Becoming the Queen by Serving as Prime Minister | Chapter 11 | The Soul-Severing Chili | Novela.app

On the eighth day of the second lunar month, King Shen Tingyao formally invested his Queen. At that time, although the territory of Daxing was vast, its national strength was depleted. After years of continuous warfare, the country was in a state of neglected growth, waiting for revival. Nevertheless, the investiture ceremony was grander than any seen before or since, clearly demonstrating that the King was giving Great General Qu the utmost face. Head Merchant Yin was one who loved a good spectacle. Moreover, as most of the silks, satins, gold, jade, tea, and refreshments for the ceremony had been procured from Fuguicheng by the palace eunuchs, she personally inspected everything with meticulous care. On that day, the Fulu King, Shen Tingjiao, acted as the proxy for his elder brother to receive the bride. The wedding procession marched along the main streets of Chang'an to the thunderous sound of drums and music. Setting aside the sheer scale of the guard of honor, the "joy money" scattered along the streets alone was enough to keep the commoners talking for a long time. Yin Zhuli was not invited to the palace that day. Instead, she and Head Steward Hao personally inspected and sealed the crates of ingredients ordered by the palace procurement officers. Anything being sent into the palace, especially on the day of the King’s grand wedding, could not be handled with the slightest negligence. Once the work was finished, she needed to accompany Nalu on a tour of Chang'an. Head Steward Hao reminded her, "Head Merchant, do you wish to go see His Ninth Highness?" Yin Zhuli had already stepped out of the Penglai Residence, but she turned back and instructed Manager Liu Dong to arrange a table of wine and food to be sent to the Fulu King’s Manor at the start of the Boar hour. The specific dishes didn't matter, but whether it was the food, the rice, or the wine—the spicier, the better. Manager Liu Dong was perplexed. "Head Merchant, can Prince Ninth even eat spicy food?" Yin Zhuli lowered her head and smirked. That day, Great General Qu Tianji became the Father-in-Law of the State. The Son of Heaven further bestowed upon him the title of Grand Preceptor. His eldest son, Qu Liushang, was promoted to General of the Cloud Banner, and his second son, Qu Huaishang, was appointed General of Loyal Courage. The Qu clan now held power that eclipsed the entire court. At the second mark of the Boar hour, the Fulu King was indeed sent back from the palace by the King. He intended to drown his sorrows in the wine and food sent by Liu Dong, but the moment a piece of spicy diced chicken entered his mouth, tears instantly surged from Prince Shen’s eyes like a fountain. Seeing this, Master He Jian felt relieved instead—it was better to cry it out than to let the sorrow stagnate in his heart, which would only harm his health further. Prince Shen, however, wasn't thinking about any of that. His left hand fanned his lips desperately while his right hand reached for the wine. After just one gulp, his tears flowed even more turbulently, like a rising tide. Driven by desperation, he shoveled a mouthful of rice into his mouth... Master He accompanied him at the table. After a while, seeing his lord sobbing so hard he was choking, he gently patted his shoulder. "Your Highness, why should a great man worry about lacking a wife? Besides, Head Merchant Yin is truly no worse than... her. Why must you torment yourself so?" Prince Shen’s tears fell like torrential rain. In his agony, he pointed at the food and wine on the table. He Jian nodded. "I understand. Your Highness need not worry about hosting me." He picked up his silver chopsticks and took a piece of Bear-Paw Tofu. Seeing Shen Tingjiao still weeping uncontrollably, his tone turned somber. "Your Highness, if you see Head Merchant Yin tomorrow, you must not be like this. If a woman sees you in such a state, her heart will surely suffer." He opened his mouth, ate a mouthful of the dish, and then—*ptui!*—he spat it all over the floor. He scrambled to pour a cup of wine, but as the liquid went down, Master He’s tears also burst forth. Then, he too shoveled a mouthful of rice... The eunuch sent back by Shen Tingyao reported with great respect: "Your Majesty, this servant specifically ordered the manor servants to check. As soon as the Ninth Prince returned, he sat at the table and, facing a spread of food and wine, wept bitterly in the arms of the manor’s strategist..." What was expected to be the most agonizing night of his life was not remembered by Prince Shen for the heart-wrenching pain of loss. When he thought back on it later, he realized he only remembered that... "Soul-Severing Chili," which was said to have been imported from a country called India. So, sometimes, you think the pain will be unbearable, but in reality, love is often no more unforgettable than a single chili pepper. The following day, the Great General’s two sons, Qu Liushang and Qu Huaishang, returned