Spring in the Hall of Paintings

Since Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the Qing Dynasty placed great importance on Han studies. Poetry, songs, and literature were essential for the beauty of the Eight Banners. Everyone sought to please the Emperor with their poetry, so during the selection of the women, the ability to compose poetry was a requirement. Yun Wei, limited by her talent, could only produce mediocre poems despite her efforts. Fortunately, she never expected to gain fame from them. She submitted two simple, unremarkable poems and left it at that.

Yun Lan, on the other hand, was much more gifted in poetry than Yun Wei. However, even her talents could not compare to the exceptional abilities of Lin Meimei and Bao Jie. In order to maintain a reputation for talent and avoid being looked down upon by the Emperor’s four Imperial concubines, Yun Lan chose two poems written by Bao Jie. The poems alluded to the prosperous era of Emperor Kangxi, with famous lines from the Emperor himself. The handwriting was neat, and the writing elegant. These poems were sure to be ranked first and outshine all others.

When it came to talent in poetry, Jing Yi was the most gifted among the sisters. She planned to dominate with her poetry, and after much thought, she composed two poems. Both were also ranked first, but compared to Yun Lan’s, they lacked the same grandeur. Jing Yi felt dissatisfied. After writing the first two lines of ‘Qin Yuan Chun Xue’ (Spring Snow), Yun Lan rarely wrote poetry again, which made Jing Yi believe that Yun Lan’s talent had dried up. However, Yun Lan had saved her best work for the most critical moment.

Imperial Concubine Rong set aside Jing Yi’s poems and began discussing them with Imperial Concubine Hui. They were of similar age, and their relationship was better than that with Imperial Concubine De and Imperial Concubine Yi. “I quite like Ma Jia Jing Yi’s poetry,” said Imperial Concubine Rong. “It seems simple, lacking the ambitious spirit of Tong Jia Yun Lan, but it fits the mindset of a young lady in a boudoir.”

Imperial Concubine Hui smiled in understanding. Liang Pin’s gaze then fell upon Tong Jia Yun Lan’s poetry. The words of the Emperor rang in her ears: “Yuer, I will choose the best Consort for the Eighth Prince, as I owe you this.” Was Tong Jia Yun Lan really the best? Liang Pin was willing to believe Emperor Kangxi. Yun Lan was beautiful, her poetry exceptional, and she came from the loyal and heroic Tong family, sharing the same ancestor as the Emperor’s birth mother. After Empress Dowager Xiaokang’s rise, the connection between their families had decreased, but with Rongxuan’s rise, the Tong family was bound to prosper. Yun Lan’s reputation was already quite remarkable. Even Emperor Kangxi had praised her as a rare and exceptional woman. Even if she wasn’t born into the Tong family, her talent would make her a worthy match for the Eighth Prince, Yinti.

Liang Pin’s modest joy deeply hurt Imperial Concubine Yi. Liang Pin had always been Imperial Concubine Yi’s biggest rival. However, Imperial Concubine Yi’s biological son, the Ninth Prince, had become close to the Eighth Prince. Yinti was skilled in social interactions. Even though Imperial Concubine Yi harbored hostility toward Liang Pin, it was hard for her to direct this toward Yinti. Moreover, with Imperial Concubine Hui present, Imperial Concubine Yi also knew she couldn’t monopolize the Emperor’s favor. Gradually, she resigned herself to her fate. But today, Liang Pin’s demeanor angered Imperial Concubine Yi. Liang Pin was not good at hiding her emotions, and Imperial Concubine Yi could tell what she was thinking. She felt frustrated but couldn’t express it. After setting down her teacup, Imperial Concubine Yi smiled and said, “I also quite like Tong Jia Yun Lan.”

Imperial Concubine De, who usually stayed silent, watched the scene from the side. Liang Pin glanced at Imperial Concubine Yi and whispered, “Yun Lan is quite likeable, so it’s not surprising that Imperial Concubine Yi likes her.” Liang Pin pretended to be clueless, but her words stung Imperial Concubine Yi, as if a punch had landed on cotton. “The Emperor hasn’t issued a decree to grant a marriage yet. We don’t know who Tong Jia Yun Lan might end up with.”

“Yes, everything is up to the Emperor,” Liang Pin replied, agreeing. The others, who seemed to be in awe of Liang Pin’s respectful demeanor, couldn’t find fault with her, but the more they listened, the stranger it felt. Imperial Concubine Hui, not wanting to make things too awkward, changed the subject, saying, “Poetry is one thing, but I think this year’s best embroidery belongs to Tong Jia Yun Wei. Look at how tight and even the stitches are, and the patterns are so vivid—the butterfly looks like it could fly out.”

Yun Wei’s purse was placed in the most obvious spot. Even though Yun Wei had tried to hide her skill, she didn’t want her family, the Tong family, to be looked down upon. Embroidery requires deep skill, and after so much practice, Yun Wei’s technique was flawless. It was difficult to make it look ordinary, let alone exceptional. Although the Eight Banners noble girls valued embroidery, few, like Yun Wei, had worked so hard at it. Most relied on skillful tricks, but in front of the palace concubines, who were accustomed to high-quality offerings, it was easy to see who excelled.

