41
Few days later, Di Wu Yi Zhao returned to the capital along with the chief of this season's Ten Gentlemen, Gong Shu Yang. The two entered the study in the afternoon to pay a formal visit to the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin. Afterward, the three of them engaged in the confidential talk until the morning of the next day. During the time, Mu Xi Yao ordered Danruo Courtyard's little kitchen to send over dinner and midnight snack. Di Wu Yi Zhao praised to Heaven Mu Xi Yao's meticulously paired food. His sixth Highness felt that the little woman was very considerate.
The return of Di Wu Yi Zhao and joining of Gong Shu Yang was deemed by later generation as Jianan Emperor Zhong Zheng Lin's core reason behind the birth of the secret cabinet during his reign.
Inside the palace, Yuancheng Emperor also has gradually recovered. On the first day of holding the court audience, he summoned the crown prince to the imperial ancestral temple and reprimanded him severely. He ordered the crown prince Zhong Zheng Hui to kneel in the imperial ancestral hall for two days and also had taken the authority to patrol over the capital and its surrounding area away from his hands.
Yuancheng Emperor's move made the first prince and his faction very happy. One could well imagine how the loss of the authority to patrol the capital would weaken the crown prince's forces in the Shengjing. However, the first prince and his people weren't even happy few days, Yuancheng Emperor soon announced that he will be conducting an army revision after the new year. The garrison stationed at the Mobei borders and military forces at the three provinces in Jibei will be the first to bear the brunt. This time the deep gloom started to cast over the first prince's faction, making them all quite irritated. Before they had time to use the high ranking military officers they had taken the trouble to win over prior on, these people were most likely to be changed. They practically suffered much bigger damage than the crown prince.
This move of Yuancheng Emperor made the crown prince and the first prince behave much better than before. They understood that Yuancheng Emperor did so to handicap and balance the two factions.
Mu Xi Yao has well-behavedly raised her fetus already for three full months. Zhong Zheng Lin, who was guarding her by the side, waited for the imperial physician to check her pulse. The result was very gratifying. The imperial physician said that shufei had a good foundation and had taken good care of herself. The unborn child was very healthy. As long as they were more mindful in the future and didn't use taboo things, this fetus will be very steady.
Zhong Zheng was overjoyed. He immediately ordered the imperial physician to be rewarded. After more of the attentive inquiries, Zhong Zheng Lin came back to tell Mu Xi Yao to take heed of some details. He particularly had her distance herself from the other women in the inner yard.
On the following day, she dispatched people to deliver a letter to Qingzhou. As for Mu Jin Zhi, lady Yu will inform him.
The Empress Dowager's birthday was approaching. Yuancheng Emperor ordered imperial noble consort that she must do her best to overlook the preparation of the birthday banquet. The noble consort was to fully support the imperial noble consort. How did the two dare to neglect the matter? They complied right away.
Since then, each palace and residence sunk their teeth to earn Empress Dowager and Yuencheng Emperor's favor at the birthday banquet.
On one hand, Zhong Zheng Lin discussed congratulation gifts with his advisors. On the other hand, he entered the palace to seek consort Shu's audience to discuss the matter regarding the request of bestowing Mu Xi Yao the title of cefei.
When consort Shu heard her younger son mention that he wanted to raise Mu Xi Yao's rank, she hesitated at first. After all, the imperial prince's shufei could be promoted to cefei rank only due to the merit of bearing a child. Mu'shi was only expecting at the moment. It was still too early to bestow her a title.
However, Zhong Zheng Lin argued that if the sixth prince's residence didn't have a womenfolk of adequate rank to attend Empress Dowager's banquet, they would seem too desolate and it would bring down some of the cheerful atmosphere. Besides, Mu'shi being pregnant was a happy occasion. If she could receive Empress Dowager's auspicious aura, wouldn't it be even better?
Consort Shu thought it was reasonable. Thus, she asked Yuancheng Emperor to promote Mu'shi in advance, before the joyful event. It would be good for the fetus in her belly as she would be able to get Empress Dowager's blessing.
Yuancheng Emperor regarded highly Empress Dowager's birthday. As a result, he paid a lot of attention to the details. He thought that at the time if Zhong Zheng Lin attended the event all by himself again, that scene…just thinking about it made him uncomfortable. It will be better if Empress Dowager's grand birthday was bustling with noise and excitement. Not to mention, that Mu'shi didn't let him down and he was the one who had appointed her to the imperial prince's residence. The credibility of this matter was justifiable. Therefore, he nodded his consent and had the Ministry of rites to complete the promoting ceremony as soon as possible.
On Zhanghe twelfth year of Yuancheng Emperor, the twenty-third day of the first month, the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin submitted a memorial requesting shufei of Mu clan to be bestowed the title of cefei. Emperor granted the request.
On the twenty-fifth, the head chief of the Imperial Household Department together with a delegation of stewards carrying imperial edict, cefei's formal attire and the seal arrived to the sixth prince's residence. At the same time, the trunk of auspicious gems bestowed by the imperial noble consort and jewels and royal brocades bestowed by their ladyships, mistresses of each palace, also arrived.
Mu Xi Yao had no knowledge of Zhong Zheng Lin's request to have her promoted. When the imperial edict arrived, she was still indoor trimming the bonsai. As soon as she received the news, she quickly went to wash her hands and change clothes. Bringing people from Danruo Courtyard, she hurriedly went to the front yard.
During the whole way she was in a perplexed state. How come the imperial edict suddenly arrived? There was not even a prior indication. Moreover, what kind of matter in this residence these days would make this imperial edict link to the inner yard?
She just arrived in time to see that leading eunuch spoke very courteously with Zhong Zheng Lin. After everyone from the inner yard was present and positioned themselves in order according to their ranks, eunuch opened the imperial edict and started to read its content loudly.
Mu Xi Yao, who was kneeling underneath amidst the clouds and mist1 has then finally learnt with astonishment that she got a promotion! Yuancheng Emperor has actually personally issued an imperial decree to promote her ranks. From now on, Mu Xi Yao will be Zhong Zheng Lin's cefei. Her name will be forever in the imperial genealogy. Of course, she mustn't make any mistake that would have her name removed.
