Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace (Arc1 Chp12 Pt2)
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Chapter 12: Ruiji [Section One] (Part 2)
Translator: Tygris
English proofreader: 247Reader
After the nighttime meal, the Emperor had people send Xiyue back. He remained in the study, spread out paper, and began to write, his calligraphy reminiscent of floating clouds and flowing water. [1]行云流水 (xíng yún liú shuǐ) is an idiom for being free and unrestrained. This is generally used in a positive manner. Wang Qin, seeing that the Emperor had written eleven pieces of calligraphy on the gold-speckled white paper, ground ink on the side with a smile. “The Emperor is exceptionally gracious to the Empress and Noble Consort Hui. This servant foolishly thought that all of the Emperor’s calligraphy works were good, but it turns out that the Emperor still wants to choose the best out of these eleven pieces to bestow as a reward.”
The Emperor saw his cheek-splitting smile, and said nothing. The Emperor placed the brush on the light-green jade brush mountain [2]Basically a brush holder shaped like a mountain. and, with a smile, looked over the pieces one by one. Then, raising his head, the Emperor looked to the side, where he saw Li Yu, who was on standby at the door of the study with a knowing smile. The Emperor asked, “Wang Qin thinks thus. Li Yu, what do you think?”
Li Yu was momentarily stunned before replying, “This servant is ignorant and thought the Emperor’s grace would be spread over all the Six Palaces. Since there is already a piece of calligraphy in Yan’xi Palace, then these eleven works are naturally the grace enjoyed by the Six Palaces together.”
The Emperor clapped and laughed. “Great. You are a smart one.”
After the Emperor finished appreciating each piece, he was very pleased. “For Xian’fu Palace, there is Zi De He Jia (滋德合嘉), [3]滋 (zī) meaning ‘nourish’. 德 (dé) meaning ‘virtue/kindness’. 合 (hé) meaning ‘with/together’ 嘉 (jiā) meaning ‘precious/good/fine/perfect’, i.e. all the good stuff. a wish for Noble Consort Hui to enjoy both blessings and virtue.
“For the Empress’s Chang’chun Palace, there is Jing Xiu Nei Ze (敬修内则). [4]敬 (jìng) – respect. 修 (xiū) – cultivate/repair. 内 (nèi) – inner/within. 则 (zé) – values/standards. The Empress respects the ancestral rules the most, and so these words are most suitable for her.
“Zhong’cui Palace is Shu Shen Wen He (淑慎温和), [5]淑 (shū) – beautiful. 慎 (shèn) – prudent. 温和 (wēn hé) – gentle/mild. which matches Concubine Chun’s personality perfectly, and can also be regarded as comfort for not having her child by her side.
“Tai’ji Hall is Shu Rong Duan Xian 淑容端贤…” [6]淑 (shū) – beautiful. 容 (róng) – contains/appearance. 端 (duān) – dignified. 贤 (xián) – virtuous/worthy.
Wang Qin quickly stepped in to say, “Because Concubine Jia Niangniang’s visage is the most beauteous amongst the harem.”
The Emperor slightly nodded. “Jing’yang Palace is Rou Jia Su Jing (柔嘉肃静). [7]柔 (róu) – soft/flexible. 嘉 (jiā) meaning ‘precious/good/fine/perfect’. 肃 (sù) – respectful/solemn/serious. 静 (jìng) – calm/quiet/tranquil.
“Cheng’qian Palace is De Cheng Rou Shun (德成柔顺). [8]德 (dé) – virtue/kindness. 成 (chéng) – become/succeed/capable. 柔 (róu) – soft/flexible. 顺 (shùn) – submit/obedient.
“Yong’he Palace is Yi Zhao Shu Shen (仪昭淑慎). [9]仪 (yí) – ceremonial/ritual. 昭 (zhāo) – clear/obvious. 淑 (shū) – beautiful. 慎 (shèn) – prudent.
