Jiayi was sorry that Wang gugu removed them Jiang gui ren's rooms. It would've been nice to see the screaming, thrashing temper tantrum that they heard across the courtyard, in person.

Over the sound of plates breaking Jiayi reapplied medicinal paste on Ping'er's back.

"She's gone crazy," Ping'er whispered, "It's been almost two hours now,"

Gone was her sullen, tear streaked face. Ping'er had taken plenty of joy watching Susu being dragged away for punishment.

"Of course she's crazy," replied Molan, "Susu completely embarrassed her in front of His Majesty. I wouldn't be shocked if it's all anyone talks about tomorrow,"

"How did Susu trip like that?" Pie'er asked as she peered out of window hoping to catch sight of something.

Jiayi shrugged, "Bad luck. Or the weight of her head made her tip over,"

Even Pie'er joined in the laughter at that. As they crawled into bed, Ping'er piped up.

"What do you think Xiang gui ren will be like?"

"Whatever she's like, hopefully she's no worse than Jiang gui ren," replied Molan.

✺

Xiang gui ren's arrival turned out to be more nerve wracking than Jiayi imagined. The Emperor had come to Xianfugong to welcome his newest concubine. He sat in the courtyard, surrounded by his servants and Jiang gui ren. Eager to make up for Susu's mistake, she was fluttering around The Emperor like a bee.

"Are you too warm, Your Majesty?"

"Have you eaten today, Your Majesty?"

"Your Majesty, please have some tea,"

The Emperor took the cup, barely giving her a nod. With a strained smile, Jiang gui ren began to fan The Emperor.

"Seeing Your Majesty so excited for my newest meimei is making me excited as well. What's Xiang meimei like?"

"She's like nothing the Forbidden City has seen before,"

Jiang gui ren was so startled by the answer that she nearly dropped her fan. Jiayi could see the strain in the corners of her smile. Susu stood off to the side, sweating with pain, looking worried for her mistress. It was cruel to say but it made Jiayi feel better that she wasn't the most miserable person in the courtyard.

"Xiang gui ren arrives!"

The Emperor stood at attention. A lifted chair was lowered outside Xianfugong's gates, Wang gugu and Zhang Wei helping the occupant step out. Xiang gui ren stepped through and Jiayi was...confused. Xiang gui ren was obviously a beautiful woman with her soft white face and full lips but, she was unadorned, which was strange in a place like the Forbidden City. Her makeup was so light it almost as if she wasn't wearing any at all. Her hair piece was modest in size and decorated with small silk flowers. The chenyi* she wore was the latest fashion but it just a pale pink and embroidered with delicate plum blossoms. The only jewelry she wore was a purple jade bracelet and three pearl earrings in each ear.

At the sight of The Emperor, a dazzling smile lit up Xiang gui ren's face. With quick dainty steps, she brought herself in front of The Emperor before kneeling.

"This concubine wishes The Emperor golden peace. May you reign for 10,000 years,"

If The Emperor's presence was like a dark cloud, then Xiang gui ren was the bright sun. Jiayi couldn't take her eyes off of her.

The Emperor helped Xiang gui ren to her feet, keeping a tight grip on her hand. He stared into her eyes, and smiled.

"Huifen, you've returned. Have you been well?"

Huifen.

Even her mistress' name was pretty.

Xiang gui ren nodded, "This concubine thanks His Majesty for his care,"

Eager to interrupt their moment, Jiang gui ren greeted Xiang gui ren.

"Xiang meimei,"

"Ah," The Emperor said with a sigh, "This is Jiang gui ren. She also shares Xianfugong. I expect her to guide you well,"

Xiang gui ren nodded. She looked up at Xianfugong.

Breathlessly, she said, "Your Majesty, I've never seen anything like it,"

"I've personally picked out all the furnishings of your room. Come, I'll show you,"

The Emperor took Xiang gui ren by the hand and tugged her towards her new apartments. Their exit was interrupted by the cry of a child.

"Mommy! Royal father!" A little voice cried.

Fifth princess ran outside and clung to Jiang gui ren's leg, her nursemaid, Chun momo in hot pursuit.

