Spring Message in the Snow – CH 001

Chapter 1

It had rained all night. The next morning, looking out the window, one could see fallen petals scattered on the ground, bathed in the soft, shimmering light. The soaked petals had soft, delicate folds that crisscrossed, revealing an unusual crimson hue.

Female Official Zhang rose, helped by a young palace attendant to put on her “Yi Nian Jing.” The “Yi Nian Jing” was a fashionable floral crown at the moment, made of silk, gold, and jade, adorned with flowers representing the four seasons. Its vibrant colors accentuated her delicate, fair face. Everyone said that Female Official Zhang wore the “Yi Nian Jing” most beautifully in the palace.

The young palace attendant serving her was just over eight years old. So small, she had to stand on a stool to adjust the lifelike flowers on Lady Zhang’s crown. She would support her from the left, then from the right… Her own small face was reflected in the bronze mirror. Sometimes she compared herself to Female Official Zhang, and each comparison brought her sadness. She felt like a wildflower mistakenly blooming next to a peony, unremarkable and utterly inconspicuous.

Lady Zhang’s beauty was dignified and elegant, unlike the typical palace attendants with their delicately drawn eyebrows and restrained movements. She possessed a pleasing appearance at first glance and was reliable in any task entrusted to her. She was meticulous, rigorous, and impeccably organized. The Junior Palace Attendants were divided into three ranks, and she was of the first rank. It was said that she would soon be promoted to the position of Head Attendant.

The young palace attendant adjusted her floral crown, then asked with a troubled expression, “Lady Zhang, when do you think I will be promoted to the third rank?”

The Junior Palace Attendants were high-ranking female officials in the palace, and the path to promotion from a common palace attendant was long.

Lady Zhang glanced at the oil-paper umbrella lying across the doorway. It had been brought by the young palace attendant; it had not been carefully placed behind the door, but had been carelessly tossed aside and quickly fell to the ground.

Clearly somewhat dissatisfied, Lady Zhang said, “When you are more sensible and have better manners.”

The young palace attendant understood, immediately blushing, hurriedly withdrawing her hand, jumping off the stool, and picking up the umbrella in front of the door.

“Today the Emperor is holding a flower-adorning banquet; I will go with them to set out the fruit,” the young palace attendant said, bowing and retreating outside. Being a child, she initially imitated the adults quite well, but after slipping past the window, she became cheerful, skipping and hopping towards the other end of the corridor.

Lady Zhang, with a solemn expression, smiled only after watching her go, reminiscing about when she herself had entered the palace; she was the same age.

Ten years passed in a flash; time flew so fast.

Lady Zhang also had her own name; she was called Zhang Surou. Her father, Zhang Lu, rose from a minor official to a high-ranking official in the Ministry of War. Later, during the struggle for the throne among the four princes, her father, having served as his advisor, was promoted to Shumifu. While escorting the eldest son of the Prince of Wukang to the capital, he was attacked and killed. He was posthumously awarded the title of Shizhong.

Nowadays, there were several ways for palace women to enter the palace: besides selection, there were also offerings and requests. Surou’s entry into the palace could be considered a request. After her father’s death, Empress Dowager Liu took a liking to her and wanted to adopt her as her daughter. Unfortunately, before a formal title could be established, Empress Dowager Liu passed away, and Surou had to start as a palace attendant, working her way up to the rank of Junior Palace Attendant.

Once a Junior Palace Attendant, she could serve higher-ranking concubines. Surou currently attended to Consort Zheng in the Yanjia Palace. Consort Zheng was originally also an adopted daughter of a palace attendant. By chance, she caught the Emperor’s eye and was promoted to County Lady. Favored by the Emperor, she rose from County Lady to Consort in just three months.

After adjusting her attire and preparing everything, the time was perfect. Zheng Xiuyuan always rose late, so those serving her in the pavilion did not need to wait in the corridors at the crack of dawn like the other palace servants.

Passing through the long alley and entering Yanjia Gate, a crabapple tree stood in the courtyard, its lush branches immediately filling the view upon entering.

A palace attendant in a brocade robe with small floral patterns bowed to her. The water and utensils for washing were all prepared in front of the pavilion. After checking them one by one, Surou stepped aside and entered through the slightly ajar door.

Passing through the sheer gauze curtains, Surou stepped forward and lifted the veil. Zheng Xiuyuan, just awakened, had a charmingly innocent air about her. She raised her hand to shield her eyes and asked, “What time is it?”

Surou replied gently, “It’s the third quarter of Chen. The court session has already ended.”

Zheng Xiuyuan was startled. “The Emperor has arrived? When did he arrive?”