“I think only the Han army banner’s beautiful women can be compared to Tong Jia Yun Wei,” Imperial Concubine Yi casually remarked. Imperial Concubine Tong, who had been sitting in the highest seat and silent all along, furrowed her brow. Realizing her mistake, Imperial Concubine Yi quickly corrected herself, “No woman from the Manchu Eight Banners can compare to Tong Jia Yun Wei.”

Although Imperial Concubine Tong did not manage palace affairs and was no longer favored by Kangxi, she was still the highest-ranking woman in the imperial harem. She, too, came from the Tong family and was related to Yun Lan and Yun Wei. Imperial Concubine Tong smiled and said, “That’s not quite right. I think Guo Luoluo Jing Shu is excellent. Her father is the high-ranking Shao Ming E Fu, and she was raised in the Prince’s residence. She spent some time in the palace, and the Emperor likes her. I wonder who the Emperor will assign her to this time?”

Imperial Concubine De slowly spoke, “It will be someone of high status.” Imperial Concubine De’s two sons, including Yinzhen, who married a primary wife, would likely only promote a few more women to be concubines. Most of the beautiful women they were discussing wouldn’t become secondary concubines. The Fourteenth Prince was still young and would not be marrying anytime soon, so Imperial Concubine De was the most relaxed among them. But relaxation didn’t mean she wasn’t interested in the drama unfolding. Her words seemed casual, but after she spoke them, they surely made Imperial Concubine Yi uneasy. Most of the women in this year’s selection came from noble families. While Guo Luoluo Jing Shu might not be as impressive as the daughter of a Mongol prince, she was still outstanding. The Mongol princes now only had titles, without real power, whereas the Mongol prince Rongxuan still held considerable influence.

The Ninth Prince was to be matched with a wife, and Imperial Concubine Yi, who always doted on him, hoped he would marry a good consort. Imperial Concubine Yi could clearly see the talents and beauty of the women in the selection. To be honest, Imperial Concubine Yi favored two women the most: Tong Jia Yun Lan and Guo Luoluo Jing Shu. She was contemplating which one would be more suitable for the Ninth Prince. Seeing the conversation nearing its end, Imperial Concubine Tong had the eunuchs report the results to Kangxi, who would review them personally in a few days.

After everyone dispersed, Liang Pin walked beside Imperial Concubine Hui. As they parted ways, Liang Pin frowned and said, “Sister Imperial Concubine Hui, do you remember what Tong Jia Yun Wei looks like?”

“Why bring her up?” Imperial Concubine Hui replied. “The Emperor is unlikely to marry her off to a prince. The royal family only wants the best daughters-in-law. Even though Tong Jia Yun Wei is Rongxuan’s legitimate daughter, she’s too ordinary aside from her embroidery skills, completely overshadowed by Yun Lan.”

“It’s nothing. I just find it strange—Tong Jia Yun Wei’s face seems so clear in my memory, yet I can’t quite recall it.”

Liang Pin relaxed her furrowed brows and, with a curtsy to the palace maid, walked toward her own palace, while Imperial Concubine Hui, upon being reminded by Liang Pin, also found it odd but didn’t dwell on it. Tong Jia Yun Wei was quite good in her own right, but under Yun Lan’s brilliance, it was understandable. It seemed her character was quite resilient.

In Cining Palace, after Kangxi paid his respects to the Empress Dowager, he stayed to chat with her. Kangxi was very filial to the Empress Dowager, partly because of the late Empress Dowager’s final instructions, and partly because the Empress Dowager never interfered with Kangxi’s decisions. Their conversations were solely about mother and son.

“Your Majesty, I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

The Empress Dowager, seeing Kangxi in good spirits, spoke up: “Qing’e Prince has come to ask for my approval, and I think he is a fine match. I wanted to ask the Emperor if he has made any arrangements for Tong Jia Yun Wei.”

“Does Prince Qing’e want to marry Tong Jia Yun Wei?” Kangxi, holding his tea leaves, appeared calm, his face showing no displeasure, but he didn’t agree either. The Empress Dowager smiled and said, “It’s not just Prince Qing’e—many princes and heirs have come to ask for Yun Wei’s hand. I didn’t realize she was so exceptional.”

“It’s not that Tong Jia Yun Wei is so remarkable, but I value Tong Rongxuan. He saved my life. You may not know, but Rongxuan displayed such bravery and loyalty in the northwest—he took the head of an enemy general in the midst of thousands of soldiers as easily as picking something from a pouch. I trust Rongxuan’s abilities, and not only is he brave, but also wise. He is one of the best generals of our time. I will not let him down, nor will I cause a loyal subject to feel betrayed.”

“The Emperor means…?”

