Chapter 77: Palace Secrets

 

On the fourth day after the wedding, Chu Jinyao paid her respects to the ancestors of the Yan dynasty, officially becoming a recognized member of the imperial family. With the ancestral ceremony completed, the long and tedious wedding rites finally concluded, and Qin Yi resumed his regular routine.

 

Early this morning, Chu Jinyao was in a daze when she heard a knock on the door, followed by the feeling of emptiness beside her. Slowly, her muddled brain recalled that today was the day Qin Yi would return to attending morning court.

 

As the Crown Prince, Qin Yi was obligated to attend court, and as the Crown Princess, it was Chu Jinyao’s duty to assist him with dressing in his formal court attire. She struggled to climb out of the warm bedding, and when Qin Yi heard the sounds from the bed canopy, he quickly instructed Xiao Linzi and the other attendants to be quiet, then walked over to their large, box-like wedding bed and gently pressed Chu Jinyao back down.

 

“It’s still early outside. You don’t need to get up this early.”

 

“But Your Highness has court today. I should help you dress in your formal court attire. How can I keep sleeping?”

 

“It’s fine. Xiao Linzi and the others will take care of it,” Qin Yi replied, “Besides, you don’t know how to put on court attire yet. Go back to sleep.”

 

What he said made sense, and Chu Jinyao hesitated for a moment, then tentatively asked, “Your Highness, shall I go back to sleep then?”

 

“Mhm, sleep.”

 

Chu Jinyao nestled back into the warmth of the blankets, feeling somewhat guilty but relieved. She buried herself in the soft bedding, leaving only her face exposed, her long black hair flowing like water over the pillow. Noticing that Qin Yi was still sitting at the bedside, watching her, she felt a little embarrassed and softly said, “Your Highness, I’ll learn how to help you dress soon. Afterward, I’ll be able to assist you.”

 

Qin Yi chuckled and covered her eyes with his hand. “I know. Now go to sleep.”

 

Xiao Linzi and the other close attendants stood outside, holding the court attire. Upon hearing movement from within, the Crown Prince immediately went back inside to comfort the Crown Princess, and the two of them whispered softly for a long time under the bed canopy. Xiao Linzi exchanged exaggerated glances with the eunuch beside him.

 

However, the moment Qin Yi emerged, everyone immediately returned to their solemn, expressionless faces. With perfect coordination, they assisted him in donning the complete set of Crown Prince attire, then escorted him to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

 

Qin Yi left before dawn, and once Chu Jinyao heard the activity outside settle down, she was able to fully relax and fall back into a deep sleep. She didn’t wake again until her usual time.

 

Sitting up in bed, she stretched her limbs, then slipped into her inner robe and called for Linglong and Dingxiang to come in.

 

Now that Qin Yi was back to attending court every day, Chu Jinyao, as the Crown Princess, had her own responsibilities. She was expected to pay her respects to the Empress daily. After all, she was, in essence, the daughter-in-law of the imperial family, and morning and evening salutations to her mother-in-law were non-negotiable.

 

However, winter mornings were particularly difficult, and while the men had no choice but to attend morning court, the women, having been raised in luxury, were allowed some leniency. Even the Empress herself slept in. So, she had established a rule that consorts only needed to present themselves every five days. The same rule applied to the Crown Princess.

 

But, as the daughter-in-law, Chu Jinyao couldn’t afford to take such liberties. Even though the Empress had given her this concession, she couldn’t truly act on it. Therefore, every day she would visit Kunning Palace, even if it meant that sometimes she wouldn’t see the Empress and it ended up being a wasted trip. It was better than being accused of lacking filial piety.

 

When Chu Jinyao arrived at Kunning Palace, the sun was already up, casting a warm glow over everything. Wrapped in a silver-red cloak, with a hand warmer in her hands and a furry collar around her neck, she walked along the covered walkway of Kunning Palace, smiling as she approached Lanyu. “Lanyu Gugu, has Her Majesty risen yet?”