"Jiang gui ren, forgive this servant," The nursemaid said, falling to her knees, "Fifth princess slipped away for a moment. I'll take her back now,"

Jiang gui ren glared at the servant, "You–"

Xiang gui ren kneeled down, "Who is this pretty girl?" She asked.

"This is my auspicious daughter, Huaguang," The Emperor said he picked up the toddler, "Come to Royal father,"

"Fifth princess? This can't be Fifth princess," Xiang gui ren replied with a smile. She tugged at Fifth's princess' robes, "She's such a big girl, I thought Fifth princess was a baby,"

"I'm not a baby!" Fifth princess said before hiding her face in The Emperor's shoulder.

"Huaguang, speak properly to mother Xiang," The Emperor chastised.

Fifth princess pouted, "Hmph!"

"Huaguang, behave properly before your Royal father," said Jiang gui ren.

"No harm done," Xiang gui ren said, "Fifth princess, do you want to see my rooms? Your Royal father decorated it himself. He said it was very pretty,"

"Pretty?"

"Of course! Lots of pretty jewelry and clothes and a brand new bed! Do you want to see it?"

"Yes!"

Fifth princess wriggled around and pulled The Emperor's cheeks, "Let's go, I want to see, I want to see!"

"Very well," The Emperor said with a smile.

As Wang gugu passed by Jiayi and the other servants she ordered them to follow inside. The servants steamed into the apartments while Jiang gui ren stood frozen as both The Emperor and her daughter were spirited away.

Xianfugong's other tenant was no where to be found when Xiang gui ren and The Emperor reentered the courtyard. The affectionate pair had roamed the rooms, pointing out beautiful things to Fifth princess. It was the perfect family scene. Jiayi had never even seen her father be that affectionate to her mother. Jiayi had planned to stand to the side silently like a good maid, only for Wang gugu to drag her by the arm to Xiang gui ren's side.

"This is your maid, Jiayi,"

The bow Jiayi gave Xiang gui ren was involuntary. She was startled by being given the honor. Wouldn't it have looked better if Ping'er or Molan were close to Xiang gui ren's side? When Xiang gui ren held her hand as they walked to the courtyard to bid The Emperor farewell, Jiayi was sure it was the closest thing to being blessed. Her mistress' hands were elegant, soft and pale. It shouldn't have been shocking that all parts of Xiang gui ren were beautiful.

After Jiayi helped Xiang gui ren back to her feet as The Emperors raised chair was carried away, her mistress turned to her, a gentle smile on her face.

"What's your name again?"

"Wei Jiayi, mistress, Shang Molan, Tsu Ping, and Wu Pie are here to serve you as well,"

"Aiya," Xiang gui ren said with a sigh, "I had to spend so many months memorizing the names of every concubine's and their second uncle's second uncle. I don't have any space for maids names. No matter!" She turned to Ping'er.

"You'll be Big Cutie for now,"

She then pointed to Pie'er, "You'll be Little Cutie,"

For Molan she said, "I'll just call you Pretty for now,"

"And you," Xiang gui ren said turning to Jiayi, "Well, I supposed I'll just remember your name,"

"Meimei!"

Jiayi watched as Jiang gui ren walked across the courtyard. The other concubine had changed outfits. She wore a light pink chenyi with a watercolor scene of the mountains, three pearl earrings in every ear, gold, sliver, and jade dotted her hairpiece and each hand had at least three or four gold rings. Her nails guards glistened in the sun. They must have weighed 5lbs each, so studded with gems as they were.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"Jiang jiejie," said Xiang gui ren.

With a bright smile, Jiang gui ren clasped Xiang gui ren's hands, "Now that His Majesty has welcomed you properly, I can take a good look at my new meimei. His Majesty was correct, you're certainly nothing the Forbidden City has ever seen before,"

"Jiejie will make me blush. His Majesty calls me beautiful but how could I compare to you?"

Preening, Jiang gui ren touched at a few of gold accessories in her hairpiece before saying, "Have you greeted The Empress yet?"

