Chapter 7
He Hui had never imagined that winning favor with Prince Ning would be so effortless—so smooth, in fact, it almost felt excessive.
After returning, she replayed the prince’s words from that night, still finding them hard to believe.
“From now on, if you need to see me, don’t wait outside. It’s chilly at night; don’t catch an illness.”
For Prince Ning to show such concern for her, He Hui pinched herself hard. Only when the sharp sting registered did she realize she wasn’t dreaming.
Rubbing her arm expressionlessly, she took a thimble from the sewing basket, slipped it onto her middle finger, and pushed the embroidery needle into the unfinished sachet.
No wonder men of the world were often called fickle and unfaithful. Just moments ago, Prince Ning laughed and chatted with Yao Sisi, and now he had taken a sudden interest in her—it was truly hard to explain.
But there was no choice; this was her fate.
Even if reluctant, she had to endure the nausea and interact with Prince Ning, striving to win his favor.
Though his attitude toward her had softened, she still couldn’t compare to Yao Sisi, the princess consort. She wasn’t even sure if she would ever attain that status.
More effort was needed.
Her father had forbidden her from learning to read, claiming it was useless for a girl destined to be another’s wife. Instead, he focused solely on her needlework skills. Over the years, her embroidery, while not as exquisite as the palace seamstresses’, was still respectable.
Yet today, stitching this sachet was arduous. Half an incense stick’s time in, she had to set down her needle and massage her aching knees through her trousers.
Her night blindness seemed to be worsening. That night by the palace walls, despite lanterns every few dozen paces, she had tripped multiple times and woke this morning with bruises on several spots.
As she rubbed her knees, footsteps sounded outside. Quickly lowering her trouser leg, she feigned nonchalance.
Yao Zhu lifted the curtain and entered, seeing He Hui embroidering a sachet and couldn’t help but glance twice.
Since this young lady entered the palace under her care, Yao Zhu’s impression had been that she was utterly incapable—daydreaming all day, slow to learn. Yet here she was, deftly stitching a pair of mandarin ducks so lifelike they seemed alive.
But Yao Zhu’s thoughts soon shifted. She moved a stool closer and sat, resting an arm on the yellow rosewood round table nearby.
For several days, Yao Zhu had noticed He Hui’s wary glances. At first, she restrained herself, but now she boldly sat opposite, staring intently, daring He Hui not to pretend ignorance.
When He Hui turned left, Yao Zhu moved the stool left; when He Hui turned right, Yao Zhu shifted it back.
Unable to endure the silent interrogation, He Hui asked, “Sister Yao Zhu, is there something on my face?”
“Nothing on your face, but something on your mind.”
He Hui looked puzzled.
Yao Zhu’s expression grew serious. “Who is it?”
When He Hui remained silent, Yao Zhu took it as confirmation and abruptly stood, lowering her voice in fear of eavesdroppers: “Are you involved with a eunuch from some government office?”
He Hui denied it vehemently.
Yao Zhu’s face darkened. “Could it be someone from the Imperial Guard?”
If it were just a eunuch, there was hope. But if it was the Imperial Guard, the whole Shen family’s fate was doomed.
“No, no,” He Hui said, sensing Yao Zhu’s imagination running wild. She quickly closed the door, sat down, and confided everything.
Yao Zhu stared, stunned for a moment, then hesitantly asked, “Are you sure it was Prince Ning with you that night?”
Wasn’t the young master always devoted to Lady Yao, despising Miss Shen? How had he suddenly changed?
He Hui recounted the night she met Prince Ning. Gradually, Yao Zhu relaxed. Youthful hearts were often fickle—today drawn to one, tomorrow to another.
Perhaps that accident had shifted the prince’s view of Miss Shen.
If she spoke the truth, then it was her fortune. Yet...
Yao Zhu warned, “Miss, it’s best not to speak of this to others.”
Lady Yao had been disliked by the Empress Dowager not only because of her humble origins but also because it was discovered she, as a female attendant, had relations with Prince Ning.
In the palace, this was called defiling the inner chambers.
Though Lady Yao was ultimately protected by Prince Ning, she could not rise further in rank.
He Hui was neither palace maid nor attendant. Though everyone knew she was sent by the Empress Dowager for Prince Ning, there was no official acknowledgment.
For a young unmarried girl, if rumors spread that she had relations with Prince Ning before matters were settled, it would cause endless scandal.
“I understand,” He Hui said firmly, squeezing Yao Zhu’s hand. “Thank you, Sister Yao.”
Yao Zhu had been assigned to her by the palace administration. She could have stayed indifferent, ignoring He Hui’s troubles, simply doing her duty.
Yet she chose to share the risks and benefits with He Hui.
He Hui gripped her hand tighter. “Sister, I will become princess consort. When that happens, I’ll share all my favorite treats with you.”
Yao Zhu’s cheeks flushed inexplicably.