to Chang'an after escorting disaster relief funds and grain to Shanxi. Zhao Yu, the Minister of Revenue, consulted with several other officials and decided they should host a welcoming banquet for the two. Naturally, the Great General had to be invited. The most appropriate location for such a banquet was, of course, Guangling Pavilion. And when it came to Guangling Pavilion, Prince Shen had to be dragged along—his presence meant the bill would be waived... Thus, on the second day, a group of officials invited Prince Shen to Guangling Pavilion, where they booked a banquet to celebrate the Great General’s multiple joyous occasions. After the morning court session, Eunuch Huang accidentally let the news slip, and Shen Tingyao found out. Consequently, the King also decided to join the fun, changing into plain clothes and heading out incognito with Eunuch Huang. Inside Guangling Pavilion, red satin curtains draped down, making the entire stage shimmer with radiant light. Hong Ye naturally recognized this group of people and hurried forward to greet them. "My lords, you truly have wonderful luck. You’ve arrived just in time for our Lady Fuyue’s first-night bidding." She had read countless people and identified the protagonist at a single glance, stepping forward to intimately take Shen Tingyao’s arm. "As for whose hand the flower will fall into tonight, that depends on the whims of you gentlemen..." Before she could finish, she was abruptly interrupted by a voice. "I have heard that the true beauty of Guangling Pavilion does not lie with these Ladies Fuxing or Fuyue." Hong Ye looked up and met Qu Tianji’s half-smiling gaze. "Madam Hong Ye, I have heard that within Guangling Pavilion lies 'Guangling’s Repose.' Why doesn't Madam lead us there for a look, so we might broaden our horizons?" Hong Ye froze for only a moment before laughing charmingly again. "Gentlemen, by all rights, hosting you is the honor of Guangling Pavilion. However, Guangling’s Repose is unlike any other place. In my opinion, it would be better to enjoy the festivities here in the front hall." But having heard this, how could the group agree? Even Shen Tingyao grew more curious. "Madam, why refuse? Since you have opened your doors, you should welcome your guests." Hong Ye’s smile remained glamorous. "Since the Master has spoken, please follow Hong Ye." She led the group to a red building and tapped the wall several times. The grey brick wall split open to the left and right, revealing a flight of white steps behind it that led straight underground. Two rows of beautifully dressed women stood on either side of the steps, each holding a white jade lantern. Seeing the crowd behind the wall, they bowed with exquisite grace. "Gentlemen, please." Shen Tingyao glanced at Qu Tianji, who walked beside him. As they moved among the officials, the beauties led the way with their lanterns. The brick wall closed silently behind them, yet the light ahead remained as bright as before. Shen Tingyao looked down and was inwardly shocked. "These steps... are emerald!" Qu Tianji supported him slightly and whispered, "Twenty years ago, this subject and the late Emperor visited the home of the Southern God of Wealth, Wei Nanshan, to borrow grain. Seeing his furnishings were magnificent, the Emperor offered a few words of praise. Wei mentioned this place to me then. He said: 'Emeralds for stairs, jade for platforms; crystals for curtains, gold for tables.' At the time, I thought it was mere boasting. It was only later, when I accompanied the late Emperor here, that I realized it was actually true." Pearls were embedded in the steps, glowing brilliantly in the darkness. Golden branch-shaped wall lamps lined both sides. The air flowed freely, though no ventilation holes were visible. Shen Tingyao descended the stairs with the others, and the sound of gurgling water gradually reached their ears. The guiding beauties led the group to the water's edge, bowed gracefully, and retreated back into the corridor. The light grew slightly dim, turning into a milky-white moonlight. Shen Tingyao’s heart jolted. He looked up to see a deep blue, jewel-like night sky dotted with stars, with a full moon hanging high, its soft light soaking through the firmament. Someone in the crowd murmured, "We just came from outside; how did I not notice tonight’s moonlight?" "That is not the moon." Someone in the crowd answered. Everyone looked over to see that Head Merchant Yin had entered at some unknown point. "This 'sky' is constructed from pieces of blue sapphire. Because of the distance, it looks like the night sky. Beneath the sapphire is a layer of crystal, within which are kept candle-light fish, anglerfish, and transparent-head fish that can emit light. From a distance, the flickering lights look like the stars of the night. The full moon is a slab of mutton-fat jade wrapped in gold wire; with strong light shining through it, it looks exactly like a bright moon." Everyone looked up, and wherever their eyes landed, they couldn't help but marvel at this miraculous