Mu Xi Yao's heart was filled with joy. She took the imperial decree graciously, and taking the lead, together with everyone in the inner yard, thanked for the grace. Only then did she dignifiedly rose and called Zhao momo to cater to coming people. In addition, she also gave them a big reward.
Mu Xi Yao looked at Zhong Zheng Lin at the front who was exchanging pleasantries with the head eunuch. She was deeply moved inside. He was indeed an emperor material. His execution and style of work told that he was simply the flat man of action, swift and decisive. His efficiency was so high that he even omitted the time to notify her.
Having such a man to protect herself, Mu Xi Yao stated that she was quite satisfied. Although it wasn't a monogamous era, but to be able to gain such a doting husband was already pretty good. However, it wasn't good news to Zhong Zheng Lin's principal consort. Whether she would be nauseated by Mu Xi Yao, It simply went without saying.
After sending people from the palace away, Zhong Zheng only looked at Mu Xi Yao once and then hurriedly returned to run his errands. The hint inside that gaze of his made Mu Xi Yao's face blush and heart pound.
The remaining women from the inner yard were so enraged inside that their five viscera and six bowels were churning. Yet, their faces had to be piled with smiles and they had to curry favor by saying congratulatory words. One couldn't do anything about it since this lady Mu was already a cefei that was recognized by the imperial household. Things were very different now. Even if the principal consort entered the residence in the future, she would still have her place at the side. What's more, this cefei's status was personally issued and bestowed by Yuancheng Emperor. It was a bit more honorable than the one bestowed by the average imperial consort.
Looking at the formal attire of the imperial prince's cefei held up with both hands by Mo Lan who was behind Mu Xi Yao made Tang Yi Ru's heart extremely jealous. She didn't expect his Highness would go this far for her. Nowadays, crushing Mu'shi was simply a lunatic raving. It seems that she could only depend on the principal consort's power to compete with her in the future.
The other concubines also felt uncomfortable inside. Apparently, they had no other choice than to take their time before making a decision. Perhaps, they will have to rely on this lady Mu's help. If she truly could give birth to the firstborn son, the situation inside the inner yard would become even more complicated. However, everything depended on the future principal consort's approach. It would be in their best interest if they just silently watched for now.
This night, during bedroom intimacies, Mu Xi Yao has naturally received the hint Zhong Zheng Lin had sent her. Very affectionately, yieldingly and softly, she called him "Your Highness". Those captivating pair of eyes could drip water. Having a beauty throwing herself into his arms, how could Zhong Zheng Lin be polite with her? Besides, three months have already passed. The two would naturally be like mandarin ducks that rubbed their necks, lingering in each other's embrace. After having his prohibition lifted, the sixth Highness pestered Mu Xi Yao, making the noise till third geng2. It was still only because he worried about her body, otherwise Mu Xi Yao most likely wouldn't be able to get out of bed for several days.
While these two were lovey-dovey with each other, an uproar broke in the outside world. Innumerable aristocratic families in Shengjing gasped for air. This lady Mu climbed too fast. The imperial princes had so many women in their harem, yet there was no one who was like her, turning from shufei to cefei in half a year. She had such a good fortune.
The capital's Yu residence was jubilant. They quickly dispatched people to send gifts. Later on, Mu Xi Ting also send Rui Zhu to go pay a visit and deliver congratulatory gifts for promotion, as well as the baby clothes, shoes and socks and other objects which were hand-sewn by her. When Mu Xi Yao looked over those soft tiny clothes, she thought they were very adorable. She subsequently brought them before Zhong Zheng Lin to show off, only to receive his teasing.
Afterward, the news arrived to Qingzhou. The joy made lady Yu broke into tears, which reminded her to send a letter to Mu Jin Zhi. After a long sight, sir Mu only said that if the younger daughter could continue to be like this everything would be great. He will be grateful.
The capital, inside the prince's residence. Zhong Zheng Lin with Di Wu Yi Zhao and others were wholeheartedly preparing things for Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. Mu Xi Yao, on the other hand, was all by herself in Danruo Courtyard, mysteriously moving back and forth her long-prepared gift. Though her face showed a proud expression, her heart dripped blood. This one was practically exchanged by the incomparably valuable beauty sleep of hers.
Translation notes:
[1] Amidst the clouds and mist means puzzled
[2] Third gang means 23:00-01:00
42
Zhanghe twelveth year, the fourth day of the second month. Yuancheng Emperor hosted a banquet in Jingtai palace to celebrate Empress Dowager's sixtieth birthday. The imperial princes, members of the imperial clan, court officials and imperial consorts and concubines were all present.
Empress Dowager Jin sat upright at Emperor's right-hand side. She was attired in a bright yellow phoenix robe decorated with light red peony embroidery. A phoenix crown embellished with pearls and green jades adorned her head. She wore a jade thumb ring on her left hand and a gold crystal nail guard on the right hand. The Empress Dowager's gaze was bright and clear, her expression amiable. She was talking with Yuancheng Emperor. The two seemed quite close.
All the imperial consorts and concubines have dressed with utmost care. Smiles filled their faces. The cheerful atmosphere had them engaging in talks and amusing each other. The imperial princes were seated according to their seniority, all of them accompanied by womenfolks of sufficient status.
Today, Zhong Zheng Lin has, uncommonly, worn a dark red ceremonial robe of an imperial prince which reduced a little bit of his coldness and added him a bit of handsomeness. Mu Xi Yao was attired in a plum red colored formal dress of cefei. Its top was a buttoned little jacket with coated edges and her lower garment was a celestial trailing long skirt. There was a tiny swell on her belly. Due to the pregnancy, she appeared even more seductive. When Zhong Zheng Lin looked at her, he had an urge to drape a cloak over her.
The sixth Highness sat there straight as a ramrod with a solemn face. Fortunately, there was a gentle and charming Mu cefei by his side to attend to him – serving him a tea, toasting wine and from time to time leaning sideways to say something to him. This made the sixth prince appear more relaxed. Otherwise, it would truly turn like how Yuancheng Emperor had imagined, an unsightly spectacle.
Mu Xi Yao's little hand was grasped by Zhong Zheng Lin. She was currently watching artists from Yin Yue Ge presenting dance at the center of the main hall. A song 《Bodhisattva's birthday congratulation》was an eye-opener for Mu Xi Yao. She felt that it was quite similar to《Thousand Hand Bodhisattva》from the modern time. Just, there were two more baskets in their hands.
