Xiuying's Arrival in the Palace
We can get along well, be friends, treat each other as family, but we will still be written in history as women who schemed against each other and plotted each other’s demise, so we can climb up the harem.
- Consort Shen
Xiuying would never forget the day she entered the palace. It was winter, and the snow covered the Forbidden City, turning the ancient walls and elegant courtyards into a shimmering white paradise. Tiny hail was falling, biting at the skin of those who dared to venture outside. Inside the palace walls, the atmosphere was no less chilling, as her mind was filled with uncertainty and unsettling thoughts. She could barely notice the grandeur around her as she stepped through the towering gates of the palace.
The ancient carvings on the walls reminded her of their family memorial shrine. The palace’s roofs were adorned with mighty dragons, the imperial garden with blooming Magnolia—they seemed to be greeting her, but not with a warm welcome. The air seemed to be weeping, and she felt melancholy, knowing that the palace would be her home from that moment on and, if she wasn’t careful, her grave.
She could barely remember what happened during the ceremony. Her traditional wedding dress was made of delicate fabric and handed down to her by her beloved mother, who passed away when she was eight. The carriage took her to the temple, and she and the prince bowed in front of the altar. That was only the second time they had met each other. She had an idea how good-looking her sister’s husband was. But as soon as the ceremony finished, she forgot what he looked like.
A moment later, she was back in her carriage, ready to be carried to the prince’s manor. As she entered the gate of the place she would be calling home, the memory of the day she was chosen among the countless women who came from notorious and powerful families came back to her. As a young woman of delicate beauty, a strong mind, and quiet grace, she stood out among the candidates. She had recently been honored with the title of the prince’s second wife. And yet, she knew that the decision was made due to her close relationship with the prince’s main wife. The beloved and beautiful Aihan was the legitimate daughter of General Hua. Her half-sister.
Yan Ling, her personal attendant, awaited her in the inner chambers of the prince’s residence, her face beaming with innocence and readiness to serve her new lady.
“Greetings, mistress Xiuying. I’m Yan Ling. I am assigned to serve my lady.” Her voice was polite but warm and friendly as she presented her with the numerous gifts on top of the exquisite table. “Please accept the gifts offered by his highness, Prince Wei, and his Princess consort, Consort Shen.”
Xiuying gave a rare smile as she heard her sister’s name. She was prim and proper, yet serious and sharp. She could sense that Yan Ling had tried her best to give her a warm welcome, despite being silently intimidated.
“I am beyond grateful.” Her cold demeanor thawed as she inspected the gifts one by one. Most of them were jewelry. There were a few clothes, jade pendants, hairpins, and blankets made of silk. “It was an honor to receive such generous gifts. Please extend my gratitude to his royal highness and his beloved consort.”
“You must change now,” Yan Ling reminded her. “Prince Wei will be here any moment.”
Xiuying went speechless.
Yan Ling was amused upon seeing her reaction.
“Does he really need to come here?” she hesitated.
“This is your first night as husband and wife, mistress,” Yan Ling reminded her. “It is my mistress’ duty to serve his highness.”
