ruo said: "I was previously serving the Empress Dowager reciting scriptures. Just the other day, I was transferred to serve in front of the Emperor."

  "It's a good thing. What rank is it now?"

  "Thanks to the Emperor and Empress Dowager's kindness, I am now a fifth-rank official of Wen County."

  I took off a pair of golden cuffs from my hand and placed them in hers: "I didn't expect to meet you, I didn't even prepare a gift, just a small token, please accept it."

  Fang Ruo knelt down and said: "I don't dare to accept."

  I smiled and took her hand: "At this moment, you and I are no longer master and servant, only the feelings of the past."

  Fang Ruo saw me like this, had to bear it, got up and held a bowl of medicine in front of me: "This is a pain-relieving and mind-calming medicine, Master, take it first. After finishing breakfast, I will go to the Chao Yang Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager."

  The empress disliked the smell of incense and thought that the palace, with only women's cosmetics and perfume, was too common. So every day, she ordered people to put fresh fruit in the hall, either floating in water vases or neatly placed on tables. According to what Shi Mei said, if it were summer, the entire corridor would be filled with fragrance, making one feel sweetly comfortable even when breathing. If it were winter, as soon as the curtain was lifted and the warm air carrying the fragrance rushed over, the whole body would feel soft and cozy, with a unique refreshing flavor.

  The next day, I went to pay my respects to the Empress for the first time after sleeping with the Emperor. I had to perform the three kneels and nine knocks ceremony. The velvet cushion was already laid out in front of the throne, and the Empress sat upright to receive my greetings. As soon as the ceremony was over, a palace maid hastened to help me up.

  The queen was very polite, asking me to sit down and said with a smile: "Thank you for your hard work. Your body is just recovering from illness and you want to do such a big ceremony, it's just that this is the ancestral rule that cannot be disobeyed."

  I lightly replied "yes", saying: "How dare I, a concubine, utter the words 'born to receive', the Empress is the model for the world, in charge of the six palaces, and being able to see the Empress safe and sound every day is already a blessing for all six palaces."

  The empress heard this and was indeed delighted, saying: "No wonder the emperor likes you, your words and actions are really likable." After saying that, she sighed slightly, "With your talent and beauty, Concubine Xiang, this favor should have been yours long ago. It's only now... But it's also good, although good things come after many hardships, in the end, the clouds have parted to reveal a bright moon."

  Thank you for your kind words.

  The empress continued: "Now that we are serving the imperial carriage, this body is no longer just our own, but must be carefully nurtured in order to comfort the heavens above and continue the family line below."

  "The words of Your Majesty, I will definitely remember every single word in my heart and dare not be negligent."

  The queen finished speaking, and a palace maid brought up a tea cup. The queen took it and drank from it. A palace maid by her side smiled and said: "Since Gu Xiang's illness, the queen wanted to visit him in person three or five times. However, the imperial physician said that the young master was suffering from a seasonal illness and feared that it would harm the queen's body, so she had to give up. The queen still often thinks of the young master."

  I saw her about 27 or 28 years old, dressed in a more elegant and refined manner than the other palace maids, with a delicate appearance and quick wit. She must be one of the favored palace maids by the Empress's side. I quickly stood up and said: "Thank you, Your Ladyship, for your concern. I owe my health to your blessings and protection, and I am truly grateful."

  The queen smiled and nodded, "Women in the palace have always found it easy to gain favor but difficult to keep it. Consort Hui must serve the emperor with all her heart and be careful not to go against his wishes. The consorts and concubines in the harem must not fight for favor or cause trouble, ruining the harmony of the palace." I listened attentively. After chatting for half a day, seeing more and more consorts coming to pay their respects, I finally stood up to take my leave.

  The empress turned her face to the palace maid who had just spoken and said: "Qianqiu, escort Consort Xiang out."

  Qian Autumn led me forward from the left and smiled: "Young master, you arrived very early today. The empress is delighted to see that you are so respectful."

  "How come there are still no concubines coming to pay their respects? I suppose it's because I came too early today."

  Qiu Qian smiled and said, "The Empress has always been a bit later than others, but these past few days have been particularly so."

  Her heart slightly moved, she said to me for no reason, "The Empress has always been in charge of the six palaces, I suppose it's exhausting, and sometimes getting up late is also possible."

  Qian Autumn smiled lightly, a hint of pride and disdain flashing between her eyebrows. "Guan Xiaozhu is so favored, I'm afraid Empress Hua's heart is not at ease. However, no matter what, she wouldn't dare not to come."

