You? As if you could.

The Prince’s Residence – Serene Study

The Serene Study was Zhao Chengxian’s personal library. The sheer number of books—thousands upon thousands—left Hui Yue’er quietly astonished. Of course, she didn’t show it; otherwise, Zhao Chengxian would only mock her. So, Hui Yue’er followed him in with perfect composure. Zhao Chengxian’s expression was still sullen as he glanced at the impassive Hui Yue’er and asked, “Can you read?”

Today, he intended to take the books out to air them. Left to pile up here, they would soon be ruined by mold. Zhao Chengxian was an avid collector, though he hadn’t necessarily read every volume.

Hui Yue’er had no inkling of his intentions, simply assuming he looked down on her. Patting her chest, she declared, “I, Hui Yue’er, could read at two and compose poetry at five—everyone in the neighborhood knows me as a prodigy!” Had she known Zhao Chengxian’s plan was to have her air out the books, she might have said the opposite. Airing books was no simple task—it was a skillful, exhausting job.

Zhao Chengxian looked her over with disbelief, then sneered, “You? You look more like a brawler than a learned lady!” Hui Yue’er found this reaction rather typical. Others had doubted her literacy before; someone had even tried to trick her in a contract, only to be exposed on the spot. Zhao Chengxian handed her a collection of poems. “Read this.”

This was child’s play for Hui Yue’er. She opened to a poem, showed it to Zhao Chengxian, and recited from memory:

“Li Bai’s ‘Bring in the Wine’—
Don’t you see, the Yellow River comes from heaven, rushing to the sea, never to return.
Don’t you see, in bright halls, mirrors grieve for white hair;
Morning hair like black silk, by evening snow.
When life brings contentment, seize the joy; do not let your golden cup face only the moon.
Heaven gave me talent—surely it will be used;
Spent a thousand pieces of gold, they’ll come back again.
Let’s feast on lamb and beef for pleasure, and drink three hundred cups at once.
Master Cen, Danqiu Sheng, bring in the wine—do not stop!
Let me sing you a song—listen closely.
Bells and drums, fine foods and jade are nothing;
All I wish is to be forever drunk, never to wake.
Since ancient times the wise and the worthy are all alone;
Only the drinkers leave their names behind.
In olden days, Prince Chen held feasts at Pingle Hall;
Ten thousand coins’ worth of wine, all laughter and merriment.
Why speak of having little money?
Go, buy the wine and let’s drink together.
Fine steeds, furs worth a fortune,
Call the boy to trade them for good wine,
So we may drown the sorrows of ten thousand ages together.”

She looked up at Zhao Chengxian with pride. “Your Highness, did I make any mistakes?” She often read books in her leisure, sometimes playing the zither alone—her way to relax.

Zhao Chengxian was somewhat surprised that she could recite “Bring in the Wine” flawlessly, proving her considerable literary skill. He didn’t show any admiration, however, only gave a sly smile and said, “Good, very good. Then I can assign you your next task.”

At that, Hui Yue’er felt a sense of foreboding—but it was already too late. Zhao Chengxian looked around at the books lining both floors and said, “By the end of today, move all these books outside to air them, and arrange them by category. If you lose or damage even one, you’ll get no dinner today!”

He simply wanted to make things difficult for Hui Yue’er, curious to see her beg for mercy. Such was the idle amusement of a spoiled noble.

Hui Yue’er now deeply regretted admitting her literacy and tried to backtrack with a smile. “Actually, I only learned that poem from hearing my brother read it. I can’t really read at all!” Had she known she’d be tasked with airing out the books, she would never have boasted. There were at least several thousand volumes here—it would take a full day just to move them, let alone sort them. Airing them all would take far more than a day or two.

But how could she have found the poem if she couldn’t read? It was clear she was lying. If Zhao Chengxian couldn’t see through that, he’d be a fool. He said deliberately, “Then how did you flip to ‘Bring in the Wine’? Don’t tell me it was just luck?” Hui Yue’er was left speechless. Zhao Chengxian fixed her with a look and added, “You’ll only eat after you’re done.”

Had he known, every one of his ancestors would have been thoroughly “greeted” by Hui Yue’er in her mind. But as a servant, she had to obey. Poor Yue’er had no choice but to begin carrying the books. To make matters worse, Zhao Chengxian sat right at the door of the study, attended by his servants, watching her work. And so, her tragic life as a maid began under such pitiful circumstances.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back—let the storm rage on!