 

Lanyu was the head maid who had led Chu Jinyao into the palace during her first visit to see the Empress. She was an older woman with fine lines around her eyes and one of the Empress’s most trusted confidants. In the entire palace, everyone had to show her respect and call her “Lanyu Gugu.”

 

Lanyu stopped when she saw Chu Jinyao approach. After Chu Jinyao came near, Lanyu greeted her with a deep bow. “The Crown Princess is early today. Her Majesty has just risen and is still getting her hair done.”

 

Chu Jinyao nodded and smiled. “Please let Her Majesty know I’ve arrived.”

 

Lanyu smiled and agreed. Chu Jinyao waited for a short while, then the heavy curtains at the entrance were lifted, and a young palace maid emerged to relay the message. “Her Majesty invites the Crown Princess to come in. Please follow me.”

 

Inside the palace, the floors were heated, making it much warmer than outside. Chu Jinyao removed her cloak with the help of the attendants, allowing her body to warm up before walking further inside.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

Through the mirror, Empress Xiao Qi saw Chu Jinyao enter and smiled lightly. “Didn’t I say you only needed to come for greetings every five days? Why have you come again?”

 

“I have nothing to do while in the palace, so I thought I’d come here to learn a few things from Your Majesty.”

 

Empress Xiao Qi smiled. “You and the Crown Prince have just married. Young couples like you should spend more time together. Why are you coming to see me so often?”

 

Chu Jinyao lowered her head, pretending to be fearful. “The Crown Prince is busy with his duties. How could I distract him? As the Crown Princess, it’s my duty to advise my husband and serve my mother-in-law. How could I cling to the Crown Prince and distract him from his responsibilities?”

 

Empress Xiao Qi smiled and nodded. “What you said is very true,” but in her heart, she thought, What a fool.

It was clear to her that Chu Jinyao, not having been raised by her biological mother, lacked the cunning and understanding of court politics. She couldn’t even keep her husband’s affections properly.

 

Empress Xiao Qi busily adorned her hair with an array of elaborate jewelry. As Chu Jinyao stood nearby, handing her the occasional hairpin, she fulfilled her duty of attending to her mother-in-law’s grooming.

 

After all, Chu Jinyao was the Crown Princess. Lowering herself too much, like serving tea or water, would only diminish her own status, which was something she couldn’t afford. Everyone knew about Qin Yi’s strained relationship with the Empress. Even though Chu Jinyao had to maintain the appearance of harmony, lowering her status too much would not only damage her own dignity but would also reflect poorly on Qin Yi.

 

Serving one’s mother-in-law was truly an art. Doing too little would make one appear lazy, but doing too much might make one seem like a lowly servant. Chu Jinyao found a middle ground, performing just enough to appear respectful without diminishing her own standing.

 

Empress Xiao Qi was a woman who loved beauty. After several attempts at styling her hair, she finally felt satisfied. An hour had passed as she examined herself in the mirror, adjusting a ruby hairpin. She turned to Chu Jinyao, giving her a half-hearted compliment. “Crown Princess, you must be tired from standing so long. I’ve taken quite a while with my hair today. I appreciate your patience.”

 

“Your Majesty worries too much. You are naturally beautiful. Watching you dress has taught me so much, I could watch you all day without tiring.”

 

Empress Xiao Qi chuckled. There was no woman who didn’t enjoy compliments, and she was particularly proud of her beauty. Slowly standing up with the help of Lanyu, she walked out, saying, “The Crown Princess certainly knows how to speak well. Palace life is dull, and only you come to amuse Bengong with your words.”

 

Noticing that the Empress referred to herself as “Bengong” (a more formal term for “I,me”), Chu Jinyao became cautious. When the Empress used this term, it often indicated she was displeased. Just moments ago, everything had been fine, so what had changed?

 

After thinking it over, Chu Jinyao realized that the Empress’s sudden change in mood likely had to do with the Emperor. No matter how favored the Empress was, the harem was full of beautiful women, and the Emperor’s time with her would always be limited. Chu Jinyao had witnessed the splendor of the Emperor’s harem firsthand; the phrase “beauties like clouds” was no exaggeration.