"Does your Highness enjoy appreciating dances?" When Mu Xi Yao saw others dance cheerfully, her heart felt enticed.
"Oh? Does Bendian's cefei know how to?" It was Zhong Zheng's first time hearing Mu Xi Yao mention singing and dancing. He had never seen her dance in the residence before. But when he thought carefully about how well she coped with those difficult morning movements, she certainly must have some foundation.
Thereupon, he narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth to say meaningfully, "Is Jiao Jiao willing, after giving birth, to dance for Bendian?"
Hearing him use the endearment he usually called her during their intimate moments at the public place with numerous people present, her face heated up. She cast him a displeased glance and then turned her head, complying bashfully.
The following opera《Happiness offered by peaches of immortality》was sang cheerfully. For a moment, the audience raised glasses and exchanged cups, applauding ceaselessly.
Mu Xi Yao wasn't fond of theatre play kind of art. Watching it made her mind confused and disoriented. She leaned against Zhong Zheng Lin and grumbled in a small voice that she did watch it but didn't understand.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't expect Mu Xi Yao to be this blunt about it. He was rendered speechless for a moment. Amused, he pinched her little hand and seized her waist underneath the table to let her lean against him and rest.
It was the first time other imperial princes saw Zhong Zheng Lin being close with a woman. They were very astonished. Shortly after, they saw the two being quite intimate with each other. Zhong Zheng would occasionally pick up food for her with a gentle expression, which made them so surprised they couldn't help themselves but to throw them few more glances.
Upon the closer look, they've discovered that she was indeed a beauty. Lovable and delicate, pink cheeks and bright eyes, vivid facial features, and stunning posture. Especially that distinct aura that enveloped her body. It was agile yet graceful, so charming that it made people enamored. Furthermore, she had exquisite curves. Even the pregnancy didn't have the slightest bit of effect on it. As a result, they could understand a little. She was, most likely, that quite favored lady Mu from the rumors. She must be now Zhong Zheng Lin's cefei.
The crown prince and the first prince uncontrollably cast her several more looks, sighing that it was a great pity. Such a beauty, yet she was appointed to that wood, the sixth. If she was given to them….their imagination couldn't refrain from roaming.
The fourth prince also threw her a few appreciative glances. He sighed that no wonder his younger brother came to him for the folk remedy. She was actually quite a beauty.
The mood of the fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming was very complicated. So this was that lady Mu. She was just like her name, beautiful and quick-witted, worth of the ideas he had harbored about her. If Zhong Zheng Lin hadn't intervened at the selection, she would have been his shufei now. For a moment, anger engulfed his mind. Inside, he ferociously made a brushstroke of ZZL1.
The fifth princess consort next to him also looked at Mu Xi Yao. Inwardly, she was greatly relieved. Fortunately, she had got the wrong person at the time. Otherwise, if a woman with such looks entered the residence, which man wouldn't be pleased? Even that the most solemn and dignified sixth prince was bewitched by her into submitting a memorial to request her promotion. She couldn't stop herself from feeling secretly glad.
Zhong Zheng Lin has naturally sensed the fifth prince's indistinct gazes. Yet, he was unperturbed and hugged the person, not afraid at all of the knife like gazes that flew over at him. Since the person has already entered his residence, what could he do to him?
However, the other few gazes that clearly contained a covet made Zhong Zheng Lin very displeased. His handsome face carried a slight chillness.
As soon as Zhong Zheng Lin's expression changed, Mu Xi Yao who was watching the dance and singing immediately had a reaction. She glanced at him with a puzzled look. The man adjusted his posture and then took the person into his arms. He had his gaze fixed at the front, his big hand squeezed her little hand and caressed it.
Only after birthday banquet entered into presenting the gift segment did everyone's spirit raise up, secretly keeping in mind the competing thoughts.
The crown prince was the first to go on the stage. What he presented was the authentic painting 《Red Bird》by the sage painter Qing Xu of Xuande Emperor's period. The drawing was the sage painter's work of later years after retirement that has been long lost. Now that it has reappeared, it's value was incalculable. Apart from that, the red bird itself was an auspicious sign by the folklore. Its metaphorical meaning was very felicitous.
The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile. She praised the crown prince for being sincere and that his filial piety was laudable. Yuancheng Emperor, seeing the drawing, greatly praised Qin Xu's clear and handsome, lofty and unsullied painting style.
Following, the first prince Zhong Zheng Chun presented a bracelet strung with seventy-two camphor coated sandalwood beads. Those camphor beads were extremely rare. They were produced only from more than century-old fragrant camphor trees at the mountain stream of the Mt Weiya. However, up to the present, there were only less than half a hundred of camphor trees at the mountain stream. The century-old trees were even more scarce. On top of that, this bead naturally carried a light sandalwood fragrance and had the ability to calm one's mind and heart, to assist the sleep and prolong one's lifespan. Therefore, it had the value but no market2 and was exceptionally rare.
After Empress Dowager received the bracelet, she praised the first prince with a laugh that he was thoughtful and has gone to a lot of trouble for her birthday present.
Subsequently, the Buddhist texts presented by the fourth prince Zhong Zheng Yun and the golden statue of the Empress Dowager presented by the fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming, Empress Dowager was quite fond of them. She commended the two for being filial and sincere. She indicated to the eunuch behind her to take the scriptures and statue to the Buddhistic hall at Empress Dowager's Fengan palace.
When it was the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin's turn to present a gift, they saw six little eunuchs carry forward three pots of the most common five-needle pine bonsai. The pine trees were very ordinary and there was nothing original about the pots. Although pine tree had always had a metaphorical meaning of longevity, it seemed too average at the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. Furthermore, their amount was quite strange. This unusual congratulatory gift had evoked Empress Dowager and Yuancheng Emperor's interest.
Zhong Zheng Lin stood in the middle of the hall with a tall and straight figure. He spoke with a steady voice.
"Grandson has specially sought three five-needle pines for grandmother. They're transplanted separately from three places." He moved slightly sideways to let eunuchs who were carrying the pots to step forward and put them down. He then continued. "The first tree comes from the border town of Xinzhou." As soon as his voice fell, everyone saw Empress Dowager's body stiffen. The eyes of hers that were looking at cedar tree seemed to be absent-minded.
