The imperial carriage returned to the Jade Hall. Liu Che turned to Yang Deyi and asked, "How is she?"
Yang Deyi’s mind raced as he replied, "According to Yuli, she has already retired for the night."
Liu Che nodded. Upon entering the bedchamber and finding it empty, he turned back with a frown. "You said she was asleep. Where is she?"
Yang Deyi lowered his head. "In the washroom."
Liu Che’s brow furrowed, then relaxed. "Then let her sleep there. There is no need to arrange a separate hall for her."
"Understood," Yang Deyi replied.
Liu Che performed a hasty ablution and soon fell asleep.
The following day was the Great Ceremony of the Autumn Hunt. At the second quarter of the Mao hour, Ajiao was roused by Yuli to begin her morning preparations.
Ajiao kept her eyes closed, letting them dress and groom her. Having spent nearly half a month at the manor sleeping until she woke naturally, this early rising gave her a splitting headache.
"My Lady, His Majesty invites you to join him for the morning meal," announced Huang Yu, a yellow-gate eunuch from Liu Che’s personal attendance.
Ajiao, who was nodding off, jolted awake. She didn't quite catch what he said and simply nodded repeatedly. Seeing this, Huang Yu looked toward Yuli; only after she gave a slight nod of confirmation did he feel at ease to depart.
Yuli worked as fast as she could to finish Ajiao’s makeup and hair before waking her again to support her toward the Emperor’s bedchamber. Ajiao used a handkerchief to mask a quiet yawn.
Given the grandeur of today’s occasion, Yuli did not trust Mianfu or Nanke to serve at the front, fearing they might offend someone. She instructed them to follow behind and wait for orders.
When Ajiao reached the bedchamber, she was stopped at the door. Huang Yu ran over hurriedly, saying, "Forgive the trouble, My Lady. His Majesty says the meal shall be laid in the side hall instead. Please follow me." He bowed and led the way.
Ajiao gave a soft "hmpf," thinking to herself: *Am I not even worthy of entering his bedchamber?* Come to think of it, she truly hadn't stepped foot inside since her return.
After finally reaching the side hall, Ajiao waited another quarter-hour before Liu Che arrived with his retinue. Moments later, the Director of the Imperial Kitchen led his staff inside.
A bowl of glistening green-hued rice sprinkled with sesame seeds was set down. Beside it were small plates containing three flatbreads, dried meat, pickled cucumbers, fresh bamboo shoot and duck soup, steamed egg custard, sliced steamed fish, and a bowl of pickled goose webs. There was even a small dish of bean paste and a bowl of warm rice wine, all emitting fragrant steam.
Every bit of it was placed before Liu Che.
Ajiao stared gloomily at him. Before her sat only a single dish of pickled radishes and two pieces of steamed cake made of some unidentifiable grain.
"Eat quickly. There is much to do later," Liu Che said with a smile.
"Your Majesty, I wish to eat—"
"Did you not have indigestion? You should eat less these few days to recover. Radishes have the effect of regulating qi and aiding digestion. Eat those two pieces and do not throw a tantrum." Liu Che looked toward Ajiao’s stomach with a smile. Yesterday, for a fleeting moment, he had wondered if she was pregnant. Upon reflection, he realized how ridiculous that was; it had only been half a month, and even if she were, it couldn't be diagnosed yet.
Ajiao: "..." *That old rogue Liu Che is definitely doing this on purpose.*
Resentfully, Ajiao picked up a piece of steamed cake and finished it in a few bites. She was forced to nibble on the pickled radishes while staring longingly at the food spread before Liu Che.
Liu Che, meanwhile, felt a flicker of private anxiety. If she truly had been fortunate enough to conceive that time at the Wei manor... there was no precedent in the palace for a woman bringing a child in from the outside.
For once, Liu Che found himself fretting over something that hadn't even happened yet.
