Jun Yi returned to Yong Wangfu with a somber expression... silent and uncommunicative.

    Dongguo delivered the Longqian fragrance to her at the gate of the Forbidden Palace, reminding Jun Yi once again about Ning'er of Yian Xi Palace before she left. She whispered to Jun Yi to prepare for receiving a new secondary consort at Yong Wangfu. Although Jun Yi smiled in acknowledgment, Dongguo knew that jealousy and envy had been ignited.

    Despite her high status, her heart was tragically forlorn.

    Jun Yi traced her fingers over a bottle of gleaming ruby-colored liquor, sparkling in the candlelight. Since receiving this from De Fei, Jun Yi had mustered the courage to follow the consort's suggestions. As soon as the liquor, infused with herbs, passed down Yong Qinwang's throat, he felt as if bizarre fingers were crawling all over his body, burning and causing unbearable pain that he could not suppress. Jun Yi embraced and kissed him joyfully, hoping to see a gaze full of desire from her husband, but there was none... His touch was only due to the effects of the drug.

    This bottle of rose-colored wine tarnished her dignity.

    As the sun appeared on the horizon, Jun Yi woke up to find the space beside her cold and empty. He had begun and ended things swiftly before discreetly departing without a word.

    "Searching, searching, silently lonely, sorrowfully mournful, desolately desolate."

    Jun Yi sat watching the rain alone, alone no matter the season... After the Lantern Festival of Yuan Xiao during the spring had passed, soon it would be autumn, followed by the bone-chilling winter, then cycling back to the sorrowful spring again... No matter how long it passed, Yong Qinwang's heart was not with her.

    The relentless rain eroded the stone statues, making them dull and worn, much like her heart. If she did nothing soon, one of the secondary consorts or another concubine might come forward the next day to offer tea and announce their pregnancy. And if that child were a boy... If Yong Qinwang loved that child... If Yong Qinwang desired that child to be the heir to the Qinwang title of Yong Wangfu... How could she remain here?

    And what about that lowly maid?!

    Jun Yi's eyes sparkled fiercely. That woman was not fit to even meet Yong Qinwang, not for a moment!

    "Is anyone outside?" Jun Yi called for her maid. "Bring me my sanitary belt, and also the thread and needle."

    "Your Highness, let the servants handle such tasks."

    Jun Yi shouted, "I told you to bring it, so go get it!" Her attendant was stunned because, since serving her from a young age, Jun Yi had never even frowned at anyone before. However, since returning from Yian Xi Palace, the lady had become irritable and quick-tempered.

    "Your Highness... I may be lowly, but if you have any distress, please let me bear it for you."

    "What would a brainless servant like you understand? If I tell you to go, then go!" Jun Yi, frustrated that things were not going her way, threw her teapot at the servant, who then scrambled to fetch the items the mistress required. Once Jun Yi had her basket of needles, thread, and her own sanitary belt, she tossed the jar of Longqian fragrance for the servant to catch.

    "I got this precious perfume from the palace. Take it and share it with every secondary consort and concubine, make sure everyone gets some, without exception. I don't want anyone saying behind my back that I'm stingy with good things."

    "Yes, Your Highness."

    ............................

    Today, the Kunju opera from Jiangsu Province, renowned as the grand opera, had the palace buzzing with excitement. Ladies of the court, both minor and significant, including all of Wang Ye's wives, gathered at the specially designed three story opera houses in the palace, where the play of Mu Guiying[1] was being performed. The heroine, dressed tightly, performed agile and flipping martial arts movements in sync with the intense rhythm of the drums, clashing with her enemies who were adorned in ornamental opera armor, brandishing horsewhips rapidly to symbolize horse riding. Mu Guiying swung her hair to express her inner turmoil and danced with her sword fiercely, captivating the audience and eliciting loud cheers.

    Nara was watching Mu Guiying perform with glistening eyes. Although she did not understand the meaning behind each character's unique facial makeup, she knew the sounds of the cymbals and drums were exhilarating. After the Mu Guiying act, another troupe performed the story of Monkey King wreaking havoc in Heaven. The character Monkey King, with comical makeup, realistically mimicked monkey movements, wreaking havoc at the Peach Banquet of Goddess Xi Wangmu and stealthily eating the elixir of life belonging to the great Taoist gods. This performance brought out bursts of laughter; the opera house nearly shook.

    Nara captured all the motion pictures and noted the elaborate costumes of the Wang Ye's consorts and concubines, who came out in full splendor, looking as divine as goddesses. It was like a high society gathering of royal housewives, whose main job was not to watch the opera but to gossip and exchange palace news.

