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Yun Zhong Ge: Chapter 26: Foreboding Storms
And heave, ho here we go! The exciting set up for the dragon slide fall begins. It's a very short chapter so I'll try to post updates throughout the day as and when I'm done with a part. Should be done before I need to leave for dinner, methinks.Yessss, finished this with time to spare. I need a bath.
Everyone should be s.h.i.+tting bricks for Yun Ge right now, but there she is, still oblivious, enjoying the night, her moment with Liu Fu Ling. Sigh. The next chapter is going to be very long (almost twice as long as normal chapters), but also very exciting, so hold on tight!
Update: CHAPTER COMPLETE
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The front hall at Wei Yang Palace had been redecorated for the New Year Eve festivities. Since the founding of the Han Dynasty, as Xiao He once said to Liu Bang ‘The son of Heaven calls the whole earth His home, and must be grand beyond measure’, ‘How will the world know how respectable the son of Heaven is if they don’t witness his grandeur?’, so even if the country is weak and its people poor, like during Emperor Gaozu of Han’s reign, or thrifty like Emperor Jing of Han, Emperors spared no expense when it came to Imperial festivities. It was true for this upcoming celebration too, Liu Fu Ling lived simply, but every year when it came to throwing banquets he still followed the old protocol, choosing not to follow Emperor Wu of Han’s style, but rather Emperor Jing of Han’s.
The atrium draped in red, the throne to be painted. With bronze as connectors, white jade as steps. The pillars were painted in yellow gold, at the top hung a painting of nine golden dragons in the cloud bringing rain, golden dust painted the eaves with all kinds of grains, praying for the coming year to bring favourable weather to the crops, and a good harvest.
Liu Fu Ling had to wear his grandest clothing today too. Liu Fu Ling finally put on his clothes, and crown with ta.s.sels with the a.s.sistance of Yu An and three other eunuchs after an hour. His dragon robe was embroidered with the sun, moon and dragons on his shoulders, the stars, and mountains on his back, and fire, pheasants, tigers and monkeys on his sleeves. Pearls from the east sea hung from the ta.s.sels of his crown, twelve strings each, using 288 pearls each in front and back, each pearl an exact copy of the next.
Yun Ge thought: I wonder how long they took to find pearls the exact same size from the tens and thousands of pearls available. Liu Fu Ling’s eyes were half hidden behind the curtain of pearls, his expression unclear, only when he moved occasionally could his face been seen with the sway of the pearl curtain; but the pearls reflected light, as a result his face only seemed blurrier. When he stood still, he exuded grandeur and authority like the G.o.ds; looking incredibly high, and all who looked at him will feel terribly low.
Yun Ge rested her chin on her hands, staring blankly at Liu Fu Ling. She finally understood the meaning of Xiao He’s words. Thegrandeur and authority he exuded right now could not be imagined if one didn’t see him for oneself. When he stepped on the jade steps, and stood on the highest point of Wei Yang Hall’s front hall. When hundreds of officials knelt as one. When the whole of Chang An, the whole Great Han, and even the whole world is at his feet.
All the earth at his command! Yun Ge finally understood the power of this phrase. And…. The distance that came with it.
Yu An reported ‘Your majesty, all is ready. The imperial carriage has been prepared.’ Liu Fu Ling waved lightly, dismissing him. He walked over to Yun Ge and pulled her up. ‘What are you thinking?” Yun Ge smiled, reached out to pull on the pearl curtain of Liu Fu Ling’s crown. “Whenever I saw portraits of you Han Emperors in the past, I often thought, why the pearl curtain? Wouldn’t it affect your line of vision? Now I understand. With that, it is a lot harder to read an Emperor’s thoughts.” Liu Fu Ling remained silent for a moment, then said. “Yun Ge, I want to hear you call my name, just like how I call you.” Yun Ge’s head was half raised, staring at him, stunned. As they were standing very close, the glimmer of the pearls didn’t make his features anymore vague, but instead set off each tiny expression of Liu Fu Ling’s. The things she saw in the black pools of his eyes were things she knew and were familiar with, he….. wasn’t far at all.
Outside, Yu An softly said. “Your majesty, the auspicious hour is approaching. All the officials have already gathered at the front hall. The imperial astronomer must offer the sacrifice to the G.o.ds at the appointed auspicious time.” Liu Fu Ling showed no sign of giving way, only calling out softly. “Yun Ge?” Yun Ge pursed her lips, then after a few moments of hesitation, “Liu…… Liu Fu Ling.”
The nervousness and uneasiness she felt at first saying the name no one dared to call vanished completely. She smiled "But I'm not used to calling you that, Ling Ge Ge."
Liu Fu Ling held her arm as they walked outside. “The person in charge of this celebratory banquet is a talent, a newcomer to the Ministry of Rites, I heard there will be no shortage of fun tricks, the cook has also been specially summoned for this occasion, you’ll definitely not find it boring. As expected, Yun Ge perked up at the news, excitement full on her face. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” “If I did, I’m afraid you’ll be running off to the imperial kitchen every day and I will be troubled by the missives I’ll receive every day.” Yun Ge didn’t understand. “What?” “Not only will hundreds of our court officials be in attendance for this banquet, but also amba.s.sadors from other surrounding nations, there cannot be a single mistake. The preparation before the banquet is not something like you’ve ever seen, if you keep chattering on to the cook, wouldn’t I be receiving missives from the Ministry of Rites every day denouncing your actions?”
