Concubine of the Eastern Palace (Qing Dynasty Time Travel)

Seeing that Tang Gege was so anxious she couldn’t even speak clearly, Cheng Wanyun quickly had her sit down and poured her a cup of tea to calm her down.

Tang Gege tilted her head back and drank it all in one go. She then placed the teacup on the table and let out a long sigh.

“Today, they finally finished reviewing all the banners of the Manchu Eight Banners. Now, the news has reached all corners of the palace. The first, second, and third princes’ primary wives have already been selected. After the grand selection is over, His Majesty will issue a decree.”

Though the initial selection has been underway for a while, everyone knows the purpose of the Imperial Concubines, such as Yi, Rong, and De’s three concubines, personally choosing and summoning the candidates: the princes’ wives will definitely come from these women!

Cheng Wanyun nodded and then looked at Tang Gege expectantly. “What about our palace? Is there any news?”

Tang Gege shook her head but smiled, her voice full of joy: “There’s not a single piece of news from our side. Among the hundreds or even thousands of young ladies from the Manchu and Mongolian Eight Banners, His Majesty couldn’t find anyone he liked.”

Having finished reviewing the Manchu and Mongolian Eight Banners, only the Han Army Banners remained in the following days. Cheng Wanyun quickly understood, exchanging a knowing glance with Tang Gege, both feeling a sense of relief, as if they had narrowly escaped disaster.

It was clear that if no suitable candidates had been selected from the noble daughters of the Manchu and Mongolian banners, it was unlikely that any princesses would emerge from the Han Army’s special selection. Cheng Wanyun vaguely recalled that the future Crown Princess was supposed to be from the Gua’erjia clan, one of the eight prominent Manchu clans, though she couldn’t remember which banner the Crown Princess belonged to.

She had watched many Qing palace dramas in the past, but they didn’t delve into these details. She was doing well to even remember the Gua’erjia clan.

Certainly, the Crown Princess wouldn’t be someone marrying this year. In history, Prince Yinreng married late, perhaps around the age of 20 or 19? Cheng Wanyun couldn’t remember the exact age either.

Her knowledge of the Qing dynasty, apart from what was in her high school history textbooks, mostly came from various novels and TV dramas. In fact, because she had seen so many, she often found inconsistencies between stories. She would even take the trouble to look them up on Baidu to find the “truth.” As for why she had a particular clarity about the “Nine Princes Competing for the Throne” timeline, that was because every Qing palace drama or novel focused heavily on that storyline! No drama or novel about the Qing dynasty ever skipped it.

After watching so many, she had practically memorized it…

But when it came to when the Crown Prince got married or which family his wife came from, that knowledge was a bit off. All she could remember was some fragmented details, the result of years of deep immersion in Qing palace dramas and novels, along with her own strong curiosity and thirst for knowledge!

In any case, Cheng Wanyun and Tang Gege both felt relieved. Although the Crown Princess would inevitably come sooner or later, the later, the better. Right now, Yuqing Palace was peaceful with just a few people, and as long as things stayed this way, it was naturally for the best.

Yu Hua ( Chinese writer) once said, “What is the meaning of running away? It makes punishment feel distant while extending happiness.” This could practically be the motto of a lazy person.

Cheng Wanyun and Tang Gege happily embraced the meaning of escape, casting aside their fears about the impending arrival of the Crown Princess. They began working together, with Cheng Wanyun dictating and Tang Gege drawing, to create a design for a high landscape baby stroller.

Although Tang Gege came from a humble background and had once been a palace maid, her family had been much wealthier than Cheng Wanyun’s. She had studied music and painting from a young age, but when her father, who worked in the Imperial Household Department, fell ill and passed away, her family fell into ruin. That was when she entered the palace and worked for many years as a low-ranking maid with no money for proper expenses.

Cheng Wanyun wanted to make a folding baby stroller with a sunshade for the Little Princess. The Little Princess could already sit up and had developed her own temperament. She no longer accepted being held horizontally; instead, she wanted to be held upright, high up, and she wanted to explore the outside world with her own eyes.

At first, Cheng Wanyun didn’t understand why the Little Princess always wanted to be held. Putting her in her cradle didn’t work either. The Little Princess would grab the sides of the cradle and throw all the toys and stuffed animals onto the floor, crying out angrily for someone to pick her up.

Then one day, while Cheng Wanyun was squatting down to talk to her, she suddenly realized. From the Little Princess’s perspective, she could only see table legs, chair legs, and the legs of passing people—she couldn’t see anything else, which must have made her frustrated!