    De Fei and Rong Fei also attended the opera. Liang Fei hardly deemed them worthy but briefly interacted out of courtesy before sitting next to Yi Guifei, who presided over the event wearing a Dianzi adorned with various jewels such as gold, jade, rubies, sapphires, pearls, coral, amber, turquoises, and peacock feathers. Even her shoes were embroidered with gold thread to enhance her stature. She wore a dark purple Changyi with powerful embroidery, the long sleeves covering her hands complementing and accentuating the long jade nail guards peeking out from her sleeve ends, adding to her majestic appearance. It was Nara's first-time seeing Yi Guifei and she admired the consort's taste in attire.

    The princes gathered on the other side of the stage. The Eighth Prince had someone bring Longjing tea from the West Lake of Hangzhou to offer to Yi Guifei, who in return gifted exquisite mooncakes. Both sides made their support for each other clear, as each knew that without each other, the power of both would waver. The Eighth Prince's position was currently adamant and he was predicted to be the most likely candidate as the next crown prince.

    "The Eighth Prince is exceptionally devoted to Niangniang,"

    Liang Fei beamed, able to suppress the mother of the other princes. Yi Guifei sipped the tea offered by Eighth Prince, tasting its aroma briefly before slamming it down. 

    "This Longjing tea was from last year, even if well-preserved, still smells musty."

    Liang Fei's smile vanished, but considering the bigger picture, he could not dwell on minor issues and had to quickly find a way to please Yi Guifei. "Today, Niangniang is dressed so beautifully and lavishly, unrivaled by anyone. His Majesty favors you greatly. While the other concubines receive only silk from Zhihua, none could compare to the silk from Suzhou you wear."

    "Hmp! Suzhou silk is quite ordinary for me. Only Qu silk is worthy of gracing my body," Yi Guifei pouted, glancing sideways at De Fei's plain Zhihua silk dresses with disdain. She always wore such a plain outfit in the color of blue or green. Yi Guifei then cracked a smile, pleased.

    "Niangniang is right indeed. Just seeing Your Highness's Qu silk dress, I can feel the love the emperor has for you. No one can compare. Not to mention these jade base shoes gifted by His Majesty. Just the Qu silk used to stitch these shoes is unmatched. The labor of ten for a single row of Qu silk fabric is immeasurable. Look, which of the other concubines can match Niangniang's radiance?"

    Yi Guifei lifted her fan to her mouth, laughing, enjoying the flattering talk. Thus, she felt even more uplifted and turned to snub De Fei.

    "Sister De... You've been ill for so long, probably chanting mantras till you reek of incense. You still look so pale today. I'll spare some of the blood bird's nest the emperor gave me for you."

    "Thank you, Niangniang,"

    De Fei bowed formally, not retaliating despite years of being overshadowed. Even though Chen Gugu felt indignant for her mistress, she had to endure. Yi Guifei continued to dominate, forcing the other concubines to submit with lowered heads.

    "Earlier, watching the opera about Mu Guiying commanding troops, such a fierce woman surely doesn't know how to please her husband, only intent on going to battle. How foolish! Perhaps... she's neglected by her husband; hence she turns to swords and spears. At least if she's heartbroken, she wishes to die usefully. But she did not only survive, but her name also lives on through generations, right...?"

    "Exactly, Niangniang, you are correct," no one dared contradict Yi Guifei. Everyone smiled agreeably as if she was the center of the universe. Yi Guifei's intended insinuation targeted De Fei, mocking the supernatural chaos recently in Yan Qi Palace.

    "But I don't think that way,"

    a clear voice interjected... It was Nara.

    Nara had not noticed that the Niangniang were bad mouthing each other, nor was she aware of Yi Guifei's glaring eyes nearly popping out. Nara was just analyzing the opera based on what she saw. De Fei did not want it to escalate and thus silenced Nara, but Yi Guifei, determined, refused to let this low-ranking maid insult her dignity.

    "Come on! Try to say how you think differently from me,"

    Yi Guifei challenged, while Chen Gugu, Tao Zi and Si Zi’s faces turned pale. Rarely did servants who Yi Guifei order a flogging punishment survive for long.

    "Niangniang, Mu Guiying was capable in leading troops, her beauty was in her intellect and courage. She determined her own spouse through martial trials, serving the nation until she was honored with the rank of General at three passes under the Song dynasty. Such a commendable woman—Yang Zhongbao, her husband, must have greatly respected her."

    Nara smiled, sweetly adding, "Mu Guiying is but a legend told in the chronicles for hundreds of years. Now, having met Your Highness, I see the real gem of a woman across the lands."