***
The Great Ceremony of the Autumn Hunt was the domain of men. The noblewomen remained on the Hunting Observation Platform to watch the hunt and socialize.
As Emperor, Liu Che could not accompany Ajiao to the platform. He ordered Guo Tun and Yuli to lead her up first. In an instant, the gazes of numerous noblewomen were pinned on Ajiao.
At the very top was the Emperor’s seat, currently vacant. Beside it sat Wei Zifu, accompanied by Princess Weichang. Princess Yangxin sat nearby, and next to her was... Princess Longlü, sitting with a young woman Ajiao did not recognize.
*That must be Princess Yi'an, the daughter-in-law of my second brother,* Ajiao thought. Her eyes stung, and she nearly shed a tear. On the other side was the seating for male guests; Ajiao was surprised to see Wei Qing still seated there.
Ajiao scanned down the rows of seats and finally spotted an empty spot at the very end of the titled concubines' section. She walked straight toward it with no hesitation.
Yuli tugged at Ajiao’s sleeve and tilted her head slightly toward Wei Zifu, signaling her to pay respects to the Empress first.
Ajiao used her handkerchief to dab at her reddened eyes. Ignoring Yuli’s hint, she went straight to the seat and sat down.
The current Chen family relied solely on Sister-in-law Longlü and this Princess Yi'an, whom she had never met, to maintain their standing. Her eldest brother’s lineage no longer even had the qualification to accompany the court to Shanglin Park.
Watching Ajiao’s actions, Liu Ying could not help but frown. "Your Highness, this woman is far too insolent."
Wei Zifu smiled gently. "She was only brought to Shanglin by His Majesty yesterday. It is understandable if she does not know the palace protocols. We can simply send a female official to instruct her in the coming days."
Princess Weichang, Liu Qing, gave a cold snort. "She should at least know to come and greet Mother. Does that require a female official to teach? Furthermore, why did Mother set a seat for her in the front? She has no title and has been granted no seal. She should be in the back with the other palace maidens, waiting to serve."
Princess Yi'an, Liu Chun, smiled and said, "Elder Sister, although this woman has no rank, she has received imperial favor after all. She is also a relative of Elder Sister’s maternal family. Letting her sit in the front is fine." Princess Yi'an was the daughter of the late Lady Wang and the sister of Liu Hong. She had once been extremely pampered, but after the deaths of her mother and brother, and being married to the dissolute Zhao Pingjun, she had learned to restrain her temper over the years.
Wei Zifu chuckled softly. "Yi'an is right. Weichang, you should learn from your younger sister."
Liu Qing forced a smile and then huffed at Liu Chun.
Seeing the poor atmosphere between them, Liu Ying smiled and suggested, "Since Your Highness is seated here, these noble ladies dare not move about freely. Why not let them enjoy themselves so we may sit and chat?"
Wei Zifu nodded in agreement and ordered the Grand Prolocutor to relay the command, permitting everyone on the platform to move about as they pleased. The crowd thanked the Empress in unison before seeking out their acquaintances.
Taking advantage of the movement, Ajiao wiped her tears and looked up to see Wei Yuan’s maid, Caiyun, approaching her. "Sixth Miss, our Young Mistress invites you to sit with her."
Looking around, Ajiao noticed the noblewomen had gathered in small clusters. she followed Caiyun.
Wei Yuan and Ruan Qing were seated much further back, each holding a child. The boy of about two years must be Chen Yan. But the other girl—could it be Wei Yuan’s child?
Seeing her, Wei Yuan smiled and beckoned. Ajiao went over and sat beside them.
Ruan Qing, cradling Chen Yan, smiled and said, "Yuan'er, you love children so much, why haven't you had one of your own yet?"
Wei Yuan’s brow furrowed, and she remained silent.
Ruan Qing could not help but sigh. "If nothing else, you should at least have a maid serve him. If a child comes of it, you can raise it as your own."
