Chapter 5: The Fairy of Pear Blossoms

Chapter 5: The Fairy of Pear Blossoms

Shen Huai almost thought that the pear blossoms had a spirit, giving birth to a spirit or fairy.

When Cai Shan invoked the Emperor's name, the hearts of the young ladies present raced wildly.

Who didn't know that the initial days in the palace were the most difficult to endure, especially with a total of twenty-four newcomers this time!

Even if the Emperor were to favor a newcomer every day without pause, it would take nearly a month.

With all of them being newcomers, the Emperor still had a sense of novelty. But the further one goes, the harder it is to stand out—a truth known to all who enter the imperial harem.

Originally, the selected attendants, each with their own schemes, were still scheming how to gain favor and rise to prominence. Who would have thought that an opportunity would present itself right now, should they seize it...

The dynasty revered elegance, and apart from the eight refined arts, fishing was also considered a way to cultivate one's character. In Chang'an City, it was common for groups of three or five to go boating and fishing, gradually developing a fondness for angling.

Fishing recognized no distinction of high or low status, only the skill of the angler.

Thus, whether from noble families or common folk, most people were fond of this pastime.

However, fishing required light clothing for easy casting and reeling. Women in skirts would often end up covered in mud or with their clothes torn by hooks, resulting in a rather messy appearance.

Noblewomen were often preoccupied with their appearance, so few among them were skilled in fishing.

Among the twenty-four newcomers, those who could accompany the Emperor in this activity were roughly estimated to be no more than five or six.

The selected attendants each schemed in their hearts and secretly observed the others. Before long, five of them stepped forward, bowing gracefully to Cai Shan to show respect, saying, "Eunuch."

Among them were Ji Miaoyi and Zhu Wenrui.

Ji Miaoyi, already an attendant of the seventh rank, naturally stood at the forefront, with a confident smile.

Cai Shan looked intently at the five who had stepped forward and smiled knowingly, "If there are no others, this servant will take the ladies to pay respects to His Majesty."

A woman in a purple palace dress, standing at the back, hesitated as she looked in their direction, then gritted her teeth and stepped forward.

Cai Shan looked carefully and smiled knowingly, "So it is Attendant Xiao."

He waved a hand, his demeanor respectful but not subservient, "Ladies, please."

Attendant Xiao, originally named Xiao Shaoyi, was the granddaughter of the Minister of Works. The Xiao family was a prominent noble clan, and Xiao Shaoyi was the most outstanding of her generation.

Among the most distinguished attendants who entered the palace through a ceremonial invitation, one was Xiao Shaoyi.

Noblewomen often maintained a dignified composure, disliking competing with ordinary people for opportunities. Given their esteemed status, receiving the Emperor's favor was certain, only a matter of time.

But the first to receive favor was Ji Miaoyi, far inferior to the others, which had already caused discontent. Now, the Emperor was inviting several to join him.

Such an unconventional move was sure to cause concern.

If several attendants inferior to her received favor before her, it would be a loss of face. But if she competed with them and failed, it would be an even greater loss of face!

Xiao Shaoyi was highly skilled, which was precisely why she hesitated to step forward.

Walking straight south from the palace path of the Ye Ting led to the Taiye Pool.

Though called a pool, it was vast in area, more like a small lake.

The Taiye Pool had extraordinary scenery and was a favorite spot for the palace consorts. In spring, the grass grew lush, orioles and swallows danced, creating a splendid and luxurious scene.

The newcomers walked along the palace path, some curiously glancing around but quickly lowering their heads, fearing it might be improper.

The sunlight was brilliant, and a single apricot blossom peeked over the vermilion palace wall, its tender petals blooming in the wind.

It was just like the uneasy heart of a young girl.

At the fishing platform beside Taiye Pond.

The spring breeze gently blew, and the willows swayed gracefully. Peach blossoms were just starting to bloom by the platform, creating a picturesque scene.

Imperial guards stood with swords, creating an undisturbed and peaceful area. A table with fruits and vegetables was set before the platform, music was played and incense burned beside the emperor's presence.

Shen Huai lounged on a dark gold couch, his eyes half-closed as he gazed at the fishing rod before him, his expression somewhat distracted.

"Bro, you don't seem very interested today," said Shen Huai's cousin, Prince Xuan Shen Zhang. His voice was clear and melodious, pure like jade and fresh like a spring. "I heard there are twenty-four new beauties in the palace. None caught your eye?"

Shen Huai couldn't be bothered to move his eyelids, his expression slightly softening. His tone was flat, exuding a careless nonchalance. "They're alright."

In the distance, a tiny ripple quietly formed on the calm surface of the lake. Shen Huai, sharp-eyed, sat up and grasped the fishing rod, asking coolly, "When did you become interested in my harem?"

Shen Zhang gave a faint smile. "If not for that, how could I get you to open up and chat with me?"

No sooner had he finished speaking.

Shen Huai's fishing line tightened, and the float sank into the lake. He acted swiftly and decisively, standing up and effortlessly adjusting the tension.

Soon, a plump bass was flung onto the shore. The bass thrashed about, its tail flapping wildly, splashing water and thudding dully against the wooden platform.

Shen Zhang lowered his fishing rod and, with a bowing gesture, smiled. "There's nothing you can't do well, brother. I admire you."

Shen Huai offered a half-hearted smile.

A servant quickly removed the hook and placed the fish in a bucket nearby.

Shen Huai lazily leaned back on the couch.

A beautiful palace maid stepped forward to wipe the water from his hands. Shen Huai's expression remained indifferent, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

The thought of the old ministers in the court, who prided themselves on their achievements and united to oppose his opinions, made him feel a headache. All his interest was gone.

