Chapter 102: Capturing the Transmigrator — Mission Progress: 35

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Wang Zhongdu entered the palace together with Li Shishi, Zhao Yuannu, Cui Nianyue, and others.

However, unlike Li Shishi and her companions, who were luckily picked by Zhang Chun, Ye Shi Yun, and Li Lin shortly after entering the palace, Wang Zhongduan was picked by Madam Guan the moment she entered.

Madam Guan had originally been an ordinary maidservant in the Prince of Shen's residence. She was very pretty and had been favored by Zhao Yu quite early on — more than once, in fact.

Yet Madam Guan never managed to get pregnant.

Later, as Zhao Yu's women grew ever more numerous, Madam Guan could no longer get a turn.

For her own future prospects, Madam Guan chose to throw in her lot with Pei Sui, who at the time had deep backing and great power, and served under Pei Sui as a female official managing palace maids.

When this batch of palace maids — Li Shishi and the others — first entered the palace, Madam Guan was the first to receive them.

Madam Guan understood very well the value of having a pretty maidservant.

So, taking advantage of the chaotic management in the rear palace at the time, Madam Guan abused her position for private gain and kept the prettiest one, Wang Zhongduan, for herself. She planned to train Wang Zhongduan properly so that, in the future, mistress and maid could go into battle together to vie for favor.

Not long ago, Zheng Xiansu took charge of the rear palace.

As Pei Sui's trusted confidante, Madam Guan attached herself to Zheng Xiansu at once, clinging tightly to Zheng Xiansu's powerful thigh.

Zheng Xiansu did not treat Madam Guan poorly. After consulting Madam Guan's opinion, she appointed Madam Guan as the Female Official of Merit.

From then on, wherever Zheng Xiansu pointed, Madam Guan struck — utterly loyal.

For example:

Zheng Xiansu advocated thrift, so Madam Guan immediately put on her plainest clothes and ate nothing but vegetables and tofu at every meal, dining more austerely than Zheng Xiansu herself.

This was misery for Wang Zhongduan. She had been raised as a courtesan queen; while her previous life couldn't be called lavish, she certainly never lacked food or clothing.

Who would have thought that, after entering the palace, she'd start suffering instead.

Actually, if everyone were in the same boat, Wang Zhongduan could have toughed it out — after all, no matter how much one pinched pennies, this was still Zhao Yu's rear palace, so the food couldn't possibly be too bad.

But the problem was that Wang Zhongduan's good friend Zhao Yuannu ate fish and meat every day, with every kind of fruit, dried fruit, candy, snack, and pastry you could imagine — a truly complete spread.

People fear comparison above all.

Set against that, Wang Zhongduan immediately felt she wasn't even living as well as Ye Shi Yun's dog.

She wasn't talking about Zhao Yuannu — she really meant Ye Shi Yun's dog, Wangcai.

Not long ago, Ye Shi Yun had picked up a Chinese rural dog left behind by some consort from Zhao Xu's reign. She kept it in her palace and fed it exactly whatever she ate herself.

This made many people unable to stomach Ye Shi Yun's extravagance and waste — especially given that Zheng Xiansu was advocating thrift.

Anonymous complaints denouncing Ye Shi Yun, they say, came in like snowflakes.

If the rule of hanging repentance wind-bells that Zheng Xiansu had set down were strictly enforced, Ye Shi Yun's quarters would probably already be covered in wind-bells.

But Zheng Xiansu had told the people of the rear palace long ago that the Five Women had rendered great merit and were exempt from certain rear-palace rules.

As for what exactly the Five Women's great merit was, Zheng Xiansu never said.

Still, the people of the rear palace all guessed it had to do with Zhao Yu becoming Emperor.

In fact, rumors had long circulated in the rear palace: Zhang Chun was skilled in the art of divination and had once helped Zhao Yu and Empress Dowager Xiang forecast the overall trend of the realm; Ma Ma Xiao Jiao was skilled in mechanical arts, and many of the wondrous contraptions in the rear palace were her handiwork; and Yuan Qingcheng's expertise in agricultural arts had likewise been guessed by people.