Surou smiled, “The Emperor has not arrived yet, but there’s a flower-adorning banquet today. My lady, please rise and dress.”

Zheng Xiuyuan never lagged behind in terms of beauty. Her morning makeup was exquisite; for the banquet, she wore pearl makeup, with six pearls replacing each of the diagonal red sections. Wearing her floral crown, she stood out immediately among the concubines.

“What do you think Her Majesty will wear today?” Zheng Xiuyuan asked, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Before Surou could answer, she muttered to herself, “Probably another plain look. We are all just ordinary women; only she’s so aloof.”

Surou, of course, would not comment on the Empress. She simply said indirectly, “Your Highness is capable of guiding the people and loyally leading the Emperor; His Majesty sees all of this.”

Zheng Xiuyuan was pleased. She took her hand and had someone help her change.

Surou left the inner chamber and stood before the pavilion, watching the crabapple blossoms rustling in the breeze. The crabapple trees in Yanjia Palace were famous in the rear garden. Though they lacked fragrance, they were abundant and magnificent, layer upon layer of branches and blossoms, almost obscuring half the palace gate when viewed with squinting eyes…

Suddenly, a green robe appeared beneath the flowers, its hem embroidered with silver cloud patterns. The Emperor had arrived.

Surou quickly composed herself and, along with the palace attendants, offered a round of greetings. Consort Zheng was favored and frequently visited the Emperor; everyone was flustered at their first audience with him, but with time, they became more composed.

As for the Emperor himself, he was exceptionally talented from a young age. The previous Emperor had only reigned for two years before passing away, at which time the Emperor was only sixteen. His ascension to the throne at sixteen caused some turmoil in the court, but the Emperor, with his skill and several powerful relatives and ministers, quelled the political situation. Even the outspoken officials, whose duty was to criticize, could find no fault with him.

The young Emperor, the center of attention, was the object of desire for most of the young women in the harem. Surou had also glimpsed his face; indeed, he possessed a pure and noble spirit, the upright bearing of a scholar. But alas, his eyes were too cold; even when he smiled, he seemed unapproachable. Perhaps the Emperor’s heart was inherently cold.

His black boots passed by, the Emperor’s robes tinged with the fragrance of gardenias—a delicate, slightly bitter scent that lingered at her nose, seeping into the damp air. Surou waited for him to pass before straightening up, but the Emperor stopped before her, leaving her puzzled.

“The court has re-honored meritorious officials, and your father’s spirit has been moved to the Ancestral Temple to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.”

The Emperor’s indifferent voice rang out, and Surou paused slightly before realizing he was speaking to her.

Enshrining in the Imperial Ancestral Temple—an unparalleled honor, yet it seemed so distant from her. She was only six years old when her father passed away, and she did not remember much, but to have the court’s recognition after his death was at least a small consolation.

Surou bowed deeply, her hands clasped around her eyebrows. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Secretly, she was surprised. She had always thought the Emperor would not remember palace servants like them, but she had not expected him to be so perceptive, seemingly always knowing whose daughter she was.

The Emperor hummed in acknowledgment and turned to head towards the rear chambers. Suddenly remembering something, he stopped and asked her, “You’ve been in the palace for ten years, have you not?”

Surou replied, “Yes.”

The Emperor was probably waiting for her to say something more, but after that one word, she remained silent, leaving him somewhat puzzled and surprised. Any other palace servant, even without anything to say, would have found a way to exchange a few words, as opportunities to speak with the Emperor were rare, and there was no reason to let them slip by. However, Zhang Surou was Zhang Surou; she had always been polite and dutiful, and this meeting seemed perfectly normal.

The Emperor slightly curved his lips, clasped his hands behind his back, and entered the inner chamber. Zheng Xiuyuan immediately greeted him, asking in a gentle, sweet voice, “Has Your Majesty come to escort me to the banquet?”

Surou withdrew her hands and rose, unable to hear what was being said inside. A short while later, Zheng Xiuyuan, dressed impeccably, emerged from the inner chamber, supporting the Emperor. Usually, Surou would attend such banquets, but today was different. Zheng Xiuyuan casually instructed, “Female Official Zhang, please stay. A eunuch has brought over some satin; I need to have a dress made today. Could you take a look and decide which pattern is best for a blouse?”

Surou bowed and accepted the order, stepping aside to respectfully see them out of the palace gate. Actually, this was better; she did not like attending banquets as a servant. There were too many women vying for attention within the palace, just like the wives and concubines of noble families vying for favor, and the same was true in the Emperor’s harem.