This Miss Shen, seemingly dull and unremarkable as a weed, possessed a power that made people naturally drawn to her.
Turning away, Yao Zhu changed the subject, mentioning the upcoming birthday tribute to His Majesty.
Early that morning, the Department of Rites sent a junior supervisor and several attendants to notify them that this year’s Longevity Festival would be grand.
Besides the usual offerings, a new rule required female officials above fifth rank and eunuchs from various departments, as well as newly entered palace maids residing in Shouming Palace, to present gifts to His Majesty.
The junior supervisor emphasized, “Miss Shen is included.”
Yao Zhu knew this was merely a ritual to seek good fortune for the emperor. The gifts need not be expensive but should be thoughtful, a token of filial piety.
The late emperor had such a precedent, later abolished after the current emperor’s ascension but now revived.
Since this was He Hui’s first appearance before the emperor, the gift had to suit his taste, even if he likely wouldn’t notice.
He Hui’s expression darkened at the thought.
Perhaps subconsciously, she felt a natural awe for the highest ruler of the Great Zhou. What was a common gift in her hometown now weighed like a mountain on her chest.
Thoughtfully, she asked Yao Zhu, “Sister, what does His Majesty like?”
This stumped Yao Zhu.
The Great Zhou emperor was an enigma, his aura inscrutable.
He seemed to have no particular likes or dislikes, always indifferent, following old customs in all matters, accepting the role of emperor without personal whim.
After much thought, she recalled one peculiar thing.
“His Majesty doesn’t like cats.”
For this reason, the Empress Dowager and consorts, no matter how fond of cats, never kept them in their chambers.
The cats in the palace had eunuchs assigned to them, ensuring that wherever the emperor might appear, not even a single cat hair could be found.
“Miss, just avoid giving anything related to cats.”
Relieved, He Hui said, “Then I will embroider bats, symbolizing blessings, longevity, and health.”
Yao Zhu nodded.
Just then, someone called outside, “Miss Shen, the Empress Dowager requests your presence.”
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“The servant does not.”
He Hui hurriedly placed the sachet into the basket. Yao Zhu helped her change clothes, tightening the binding around her chest until He Hui winced.
“Try to endure it, Miss. A full chest doesn’t look good in clothing.”
The Empress Dowager disliked women who appeared alluring.
Beads of sweat formed on He Hui’s forehead. Wiping them away with a handkerchief, she adjusted the apricot-yellow blouse.
“I understand.”
When they reached the gate of Longevity Palace, half an incense stick had burned.
From afar, the area outside the palace gate was densely packed with kneeling people, silent as a grave.
Startled, He Hui was pulled down to kneel by the wall by Yao Zhu.
“The imperial carriage is here. Miss, keep quiet.”
A tremor ran through He Hui’s heart.
She had never anticipated meeting the emperor here.
Though she had not yet seen the emperor in person, she held a deep, almost fearful reverence for the legendary sovereign.
Prince Ning was temperamental but had never gone too far. The emperor, however, wielded the fate of all under heaven.
Including hers.
The mere existence of such power was terrifying.
Moreover, she had witnessed firsthand how Miss Sun was cast down from grace for merely seeking news of the emperor—charged with offending the Dragon’s might, plunged from heaven to hell.
She had visited Miss Sun, who was punished as a palace maid sweeping at the Needle Cap Bureau. When He Hui saw her, an older maid scolded her coldly—no trace remained of her former bright smile.
Remembering this, He Hui’s fingers turned white as she bowed her head lower.
“The emperor is departing!”
Two young eunuchs in front clapped their hands twice, and eight eunuchs lifted the imperial litter.
Behind them, a procession of attendants bore various items, escorting the emperor away.
He Hui knelt, staring blankly at the green bricks beneath her.
These bricks, polished daily by palace cleaners, reflected faint faces when looked at closely.
The emperor’s gaze swept over the kneeling crowd.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a girl in apricot-yellow, her face hidden by bowed head—only the flat, silver hairpin and the jade earring dangling from her right ear were visible.
His eyes darkened.
That earring—a pair like it belonged to the young lady.
Yet his gaze lingered only a moment before moving away.
Merely jewelry issued routinely by the palace wardrobe.
As the imperial carriage moved farther from Longevity Palace, Wang Zhi, who followed, reported, “Master, the maids have completed the necessary procedures. Next is the audience with His Majesty. A few dates have been chosen for your decision.”
The emperor’s expression was calm but attentive. “Speak.”
Wang Zhi named the dates, “They have been cross-checked by the Department of Rites and the Astronomical Bureau; all are auspicious.”
Willows swayed gently, stretching endlessly, the distant Taiye Pool flowing quietly, its surface shimmering.
The emperor selected one. “This day.”
Wang Zhi couldn’t help but smile. It seemed His Majesty truly favored that young lady and eagerly chose the nearest date.
Bowing respectfully, he said, “Yes, I will issue orders immediately for them to bring the maids to the audience the day after tomorrow.”