A Clouds float like works of art;
Stars shoot with grief at heart.
Across the Milky Way the Cowherd meets the Maid.
When autumn's Golden Wind embraces Dew of Jade,
All the love scenes on earth, however many, fade.
Their tender love flows like a stream;
This happy date seems but a dream.
Can they bear a separate homeward way?
If love between both sides can last for aye,
Why need they stay together night and day?
Immortals at the Magpie Bridge by Qin Guan
The year was 1730 in the seventh month when Yehe-Nara Meiying entered the palace at age fifteen for the concubine selection for the Fourth Prince of Emperor Yongzheng, Hongli. Daughter of the Head of the Yehe Nara clan and Minister of Justice, Baoshou, and his primary consort Wanxiu of the Ula-Nara Clan, she was an early favorite to be accepted into the young prince's household as she was favored by the current emperor after helping him with getting more grain to the population. She was childhood friends with Older Sister Qingying as a cousin through her mother, who was the younger sister of Na'erbu and Empress Yixiu. The two girls were like sisters as they did everything together along with their personal maids A'Ruo and Suyuan.
When Older Sister was selected as Fourth Prince's second wife in 1728, Meiying was ecstatic for her cousin. Though she wasn't a fan of the Gao concubine, Xiyue, as she was an arrogant girl who expected everything to be handed to her. Fuca Langhua, the main wife, was a tad too boring and proper, but she felt that she was hiding a shrewdness under that exterior. The Korean concubine Jin Yuyan arrived a year afterward, along with Chen Wanyin and Huang Qiying joining the household after seducing her mistress' husband. Then a year after that entered Su Lüyun and Keliyete Hailan, and with both, she became fast friends.
After she turned fourteen, unknown to her, the Fourth Prince had been watching her as she visited her cousin and friends. He became attracted to the budding beauty, entranced by her smile, and started sending her poetry and gifts under a pseudonym to hide his identity from her and her parents till the selection next year. During this time, Hongli became a bit sullen at the fact he hadn't had any children, and he expressed his wish that she would give him one through his letters after they married. She knew nature had its course and never made that promise to herself if they did end up married by chance. She didn't know who was sending her these gifts and letters, and didn't have high hopes that she would ever meet them either.
Then came the morning of the selection and her mother, Madam Wanxiu, and her younger sister Jinying burst into her chambers, startling Meiying as she just woke up and was still in a daze. Suyuan nearly dropped the tray of warm water and towels in her hands at their intrusion. Despite her protests, the two females dragged the older girl out of her bed and ushered her toward her bathing chambers. Bathing in faint lavender-scented water, the young woman scrubbed her skin clean and washed her hair with fragrant oils to give a soft, healthy glow. Lightly powdering her face and using rouge to color her lips a slightly brighter pink, Meiying watched in amusement as her family debated on what she would wear to the palace. In the end, Suyuan won the argument, as she brought out the outfit she had prepared the night before: a light pink changyi dress with a dark pink collar and flowers embroidered on the sleeves and bottom of the dress. With a dark pink underdress and slits up the side of the dress, she also wore a white Longhua collar around her neck. Her nail guards were on her ring fingers and little fingers, and she carried a pink handkerchief that she sewed when she was younger as her lucky charm. Her hair was worn in the ruanchitou style with decorations, making her a true beauty as she smiled at herself in the mirror. Slipping on a pair of light pink mati xie shoes to give her more height, she added three pink pearl earrings to each of her ears to show the symbol of Manchu. Spinning in a circle as she admired her look, Meiying was happy with her choice and going by her family's expressions they were too.
"Older sister, you look so pretty!" Jinying exclaimed as the twelve-year-old clapped her hands together. "The Fourth Prince will definitely choose you!"
Mother held back her tears at the thought of her oldest daughter possibly getting married. She wondered where the time went as she remembered when she used to pick cherry blossoms for her birthday, always going for the better-quality ones higher on the branches than the lower ones. Father was no better as he remembered her sitting on his knee when she was a child and helped him with his work. She always had a mind for numbers and let her help him with finances.
"Young Miss is so radiant. She'll definitely be chosen," Suyuan declared as she straightened the accessories on her mistress' hair.