  I gave her a quick glance, and Qiu Jian immediately lowered her head, saying: "Master forgive me. I was also speaking nonsense."

  I slightly changed my mind, after all, I am a person beside the empress, how can I let her see my expression. Immediately smiled brightly and said: "Why does Autumn Girl say this, is she teaching me? I'm very grateful. Although I've been in the palace for half a year, I've always stayed in my own palace with the door closed, and everything still needs to be pointed out by you, otherwise I'll make mistakes."

  Qian Autumn listened to me say this, and Fang Kuangxin smiled and said: "Master, you're really killing me with your words."

  Before I knew it, we were outside the Fengyi Palace and Qianfang had left. Xunxi supported my hand as we slowly walked towards the Tangli Palace, and I said: "What did you say?"

  Qianqiu is an imperial concubine who serves the empress closely and should not have spoken so carelessly.

  I nodded and said: "The empress has always been steady in her actions, and it doesn't seem like she would instruct someone to say something so reckless."

  "Empress Hua had been favored for a long time, and her words and actions couldn't help but lose some measure. Even if the Empress Dowager was lenient, it was hard to guarantee that the people around her wouldn't harbor resentment in their hearts and speak out in complaint."

  I smiled lightly: "But it's just to tell me that the Imperial Consort Hua has a lot of malice towards me, but no matter how hard she tries, she can't surpass the Empress. The Empress is after all the master of the six palaces. We'll just listen and let it go."

  As I walked to the entrance of Yong Lane, I saw Xiao Yanzu waiting there from a distance. Seeing me coming over, he hurriedly stepped forward and asked in surprise: "At this hour, why aren't you staying in the palace? What are you doing here?"

  Xiao Yuanzi beamed with joy and gave a thousand blessings: "First, I'll offer congratulations to our young master."

  "Ha ha, you little monkey, running all the way here for a reward, it must be something big."

  "Auntie, you're wrongly accusing me! I'm here on imperial orders, so please don't go back to the palace for now, young master."

  "What's going on here?"

  Xiao Yuanzi's face was mysterious as she said: "Don't ask for now, Master. Please take a walk in the upper forest to clear your mind, and you can return to the palace immediately."

  The Shanglin Garden does not have the grandeur of the northern scenery, but has a more delicate and refreshing atmosphere like that of Jiangnan. The lush trees reflect the vibrant flowers, amidst which are scattered several small and exquisite pavilions and kiosks, exuding an ancient charm, especially romantic in the midst of red and green. The Taoye Pool winds its way around, with dense shade reaching down to the ground, fragrant flowers and vines blooming endlessly, as the gentle breeze stirs up ripples on the calm water, where layers of lotus leaves float, their tips swaying gently like a heart-shaped lake rippling with waves.

  The sky was still early, and there were not many people in the Shanglin Garden. The March weather, the flowers in Shanglin were in full bloom, the cool air and the sweet fragrance of the flowers combined together, making people feel drunk. Walking quietly, it seemed as if everything had become clear again overnight. Standing in the Shanglin Garden, I saw from afar the corner of the Yiyuan Hall's glazed tile roof shining brightly like gold under the morning sun, and only then did I gradually have a real feeling, thinking that last night's events were truly real, not just a dream scene.

  All the way thinking out of this world, suddenly someone came out from nowhere and knelt down in front of her, respectfully saying: "Greetings to Young Master Guan, may the young master be safe." The voice was very familiar, but seeing him kneeling with his head down, she couldn't think of who it was for a moment.

  He was summoned to get up, but it was Kang Lu Hai. Xiao Yuanzi saw that it was him and couldn't help but reveal a look of disdain on his face. I pretended not to notice and smiled: "Good morning, Lord Kang, why didn't you follow Lady Li?"

  "Liniang and Cao Ronghua went together to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. I knew that Young Master would definitely have to pass through Shanglin Garden on his way back to the palace, so I specially came here to wait in attendance."

  "Oh?" I asked in surprise: "Is there something your master wants you to tell me?"

  Kang Luohai's face was filled with smiles as he lowered his voice and said, "It's not about the young master or mistress, it's just that I have a personal matter to request from the young master."

  I looked at him and said, "You speak."