They had already walked to the front of the imperial carriage, and Liu Fu Ling could no longer walk with Yun Ge, but he didn’t get on the carriage, only silently gazing at Yun Ge. Yu An hurriedly said. “Rest a.s.sured, your majesty, that your servants have made all due preparations. Liu Shun and the rest will take good care of Miss Yun.” Liu Fu Ling knew he couldn’t delay any further, his hand brushed across Yun Ge’s cheek longingly before he turned and got on the carriage.
Yun Ge couldn’t describe the emotions in her heart either, and didn’t notice Liu Fu Ling’s action. Since they met again, they were always in tandem, seeing each other day and night. This would be the first time they were be forcibly separated while in the same great hall. Only when she glimpsed Mo Cha making teasing winks at her did she come to her senses. Liu Fu Ling’s actions just now seemed too light and frivolous for this occasion, and didn’t match the dignified state an Emperor should have. Yun Ge’s cheeks pinkened, turned to Liu Shun and Fu Yu saying, “Let’s go! We’ll go to the front hall, and not bring Mo Cha along.” Mo Cha quickly rushed forward. “Your servant will never again dare to do such things. I will listen to Miss Yun’s words in future, only laughing when Miss Yun gives permission to, and not laughing when Miss Yun doesn’t allow me to do so; at most I’ll just keep my laughter inside……”
Yun Ge ignored Mo Cha’s teasing, feeling dazed.
What will leaving feel like after the year is up?
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The imperial astronomer sounded the bell and chimes. The sound of the bell reverberated around in waves, moving beyond the corridors of the great hall to the streets and alleys outside Wei Yang Palace. The happy sound brought the promise of hope to everyday, promising blessings, health and happiness for the coming year.
Yun Ge looked up to see Liu Fu Ling slowly ascending the Tian Ming platform at the great hall, first praying to the heavens, then the earth, and finally the people, accompanied by the song sung by the imperial astronomer for favourable climatic, geographical and human conditions.
All officials knelt as one. It wasn’t Yun Ge’s first time attending an imperial banquet, but it was her first time experiencing such a grand Han rite. Mo Cha pulled her down, only then did Yun Ge react, hurriedly kneeling with the rest, but it was too late, and everyone noticed her. Meeting various gazes, Yun Ge’s eyes clashed with a very familiar pair of eyes, her gaze like a sharp needle, sending cold s.h.i.+vers down her spine. Across the headdresses, clothes and perfume of n.o.blewomen and other wealthy daughters, Huo Cheng Jun and Yun Ge locked eyes.
Did I ruin her happiness or did she ruin mine? Yun Ge couldn’t answer her own question. Neither smiled, only staring at each other for a moment before averting their gaze, but s.h.i.+fting it to the same direction, unconsciously landing on the same person.
Meng Jue’s t.i.tle was outside the first hundred official positions, so his position was unique. In addition, with his striking features, there was no need to search for him; one only had to scan the crowd with a glance to find him. Despite billowing sleeves and wide robe of a Han court official and his high headdress, he didn’t lose his elegance under all that solemnity, making him seem free and unrestrained. There were many maidens in attendance who have long heard of Meng Jue but have yet to see him; at this time, many people were sneaking glances at him. Even Mo Cha, kneeling beside Yun Ge, was mesmerized, thinking to herself, so this is the man who is not afraid of the Huos, a steely interior must reside under his warm and tender façade.
It was time for the kowtow to end, as Meng Jue got up, he snuck a glance sideways. He seemed to have known where Yun Ge stood beforehand, his unwavering gaze landing straight on her. Yun Ge didn’t have time to react, as their eyes met, she felt pain welling up in a certain part of her heart again.
I’ve tried so hard to forget, why do I still hurt so?
Her mind a blank, she didn’t notice that everyone had stood, and she was the only one still kneeling in a daze. Mo Cha, in a moment of carelessness, had already stood. It wasn’t right for her to bend to pull her up, so in a moment of anxiety, she didn’t think too much about it, and stuck her leg out to kick Yun Ge from under her skirts. This woke Yun Ge up from her reverie and she stood up hastily.
The black whirlpools in Meng Jue’s eyes parted, and he actually seemed happy.
The long, endless rites were about to end and the banquet about to start. After one more round of kowtowing, everyone was seated according to their rank and status.
Mo Cha didn’t dare to let down her guard this time; she kept her eye on Yun Ge, throwing out reminders for every action. As she remembered how she dared to kick Yun Ge, she felt faint; but there was this magic about Yun Ge – everyone she interact with would forget their status and just be very comfortable around her.
The male and female guests were separated, and each seated accordingly with the help of the eunuchs and palace maids.
Yun Ge, still feeling the effects of the events that had just transpired, was feeling listless. She was just about to turn back to rest when she spotted Liu Bing Yi trailing behind; the last of the hundred officials, then all her previous excitement came flooding back. Liu Bing Yi smiled, nodding his head in acknowledgement from a distance, and Yun Ge returned his smile sweetly. She whispered to Mo Cha “If officials come, does it mean their wives would too?”
“That is usually the case, but with the exception of immediate relatives of the imperial family, only the lawful, wedded wives of officials have the right to attend such banquets.”
Once Mo Cha was done saying that, she wanted to bite off her own tongue. Thank goodness Yun Ge was too busy scanning the crowd for Xu Ping Jun to notice the end of Mo Cha’s sentence.