Ajiao leaned back slightly, fearing Wei Yuan might lose her temper. She wondered why Ruan Qing, who was usually so observant, would say something that poked at Wei Yuan’s sore spot.
However, Wei Yuan merely smiled. "I have thought about it, but every time I do, I regret the thought. In the end, I am simply unwilling to accept it. The physicians have examined us and said neither of us has any problem. Sister-in-law, why do you think I cannot conceive?" She sighed again. "I suppose I cannot emulate your virtue. As soon as Xia Zhu became pregnant, you processed the papers to make her a concubine and even keep this little girl by your side to raise. I fear I could never do that."
Ajiao was stunned. So Xia Zhu had become her "cheap father’s" concubine. This little girl was Xia Zhu’s child. Looking closer, she indeed looked just like Xia Zhu—a beauty carved from the same mold.
Ruan Qing gazed at the heroic figures of the men riding horses below the platform, then turned back with a sigh. "Ever since... Ajiao passed away, I haven't been able to sleep well. When Le'er was born, I felt as if Ajiao had come back." Her eyes reddened as she spoke.
Ajiao felt a pang of sorrow. She took her handkerchief and wiped Ruan Qing’s tears. "Sister-in-law, don't cry. Perhaps this child really is Ajiao returned. Honestly, you two—on such a grand day, with a rare chance to visit such a beautiful place, instead of enjoying the view, you huddle together and cry. What is this!" As she spoke, she feigned dabbing her own eyes with her handkerchief.
Wei Yuan broke into a tearful laugh. "Sixth Miss is one who has received Heaven’s grace; now you’ve come to tease us. If only you could have the same blessing as the one I’m holding."
Ajiao looked at her own stomach, feeling a secret joy she didn't dare show. She simply said, "Who wouldn't want that?"
Ruan Qing asked in a low voice, "I only heard from my husband last night that you encountered His Majesty at the manor. It seems you are indeed blessed. Has His Majesty granted you any title or reward?"
This was the reward the Chen family was anxiously anticipating. Ajiao’s smile faltered. "No. But don't be anxious, sisters-in-law. I only arrived at Shanglin yesterday, and His Majesty has been busy with the hunt. He hasn't had the leisure to think of my affairs. We must wait."
Ruan Qing and Wei Yuan nodded.
Ajiao added with a smile, "The Chen family women originally had no qualification to follow the court to Shanglin. But since the opportunity is here, you should both get to know more wives of the high officials. Even if you don't become close, at least let them recognize your faces."
Wei Yuan nodded. "We know this, of course. I shall go now to pay my respects to my Aunt and my Father. Guan'er, you..."
Ajiao quickly said, "My current status is awkward; it’s better if I don't show my face. I’ll stay here with Chunlan and the others to watch the children."
Ruan Qing nodded and rose with Wei Yuan to walk toward the front. A crowd had already gathered around Wei Zifu, chatting and laughing in a lively manner.
Xia Zhu wasn't there, but Chunlan, Qiuju, and Dongmei were all present. Ajiao picked up Chen Le and coaxed her gently. To her surprise, the child wasn't shy at all and giggled in her arms. Chen Yan stopped playing and stared intently at her.
Ajiao’s heart skipped a beat. Elders often said children’s eyes were the cleanest and could see things ordinary people couldn't. Could Chen Yan see through her?
After staring for a moment, Chen Yan walked over to play with Chen Le. Ajiao instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
With her status as the only daughter of the Marquis of Changping and the Empress’s niece, Wei Yuan led Ruan Qing through the crowd, appearing to converse pleasantly with the noble ladies.
What surprised Ajiao was Ruan Qing. She came from a humble background, and the Chen family hadn't been prominent when she married in. Yet, in the presence of the Empress and the Princesses, she remained poised and graceful. As for Wei Yuan... she had grown up too. But it was the kind of growth that, much like Ajiao’s own past, wasn't particularly happy.