Zhong Zheng Lin went on to say, "The latter two separately come from Hai city of Fuzhou and Taishan of Qinzhou. Although these three pines are ordinary, grandson hopes they could often accompany grandmother. May grandmother be like a pine tree, live in a continuous prosperous life and unfailing vigor."
Hearing Zhong Zheng Lin's words, Empress Dowager again looked toward the three bonsais, gazing at them for a good while until tears welled in her eyes. She silently erased them with her silk handkerchief. Afterward, she affectionately nodded to Zhong Zheng Lin, and praised him vigorously three times in a row. In addition, on the spot, she ordered people to carefully carry the bonsais back to her palace. She actually meant to arrange them in her palace to look at them daily.
Yuancheng Emperor was also quite moved deeply. For the first time at the banquet, he opened his mouth to give praise, saying that the sixth prince was a filial son and obedient grandson, being genuinely sincere.
There were many clever people seated underneath. After connecting events before and after they had sized up the merit of the sixth prince's ordinary object.
Translation notes:
[1] Make a brushstroke of someone means to remember, mark, memorize an unpleasant/grudging incident
[2] Have a value but no market means that although the commodity is very precious its base price far exceeds the price budget of the person who wants to buy, therefore since no one buys it, there is no Market
43
It turned out that there was a deeper meaning behind the tree locations. The first location was Empress Dowager's childhood hometown. All of the memories of her mother remained there. The second location was her maternal grandparents' place where Empress Dowager went to live after the death of her mother. There, she met Gaozu Emperor who was on his excursion to the south. Henceforth, their fates have been tied for a lifetime. The third location was where she accompanied Gaozu Emperor as his step Empress to Mt Tai offering sacrifices to the ancestral mausoleum. It was also Gaozu Emperor's last toured place.
After learning about the secret behind, people present on banquet all have praised the sixth prince for his diligence and filial piety. They secretly reckoned inwardly that the sixth prince's congratulatory gift was probably most to Empress Dowager's like.
Zhong Zheng Lin's ingeniousness made the rest of the imperial princes depressed. The crown prince was particularly resentful. He believed that Zhong Zheng Lin, who belonged to the crown prince's faction on the surface, clearly had a draft worked out in his mind early on, yet he hadn't notified him a tiny bit about it. He went as far as to directly climb over him and put himself into the limelight before the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. He obviously harbored evil intentions.
Exactly because of the constant strife at this banquet and the grim face the crown prince cast Zhong Zheng Lin due to his evident dislike of him made Yuancheng Emperor be increasingly disappointed in the crown prince.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't bother to pay attention to what the crown prince thought. He was as solemn and upright as usual. After paying respect he returned to his seat, sitting as straight as a ramrod. However, inside he was quite curious about the item the little woman had worked on and then concealed in the Huizhou.
Mu Xi Yao was very surprised when she saw Zhong Zheng Lin's present. She didn't expect they would think alike. Both of them played emotional cards. Their hearts indeed beat in unison1. She turned her head to throw him a crafty smile and then waited for her grand present to go on stage.
The gifts from the womenfolk were mostly hand-copied Buddhist texts or needlecraft and embroidery. The only ones that were a little more special were from the crown princess who presented a unique copy of《Vimalakirti Sutra》and from the fifth princess consort's double-sided embroidery of a boy offering birthday congratulations which was accomplished by her in person. Both of them were praised greatly.
When it was Mu Xi Yao's turn to present a birthday gift, they saw two little eunuchs carry an object that was as tall as a person, covered by a dark green silk fabric. Just like this, it was carried forward.
Everyone joked that the two deserved to be called a family as even the way her present appeared on the stage resembled so much to that of the sixth prince Zhong Zheng Lin.
After the two eunuchs stood still they cautiously unveiled the cover simultaneously from both sides. As soon as the silk fabric fell, it instantly invoked an exclamations from the audience.
They saw a screen like decoration standing at the center of the hall. Its body was actually a colorless glass they've never seen before. It was wholly transparent, arranged in a yellow rosewood frame with decorative carvings. Two enlarged Vanda orchids were inlaid in the middle. Its flowers were light purple while the branches and tendrils were in dark green color.
The whole Vanda orchid, whether it was its petals or vine, glittered with splendor, giving off an aura of great opulence. The flower's shape was uniquely charming, elegant and refined.
A closer look has revealed that the enlarged Vanda orchids were actually made of countless of small flowers and vines. These little flowers and vines were all made out of real Vanda orchids' fresh flowers, branches, and leaves. Their surface was coated and sealed up by a crystal. Through the crystal, people could see that each flower and piece of the leaf had distinct arteries and veins, which appeared vivid and lifelike, as if there was truly a breeze that has brushed past them, making them sway elegantly. All of the flowers that have been sealed up by the crystal have maintained the beautiful form from their fresh times, remarkably true to life, so beautiful it dazzled people.
The entire screen contained hundreds of flowers. The wines were intervened with each other. The craftsmanship was complicated but exquisite beyond compare. On the lower right corner of the screen was a light yellow silk fabric label where could be seen a woman's delicate handwriting: The splendiness of Vanda orchids. Flowers bloom a splendor, its name immortalized.
Once this screen came out, it immediately stunned everyone at the birthday banquet. The ones who were even more pleasantly surprised than others were Empress Dowager and Yuancheng Emperor. However, each of them had a completely different reason for being impressed.
It was well known that among all the flowers, Empress Dowager was solely fond of Vanda orchid. Back then when Gaozu Emperor met her and they came to know each other, he repeatedly gifted her this flower, praising her for "having a pure heart and spirit, to be with a virtuous and noble character". Thereupon, for the rest of life, Empress Dowager had eyes only for Vanda orchid.
Yuancheng Emperor, on the other side, was amazed by its ingenious manufacturing technique, which had no equal. The only one to exist at the present age. Nowadays the orchids of Huizhou had already become the important source of Great Wei's taxation. If this peerless artwork that the world has never seen before was counted in, it will without a doubt bring about another grand occasion. Yuancheng Emperor contemplated about the screen's origin and then directly had Mu Xi Yao to step forward and answer questions.
Mu Xi Yao got up calmly. She firstly curtsied to Empress Dowager and Emperor and then replied to them with a gentle voice.