So, Cheng Wanyun decided to make a high landscape stroller, so that the Princess wouldn’t have to be constantly held and sweat from being too hot. She could have her own space and see the world around her.

In addition to that, Cheng Wanyun also wanted to make a baby high chair. This wasn’t exactly a new invention, as the Cheng family had a bamboo baby chair before, but it lacked a small tray, and the bamboo wasn’t smooth enough. Cheng Wanyun still wanted a wooden one, with a safety belt on the chair. The tray should be foldable, with protective edges around it, and a circular groove for holding a cup or bowl…

Perhaps because there were too many servants, no one in the palace used a baby chair. But Cheng Wanyun wanted the Little Princess to not rely too much on the eunuchs, palace maids, or wet nurses for care. She had heard that the Fourteenth Prince was already three years old and still couldn’t feed himself properly. He didn’t know how to use chopsticks well and had a particularly bad temper when eating.

The wet nurses would chase after him to feed him, and after his meal, they would still feed him milk. The Fourteenth Prince had become so chubby, like a white steamed bun. Although people in the palace thought this was a sign of good fortune, Cheng Wanyun believed it wasn’t good for his digestive system.

After hearing this gossip, Cheng Wanyun decided it would be better to nurture the Little Princess’s independence from an early age. Feeding herself would help her develop hand-eye coordination and brain function. Plus, if she fed herself, she would also learn to recognize when she was full.

Now that the Little Princess was able to eat solid foods, Cheng Wanyun often made rice cakes and puffs for her to hold and eat by herself. She also made pumpkin finger biscuits for her to chew on for teething.

Babies really do change overnight. Cheng Wanyun felt that the Little Princess’s little teeth seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, when no one was paying attention. One day, while playing with a rattle to entertain her, the Little Princess smiled, and Cheng Wanyun suddenly noticed two tiny teeth on her bottom gums. They made her look even cuter. Cheng Wanyun couldn’t help but keep teasing her, eager to see her little white teeth.

But the Little Princess also developed the habit of drooling and biting things. One time, while the Crown Prince was playing with her, lifting her up, she giggled non-stop, and her drool landed right on his face.

Cheng Wanyun couldn’t hold back her laughter and giggled, causing the Crown Prince, who valued his image, to not visit the rear chamber for two days.

Then, pretending nothing had happened, he brought a rattle the third day to try and win over his daughter.

Tang Gege was focused on drawing, and since Cheng Wanyun was describing things so carefully, the drawing turned out to be quite accurate. After finishing, Tang Gege couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wanyun, your mind is truly sharp. I could never have thought of something this good. But the Bureau of Royal Workshops will definitely have a headache over it.”

Cheng Wanyun could only draw the exterior design. As for the structure inside and how it could fold, she couldn’t explain the details. The craftsmen at the Bureau would need to study the blueprint and figure out how to make it, and they would likely need to experiment. It would definitely take time and effort.

Although Chief Steward Ling had been reassigned, the Imperial Household Department still didn’t dare to reduce the Crown Prince’s allowance, so Cheng Wanyun was still very skilled at placing orders. Who knows, maybe the Bureau of Royal Workshops would be inspired by this and create even more great things.

After the two finished the design happily, Tang Gege was about to leave, but a little palace maid came to deliver a message: “Liu Gege from Fifth Master’s house and Song Gege from Fourth Master’s house said they will be coming over soon.”

When Tang Gege heard this, she decided to stay, rubbing her hands together eagerly: “Qingxing, quickly bring out your master’s playing cards. Today, I’m going to make up for my past losses!”

Cheng Wanyun laughed, “Stop it, among the four of us, you’re the one with the worst luck when it comes to drawing cards.”

Since last year, when Liu Gege and Song Gege returned to the palace from Rehe together, they had been coming to Yuqing Palace about once every two weeks. The Crown Prince seemed intent on drawing Fifth Master and Fourth Master into his faction, so he didn’t mind Liu and Song Geges visiting her. He even had Tang Gege, who was responsible for the gate tokens, open the doors to make their visits more convenient.

Cheng Wanyun had been too heavy and couldn’t go out before, then she had to rest after her confinement and care for the Little Princess, so she hadn’t visited them. Over time, Liu Gege and Song Gege had gotten into the habit of coming here to play with her.

As they came often, Tang Gege became familiar with them. Tang Gege was very active in expanding her social circle and quickly became close with them.

Liu Gege and Song Gege arrived one after the other.

Qingxing had already set up the card table, and without saying much, the four of them sat down and began shuffling the cards.

