Chapter 6: Yi Yang

Chapter 6: Yi Yang

However, before evening arrived, Peilan came to invite them to the front of the palace, saying that the Crown Prince had requested their presence.

Han Suyin smiled and held Peilan's hand. "It's not yet time for our evening duties, why has the Crown Prince summoned us? We're new here today, so please, Sister, give us some guidance."

Peilan pulled her hand away, her gaze sweeping over Han Suyin's radiant makeup, her smile enigmatic. "It's Princess Tai who has arrived. I've heard that Empress Dowager has bestowed gifts upon someone and wishes to meet you both as well. If the two of you impress, there will be rewards." She addressed Princess Tai with great familiarity, showcasing her privileged status from serving the Crown Prince since childhood, and relished in the change of expression on the two account-keeping palace maidens before her.

Princess Tai?

Han Suyin's face paled. Was it Princess Yi Yang?

Rong Bi, having spent a long time in the palace, naturally had heard of Princess Yi Yang's notorious reputation.

Princess Yi Yang, Yuan Yiqing, was the Emperor's eldest legitimate daughter and the only imperial sister to the Crown Prince. At the tender age of fourteen, she married Song Heng, the heir to Duke Ding. Tragically, not long after their marriage, Song Heng passed away, leaving her a widow. She usually resided alone in her princess residence.

Soon, rumors spread about Princess Yi Yang's licentious nature, alleging that she had seduced the second legitimate son of the Duke Ding family. Later, there were whispers of her keeping handsome young companions and engaging in scandalous affairs with palace guards. Even her poetic exchanges and romantic escapades with Zheng Changyuan, the third top scholar from the Academy of Literature, became the subject of gossip.

Ironically, the Emperor adored his charming and lovely eldest daughter. After pursuing immortality and spiritual enlightenment, he cared even less about these matters. After all, she was a princess who had become a widow at a young age. As long as she didn't commit any major transgressions, and her relationships were consensual, there was little to criticize.

In the palace, rumors also circulated about the princess's romantic verses with the charming and talented scholar, as well as several scandalous tales of guards and the princess. This young widow princess was not someone to be trifled with—it was known that an elder from the royal family, disapproving of her behavior, tried to discipline her, only to have his carriage damaged by her whip. He complained to the emperor, but gained nothing but a few newly refined medicinal pills and a lesson in self-restraint from the emperor himself. The princess merely received a mild reprimand from the queen's envoy.

Everyone knew the emperor doted on Princess Yi Yang, and since they were gifts from the new empress, it was clear that she had ill intentions towards them. How could Princess Yi Yang treat them kindly? Not only would the princess not punish the maidservants, she would likely face no consequences even if she were to harm two slaves.

Han Suyin and Rong Bi didn't dare waste time and quickly made their way to the front.

Surprisingly, the princess they imagined to be dressed in opulence like other noble ladies, adorned with jewels like celestial beauties, was indeed strikingly beautiful, but her attire was unexpected. She wore a lustrous white satin robe beneath a black gauze cloak, the latter embroidered with a qilin trampling clouds, a design commonly used for men's clothing. The solemn grandeur of the black qilin contrasted sharply with the silver lotus flowers embroidered on the inner white satin. A silver qilin-on-lotus buckle adorned her waist, while a pearl-encrusted lotus tiara graced her high chignon, and long pearl earrings dangled from her ears. Her attire, despite being only black and white, was not modest, but exuded a refined and noble air.

Her dark, long eyelashes veiled her eyes as she leaned against her seat, conversing with the crown prince, who was also attired in a simple black robe. The siblings both possessed extraordinary looks, cold and aloof, creating an intriguing atmosphere that seemed exclusive to outsiders.

Han Suyin and Rong Bi approached to pay their respects. Princess Yi Yang looked down at them with piercing, bright eyes. "Raise your heads and let me see you."

Trembling with anxiety, Han Suyin and Rong Bi lifted their gazes. Upon inspection, Princess Yi Yang smiled and turned to Prince Yuan Jun. "Brother seems to have lucked out this time."

Prince Yuan Jun remained noncommittal, while Princess Yuan Yiqing continued to smile, asking each of their names, where they were from, when they entered the palace, and what their previous duties were. Han Suyin and Rong Bi replied accordingly. When Rong Bi mentioned her past service in the Imperial Kitchen, Princess Yuan Yiqing jestingly remarked, "Seems brother will have a culinary treat." Hearing that Han Suyin had been in the Bell and Drum Office, she raised her eyebrows and said with a laugh, "So, Accountant Han is skilled in music, I presume?"