Xiang gui ren shook her head.

Jiang gui ren's face fell, "You should go quickly," she urged, "You shouldn't keep her waiting!"

"Jiejie, what's the rush?"

"The Empress is..." Jiang gui ren shook her head, "I shouldn't dare say it,"

"No, you must tell me," said Xiang gui ren.

Jiang gui ren stepped close and dropped her voice to a whisper, "The Empress was furious when His Majesty revealed his intentions to bring you to the palace. She found it a great insult. My advice would be to walk carefully around her,"

Xiang gui ren pressed a hand to her chest, "Jiejie is kind to look out for me,"

"Go quickly then,"

Jiayi kept her mouth shut as she helped Xiang gui ren into the raised chair. Jiang gui ren was lying through her teeth, but Jiayi was just a maid. It was a crime to slander someone so above her. As they walked to Yikungong†, Jiayi heard a snort from above her.

"Mistress?"

"I must look even dumber than usual," she said, "If Jiang gui ren thought I believed her act. Did she really think I didn't hear how she behaved when she learned about me? Please,"

"Mistress is wise," Jiayi said.

At least her new mistress was sensible.

✺

It would seem Jiayi spoke too soon.

Jiayi informed the maid at the door that Xiang gui ren was there to greet the Empress. Instead of waiting for Shiyi gugu to fetch them, Xian gui ren took off after the white peacock that roamed the front garden.

"Is it sick?" She said, staring at it.

"Mistress, let's go back," Jiayi said, tugging on her arm.

The woman who saw through Jiang gui ren's performance and the woman who had to stopped from poking The Empress' pet were like two completely different people.

The maids at the door pulled the hanging cloth door and two women stepped out. Jin pin and Tong pin. Jin pin was one The Emperor's most distinct women. Short, wide and plain, it was a wonder to many people how she became a concubine at all. The answer was simple, in the Old Manor, Jin pin was one of The Empress' dowry maids. The Emperor had no particular liking to her, but her eldest brother was low-ranking official who managed to successfully relocate over 5,0000 refugees after a landslide in the South. As reward, her brother was promoted and she was given the privilege of becoming part of the Imperial Family. After years of sincere service and the birth of the Fourth prince, Yifu, she was granted the title of Imperial Concubine.

Tong pin's place in the Forbidden City was a bit more scandalous. Even if measures were taken to try and stifle the truth, everyone knew about it. Shu pin, mother of the Sixth prince, Yiqiang, offended The Empress so gravely that her execution was considered. However, her family consistently made merits for the country and The Emperor was sentimental towards her. So, Shu pin had been locked away in one of the far halls for quite some time. Tong pin, her half sister, was sent to the palace in her stead.

"Greetings to Your Highness'," said Xiang gui ren.

The pair of concubines didn't stay to chat, only nodding at Xiang gui ren's greeting before departing.

"Greetings to Xiang gui ren," Shyi gugu said with a bow, "The Empress is eager to meet you, this way,"

They followed Shiyi gugu into the receiving hall. The Empress was sitting in the phoenix seat, poised and sharp. Looking at her, you could tell her lineage even without her beautiful clothes. A true Manchurian, the Empress had a strong bearing and sharp eyes. Her changfu was bright blue and embroidered in silver clouds and storks. Everything, from her hairpiece to her shoes contained kingfisher feathers, gold, and silver. On someone else, so much luxury would leave a sour taste in your mouth, but on The Empress? It looked as natural as can be.

Jiayi was terrified. She had never come close to even breathing the air that the Empress left behind in the streets of the Forbidden City, and suddenly she was right in front of her.

They dropped to their knees.

"This concubine wishes Her Highness the Empress peace," said Xiang gui ren, "May you reign for 10,000 years,"

"Rise,"

"Yes, Your Highness,"

Without waiting for The Empress to offer her a seat, Xiang gui ren scampered over and sat down.

"Your Highness, I wanted to come here and thank you for your grace and allowing me to enter the palace," said Xiang gui ren.

"Xiang gui ren, there's no need. It was God's will for you and the Emperor to meet. Obviously you're a very blessed woman," The Empress said, a tight smile on her face.