What abilities Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun possessed, others still did not know.

But that Li Lin practiced "Prisoner Fitness" and "Yoga" with Zhao Yu every day, and that Zhang Chun and Ye Shi Yun were often summoned by Zhao Yu to discuss affairs — the people of the rear palace were still aware of.

All this was enough to prove that the Five Women truly were different from the rest.

Because of this, even if the people of the rear palace found the Five Women's behavior utterly distasteful, none of them dared to provoke them openly.

Wang Zhongduan also grumbled endlessly to herself about Ye Shi Yun's unkindness — that "when you're happy, you don't even have the decency to keep your voice down."

But Wang Zhongduan didn't dare show it either.

This wasn't only because she didn't dare provoke Ye Shi Yun, whom even the Empress left alone; it was also because whenever Wang Zhongduan got a craving, she could come to Ye Shi Yun's place, enjoy a proper meal, and even take some snacks home with her when she left.

This was a wonderful perk you couldn't get even at Zhang Chun's or Li Lin's.

— Zhang Chun was also now firmly committed to thrift and diligence, eating no better than Madam Guan; and Li Lin was highly self-disciplined, eating only healthy, nutritious food and never touching anything without purpose.

Only Ye Shi Yun was a pure, unadulterated glutton.

Previously, Ye Shi Yun had always gone to Zhao Yu to beg for treats.

Later, Zhao Yu simply issued an order: whatever delicacies he had, a share was to be sent to Ye Shi Yun.

Even so, whenever Ye Shi Yun heard of any particularly good food, she'd have Huang Jingchen send people to buy it for her.

The whole point was: let no one be wronged, but I must never be wronged myself.

Today, Wang Zhongduan couldn't take it anymore.

So, taking advantage of the moment when Madam Guan had been called away by Pei Sui for a discussion, Wang Zhongduan came to Ye Shi Yun's place.

And then she saw that Li Shishi and Cui Nianyue were also at Zhao Yuannu's.

Wang Zhongduan looked at Li Shishi: "You couldn't take it anymore either?"

Li Shishi gave a wry smile: "My lady seems possessed — she's dead set on taking first place in the Palace Examination, and on top of that she's imitating the Empress by eating only simple meals. Sigh!"

"Hardly surprising. It's all over the palace that whoever wins this Palace Examination may receive ten consecutive nights of Your Majesty's favor. For that, every palace woman is burning the midnight oil preparing, skipping sleep and meals." Wang Zhongduan said.

"I heard that day Your Majesty may attend in person. If that's truly so, even if one can't take first place, an outstanding showing would still lodge in Your Majesty's memory, and the future benefits would surely not be few." Cui Nianyue said.

"From what you're saying, Sister, you seem to want to try as well?" Zhao Yuannu asked, looking at Cui Nianyue.

Cui Nianyue admitted it openly: "This rear palace is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers — I wouldn't dare dream of taking first place. But if I could compose one or two good poems and catch Your Majesty's eye, I might give it a try."

"Your lady enjoys Your Majesty's deep favor — could you possibly lack for chances?" Li Shishi said.

"Preparedness is never amiss. Besides, as you all know my lady, she doesn't stand on ceremony and her health is excellent. She might simply never think to bring me along. So I'd better do all I can to be prepared." Cui Nianyue said.

All these women had cut their teeth in the pleasure quarters and knew how to survive by relying on men, so they all felt Cui Nianyue's approach was right.

Wang Zhongduan said, not without regret: "Too bad it's not a dance competition — otherwise, who but me?"

"You're all still young, no rush — perhaps in a year or two there'll be a singing or dancing event. I'm different. I'm already twelve, I have to seize the time." Cui Nianyue said.

The so-called "pure-singing girl" was nothing but a comforting lie.

Genuine courtesans are exceedingly rare.

The relationship between prostitutes and courtesans is as subtle as money and jiaozi: money is not necessarily jiaozi, but jiaozi is always money. That is, prostitutes may never have been courtesans, but courtesans always end up becoming prostitutes.

