59. Moved the entire audience

Evening, Imperial Palace, Jingren Hall

Jingren Hall was the designated venue for grand banquets. It was an open-air space, with a nine-tiered platform at the center. Atop this platform stood the dragon throne, flanked by two slightly lower phoenix chairs reserved for the Empress Dowager and the Empress. Those of rank lower than the Empress Dowager and the Empress were seated in succession beside them; proximity to these seats was a clear marker of status within the harem. Below the platform, the noble lords and ministers sat at the sides, with the imperial princes arrayed to the right and the ministers to the left. At the foremost places sat Prince Rui and Li Zhongcheng; Zhao Chengxian was seated behind Prince Rui. The center of the hall was reserved for performances.

Originally, Hui Yue’er and Li Wanrong should have been seated at the very end, as neither held any official rank within the harem. However, the Empress and Consort Shu, intent on a contest of will, changed the arrangement. The Empress insisted that Hui Yue’er sit beside her, while Consort Shu, seated next to the Empress Dowager, demanded that Li Wanrong be placed at her side as well. Thus, Hui Yue’er found herself in the seat of a Noble Consort, and Li Wanrong among the consorts, arousing no small measure of discontent among the other concubines. The harem was a perpetual battleground of jealousy and resentment; to lose in matters of rank was to court utter ruin. Every woman fought desperately to rise, believing it the sole means to protect herself and her loved ones. Perhaps it was not so different from the modern workplace—save that here, one’s life was truly at stake.

Everyone waited for Xuanyuan Ren to speak. With an imposing air, Xuanyuan Ren set his hand on the table before the dragon throne and addressed those present: “Tonight, together with the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and all our ministers, I gather here to offer blessings for the young prince born to Consort Shu. May he grow wise and clever. I hold great hopes for his future. Let us all raise our cups to the young prince!” Such formalities were obligatory; whether they were heartfelt was anyone’s guess. In the palace, who could truly speak their mind? Everyone wore a mask, concealing true feelings so well that perhaps even they themselves had forgotten who they were.

After drinking together, a eunuch’s shrill voice announced, “The envoys from the Snowy Domain have arrived!” The envoys strode confidently onto the stage and saluted Xuanyuan Ren. They had arrived two days prior for a routine diplomatic visit, never expecting to coincide with the young prince’s birthday.

Xuanyuan Ren greeted them with a smile, “Envoy, you may dispense with formalities. How have you found your stay in the Radiant Sun Kingdom these past days?” His manner was friendly, yet retained a sovereign’s authority.

The envoy bowed again, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have been most comfortable in your realm.” Glancing at Hui Yue’er, now attired in a gown of double-colored gauze, he continued, “Your Majesty, might I request a performance from Her Grace, the lady in the unique double-colored gown crafted in our Snowy Domain? This gown was specially designed by Princess Yu, who expressed her wish that whomever wore it might perform and display the gown’s unique charm to everyone present.”

At this, Hui Yue’er shook her head desperately, wishing she could tear off the gown and cast it to the ground. (If you wish to know more about Princess Yu, do read “Encounter and Abiding,” another splendid tale!)

Xuanyuan Ren looked at Hui Yue’er with some embarrassment. Hui Yue’er’s head shook like a rattle drum. Du Haiju whispered to Xuanyuan Ren, “Your Majesty, let Princess Siyue perform. With her skill in dance, she is sure to impress the envoys from the Snowy Domain with the charm of our kingdom.” Hearing this, Yue’er felt a wave of despair. She could not dance at all; last time had only been a sword dance, and her outfit this evening was ill-suited for it. She knew nothing of other dances—what was she to perform? It was all Xuanyuan Ren’s doing, giving her this troublesome gown in the first place.

Xuanyuan Ren, recalling Hui Yue’er’s sword dance, was reassured and said, “Very well, Princess Siyue, please perform for us.” He did not specify a dance, leaving some room for maneuver.

From the moment the banquet began, Zhao Chengxian’s gaze had been fixed on Hui Yue’er. He was surprised to see her seated beside the Empress and dressed so conspicuously. Noticing her distressed expression, he rose and saluted Xuanyuan Ren, saying, “Your Majesty, why not have Little Moon play a guzheng piece for everyone? I could accompany her on the flute.” Zhao Chengxian, indeed, understood Hui Yue’er best. Xuanyuan Ren nodded in agreement.

Hui Yue’er stepped onto the stage, aided by a few eunuchs who arranged the chair, table, and guzheng. She glanced at Zhao Chengxian as she sat; a eunuch brought him his flute. Zhao Chengxian nodded, signaling her to begin. They had not rehearsed, but Hui Yue’er struck the opening note and Zhao Chengxian followed her lead. Together, they performed “Hidden Orchid,” a melody both lingering and melodious—perfectly suited for lovers long separated by yearning. Though the audience knew nothing of their private sorrows, every heart was moved by the music. Their performance touched everyone present.

The performance ended quickly. From beginning to end, Hui Yue’er and Zhao Chengxian spoke not a word. As Hui Yue’er stepped down from the stage, she was lost in thought and failed to notice the steps beneath her feet. She nearly stumbled and fell, but Zhao Chengxian caught her just in time. For a moment, their eyes met. Zhao Chengxian mouthed silently, “Be careful. Don’t be so hasty—watch where you’re going!” Hui Yue’er merely blushed and nodded before returning to her seat.

The envoy from the Snowy Domain, evidently pleased, said to Xuanyuan Ren, “Indeed, Princess Siyue has lived up to Princess Yu’s kind intentions.” He saluted once more and withdrew to his seat to watch the remaining performances.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and all those in between—shower me with your medals, red envelopes, and gifts without reservation! Let the storm come with even greater force!