“Chu’xiu Palace is Mao Xiu Nei Zhi (茂修内治). [10]茂 (mào) – luxurious. 修 (xiū) – appearance/repair/construct. 内 (nèi) – inner/within. 治 (zhì) – rule/control.
“Yi’kun Palace is You Rong De Da (有容德大). [11]有 (yǒu) – having/owning/a general possessive term. 容 (róng) – contains/appearance. 德 (dé) – virtue/kindness. 大 (dà) – large/big.
“Yong’shou Palace is Ling Yi Shu De (令仪淑德). [12]令 (lìng) – make/cause. 仪 (yí) – ceremonial/ritual. 淑 (shū) – beautiful. 德 (dé) – virtue/kindness.
“Jing’ren Palace is De Xie Kun Yuan (德协坤元).” [13]德 (dé) – virtue/kindness. 协 (xié) – assist/harmonize. 坤 (kūn) – earth/female/mother. 元 (yuán) – origin/primary.
Wang Qin was surprised. “Jing’ren Palace also has one?”
The Emperor replied, “The Jing’ren Palace Empress has already passed. You should order the Imperial Household Department to properly renovate the place. Eventually, someone will have to move in there.”
Wang Qin hurriedly responded in the affirmative.
The Emperor glanced sideways at Li Yu, who was similarly serving at the side, and smiled. “You were quick-witted earlier, so Zhen will hand the matter of taking these eleven pieces of calligraphy to the Imperial Household Department to be made into plaques to you.”
Li Yu was stunned and honored by the favor. He hurriedly and respectfully replied, “This servant thanks the Emperor for the reward.”
The Emperor did not understand. “What does this reward have to do with you?”
Li Yu said happily, “The Emperor has bestowed this reward upon the Little Mistress Niangniangs of the Six Palaces. This servant is lucky enough to have gotten this errand, and naturally will benefit from such an auspicious association. Thus, [this servant] is thanking the Emperor for the reward.”
The Emperor laughed, unbidden. “You really know how to speak. Zhen will reward you with this remaining piece of gold-speckled paper.”
Li Yu joyfully kowtowed. When he rose, he saw Wang Qin’s heavily darkened face, and was so scared that he almost bit his tongue. Hurriedly, he grasped the paper and retreated.
The Emperor seemed somewhat tired. “What shichen is it?”
Wang Qin hastened to reply, “It is time to turn the cards. Emperor, the eunuch from the Palace Supervisory Department [14]This is the core of the Imperial Household Department. Following only Imperial orders, they were responsible for handling palace affairs and etiquette, collecting and checking money and grain from the external treasury, selecting and recruiting eunuchs, and inspecting the opening and closing of each gate and the lighting of candles. has already brought the green-headed cards [15]绿头牌 (lǜ tóu pái) is a green-topped card/badge containing a person’s banner status, surname, and first name, and possibly other information. When the Emperor summoned his concubines every night, he decided by flipping over the green-headed cards. That is, when the Emperor was having dinner, the concubines’ green-headed cards were presented. The Emperor would decide who to summon that night by flipping over that person’s card. Here is an image from Baidu. and is waiting outside.”
The Emperor paused for a moment. “Today, amongst the Nanfu pipa players, the one who was holding the phoenix-necked pipa…”
Wang Qin was shocked for a moment, but immediately recovered. “She is a musician from the Nanfu pipa department, named Ruiji.”
The Emperor pressed a finger between his brows, an unconscious smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. Succinctly, he said, “Bring her.”
To Wang Qin, it seemed as though his mind had gone blank, but his mouth dared not hesitate. He gave a hurried agreement and rushed to complete the errand.
The snow on the long street had been cleared away cleanly by the palace servants. As one walked slowly across the bluestone tiles, the snow piled on both sides reflected upon the red walls and green tiles, as dazzling and bright as daylight.