Under normal circumstances, guests treat courtesans no differently from prostitutes.

A courtesan, in other words, is a more refined type of person who sells herself—someone who demands a greater price to be purchased.

At thirteen, it is called "testing the flower";

at fourteen, it is called "blooming";

at fifteen, it is called "plucking the flower."

Thus, most prostitutes are formally "combed and coiffed" by fifteen at the latest; some as early as thirteen, unless they are exceptionally famed—like those in history—whose fame may delay it a few years, but only a few. Their reputation can shield them temporarily, but not forever, for someone they cannot offend will eventually arrange their combed and coiffed ceremony.

Courtesans are generally very sensitive about the age of thirteen.

Because most courtesans officially debut at thirteen, some have already been combed and coiffed by that age.

This is why Cui Nianyue has already begun planning for her future.

At this moment, Ye Shi Yun finally rose from her afternoon nap.

"Yuannu, come help me rise."

Upon hearing this, the Four Famous Courtesans all went over to see Ye Shi Yun.

Seeing Li Shishi, Cui Nianyue, and Wang Zhongduan also there, Ye Shi Yun laughed and scolded, "You all came here again to mooch food and drink?"

Li Shishi and the other three were not ashamed or annoyed, for they all knew that although Ye Shi Yun spoke sharply, she had a heart of tofu wrapped in a knife's edge—she never punished her servants and was easy to get along with, as long as one didn't take her careless words too seriously.

Li Shishi and the other three bowed in unison and thanked, "Thank Your Majesty's generosity."

Ye Shi Yun hummed and said, "I won't accept your thanks without giving something back. Yesterday, a hunter brought me a bear. I ordered the Imperial Kitchen to prepare bear's paw for you—lucky you."

Li Shishi and the other three were overjoyed, then all pitched in to help Zhao Yuannu assist Ye Shi Yun in rising…

—The scenario Zhang Chun had fantasized about countless times, Ye Shi Yun achieved effortlessly.

Soon after, the Imperial Kitchen delivered a dish of white-braised bear's paw and five other dishes (namely: meat-vinegar stuffed intestines with shark fin, steamed lychee kidney, milk-braised lamb testicle, lotus duck, fresh shrimp and trotter sashimi), plus a soup and a stew: Hundred-Flavor Soup and Goose Gizzard and Paw Soup.

Before eating, Ye Shi Yun ordered Zhao Yuannu to divide half of every dish—including the white-braised bear's paw—for the servants in her courtyard.

Only after this did Ye Shi Yun sit down with the Four Famous Courtesans, completely without pretense, ready to dine.

Before eating, without being told, two palace maids brought a pot of wine.

This was no ordinary wine—it was the state liquor produced by the Guanglu Temple of the Zhao Song dynasty, also known as imperial liquor, and another name for it: Guanglu Wine.

Because the wine jars were deep red and sealed with yellow silk at the mouth, it was also called Huangfeng Wine.

It was likely the finest wine of this era.

Zhao Yu rarely drank this wine.

Well, actually, Zhao Yu didn't like drinking at all. When idle, he never touched alcohol.

But Ye Shi Yun, a woman who knew how to enjoy life, drank a little with every meal—no more, no less, just enough to reach a pleasant, light intoxication without full drunkenness.

Many envied, hated, and resented that Zhao Yu had given Ye Shi Yun twenty jars of imperial wine at once, sparing her the trouble of always coming to beg for more.

Ye Shi Yun asked the Four Famous Courtesans, "You really won't have some?"

Li Shishi, Cui Nianyue, and Wang Zhongduan all shook their heads like bobbleheads.

—What nonsense! They'd already broken rules by sneaking out to feast behind their thrifty masters' backs; if they drank now and got caught, their masters would beat them to death.

In the end, only Zhao Yuannu drank with Ye Shi Yun.

After opening the jar, the rich aroma of the wine slowly spread.