Majiang (mahjong) was somewhat similar to “Ma Diao” (a card game), and Cheng Wanyun picked it up quickly, catching on fast.

Once the four of them finished drawing their cards, Liu Gege sighed as she played: “I’m afraid I won’t have such freedom anymore. When the Fifth Master came back, he told me that Concubine Yi has already selected a wife for him, a daughter from the He Tala clan of the Plain Red Banner. Fortunately, she’s not of high birth—just the daughter of an assistant magistrate.”

Tang Gege played a card and said, “Don’t sigh just yet. Among all the princes, Fifth Master is the youngest. Even though he’s been betrothed, he still has to wait another two years before the marriage.”

“True, but isn’t a year or two just around the corner?” Liu Gege frowned, casting a glance at the silent Song Gege, “Su He’s situation… is even worse than mine.”

Song Gege, whose maiden name was Su He, remained calm. She didn’t dare speak of becoming the future Fourth Concubine, nor did she have many hopes of being favored. Having served Fourth Master for many years, Song Gege understood his stern nature—he was a man of principle and would never dote on his concubines like Fifth Master did. The Fourth Consort, once chosen, would definitely be the most prestigious. Fourth Master would not allow any other Gege to challenge the Fourth Consort’s authority. To be given a child to support her position was already a favor.

Moreover, everyone in the palace knew how the Fourth Consort was chosen…

Song Gege lowered her eyes and gently touched her belly.

However, Liu Gege, clearly well-informed, whispered to the others, “The future Fourth Consort is from the Upper Three Banners, the daughter of Fei Yanggu, the Commander of the Infantry, and the Inner Minister. It’s said that the late Empress Xiaoyi had already arranged this marriage for the Fourth Prince.”

“I also heard that the Empress didn’t initially choose the Ula Nara clan; it was only during His Majesty’s review that it was confirmed.”

Of course, Cheng Wanyun knew the well-known history of the Fourth Consort. If she was indeed chosen by Empress Xiaoyi, then it was no wonder that Yonghe Palace had been so cold towards Fourth Master’s family.

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are always difficult, and even more so when the daughter-in-law is someone chosen by others.

“Third Prince has chosen Dong Eshi.” Liu Gege, who seemed to know everything, appeared to be quite informed, “He chose the niece of his aunt, from the Yongqin Gong Pengchun family, another high-ranking noble lady.”

After saying this, Liu Gege looked at Cheng Wanyun and Tang Gege, then sighed again, “You are truly lucky. Given the situation, it seems that His Majesty still wants to take a few more years to select the Crown Princess. You can still relax a little longer.”

However, Cheng Wanyun recalled something else—Wanyan and Wanhe would be entering the palace for the preliminary selection in a few days. The five flags under the Han army were scheduled to be reviewed last, which was actually a good thing. After all, the ladies had already been chosen and they were likely to be eliminated soon.

Cheng Wanyun hadn’t decided what to do yet, but after hearing Song Gege’s visit today, an idea crossed her mind. She turned to Song Gege and said, “Su He, I want to ask you a favor.”

Song Gege, holding her cards, looked at Cheng Wanyun with a puzzled expression and said gently, “What is it? You don’t need to use the word ‘ask.’ Just say what you need, and I will definitely do my best.”

Although she was now pregnant, her belly wasn’t showing much at four months. During the first three months, Song Gege had been so nauseous that she couldn’t even get out of bed. Cheng Wanyun had lent her a senior nursemaid, and with the nursemaid’s help, she had regained her health, now glowing with a healthy complexion and having gained four to five pounds. Her appetite had also improved.

Song Gege was very grateful, which was why she spoke so kindly.

“My two younger sisters are about to enter the palace, but I don’t know anyone outside. I’ve heard that many of the palace maids and eunuchs from Jingren Palace have been reassigned to the Imperial Garden…” Cheng Wanyun said hesitantly, “Could you help me? I don’t want my sisters to come into the palace with no one to look after them and be bullied.”

Song Gege didn’t hesitate, replying immediately, “Don’t worry, I’ll speak with my aunts. I’ll make sure to look after both of the Cheng family girls.”

Once the game was over, Tang Gege and Liu Gege walked ahead, chatting and laughing, while Cheng Wanyun deliberately lagged a few steps behind and took Song Gege’s hand.

Song Gege understood that she had something to say and, noticing the change in pace, slowed down to match her.

Cheng Wanyun leaned closer to her ear and said, “I have a small piece of tea cake. Could you take it to my two sisters?”