“I don’t want Tong Jia Yun Wei to marry into Prince Qing’s residence. I have already decided on her marriage. Even if she marries into a noble family, I will ensure it is a family of Iron Hat Princes.”

The Empress Dowager understood that Kangxi had unresolved feelings, which had affected Prince Qing’e. She sighed, “Let me add a word. Prince Qing’e is a good match.”

“I never said Prince Qing’e was bad, but the Prince’s residence isn’t suitable,” Kangxi decisively concluded. The Empress Dowager didn’t say more. After a few more casual remarks, Kangxi left Cining Palace.

“Are you saying you like Jing Shu?” Imperial Concubine Yi looked at the Ninth Prince, asking again, “Are you really serious?”

“Mother, please help me,” the Ninth Prince, Yintang, pleaded. “I don’t like Tong Jia Yun Lan. I’ve liked cousin Jing Shu ever since I met her.”

Imperial Concubine Yi pondered carefully, considering that Jing Shu would indeed be a good match. She came from a noble family and would be well-suited for Yintang. If it weren’t for Tong Jia Yun Lan overshadowing her, Jing Shu might not even have a chance to marry him, and would likely be married off to the Eighth Prince, Yinti, who needed a higher status.

“Does Jing Shu like you?” Imperial Concubine Yi, wanting her son to be happy, asked. Yintang smiled and nodded: “She’s shy, so she won’t say it.” Could Jing Shu be shy? Imperial Concubine Yi watched her foolish son, clearly falling for her, and was unsure about what to think. Just then, a eunuch called out, “The Emperor is arriving.”

Imperial Concubine Yi didn’t have time to think further and quickly stood up, heading to greet the Emperor. “Long live the Emperor, long live, long long live.” Kangxi didn’t seem displeased by Prince Qing’e’s request for a marriage, and personally helped Yi Fei sit down. “My beloved concubine, no need for such formalities.”

After sitting down, Yintang lifted his robes and knelt. “Son pays respects to the Emperor.”

“Rise,” Kangxi said kindly, also fond of Yintang. Seeing the mother and son seemed to have been discussing something, he asked, “Is something the matter? At this hour, the Ninth Prince should be at the Prince’s residence.”

Imperial Concubine Yi hadn’t planned to hide anything from Kangxi, especially since the marriage arrangement would inevitably involve him. She shot Yintang a playful glare and smiled helplessly. “It’s about Yintang’s marriage. Our son has taken a liking to Jing Shu.”

“Guo Luo Luo Jing Shu?” Kangxi paused, then glanced at Yintang, whose face showed a mix of shyness, anticipation, and anxiety. Kangxi smiled. “Cousin to cousin?”

“Father, I ask for your blessing,” Yintang knelt again. “I want to marry her. I know you care for Jing Shu, and I can guarantee I will be the best husband to her.”

“Your Majesty, please grant them this wish. It’s all about relationships in the royal family,” Imperial Concubine Yi said, gently placing her hand on Kangxi’s. “Jing Shu is someone I brought into the palace. She’s always been well-behaved, with a lively personality, and would be a great match for Yintang.”

“Sometimes, closeness makes a good match. I agree to this. But Yintang, I’ve granted your request, but now it’s up to you to show me your worth.”

Yintang beamed with joy. “Thank you, Father! Thank you, Father! You are the best, the very best Emperor!” Kangxi laughed heartily. Yintang flattered him with many kind words, and at that moment, Kangxi was the most loving father. Imperial Concubine Yi also knew how to please Kangxi, so Kangxi personally wrote the marriage edict and handed it to Imperial Concubine Yi. It would be announced to the world after the selection. Yintang felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and the thought that Jing Shu would be his official wife filled him with sweetness.

Before Kangxi personally reviewed the candidates, the consorts summoned the selected women, who began competing, both openly and secretly, as expected. Kangxi had already made arrangements for the key candidates. When he personally reviewed them, he spent extra time asking questions to the charming and poised Tong Jia Yun Lan. Yun Lan’s answers were thoughtful, and her perspective was unlike that of most other candidates. Kangxi was particularly fond of her and conversed with her for the longest time. As for Yun Wei, Kangxi spoke a few polite words with her, then dismissed her with a slight bow, acknowledging her as Rongxuan’s daughter.

Yun Wei returned to the group of candidates and quietly sighed in relief. The hardest part was over. She had feared Kangxi would ask more questions or uncover her hidden qualities. Beauty needed to be controlled and used with care. Yun Lan, on the other hand, had a different plan. She had her eyes set on Yinzhen, and was willing to be a side concubine if it meant demonstrating her talents to Kangxi. She hoped to be remembered, believing that once she entered the Fourth Prince’s residence as his side concubine, no one would dare mistreat her. With her excellent reputation, beauty, and talent, she was confident Yinzhen would love her too.

And so, Kangxi’s personal review concluded. The selected women packed their things, preparing to leave the palace and await the marriage edict.