  Kang Lu Hai looked at the servants on my left and right, rubbed his hands hesitantly for a moment, and finally couldn't help but say: "I'd like to be the first to congratulate you on your good fortune. I've been wanting to come and pay my respects since I heard about your promotion to Pin, but unfortunately there were too many things going on and I couldn't get away. The Emperor also issued a decree not to disturb your rest. I've been waiting anxiously for what feels like an eternity, and now that I've finally gotten to see you, I can rest easy..."

  I listened to him ramble on and interrupted him by saying: "Tell me what's going on?"

  Kang Lu Hai listened to my question directly, hesitated for a moment, and smiled obsequiously: "The young master has been promoted to Pin, and it's inevitable that there will be insufficient personnel in the palace. Those who are brought in from outside may not have quick hands and feet either. I, a humble servant, think about the young master day and night, and privately think that since I used to serve the young master before, I know better than any other servant how to attend to the young master. If the young master doesn't despise my clumsiness, just give me an order, and I am willing to serve the young master, even if it means death."

  The most disgusting thing is that even if you are scolded, you won't frown or show disdain.

  "I said: 'Does your master know about this idea of yours?'"

  "This..."

  "Nowadays, you are the person of the mistress, if this idea is known to your master, I'm afraid she will not be happy. Moreover, how can I casually ask Lady Li for someone by her side?"

  "Master, rest assured. Your kindness is deeply ingrained, and whoever dares to disobey your will? It's just a matter of you speaking one sentence and it's done."

  I couldn't help but sneer at his shamelessness, fawning on those in power, and this is exactly what Kang Lu Hai looks like.

  A crisp and bright female voice suddenly sounded from behind, like a stone thrown into the water, stirring up ripples: "No wonder I didn't see you serving when I entered the Chao Yang Hall, it turns out you've met your old master!"

  At the sound of her voice, she turned to look and saw that she was beautiful and lovely, with a plump figure. If it wasn't Li Gui Bin, who could it be? By Li Gui Bin's side stood Cao Ronghua. Compared to her, although Cao Ronghua was slender and tall, she couldn't help but lose some of her beauty. Without haste, I paid my respects and went to greet them. Li Gui Bin merely held onto the palace maid's hand and stood there with a faint cold smile, not saying a word. On the other hand, it was Cao Ronghua who hastily and politely asked me to get up.

  Li Gui Bin did not say a word, but gave Kang Lu Hai a glance. Kang Lu Hai was very afraid of her and immediately knelt down.

  Li Gui Bin turned to me and said, "I heard that the Emperor has assigned many new servants to Guan Bin Palace. How come there are not enough people at Guan Bin's side? You actually think highly of this useless servant by my side."

  I smiled slightly and said calmly: "Noble Consort, you are wrong. Kang Luohai was originally a servant in my palace, and it's thanks to your kindness that he was summoned to serve by your side. Now that he is already serving you, how can I, as his former mistress, take him back so casually? Although I am young and may not understand things, I would never make such an unreasonable request."

  "Little sister is indeed well-versed in etiquette, no wonder the Emperor favors you so, promoting your rank before even serving him in bed, of course big sister can't compare to that."

  "Guì Pín sister said so, how dare I be. The Emperor only pitied me because I was seriously ill a few days ago. In the Emperor's heart, he naturally values Guì Pín sister more than me by a hundred times."

  Li Gui Bin's face slightly cleared up after hearing me say that. She turned her head and didn't say another word, but instead gave Kang Lu Hai a sharp slap on the face, causing his cheek to swell instantly. The palace maid who was supporting her quickly advised: "Master, be careful of your hand hurting." Then she glared at Kang Lu Hai fiercely: "You foolish slave, you've already made Her Ladyship angry early in the morning! You'd better slap yourself!" Kang Lu Hai was so scared that he didn't dare to argue back, and instead slapped his own mouth loudly. That palace maid was not very old and naturally her rank wouldn't be higher than Kang Lu Hai's, yet she dared to speak harshly to him, showing that Kang Lu Hai's days by Li Gui Bin's side were not easy.

  I just coldly watched him, even if I had a heart of pity, I wouldn't spare a single penny for him. The world is full of ups and downs, knowing today, why bother with the past?

  Li Gui Bin's behavior and temperament were largely similar to those of Hua Fei, except that she had a more violent and irritable temper. She would often express her emotions openly, unable to tolerate even the slightest provocation, and it was not uncommon for her to physically discipline her servants. Cao Ronghua, who had seen this many times before, didn't even raise an eyebrow, but instead advised: "Sister Li, why bother getting angry over these insignificant slaves? You'll only end up harming your own body."