Ruyi held Hailan’s hand and stepped slowly. Ahead, two young eunuchs held sheep-horn palace lanterns. The cold wind made the palace lanterns swing like merry-go-around lanterns. [16]走马灯(zǒu mǎ dēng) is a lantern made in such a way that once the flame is lit, the heat causes the lantern to revolve like a merry-go-around. See this Beijing Tourism article for more information and this Baidu link for a picture. There was only the gloomy cold air whistling along the red walls, blowing up the snow. Hailan was somewhat scared and followed Ruyi tightly.
Ruyi patted her hand soothingly and said apologetically, “It is already so late, yet I still asked you to accompany me to Bao’hua Hall to pray for blessings. I have troubled you.”
Hailan leaned towards Ruyi and walked slowly with her, hand in hand. With a hint of joy in her eyes, Hailan replied, “Were I to remain in the palace alone, I would feel suffocated. Not to mention the Noble Consort…” She stopped herself from continuing. “It is fortunate that I can accompany Elder Sister to Bao’hua Hall to listen to the Lama [17]See: Lama – Wikipedia Master recite scriptures. My inner thoughts have significantly calmed.”
Ruyi said, “The teachings of the Buddha were originally meant to help people enter a calm and peaceful state. To go recite scriptures with the masters and be able to burn the ‘Dharma Flower Sutra’ [18]See: Lotus Sutra – Wikipedia that I copied over the past few days can also be considered completing one of my heart’s desires.”
Hailan looked around nervously. “Elder Sister, stop— stop speaking.”
A calm smile adorned Ruyi’s face. “No need to be afraid. You are the only one who understands. With our loved ones no longer by our side, the only thing we who are still alive can do is to express our grief.”
Hailan gave a slight nod of her head. This had touched her deeply, and there was a hint of sorrow in her brows. “Hailan’s parents passed early, and only Elder Sister remains by my side. But with Elder Sister, my heart is much more settled.” Saying thus, she pressed her thin body closer to Ruyi, as if only in this way could she resist the bone-chilling cold of winter.
Ruyi grasped her thin wrist in understanding, until both their bodies and shadows seemed inseparable. [19]形影相依 (xíng yǐng xiāng yī) means to be together in a lonely situation, and describes being alone and helpless, relying on each other, and being closely connected. “Your frequent visits to me are much appreciated, but if the Noble Consort finds out, I fear that she will find trouble with you again.”
Hailan said softly, “I am already used to it.”
As the two spoke in low voices, they suddenly heard the sound of carriage wheels rolling over the bluestone tiles. A vermilion lacquered and gold-plated carriage sped past. Ruyi pulled Hailan behind her, but she herself was unable to dodge in time, and so her green branch-patterned cloud-white goose-feathered cloak was stained with a few drops of mud splattered by the rolling wheels.
A diffuse fragrance remained in the cool air, lingering without dissipating.
Hailan exclaimed in astonishment, “This is the Fengluan [20]凤鸾 (fèng luán) may refer to the phoenix and other divine birds, a model couple/husband and wife pair, a virtuous and beautiful person, or a person of extraordinary status and nobility. Chunen carriage [21]凤鸾春恩车 (fèng luán chūn ēn chē) is a special carriage used to bring a concubine to the Emperor’s bedroom when the Emperor summoned her to sleep with him. Per Baidu, this originated from the Zhen Huan Zhuan novel (the prequel to this one!) and does not actually exist in history. that sends concubines and consorts to serve the Emperor’s bed!”
Ruyi could not spare any effort to care about the mud splatters on her goose-feathered cloak; she was in shock.
“There has been no news of the Emperor turning over any of the [green-headed] cards tonight. That Fengluan Chunen carriage sped by so quickly and urgently. Who is inside?”
Hailan took a deep breath of the residual sweet fragrance in the air. “What a sweet and rich fragrance! Even the Noble Consort does not use such heavy fragrances. Who could this be?”
The two looked at each other in confusion, listening to the rumbling sound of the palace carriage moving further away. The faint, persisting sound of the carriage making its way through the deep snow and the two deep marks left by its wheels seemed to stamp corresponding indelible marks on their hearts.