Giving them a smile, she decided to eat something light as nervousness flowed through her. She had some tofu soup from their chef from Yangzhou. Once she finished, she walked through her home for probably the last time, admiring the artistic talents of her father as she saw the paintings on the wall. Stepping outside, she saw the sedan ready to take her to the Palace and people lined up on the street to see their beloved noble lady sent away for the selection. Waving at the people, she stepped into the sedan and sat down and watched as the familiar sights transformed into the Forbidden City's opulent scenery.
From the gates of the Palace, she followed a number of other xiunu behind the momos as they headed towards Jiangxue Pavilion, the location of the selection. They had already gone through the inspections over the last several months, from body inspections to serving the prince's mother Noble Consort Xi for weeks to weed out those with bad behavior. Waiting on the bridge at the entrance of the pavilion, they waited for the eunuch to announce the beginning of the selection. From the group she is in, she doesn't see anyone of note that was much competition for her.
"The Xiunu selection begins!" The Head Eunuch of Noble Consort Xi announced, leading all the girls to get into line to go towards the pavilion. The group she was in was two rows back from the front, and she watched as the first group was led to the bridge. It didn't take long to see that no one from that group was chosen as each of the four girls carried flowers as they left with tears in their eyes. The second group was next, and the result was the same, with each of the girls being granted flowers.
It was early afternoon when Meiying's group was called forward with her going first.
"'Yehe-Nara Clan of the Manchurian Plain Yellow Banner, the daughter of the Minister of Justice, Yehe-Nara Baoshou; Yehe-Nara Meiying. Age fifteen," Hongli's Head Eunuch Wang Qin announced from the list of Xiunu.
She knelt on her right knee and placed her hands high on her left thigh, as she looked demurely to the ground. The name caused some whispers to develop among the few concubines that Hongli brought with him to the event as they knew of the current emperor's deep affection, he had for her and her clan after her help with the grain problem.
"She is a beauty," Jin Yuyan whispered to Gao Xiyue as they sat close to Madam Fuca's seat. "And a cousin of Mistress Qing."
At the mention of her enemy for the prince's affections, Concubine Yue glared at the young girl as a plan formed in her head to get rid of her, not thinking of the consequences of her actions as Meiying was part of a prominent clan. All she cared about was the Prince and Madam and no one else.
Elder Sister Qingying was smiling at the young woman, proud of how far she had come to get to this day. She always wanted the best for her and was glad to see how far she had come. Hailan and Lüyun smiled at each other as they were excited for her to join them in the Manor.
"Lady Yehe-Nara, how are your father and brother lately? I haven't seen Wenxiang in classes lately," the Fourth Prince asked.
Meiying smiled softly and said, "Replying to Your Highness, they are good. Wenxiang came down with a chill, so has stayed in bed for the past few days to recover. He should be back next week. Father has been busy for His Majesty the past few weeks, so we haven't seen him much, but his assistant has sent word that he is well."
"Good," he smiled. "Wenxiang is a good friend. I was worried for him when I didn't see him. Lady Yehe-Nara is tender and virtuous –" He is interrupted as Su Peisheng enters the pavilion.
"His Majesty is here!" He announced, causing everyone to kneel in deference to the Emperor.
"Greetings to Your Majesty." All the women greet the emperor as Hongli bowed his head to his father.
"You may rise." Yongzheng Emperor ordered as he walked to the chair next to his Fourth Prince and sat down. Everyone rose except for Meiying, who stayed kneeling on the ground as Noble Consort Xi sat down to the right side of the emperor with Elder Sister, Hailan, and Lüyun to her side. Across from them sat Hongli next to his father as Madam Fuca sat down to the left side of her husband with Xiyue and Yuyan next to her.
"What brings Royal Father here today?" Elder Brother asked.
"I heard you've refused many of the beauties I've sent to you for your concubine selection. So, I came to see why." The emperor explained as he observed the young Gege in front of him. "And I see Lady Yehe-Nara is here."
"Greetings Your Majesty," she greeted as she kowtowed to him, leaning her forehead down, almost hitting her hands crossed in front of her on the ground. Much to everyone's shock, the emperor smiled at the young woman and waved her to cease what she was doing.
