"The term *La* signifies hunting. It refers to the hunting of beasts to offer as sacrifices to the ancestors. Alternatively, *La* represents a transition—the intersection of the old and the new—where a grand hunt and sacrifice are held to report one's achievements to the heavens." — *Fengsu Tongyi* by Ying Shao, Governor of Taishan during the Eastern Han.
***
Gazing at the thick layer of snow outside her window, A'jiao felt a distinct lack of interest. On the night she returned from the Chen residence, she had sought the City God’s assistance to return to her physical body.
The La Festival had existed since the pre-Qin era, though its date had remained unfixed. After the High Ancestor established the dynasty, it was set on the third *Xu* day following the Winter Solstice. On this day, people hunted various birds and beasts to sacrifice to their ancestors and the five household deities: the gods of the Gate, the Door, the House, the Hearth, and the Well.
The Emperor would also pray for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest of the five grains, the flourishing of the six types of livestock, and the longevity of the state’s mandate. On this day, the Nuo Exorcism Rite was also performed to dispel evil spirits.
To this day, no one had brought her definitive news regarding Lin Gao. She had asked the City God, but even he did not know; Lin Gao had not sent any letters during this period either.
She only hoped that before the paper was even produced, Lin Gao wouldn't be seized by the Underworld as some sort of demonic anomaly!
The Inner Palace did not participate in the daytime sacrificial rites. Instead, the Empress hosted a small banquet for the various consorts and concubines. As was her custom, A'jiao declined. However, half an hour later, Jin Yu, a female official from the Central Palace, arrived in person bearing an invitation.
A'jiao: "..." Such a grand display!
The banquet was set in the Plum Garden. Within the garden stood a small pavilion known as the Terrace Pavilion—exquisite and warm, perfectly suited for a winter gathering.
By the time A'jiao arrived at the entrance of the Plum Garden, wrapped in her fur cloak, she could already faintly hear the sounds of silk and bamboo music from within.
The small path into the garden was paved with square green flagstones. The accumulated snow had been swept clean, and cloth had even been laid down to prevent the stones from becoming slick and difficult to traverse.
The Plum Garden boasted many varieties of plum blossoms in shades of white, red, and pink. Near the Terrace Pavilion, there was a large cluster of small red blossoms with long stamens, resembling a flowing crimson mist.
A'jiao leisurely walked over and plucked a branch of red plum before slowly entering the pavilion.
Braziers were set in the four corners of the room, and water from a hot spring had been channeled inside, creating an immediate wave of warmth. A'jiao touched her slightly chilled face, removed her outer cloak, and walked toward the seat of honor.
Wei Zifu had been chatting with her second daughter, Princess Zhuyi, and her third daughter, Princess Yangshi. Upon seeing A'jiao, she stopped mid-sentence and turned around.
Princess Zhuyi, Liu Mo, and Princess Yangshi, Liu Mu, both rose slowly to offer their greetings.
A'jiao gave a slight nod. "You may rise."
The two princesses froze for a moment. Princesses were ranked alongside Marquises, and Grand Princesses alongside Prince-Kings; few women in the rear palace were entitled to receive their formal salutations. Furthermore, as daughters of the Empress, most women wouldn't dare put on airs before them. It was only because their eldest sister had recently been stripped of her Grand Princess title and confined to her home that they were being a bit more courteous.
Yet this "Lady Chen" actually accepted their salute in full without a word of modesty. She didn't even hold a noble rank!
A'jiao had no desire to bow to Wei Zifu. She simply gave the two young princesses a small smile and took her seat at the vacant spot nearby.
Yu Li tugged at A'jiao’s sleeve. A'jiao whispered with a smile, "Tug again and you can go back home."
The onlookers: "..."
Seeing the astonishment of the crowd, A'jiao turned to Wei Zifu and smiled. "His Majesty originally said my constitution was unfit for going out. However, since the Empress personally sent a female official with an invitation, I could hardly refuse." She punctuated this with two coughs.
Wei Zifu replied, "I thought the Terrace Pavilion would be warm, and with the sacrificial dances, it might help dispel the sickly and baleful energy from your body. It seems I was being inconsiderate."
A'jiao took a sip of honey water before saying, "The Empress is very thoughtful."
Wei Zifu: "..."
How was she supposed to continue this conversation? She wanted to improve her relationship with Chen Wan—not necessarily to become intimate friends, but at least to break the current deadlock. Being at odds with a favored consort did not suit her status as Empress, especially since Chen Wan had enjoyed the Emperor's exclusive favor for three months now.
Exclusive favor! Even the former Lady Wang or Consort Li had never achieved such a thing.
Moreover... she hoped that Chen Wan, as a member of the Chen family, might plead for Liu Qing. Stripping her of the Grand Princess title was one thing, but she had heard that Qing'er was confined to her manor, washing her face with tears every day. It broke her heart to think of it.