Song Gege took the small oil-paper package from Cheng Wanyun’s hand, opened it, and saw that it was indeed just ordinary tea leaves. Since it wasn’t anything forbidden, she thought for a moment and then replied, “This matter can’t be entrusted to my aunts. I have some eunuchs I’m familiar with. It would be safer to ask them to deliver it. But I’ll need silver for this.”

Cheng Wanyun nodded. “I have some. I’ll find a reason to give it to you later.”

Once the arrangement was made, Cheng Wanyun escorted Song Gege to the palace gate. Before she got into the palanquin, Song Gege turned back with a smile and said, “You can stop here. Don’t worry. I will make sure they get it.”

With that matter settled, Cheng Wanyun finally felt a sense of relief and could look forward to a good night’s sleep.

#

Today, Yinreng had spent the entire day reading in the study. When he heard from Hua La that Cheng Gege’s guests had just left, he stretched his muscles and casually said, “My eyes are sore from reading. I’ll go for a walk.”

He Baozhong followed behind, muttering to himself: “Who can’t see that you want to go to Cheng Gege’s place? No one’s stopping you, yet you’re making excuses…”

Yinreng had set his own rules: work for two days, rest on the third. Today happened to be his day off.

But recently, he found himself more eager to see A Wan. Perhaps it was because she had made friends and had the little Princess. The Crown Prince felt strangely that A Wan was being “taken away” by these people, her attention almost entirely focused on them.

Yinreng felt a bit sour.

He had an odd feeling that he might be ranked even below Wang Cai and Mi Mi… Of course, this was just a feeling!

A Wan had always loved him deeply!

With a sour lemon in his heart, Yinreng entered the back room. It was a fortunate coincidence that he found Cheng Wanyun enjoying a late-night snack in the courtyard! And it smelled so good!

What was crucial was that she hadn’t called him!

Yinreng’s sour mood quickly turned into a full-blown lemon tree. He pursed his lips and walked toward Cheng Wanyun, who was happily devouring her food.

The moment the Crown Prince entered, Cheng Wanyun put down the sauce-coated bone. She wiped her hands clean, hurriedly stood up to greet him, but upon seeing him, her emotional radar immediately kicked in.

The Crown Prince was unhappy.

Had he been wronged outside? Was Master Kang venting his frustrations on him again? Or had the Eldest Prince caused trouble again? Was it possible that the Crown Prince had messed up a task? She had heard that recently, the Crown Prince had been working with Fourth Master on water control and river management. She couldn’t be of help in such matters—after all, it wasn’t her area of expertise, and the Crown Prince never liked to discuss so-called “men’s work” in the backyard. He never shared the affairs he was dealing with, so Cheng Wanyun simply chose to ignore it.

In that moment, Cheng Wanyun’s mind raced with thoughts, and the Crown Prince gave her a resentful, aggrieved look.

She instantly felt a chill down her spine.

She thought, ‘Could it be that I’ve made the Crown Prince angry? No way! I’ve been behaving so well lately! Just a couple of days ago, I took the little Princess to pay respects to Side Concubine Li. Ever since giving birth, I haven’t even had the luxury of sleeping in.’

Yinreng saw her eyes darting around nervously, looking unsure. She was even trying to gauge his mood, which made him feel a little better. He cleared his throat and asked, “What are you eating?”

“Braised pork ribs. Would you like to try some? It tastes really good, though it’s a bit messy to eat…” Cheng Wanyun said, casting a sidelong glance at the Crown Prince. She noticed that after saying this, his expression softened a little. A rather absurd thought crossed her mind: ‘Could it be that the Crown Prince is upset because I’m eating alone?’

In a sense, she had actually guessed right.

“Then I’ll try some,” Yinreng said reluctantly.

The attendants had already brought a chair for him, and with sleeves carefully wiping the seat, they invited the Crown Prince to sit.

He Baozhong, unable to hold back any longer, stared in disbelief. The Crown Prince hadn’t left the study all day, eagerly waiting. He had been so frustrated with his writing that he threw paper wads all over the place. Now, after all that waiting, he was finally going to see Cheng Gege, but he had to act as if he didn’t want to? Tsk tsk… The Crown Prince always acted like a child whenever he was near Cheng Gege.

Cheng Wanyun sat down beside the Crown Prince, almost instinctively. Their shoulders brushed lightly, and their arms touched.

She noticed that this small action seemed to bring a hint of a smile to the Crown Prince’s eyes. She was a little confused.

So what exactly was the Crown Prince angry about?

‘I don’t quite understand.’ (She spread her hands in a gesture of helplessness.)