Leaning back up, Meiying gave a beautiful smile, catching Hongli off guard as he stared at her, much to his father's amusement at how flustered he was with her.
"I think Lady Yehe-Nara would be an excellent concubine for you, my son," Yongzheng told him, much to his son's relief that his father approved of her for him.
"I agree. Lady Yehe-Nara is tender and virtuous, I grant her a place as my concubine." Hongli announced, walking over to her to help her stand.
"Thank you, Your Highness," she curtseyed in front of him before standing back up to stare up at her future husband. He smiled at her, making her blush as she stared shyly at the ground.
The marriage took place on the seventh day of the ninth month, giving enough time to get preparations ready for the day she entered Prince Bao's manor. Meiying was the only one chosen to be his concubine in this selection, much to her relief as it meant less competition for her. Mother commissioned a beautiful simple headdress to go with the dress she had been working on for the past few months. Made from satin, the red dress was embroidered with various symbols that express all the hope for the future that was for a married couple. She paired it with three red agate and gold earrings in each ear and red rouge tinting her lips and placed a red veil over her head. Led by Mother and Jinying through the courtyard, where many clan members came to congratulate the union, making the young bride blush in embarrassment. Handed a jar that symbolizes good luck, she carefully carried it outside where the sedan was waiting.
As she stepped into and sat down in the wedding sedan, Meiying was nervous at the thought of the marriage bed, despite being educated by her mother the past couple of moons. Each step closer to the manor made butterflies flutter in her belly and she clutched the jar tightly in her hands, especially as the cheers from the local people grew. As her new home came into view, a smile flitted across her lips as the sedan was set down in front of the side entrance.
"Concubine Mei is here!" Wang Qin announced. "May Concubine Mei enter the manor to pay some respects!"
She carefully stepped out of the sedan, gripping Suyuan's hand until they got to the stairs where she gripped the jar tightly in both hands. Waiting for her was her new husband with his main wife and the other concubines dressed in red for the auspicious day.
"Greet His Highness and Madam!" Wang Qin continued.
Kneeling down, she leaned forward till she faced the ground, bowing to the two people in front of her. From the brief glance she got of them, Hongli was happy while Madam Fuca was plastering a fake smile on her face. Growing up around the imperial clan, she was exposed to various intrigues of the Imperial Court, so the mask she was wearing was not new to her.
"You may rise," the Fourth Prince told her, leaning back in his chair.
"Thank you, Your Highness and Madam." She said as stood up with help from Suyuan as she glanced up at Hongli, a smile on her lips. To those that knew her, she was positively glowing with happiness, causing her husband to smile in amusement at the younger female in front of him.
Gesturing the maid forward, Fuca Langhua watched as they carried a tray to the new concubine, holding a Jadeite Filigree Cloisonne Silver Bracelet, one of the items bestowed to her from the emperor on it.
"This is a dowry item granted to me by His Majesty during my wedding. I heard it was gifted to him by your father and thought it best that it is returned to you." She told the newcomer the rehearsed line that she similarly gave to Qingying and Xiyue when they entered the manor. "Hence, I'm gifting it to you to show my desire for an amicable relationship."
Giving a small curtsey, Meiying replied as she took the bracelet, wary of her intentions, "Thank you, Madam for your grace."
"From now on, we're sisters that will be serving our husband together. No need to be so formal," Madam Fuca told her gently, almost deceivingly. She continued by saying, "Your lodging has been prepared. Today is the celebratory day of your entrance to the manor. Go and have some early rest."
"I'll take my leave."
The newest concubine left the main hall, leaving to get ready for the night ahead. The remaining concubines were also dismissed as they headed back to their own residences.
Arriving at one of the side houses of the manor in the early afternoon, Meiying and Suyuan watched as the maids brought in and stored her belongings in the quarters, she was given without saying anything. The new concubine didn't trust any of the servants in her quarters, knowing many of them are spies for the other wives. She knew the games of the harem; she wasn't blind or stupid. They will do whatever it takes to advance themselves.
Once the maids left, and after a few moments of silence to make sure there weren't any stragglers, they relaxed as Suyuan placed the tray with the bracelet on the table. Mistress and maid both stared at the piece of jewelry as they both thought the same. The way Princess Consort was acting, that glint in her eye as she gave the gift, was suspect.
