Who is Princess Suyue?

Morning, Chuxiu Palace in the Imperial Palace

As the name suggests, Chuxiu Palace was the residence of the palace’s young ladies-in-waiting, the place where dozens of them would embark on a new chapter in their lives. The palace was divided into two sections: the main hall, where the young ladies learned court etiquette, womanly appearance, and household skills; and the side halls, where they rested. The side halls were further divided into four courtyards—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—each with twenty rooms, one for each young lady. Hui Yue’er had drawn a room in the Autumn Courtyard. She had no desire for conflict; all she wished was to endure these three months and return home as soon as possible. Unfortunately, fate did not favor her. On her very first day, she found herself embroiled in unpleasantness with another young lady.

That young lady, Li Wanrong, was the niece of Li Jinzhou. Overbearing and self-important, Li Wanrong looked down on the rest, convinced they were no match for her. Her sights were set on the rank of Noble Consort, or even higher—beyond which lay only the Empress herself. Clearly, her arrogance knew no bounds. Upon arrival at the Autumn Courtyard, she promptly laid claim to the most desirable room, a fact everyone dared not contest, for she was Li Jinzhou’s niece. Together with her maid, she drove the legitimate occupant from the room, leaving the poor young lady with nothing to do but weep in the arms of her maid. Witnessing this, Hui Yue’er approached and asked gently, “Why are you crying here? Why not stand up for yourself? That room was yours by right!” Yue’er still possessed the spirited boldness of a woman from the world beyond the palace.

The young lady, Fu Xiu, timid and fearful, replied, “She’s the niece of Li Zhongcheng, and a cousin of Consort Shu. If we offend her, the consequences could be dire!” Every girl chosen for the selection had beauty beyond the ordinary, but their characters varied: some were arrogant and domineering, some timid and weak, others calculating and shrewd—the competition was no less fierce than a battlefield.

Unconvinced, Hui Yue’er helped Fu Xiu and her maid to their feet. “If you continue to stay silent, your days here will only grow worse. If you’re bullied, you must fight back—only then will they learn you aren’t to be trifled with, and think twice before bullying you again!” Hui Yue’er, with no intention of remaining in the palace, dared to speak so boldly. Even so, Fu Xiu remained too frightened to confront Li Wanrong.

Hearing Hui Yue’er’s words, Li Wanrong swaggered out, fixing her with a haughty glare. Yue’er met her gaze without flinching—having once cowed dozens of men, would she fear this spoiled girl? Their eyes clashed in silent battle, and Li Wanrong was the first to falter, though she maintained an air of disdain. “Not only will I bully her, I’ll bully you too. I’ll have my maid take your room. Pack your things and move to the woodshed, immediately!” Secure in her family’s power, she believed she could behave as she pleased.

Yue’er replied coldly, “Is that so? I’ll move out—I only fear you won’t dare set foot in my room!” She was skilled in unique secret weapons—just a piece of paper could draw blood, though not fatally. For these pampered young ladies, that alone would be terrifying. Seeing that Li Wanrong had no intention of backing down, Hui Yue’er resorted to her skills. She picked up a leaf from the ground, focused her inner strength, and lightly flicked it at a tree trunk—the leaf embedded itself upright in the wood. Even without using her full power, she could achieve this. The spectacle left all the young ladies of the Autumn Courtyard amazed, including Li Wanrong.

Before anyone could recover from their astonishment, a eunuch arrived and called out, “Which of you is Princess Siyue? The Empress has issued a verbal summons—Princess Siyue is to attend her at Phoenix Residence!” Phoenix Residence was the Empress’s personal chambers. To be summoned by the Empress on one’s first day was a great honor and a promising sign for one’s prospects. If the imperial harem were likened to a company, the Empress would be the general manager, and the Empress Dowager the chairwoman of the board.

Hui Yue’er was surprised to be summoned by the Empress so soon, but quickly understood: Xuanyuan Ren must have informed the Empress about her; otherwise, how could he have so easily decreed her entry into the palace? She nodded reassuringly to Qiqi, signaling her not to worry, and said to the young eunuch, “I am she. I will accompany you at once!” Under the gaze of all the young ladies, she followed the eunuch away. Li Wanrong and the others were left to seethe with envy and resentment.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all those in between—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm of generosity rain down all the more fiercely!