However, the theme of the day was the La Festival. Seeing that everyone had arrived, the banquet commenced, and they began to drink together.
This was the second time A'jiao had seen all of Liu Che’s concubines. There were over twenty of them—a group of women who usually fought like fighting cocks, yet now appeared to be in perfect harmony. According to Yan Zheng, Liu Che’s interest in the rear palace had not only plummeted over the last two years, but his attitude had also become much harsher. The slightest mistake could result in being demoted to the掖庭 (Ye Ting) or the暴室 (Bao Shi - the palace laundry/prison).
In just two years, dozens had died due to crimes or succumbed to unexplained melancholy. The "Family Members" (low-ranking maids) who had been graced by the Emperor were also left without promotions for a long time, just as Yan Zheng had been.
A'jiao took a few bites of meat before switching to vegetables and fruit. She had eaten before coming and wasn't particularly hungry.
The music and dance continued unabated, but Wei Zifu pulled A'jiao aside to a small side chamber.
***
As night fell, the Nuo Rite began in the palace.
One hundred and twenty youths between the ages of ten and twelve were selected from the Yellow Gate. They wore red headdresses and black tunics, carrying large drums. They were made up as "Ghost-Chasing Lads," led by a figure playing the Fangxiangshi, the god who drives away evil.
Standing in the crowd, A'jiao watched the Fangxiangshi wielding a spear and shield, leading twelve people dressed as wild beasts and the one hundred and twenty ghost-chasing lads in rhythmic shouts and dances. She felt her heart pounding.
Frowning, she looked around and saw Shen Zhi walking toward her from a hidden spot.
"Father... Shen," A'jiao called out in her mind.
"Mhm. Lin Gao’s matter was settled today. I came to let you know," Shen Zhi said. He had seen too many mortal sacrifices; his heart remained largely unmoved.
"What was the result?" A'jiao’s interest was piqued instantly. Even the surrounding sounds of singing, dancing, and drumming seemed to fade.
"It’s fine now. Lin Gao chose to remain in the mortal world. He can never return to his former world," Shen Zhi explained. As for that mysterious power within him, it had been extracted by the two Great Deities and brought to the Underworld. It was said that the power of shifting stars, sun, and moon was the perfect material to refine the Mirror of Reincarnation.
Lin Gao used that power to trade for an official position in the Underworld after his eventual death.
"Furthermore, Lin Gao made a pact with the two Great Deities. After he dies, he will live in the Underworld as a Record Keeper for the Court of Judgment!"
"!!! Heavens!!!" A'jiao was shocked.
Seeing the young girl’s joy, which mirrored her mother A'piao’s current temperament, Shen Zhi couldn't help but smile. He said, "Therefore, you must cultivate diligently and not slack off. Practice the books I gave you in the proper order. Do not covet more powerful techniques; they are useless to you for now. What matters most is building a solid foundation! You must realize that the power within you originates from the divine energy of Hou Tu. If you succeed in your cultivation, you will be even stronger than I am."
A'jiao stood straight and solemn. "I understand. Rest assured, I will cultivate steadily and will not bring shame to you."
Shen Zhi said, "I am not afraid of shame, and you needn't feel pressured. Just take it step by step."
A'jiao nodded heavily. "Mhm!"
Shen Zhi continued, "Also, how is Yun He doing lately?"
A'jiao replied, "Lord Yun He shows no abnormalities. I’ve been watching him closely and visiting him every day. The female physician says Yun He is growing very strong in Yan Zheng’s womb. There’s no need to worry."
Shen Zhi nodded. "Things are quiet for now. Just remember that once Yun He is born, you must record his circumstances in detail and send the report back to the Underworld. Take this." He manifested a piece of paper. "This is a clone of the spirit-tool 'Paper' from that Red Mulberry tree. We call it Message Paper. If you write on it, the Underworld will be able to see what you’ve written. It will make transmitting information much easier."
"It’s actually that miraculous?" Because of the people nearby, A'jiao didn't dare reach out. Shen Zhi sent the Message Paper directly into A'jiao’s official Underworld tally.
"Also, regarding that Qiu Zhuang matter—his real name is Luan Da. Do you know of him?"
A'jiao looked at Liu Che, who was presiding over the Nuo Rite at the top of the stairs, and nodded.
Shen Zhi said, "Years ago, Red Mulberry misunderstood your identity. She wanted to use your reincarnation to secretly bestow a portion of her power upon this Luan Da, intending for him to strike you so hard your soul would scatter. However, because the Reincarnation Platform was incomplete, you both returned to the Underworld immediately after reincarnating, so the matter was shelved."
"Later, Red Mulberry acted directly, and the mortal Luan Da was executed by the Emperor. Only then did you escape that calamity."
A'jiao: "...How harrowing!"