 

However, whatever was going on between the Emperor and Empress Xiao Qi had nothing to do with Chu Jinyao. It wasn’t her concern, and she had no reason to get involved. After all, the Empress was not her biological mother-in-law.

 

By the time the Empress had finished dressing, most of the morning had passed, and half the day was gone. The imperial family lived a leisurely and luxurious lifestyle. By now, even the Second Princess had just finished washing up and arrived to pay her respects to the Empress. Seeing her daughter brought a smile back to Empress Xiao Qi’s face, and she quickly dismissed Chu Jinyao with a few polite words.

 

Chu Jinyao, more than happy to comply, took her leave. As she walked out of Kunning Palace, she glanced back at the Second Princess, who was sitting by the window, speaking to the Empress in a doting manner.

 

The imperial family had three princes and three princesses. Qin Yi, the Second Prince, and the Eldest Princess were all born before the Empress entered the palace. The Third Prince and Second Princess were born afterward, and it was only after Empress Xiao Qi became Empress that another child, the Third Princess, was safely born.

 

However, the Third Princess’s mother had conceived her while the Empress was pregnant, and because of this, the Third Princess had always lived in fear of her elder sister, the Second Princess, never daring to assert herself.

 

Chu Jinyao thought back to the scene she had glimpsed when she was leaving the palace that day. It was best to stay clear of these palace intrigues, only getting involved when absolutely necessary.

 

Returning to Ciqing Palace, Chu Jinyao sat down for a moment before Linglong quietly entered, speaking softly. “Crown Princess, those four women you mentioned seem to be having a falling out. Erxue has been trying to mend their relationship, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”

 

“That’s not something she can control,” Chu Jinyao replied. “Take that roll of silk with the light blue and intricate design from the chest and give it to Erxue as a reward.”

 

Linglong accepted the instruction and then hesitated before saying, “Crown Princess, the two momos who were sent to teach you court etiquette before the wedding are still here, but they’re becoming a bit unruly. They’re using their status as your momos to boss others around. Should we…”

 

Chu Jinyao sighed, feeling a headache coming on. The two momos had been sent by the Empress under the pretext of teaching her court manners before the wedding. Due to their title, it was difficult for Chu Jinyao to dismiss them, but she also couldn’t let them manage things. So, they had been left with little to do, receiving generous treatment simply to keep the peace. However, these two women were now becoming more of a problem, using their supposed authority to interfere in Ciqing Palace’s affairs. If Chu Jinyao wanted to maintain her strategy of appearing innocent in front of the Empress, these two women would have to go.

 

But how to remove them required careful thought.

 

After pondering for a moment, Chu Jinyao shook her head. “We can’t act just yet. Let them be for now. I have another plan.”

 

Linglong responded with a quick “yes” before leaving.

 

By the time Chu Jinyao returned from Kunning Palace, the morning was nearly over. After a brief discussion about palace affairs, it was time for lunch. Xiao Linzi had informed her earlier that Qin Yi would not be returning for lunch today, so Chu Jinyao ate alone.

 

The meals in the palace were delivered from the imperial kitchen, and the food sent to the Eastern Palace was never lacking. Despite the cold weather, the food arrived steaming hot, showing that the imperial kitchen prioritized preparing the Eastern Palace’s meals first and sent them over as soon as they were cooked. Chu Jinyao had her servants reward the young eunuch who delivered the food. The young eunuch, feeling the weight of the silver in his pouch, smiled so wide his eyes nearly disappeared and quickly knelt to thank her.

 

Palace rules were strict, and every palace had a set number of dishes and soups based on rank. If a lady of the palace wanted something different, she would have to pay out of her own pocket to have the imperial kitchen prepare something special. Only a few palaces, such as Kunning Palace, Qianqing Palace, and Ciqing Palace, had their own small kitchens, and even those could only prepare basic foods like porridge or soup. For more elaborate dishes, they still had to rely on the imperial kitchen.

 

However, having a small kitchen was still convenient. For example, if Chu Jinyao wanted hot water, she didn’t have to wait for anyone else. Her own palace staff could heat it for her at any time.