Yun Ge spotted Xu Ping Jun standing alone, everyone else ignoring her. As it was her first time attending such a function, she was terrified of making mistakes, adding even more trouble to Liu Bing Yi’s already difficult life, so she was very nervous, observing those around her carefully, not daring to do more or less. The n.o.blewomen around her picked up on Xu Ping Jun’s shabbiness, laughing behind their covered heads, deliberately leading her to do meaningless actions. When it was time to walk, they stopped, forcing Xu Ping Jun to stop hastily too, only to be scolded by the other girls behind her. When it was time to sit, they deliberately stretched, looking like they were about to stand. Xu Ping thought she was wrong to sit, quickly getting up, only to find that they were still sitting. They exchanged glances, pleased with themselves. Xu Ping Jun had become their entertainment for the night.
Yun Ge intended to just exchange greetings with Xu Ping Jun from afar. In the past, Xu Ping Jun had once said she was very envious of those maidens and mistresses who could attend such banquets. Yun Ge wanted to see if Xu Ping Jun was happy now that she had come from envying others to becoming an object of envy, but this was the scene she came across instead.
Keeping a tight leash on her anger, she turned to Mo Cha. “I don’t care how you do it, but either you move me to Xu Jie Jie’s side, or you get Xu Jie Jie to be seated here. Or else, I will go to her personally.” Mo Cha saw that Yun Ge was resolute, and there was no way around this, so she called Liu Shun over furtively and whispered her request. Liu Shun had weathered many a storm under Yu An; what was difficult to Mo Cha was nothing to him. He smiled. “Here I was thinking something terrible happened, when it is such a tiny matter! I’ll do it; you move an extra seat beside Miss Yun.”
Liu Shun was indeed efficient. No one knew what he told the Ministry of Rites, but in an instant, a eunuch was seen leading Xu Ping Jun over.
Xu Ping Jun was smart, she knew the mistresses and maidens around her were making a fool out of her, but she had to bear with it. Who asked her to be born poor, not knowing anything, without any experience?
After being on tenterhooks the whole night, she almost burst into tears when she caught sight of Yun Ge, but carefully and fearfully returned to her original position. Yun Ge filled a plate with delicious food, and pa.s.sed it over to Xu Ping Jun with a smile. “I noticed that Jie Jie hadn’t eaten, go ahead and eat first.” Xu Ping Jun nodded, and started eating immediately. After a few mouthfuls, she suddenly stopped. “Yun Ge, am I doing this correctly? Show me how you eat.” Yun Ge almost fell off her chair laughing. “Xu Jie Jie, you….” Xu Ping Jun remained solemn. “I’m not joking with you. Now that Bing Yi is helping his majesty with court matters, I see that he is really enjoying it. In the many years I’ve known him, I’ve never once seen him so diligent. Since he is a court official, we could have to attend various banquets in future. I don’t want others to laugh at him because of me. Yun Ge, teach me.” Yun Ge, touched by Xu Ping Jun’s words, quickly stopped laughing. “Da Ge is really lucky to have married you. I will definitely teach Jie Jie properly, and I guarantee that no one will be able to find fault with you. Thank goodness I have been reading a lot these days, and have been in the company of someone with great knowledge, or else…” Yun Ge stuck out her tongue, then started slowly. “The character ‘li’[1], has a long history. It can be as big as national ceremonies or as small as ancestral rites, and can’t be explained within a day, so I’ll just explain some simple concepts and the basics of the etiquettes expected at such banquets.”
Xu Ping nodded, indicating she understood. “After Emperor Gaozu of Han founded this dynasty, he ordered chancellor Xiao He to determine the law, Han Xin to determine marshal law and regulation, Su Sun Tong to determine rites and etiquette. Our rites and etiquette built upon the foundation of those set in the Qin Dynasty, adding in Confucian values..”
A diligent teacher, an attentive student.
The two of them managed to temporarily cut themselves off the ongoing banquet despite being there in person.
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Xiao Mei was the Empress, but she was still not seated at Liu Fu Ling’s side. The Emperor was seated alone, above everyone, Xiao Mei’s phoenix couch placed to the bottom right.
Huo Yu murmured unhappily. “Last time, he kept saying Xiao Mei was too young, not fit to rule as Empress. Now, Xiao Mei is almost fourteen, does she still not have the right to be seated beside him? Or does he not even want Xiao Mei by his side, keeping the seat empty for someone else? What on earth is Father trying to do, looking so unharried.”
Huo Yun quickly replied. “There are many ears around; Da Ge should be more carefully with your words. Uncle knows what he is doing” Huo Yu scanned the crowd, everyone his gaze landed on would either bow their hands, or smiled in response, but when it landed on Meng Jue, although Meng Jue smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, his expressed was frank, neither humble nor arrogant. Huo Yu, angered, laughed coldly and averted his gaze. Though arrogant, he was terribly afraid of Huo Guang. No matter how angry he might me, but he would never openly defy Huo Guang to harm Meng Jue, so he could only swallow his anger, getting more frustrated in the process, feeling more cowardly than ever before. By chance, he caught Meng Jue’s gaze drifting towards the female guests. He asked “The girl over there looks very unfamiliar, whose daughter is she?”
Huo Shan looked over, didn’t know either, and looked towards Huo Yun.