"Suyuan," Meiying softly called as she walked to the bed, "check that bracelet carefully for any surprises." She sat down regally on the edge and continued, "Check the insides of it as well. Mother told me of a way Father's former concubine, Gao Ningxin, tried to make her infertile with basil seeds by putting them in jewelry, food, and drinks. Luckily her maid, Ruolan, discovered the scheme and was able to warn her before it could harm her."
"Yes, and fortuitous that Old Master found out how evil she was and got rid of her as well. Who knows what a woman like her would have done to the clan?" Suyuan answered as she fiddled with the bracelet. When she got to the latch inside the bracelet, she opened it to see dark pebbles inside. Showing her mistress, they shared a look before taking a bowl and dumping the beads into it so she could dispose of it.
"It seems Princess Consort is not as fair as she portrays herself to be," Meiying spoke aloud to herself. "Very well. Let her think she won. I'll wear the bracelet, but I'll get pregnant instead. I'll let her know what happens when you mess with a member of the Yehe-Nara."
Later that night, Meiying sat on the bed still covered by the veil as she waited for her husband to come. The bed was covered in the wedding blankets as lamps lit the room so the occupants inside could see. She had been waiting for a few hours for him to come and was starting to feel sleepy as she watched the candles flicker.
Hearing a knock on the door, Suyuan rushed forward to open it, revealing her new Master on the other side.
Backing away from the doorway as she held the door open, she gave a shallow curtsey, "Your Highness."
Giving her a glance he looked away towards Meiying as he stepped around her, making her step outside and close the door behind her. This left the two of them alone for the whole night. Stepping closer to her, Hongli observed the young beauty in front of him, knowing that she was probably nervous for her first time.
He sat down next to her, gazing at her as she shyly hid her face from him, "Nervous?"
"Just a little," she replied as she glanced at him, a slight tremble in her voice.
"How about I remove your veil, so you can feel more relaxed?" He suggested, wanting to see her face again since he saw her with Qingying a few moons ago. He also wanted to reassure her that he wouldn't force her to do anything she didn't want to.
"Okay," she nodded her head.
Reaching forward, he slowly lifted her veil, revealing her face to him in a simple yet elegant style. He was glad she hadn't gone all out as Xiyue did at their wedding, finding extravagance to put him off slightly. He was glad that his main wife promoted frugality, despite her position.
"Beautiful," he uttered, entranced by her beauty, "You're more beautiful than I imagined."
She smiled bashfully before leaning over and giving him a kiss on his cheek to his shock. "You look good in red too."
He looked down before gently grabbing her hand, "Meiying, you're finally married to me, just as I told you we'd be in my letters."
She looked at him shocked with a light blush on her face, "You were the one sending me those letters?"
"Of course," he smiled at her. "I admire how gentle yet fierce you are. You were even bold enough to tell His Majesty he was wrong to his face. Not many can say they've lived to tell that."
"If there is a better way, why not speak up? Too many people get hurt feelings over their inability to see things in a different way. It's not that I doubt their ability to do their job well, I'll just point out a more efficient way to get even better results. His Majesty understood that I didn't mean any harm to his reputation. I just wanted to help the people."
"That is why I came to care for you from afar. I promise to love and care for you every day for the rest of our lives," Hongli vowed as he looked her in the eye, already seeing her as his second favorite after Qingying.
"All I want is for you to care for yourself," she argued, knowing that love doesn't last long in the Forbidden City, but she appreciated the sentiment. Unlike her cousin, she wasn't naive about the fact of how the Palace worked. "Don't be afraid to come to Elder Sister or me to relax and escape your duties, even for just a little while. Even though you're helping His Majesty in court affairs, your health should be just as important, okay?"
"Yes, you're right." He tweaked her nose teasingly as she laughed, "You are so sensible." He went back to being serious, "I won't push you into doing anything you don't want, Meiying. If you want me to stop, let me know."
She leaned forward and gently kissed him on the lips, closing her eyes in peace at the feelings produced by the simple contact. He leaned further into the kiss as both of them got lost in each other for the night. Not knowing that one night would lead to the beginning of a new dynasty.