I do not wish to remain in the palace.
Phoenix Residence Palace
The Phoenix Residence Palace is the most dazzling palace in the imperial harem, a testament to the Empress’s exalted status. Its four surrounding walls gleam with gold; one cannot tell if they are truly made of the precious metal. After entering the grand gates, one must cross a small arched bridge spanning an artificial lake of over ten square meters before reaching the main hall. The hall itself is supported by several golden columns so thick two people could not encircle them, exuding an air of majesty. The interior is elegantly simple, decorated with several pots of begonia flowers, which Du Haiju loves most, placed in every corner. Dozens of tables line both sides, stretching from the entrance to within two meters of the Phoenix Throne, each with cushions beneath for seating. Naturally, seating follows strict hierarchies of the palace, with the Empress’s place elevated by six steps, signifying her lofty position. Her chair is shaped like a golden phoenix—proud and solemn.
But Hui Yue’er, upon beholding all this, felt as if she were gazing at a golden cage. She disliked such opulence; what she yearned for was freedom, happiness, and an unbound life. To a little bird wishing to fly beyond, this was nothing more than a luxurious prison, offering no true joy. The atmosphere pressed upon her, and she knelt before Du Haiju, who sat upon the Phoenix Throne, and intoned, “Your humble servant Hui Yue’er greets Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand, thousand years!” Her etiquette was impeccable.
Du Haiju smiled and said, “Little sister Yue’er, rise and lift your head so I may have a look at you.” Hui Yue’er raised her eyes to meet Du Haiju’s gaze. Du Haiju discerned in Hui Yue’er an innate resilience and upward spirit—a quality she had seen in no other girl, not even those countless ones who had crossed her path. Even before the Empress herself, Hui Yue’er did not shrink back. Unable to resist, Du Haiju praised her, “Sister Yue’er truly possesses a unique aura. No wonder His Majesty is so fond of you!” There was no jealousy, only pure admiration. With so many women favored by Xuanyuan Ren, if Du Haiju were to succumb to jealousy, it would eat her alive. This was the wisdom of Du Haiju; though she felt a twinge of discomfort, she would remind herself: as long as in His Majesty’s heart she is irreplaceable, that is enough. This is the basic requisite for any woman in the palace. In truth, Xuanyuan Ren's greatest love is Du Haiju.
Hui Yue’er looked at Du Haiju and said, “Your Majesty, you flatter me. It is you who truly possess extraordinary grace!” Her words were not mere courtesy; she genuinely believed Du Haiju embodied the bearing of a mother of the realm.
Du Haiju laughed softly, “Sister, you are indeed eloquent. For now, you must bear with the process—selection is just a formality. You know, in the palace, everything must follow the rules!” She assumed Hui Yue’er was eager to become a royal consort and feared she might feel aggrieved, thus sought to soothe her on Xuanyuan Ren’s behalf, lest he be put in a difficult position. The Empress was indeed too virtuous—perhaps overly so. Her love for Xuanyuan Ren surpassed her love for herself, but truly, one must first cherish oneself for others to value you; otherwise, no one will ever know how important you are to them.
Hui Yue’er bowed deeply and said, “Your Majesty, I do not wish to remain in the palace. I am accustomed to freedom. Please, speak to His Majesty and ask him to release me. My mother is over fifty and I must care for her; I am not suited to stay here!” She knew her plea might be futile, but she had to try. She was the sort who would not give up until every avenue was exhausted. No matter what, she had to leave the palace—for outside lay her sky.
Du Haiju studied Hui Yue’er in confusion, silent for some time before asking, “Sister, are you unaware of how much His Majesty cares for you? For your sake, he spoke to Prince Jun for the first time on a personal matter, and for the first time, parted with him in discord. All these show how much you matter to him. Why do you refuse to stay for His Majesty?” In her mind, no woman would reject Xuanyuan Ren, for he was flawless to her. Some things are priceless to one, yet mean little to another; so it is with taste—everyone has their own preferences, and not all would favor Xuanyuan Ren’s type.
Had Du Haiju not mentioned Zhao Chengxian, it might have been better; now, Hui Yue’er’s resolve to leave grew only stronger. She had always believed Zhao Chengxian had not pleaded with Xuanyuan Ren on her behalf, yet even so, she did not blame him—after all, the hopes of so many in Prince Jun’s household rested on him. If he angered Xuanyuan Ren and brought disaster upon the princely estate, what then? Unexpectedly, Zhao Chengxian had spoken for her, and a warm sense of happiness blossomed in her heart. Hui Yue’er looked at Du Haiju and said with determination, “Your Majesty, you love His Majesty deeply, don’t you? I know you wish for His happiness, but His Majesty has three thousand beauties in the harem—how could he care for just one like me? Besides, I believe the one he loves most is you, Your Majesty. My mother has only me as her daughter; my brother is not at her side. If anything were to happen to her, what would I do? Your Majesty, you would not want me to regret it all my life, would you?” Gaining the Empress’s support was crucial, for she was a pivotal figure before both the Emperor and the Dowager.
Du Haiju decided to placate Hui Yue’er first; perhaps after a few months she would change her mind. So, she said, “Sister Yue’er, your words shall be carefully considered. When the selection is over, if you have not changed your mind, we will discuss it then.” She had seen too many women scheming for favor and dared not easily trust Hui Yue’er’s words. If Xuanyuan Ren misunderstood and thought she wanted Hui Yue’er gone, it would be troublesome. Thus, she employed a delaying tactic.
Hui Yue’er knelt and thanked her, “I thank Your Majesty in advance on my mother’s behalf!” She found this Empress to be admirable and could not understand why, with such a wonderful wife, Xuanyuan Ren needed to marry so many women—and drag her into it as well. Truly, since ancient times, rulers have never been devoted to one alone. Had she not been pulled into this, she would have no complaints, but now Yue’er truly detested the triennial selection, not knowing how many girls’ youth it had wasted.
Ladies, gentlemen, the old and the young, and those neither old nor young—quickly shower me with gold medals, red packets, and gifts! Spare no mercy; let the storm rage ever more fiercely!