"Replying to your Imperial Majesty. This servant got an inspiration for this screen while appreciating the beauty of orchids in Huaizhou. Subsequently, this servant crafted it personally along with craftsmen."
When Empress Dowager heard that it was handmade by Mu'shi, she became a little more satisfied. The artwork was incredulously complicated. It could clearly be seen that she has put a genuine effort.
"Mu'shi, how many fresh flowers are in the screen? Aijia2 looked at it. There must be more than hundreds of them." Empress Dowager was somewhat curious.
Mu Xi Yao wore a shallow smile on face. Her voice was clear and resonant, "Replying to Empress Dowager. The whole Vanda orchid used over two hundred and seventy flowers. The shape of each flower is unique and unparalleled in the world. Therefore, there is also only one kind of such a screen in the world.
Hearing these words, a joy engaged on Empress Dowager's face. She ordered people to cautiously carry the screen back to her palace hall. Then, she recalled that this sixth prince's cefei Mu'shi was pregnant with child. She rewarded Mu Xi Yao with camlet and brocade. Even the unborn child in her belly has received the longevity lock and jade scepter. The eyes of the present womenfolk reddened when they saw it.
Yuancheng Emperor was elated. He didn't expect that this craft was actually Mu'shi's possession. This nice surprise was just too great. Yuancheng Emperor was very excited inwardly. Furthermore, he felt that this cefei promotion was the right decision, indeed wise of him.
Subsequently, on the spot, he told Zhong Zheng Lin to see him tomorrow at the study and praised Mu Xi Yao that her appearance and conduct could be rated as an example for Great Wei's noblewomen.
Once Yuancheng Emperor's words came out, there was no woman present who wasn't envious and jealous. These were golden mouth and jade words3. An enormous honor. Looking at that Mu cefei curtsing, thanking for the grace and then gracefully retreating to sit down beside his sixth Highness, all women longed to take her place. With swishes, their dagger gazes hailed Mu Xi Yao.
Her Ladyship consort Shu at the side was very happy. The actions of her son and Mu'shi brought her honour. Mu cefei became even more pleasing in her eyes. Inwardly, she muttered it seemed that ever since she entered the residence everything went smoothly for her son. Could it possibly be that she truly possessed a fortune?
If consort Shu learnt how unusual was this woman's fortune, she would, probably, not feel pleasantly surprised but scared half-death.
On this side, as soon as Mu Xi Yao sat down, she instantly smugly winked at Zhong Zheng Lin in secret. Under the cover of the sleeve, her little hand jabbed his thigh. That appearance of hers was a typical example of demanding the praise and reward. Seeing her like this, Zhong Zheng Lin laughed inside. He patted her plump derriere. Yet, his face showed nothing on the surface.
The fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming who was seated at a table's distance from them turned his head and cast a glance at Mu Xi Yao, unable to reconcile in the heart. Such a bright and beautiful maiden, yet she was seized by Zhong Zheng Lin. A moment ago, Yuancheng Emperor has instructed Zhong Zheng Lin to go to the study tomorrow. It clearly had something to do with this screen. Moreover, it seemed that he hold this matter in high regard. Zhong Zheng Ming's eyes darkened. He contemplated inwardly that after returning back he ought to discuss with his adviser to see whether something could be done by the time.
On the Empress Dowager's banquet this evening, the sixth prince's residence stood out the most. Their two birthday presents were both enthusiastically talked about by people. Momentarily, it has spread to the top of streets and bottom of alleys of Shengjing, made known to everyone.
After birthdays banquet, Zhong Zheng Lin took Mu Xi Yao and together they went back to the residence. Inside the carriage, Mu Xi Yao proudly demanded the reward.
The sixth Highness gladly consented. As soon as they returned to the Danruo Courtyard, he put the person on the bed to put her in order, responding to her request in the carriage. She naturally ought to be rewarded greatly, so that she would never be able to forget for all her life.
Translation notes:
[1] Heart beat in unison fig. two hearts beat as one
[2] Aijia is the first-person pronoun employed by the emperor's mother out of respect for her deceased husband
[3] Golden mouth and jade words means Emperor's words, words that carry great weight
44
On the following day, Yuancheng Emperor had an audience with Zhong Zheng Lin at the study for half an hour. Afterward, he nodded his head with a smile, indicating Zhong Zheng Lin to go back and attend to his duties attentively. Everything went as expected. Mu Xi Yao passed on a completely new art "Flower Cladding". In addition, she had also explained meticulously all the needed tools and procedure.
Regarding the matter of how many benefits Zhong Zheng had fished out in this matter, Mu Xi Yao was too lazy to ask. However, her Jia Yi workshop has risen to popularity overnight. The little items laid out inside for selling, as long as they were related to lady Mu's cladded flowers, were all snapped up. The noble ladies and misses of Shengjing were like on a wild-goose chase. For a moment, even though Jia Yi workshop was set to work fully-committed, they still weren't able to satisfy the orders that surged forward.
When Mu Xi Yao met steward of Jia Yi workshop at the study, saw her anxious face and heard her frustrated words, she made a simple statement "limit the orders" and then cast aside the matter, paying it no more attention.
Once this considerably eccentric rule of Jia Yi workshop came out, not only didn't they lose customers like how some people have envisioned, instead, it had raised the prices of valuable goods of Jia Yi workshop that were of a limited quantity, going as far as to vaguely becoming the objects of comparison between noblewomen.
Zhong Zheng Lin didn't know whether to cry or laugh at Mu Xi Yao's indolent nature. This woman goofed off on her own yet made such a commotion. Even consort Shu had mentioned in front of him how well-received was that Jia Yi workshop of his cefei in the palace. When Zhong Zheng Lin heard it, he could only sigh inwardly. The little woman indeed had planned assiduously. It's no wonder that she had requested to go to Huizhou. So this was the reason. Indeed a smart girl. She even dared to cook up schemes about about Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. Only she could do such a thing.
Outside, steward of Jia Yi workshop has strictly implemented all of Mu cefei's plans, growing Jia Yi workshop to the fifth store at Great Wei and then stopping its expansion, firmly maintaining its monthly quantity. The advance reservation rule started to operate smoothly. The business was quite booming.