design. Yin Zhuli naturally pulled Shen Tingjiao to her side and said with a smile, "Guangling’s Repose is truly graced by the presence of such distinguished guests today. My lords, please." Shen Tingyao paused briefly by the water. He saw a fountain created using a method of catching high-falling water in low basins. Gold leaves had been tossed into the pool; as the water fell from the fountainhead carrying the gold leaves, it created a scene of "waves tossing gold," beautiful beyond words. These men were all wealthy and powerful, yet upon arriving here, they lost their composure, moving forward like wooden chickens. Ahead stood a small building gilded in gold. In front of the building, two coral trees, each as tall as a man, stood to the left and right. Their branches slanted gracefully, their texture warm and moist, their color as vivid as blood. Behind the trees, two rows of women in red stood on the porch, welcoming them warmly. Shen Tingyao heard their pearl-encrusted shoes treading on the porch floor. The sound was ethereal and lingering, like the wind passing through a courtyard and accidentally brushing against a bead curtain. He looked down and saw that the floor of this corridor was paved with sea shells, with pearls strung between them. The ground shimmered with a soft, lingering light, casting blurred shadows and making faces appear indistinct. Stepping upon it felt like entering a celestial palace in a trance. Shen Tingyao led the officials following the beauties. From the corner of his eye, he saw Yin Zhuli half-embracing Shen Tingjiao as they talked and laughed. Her red lips seemed pressed against his ear in an extremely intimate posture. Shen Tingjiao was still fuming over that Indian chili she had brought and turned his head away, ignoring her. She leaned in and lightly bit his earlobe, making him so flustered that he hurried forward to walk beside Qu Liushang. Following the corridor, they passed through rows of flowers hanging from the ceiling and curtains made of pearls and jade. Upon entering the room, Shen Tingyao was slightly surprised again. The room was as vast as a palace hall, filled only with low tables and no other furnishings. Compared to the opulence outside, it possessed a sense of ancient simplicity. One person was already kneeling on the floor; seeing the crowd arrive, he stood up to pay his respects. Yin Zhuli led the group in and performed the introductions: "Master Nalu, this is Master... Master Shen the Second. This is Master Qu, this is Master Shen the Ninth..." She introduced everyone before saying loudly, "As the saying goes, an accidental encounter is better than a planned invitation. It is fate that brings us all together today. Please, do not be constrained by mundane etiquette; let us all seek a good drunk." The men sat according to their official rank and status. Qu Tianji raised his eyes, waiting to see what tricks she had up her sleeve today. The women in red began to serve tea, but no snacks or fruits were provided. The dishes here did not need to be ordered by the guests; the host prepared them based on the status of the visitors. Thus, the diners had to wait a moment. After drinking tea for a while, the Vice Minister of Rites spoke up from the lower seats: "Head Merchant Yin, waiting like this is dull. Do you intend to just have us sit here? This is hardly the way to treat guests." Yin Zhuli looked up and swept her gaze across the room. Everyone felt as if that gaze was directed at them, and their impatience vanished. Once the voices quieted down, she spoke with a hint of a smile, her voice low and pleasant: "You are all distinguished guests whom I could not invite on a normal day. How could I dare to be negligent?" She raised her hand and clapped. Maidservants stepped forward and pulled back the plain-colored brocade curtain at the head of the room, revealing a set of items. *** | Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 册后 | Investiture of the Queen | The formal ceremony of appointing a Queen. | | 福禄王 | Fulu King | Shen Tingjiao's title. | | 喜钱 | Joy money | Money distributed during festive occasions like weddings. | | 蓬莱居 | Penglai Residence | A location within Yin Zhuli's properties. | | 亥时 | Boar hour | 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. | | 太师 | Grand Preceptor | A high-ranking honorary title/official position. | | 云麾将军 | General of the Cloud Banner | A military title. | | 忠武将军 | General of Loyal Courage | A military title. | | 断魂椒 | Soul-Severing Chili | Likely referring to the Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper). | | 广陵止息 | Guangling’s Repose | The secret, luxurious underground section of Guangling Pavilion. | | 刚玉 | Corundum/Sapphire | Used here to describe the material of the artificial sky. | | 烛光鱼 | Candle-light fish | Likely a fictional or descriptive name for bioluminescent fish. | | 羊脂美璧 | Mutton-fat jade | A high-quality white nephrite jade. | | 浪头飘金 | Waves tossing gold | A descriptive name for the fountain effect. | | 珠履 | Pearl-encrusted shoes | Luxury footwear. |