Six: Plum Blossom in Snowy Night

  It's been three months since I unknowingly entered the palace. As the New Year approaches, a joyful atmosphere is gradually emerging in the palace. The number of monks chanting scriptures and praying for blessings in Tongming Hall is increasing day by day. By the 25th of the twelfth lunar month, the annual rewards have also been distributed. Although I am an out-of-favor noble with a long illness, the rewards are not small, and with the gifts from Mei Zhuang and Chun Chang, we can still have a rich and fulfilling New Year. The Tongli Palace may be quiet and deserted, but the faces of Quanxi and others are also filled with smiles as they busily clean up their living quarters, hang auspicious lanterns, and post "Fu" characters.

  The heavy snow had fallen for two days, and the chill was getting thicker. I stood under the window with a hand warmer, watching the goose feather-like snow falling from the sky, wrapping everything in a silver coat. Jing Qing walked over to me smiling and said: "Young master, what are you thinking so deeply about? There's a draft coming in through the window, be careful not to catch a cold."

  I smiled: "I think our palace is fine, it's just missing a few plum blossoms and pines. When winter comes, the courtyard is bare, there are no flowers or trees to see, only snow."

  Jingqiong said: "In the past, when Shimei people lived there, they disliked flowers and grasses the most, thinking that flowers were more delicate than humans. Especially disliked plum blossoms, saying that only they bloomed in winter, while people froze with their hands and feet shrunk, noses red, making them look even less beautiful than the flowers. Also disliked the smell of pine and cypress, and insisted on pulling out the originally planted ones."

  I laughed: "Sumei Ren is so interesting!"

  "Come over here and glare at Jingqing, saying: "More and more can't control one's own mouth! Remember that slaves are not allowed to discuss their masters behind their backs.""

  "The slave will only say it in this palace and will never speak of it outside."

  Yan said seriously: "If you get used to saying it in your own palace, you will say it outside and cause trouble for the young master."

  I smiled and made a joke: "It's the New Year, don't say she's too fat." And then I reminded Jingqing: "Remember this for next time, don't forget what your aunt taught you."

  Yulan walked up to me and said: "The noble guest thinks the view outside is not good, why don't we let the maids cut some window flowers and stick them on?"

  I was thrilled: "I can do this too. Let's cut and paste it together, it looks more interesting that way."

  Yulan happily agreed and went down, soon returning with a stack of colored paper and a pile of gold and silver foil. The women in the palace had nothing to do all day and loved to embroider, cut out paper designs, and pass the time. Even the palace maids and eunuchs were skilled at this craft. As soon as they heard that I wanted to cut out window decorations, they all gathered around the heated bed and started cutting together.

  Within two hours, the table was filled with a pile of colorful window decorations: "Magpie perched on plum blossom", "Two dragons playing with pearls", "Peacock spreading its tail", "Heavenly maiden scattering flowers", " Auspiciousness and prosperity overflow", " Harmony between two immortals", "Five blessings arriving at the door", as well as patterns of plants such as "Lotus, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum, Narcissus, Peony, and Three friends of winter".

  Everyone looked around and praised: "Sui's indeed cut well, worthy of being an aunt." Sui's face slightly reddened, humbly saying: "Can't compare to your 'Harmonious Twin Immortals', it's vividly lifelike."

  I laughed and said, "There is no 'Hehe Erxian' in the world. It's just a random cutout. If you can cut out a real person that looks exactly the same, that would be a good skill."

  As soon as the words fell, Pei'er shouted: "Xiao Yuzi can cut out real people's figures."

  Xiao Yuanzi immediately turned around and glared at her: "Don't spout nonsense in front of the young master, what's going on here?"

  Pei'er was dissatisfied: "I just saw Xiaoyanzu cut a small master's image with his own eyes, and put it in his sleeve?"

  Xiao Yuanzi's face turned bright red, and she said in a low voice: "I wouldn't dare be disrespectful to the young master."

  I chuckled: "What's the big deal? I've never been particular about these trivial matters. Just take it out and have a look."

  Xiao Yuanzi handed it to me with a embarrassed face, I took a glance and smiled slightly: "Indeed exquisite! Xiao Yuanzi, you have a pair of skilled hands."

  Xiao Yuanzi said: "Thank you for your praise. However, I'm clumsy and can't cut out a hairstyle that matches your beauty."

  I smiled and said: "One oily mouth knows how to coax me into a good mood. You've already cut it too perfectly, I really like it."

  Li Zhu smiled and asked: "He's a clever kid. How did he think of cutting off the young master's little finger?"

  Xiao Yuanzi said seriously: "Since Master Wen saved my brother's life, my brother and I have been grateful to the young master for his great kindness. So we specially cut out a small portrait of the young master and brought it back to worship day and night."