  Li Gui Bin said: "Only one heart to climb high branches, morning and evening! It can be seen that the inner monitor is a rootless thing, not a bit of heart or breath, nor a single old favor remembered! Is it that this palace treated him poorly?"

  Cao Ronghua heard her speak coarsely and couldn't help but slightly frown, yet she didn't respond, only using a handkerchief to wipe her lips as cover.

  Li Gui Bin took a break and said with hatred: "Now these slaves are even more disdainful of the palace, and they dare to do things that are detrimental to the palace. Do they think the palace is dead? They just envy others for their current prosperity, but don't think about how they begged the palace to rescue them from that miserable place in the past! Now they've learned to be treacherous!"

  The words were too clear, it was as if she had scolded me to my face. The atmosphere was a bit awkward, Cao Ronghua felt that something was wrong and hurriedly pulled at Li Gui's sleeve, saying softly: "Elder sister Li."

  Li Gui Fei rolled up her sleeves and raised an eyebrow at me, saying: "I'm teaching this servant a lesson, but it seems I've become the laughing stock of Guan Fei instead."

  As they spoke, Kang Luohai had already received forty or fifty slaps. Since it was in front of Li Guifei, he didn't dare to hold back at all and used his full strength. His face was bruised and swollen, with blood oozing from his cheeks and chin. I saw that he was indeed beaten severely and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.

  Her face still carried a faint smile, as if she was not the one being ridiculed and scolded in that conversation with Li Gui Bin. She said: "Since I'm just a lowly servant of yours who doesn't understand etiquette, please go ahead and teach me a lesson, even if it means beating or killing me. However, I'm thinking on your behalf, sister. There are many people around here, and it's not easy to discipline a servant without attracting gossip from others. If you really think this servant is detestable, why don't you take her back to the palace to scold her? What do you think, sister?"

  Li Gui Bin finally stopped, glanced at Kang Lu Hai Dao: "Alright." After speaking, she nodded slightly towards me, and the group of people left.

  Kang Lu Hai saw that she had walked far away, then he kneeled down in front of me and knocked his head heavily on the ground, saying with shame: "Thank you, young master, for saving my life."

  I didn't even look at him, "You're quite clever."

  Kang Lu Hai bowed down to the ground, "If Young Master hadn't said so, how would Mistress Li be willing to let me off easily?"

  He patted Suoyi's hand and was about to leave, without even turning his head, saying: "Li Gui Fei may not necessarily let you off easy, you'd better take care of yourself."

  "Master..." I stopped in my tracks, with the wind whispering past my ear, and all I heard was him saying: "Master, you must also take care of yourself. Master's favor has been overwhelming lately, but... they are already dissatisfied, afraid that..."

  Kang Lu Hai hesitated and stopped speaking, I slowly moved forward, softly saying: "If everyone gets what they want, isn't that too good to be true? If I can just get what I want for myself, that's already the greatest fortune."

  Xiao Yuanzi saw that I was just walking forward, her expression unchanged, and after a moment of hesitation, she tentatively said: "What Li Gui Bin said is really..."

  The corners of his mouth curved up in an arc, "What's wrong with that? I really do like the personality of Li Gui Bin." Xiao Yu Zi saw that I said something strange and couldn't help but look at me.

  The palace has always been a place of open strife and secret struggle, with no end to the turmoil. It all depends on what kind of opponent you encounter. A person like Rui Gui Fei, whose nature is so straightforward, can't hide even half a thought, but it's just letting her have a momentary advantage in verbal sparring. On the other hand, those who secretly shoot arrows and harm people without revealing their intentions are truly terrifying.

  Biting her teeth secretly, she had just been favored last night, and today she would have to face a strong enemy? Li Gui Bin was nothing, but who didn't know that behind Li Gui Bin was Empress Hua. Just surviving one day in this palace, even if you were as noble and glorious as the empress, there must be endless grievances and troubles, let alone me, just a small concubine, I can only endure.

  The people kneeling on the ground outside Tongli Palace all had joyous expressions that they couldn't hide. Casting a sideways glance, she saw Huang Quan was also there and wondered to herself. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she felt that Tongli Palace seemed different from before.

