Plum blossoms as pink as a blushing maiden bloomed amidst the melting snow, blanketing the capital city of Kunning in a soft, romantic cloak and welcoming the sixth spring of Emperor Tian's reign.
The streets were more packed than usual, bustling with people, wagons transporting goods, and carriages drawn by purebred horses. A common scene in most shops featured high maintenance shopkeepers barking out orders while their attendants climbed up and down, hanging festive red decorations over awnings and doorways in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival.
Down below, the voices of haggling shoppers and vendors promoting their wares mingled with the aroma of fresh food from roadside stalls and restaurants alike, creating a feast for the senses. The capital was very happening, where people of all walks of life moved with purpose, hope on their faces and wind beneath their feet.
A nondescript young man wearing travel-worn robes and carrying a bamboo backpack stopped and gawked as a procession of splendid carriages with gold spokes and chiffon drapes travelled past, causing some pedestrians to point at him and mutter: country bumpkin.
As one of the carriages passed him by, a small breeze billowed the pink drape, lifting its corner. The occupant's face fell into his sight, partially obscured by the light chiffon fabric, yet not an ounce of beauty was veiled. It must be his imagination, but a rosy fragrance teased the air.
The illusion lasted but a few seconds, for a fair hand immediately darted out to fasten the drapes, hiding the enchanting sight. The youngster couldn't help escorting her with his eyes until another less distinguished carriage blocked it from view. Even then, he replayed the brief moment he had seen the prettiest lady in his life.
"Whoa..." he exhaled dreamily. "What's the occasion?"
The vendor behind him who overheard chuckled, "Young sir, you must live far away, right?"
The guileless youngster nodded. "Indeed. I am a doctor from Jiangnan, here for the Imperial Physician Examination."
"No wonder there's an educated air about you!" the vendor exclaimed admiringly. "If you don't mind, I can fill you in on the situation here."
"Much obliged, sir."
"Please, none of that! I'm just an old vendor," the greying man laughed heartily. "It's the triennial consort selection this year. The previous selection was postponed by our filial current emperor to mourn Former Emperor Yong's passing. That's why, only six years after his majesty's ascension to the Dragon Throne will the first consort selection be held. It's the biggest event in Kunning right now!
"These carriages all carry noblewomen from around the country bound for the imperial palace. There's Grand Chancellor Bai's granddaughter, who is renowned for her talents in the Four Arts, and Grand General Meng's young lady, the top beauty of Kunning. Oh—see that carriage with the stag crest? That belongs to the empress dowager's maternal family, the Qiu Duchy. So it's true her niece will participate in the selection, too."
"I see..." the youngster nodded thankfully. "You're well-informed, mister."
"Haha, it's nothing!" the vendor guffawed. "Here in Kunning, people like us have to be extra careful not to get in the nobles' way. I suggest you avoid staying in the larger inns for the next few days."
The doctor cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you for your advice."
"Piece of cake. Speaking of which, take some as good luck for your exam, young sir! It's on the house!"
The young man accepted the paper bag full of fried radish cake. Its comforting aroma and warmth reminded him of home. He looked around the prosperous city, brimming with hospitality and opportunities, and beamed. "I'm counting on that!"
All around him, voices overlapped like waves on the shore. The radish cake vendor wasn't exaggerating about the consort selection being the talk of the town—everywhere he went, he heard bits and pieces about it: bets on which noble lady would catch the emperor's eye first, admirers of said ladies getting red-faced supporting their bias, envious comments about the ladies' good fortune and wishes of being able to enter the imperial palace...
Nonetheless, for all their rumour-based knowledge, the commoners could only imagine what luxuries the soon-to-be courtiers would enjoy once they crossed the palace gates, let alone what life in the palace actually was like.
After all, you never knew whether heaven or hell lay beyond the closed door.
***
Blossom Palace.
Slap!
A crisp slap sounded in the courtyard, eliciting hushed gasps and curious looks. Zi Hua stood amongst the spectators, clenching her fists at the unjust sight.
If the fanatics outside the palace could see the noblewomen they worshipped now, they would likely change their minds and tear up the poems of virtue and grace dedicated to them—upon witnessing one young lady slap another, their first reaction was to crowd around, point, and whisper. Some even snickered at the victim's dishevelled state.
No one stepped forward. No one said a word.
The fallen girl sobbed as she clutched at her cheek, a pitiful, broken sound. She looked up at her assailant with teary eyes, her voice wobbling like a flower in the rain. "Young Lady Meng... I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have tripped. It was all my fault... I'll compensate you! So please—"
"How dare you!" the other girl screeched, unmoved by her humbleness. "My dress was hand-embroidered by the best seamstress in Kunning for over a month, and now it's ruined! Utterlyruined! You couldn't afford it even if you sold yourself!"
From the back of the crowd, Zi Hua squinted and saw a grey speck marring a pink morning glory pattern. In contrast, the weeping girl's white dress was stained with dirt when she fell, and became even dirtier as she knelt to her attacker.
She swayed at those demeaning words, appearing even more piteous due to her inability to refute. Unlike the arrogant young lady's flamboyant beauty, hers was that of innocent fragility, the kind that inspired protectiveness. However, no one here was willing to protect her.
...Or was there?
"What is this commotion?!"
Suddenly, an intimidating woman flanked by two rows of servants dressed in simple pink uniforms appeared. Her lips were two thin lines, the wrinkles on her face crinkling as her eyes narrowed.
"State your names," she ordered the two girls.
The bully looked displeased at being interrupted, but not ashamed. "I am Meng Fan, third legitimate daughter of Grand General Meng!" she declared.
"I-I am Jiang Ya'er, daughter of the Magistrate of Han City."
The stern woman nodded curtly.
"I am Xiu Lan, your etiquette tutor for the next three weeks. You may address me as Madam Xiu," she started, her voice loud and authoritative. "From today onwards, you are no longer nobles divided by rank, but equally courtiers of the rear palace. Thus, you must remember and obey the palace rules at all times. This will not only make a good impression on the royals, but also do your family name justice.
"I am sure all of you were handpicked by your elders and given high expectations—it would be a shame if you were sent home due to poor conduct, would it not?"
"Yes, Madam Xiu," the courtiers all echoed, lowering their proud heads dutifully.
Then, Madam Xiu addressed Meng Fan, "Since this is the first day, I will be lenient. Courtier Meng, you shallcopy the palace rulebook and submit it to me at the end of this week. This is for unauthorised violence against your fellow courtier."
"But she stepped on my dress first!" Meng Fan retorted, jabbing a finger at Jiang Ya'er. The latter trembled, and Madam Xiu frowned.
"A palace lady does not talk back to her superiors. Three copies by the end of the week. Not a page less."
"You can't do this to me—I am Noble Consort Meng's sister!"
"Right now, you are my student," Madam Xiu corrected sternly. "And I am the tutor personally assigned by Her Majesty the Empress."
Meng Fan's mouth flapped open and close. "Fine," she gritted out.
Madam Xiu nodded. This much was enough.
She faced the rest of the courtiers and announced, "The preliminary evaluation will be held at the Yin hour tomorrow morning. Official training starts two shichens later and ends at Yu hour in the evening. Hot water will be available for one shichen then.
"All courtiers are to don the issued uniforms in your rooms. There will be no servants to assist you outside of daily meals and baths. If I hear any complaints, you are welcome to leave—Blossom Palace has no use of a courtier acting above her station. Lastly, misbehaviour will not be tolerated and will lead to immediate disqualification.
"That is all," Madam Xiu concluded. "You will now be led to your rooms. I bid you all a good night."