Another plate of fragrant, steaming braised bones was quickly brought in from the kitchen. Braised bones were actually a famous dish in Northeast China. Logically speaking, they should have been quite common in the Qing Dynasty as well, since most of the dishes in the palace were Shandong cuisine, and the Manchus were originally from Liaodong.

But if it weren’t for Cheng Wanyun’s sudden craving and her request to Zheng Taijian, this would be the first time she’d eaten this in the palace.

Perhaps it was because the act of gnawing on a large bone with one’s bare hands was too crude and didn’t fit the atmosphere of the palace.

Sure enough, the Crown Prince seemed a bit at a loss as to what to do.

Cheng Wanyun picked up the half-eaten braised bone again and chuckled, “Your Highness, our Manchus are a people of the horse, and eating meat with big mouthfuls is the right way, isn’t it?”

Yinreng was convinced by A Wan’s unconventional reasoning, so he also rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a large bone and took a bite. The meat was indeed tender and the sauce was fragrant. The rich and savory flavor exploded in his mouth. When he took a sip of the honey tea that A Wan had added ice and mint to, it was truly…refreshing!

Yinreng completely forgot all his worries from the past few days.

Cheng Wanyun couldn’t keep up with the Prince’s speed. In a flash, the Prince had finished three bones! Then he threw the bones to Wang Cai, who was sitting upright and solemnly on the side but was drooling.

Cheng Wanyun immediately buried herself in eating: she had to speed up or there would be none left!

The summer night breeze was gently blowing, and the little gege had already gone to sleep. A lantern was lit under the grape trellis, swaying slightly in the wind.

Cheng Wanyun suddenly felt like they were just like the unreliable parents in modern times who secretly ordered takeout to eat while their children were asleep.

Yinreng also let out a sigh of relief.

The aroma of food, the refreshing iced tea, he hadn’t eaten so heartily in a long time.

After they had eaten their fill, they went back to the room. Cheng Wanyun, who felt like she had worked up a sweat from eating, naturally asked, “Your Highness, would you like to take a shower? I have prepared some water…”

She took a shower every day in summer, purely out of habit, hence the question.

But Yinreng, who mistakenly thought they were going to take a shower together, blushed all the way to his neck. He looked at her hesitantly and whispered, “A Wan, you…” Could it be that you haven’t had enough to eat? But today is a day off…

Cheng Wanyun was puzzled, “Your Highness, aren’t you hot?”

“Oh, you’re really…” Yinreng sighed softly, not wanting her to be disappointed in such a matter, he pulled her behind the screen, lowered his head and kissed her deeply, his hand slowly reaching into her clothes, and with a flick of his finger, he untied her sash.

Her outer garment slipped to the ground, and then a kiss like a spark igniting a prairie fire fell on her shoulder.

The room was filled with steam, and the sound of water splashing drowned out her cries, which she couldn’t even cover with her hands. Soon, water began to pool beneath the screen…

“??” What on earth happened to turn this into a water fight? Cheng Wanyun was pulled out of the water by the Crown Prince, her thoughts scattered as she crashed against the wall. She couldn’t understand how it suddenly escalated like this… She really didn’t mean it like that!

Hearing the unusual sounds from inside, Qingxing, who was about to enter with clothes, quickly turned around. She also dragged the confused Bitao along and chased away Wang Cai, who was carrying Mi Mi.

Since the Crown Prince entered the room, He Baozhong had wisely stayed behind. He sat in the tea room of the back chamber, letting a young eunuch knead his shoulders, smoking his pipe and exhaling a puff of smoke.

He had known this would happen long ago.

Ever since the Crown Prince set this rule for himself, He Baozhong had been counting the days to see when the Prince would finally break. He didn’t expect it would happen in less than a month.

It wasn’t really the Crown Prince’s fault. After Cheng Gege gave birth to the eldest daughter, her figure became more graceful, and she grew fuller. She was no longer the naive little girl who had just entered the palace and found everything new and intriguing. She was like a fruit, now with a mature flavor.

Could the Crown Prince really go three days and only eat twice?

As the smoke swirled and dispersed, He Baozhong felt that he had seen through everything.

#

Cheng family’s house was the second to last one at the east end of Yan’er Alley. It wasn’t very big, nor was it new. The grey-tiled roof, grey walls, and the dull, chipped vermilion paint on the door showed its age. However, the interior was built very carefully and precisely. Inside the main gate, there was a shadow wall, and on the left, four sliding doors. There were three rooms in the back, and past the second gate was the front yard, which had three halls and a corridor connecting the east and west wing rooms. Behind the hall, there was a passageway connecting to the back courtyard’s main house through a hanging flower gate. The back courtyard featured a covered walkway, with three main rooms, three rooms on each side, and a row of back chambers behind.