Shen Zhi continued, "Because Red Mulberry was confined, Luan Da used that power after his death to commit atrocities, killing many people to prolong his own life. Two years ago, he crossed paths with Yuan Deng. Yuan Deng intended to bring him back to the Underworld, but he was intercepted. Looking back, we were too careless."
A'jiao asked in surprise, "I remember Lord Yuan Deng saying he was taken away by someone. Has he escaped again?"
Shen Zhi shook his head. "No. Luan Da says he was released. However, the Underworld does not yet know the identity of the person who released him. We will investigate later; you needn't worry."
A'jiao said obediently, "I understand, I understand."
Shen Zhi went on, "Furthermore, Luan Da has used the guise of a musician to infiltrate the manor of Princess Dangli. He has used sorcery to bewitch the Princess. Consider this a chance to accumulate small karmic merit and go resolve it."
"But I..."
"Just use the Heart-Clearing Exorcism Incantation. It is recorded in the books I gave you. It isn't difficult. If you encounter evil spirits causing trouble in the mortal world, feel free to try it. This merit is recognized in the ledgers of the Underworld; it can help offset your sins more quickly."
A'jiao had a sudden realization. "I see. Thank you, Father Shen."
The smile on Shen Zhi’s face deepened, and then his figure vanished.
The Nuo Rite drew to a close. Liu Che began walking toward the hall, and the crowd started to disperse.
Just as A'jiao was about to board her palanquin, Guo Tun arrived to report, "Lady, His Majesty requests your presence inside."
A'jiao had no choice but to return. Upon entering the hall, she saw Liu Che sitting by a warming brazier, reading a bundle of bamboo slips.
Walking over to pick up the slips, A'jiao chided, "The candlelight is so dim; reading like this will ruin your eyes!" She then commanded, "Huang Yu, have someone bring the lamps over to the desk."
Only after Liu Che nodded did Huang Yu lead a group of young eunuchs to bring the lamps over. A'jiao looked at the "Auspicious Elephant Bringing Peace" crystal lamp on the desk. She toyed with the night-luminescent pearl inside for a moment before saying, "It’s pretty, but it’s a pity it can’t hold oil candles. It’s too dim!"
Liu Che pulled her into his arms and said, "It was originally made for Liu Bo to play with. I kept one for myself and usually keep it on my desk."
A'jiao arched an eyebrow. "It’s lucky you haven't smashed it in a fit of temper yet."
Liu Che pinched her cheek and gave her a kiss. "Now that the La Festival is over, I plan to lead a party south for a tour. Go back and pack your things."
A'jiao looked back at him. "Didn't you say we’d go when spring arrives? And that we’d take Wei Qing? I heard his health is much better."
Liu Che said, "He hasn't fully recovered; there's no need for him to come. Besides, it’s better for him to stay at court and watch over the Crown Prince. I intend to head toward Nan Commandery."
"I just had a miscarriage; my body hasn't recovered either!"
"That was fake. You are not allowed to mention it again." Liu Che’s expression suddenly turned stern. The mere thought of that night’s situation made his heart tremble.
"Heh, well my feelings were real! You’re just a lecher, a lecher, a lecher!"
"Shut up!"
Liu Che slammed his hand on the table.
***
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
腊祭 | La Festival / Year-end Sacrifice | An ancient Chinese festival held in the twelfth lunar month involving hunting and sacrifices.
驱傩礼 | Nuo Exorcism Rite | A ritual dance performed to drive away evil spirits and pestilence.
方相氏 | Fangxiangshi | A ritual figure/shaman who leads the Nuo exorcism, typically wearing a mask with four eyes.
中宫女史 | Central Palace Female Official | A female official serving the Empress.
台阁 | Terrace Pavilion | The name of the specific pavilion in the Plum Garden.
诸邑公主 | Princess Zhuyi | Liu Mo, a daughter of Emperor Wu and Wei Zifu.
阳石公主 | Princess Yangshi | Liu Mu, a daughter of Emperor Wu and Wei Zifu.
暴室 | Bao Shi | The "Retribution Room" or palace laundry/prison where disgraced consorts were sent.
黄门子弟 | Youths of the Yellow Gate | Young eunuchs or attendants serving in the palace.
传信纸 | Message Paper | A spiritual tool for communicating between the mortal world and the Underworld.
栾大 | Luan Da | A historical figure; a sorcerer/charlatan who gained favor with Emperor Wu.
当利公主 | Princess Dangli | Another daughter of Emperor Wu (historically the eldest daughter of Wei Zifu).
清心辟邪咒 | Heart-Clearing Exorcism Incantation | A specific spell used to dispel bewitchment or evil.
南郡 | Nan Commandery | A historical administrative division located in modern-day Hubei.
刘髆 | Liu Bo | One of Emperor Wu's sons (historically the son of Consort Li).