Huo Yun who was most familiar was the happenings around and about them, replied. “This is the maid his majesty brought into the palace, because uncle ordered me to check into her, so I know more about her than the two of you. She is an orphan, with no one to rely on; a cook in Chang An, the famous ‘Elegant Cook’. The woman beside her is called Xu Ping Jun, the wife of an idler in Chang An, but I don’t know what kind of luck that idler had – I heard because he was noticed because of his resemblance to his majesty, gaining his majesty’s favour and is now a small official- that is the man that has been a.s.sisting uncle, Liu Bing Yi. Yun Ge, Liu Bing Yi, Xu Ping Jun, and Meng Jue are pretty close, they are probably Yun Ge’s closest thing to relatives. This girl seemed to have been involved in a complicated relations.h.i.+p with Meng Jue too.”
This was Huo Yu’s first time hearing of this matter. “Does Cheng Jun know?” Huo Yun replied. “Da Ge only has to look closely at Cheng Jun’s expression to know, I bet Cheng Jun already knew of this girl.” Huo Yu looked at Meng Jue, Liu Fu Ling, finally at Yun Ge, then laughed. “Interesting.” Huo Yu watched Huo Cheng Jun pouring herself a drink with a slight smile. He was her blood brother, sharing the same parentage, who always doted on her, how could he miss the sadness hidden in her smile? He cursed, a mix of hate and heartache, “This useless girl, conceding defeat to an orphaned girl, she must be born a Huo in vain!”
Huo Yun hastily replied. “Da Ge, we mustn’t act in haste, if uncle finds out…..” Huo Yu smiled “Who said I’m going to act in haste?” Huo Shan smiled knowingly “But we can’t control others if they do.” Huo Yun knew that because of the order not to harm Meng Jue, Huo Yu was already hitting the limits of his anger, a ticking time bomb. Instead of not knowing when and where the bomb would go off, it was much easier to plant the bomb on the girl.
The Huos had been played by Meng Jue, and the anger he felt wasn’t any less than Huo Yu. Furthermore, Huo Yu was uncle’s only son, even if something should happen, uncle wouldn’t really hold them to it with Huo Yu around.
Huo Yun was still making calculations in his heart when Huo Shan said “Brother Yun, why do you think so much? This girl is but a mere palace maid, even if something happens, it is just the death of a palace maid. Would his majesty dare to fall out with us Huos because of one palace maid? Anyway we’ll be killing three birds with one stone, a great incentive, saving uncle the effort.”
Huo Yu laughed derisively. The military power of all of Chang An is in the hands of the Huo, he didn’t even consider Liu Fu Ling’s reaction. Huo Yun thought that Huo Shan’s words were reasonable, a satisfied smile curling on his lips as he said. “Then I will play this game with the both of you.” After Huo Yu pa.s.sed detailed instructions to Huo Shan, he got up to leave, saying. “Take your time eating. I feel slightly tipsy and am going off to change.” Huo Yu stopped him, whispering “Be careful of Yu An’s men.” Huo Shan smiled. “The amba.s.sadors of Xiong Nu, Qiang tribe, Xi Yu, and of various nations have gathered her tonight, Yu An, Qi Xi and the rest of them will be too busy protecting his majesty to notice. Furthermore, I am already a great general, with the imperial guards at Wei Yang Palace under us. Even if he has a good plan, I’ve got an even better one. Da Ge, relax.”
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After Yun Ge finished giving Xu Ping Jun a rough sketch of the etiquettes and ceremonies of the Han Dynasty, she moved on the placement of the bowls, plates, chopsticks, then acted out the proper way of sitting, drinking, toasting, picking food….. Once she was done, everyone around already had drunk a few rounds of liquor.
At this moment, street performers were performing on stage, and various amba.s.sadors continually heading up front to pay their respects to Liu Fu Ling, presenting tributes and specialties from their nation.
Mo Cha took a plate of food from a eunuch, displaying it in front of Yun Ge, smiling. “Miss Yun, this are the good dishes his majesty has sampled and ordered Supervisor Yu to bring you one of every kind.”
Although it was a hundred officials were celebrating the New Year together, not only were they seated according to status, but also served food, and even wine and tea according to status and rank as well. A lot of food the Emperor ate weren’t served at Yun Ge’s table.
Yun Ge looked up at Liu Fu Ling. Liu Fu Ling was currently talking to the amba.s.sador of Da Yuan. Although they were far apart, separated by the noise and crowd, Yun Ge couldn’t see his expression right now, but knew he knew she would be looking at him, and even knew that his eyes would be warm with laughter right now. She didn’t know how she knew, but she just did.
Because of this bit of understanding, the couple seemed to be close to each other, and not separated by a whole hall full of people.
Yun Ge smiled, and turned to do a proper ‘please’ gesture to Xu Ping Jun. Xu Ping Jun gracefully thanked her, raised her chopsticks, rolled up her sleeves, picked up the food, her actions no longer unsure and uneasy. Xu Ping Jun then swallowed, raised her teacup, and covered her face with her sleeve before she took a sip; finally using a handkerchief to dab at her lips. When she caught Yun Ge’s proud smile, she laughed, feeling very proud of herself too. ......................................................................................................................
[1] ‘礼’ can’t be explained in one word. It is a way of living, the basis of society. It is etiquette, manners, behaviour and law rolled into one, that is why I was hesitant in giving it an English equivalent. It can be translated as 'manner','ceremony', 'etiquette', etc.