"It's your blessing that matters the most, though!" Xiang gui ren stood up and raised three fingers, "I swear to always have you in my heart to repay you for your kindness for allowing me to enter the palace and serve His Majesty. If I don't, let my womb remain empty!"

Shiyi gugu gasped, "Xiang gui ren, that's not something to joke about,"

"Who's joking?"

"Xiang gui ren, it's good that you understand that I am your master here, but there's no reason to go to extremes," said The Empress, "Sit back down, have you had melon seed tea before?"

"Not at all," said Xiang gui ren as Jiayi handed her the cup that was resting at the side table. She sniffed the cup heartily, "It smells very fresh and pretty," she said before taking a sip.

Xiang gui ren's hands, pale and white raised the cup to her lips. Her thick dark lashes gently kissed her rosy cheeks as she savored the flavor. Her bright black eyes then sprung open in pleasure. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, it was all Jiayi could think.

"Oh!" Xiang gui ren said dropping the tea to the side carelessly, "I have a gift for you, Your Highness,"

She slid a book from her sleeve. Jiayi could tell she was going to try and hand it to the Empress personally. Not wanting to make the meeting any worse, Jiayi passed the book to Shiyi gugu who presented it to The Empress.

"I can read and write but I know little about great works of poetry. My gugu made me study great works of our ancestors and many of them made me think of you and my devotion. I transcribed them and bound them into this book,"

The Empress flipped through the pages, "The Evergreen Stands over the Peonies," she read, "I've never seen this poem before,"

"I've also written some of the poems myself," Xiang gui ren said, going back to her tea.

"Are they any good?" The Empress asked.

The proper thing for Xiang gui ren to do would be to tell The Empress that her writings could never compare to the great masters who attribute their writing to the nurturing of the mother of nation.

Xiang gui ren instead said, "I think so,"

The Empress smiled gently and handed the book back to Shiyi gugu.

"Your Highness, I have a favor to ask you," Xiang gui ren said.

The Empress tilted her head, "Speak then,"

Xiang gui ren pursed her lips before glancing at the servants that lined the walls. The Empress followed her line of sight. "Leave us," she said.

The servants bowed and filed out of the room. This made Jiayi nervous. Xiang gui ren wasn't ready to have a private audience with The Empress. One wrong move and it would the servant's heads rolling first! When Xiang gui ren stepped outside, not a hair was out of place. For all they knew, she and the Empress had a nice friendly chat.

On their return to Xianfugong, she gifted all the servants 1 tael of silver. Jiayi joined in the admiration of the large sum, she also never held so much money at once before!

Xiang gui ren clasped her long fingers across her knees, "I've given you these gifts to let you know that I'll strive to be a magnanimous and fair master. I'd like to live here simply. If I die a gui ren, that's perfectly fine with me. As you see, I reward freely. Hopefully you don't have to see how freely I punish,"

"This servant understands," they chorused.

Xiang gui ren walked into her bedroom and sat on her bed. She ran a hand over the opulent embroidery before calling them all over. She nodded and pointed to a heavyset eunuch named Bolin, "Bring me that chest,"

The rest of the afternoon was spent unpacking and putting things in order. It probably took twice as long as usual because Xiang gui ren had to stop and 'ooh' and 'aah' over everything. Once she saw her jifu†† she of course wanted to wear it right that second. It felt like Jiayi was serving a woman closer to 20 than 40. Xiang gui ren was so absorbed in it all, she seemed shocked that Molan was asking her if she wanted lunch.

"Oh, it's so late in the day already? Yes, I'd like lunch now,"

"Of course, mistress," Molan said, "I will return soon,"

Not even gone for five minutes, Molan returned.

"Mistress, the Emperor sent over lunch from his personal kitchens, should I send them in?"

"Really?! Of course, send them in, send them in,"

Molan helped Xiang gui ren to the dining room where a gaggle of eunuchs were placing dish after dish on the table. It was more food than Jiayi had ever seen at once. Glistening roast duck and roast pork, a bubbling hot pot of thick duck soup, beautifully bright vegetables, steamed fish, fried fish, and smooth white noodles.