The house had only two courtyards and no actual garden, with a small courtyard in the middle. However, the Cheng family had few members, so it was easy to accommodate them. Huai Jing, Huai Zhang, and Huai Zhang’s teacher lived in the front courtyard with Master Cheng. The two daughters lived in the back courtyard with Madam Wu. The elderly lady lived in the main house, and the back chambers were left for the elderly servants who came from Shexian.

Huai Zhang’s teacher was the same Mr. Lang who was introduced by E Chu last year. After returning to his hometown with Madam Wu, his elderly mother passed away suddenly. Mr. Lang had a rough life—his young child passed away in his middle years, and his wife died from grief. Now, in his old age, he was left alone and looked quite miserable. Master Cheng helped with his mother’s burial and then discussed with Madam Wu to bring him into their home, treating him like a family member.

During their trip to the capital, Mr. Lang came along at Master Cheng’s repeated request.

With Madam Wu’s arrangements, two rooms in the main courtyard were left vacant. Madam Wu used one as a storage room and cleaned up the other for Cheng Wanyun. Although they all knew Cheng Wanyun would never use this room in her lifetime, Master Cheng was stubborn. In Shexian, he wouldn’t allow anyone to touch Cheng Wanyun’s room and even instructed the servants to clean it daily, keeping everything just as it was when she lived there.

When they arrived in the capital, things didn’t change. Madam Wu, knowing Master Cheng’s temperament, arranged Cheng Wanyun’s belongings exactly as they had been in Shexian. The turtle she kept was still there, just as it had been in Shexian. The turtle was very intelligent—it would climb into the house to avoid the heat in the summer and dig a hole under a tree to sleep in the winter. When it was thirsty or hungry, it would slowly crawl to the kitchen to ask the cook for water and food. On rainy days, it would crawl into a puddle to bathe, needing no one to look after it.

Madam Wu didn’t like cats or dogs, but she didn’t mind Cheng Wanyun’s turtle and had continued to take care of it. Master Cheng also held the turtle in high regard. Whenever he was undecided or wanted to seek guidance from gods or spirits, he would hold the turtle and consult it. It was always accurate, helping him avert misfortune.

Once Madam Wu finished organizing the house, she sat down exhausted, rubbing her back.

This house was actually much smaller than their home in Shexian, but Madam Wu was not unknowledgeable. In the capital, land was precious, and this house was just a short horseback ride from the Six Ministries outside the city gates, which made it very convenient for Master Cheng to go to the government office every day. What pleased Madam Wu the most was that the house was deep in an alley, not on a busy street, and was very quiet. This was perfect for a family like the Chengs, with students preparing for the provincial exams.

Cheng Huai Zhang was well-versed in academics, but he was still young. Master Cheng and Mr. Lang had initially planned for him to study for two more years before taking the exam, but Cheng Huai Zhang insisted on taking the exam this year, saying, “If I fail, it will be as it should be, but if I personally take the exam, I will understand everything about the examination hall, and I will be more confident next time.”

This convinced Master Cheng, and he agreed.

That evening, when Master Cheng returned from the government office, the family set the dining table in the courtyard. The breeze was cool, and Master Cheng sighed, “When I entered the Ministry of Revenue, I thought I would be overwhelmed and nervous, but unexpectedly, a man named Xin De immediately befriended me. He introduced me to the higher-ups, familiarized me with my colleagues, and at noon, he invited me to share some snacks. He also told me about the different divisions in the Ministry and which people were worth befriending and which ones should be avoided. It really is… the first time I’ve felt this relaxed after so many years of being an official.”

Madam Wu understood clearly now—this was the benefit of having powerful connections! She hadn’t expected that their family could have such a life. The Crown Prince really had thought of everything for them in every way.

“Our family must do our best to serve the Crown Prince in return,” Madam Wu said, picking up a piece of food and placing it in Master Cheng’s bowl. She recalled everything that had happened since arriving in the capital and was filled with gratitude. “We can’t help in other ways, but you should serve well. If Huai Zhang achieves success and stands in the court one day, he should also work hard for the Crown Prince.”

“The Crown Prince’s kindness is truly overwhelming, and I feel unworthy of it,” Master Cheng replied sincerely, nodding with respect. “Even if not for A Yun, I should naturally repay the Crown Prince with my life and all my efforts whenever the opportunity arises!”