And heave, ho here we go! The exciting set up for the dragon slide fall begins. It's a very short chapter so I'll try to post updates throughout the day as and when I'm done with a part. Should be done before I need to leave for dinner, methinks.Yessss, finished this with time to spare. I need a bath.
Everyone should be s.h.i.+tting bricks for Yun Ge right now, but there she is, still oblivious, enjoying the night, her moment with Liu Fu Ling. Sigh. The next chapter is going to be very long (almost twice as long as normal chapters), but also very exciting, so hold on tight!
Update: CHAPTER COMPLETE
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The front hall at Wei Yang Palace had been redecorated for the New Year Eve festivities. Since the founding of the Han Dynasty, as Xiao He once said to Liu Bang ‘The son of Heaven calls the whole earth His home, and must be grand beyond measure’, ‘How will the world know how respectable the son of Heaven is if they don’t witness his grandeur?’, so even if the country is weak and its people poor, like during Emperor Gaozu of Han’s reign, or thrifty like Emperor Jing of Han, Emperors spared no expense when it came to Imperial festivities. It was true for this upcoming celebration too, Liu Fu Ling lived simply, but every year when it came to throwing banquets he still followed the old protocol, choosing not to follow Emperor Wu of Han’s style, but rather Emperor Jing of Han’s.
The atrium draped in red, the throne to be painted. With bronze as connectors, white jade as steps. The pillars were painted in yellow gold, at the top hung a painting of nine golden dragons in the cloud bringing rain, golden dust painted the eaves with all kinds of grains, praying for the coming year to bring favourable weather to the crops, and a good harvest.
Liu Fu Ling had to wear his grandest clothing today too. Liu Fu Ling finally put on his clothes, and crown with ta.s.sels with the a.s.sistance of Yu An and three other eunuchs after an hour. His dragon robe was embroidered with the sun, moon and dragons on his shoulders, the stars, and mountains on his back, and fire, pheasants, tigers and monkeys on his sleeves. Pearls from the east sea hung from the ta.s.sels of his crown, twelve strings each, using 288 pearls each in front and back, each pearl an exact copy of the next.
Yun Ge thought: I wonder how long they took to find pearls the exact same size from the tens and thousands of pearls available. Liu Fu Ling’s eyes were half hidden behind the curtain of pearls, his expression unclear, only when he moved occasionally could his face been seen with the sway of the pearl curtain; but the pearls reflected light, as a result his face only seemed blurrier. When he stood still, he exuded grandeur and authority like the G.o.ds; looking incredibly high, and all who looked at him will feel terribly low.
Yun Ge rested her chin on her hands, staring blankly at Liu Fu Ling. She finally understood the meaning of Xiao He’s words. Thegrandeur and authority he exuded right now could not be imagined if one didn’t see him for oneself. When he stepped on the jade steps, and stood on the highest point of Wei Yang Hall’s front hall. When hundreds of officials knelt as one. When the whole of Chang An, the whole Great Han, and even the whole world is at his feet.
All the earth at his command! Yun Ge finally understood the power of this phrase. And…. The distance that came with it.
Yu An reported ‘Your majesty, all is ready. The imperial carriage has been prepared.’ Liu Fu Ling waved lightly, dismissing him. He walked over to Yun Ge and pulled her up. ‘What are you thinking?” Yun Ge smiled, reached out to pull on the pearl curtain of Liu Fu Ling’s crown. “Whenever I saw portraits of you Han Emperors in the past, I often thought, why the pearl curtain? Wouldn’t it affect your line of vision? Now I understand. With that, it is a lot harder to read an Emperor’s thoughts.” Liu Fu Ling remained silent for a moment, then said. “Yun Ge, I want to hear you call my name, just like how I call you.” Yun Ge’s head was half raised, staring at him, stunned. As they were standing very close, the glimmer of the pearls didn’t make his features anymore vague, but instead set off each tiny expression of Liu Fu Ling’s. The things she saw in the black pools of his eyes were things she knew and were familiar with, he….. wasn’t far at all.
Outside, Yu An softly said. “Your majesty, the auspicious hour is approaching. All the officials have already gathered at the front hall. The imperial astronomer must offer the sacrifice to the G.o.ds at the appointed auspicious time.” Liu Fu Ling showed no sign of giving way, only calling out softly. “Yun Ge?” Yun Ge pursed her lips, then after a few moments of hesitation, “Liu…… Liu Fu Ling.”
The nervousness and uneasiness she felt at first saying the name no one dared to call vanished completely. She smiled "But I'm not used to calling you that, Ling Ge Ge."
Liu Fu Ling held her arm as they walked outside. “The person in charge of this celebratory banquet is a talent, a newcomer to the Ministry of Rites, I heard there will be no shortage of fun tricks, the cook has also been specially summoned for this occasion, you’ll definitely not find it boring. As expected, Yun Ge perked up at the news, excitement full on her face. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” “If I did, I’m afraid you’ll be running off to the imperial kitchen every day and I will be troubled by the missives I’ll receive every day.” Yun Ge didn’t understand. “What?” “Not only will hundreds of our court officials be in attendance for this banquet, but also amba.s.sadors from other surrounding nations, there cannot be a single mistake. The preparation before the banquet is not something like you’ve ever seen, if you keep chattering on to the cook, wouldn’t I be receiving missives from the Ministry of Rites every day denouncing your actions?”
