In the first year of the Zhongyuan era, the previous emperor passed away, and the new Emperor Jun Wangran ascended the throne. The era was renamed Zhongyuan, and stability began to return to the empire. Amidst the weight of governance and palace affairs, an imperial edict was issued, summoning all eligible young women of proper demeanor and beauty across the land to participate in the grand selection for the emperor's harem.
In the secluded courtyard of the Lin Residence, the spring breeze carried a faint chill, and the shadows of bamboo leaves danced softly on the ground.
The golden hues of dusk spilled over the courtyard, painting the stone pathways with a gentle glow. In the pavilion, Lin Ningzhu stood, wearing a light blue silk dress embroidered with delicate golden lotus patterns, the flowers seemingly blooming softly along her hemline. A sheer white shawl draped over her shoulders fluttered gently in the breeze, giving her an ethereal, almost celestial presence.
Her hair was styled into a loose "falling-horse bun", with strands of ebony hair cascading gently. A silver hairpin adorned with tiny blue gemstones rested in her hair, its tassels swaying delicately with her breathing, like dewdrops shimmering in the morning sun. From her ears hung a pair of jade earrings, warm and milky white, with tiny rubies set at the ends, glinting with a soft light.
"Mother, once I enter the palace… I don't know when I'll see you and Father again…" Lin Ningzhu's voice was soft, trembling slightly with emotion.
Standing beside her was Lin Wang Sichuan, her mother, wearing an elegant dark purple silk robe. Her eyes were slightly reddened as she gazed at her daughter, as if trying to memorize every detail of her face.
"Ningzhu, remember this: once you enter the palace, you must be careful in everything you do. The hearts behind those palace walls are deeper than the walls themselves. Never trust anyone too easily." Lin Wang Sichuan's voice quivered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
From her sleeve, she took out a small, intricately carved redwood box, its surface etched with delicate lotus patterns, and a ruby embedded in the center of the lid glowing faintly.
"Inside this box is a pair of jade earrings, passed down from our ancestors. They're not rare treasures, but in the palace, they might serve you well."
Lin Ningzhu accepted the box, her fingertips grazing its cool surface. Tears welled up in her eyes as she whispered, "Mother, you should keep them. How could I dare take something so precious…"
But Lin Wang Sichuan shook her head firmly, pressing the box into her daughter's travel bag. "Silly child, this is a talisman. Keep it close, no matter what happens."
From beyond the courtyard came the sound of carriage wheels and faint jingling bells. A servant approached, voice trembling slightly, "The carriage is ready, Miss. It's time."
Lin Ningzhu turned to her mother, knelt down, and bowed deeply three times. "Mother, I must go now."
Lin Wang Sichuan bit her lip, holding back her tears, and waved her hand lightly. "Go. Don't look back."
The carriage rolled away from the Lin residence, carrying Lin Ningzhu toward her uncertain future. Through the thin curtain, she gazed back at the fading silhouette of her home as tears silently fell down her cheeks.
The palace gates stood solemn and imposing, the towering halls exuding an aura of majesty. In the grand selection hall, the young women stood in neat rows, each poised and graceful, their dresses exquisite and refined.
Lin Ningzhu wore the jade earrings her mother had given her. The tiny pearls hanging from them swayed gently with her every step, reflecting soft light.
Inside the grand hall, Emperor Jun Wangran sat on the dragon throne, his golden robe adorned with embroidered dragons radiating authority and dignity. Beside him, the Empress Dowager Li Yaoguang sat regally in her phoenix crown and robe, exuding elegance and grace.
"The daughter of commoner Lin Mengyuan, Lin Ningzhu, aged sixteen."
The court eunuch's voice rang out clearly. Lin Ningzhu stepped forward with measured grace, bowing deeply. "This humble subject, Lin Ningzhu, greets Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager. May you both be blessed with eternal health."
Empress Dowager Li Yaoguang lifted her gaze and examined Lin Ningzhu carefully. Her eyes softened slightly. "Though she comes from humble origins, her demeanor is dignified, and her beauty refined. Quite a rare find."
She smiled faintly. "Young lady, do you possess any talents?"
Lin Ningzhu produced a small embroidered sachet she had made herself. It was stitched with deep red silk thread, forming an intricate peony design. The delicate craftsmanship and vivid colors made the flower seem to bloom on the fabric. A faint, refreshing fragrance drifted from the sachet.
Empress Dowager Li Yaoguang took the sachet, brought it close, and inhaled softly before nodding approvingly. "Exquisite needlework. Such careful attention to detail."
The emperor's gaze swept over Lin Ningzhu, his expression unreadable but carrying a flicker of appreciation. "Leave a token."
Lin Ningzhu froze briefly before lowering her head and responding softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty and Your Grace."
Those three words sealed her fate. Lin Ningzhu had now officially entered the imperial harem.
After the selection concluded, Lin Ningzhu was assigned to a quiet, picturesque courtyard known as Shujing Pavilion. Bamboo trees swayed gently in the wind, and koi fish swam lazily in the small pond at the center of the garden.
A young palace maid approached and curtsied respectfully. "My name is Hanyun. I've been assigned by the Imperial Household Department to serve you, my lady."
Lin Ningzhu smiled faintly and handed her an embroidered handkerchief stitched with begonia flowers. "Hanyun, this is for you—a small gift for our first meeting."
Hanyun's eyes lit up with gratitude as she clutched the handkerchief close to her chest.
That evening, Hanyun assisted Lin Ningzhu in bathing. Red plum petals floated on the surface of the warm water, and Lin Ningzhu's pale skin glistened under the candlelight, her long black hair cascading like silk.
"Tomorrow, my lady, you will begin your etiquette lessons. You should rest early," Hanyun said softly.
Lin Ningzhu nodded, her gaze drifting to the full moon outside the window.
"The night is so cold… so quiet," she murmured.
Her thoughts returned to her family—to her mother's gentle smile and her father's stern yet kind eyes.
"Mother's sweet-scented osmanthus cakes… I can almost taste them again."
Tears welled up again, but she quickly wiped them away. She knew she could not afford to show weakness—not here, not now.
"Father, Mother… I will not disappoint you."
Blowing out the candle, Lin Ningzhu lay down on her bed, drawing the sheer curtains closed. Moonlight filtered softly through the translucent fabric, casting a silvery glow on her serene face.
Tomorrow would mark the beginning of her life behind these crimson walls—a life fraught with danger, beauty, and unspoken sorrows.
And yet, amidst the stillness of the palace night, Lin Ningzhu drifted into a fragile sleep, her heart filled with quiet resolve.