This unique and effective way of running a business made even Yuancheng Emperor praise greatly. Only Zhong Zheng Lin knew that it was the woman's laziness that had recurred. If the business went large scale, she would be unhappy. Using her words, it would be "it's quite sufficient for qie's expenditure having just these few stores". Zhong Zheng Lin was amused whenever he recalled it.
Mu Xi Yao had no time to pay attention to the excitement outside. She was cefei now. Every month there were two days when she had to go to her Ladyship consort Shu's palace to pay respect. Besides, a big matter was awaiting for her to attend to nowadays. The New Year festival was approaching. The social engagements in the residence stuck around for her, the newly appointed cefei, to take care of. When Mu Xi Yao recollected those cumbersome matters, she was unable to raise her spirit. In the end, an idea formed in Mu Xi Yao's head. She thought that she still needed to hold on his sixth prince's thigh.
—–
After Zhong Zheng Lin returned back to the room in the evening, he saw Mu Xi Yao hospitably serve him tea, enquiring solicitously about his well-being. He needn't think to know that this woman had something to request.
"Say it. What's the matter?" Zhong Zheng Lin lied on the soft chair and let her fawn on him by massaging his shoulders. In fact, it wasn't a massage. Compared to Tang'shi's skillfulness, this woman was kneading. But who told him to just enjoy it?
Mu Xi Yao didn't feel ashamed after her trick was exposed. She, very brazenly, dug into the man's embrace and curried favor with him, "Your Highness, qie just wants to ask how was New Year festival run in the residence in previous years. As a matter of fact, qie hadn't organized it before." She swayed delicately in Zhong Zheng Lin's arms, from time to time sticking out her bulged belly to remind him that she was a pregnant woman and that it was not appropriate to tire her.
How could Zhong Zheng Lin not understand her little thoughts? He pinched her little nose to tease her. The other women, they all longed to wield power, yearned to hold all of the benefits of the inner yard in their hands. She, on the other side, was nowadays the residence's only cefei, possessing the highest position. Yet, not only didn't she want to draw over to her side connections and allot benefits, she even went so far as to turn to him while acting shamelessly, wanting to avoid work. This woman indeed did everything in reverse.
"How about your Highness borrowing chief steward to qie?" Hearing her boldly state devious ideas, he adopted an angry attitude and bit her ear to vent his displeasure.
Borrowing chief steward? Based on her personality, once he borrowed her chief steward, she would hurry to push everything to Tian Fu Shan, becoming an arm-flinging shopkeeper1, Ultimately, she would just look at the list of items while nodding her head. Was there such a good thing?
Zhong Zheng Lin's brows raised slightly. His phoenix eyes looked at her with teasing. The corner of his mouth hooked evilly. The sight made Mu Xi Yao feel embarrassed. Abashed, she went to hide in his arms.
"Jiao Jiao," Zhong Zheng Lin stuck close to her ear and said in low voice, "Want to avoid work? It's not impossible." His tone made Mu Xi Yao's heart resentful. What kind of wicked thoughts were going through this stinky man's mind again? Since she now sought favor from him, she could only sullenly endure.
"Bendian is deeply aware that Jiao Jiao's pregnancy takes much toil. To have chief steward assist you is a must." As expected, the little woman's head emerged from his arms. She looked at him with sparkling eyes. Her gaze was filled with joy and dependence. However, he won't be polite with her about the interest he ought to collect from her, "That posture from last night…."
Instantly, a blush tinged Mu Xi Yao's face. Her ears felt hot. This rascal. Yesterday, when he returned to the chamber, he held an erotica drawing that who knew where he got from and insisted she cooperates with him, checking out the positions inside. Where were his sixth Highness's dignified and solemn manners? Today, he has again remembered about it. He was simply licentious! Mu Xi Yao was so resentful her teeth itched. Hypocrite!
Zhong Zheng Lin laughed inwardly. Did she want to be an idle person with few words? If there was no benefit, the little woman needn't to even think about it.
In the end, Mu Xi Yao still had to ask for help, thus with grief and indignation, she fulfilled Zhong Zheng Lin's wish, being tormented ruthlessly for a night. The sixth Highness kept his promise. On the following morning, as he was about to go out, he instructed Tian Fu Shan to go to Danruo courtyard and look for cefei. He was to listen to any orders that were given to him.
—–
After steward Tian arrived to Danruo Courtyard and heard Mu cefei's whole story, with an odd expression on the face, he replied that his Highness had already arranged everything. Three days prior, he had already instructed him to make the preparation and when the time came he was to give cefei the list of items so that she could look it over.
Mu Xi Yao was flabbergasted. She still couldn't believe that she was tricked by that always upright and solemn sixth Highness. That stinky man. He had obviously arranged everything already, yet he kept her in dark saying nothing and would even go so far as to thick-skinnedly demand for a benefit. He was simply shameless to the extreme! Mu Xi Yao fiercely glared at Tian Fu Shan. Accomplice!
The chief steward was at a loss why Mu cefei has inexplicably directed her anger on him. He could only bitterly retreat. Only Zhao momo, who was accompanying her at the side, knew a little about the reason. As a result, she had learnt that his Highness also had such…inappropriate moments. She resisted laughter with difficulty, stood at the side and watched mistress Yao going around in the room as if to vent out.
—–
In the evening, when Zhong Zheng Lin came back to use the meal, he suddenly discovered that the woman who usually enjoyed light flavors had unexpectedly prepared a table of bright red colored dishes. He was amused. It seems that she was extremely mad. However, didn't she know that he had trained an army in Shuzhou2?
Mu Xi Yao even solicitously picked dishes and replenished meal for him. She watched Zhong Zheng Lin attentively, with a face full of expectation. That gaze of hers was clearly urging him to to quickly use food. Zhong Zheng Lin leisurely picked the food and sent it to his mouth. There was no change of expression on his face. His etiquette was impeccable.
Mu Xi Yao was watching him with mouth open, her face carrying a silly expression. For a moment, she thought that she was dreaming. In memories, Zhong Zheng Lin never ate spicy food. After becoming an Emperor, just because He xiuyuan's3 mind has wandered once and picked a spicy hot kidney bean, Emperor, in great anger, demoted her to meiren4. Afterward, he broke her brother's thoughts of staying in the capital and instead appointed him to a post outside the capital. Could it be that….it was merely a pretext?