They had already walked to the front of the imperial carriage, and Liu Fu Ling could no longer walk with Yun Ge, but he didn’t get on the carriage, only silently gazing at Yun Ge. Yu An hurriedly said. “Rest a.s.sured, your majesty, that your servants have made all due preparations. Liu Shun and the rest will take good care of Miss Yun.” Liu Fu Ling knew he couldn’t delay any further, his hand brushed across Yun Ge’s cheek longingly before he turned and got on the carriage.
Yun Ge couldn’t describe the emotions in her heart either, and didn’t notice Liu Fu Ling’s action. Since they met again, they were always in tandem, seeing each other day and night. This would be the first time they were be forcibly separated while in the same great hall. Only when she glimpsed Mo Cha making teasing winks at her did she come to her senses. Liu Fu Ling’s actions just now seemed too light and frivolous for this occasion, and didn’t match the dignified state an Emperor should have. Yun Ge’s cheeks pinkened, turned to Liu Shun and Fu Yu saying, “Let’s go! We’ll go to the front hall, and not bring Mo Cha along.” Mo Cha quickly rushed forward. “Your servant will never again dare to do such things. I will listen to Miss Yun’s words in future, only laughing when Miss Yun gives permission to, and not laughing when Miss Yun doesn’t allow me to do so; at most I’ll just keep my laughter inside……”
Yun Ge ignored Mo Cha’s teasing, feeling dazed.
What will leaving feel like after the year is up?
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The imperial astronomer sounded the bell and chimes. The sound of the bell reverberated around in waves, moving beyond the corridors of the great hall to the streets and alleys outside Wei Yang Palace. The happy sound brought the promise of hope to everyday, promising blessings, health and happiness for the coming year.
Yun Ge looked up to see Liu Fu Ling slowly ascending the Tian Ming platform at the great hall, first praying to the heavens, then the earth, and finally the people, accompanied by the song sung by the imperial astronomer for favourable climatic, geographical and human conditions.
All officials knelt as one. It wasn’t Yun Ge’s first time attending an imperial banquet, but it was her first time experiencing such a grand Han rite. Mo Cha pulled her down, only then did Yun Ge react, hurriedly kneeling with the rest, but it was too late, and everyone noticed her. Meeting various gazes, Yun Ge’s eyes clashed with a very familiar pair of eyes, her gaze like a sharp needle, sending cold s.h.i.+vers down her spine. Across the headdresses, clothes and perfume of n.o.blewomen and other wealthy daughters, Huo Cheng Jun and Yun Ge locked eyes.
Did I ruin her happiness or did she ruin mine? Yun Ge couldn’t answer her own question. Neither smiled, only staring at each other for a moment before averting their gaze, but s.h.i.+fting it to the same direction, unconsciously landing on the same person.
Meng Jue’s t.i.tle was outside the first hundred official positions, so his position was unique. In addition, with his striking features, there was no need to search for him; one only had to scan the crowd with a glance to find him. Despite billowing sleeves and wide robe of a Han court official and his high headdress, he didn’t lose his elegance under all that solemnity, making him seem free and unrestrained. There were many maidens in attendance who have long heard of Meng Jue but have yet to see him; at this time, many people were sneaking glances at him. Even Mo Cha, kneeling beside Yun Ge, was mesmerized, thinking to herself, so this is the man who is not afraid of the Huos, a steely interior must reside under his warm and tender façade.
It was time for the kowtow to end, as Meng Jue got up, he snuck a glance sideways. He seemed to have known where Yun Ge stood beforehand, his unwavering gaze landing straight on her. Yun Ge didn’t have time to react, as their eyes met, she felt pain welling up in a certain part of her heart again.
I’ve tried so hard to forget, why do I still hurt so?
Her mind a blank, she didn’t notice that everyone had stood, and she was the only one still kneeling in a daze. Mo Cha, in a moment of carelessness, had already stood. It wasn’t right for her to bend to pull her up, so in a moment of anxiety, she didn’t think too much about it, and stuck her leg out to kick Yun Ge from under her skirts. This woke Yun Ge up from her reverie and she stood up hastily.
The black whirlpools in Meng Jue’s eyes parted, and he actually seemed happy.
The long, endless rites were about to end and the banquet about to start. After one more round of kowtowing, everyone was seated according to their rank and status.
Mo Cha didn’t dare to let down her guard this time; she kept her eye on Yun Ge, throwing out reminders for every action. As she remembered how she dared to kick Yun Ge, she felt faint; but there was this magic about Yun Ge – everyone she interact with would forget their status and just be very comfortable around her.
The male and female guests were separated, and each seated accordingly with the help of the eunuchs and palace maids.
Yun Ge, still feeling the effects of the events that had just transpired, was feeling listless. She was just about to turn back to rest when she spotted Liu Bing Yi trailing behind; the last of the hundred officials, then all her previous excitement came flooding back. Liu Bing Yi smiled, nodding his head in acknowledgement from a distance, and Yun Ge returned his smile sweetly. She whispered to Mo Cha “If officials come, does it mean their wives would too?”
“That is usually the case, but with the exception of immediate relatives of the imperial family, only the lawful, wedded wives of officials have the right to attend such banquets.”
Once Mo Cha was done saying that, she wanted to bite off her own tongue. Thank goodness Yun Ge was too busy scanning the crowd for Xu Ping Jun to notice the end of Mo Cha’s sentence.