Shen Huai kicked over the fishing rod propped by the shore and said coldly, "Pack it up. I'm done fishing."

Shen Zhang, who had been waiting for a bite, was now in a dilemma. He glanced at Shen Huai and calmly put down his rod, his smile warm. "Brother, why take it out on the fish? If you're troubled, you should try to relax, or it will only make your headache worse."

He glanced behind Shen Huai and, without a trace, shifted the conversation. "The new beauties from your palace have arrived."

Shen Zhang teased, "Brother, perhaps you should forget about it now."

Under a row of graceful willows, the sunlight filtered through, casting mirror-like patches on the stone path. Six beauties of different charms, dressed in various colors, walked toward the fishing platform—soft pink, light blue, each with their own allure.

All were young women, their skin fair and delicate, their faces fresh.

Shen Huai lazily looked up and stood, giving a faint nod to the palace servants beside him. "Pack it up."

The six newcomers stood before Shen Huai and bowed in unison, their voices sweet and charming. "We greet Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well and prosperous."

At the front stood Ji Miaoyi and Xiao Shaoyi, both with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes.

Ji Miaoyi, who had just received the emperor's favor the night before, was still overwhelmed with emotion. Seeing the emperor reminded her of the passion of the previous night, making her blush and her heart race with shyness.

Her gaze towards Shen Huai was filled with tender affection, openly displaying her eager charm.

Although the spring breeze was still cold, she wore a thin garment. As she bowed in greeting, a hint of her snowy décolletage faintly showed.

Ji Miaoyi had always been confident about her looks and figure, especially since she was the first among the new concubines to receive his favor. After last night's favor, she was certain the Emperor would notice her.

Yet Shen Huai only gave the group a casual glance, his gaze landing on Xiao Shaoyi to her left.

"Look up."

Shen Huai gave her a casual glance, his expression shifting slightly, and said in a neutral tone, "Are you the granddaughter of the Minister of Works?"

Xiao Shaoyi was surprised that the Emperor remembered her family so clearly, feeling a bit pleased but still keeping the poise of a noble lady, she replied gently, "Your Majesty, my grandfather is indeed the Minister of Works."

Shen Huai studied her for a moment, then gave a cold chuckle, "Alright, you may all rise."

He picked up a cup of tea from the side and took a sip, his voice languid and emotionless, "Cai Shan should have already told you, I'm looking for someone skilled in fishing."

Cai Shan quietly took his place beside Shen Huai and called out, "Bring the tools."

The palace servants swiftly set up the equipment, and the new concubines looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what was happening.

A palace maid stepped forward to light a thick incense stick, and Cai Shan explained, "Fishing is a refined activity, it cannot be rushed. Whichever of you can catch the most fish within the time it takes for this incense to burn will receive a reward from His Majesty."

Ji Miaoyi was utterly surprised that accompanying the Emperor meant participating in a fishing competition. Recalling the Emperor's earlier indifference, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.

She glanced at Shen Huai's expression but dared not make a fuss, so she obediently chose a spot, sat down, and started fishing.

Seeing this, Shen Zhang also stopped fishing, had the palace servants pack up his gear, and sat beside Shen Huai to watch the spectacle.

He had thought Shen Huai summoned the beauties merely for companionship, but it turned out to be a quiet competition among them!

Amused by the unusual scene, he chuckled, "Brother, only you could come up with this."

Shen Huai glanced indifferently at the fishing beauties. Outwardly elegant and composed, yet inwardly vying against each other, their petty schemes were all too transparent and boring.

After a few sips of tea and casual conversation, Shen Zhang remarked, "Brother, the woman on the far left looks familiar. Is she the granddaughter of the Minister of Works?"

Shen Huai's fingers tightened slightly around the warm jade cup, and he sneered coldly, "Indeed. It was her esteemed grandfather, the Minister of Works, along with Consort Mi's grandfather, the Left Minister, who led the opposition against me."

Discussing political matters irritated Shen Huai greatly. He slammed the cup down with a clatter and muttered, "I need to clear my mind."

With that, he left the group alone, taking a small boat with Cai Shan to the Yingzhou Island on the Taiye Lake.

Taiye Lake has two small islands.

Yingzhou and Penglai, each with distinct scenery.

Yingzhou Island is filled with pear trees, with a large tree in the center adorned with red ropes and wooden plaques inscribed with worldly wishes. Penglai Island, on the other hand, is covered with bamboo, featuring a bamboo house that exudes tranquility.

Currently, Yingzhou Island was at its most beautiful, with vast pear blossoms just beginning to bloom, fluttering like snow in the wind.

Shen Huai instructed Cai Shan to wait by the shore and walked alone into the vast pear blossom forest.

Pear trees, unlike the fragrant osmanthus or the delicate peach blossoms, possess a pure and unrestrained beauty. A cluster of flowers resembles a handful of snow, yet is much warmer.

Shen Huai's restless mood slightly eased. As he looked up, he saw a water-green, lively figure among the pear trees.

Among the crisscrossing pear branches, a glimpse of a snow-white neck, glowing like jade, was faintly visible from afar.

For a fleeting moment, Shen Huai thought the pear blossoms had spirits, becoming a fairy or sprite frolicking and leaping in the woods.

He followed the figure, but the figure had already disappeared, leaving a handkerchief behind on the flower-covered ground.

Shen Huai picked up the handkerchief.

The fabric was extremely simple yet elegant, with no name embroidered, only a bright crescent moon.

Author's note:

Shen Huai: A flashy and insignificant man.