In a flash, Mu Xi Yao understood. This man hid himself so deeply it was frightening. Even some habits and details were all, unexpectedly, a pretense for other to see. People who grow up in the imperial household were indeed extraordinary.
Yet, he wasn't halfhearted with her. Right now, it was the real Zhong Zheng Lin. The anger Mu Xi Yao felt previously has completely dissipated. What was left was only a slight bitterness.
"Your Highness, qie is very happy." Mu Xi Yao put down bowl and chopsticks. She walked behind Zhong Zheng Lin and gently hugged his neck, her cheek resting his. She spoke only this sentence and no more.
Just not long ago, Zhong Zheng Lin saw her be stunned by him into staring silly at him. However, after a while, there was a tenderness overflowing in her eyes. Finally, she said very affectionate words and then hugged him, not moving an inch. As he was about to turn around and laugh at her, he glimpsed half of a chilly pepper in his bowl. Suddenly, he froze.
In front of her, he has actually unconsciously removed his disguise. Then, the meaning behind those words….
This woman…her intuition was so accurate it was scary.
Momentary, hundreds of tastes mixed inside Zhong Zheng Lin's heart5. If she was not like this, he probably wouldn't be attracted by her and his mind wouldn't be filled with her. Let it be. He ought to just comply with her. She might be the only one in this world. Making an exception for her didn't feel bad.
He easily grasped the hands that were holding his neck. The two's fingers were tightly locked together, uttering no words for a very long time.
Translation notes:
[1]Arm-flinging shopkeeper refers to someone who asks others to work but does nothing himself/herself
[2] Shuzou – this province refers to Sichuan which is famed for spicy food
[3] Xiuyuan – rank of an imperial concubine (see in Tang Dynasty ranking)
[4] Meiren – rank of an imperial concubine (see in Tang Dynasty ranking)
[5] Hundreds tastes mixed inside one's heart is a Chinese idiom meaning with complex feelings
45
The fourth princess consort was just speaking with consort Shu about an interesting story of the children in the residence when she heard people announce from outside that Mu cefei came to pay respect to her Ladyship.
This was Mu Xi Yao's first time going to palace to pay consort Shu respect. In the past few days, she already inquired discreetly Zhong Zheng Lin about consort Shu's preferences. Today she came to please her mother-in-law. As soon as she entered inside, she saw consort Shu sitting on the head seat, next to her was the fourth princess consort and the woman standing behind the fourth princess consort and attending to her should be the cefei.
Mu Xi Yao's face was full of smiles. She courteously greeted the three. Soon after, she was called over by consort Shu to sit on the other side.
Mu Xi Yao looked at that standing cefei, hesitated for a while before sitting down in a poised manner. Pregnant women always enjoyed the excellent treatment. She wasn't the slightest bit shy with strangers. With a smiling face, Mu Xi Yao ordered Mo Lan to bring greeting gifts and then she apologized to the fourth princess consort, embarrassed, "Fourth sister-in-law, qie didn't know you will also come to visit her Ladyship today. Hence, qie didn't take along the share that was prepared specially for you. How about I have people send it to your residence after returning to the residence?" Her eyelashes blinked and blinked, looking very charming. Consort Shu who was watching her was amused by her.
Mu Xi Yao opened the box in her hand and said, "Your Ladyship, qie has heard from his Highness that you are very fond of vanilla. As a result, qie has made a whole set of jewelry for you. Do you like them," while holding the box filled with neatly arranged jewelry before consort Shu.
That face of hers which brimmed with expectation made consort Shu take the box without thinking. People who came to consort Shu's place all had to serve her cautiously and with great care. This Mu cefei, on the contrary, seemed very warm-hearted.
Looking at a set of twelve jewelry pinned on the water-blue colored foil inside the box, all of them glimmering unifiedly in gold, they were indeed very beautiful. The arrangement of vanilla was very particular. From flower bud earring to dangling hairpin with full blossom ornament, all their postures were vivid and realistic, immensely opulent. What made people pleasantly surprised was that the inside of the box was scented with vanilla fragrance. The scent of the flower was very delightful. Even the jewelry was laced slightly with the scent that lingered faintly around them.
The women were nicely surprised. They praised Mu Xi Yao on and on for half a day. Soon, they were all beguiled by her till they didn't know whether they were standing on their heads or heels. After a while, they found the same topic to engage in. As they were conversing, Mu Xi Yao abruptly wheedled at consort Shu, aggrieved, "Your Ladyship, your grandson is hungry. May qie ask for light refreshments for him?"
Consort Shu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed at her for shamelessly using a child as a pretext to ask for snacks. Mu Xi Yao immediately complained that his sixth Highness has used the excuse that his son didn't like the taste of garlic to prohibit putting garlic paste to the meals at home.
In an instant, all the women in the room broke into laughter. They didn't expect that the sixth Highness who always carries a serious expression would also have such mischievous moments.
Consort Shu has then recalled that during Zhong Zheng Lin's childhood when he was just a tiny bit, he would knit his brows and throw a tantrum about not wanting mutton that was stained by garlic. For a moment, thousand of feeling welled up in consort Shu's mind.
How long has it been? That child has never again revealed his feeling to outside like that. She subsequently looked at Mu'shi's eyes that were filled with smiles. She made Zhong Zheng Lin a target while she enjoyed the food. Consort Shu smiled. This one actually had a big-hearted and easy-going personality. She didn't carry complicated thoughts like others. It was no surprise that the sixth would dote on her.
When Zhong Zheng Lin entered inside, he saw Mu Xi Yao hold consort Shu's arm in a familiar manner while enthusiastically praising that the palace's layered crepe cake tasted authentic. Her little mouth kept speaking without a pause.
Zhong Zheng Lin first paid respect to consort Shu and then greeted with others. As soon as he sat down and took a sip of tea, he saw Mu Xi Yao's hand again stretch out toward the plate with pastry. Unconcerned of others around, his brows knitted, "How many did you have?"
Everyone in the hall quietened, surprised by him. Only Mu Xi Yao pouted her mouth and muttered guiltily, "Can your Highness not constantly stare at qie's pastries?" That appearance of hers looked so aggrieved.
Consort Shu didn't understand, "What's the matter? If you like to eat pastries, take more of them." As she spoke, she was again going to have people serve her some.