Yun Ge spotted Xu Ping Jun standing alone, everyone else ignoring her. As it was her first time attending such a function, she was terrified of making mistakes, adding even more trouble to Liu Bing Yi’s already difficult life, so she was very nervous, observing those around her carefully, not daring to do more or less. The n.o.blewomen around her picked up on Xu Ping Jun’s shabbiness, laughing behind their covered heads, deliberately leading her to do meaningless actions. When it was time to walk, they stopped, forcing Xu Ping Jun to stop hastily too, only to be scolded by the other girls behind her. When it was time to sit, they deliberately stretched, looking like they were about to stand. Xu Ping thought she was wrong to sit, quickly getting up, only to find that they were still sitting. They exchanged glances, pleased with themselves. Xu Ping Jun had become their entertainment for the night.
Yun Ge intended to just exchange greetings with Xu Ping Jun from afar. In the past, Xu Ping Jun had once said she was very envious of those maidens and mistresses who could attend such banquets. Yun Ge wanted to see if Xu Ping Jun was happy now that she had come from envying others to becoming an object of envy, but this was the scene she came across instead.
Keeping a tight leash on her anger, she turned to Mo Cha. “I don’t care how you do it, but either you move me to Xu Jie Jie’s side, or you get Xu Jie Jie to be seated here. Or else, I will go to her personally.” Mo Cha saw that Yun Ge was resolute, and there was no way around this, so she called Liu Shun over furtively and whispered her request. Liu Shun had weathered many a storm under Yu An; what was difficult to Mo Cha was nothing to him. He smiled. “Here I was thinking something terrible happened, when it is such a tiny matter! I’ll do it; you move an extra seat beside Miss Yun.”
Liu Shun was indeed efficient. No one knew what he told the Ministry of Rites, but in an instant, a eunuch was seen leading Xu Ping Jun over.
Xu Ping Jun was smart, she knew the mistresses and maidens around her were making a fool out of her, but she had to bear with it. Who asked her to be born poor, not knowing anything, without any experience?
After being on tenterhooks the whole night, she almost burst into tears when she caught sight of Yun Ge, but carefully and fearfully returned to her original position. Yun Ge filled a plate with delicious food, and pa.s.sed it over to Xu Ping Jun with a smile. “I noticed that Jie Jie hadn’t eaten, go ahead and eat first.” Xu Ping Jun nodded, and started eating immediately. After a few mouthfuls, she suddenly stopped. “Yun Ge, am I doing this correctly? Show me how you eat.” Yun Ge almost fell off her chair laughing. “Xu Jie Jie, you….” Xu Ping Jun remained solemn. “I’m not joking with you. Now that Bing Yi is helping his majesty with court matters, I see that he is really enjoying it. In the many years I’ve known him, I’ve never once seen him so diligent. Since he is a court official, we could have to attend various banquets in future. I don’t want others to laugh at him because of me. Yun Ge, teach me.” Yun Ge, touched by Xu Ping Jun’s words, quickly stopped laughing. “Da Ge is really lucky to have married you. I will definitely teach Jie Jie properly, and I guarantee that no one will be able to find fault with you. Thank goodness I have been reading a lot these days, and have been in the company of someone with great knowledge, or else…” Yun Ge stuck out her tongue, then started slowly. “The character ‘li’[1], has a long history. It can be as big as national ceremonies or as small as ancestral rites, and can’t be explained within a day, so I’ll just explain some simple concepts and the basics of the etiquettes expected at such banquets.”
Xu Ping nodded, indicating she understood. “After Emperor Gaozu of Han founded this dynasty, he ordered chancellor Xiao He to determine the law, Han Xin to determine marshal law and regulation, Su Sun Tong to determine rites and etiquette. Our rites and etiquette built upon the foundation of those set in the Qin Dynasty, adding in Confucian values..”
A diligent teacher, an attentive student.
The two of them managed to temporarily cut themselves off the ongoing banquet despite being there in person.
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Xiao Mei was the Empress, but she was still not seated at Liu Fu Ling’s side. The Emperor was seated alone, above everyone, Xiao Mei’s phoenix couch placed to the bottom right.
Huo Yu murmured unhappily. “Last time, he kept saying Xiao Mei was too young, not fit to rule as Empress. Now, Xiao Mei is almost fourteen, does she still not have the right to be seated beside him? Or does he not even want Xiao Mei by his side, keeping the seat empty for someone else? What on earth is Father trying to do, looking so unharried.”
Huo Yun quickly replied. “There are many ears around; Da Ge should be more carefully with your words. Uncle knows what he is doing” Huo Yu scanned the crowd, everyone his gaze landed on would either bow their hands, or smiled in response, but when it landed on Meng Jue, although Meng Jue smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, his expressed was frank, neither humble nor arrogant. Huo Yu, angered, laughed coldly and averted his gaze. Though arrogant, he was terribly afraid of Huo Guang. No matter how angry he might me, but he would never openly defy Huo Guang to harm Meng Jue, so he could only swallow his anger, getting more frustrated in the process, feeling more cowardly than ever before. By chance, he caught Meng Jue’s gaze drifting towards the female guests. He asked “The girl over there looks very unfamiliar, whose daughter is she?”
Huo Shan looked over, didn’t know either, and looked towards Huo Yun.