  I said seriously: "I understand your and your brother's intention, but doing so is not in line with the rules. If it gets out, it will be bad. Why don't we just stick to my palace?"

  "In the palace, there's a custom that on New Year's Eve, people hang their beloved small items on tree branches to wish for everything to go smoothly in the coming year. Since you like this portrait cut by Xiao Yanzu so much, why not hang it on the branch and pray for blessings? It would also be giving Xiao Yanzu a huge compliment."

  I smiled and said: "This is a good idea." And then let the maid bring some colored silk to reward Shuixi and Xiaoyanzi.

  Just as they were chatting, someone lifted the curtain and came in to pay their respects. It was Baochai, a palace maid who served beside Rongguo, carrying two pots of narcissus flowers and saying: "Xiangling's young master personally planted several pots of narcissus, which bloomed today, so I brought them over for Guiguan to admire."

  I smiled and said: "What a coincidence! We just cut out the water lily window decorations today, and your young master sent you to deliver water lilies. Has it arrived at Concubine Hui's place?"

  Bao Juan replied: "I've already asked Ju Qing to send two pots over, and also sent one pot of Chun Chang."

  I nodded: "Go back and tell your young master that I like it very much, and bring the window flowers I cut to your young master to stick on the window for fun. The snow is heavy outside, you stay warm before leaving, don't get frozen." Baojuan agreed and went down.

  New Year's Eve is approaching. Mei Zhuang and Chun Chang are invited to attend the imperial family banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress, so they can't come to see me. I'm ill, and the Empress has allowed me to stay in the palace to rest, so I don't have to go to the banquet. After eating the "New Year's Eve dinner" alone, I stayed up with the servants to usher in the new year. Piner brought in hot water and said with a smile: "Young master, the snow outside has stopped, and there are stars all over the sky, it seems that tomorrow will be sunny."

  "Really?" I laughed with joy, "This is a beautiful view that can't be helped but rewarded!"

  "Ah, what a great opportunity! Now we can hang the small idol on the branches of the trees in our courtyard to pray for blessings."

  "I said: 'What's good about hanging on a withered branch in the courtyard? Why not take a look at where the plum blossoms are blooming and hang the small portrait there instead.'"

  Xiao Yuanzi replied: "The plum blossoms at the southwest corner of Shanglin Garden are very good, and they're also close to our palace."

  "Is it Bai Mei?"

  Xiao Yuanzi said: "It's wax plum blossoms, and they smell great."

  I slightly furrowed my brow: "The color of the plum blossoms is not good, and the fragrance is so strong, like wine. Is there anything else?"

  Xiao Yuanzi drew a picture and said, "In the southeast corner of Shanglin Garden, there is Yurui Tanchun plum blossoms in Weimei Garden. They bloom with red flowers, like red clouds, so beautiful that people are stunned. It's just far away."

  Snowy night, bright moon, reflecting the white plum blossoms, fragrance floating. What a beautiful scene! My heart yearns for it, I stand up and put on a silver-white bottom color green patterned brocade cloak with a wind hat on my head, and say while walking: "Then I'll go take a look."

  Xiao Yu's face turned white with anxiety, and she immediately knelt down and slapped herself twice, advising: "It's all the fault of this servant for speaking too much. The young master's body is not yet fully recovered and cannot withstand the cold. Moreover, Empress Hua had instructed earlier that when the young master was ill, he should not go out or move around, if it reaches Empress Hua's ears, it will be a serious crime."

  I smiled and said, "What's the point of blaming myself? It's late at night and everyone is attending the banquet. I'm wearing this special outfit that's warm and won't draw attention in the snowy grounds. Besides, after being ill for so long, going out to clear my mind will do me good." Xiaoyuanzi was about to persuade me again, but I quickly stepped outside, turned back and smiled, "I'll go alone, no one is allowed to follow. If anyone dares to stop me, they'll be punished to stand guard in the snowy grounds all night."

  Just as they walked out of the Tongli Palace gate, Qi Yu and Liu Zhu hurriedly caught up with them. They knocked on the carriage door and said: "Your humble servants dare not advise you deeply. We only ask that you take a lantern to protect yourself from the difficulties of traveling in the snow."

  I took it over, but it was a small sheep horn lantern, light and bright, and not afraid of the wind and snow extinguishing it. So I smiled and said: "You are still careful."

  Li Zhu put a small hand warmer in my bosom: "Miss, take it to warm yourself."

  I laughed and said: "Since you're so particular, why don't you bring the quilt too?"

  Liuxiu's face turned slightly red, but her mouth remained firm: "Miss is increasingly displeased with me these days, if this continues, Liuxiu will become tearful."

