43. Rules of the Academy

Imperial Palace, Palace of Elegance, Grand Hall

Upon learning that Hui Yue’er was the maiden personally chosen by Xuanyuan Ren, Madam Li’s attitude toward her shifted dramatically, turning a full one-eighty. She immediately bowed and smiled obsequiously at Yue’er, saying, “I didn’t realize you were Princess Silken Grace. I must have offended you just now—please forgive me, Your Highness. If you need anything in the future, I’ll be at your service!” In the palace, one must be adept at adapting to the winds; only then does one’s life last longer.

Everyone looked at Madam Li in surprise, completely unprepared for such a swift change. Just moments ago, she seemed as if she would devour Hui Yue’er, now she appeared ready to brave fire and blades for her sake. Her face changed as quickly as turning a page, leaving everyone unsettled. Hui Yue’er glanced at Madam Li and said expectantly, “Go on, hurry up! I promise not to give you any trouble. Go report me—ideally, have me thrown out of the palace at once!” Yet everyone believed Yue’er was speaking ironically; no normal person would say such things. No one knew how much Hui Yue’er truly wished Madam Li would report her, so she could be expelled from the palace immediately.

Madam Li looked at Hui Yue’er with pitiful eyes and pleaded, “Your Highness, please be magnanimous and spare me. Everyone in the palace knows you are the Emperor’s chosen maiden; anyone trying to drive you out would be opposing His Majesty. Princess Silken Grace, please pardon me!” She nearly knelt, and Hui Yue’er finally understood why the Empress dared not agree to let her leave the palace.

Dejected, Hui Yue’er nodded and said, “Alright, I won’t push you. But I have trouble remembering the palace rules—could you lend me the rulebook to read?” Know your enemy and yourself, and you’ll never be defeated. She intended to study which rules she could break to be expelled from the palace without risking her life; she valued her little life dearly.

Madam Li hesitated, looking at Hui Yue’er. “Your Highness, you’re putting me in a difficult position. The rulebook cannot be lent out casually, especially to palace maidens. That is an imperial decree, and I dare not defy it!” If the rulebook were damaged, even several lives would not be enough to compensate. She was the subordinate of Madam Qing, the Empress Dowager’s trusted confidante, and Madam Qing had repeatedly warned her that the rulebook must never suffer the slightest harm. This rulebook was written by Xuanyuan Ren’s sister, Princess Hanwu, for the Empress Dowager as a keepsake before marrying far away to the Kingdom of Chechi. The Empress Dowager cherished it so much that no copy was ever made. Before Princess Hanwu wrote it, the palace rules were based on an ancient rulebook from the founding of the dynasty, but a disastrous fire had damaged much of it. So before her marriage, Princess Hanwu wrote a new one for the Empress Dowager, to help her and the Empress manage the harem.

Softly, Hui Yue’er said to Madam Li, “Lend it to me, just for a look. I promise not to damage it. If you refuse, one day when I meet His Majesty, I’ll tell him you bullied me—what do you think will happen then?” She looked every bit the scheming consort.

Madam Li weighed her options; offending either side meant certain death, so she might as well take the gamble. She pulled Hui Yue’er aside and whispered, “Your Highness, when you win favor, don’t forget your servant. This rulebook is the Empress Dowager’s treasure; you may borrow it for one night, but tomorrow morning I’ll come for it. Not a scratch must mar it, or both our heads will be forfeit!” She believed Hui Yue’er would soon be highly favored, and hoped to gain some benefit herself. Little did she know that Hui Yue’er wanted to study the rulebook not to thrive in the palace, but to escape it sooner. Madam Li carefully handed the rulebook to Hui Yue’er.

Hui Yue’er said dismissively, “Alright, alright, as if I can’t protect a single book? Tomorrow, I’ll return it in perfect condition!” In truth, Hui Yue’er’s mind was wholly occupied with finding ways to break the rules; she hardly listened to Madam Li’s warning.

Ladies, gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—quickly shower me with medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Spare nothing; let the storm rage all the fiercer!