On the Xinghua Tower outside Lianyan Hall, a moon-chasing dance was performed. Inside, flowers bloomed, with osmanthus being the most abundant. Crab was served with osmanthus, accompanied by fine wine. Various delicacies and seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits were plentiful. Concubines had individual tables below their seats, each laden with delicacies, while dancing girls added to the festive atmosphere.
Xu Qiu’er observed the concubines throughout the hall. Those of higher rank had individual tables, while lower ranks shared. Even the lowest-ranking attendants stood.
However, with the Emperor absent, few paid close attention to the performances. Only the Empress Dowager was enthusiastic, playing drinking games and engaging in traditional word-matching and folk games. She indulged in crabs and wine, while the Empress appeared detached and contemplative.
She briefly sat before leaving for her palace.
After the hour of xu, the Emperor and Crown Prince arrived at Lianyan Hall, and the atmosphere became lively as palace servants arranged seats near the Empress Dowager. Surprisingly, after paying respects, the Crown Prince sat next to Xu Qiu’er, saying, “Mother, there’s no need to fuss. I’ll sit here.” He wore a sky-blue robe embroidered with golden double dragons, his face slightly flushed from drinking.
As he sat down, Xu Qiu’er was about to rise, but he held her hand, smiling softly, “No need to be formal, my beloved. This is a family gathering. Just sit.” Though uneasy, she maintained a coy smile.
The Empress Dowager glanced over, saying, “Sit down since the Crown Prince has asked you to.” Xu Qiu’er thanked her and perched on the edge of the chair, avoiding looking down, feeling as if a thousand daggers were pointed at her. With the Emperor and Crown Prince’s arrival, the atmosphere became extraordinary, energized by musical performances and dances, a competition of skills and beauty.
Xu Qiu’er found the Lianyan Hall dazzling, transforming with dancers’ charm as armor, musical instruments as sharp blades. Flirtatious eyes shot like arrows, and delicate hands played a battle song. Though no iron horses were present, graceful steps moved like war chariots.
After three rounds of drinks, she excused herself, claiming to be overcome by alcohol, and bid farewell to the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
She gently hummed in response, not daring to look at him. He let go of her hand: “This palace will send you back and try this fragrance.”
Xu Qiu’er’s heart stiffened, and she nodded. Li Gong Gong followed from a distance, accompanied by Cang Yue. Their journey was silent, with moonlight and lamplight stretching their shadows long, seemingly intertwined for a moment.
Xu Qiu’er sighed. The Nine-Turn Lotus Heart was destined for another, but today it would be seized by Long Han Jie, leaving her disappointed and helpless. He decided to settle her in the Fu Qiu Palace, and she could only sigh silently. Fortunately, he had not harmed her, and she fell asleep in a daze.
Xu Qiu’er woke up before Cang Yue could call her, having slept well and being accustomed to early rising. Although the prince had stayed overnight, she was not in a hurry to get up. Yesterday was the fifteenth, and according to the Jin Tai custom, the morning court would be delayed until after noon. Feeling it was still early, she turned over to sleep a bit more.
As Xu Qiu’er slightly raised herself, she sensed something was amiss. She gently combed her hair and her heart skipped a beat. Their hair was entangled, with a strand from her side caught in his sideburn. Both had long hair, making tangles inevitable while sleeping. Normally, their hair would not form a dead knot, but this time it felt tightly intertwined, as if someone had tied several knots together.
Cang Yue and Guan Yue took turns sleeping on the couch outside the screen, alongside three palace maids, with four more maids stationed outside, all alert. When Xu Qiu’er stirred, Cang Yue noticed and checked the time—it was just past the hour of Yin. Assuming Xu Qiu’er needed more rest, she stayed still.
Soon, the curtain slightly swayed.
Cang Yue ascended the steps and approached the large bed, whispering through the curtain: “Your Ladyship, it’s just past the hour of Yin. Rest a bit more.”
Xu Qiu’er felt a wave of nausea and tried to address it. Inside the curtained bed, with only a dim reading lamp outside, she could barely see. Afraid of waking Long Han Jie, she steadied herself and softly said, “Cang Yue, bring scissors.”
Cang Yue was briefly stunned but quickly sent someone to fetch them without asking questions. Soon, scissors were passed through the curtain seam. Cutting one’s hair, a gift from one’s parents, was unthinkable. Moreover, passing a sharp object near the prince while he slept felt disrespectful.
Xu Qiu’er quickly snipped at her hair, fine strands falling. Another wave of nausea hit her, and she ran barefoot out of the palace, squatting on the steps to vomit. Cang Yue followed, patting her back. Whenever Xu Qiu’er thought about sleeping in Long Han Jie’s arms, she felt sick. After emptying her stomach, she wearily leaned on Cang Yue’s shoulder. “Cang Yue, do you know? I miss him.”
Arriving at the Qi Yuan Palace, a waiting eunuch hurried inside to report. After a long while, no one came out.
She was left standing for what seemed like an eternity, with passing palace staff seemingly prolonging her wait.
After a long time, Li Gong Gong finally emerged, sweeping his feather duster and bowing, ushering her in while blocking Cang Yue.
Li Gong Gong led Xu Qiu’er past the main hall of Qi Yuan and towards the side study. Before entering, they heard playful banter.
Long Han Jie lounged on the rosewood couch, with Xu Qing’er beside him, massaging his shoulders. Upon seeing Xu Qiu’er, his gentle demeanor turned cold. He snorted, “What are you doing here?”
“This concubine pays respects to Your Highness,” Xu Qiu’er said, wearing a goose-yellow robe with a simple cloud bun and flower hairpins. Compared to Xu Qing’er in her vibrant water-red shirt, she appeared somewhat inferior.
“This palace does not need your greetings,” his cold words made Xu Qiu’er stiffen. Since he did not call her to rise, she remained kneeling, sparing Xu Qing’er from performing courtesies, though Xu Qing’er’s lips curved in a subtle smile.
Xu Qiu’er smiled faintly, quickly hiding it. “This concubine takes her leave.”
She left without waiting for Li Gong Gong, thinking: Is this all you can do, Long Han Jie, summoning me just to show me your intimacy with Xu Qing’er? Do you think I care?
Cang Yue adjusted her makeup while Ning presented a cup of Pu’er tea. Cang Yue softly asked, “Your Ladyship, did His Highness punish you today?” Noticing Xu Qiu’er’s pale complexion, she inquired further.
“No, this matter is considered past,” Xu Qiu’er replied. “Xiao Rong!”
Xiao Rong immediately knelt: “Your Ladyship.” The Fu Qiu Palace’s hierarchy included one overall manager, two supervisors, four main officers, eight departmental heads, and thirty-two staff, totaling around a hundred people.
Xiao Rong was close with the three gate guards, skilled in gathering information and able to leave the palace easily. Xiao An maintained relationships with eunuchs in the central court, allowing her to hear news from the outer court. These two had earned Xu Qiu’er’s trust over the years.
In the imperial harem, the relationship between masters and servants is subtle. Loyalty is tied to interests rather than personal character, as palace maids and eunuchs serve masters who hold varying ranks.
If one encounters an incompetent master, they risk being implicated by the master’s actions, as palace rules dictate that when a master commits an offense, servants also face punishment.