  Huang Gui gave a deep bow, his face creased with smiles, and his tone was unusually high: "Congratulations to the young master on entering the bridal chamber! This is indeed a great honor, a great honor!" After speaking, he led me into the Yingxin Hall, which had been renovated inside and out, its walls seemingly freshly painted, filled with a fragrant atmosphere.

  Huang Gui Quan said: "This morning, the emperor's edict was issued, and we slaves rushed to catch up with it. I hope you are satisfied, young master."

  Xiang Ru smiled: "The pepper room is a rule that only exists in the imperial palace for grand weddings. Except for the empresses of past dynasties, ordinary concubines cannot receive such special favors. In the past, there were only two exceptions who received such grace - Shu Gui Fei from the previous dynasty and now Huai Fei. You are the third person in this palace."

  Pepper house, is the most noble honor in the palace. With pepper and mud to paint the wall, take warmth, fragrance, many children meaning, implies "pepper chat reality, numerous offspring". Thinking of this, my face couldn't help but flush. Many children, Xuan Ling, do you want me to give birth to our child?

  Huang Quan led me into the bedroom with one hand: "Please take a closer look at the couch."

  Only to see that the curtains had been replaced with a new set of colorful embroidered cherry blossoms, and the red silk bedspread was neatly laid out. I knew this was a sign of good luck and prosperity after being favored by the emperor. Besides this, everything else seemed normal. As I approached the bed and lifted the covers, I saw that underneath were scattered gold coins and dried fruits such as candied dates, lotus seeds, and peanuts. My heart warmed up at the sight, and my eyes suddenly felt hot with tears welling up. Afraid of being seen, I quickly wiped them away before turning around to say: "This is..."

  "The emperor heard that there was a folk custom of 'throwing the bed' during weddings, so he specially ordered his slaves to do the same."

  Seeing me nod slightly, Qian Xi said: "The young master is also tired, you all retreat first, let Liu Zhu and Bi Yan stay to serve the young master's rest." And then led everyone out.

  Li Zhu excitedly only pulled my hand and said a "good" word. The bright eyes of Yu Mei had a hint of light: "Now that things have come to this, the Emperor has indeed put our young master in his heart. After being tormented for half a year, we slaves can also rest assured."

  Everything came too fast and too good, far beyond my expectations, and for a moment I couldn't adapt, as if I was in a daze, falling into the clouds. Countless thoughts surged in my mind, and I sighed: "The emperor treated me like this, I didn't expect it either."

  It's hard to gain favor in the palace, and it's even harder to keep it. Who knows what made Ling treat me so well - my looks, my wit, or the fresh and rare devotion I have for him? Maybe it's all of these, or maybe none of them. Rubbing my temples, which are sore from fatigue, I instruct Zhu to carefully put away the "scented sachet" and only then do I go to sleep in my clothes. Looking around, the entire bed and curtains are a deep red color, embroidered with mandarin ducks and peaches, symbolizing love, harmony, and the continuation of descendants. Mandarin ducks, mandarin ducks, may I have thousands of bolts of red silk, embroidered with mandarin ducks, filling the sky and earth...

  (2) Sprinkling the account: a kind of ancient wedding custom, popular in Han Chinese areas, formed differently due to time and place. Sprinkling gold coins, colored fruits, and dyeing festive atmosphere, wishing the newlyweds to have children early and be blessed with many children and good fortune. Its origin dates back to Emperor Wu of Han's welcoming of Empress Li, aiming to pray for children. Later generations used five grains, or grains and beans, or grains and rice, or wheat mixed with flower petals, and some even mixed copper coins. "The Miscellaneous Notes of the Year of the Earth Dragon" says: "Sprinkling the account originated from Emperor Wu of Han. When Empress Li first arrived, the emperor welcomed her into the tent, they sat together, drank wine, and ordered officials to sprinkle five-colored flowers and fruits from a distance. The emperor and empress used their sleeves to collect them, saying that the more they got, the more children they would have." Lu Chengyu's "Shen Yu" Volume 2 says: "During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang in the year of Jinglong, when Princess Rui of the imperial family was getting married, gold coins were cast for sprinkling, with a diameter of one inch and weighing six coins. The surface was smooth, with patterns on both sides, and the shape had five protrusions, with holes to match. The inscription read 'Long life, guarding wealth and nobility'. Each ten coins were tied with a colored ribbon." Wu Zimu's "Dream Liang Record: Wedding" says: "The officials used gold and silver plates to hold gold and silver coins, colored money, and mixed fruits for sprinkling the account in order."