A young palace attendant led her into a side chamber. On a high table by the window were stacks of satin fabrics, all currently in fashion: flame patterns, grapevines, and tortoiseshell auspicious flowers. Consort Zheng was very particular about her food, clothing, and daily necessities. Since she had been brought to view the fabrics first, she needed to decide on the styles and color schemes for future reference.

The so-called “flower-adorning banquet” was actually a Dragon Boat Festival banquet. The concubines gathered together, and the Emperor would admire the flowers and apply face powder to the concubines—a very lengthy affair. Surou and the palace attendants, having nothing else to do, sat on the waterside pavilion, hanging sachets and eating zongzi, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

About halfway through the banquet, the attendant, Lady He, returned to fetch her clothes, saying that Consort Yu had accidentally spilled tea on Consort Zheng’s skirt.

“You did not see it. Her face immediately darkened, but she held it in because the Emperor was there. But when she laughed, her teeth were clenched; it was quite frightening,” said Lady He, sticking out her tongue. “And then there was the hairpin. The Emperor bestowed the peony upon the Empress, and Consort Zheng rushed to be the first to apply it, only to be ridiculed by the other ladies…” The rest was unnecessary; she hurriedly grabbed her clothes and rushed back.

Everyone knew they could not relax now, so they all tensed up, waiting for Zheng Xiuyuan to return and unleash her anger. However, perhaps because the Emperor had saved her face, she did not show any anger when she returned.

As usual, she removed her hair ornaments, changed her clothes, and sat by the half-open window, drinking fragrant beverages. After half a cup, she turned to Surou and asked, “What did the Emperor say to you earlier?”

Surou, adjusting her robes, turned back and said, “The Emperor mentioned my father, saying that the court posthumously honored former officials and moved my father’s spirit tablet into the Imperial Ancestral Temple.”

Zheng Xiuyuan responded with an “Oh,” followed by a sour smile, “He’s now enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple? How can a mere Xiuyuan like me be worthy of your service? In terms of seniority, I am probably not even as old as you.”

She was adept at hiding her true intentions. In truth, she was likely aware of what the Emperor and Surou had discussed. A person with a strong possessive nature also possessed a keen intuition. In her eyes, this Female Official Zhang was beautiful and from a respectable family of noble birth; it was unusual that she had not been promoted for so many years. Therefore, ever since Surou was transferred to Yanjia Palace, she had paid special attention to her.

Today, she had finally found leverage; the Emperor had indeed spoken to her. With so many palace servants inside and outside the Forbidden City, and the Emperor knowing who her father was and even personally informing her of the previous dynasty’s decision, it was clear he had already investigated her background.

Zheng Xiuyuan was just like that. Inside and outside the palace, the Emperor could choose any concubine he wanted without her concern, except for those in her household. If their relationship as mistress and servant were to deteriorate to one of equality, or even surpass her in rank, would she not become the laughingstock of the entire harem?

Therefore, to prevent this from happening, she had to strike first. She beckoned, “Lady Zhang, please sit.”

Surou, unaware of her plans, felt a sense of unease but still sat down beside her as instructed.

“You’ve been away from home for so many years; do you miss it?” Zheng Xiuyuan put down her Jianzhan, leaning against the armrest to ask. “I heard your birth mother passed away a long time ago, and your stepmother sent you to the palace. I suppose your relationship with her was not very close?”

Personnel changes were frequent in the Forbidden City, and Surou had only been working at Yanjia Palace for three months. There was no need to discuss family matters with anyone, but since Zheng Xiuyuan had asked, she had to give a perfunctory answer. She replied, “My stepmother treated me very well, but because my father is gone, there’s no one to support the family operations. Sending me to the palace was also to broaden my horizons.”

Zheng Xiuyuan clapped her hands, as if waking from a dream, and said, “I remember now, you were almost adopted by the Empress Dowager. If the Empress Dowager were still alive, your situation would be very different!” She then turned to look at her, “Female Official Zhang, since your stepmother treats you so well, why not go home and serve her? You’ve been in my palace for so long, and I like you very much, so naturally I want to make plans for you. You are still young; do not waste your youth by watching the flowers fall in spring, and the leaves wither in autumn. Leaving the palace now, and using your father’s posthumous honor to marry into a noble family, would that not be a hundred times better than staying in the palace?”

Zheng Xiuyuan’s eyes shone brightly, and her few words silenced Surou.

Translator’s Note:
Shumifu (Deputy Manager of the Bureau of Military Affairs)
Shizhong (Chancellor)
zongzi (sticky rice dumplings)
Jianzhan (a type of Chinese wine cup)