  I laughed and said: "You're just talking nonsense, you're getting more and more out of line."

  Li Zhu also smiled: "What rules can a slave like me remember? What I remember is just the young lady's safety." Xian Cui also burst out laughing.

  "I'll take it back," I said. "I'll be right back, I won't freeze." With that, I turned and left.

  The snow on the Long Street and Yong Lane in the palace had been swept clean by the palace people, but the road surface was frozen and slippery, so one had to be careful when walking. It was late at night and very cold, and all the concubines were having a feast with the emperor and empress in the main hall, while the palace maids and eunuchs of each palace stayed in their own palaces, afraid of the cold and not daring to come out. Occasionally, there would be some patrolling imperial guards and eunuchs passing by, but they were also less spirited than usual and could easily be avoided. The road to the Mei Garden was a bit far, fortunately, the night wind was not strong, although the chill was biting, the thick clothes on the body could endure it. After walking for about half an hour, I arrived.

  The fragrance wafted from afar, a gentle and subtle scent that seemed to beckon me closer. As I stepped into the garden, the crunch of snow beneath my sheepskin boots was the only sound that broke the silence. The Mei Garden was still blanketed with untouched snow, frozen but not yet solid. The red plum blossoms were in full bloom, their beauty unbridled under the clear starlight that filtered through the trees like a misty veil. The petals still held a dusting of white snow, translucent and delicate, reflecting the golden stamens like jade. The flowers seemed to glow with an inner light, as if they might ignite at any moment. I couldn't help but draw closer, entranced by the heady scent that seemed to seep into my very marrow. I plucked a branch of plum blossoms and hung it from my cloak, then knelt down on the icy ground, ignoring the cold as I lit incense and offered a silent prayer: "May my parents be safe and sound, may my siblings be at peace; may I live out this life in safety within the palace walls." But as I prayed, my heart grew heavy with sorrow, thinking of how I had been drawn into the intrigue of the palace against my will. This life would be one of constant illness, buried deep within these cold walls, a forgotten palace maid, never even able to speak of the past...

  This third wish is even more absurd, and it's impossible to fulfill. Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a pang in my heart, knowing that I will be buried in the palace forever, never to see the light of day again. I let out a long sigh and said: "The wind blows against me, yet I remain unbroken." (2) As soon as I finished speaking, a low, melodious male voice suddenly came from behind the flower tree: "Who's there?!" I was shocked, someone else is in this garden! And it's a man! I immediately fell silent, blew out the wind lamp, and hid behind a plum blossom tree. The person paused for a moment and asked again: "Who is it?"

  All around, the myriad sounds are stilled, only the soft rustling of snow falling from the branches can be heard. For a long time, there is no one to respond to me. I tightly wrapped my body with feathers. The starlight is faint, the snowy ground is pure white, and the dense flowers and trees are intertwined and chaotic, like the shadows of countless coral branches, making it difficult to spot me. I hold my breath, slowly put down my feet and lift my steps, dodging and moving outward, afraid of stepping on the snow again and making a sound.

  His footsteps, however, were gradually getting closer, and the stone-blue boots with a dragon pattern could be vaguely seen, stopping behind several plum trees without making another sound. His tone was somewhat severe: "If you don't make a sound, I'll have people turn the entire Mei Garden upside down."

  I stood still, my hands clenched into fists, and felt a chill run through my body. Through the flower shadows, I saw a silver-gray corner of clothing not far away from me, with intricate dragon patterns faintly visible on it. My heart was even more startled, and suddenly I turned my head to see a green palace maid's dress flashing behind the small gate of the garden. With a quick wit, I said: "The slave is a palace maid of Yiming Garden, who came out to pray for blessings, and didn't mean to disturb Your Excellency, please forgive me."

  The man asked again: "Have you read books? What's your name?" I couldn't help but feel terrified, and after calming down, I said: "My humble name is not worthy of your ears."

  He heard him take a few more steps closer, and hastily said: "Don't come over - my shoes and socks are wet, I'm changing them." The person indeed stopped in his tracks, and for a long time didn't hear him speak again. After a while, he heard the sound of footsteps gradually moving away, and there was no longer any noise. Only then did he come back to himself, his heart racing wildly as if it were going to jump out of his throat. He hastily picked up the lantern and felt his way through the darkness, rushing out quickly, as if someone was following behind him, frightened. He ran along the icy path, turning a corner at the end of the long corridor, and returned to Tongli Palace.

  A group of people saw me and rushed in, my soul not guarding the house, running with pearls and hairpins scattered, their hair disheveled, they couldn't help but be shocked and stared at each other, asking repeatedly: "What's wrong with the young master?"

  She quickly poured me a cup of tea, and I took a sip before catching my breath: "By the snow pile in Yong Xiang, there were two cats hiding, I don't know who raised them, they suddenly pounced on me, it really scared me to death!"