Huo Yun who was most familiar was the happenings around and about them, replied. “This is the maid his majesty brought into the palace, because uncle ordered me to check into her, so I know more about her than the two of you. She is an orphan, with no one to rely on; a cook in Chang An, the famous ‘Elegant Cook’. The woman beside her is called Xu Ping Jun, the wife of an idler in Chang An, but I don’t know what kind of luck that idler had – I heard because he was noticed because of his resemblance to his majesty, gaining his majesty’s favour and is now a small official- that is the man that has been a.s.sisting uncle, Liu Bing Yi. Yun Ge, Liu Bing Yi, Xu Ping Jun, and Meng Jue are pretty close, they are probably Yun Ge’s closest thing to relatives. This girl seemed to have been involved in a complicated relations.h.i.+p with Meng Jue too.”
This was Huo Yu’s first time hearing of this matter. “Does Cheng Jun know?” Huo Yun replied. “Da Ge only has to look closely at Cheng Jun’s expression to know, I bet Cheng Jun already knew of this girl.” Huo Yu looked at Meng Jue, Liu Fu Ling, finally at Yun Ge, then laughed. “Interesting.” Huo Yu watched Huo Cheng Jun pouring herself a drink with a slight smile. He was her blood brother, sharing the same parentage, who always doted on her, how could he miss the sadness hidden in her smile? He cursed, a mix of hate and heartache, “This useless girl, conceding defeat to an orphaned girl, she must be born a Huo in vain!”
Huo Yun hastily replied. “Da Ge, we mustn’t act in haste, if uncle finds out…..” Huo Yu smiled “Who said I’m going to act in haste?” Huo Shan smiled knowingly “But we can’t control others if they do.” Huo Yun knew that because of the order not to harm Meng Jue, Huo Yu was already hitting the limits of his anger, a ticking time bomb. Instead of not knowing when and where the bomb would go off, it was much easier to plant the bomb on the girl.
The Huos had been played by Meng Jue, and the anger he felt wasn’t any less than Huo Yu. Furthermore, Huo Yu was uncle’s only son, even if something should happen, uncle wouldn’t really hold them to it with Huo Yu around.
Huo Yun was still making calculations in his heart when Huo Shan said “Brother Yun, why do you think so much? This girl is but a mere palace maid, even if something happens, it is just the death of a palace maid. Would his majesty dare to fall out with us Huos because of one palace maid? Anyway we’ll be killing three birds with one stone, a great incentive, saving uncle the effort.”
Huo Yu laughed derisively. The military power of all of Chang An is in the hands of the Huo, he didn’t even consider Liu Fu Ling’s reaction. Huo Yun thought that Huo Shan’s words were reasonable, a satisfied smile curling on his lips as he said. “Then I will play this game with the both of you.” After Huo Yu pa.s.sed detailed instructions to Huo Shan, he got up to leave, saying. “Take your time eating. I feel slightly tipsy and am going off to change.” Huo Yu stopped him, whispering “Be careful of Yu An’s men.” Huo Shan smiled. “The amba.s.sadors of Xiong Nu, Qiang tribe, Xi Yu, and of various nations have gathered her tonight, Yu An, Qi Xi and the rest of them will be too busy protecting his majesty to notice. Furthermore, I am already a great general, with the imperial guards at Wei Yang Palace under us. Even if he has a good plan, I’ve got an even better one. Da Ge, relax.”
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After Yun Ge finished giving Xu Ping Jun a rough sketch of the etiquettes and ceremonies of the Han Dynasty, she moved on the placement of the bowls, plates, chopsticks, then acted out the proper way of sitting, drinking, toasting, picking food….. Once she was done, everyone around already had drunk a few rounds of liquor.
At this moment, street performers were performing on stage, and various amba.s.sadors continually heading up front to pay their respects to Liu Fu Ling, presenting tributes and specialties from their nation.
Mo Cha took a plate of food from a eunuch, displaying it in front of Yun Ge, smiling. “Miss Yun, this are the good dishes his majesty has sampled and ordered Supervisor Yu to bring you one of every kind.”
Although it was a hundred officials were celebrating the New Year together, not only were they seated according to status, but also served food, and even wine and tea according to status and rank as well. A lot of food the Emperor ate weren’t served at Yun Ge’s table.
Yun Ge looked up at Liu Fu Ling. Liu Fu Ling was currently talking to the amba.s.sador of Da Yuan. Although they were far apart, separated by the noise and crowd, Yun Ge couldn’t see his expression right now, but knew he knew she would be looking at him, and even knew that his eyes would be warm with laughter right now. She didn’t know how she knew, but she just did.
Because of this bit of understanding, the couple seemed to be close to each other, and not separated by a whole hall full of people.
Yun Ge smiled, and turned to do a proper ‘please’ gesture to Xu Ping Jun. Xu Ping Jun gracefully thanked her, raised her chopsticks, rolled up her sleeves, picked up the food, her actions no longer unsure and uneasy. Xu Ping Jun then swallowed, raised her teacup, and covered her face with her sleeve before she took a sip; finally using a handkerchief to dab at her lips. When she caught Yun Ge’s proud smile, she laughed, feeling very proud of herself too. ......................................................................................................................
[1] ‘礼’ can’t be explained in one word. It is a way of living, the basis of society. It is etiquette, manners, behaviour and law rolled into one, that is why I was hesitant in giving it an English equivalent. It can be translated as 'manner','ceremony', 'etiquette', etc.