"Mother-consort, the imperial physician prohibited her from eating too much of sweets. He said that if she had too much of them, the child would grow to be too big. It would result in unfavorable labor." Zhong Zheng Lin watched Mu Xi Yao with a grave expression, yet his words were directed at consort Shu.
"This child. The imperial physician has already said so. You should listen to him. Women giving birth to a child is a big matter. It cannot be taken easily." Consort Shu looked amusedly at Mu Xi Yao who was pouting, not happy that she was being controlled by Zhong Zheng Lin. She was simply a child. Consort Shu thought that Mu Xi Yao was just way too young, only fifteen1. Even so, she felt things were good as they were right now. Consort Shu quickly ordered people to withdraw the plate to avoid Mu Xi Yao keep thinking about them.
Seeing Zhong Zheng Lin present, Mu Xi Yao just gave up on badgering. Leaning against consort Shu, she coyly fawned on her, "Next time qie comes, your Ladyship will prepare even better pastries." Zhong Zheng Lin's face twitched when he saw those pair of watery eyes that looked aggrieved. Consort Shu patted her little hand and complied with a smile.
Zhong Zheng drank the tea. Seeing that it was about time, he stood up and took his leave, taking along Mu Xi Yao. Mu Xi Yao looked back while walking. She was very happy to share her pets with consort Shu, "Your Ladyship, next time qie will bring along those two chubby rabbits for you to see." Before she could finish, Zhong Zheng Lin pulled her away. He turned her head, "Look properly at the road!"
"Slow down, your Highness. Qie's legs are numb from sitting." The two talked while their silhouette went further and further away.
Consort Shu and the fourth princess consort looked at each and then sighed. Finally, there was a person who could make the sixth have different expressions. The two have truly hit it off. Cefei who was serving at side sighed silently. His sixth Highness doted on that one. Unlike her who was dispensable in the residence. If she didn't give birth to his fourth Highness's only son, she didn't even know where she would be now.
Zhong Zheng Lin walked in the front. Mu Xi Yao whose face was flushed cheerfully followed behind him.
"Very happy?" The man in the front slowed his pace. In the palace, he carried a "don't try to get close to me" appearance. His acting looked truly realistic. Mu Xi Yao curled up her lips.
"Uhm. Her Ladyship is nice. Qie didn't feel like she was an aloof and remote imperial concubine." Mu Xi Yao responded bluntly.
Zhong Zheng Lin was amused. His mother-consort was at least connected to an aloof and remote imperial concubine. Yet, when it came to him, he was never considered extraordinary by the little woman. Zhong Zheng Lin was bewildered about this. The rest of the women acted very carefully around him, fearing that they would make the sixth Highness displeased. When it came to her, teasing and provocation were all a common occurrence. However, it was exactly due to this reason why he would feel comfortable and unrestrained when he was with her.
"Before you came, you were afraid that mother-consort would be too strict. Why I didn't see you being afraid of bendian?" Zhong Zheng Lin still asked.
"Qie hasn't done anything wrong. Why should be qie afraid of your Highness? Besides, even if qie did something wrong, your Highness still can fix qie only after giving birth to the child." That appearance of hers looked fearless as if it was a matter of course.
Zhong Zheng Lin was so angry that he actually found this situation funny. So, it turned out that the little woman had such plans. Unable to stand watching her be so proud of herself that her nose stuck to the sky, he coldly added, "After the birth of the child, bendian will have lots of time to fix you." His tone was very confident.
Mu Xi Yao froze. She has temporarily forgotten that one needed to pay after playing in the prince's residence2. She pulled on a long face, dawdling at the back and pondering about how to coax big boss so he would forget about her impudence.
Zhong Zheng Lin looked back and threw her a glance, a smile engaging in his phoenix eyes.
The two returned to Danruo Courtyard. Unexpectedly, lady Zhang was waiting outside. Behind her was a servant girl holding a bundle wrapped in cloth.
"This servant pays respect to your Highness and cefei." Lady Zhang decorously bent her knees and greeted, waiting for the two to tell her to get up.
Mu Xi Yao amiably told lady Zhang to rise and invited her inside. Zhong Zheng Lin was, as usual, sitting upright without a word.
"Is there any matter?" Mu Xi Yao started to speculate about this lady Zhang's intention. This woman was smart, yet she wasn't as shrewd as Tang Yi Ru. Since entering the residence, lady Zhang hasn't been yet graced by Zhong Zheng Lin. However, she was well-behaved in the inner yard and has never done anything wicked. In the previous life, she had born Zhong Zheng Lin a daughter, but the child had died before reaching adulthood. Ultimately, she only got the rank of a mere noble lady. As a senior in his inner yard, this rank was very embarrassing.
"Replying to cefei. This servant made some objects for little children in the leisure time. This servant brought them to show respect to cefei." Her attitude was quite courteous.
It was Mu Xi Yao's first time to hear others say "show respect to". She felt a little awkward for a moment. On the surface, however, she appeared very easy-going. Smiling, she took the gift and also didn't forget to praise her few words.
Zhong Zheng Lin actually didn't expect that this quiet Zhang'shi would come to curry favor with Mu Xi Yao. However, he didn't mind. Just a mere concubine. As long as the little woman liked, she could suit herself. If Zhang'shi was well-behaved and knew the property, he will then watch over her a bit. To him, the concubines in the inner yard were all dispensable.
After delivering the handmade needlework, she didn't linger around. Taking her servant girl, she returned to her Zhuyin hall.
"Mistress, now that you've curried favor with cefei, it's still unknown whether cefei would appreciate your kindness or not. In the future when the principal consort marries over, the first one she wouldn't tolerate will be cefei. If she starts to bear a grudge against you because of that, what do we do?" Lady Zhang's servant girl was very worried.
"You're aware of our current circumstance, so what's there to talk about the future? Lady Mu is someone with tricks up her sleeves. To be able to oppress lady Tang, who was also shufei at the time, and make her not being able to serve his Highness to this day, she isn't someone easy to get along with. This kind of person, as long as she doesn't make a big mistake and has a child to back her, is worth to bet on."
Translation Notes:
[1] Her age is based on the traditional Chinese method of reckoning. In this system, a person's age is one year at birth, and increases by one year at the beginning of the first solar term each year, hence Mu Xi Yao's actual year is fourteen
[2] You play, You pay means what goes around comes around