  Li Zhu smiled and said, "Miss has been afraid of cats since she was a child. Suddenly seeing two of them, isn't it going to be a shock?" He then called out loudly, "Pei'er, brew a strong ginger soup to dispel the wind and calm the fright for the noble lady." Pei'er responded in succession.

  "Palace ladies have always loved raising cats, and those cats are quite wild. Be careful, young master, you're precious." He asked again, "Have you made a wish yet?"

  I nodded: "I promised three. But I don't know if the gods in heaven will think me greedy?"

  The old man bowed deeply and said with a smile: "Congratulations, young master. As the saying goes, 'cats bring good luck.' You just made a wish and ran into two cats. Isn't that a sign that your wishes will definitely come true?"

  I smiled slightly: "What's not good has become good in your mouths. If it can really fulfill my wishes, what's the harm in being scared by it?" As I spoke, I let Jingqing bring over water to reapply my makeup and redo my hair, then changed into new clothes and sat down to play mahjong.

  My mind was settled, but I couldn't help feeling suspicious. Tonight's banquet in the rear palace didn't invite any foreign ministers or relatives by marriage. Besides the Emperor, there were no other men who could enter and exit the rear palace. Suddenly, that pair of boots with a stone-blue dragon pattern appeared in my mind... The corner of the silver-gray dragon-patterned robe. My heart suddenly skipped a beat - the dragon pattern was a design used only by the Emperor, not even princes dared to use it privately. Could it be that person in the Mei Garden... Fortunately, I escaped quickly, otherwise all my efforts to hide would have been wasted. Xiǎo Suì and Little Yuánzi noticed that I seemed a bit listless, so they intentionally lost a few rounds to cheer me up. I said that my body wasn't feeling well, so I returned to my room first. Xiǎo Suì followed in to help me take off my makeup.

  I asked leisurely: "Tonight's palace banquet, did the Emperor and Empress invite others?"

  "Following convention, several princes will also come." I softly said "oh".

  The princes in the mouth of the slot are the first emperor's eldest son, King Xigong of Qishan, the third son, King Runan of Ru'nan, the sixth son, King Qinghe of Qinghe, and the ninth son, King Pingyang of Pingyang. The previous emperor had seven sons and two daughters. The fifth son, seventh son, and eighth daughter died early.

  Emperor Xuan Ling is ranked fourth in line of succession and is a younger brother of Princess Zhen Ning, the Eldest Princess of the Great General. Both are children of Empress Dowager.

  Ki Mountain King Wang Xuanshu is the son of Empress Yi, who is now Queen Jinren. Although he was the eldest son, his personality was mediocre and lazy, only seeking to be a prince who enjoyed wealth and honor.

  Xiangcheng King Xuanji was the son of Yu E's wife, and Yu E's wife was the younger sister of Bailing Hou. In the tenth year of Longqing, Bailing Hou plotted a rebellion, and Yu E's wife was deeply implicated, dying in sorrow without favor. Xuanji was born with extraordinary strength, brave and good at fighting, but his personality was eccentric and not liked by the previous emperor. He only received the title of King of Xiangcheng after the previous emperor's death. Now, he has fought in many battles in the south and north, achieving great military merit, and is highly valued by Xuanling.

  Qinghe King Xuan was clever and wise, and because of his mother's, Consort Shu's, influence, he had been favored by the emperor since childhood. Several times there were intentions to make him crown prince, but due to Consort Shu's humble origins being looked down upon by the people, all the officials opposed it, so nothing came of it. After the previous emperor passed away, Consort Shu voluntarily became a nun, and Xuan was raised by Concubine Lin, who had always gotten along with Consort Shu, and is now the empress dowager, growing up together with Xuan Ling as if they were born from the same mother, their feelings for each other being very deep. Xuan was carefree and loved literature and music, but he alone did not love politics, spending his days in the company of poetry and books, and musical instruments, his flute playing being unparalleled in the capital, earning him the nickname "The Carefree King".

  Prince Pingyang Xuanfei is the youngest son of the late Emperor, now only thirteen years old. His birth mother, Honoured Lady En, was of humble origin and had been a seamstress in the embroidery workshop, but after the late Emperor's passing, she was promoted to Shun Chen Empress Dowager. However, Prince Pingyang was raised by the mother of the Fifth Imperial Son, Empress Zhuanghe.

  I listened quietly, and my heart was always uneasy as if something was missing. I had to go to sleep first. The crowd also dispersed. Drowsy and sleepy until midnight, I suddenly sat up with a start, the air flow brought by my body violently stirred up the brocade curtain, and I thought of something that made me uneasy - Xiao Xiang!