 

After lunch, Chu Jinyao took a comfortable nap for half an hour before waking up to attend to other matters. Ciqing Palace, being the residence of the Crown Prince, was regularly maintained and quite spacious. From the outside, it appeared to be a long courtyard with the front section serving as an outer hall where Qin Yi studied, met with ministers, and received imperial decrees.

 

Beyond the central corridor lay the inner hall. Upon entering, there was a large screen that concealed the main hall, which consisted of five large rooms facing north. Each side had three wings, and the front hall had its own set of servant quarters. The layout was connected by covered walkways, with small gates at each corner. When closed, it formed a self-contained complex.

 

Behind the main hall was a small courtyard with a gate that didn’t lead directly to the outer palace paths. If anyone wanted to leave, they would have to pass through Chu Jinyao’s living quarters. Currently, the courtyard was used to store large items, but in the future, it would likely serve as the residence for other concubines.

 

Chu Jinyao resided in the main hall, which was expansive. To break up the large space, screens, dividers, and curtains were used to create smaller sections. Her bedroom with Qin Yi was located in the westernmost section. Chu Jinyao often entertained guests in the front three rooms, while the three back rooms were more private and closer to their sleeping quarters.

 

Today, Chu Jinyao planned to rearrange the furnishings in the main hall. When Qin Yi had lived there alone, he had spent most of his time in the outer hall, leaving the inner palace sparsely used. It wasn’t that the furnishings were neglected—everything from the agate vases on the shelves to the drapes on the partitions were meticulously maintained—but the atmosphere felt cold and impersonal. Chu Jinyao wanted to make the space feel warmer and more lived-in.

 

She walked to the eastern side of the hall and looked around carefully. The lighting was good, and the space was large, making it an ideal place for a study. Qin Yi had his study in the outer hall, but Chu Jinyao had brought books, stationery, and a chessboard with her dowry, and she wanted a quiet place to herself to read and write.

 

As she inspected the room, a group of palace maids and eunuchs followed closely behind her. After deciding how to rearrange the space, Chu Jinyao gave instructions to a young eunuch, “Move these vases and that wooden shelf to the front hall. Push that cabinet into the corner, and open the windows to let in some light…”

 

As Chu Jinyao directed the servants, her voice carried to the outer hall, where senior maid Qiuchan hurried in. When she saw the servants moving the Crown Prince’s belongings, she was furious. “How dare you! These are the Crown Prince’s things. How dare you touch them without permission?”

 

Returning from her walk outside, Chu Jinyao heard Qiuchan’s reprimand and frowned slightly. Calmly, she responded, “I’m the one who gave them the order.”

 

Qiuchan turned around and saw that it was Chu Jinyao. Although she suppressed her displeasure and greeted the Crown Princess, she still insisted, “Your Highness, these are the Crown Prince’s belongings. They have remained unchanged for many years. I fear that if you alter them without permission, His Highness may be displeased.”

 

Chu Jinyao glanced at Qiuchan, recognizing her as one of the senior maids who had been serving Qin Yi for many years, managing the affairs of Ciqing Palace. Although Chu Jinyao had held back from making major changes immediately after arriving, she couldn’t allow a maid to question her authority.

 

With a calm tone, she replied, “This is a matter between me and the Crown Prince. If he doesn’t like it, he will tell me himself. Why are you so eager to interfere before he has said anything?”

 

While Chu Jinyao had refrained from changing too much right away out of respect for Qin Yi, that didn’t mean a maid could challenge her decisions. She paused for a moment, then added, “Qiuchan, if you have no other matters, please step aside. The servants need space to move the furniture.”

 

Qiuchan bit her lip, refusing to back down. Just then, another senior maid, Yuyan, entered the room. Seeing the tense atmosphere, she quickly stepped forward to mediate. “Your Highness, please forgive Qiuchan. She tends to speak her mind, but she didn’t mean any disrespect. I’ll help with moving the furniture. What would you like us to do?”