Cheng Huai Jing, who had been eating quietly, interrupted unhappily, “Why thank the Crown Prince only? I think it’s all thanks to Big Sister. Otherwise, why would the Crown Prince help us?”

“Your father and older brother will be favored by the Crown Prince in the future because your Big Sister is their best support. Don’t you understand that?” Madam Wu glared at him and scolded sharply. “Who doesn’t remember how good your Big Sister has been to this family? You always talks about gratitude. Now, what can we do for her? You’re just letting things get cold between us for no reason! Besides, who among you men can really help her? All of you are good-for-nothings! Especially you! How dare you mention it here? In the future, don’t just think about playing around. If you truly care about your Big Sister, you should practice martial arts and archery well. If you make a name for yourself, and one day can join the palace as a guard, that would truly help her!”

Master Cheng: “…” Why did he feel like he was also being dragged into this?

Cheng Huai Jing shrank his neck and weakly said, “I just said one sentence, and you scold me like this.”

“All that food can’t shut your mouth! You really are a nuisance on such a fine day!” Madam Wu scolded.

Cheng Huai Zhang, who had been eating while still holding a book, silently listened to the conversation. After finishing his meal, he quietly scraped the remaining rice grains from his bowl and placed his chopsticks neatly on top. Then, he stood up, bowed, and said, “Father, Mother, I’m done eating. I’m going to read now.” Without waiting for a response, he immediately turned and walked away.

“Hey? Why are you done already? Huai Zhang, you work so hard with your studies. Let me add another bowl of food!” Madam Wu called after him, but he walked faster, ignoring her completely.

Cheng Wanyan and Cheng Wanhe exchanged glances and quickly stood up as well. “Mother, we’ll go check on Grandma first and then head out.” Grandma Cheng had been traveling and was still recovering, so she’d been bedridden these past few days. Thankfully, her spirits were good, and she was able to eat.

Seeing his siblings slip away, Cheng Huai Jing quickly shoveled the rest of his food into his mouth and mumbled, “I’m going too,” before rushing to catch up with his two sisters. “Second Sister, Third Sister, wait for me!”

Madam Wu sighed in dissatisfaction toward Master Cheng. “One after another, none of them are easy to manage.”

Master Cheng didn’t dare to make his wife angry and smiled apologetically. “You’ve worked hard all day. After dinner, you should go rest in your room. I’ll have Old Ding’s wife prepare hot water for you to soak your feet, and then I’ll give you a foot massage. How does that sound?”

Madam Wu’s temper came and went quickly. She watched as her youngest son caught up with his sisters, tossing leaves at their heads, making the two girls chase him to beat him.
As they playfully chased each other off into the distance, Madam Wu sighed. “In a few days, the Han military flag will enter the palace for the preliminary selection. Have you made up your mind yet? Should we send a token to the palace to ask A Yun for help?”

Wanyan, fourteen, and Wanhe, thirteen, were both eligible for the selection this year.

Their family had encountered so many major events this year—first, Master Cheng’s reassignment, then the two daughters being selected for the court, followed by Cheng Huai Zhang’s provincial exam in September. Everything seemed to be happening all at once, and Madam Wu found it harder and harder to sleep at night.

Master Cheng remained silent for a long while before finally shaking his head. “Today, at the Ministry of Revenue, I overheard many officials speculating that the Crown Prince’s consort will come from this year’s selection. If the Crown Prince marries, it will be hard enough for A Yun herself. We shouldn’t add to her troubles. Even if we ask her, she has little influence and probably won’t be able to help much.”

Madam Wu, having lived in the palace for some time, had a deeper understanding of the strict royal customs. She knew that Cheng Wanyun was favored at the Yuqing Palace, but the Crown Prince was not the type of man to be swayed by idle words. Her own concern for her daughter had led her to think of desperate measures… but it was also unfortunate. if A Yun had a son instead, things might have been different. Madam Wu regretted in her heart, thinking that with a son by her side, she wouldn’t have to worry about the future.

As night deepened, the Cheng family’s residence dimmed its lights, and everything fell silent. The only sound was the faint moonlight spilling over the courtyard, casting two shadows of different heights outside the hanging flower door.

Cheng Huai Jing crouched sneakily, while Cheng Huai Zhang stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the door. The two waited for a while, and soon Cheng Wanyan and Cheng Wanhe quietly sneaked over, holding hands.

After the four of them gathered, Cheng Huai Jing complained first. “You guys are so slow.”

“Were we supposed to sneak out when the old nurse isn’t asleep?” Wanyan retorted. “None of you are watching us.”