Han Suyin observed Yuan Yiqing's amiable expression and felt reassured. "This servant mainly studied dance in the Bell and Drum Tower, and I only learned to play the pipa among musical instruments."

Yuan Yiqing smiled. "Excellent. It's been a while since I've heard a pipa performance. Please, Miss Han, play a piece for His Highness the Crown Prince. Someone, bring a stool." She turned to instruct someone to fetch a pipa.

Han Suyin was initially displeased. She was no longer serving in the Bell and Drum Tower, and her background as a musician was something she preferred not to be reminded of. Being ordered to perform on a whim made her uncomfortable. However, upon hearing Yuan Yiqing's subsequent remark, she realized this might be a rare opportunity to impress the Crown Prince. Could the princess truly be creating an opening for her?

Overwhelmed with joy, Han Suyin promptly accepted the task respectfully. Ignoring Peilan's disdainful gaze, she took the pipa that Peilan had fetched and sat sideways on a small stool at the lower end, positioning her delicate waist towards the Crown Prince. She began to pluck the strings rapidly, deliberately showcasing her skills.

Rong Bi obediently stood at the back, blending into the background with the other attendants.

Yuan Yiqing's attention wasn't entirely on the pipa; she turned to Yuan Jun with a smile. "It's been a while since my brother and I last sat down to enjoy some music together. A brief respite from our busy lives."

Yuan Jun wasn't focusing on the pipa either, clearly more interested in his sister's presence. "I hear you went boating with Zheng Tanhua again the other day?"

Yuan Yiqing chuckled with a hint of sarcasm. "Yes, has my poetry improved? Although it's still not on par with yours, I believe I've made considerable progress."

Yuan Jun replied, "The Zheng family is a wealthy southern clan, originally merchants with significant influence at sea. They've built many ports. With a descendant finally entering the imperial examinations, they must have grand ambitions. They certainly won't allow Zheng Tanhua to marry into the royal family. Besides, Zheng Changyuan himself is known for his frivolous and flirtatious nature, often frequenting pleasure spots. He's not an ideal match."

Yuan Yiqing giggled. "Who wants to marry him anyway? It's just about enjoying oneself."

Yuan Jun frowned. "Why invite trouble, Sister?"

Yuan Yiqing chuckled. "I have always been fascinated by seaports and harbors. I happened to obtain some books and nautical charts from Zheng Changyuan the other day. I brought them along today to broaden your horizons. They've already been sent to your study."

Yuan Jun glanced at Yuan Yiqing, then fell silent for a moment before he spoke softly, "I only wish for you to be happy and indulge yourself. There's no need for you to worry too much about me..."

Yuan Yiqing's smile faded. "How many times can one laugh heartily... Life is but filled with regret for the scarcity of joy. I understand, Brother. Focus on your duties."

Suddenly, a young eunuch rushed in to report, "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Princess, the Second Prince, Third Prince, and several other princes and princesses are here. They say they want to celebrate your birthday."

Yuan Jun turned his head, his expression indifferent. "I don't wish to see them..." But Yuan Yiqing smiled. "Perfect timing. Didn't we just mention preparing a feast at Kuai Yu Xuan? Invite our brothers and sisters there. It'll be nice to listen to the rain and admire the scenery."

Yuan Jun looked at Yuan Yiqing and whispered, "It's not easy for Sister to come to the palace. Why let unrelated people spoil the mood?"

Yuan Yiqing smiled. "We have plenty of time ahead of us. No need to give Empress Luo any reason to talk." She noticed Han Suyin pause her pipa, seemingly unsure if she should withdraw. Yuan Yiqing smiled again. "Let's all go to Kuai Yu Xuan. Your pipa playing is impressive; it would make a perfect accompaniment."

She then glanced at Rong Bi. "Rong Shi-zhang, please join us as well. The Crown Prince's attendants are few, and Pei Qiu might be overwhelmed."

Rong Bi bowed in response. As she looked at Han Suyin's slightly pale face, both women sensed an impending unease.

Even in ordinary households, chambermaids attending to a brother's chamber would warrant discretion from other siblings. Though these two women had yet to serve the Crown Prince, they were nonetheless legitimate ladies-in-waiting dispatched by the Imperial Bedchamber. If the prince were displeased and did not take them into his service, they would be returned to the Bedchamber to be assigned elsewhere.

On the surface, it seemed like a casual remark, but both the First Princess and the Crown Prince had grown up within the palace walls; surely they were well-versed in its rules and customs?

Yet, they had no choice in the matter.