Li Shishi and Wang Zhongduan were too young to hold their liquor; the scent alone made them dizzy and lightheaded.

Ye Shi Yun and Zhao Yuannu, mistress and servant, sipped the fine wine and savored the bear's paw and other delicacies, utterly carefree and joyful.

Ye Shi Yun set down her cup and looked at the bear's paw: "If not for coming here, how could I taste such a delicacy?"

The Four Famous Courtesans assumed she meant coming to the imperial harem, unaware she meant coming to this era.

At that moment, Wang Cai barked loudly: "Woof! Woof! Woof!"

A thin, sharp voice followed: "Your Majesty, this dog is extremely rude—shall we kill it?"

Zhao Yu's voice then rang out: "I am the Son of Heaven—do I quarrel with a little dog?"

Upon hearing this, the Four Famous Courtesans immediately rose and simultaneously adjusted their attire.

Only Ye Shi Yun smiled like a fox: 'You've finally come!'

Ye Shi Yun drained her cup.

Ye Shi Yun had realized that Zhao Yu was becoming dependent on her and Zhang Chun.

This dependence wasn't literal—rather, whenever Zhao Yu had a novel idea, he liked to consult her and Zhang Chun; and when his ministers offered advice he couldn't judge, he liked to hear her and Zhang Chun's opinions.

It was as if she and Zhang Chun had become a pair of tools Zhao Yu used with great ease.

So, manipulate Zhao Yu?

Ye Shi Yun dared not, and would never be so foolish.

How easy is it to provoke an Emperor?

Besides, Zhao Yu merely found her and Zhang Chun convenient—he didn't absolutely need them.

But then again, given how useful she was, she certainly wouldn't let herself be shortchanged.

Knowledge is priceless, do you understand?

Besides, every piece of advice she gave Zhao Yu was enough to feed and indulge her for generations—why shouldn't she eat his food and drink his wine?

The facts proved Zhao Yu had no shortage of food or drink for her—whatever she wanted, he gave her.

Ye Shi Yun was very satisfied with Zhao Yu's generosity.

As for her earlier pursuit of being summoned to his bed?

Ye Shi Yun had seen clearly: Zhao Yu had no intention of letting any of the five of them go—not even Yuan Qing Cheng, who thought hiding away would let her escape this fate.

But now they are already in Zhao Yu's grip, and Zhao Yu is in no hurry.

Moreover, Zhao Yu, relying on his rarity and his status as Emperor, has been forcing them into female competition, pushing them to overwork themselves, even attempting to control them mentally.

She wanted to test what was so great about heterosexual relations that so many rushed toward them.

But that doesn't mean she would throw caution to the wind like Zhang Chun, even driving herself to madness.

"Either way, this day will come sooner or later—why rush it?"

"Besides, when there was no hope, I endured. Now that there is hope, can't I hold out a little longer?"

In short, Ye Shi Yun felt she absolutely must not let Zhao Yu lead her by the nose.

Of course, that doesn't mean she didn't desire it—she had simply come to understand that this was something both sides wanted; why should she alone suffer?

"No matter how kind you are to others, it's better to be useful to them."

"Besides, power on the bed is won by wit, not by who wields the guns and cannons!"

Now, under the strategy of retreating to advance, Ye Shi Yun had finally drawn Zhao Yu to her.

Ye Shi Yun calmly wiped her mouth, trying to appear composed and unruffled.

Yet her trembling hands betrayed her deepest, most genuine thoughts.

As soon as she stepped out, Ye Shi Yun saw Wang Cai wagging his tail at Zhao Yu—no trace left of his earlier barking at him.

Ye Shi Yun thought, "He really is Emperor—even a dog must fawn on him."

Ye Shi Yun smiled charmingly at Zhao Yu: "What auspicious omen has brought Your Majesty's imperial carriage here? Your humble concubine is truly fortunate."

Zhao Yu walked over, wrapped his arm around Ye Shi Yun's slender waist, and looked down at her: "Consort, your tactics are impressive—you've forced me to walk straight into your trap…"

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(End of Chapter)