“Stop arguing, let’s focus on the matter at hand.” Cheng Huai Zhang pressed his hand on Cheng Huai Jing’s head, then glanced at his two younger sisters. “The teacher mentioned that the Han Army’s Bordered Blue Banner will enter the palace on August 18th, right?”

The two sisters nodded.

“Big sister has already entered Yuqing Palace,” Cheng Huai Zhang continued, “Families like ours won’t have both daughters listed. Wanhe is younger, so if anyone has a chance, it might be Wanyan who could receive the token.”

Wanyan’s face turned pale, but she forced herself to say, “It’s fine. If that happens, with Big Sister in the palace, the two of us will be able to rely on each other. I’m not afraid.”

Cheng Huai Zhang thought for a moment before continuing, “The eldest prince’s household has many people. This year, they probably won’t take in any more. The marriage proposals for the third, fourth, and fifth princes have already been issued. I asked Mr. Lang, who’s been in the capital for many years. He said that when they arrange marriages for the legitimate first wives, they usually won’t take in additional concubines. They might only appoint a secondary concubine at most.”

Wanyan’s expression grew darker. If she was listed, she would be considered a full member of the imperial harem. Her family background wasn’t strong, and she likely wouldn’t be granted any title of nobility—she would probably just be a concubine, at best.

Moreover, the emperor was already thirty-nine.

Wanyan felt uneasy, and the worry showed on her face.

“Maybe both of you will not be included on the list,” Cheng Huai Jing tried to comfort her. “You’re not as pretty as Big Sister, and our family’s status is average, so don’t think too much about it.”

“Though not for the reason Huai Jing said, it’s better not to scare yourselves prematurely,” Cheng Huai Zhang suddenly added. “When the day comes for you to enter the palace, stay alert and pay close attention. I have a feeling that Big Sister will find a way to help you. Just listen to her, like you always have.”

Wanyan and Wanhe remembered how their elder sister used to handle things when they were younger—though they didn’t understand back then, Big Sister would often scold them harshly. But whenever they went out and were bullied, it was always Big Sister who protected them.

So Cheng Huai Zhang’s words were convincing, and Wanyan immediately felt relieved.

Wanhe, however, remained silent, not showing what she was thinking.

Cheng Huai Jing grabbed a grass root from the ground, chewing it as he cast a sideways glance at his older brother’s always calm and indifferent face, then grinned mischievously. “Big Brother, you’re so eager to take the imperial exam this year. Could it be for Big Sister?”

Cheng Huai Zhang shot him a cold glance, saying nothing.

“Before Big Sister entered the palace, you loved reading, but you mostly read books like ‘Tiangong Kaiwu’ and ‘Mengxi Bitan’, all those miscellaneous books. But ever since Big Sister entered the palace, even though you don’t speak about it, you’ve seemed like you can’t help but write an essay every time you go to the toilet. I didn’t know… Ow! Why are you hitting me?!”

“Stop rambling, go back to sleep.” Cheng Huai Zhang said coldly, then turned and walked away.

Wanyan and Wanhe couldn’t help but cover their mouths and laugh. They both sneaked back to their rooms, but just before they entered, Wanhe suddenly whispered, “Second Sister, actually, I’m not afraid of entering the palace.”

Wanyan was taken aback.

Wanhe bit her lip, gathered her courage, and said:

“What’s the difference who we marry? The emperor isn’t that old, and if I can earn his favor, I’ll be able to help Big Sister.” Tears welled up in Wanhe’s eyes, but she stubbornly kept them from falling. “Do you remember? How bad the daughter of Magistrate Bai was? During the Lantern Festival banquet, she deliberately threw a lantern on me and almost set my skirt on fire. It was Big Sister who was beside me, quick as lightning, and grabbed the lantern and threw it out. Later, when we were lighting lanterns by the river, she tricked and pushed Miss Bai into the water… That wasn’t the only time—Big Sister protected me many times.”

“I want to enter the palace,” Wanhe said, wiping away her tears with determination. “Big Sister has no one to help her in the palace. What will she do if she’s bullied? This time, it’s my turn to protect her.”

Wanyan was moved by her determination, and her own courage surged within her. She tightly grasped her sister’s hand. “Alright, no matter which of us gets into the palace, it will be a good thing. I’m not afraid anymore.”

Soon it was the 18th of August. Wanyan and Wanhe, along with the assistant leader of the Han Army’s Bordered Blue Banner, said their goodbyes to their father, who had spent the night divining with the turtle, his eyes swollen and red from crying, and to their mother, whose face was full of worry. They boarded the mule carts in order of their assigned number and entered the palace through the Shenwu Gate.