Ajiao carried the child to the edge of the platform to watch the men hunting below. The child grew bored and began to fuss, so Ajiao had to carry her back.
After a while, Huang Yu came up to announce that His Majesty was coming to the platform to rest. Wei Zifu hurriedly ordered everyone back to their seats.
Ajiao had to return to her spot, nibbling on a piece of pastry Chen Yan had given her. She hadn't eaten her fill that morning and was truly hungry now.
Liu Che had ridden a few laps and caught a few small animals before returning. After all, hunting required the energy of the youth.
Upon ascending, Liu Che saw that Ajiao’s seat was in the first row, second to last. He didn't even remember who the woman in the very last seat was.
The crowd rose to greet the Emperor.
Liu Che whispered a few words to Yang Deyi and walked straight to the front, dismissing the crowd’s formalities.
Ajiao saw several young eunuchs carrying small game behind the Emperor, likely intended as rewards. Setting aside the men, the women would likely receive rewards starting with Wei Zifu as Empress, then the high-ranking concubines like Consort Jiang and Lady Shen, and then perhaps the pregnant Lady Xing.
Ajiao pursed her lips, looking at the plump rabbit held by a eunuch. She thought that if it were roasted over a fire, it would surely sizzle with fat.
Liu Che joked with Wei Qing for a moment and rewarded him with a deer. To Wei Zifu, he gave a ring-necked pheasant.
"Lady Chen, give her the rabbit I caught," Liu Che said loudly.
Everyone’s eyes snapped toward Ajiao. She had actually received a reward before the other titled ladies.
Ajiao took a sip of honey water, wondering if there wasn't a second woman surnamed Chen in Liu Che’s harem.
A young eunuch approached, cradling a snow-white rabbit. Delighted, Ajiao quickly took it.
From the high seat, Liu Che smiled. "Do you like it? I saw it on my way back."
Ajiao stroked the rabbit’s soft fur and bowed in thanks. "Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty. I like it very much."
"It is good that you like it." Liu Che suddenly beckoned. "Come and sit beside me."
Only now did the crowd on the platform feel truly shocked.
Ajiao froze for a second before walking forward with a smile. Yang Deyi had already shrewdly placed a mat for her.
*The smell of sweat!* As soon as Ajiao got close to Liu Che, she couldn't help but want to cover her nose. She wondered how she hadn't found it repulsive years ago, always wanting to cling to him.
*Tsk!* It must have been because the young Liu Che was so handsome. Yes, beauty blinds the heart.
"Imperial Father, how can someone of Lady Chen’s status sit beside you?" Liu Qing could not help but speak up first.
"It is fine." Liu Che didn't even turn his head, simply pulling Ajiao down to sit beside him.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 玉堂 | Jade Hall | One of the halls in the Shanglin Park/Palace complex. |
| 湢室 | Washroom / Bathhouse | An ancient term for a room used for bathing. |
| 黄余 | Huang Yu | Name of a eunuch serving the Emperor. |
| 随饼 | Sui pancake | A type of ancient flatbread. |
| 糟鹅掌 | Pickled goose webs | Goose feet preserved in grains/liquor. |
| 观猎台 | Hunting Observation Platform | A raised platform for viewing the imperial hunt. |
| 夷安公主 | Princess Yi'an | Liu Chun, a daughter of Emperor Wu, married into the Chen family. |
| 刘淳 | Liu Chun | The personal name of Princess Yi'an. |
| 昭平君 | Zhao Pingjun | The title of Princess Yi'an's husband. |
| 大长秋 | Grand Prolocutor | The highest-ranking eunuch official serving the Empress. |
| 陈乐 | Chen Le | The daughter of Chen Zhang and Xia Zhu. |
| 陈衍 | Chen Yan | The son of Chen Zhang and Ruan Qing. |
| 环尾锦雉 | Ring-necked pheasant | A type of decorative game bird. |