 

Chu Jinyao glanced at both maids. Qiuchan, though still standing stiffly, was clearly being held back by Yuyan. Deciding not to waste time on them, she delivered a subtle rebuke and waved them off. “Although I may not have the same authority as His Highness, I don’t appreciate anyone obstructing my orders. Since this is your first offense, I’ll let it pass. But if it happens again, I won’t be so lenient. Now, please leave.”

 

Yuyan quickly bowed, pulling Qiuchan along with her as they exited. Once outside, she scolded Qiuchan. “What were you thinking? That’s the Crown Princess you’re defying!”

 

“But these are the Crown Prince’s belongings. They’ve been arranged like this for years. How can she just change everything?”

 

Yuyan couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “What are you talking about? The Crown Princess is the rightful mistress of the Eastern Palace. She has every right to change the furniture. It’s not your place to question her.”

 

Qiuchan still looked dissatisfied, but before their argument could continue, a group of people emerged from the corridor. Seeing who it was, Qiuchan’s eyes lit up, and she hurried over. “Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

 

Xiao Linzi quickly blocked her path. In the Eastern Palace, Xiao Linzi held considerable authority. Though Qiuchan and Yuyan were senior maids, they couldn’t compare to him, as he was a trusted attendant of the Crown Prince.

 

Qiuchan called out respectfully, “Eunuch Lin,” then turned to Qin Yi. “Your Highness, you shouldn’t go inside yet.”

 

Qin Yi stopped, asking, “Why?”

 

“The Crown Princess is inside, directing the servants to rearrange the furniture. She said she wanted to redecorate the Eastern Palace.”

 

Qin Yi was taken aback but didn’t seem concerned. “Let her do as she likes. As long as she doesn’t hurt herself, it’s fine.”

 

Qiuchan was stunned. These were the furnishings the Crown Prince had grown accustomed to for over a decade, yet he was so nonchalant about changing them? By the time she processed what had happened, Qin Yi had already walked past her. She bit her lip in frustration.

 

Yuyan bowed as Qin Yi entered, then turned to Qiuchan with a knowing look. “I’ll keep today’s incident quiet and not tell Eununch Lin. But take this as a warning—don’t let it happen again.”

 

Inside, Chu Jinyao had spent a considerable amount of time overseeing the rearrangement of the hall. When she heard that Qin Yi had returned, she immediately set down what she was doing and hurried to meet him.

 

“Your Highness?” Chu Jinyao’s face lit up with surprise when she saw him. “You’re back so early today!”

 

“There wasn’t much going on at Wenhua Hall, so I came back early.”

 

In truth, Qin Yi’s living quarters in Ciqing Palace were located close to Wenhua Hall, where he dealt with state affairs on behalf of the Emperor. Wenhua Hall was also near the Imperial Secretariat, making it a strategic position. The Crown Prince had easy access to both the Emperor and the court ministers.

 

Ordinarily, after handling matters at Wenhua Hall, Qin Yi would stay a while longer in the outer hall to discuss recent events with his advisors or to quietly read and reflect. But lately, he found himself wanting to return to the inner palace more quickly.

 

Not that Chu Jinyao needed to know any of this. As usual, Qin Yi pulled her close and asked, “I heard you’re rearranging the study. Were you feeling bored on your own?”

 

“Not exactly,” Chu Jinyao replied, a bit embarrassed. She didn’t want to admit that she felt inadequate, so she deflected. “I just thought I had a lot to catch up on, so I wanted to spend the afternoon studying.”

 

Qin Yi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you want to study?”

 

Chu Jinyao led Qin Yi to where she had placed her books, and Qin Yi, with one arm around her, picked up a few volumes. He skimmed through the titles and couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“Why are you reading these?”

 

“To study the Four Books and Five Classics, of course!” Chu Jinyao replied earnestly. “The last time I met Lady Baoyu, I overheard them talking about how they were raised on these texts. Zhao Lanhui even studied alongside her brothers.”

 

Qin Yi laughed even harder, pulling her onto a nearby couch with him. “Only you would believe something like that.”