    The room fell silent.

    Yi Guifei drew a golden finger guard, pointing it at Nara, eyes locked in a challenging gaze before breaking into a pleased laugh. "This child has such a sweet tongue. I like it... Servants, give her a reward."

    "Thank you, Your Highness,"

    Nara giggled quietly, amused at subtly mocking Yi Guifei as an old relic of history without her realizing. After the low-ranking maid Ning'er received her reward, the atmosphere in the royal opera house grew even livelier. De Fei watched the opera for a while but soon felt weary and uninterested amid the jealousies of the concubines, choosing to excuse herself early.

    "Niangniang, may Chen Gugu, Tao Zi, Si Ji and I stay to watch the opera a bit longer?" Nara did not want to leave just yet and was met with a stern glance from Chen Gugu, but De Fei, realizing the girls' rare joy in such entertainment, permitted it.

    "Move to the lower seats and don't cause trouble. Once it's over, come straight back. Understood?"

    "Thank you, Niangniang, you're the kindest."

    Seizing the moment to enjoy herself, Nara immersed fully in the thrilling opera about Monkey King wrecking the heavens. When the performance reached its climax, she was so enraptured that she climbed onto her chair to cheer for the Monkey King until the opera was nearly over. But as she prepared to leave, she noticed the servants who had crowded around to watch had parted, making way for...

    "Greetings to the Eighth Prince,"

    Nara bowed awkwardly, startled to realize he had been sitting next to her, watching her smile throughout the performance. Unaware of his intentions and not wishing to know, she hastily excused herself, "Niangniang ordered me to return quickly, so I must leave."

    "Hold on, stay right there," the tall figure stood up to follow, his piercing eyes locking onto hers, offering a charming smile. But it was Tao Zi, who stood frozen, blushed deeply. Nara, on the other hand, crossed her arms, wary of men who so openly admired her, knowing them to be hunters by nature. However, as a mere apprentice maid, she could not quite stand up to such a powerful prince as Luo Beile, Yunsi yet.

    "What would Your Highness require of my service?"

    "Nothing really, I was just going to walk you back to Yan Qi Palace," his hand reached to gently guide her by the shoulder, his eyes sparkling as he drew closer, "My status is just Peile, not Qinwang. You wouldn’t mind my company, would you?"

    "Not at all, Your Highness, but I can walk back on my own."

    "Come on, don't be shy. I mean you no harm. When you answered Yi Guifei's question, I was impressed by your clever words."

    "Thank you, Your Highness," Nara bowed and turned to leave, but he quickly stepped in front of her, his expression tender.

    "A little maid as brave as you, surviving the emperor and Yi Guifei, surely wouldn't be frightened by a prince like me... Beautiful lady."

    Rolling her eyes to the sky at his flirtatious remark, Nara tried to step away, but he held her firmly, unconcerned by the hundreds of eyes watching them. The Eighth Prince smiled, his intention clear—he wanted to show everyone that no one should dare take the beautiful woman he was interested in.

    "Let me go, please,"

    Nara said firmly, refusing to follow him. The tall figure then smiled mischievously before effortlessly picking her up as if she were a child, which shocked Nara into uttering an improper word regarding a kind of lizard. Her slender frame struggled to push away with all her might, but she could not match the strength of this robust man, making her situation even more chaotic.

    "Your face looks pale. Let me help you."

    "Let go, please," Nara counted to ten in her head.

    "Do you dislike being near me?"

    "Do I look like I enjoy it? Let go!" Nara's irritation grew, and she prepared to scratch his face. But suddenly, she felt herself floating free from the prince's grasp as one powerful arm wrapped around her waist and effortlessly pulled her away.

    Nara looked down at the arm encircling her waist tightly...

    When there was a powerful arm, there must be its owner, who moved quickly, silently, and decisively. In just a fraction of a second, he pressed her back against his firm body, but Nara felt safe in the arms of this man. He lifted her and gently set her feet back on the ground. The man capable of such tender yet strong actions must be tall, powerful, and unbelievably gentle.

    But as Nara turned to see her rescuer, preparing to beam at him gratefully, her lips twisted in another direction when she saw his face.

    Yong Qinwang, Yinzhen…

    The fierce, Chinese prince number four was clashing with number eight. Each treating her like a kitten.