Xiang gui ren picked up a small plate. All of the dish ware sent by His Majesty were bright red and covered in the character for double happiness.

"This looks just like wedding porcelain," said Molan.

Xiang gui ren smiled brightly.

A eunuch bowed to Xiang gui ren before handing her a stick of silver and then taking his leave.

"What's this for?"

"It's to test for poison," said Molan, "If you stick it into your food and it becomes discolored, you shouldn't eat it,"

"Poison?" Xiang gui ren asked, "Who would poison me? I just arrived,"

"It's best to get into this habit now,'' said Jiayi.

The stick came away clean for each dish. Molan and Jiayi picked up a pair of chopsticks, ready to serve.

"Mistress, what do you want to eat first?" Jiayi asked, poised to dish out the food.

Xiang gui ren looked at the full table and paused, "There's a brown crock on the nightstand next to my bed, bring it to me,"

Molan darted into the bedroom and brought back the small crock. Xiang gui ren lifted the lid and Jiayi felt like someone had blown fire up her nose. She turned away and hacked into her fist. Ping'er, Molan, and Pie'er were no better.

"Is it...is it poison?" Molan asked between coughs.

"Poison! Do you think I'm dumb enough to bring poison into the Forbidden City? No, stupid girl, it's chili sauce!"

Jiayi wiped her eyes, "You eat this?"

"Of course. This how everyone eats in the South," Xiang gui ren replied.

Soon the fresh, fragrant plate of food in front of Xiang gui ren looked like it had been dipped in the waters of Hell. Even the poor white rice wasn't spared.

Xiang gui ren slurped loudly on her outrageously red bowl of broth and let out a gusty sigh.

"I had to smuggle some in. I knew I wouldn't be able to find these sort of flavors in a place like this,"

Thank goodness for that.

Watching her eat, Jiayi once again understood why The Emperor was so taken with her. In Xiang gui ren's hands, eating, one of the most vulgar acts for a woman became a delicate dance. Xiang gui ren didn't cover her mouth so all could see her bright white teeth with every bite of food. She chewed in delicate small bites, her pink lips perpetually smiling. How could any man look away?

"I'm going to lie down for a while," Xiang gui ren as she laid her chopsticks on the table, "You can stay and finish the food if you like," she said.

"All of it?" Jiayi asked, "Mistress you're allowed to tell us to throw it away,"

Xiang gui ren hadn't eaten much. There would still be waste even between the eight servants.

"And I'm allowed to tell you to eat it. Even dogs get table scraps," she said, "Someone come take down my hair!"

With their new mistress tucked away in bed, the servants descended on the leftovers like the dogs Xiang gui ren likened them to. The eunuchs ate as fast as they could, needing to head back to their posts. The maids had the privilege to linger.

"So," Molan said, "What do you think?"

"About what, jiejie?" Asked Ping'er, her cheeks stuffed with food.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," whispered Pie'er.

Molan's voice dropped to a whisper, "About mistress? What do you think of her? She's more beautiful than I imagined,"

"She's nice," declared Pie'er, "She gave us this nice food,"

"Jiejie, what do you think?"

"Huh?"

It was rude, but Jiayi hadn't been paying attention the other girls at all. Even as a child, she didn't eat food as luxurious as what Xiang gui ren tossed at their feet. The roast duck was her favorite. If she were a meaner girl, she'd eat the whole platter herself.

"Of Xiang gui ren," Molan said again.

"You girls can keep chatting. I'm going to eat every scrap and you all can go hungry,"

Like angry mice, the maids squeaked in protest, doing their best not to wake their new mistress. With something more important to occupy their mouths, the conversation was over. It didn't matter what Jiayi thought of Xiang gui ren. Good or bad, she would serve.

It was all she could do.

–––––

*A type of everyday robe with 1 side slit and 5 buttons

†Palace of Earthly Honor

††Most formal court robe for women ranked Noble Lady and below. Worn for special occasions like promotions, festivals, religious ceremonies, etc