    "Thank you, Wang Ye," Nara managed a quick wai, but as she realized this was not Thailand, she gave a hesitant and awkward bow in gratitude instead. She thought she might be scolded, but Yinzhen simply spread his hand protectively and ordered Tao Zi to take Nara back to Yan Qi Palace. Yong Qinwang's eyes strangely sparkled when he saw Nara's white clean teeth... Yinzhen then pinched the bridge of his nose, recalling one fact about this puzzling young woman, adding another question to his suspicions.

    Nara knew she should not be here and willingly followed Tao Zi back, but not without giving the Eighth Prince a double middle finger in secret—though no one understood, the feisty maid held a grudge and wanted to snap back.

    "Go back now!" A deep voice commanded again, and Nara exhaled sharply, bowed quickly, and spun around to leave. Nungning was always wrong; always scolded, always rebuked. How infuriating!

    "Goodbye, Your Highness,"

    said the young maid as she walked away, her traditional lotus basin shoes clacking loudly. Yong Qinwang then slowly stroked his jaw with his rough hand, familiarizing himself with the anger that flared up so easily within him. The cold, intense anger began to consume him from the inside as he saw Eighth brother casually move from his royal seat to sit next to the maid, as if they were a couple. The image was irritatingly intrusive, all the unwanted and unbearable feelings racing toward him.

    He struggled to dismiss these tumultuous emotions, trying to reason over his feelings, reminding himself that he was just trying to protect his mother's dignity!

    Facing his adversary, it was a clash of swords.

    "Stay away from her. You should not frivolously interact with a woman of the inner palace like that."

    A strange tone came out of his mouth; Yinzhen almost wanted to strangle himself for sounding like a jealous husband. He intended to remind Eighth brother to behave! The Eighth Prince, as Beile, saluted Yong Qinwang with a bright yet somber smile.

    "Thank you, Fourth Brother, for your reminder. I always seem to have issues with beautiful women," the Eighth Prince grinned with the look of superiority. "I've planned to ask for her hand through Yi Guifei, as the matchmaker. Once she is rightfully mine, you surely won’t object anymore."

    Yinzhen locked eyes with his half-brother for a moment. From the minute he first saw Nara, he instinctively knew it would lead to complications... the kind that would overwhelm him with frustration. Fortunately, his practice in controlling his emotions helped, and his sharp face remained composed, merely returning the smile politely.

    "There is one thing I am sure about that maid."

    "What is it?"

    "She will never be yours, Eighth." With those words, he walked away, leaving his brother's eyes burning with fiery anger.

    And everything was witnessed by Jun Yi, who twisted the beautiful silk handkerchief in her hand until it tore.

    ………………………

    A few days later...

    "Your Majesty," even though Kangxi possessed immense imperial power, he always knelt and showed respect when he met his mother.

    Empress Dowager Ren Xianhuang, of strong Mongol royal lineage, was not Kangxi's biological mother, but the emperor loved her dearly as his own. Whenever she was ill with old age, Kangxi would visit without fail. Knowing well that the Empress Dowager enjoyed opera immensely, he especially called the gathering of renowned opera troupes from across the land to perform for seven days and seven nights at the grand celebration for her upcoming birthday that was in a month.

    "Rise, my son. You're not young anymore either; take good care of your knees."

    "Thank you, mother. Your condition has improved a lot recently. I hope you'll be fully recovered before your birthday."

    Kangxi wished to personally administer the medicine to the Empress Dowager himself. Thus, he waved his hand to signal the Empress Dowager’s trusted maid to bring the medicine bowl. “The weather is frequently rainy these days, alternating between hot and humid. You must take care of yourself, mother. Await the opera performance I have selected for you.”

    "Thank you, my son. I will endure this bitter medicine in anticipation of the opera you have chosen," replied the Empress Dowager, her eyes sparkling despite her hair having turned completely white, her once beautiful facial features were still distinct. She sipped the nourishing medicine that the emperor fed her, followed by sweet and sour plums to lessen the bitterness.

    "Huxia tea, truly a top-grade tea. It goes wonderfully with the lotus seed pastries. I quite admire your taste, mother," Kangxi remarked appreciatively of the snacks on the table before them. The Empress Dowager, with a twinkle of wry wisdom in her smile, teased him back.

    "In addition to your decisive governance, you also have a sharp tongue. Rong Fei sent this Huxia tea for me, and the pastries are from Chu Qiao Palace. You probably get to enjoy these more often than I do, yet you still try to flatter an old woman."

    Emperor Kangxi chuckled a little.

    "I heard there has been trouble in Yan Qi Palace. Is De Fei safe? I haven't seen her in almost half a year," the Empress Dowager was already of considerable age and resided in Miao Palace, frequently visited by De Fei when she was still in good health. However, lately, De Fei had been unwell so she scarcely left her residence.

    "The servants in the palace had a little trouble, but De Fei has managed everything well, Your Majesty."

    "That’s good. Let there be no unrest in the inner palace," the Empress Dowager nodded and leaned back against her pillow, closing her eyes in relaxation. Kangxi then broached a topic he needed to discuss. "Mother... it’s been several years since Xiao Yiren left us... Among the remaining, De Fei is the oldest and most composed, Rong Fei likes tranquility, while Yi Guifei is somewhat arrogant and prideful. Therefore, I think it is appropriate to appoint De Fei as the Empress."

    Empress Xiao Yiren was the third empress of Kangxi, originally of Guifei rank from the Tongjia clan. She had struggled to bear a child to no result. Being of mixed Manchu and Han ancestry, she was reserved and gentle, cautious not to stand out due to fear of bias against her Han lineage. Thus, she led a quiet life in the inner palace, closely bonded with De Fei, whom she requested to treat the Fourth Prince like a son she had borne herself, raising Prince Yinzhen to be on par with Kangxi’s favored sons. Despite the disadvantages of an unloving father, she had never let Prince Yinzhen felt a lack of support, always encouraging and backing him from behind, earning his deep respect and reverence.

    After the death of the first empress from illness and the second empress from heartbreak, Kangxi had not appointed another. Xiao Yiren Guifei, then the highest-ranked consort in the inner palace, though not clever or cunning, tried her best to manage the inner palace to Kangxi's satisfaction, always ensuring his comfort and happiness around her.

    The times became even happier when Xiao Yiren became pregnant with her first child. Kangxi hoped for a daughter to be his beloved child or a son to be educated in various arts to assist in governance.

    When the princess was born, the empress fell into deeper illness. When the princess died before reaching a month old, grieving profoundly, her condition worsened. Fearing impending doom, Kangxi then elevated her to the position of empress, and shortly after, she passed away without a chance for farewell.

    At that time, Kangxi was utterly distraught. It took him many years to come to terms with his grief, and he felt compelled to appoint a new empress for propriety's sake. "De Fei is calm and honest, suitable to oversee the inner palace. The only issue is that the Wuya clan lacks the power needed in such a role. I find myself hesitating between De Fei and Rong Fei; either would be suitable."

    The name of Liang Fei never crossed Kangxi's mind, because although he favored her greatly, he could not defy the imperial clan regulations set by Emperor Huang Taiji, which forbade elevating any Han woman above Manchu women, as it was deemed as the Han stepping over the Manchu. Liang Fei herself was well aware of these prohibitions and had faced a lifetime of enduring the political battles waged by the Manchu nobility. Hence, she harbored deep resentment towards the reigning Ai Xin Jue Luo clan.

    "Let’s discuss this once she has recovered..." the Empress Dowager cut off the conversation, "De Fei is still not in robust health, Rong Fei is just an empty shell, and as for Yi Guifei... the Tongjia clan, to which Yi Guifei belongs, is currently seizing major power, and she herself is overly ambitious. If you think of elevating someone above her now, your realm might end up in flames... Be careful not to create another Yinreng."

    "Yes, Your Majesty."

    As a celestial sovereign, he thought one way, but as a father, he reflected deeply every time he thought about the heir Yinreng. This son was exceptionally talented, able to speak, read, and write in Manchu, Mongolian, and Han languages from the age of three. Coupled with the last wish of Empress Xiao Cheng before her demise, he had appointed the son from his first empress as the crown prince.

    The abilities of Prince Yinreng were indeed outstanding among his peers. Kangxi loved him dearly and indulged his every wish. He ensured the prince was taught all the necessary skills by the best teachers available. The prince's flirtatious nature he got directly from Emperor Kangxi. However, the downside was that the crown prince became accustomed to deference from everyone, leading to his disrespectful behavior towards his elders and a general indifference to others' feelings, prioritizing his own. As his younger brothers grew up and showed their formidable capabilities, Yinreng became paranoid and power-hungry, ultimately leading to his own downfall. Every time Kangxi thought of this, it pained him deeply.

    "Frankly, Your Majesty, the blame would fall on the father for a son who lacks virtue. Ever since the issue of deposing the crown prince arose, you should not create further conflicts in the inner palace. Otherwise, the consequences may be dire..."

    The Empress Dowager met his gaze, saying nothing further, but Kangxi understood. If he did not want the princes to engage in bitter rivalries and follow in the footsteps of the deposed heir, he should not show undue favor to any particular prince.

[19] War heroine of the Yang family