At dawn, a faint mist lingered over the imperial palace. The towering crimson walls reached towards the sky, and glazed tiles gleamed under the first light of day. The golden rooftops contrasted elegantly with the deep red walls, while the stone-paved palace pathways were lined with fragrant magnolia trees and elm-leaf plums. The air carried the delicate scent of blooming flowers, fresh and calming.
Lin Ningzhu walked gracefully along the stone path, her moon-white embroidered dress flowing with every step. Golden and silver threads wove intricate patterns of begonia flowers at the hem, layered and detailed, yet not overwhelming. A sheer silk shawl draped over her shoulders, the cuffs adorned with tiny pearls that shimmered faintly in the soft light. Her ebony hair was styled into an elegant "Spirit Snake Bun," secured with a jade hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers. Silver tassels hung from the pin, swaying lightly with her movements, while jade earrings trembled against her cheeks, enhancing her already refined beauty.
Lifting her gaze, Lin Ningzhu took in the grand expanse of golden roofs and crimson walls before her. Her voice was almost a whisper as she marveled, "These red walls and golden tiles… so resplendent, so majestic. No wonder so many women willingly cross this threshold, despite knowing the weight of the world they will carry here."
She was lost in the breathtaking view, unaware that a woman in a flowing purple gown had quietly passed by her.
The woman's violet silk dress trailed elegantly behind her, embroidered with delicate ink bamboo motifs. A matching silk belt encircled her waist, adorned with an exquisite white jade pendant with a cascading tassel. Her hair, loosely draped, held a single amethyst hairpin, its silver tassels catching the morning light. Her complexion was fair and flawless, like morning dew settled delicately on flower petals. There was an ethereal grace to her presence, an unspoken elegance.
Lin Ningzhu froze momentarily. A distant memory surfaced in her mind—a childhood scene, a gentle voice.
"Little Bamboo, come, let's buy some sweet cakes together."
The smiling face from her memory overlapped with the woman before her. Unable to suppress her curiosity, she hesitated before softly calling out, "Elder sister, please wait."
The woman turned gracefully, a soft smile curling at her lips. Her almond-shaped eyes held a natural warmth, like ripples on a serene lake.
"What is it, little sister?" the woman asked, her voice as melodious as flowing water.
Lin Ningzhu stepped forward, curtsying politely. "I couldn't help but notice elder sister's grace and composure. I am Lin Ningzhu, newly admitted to the palace. May I ask your name?"
The woman smiled faintly. "I am Jiang Wanxiang. I, too, am a newly admitted candidate. From now on, let us care for one another."
Lin Ningzhu blinked, surprised. "Elder sister is also a candidate? I thought… I thought you might have been someone summoned into the palace as a scholar or an artist."
Jiang Wanxiang chuckled softly. "Why would you think that, little sister?"
Lin Ningzhu lowered her gaze, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "When I was a child, I knew an elder sister who lived nearby. She was elegant, talented, and gentle. Seeing you today reminded me so much of her."
Jiang Wanxiang's smile softened. "That sister must have been truly extraordinary for you to still remember her so fondly."
Lin Ningzhu nodded, a trace of sadness in her eyes. "She married a wealthy merchant when I was ten. After that, her life was consumed by household duties, and her talents were buried under mundane responsibilities."
Jiang Wanxiang sighed lightly, her tone wistful. "How many women in this world have their brilliance dimmed by such circumstances? It's truly a pity."
She reached out and gently held Lin Ningzhu's hand. "That's why we must cherish our opportunities here. Even in the palace, we must not let our talents fade away."
Lin Ningzhu felt a surge of resolve. "You're right, elder sister. We must not waste what we've been given."
Their eyes met, and they shared a knowing smile. Lin Ningzhu lightly held Jiang Wanxiang's arm. "Elder sister, it's time. Let's go to the Etiquette Hall together."
Jiang Wanxiang nodded, and the two walked side by side towards their destination.
The Etiquette Hall was located deep within the palace—a grand, spacious hall reserved for teaching newly admitted women the rules and customs of the imperial court. Inside, dozens of candidates were already practicing their bows, learning how to serve tea, and perfecting their walking posture. Everything was in strict order.
Lin Ningzhu glanced around, her expression a mix of nervousness and awe. "Elder sister Wanxiang, everyone here seems so skilled already."
Jiang Wanxiang smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. We'll learn together, step by step."
At that moment, a stern-looking middle-aged woman entered the hall. She was dressed in a dark green robe, her expression sharp and commanding.
"I am Madam Chunfang, your instructor. From today onwards, I will teach you the rules of the inner palace." Her voice carried authority, and her sharp eyes swept across the room.
The candidates rose in unison, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Madam Chunfang."
Madam Chunfang nodded slightly and began her lecture. "In the imperial harem, ranks are strictly enforced. Above all is the Empress, followed by one Imperial Noble Consort, two Noble Consorts, four Consorts, and six Concubines. Beneath them are Ladies-in-Waiting, Talented Women, and Attendants. Only from the rank of Concubine and above may one address themselves as 'This Palace.' This is a rule set by our ancestors, and none shall defy it."
She proceeded to teach them the intricacies of bowing, standing, and serving. Every movement was meticulously scrutinized, down to the angle of their heads and the placement of their hands.
Lin Ningzhu focused intently, trying her best to follow Madam Chunfang's instructions. Her movements, though hesitant at first, gradually became more fluid. Jiang Wanxiang stayed by her side, occasionally offering quiet words of encouragement.
Hours passed in rigorous training. By the time the lesson ended, Lin Ningzhu's shoulders ached, and her legs felt weak. But she stood tall, determination glinting in her eyes.
As they walked back to their quarters, Lin Ningzhu let out a sigh of relief. "Elder sister Wanxiang, this training is far more demanding than I imagined."
Jiang Wanxiang chuckled lightly. "In time, you'll grow used to it. These lessons will serve you well in the future."
Suddenly, Jiang Wanxiang stopped, reached into her sleeve, and handed a small embroidered pouch to Madam Chunfang. "This is a token of gratitude from Ningzhu and me. Madam Chunfang, thank you for your patience today."
Madam Chunfang hesitated before accepting the pouch, her expression softening slightly. "You two are thoughtful young ladies. I'll remember this kindness."
As they resumed walking, Lin Ningzhu whispered, "Elder sister, you included my name… I didn't contribute anything."
Jiang Wanxiang smiled knowingly. "If I didn't, you might have unknowingly offended someone."
Lin Ningzhu's eyes widened slightly. "Is it truly that serious?"
Jiang Wanxiang tapped her nose playfully. "You'll learn in time."
They shared a quiet laugh as they stepped into their quarters. The day had been long, but Lin Ningzhu felt a glimmer of warmth and security in Jiang Wanxiang's presence.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the palace grounds. As night descended and the lanterns flickered in the breeze, Lin Ningzhu sat by her window, gazing at the moonlit sky.
"Father… Mother… I will endure. No matter how cold or cruel this place becomes, I will not lose myself."
Her silent vow lingered in the night air as she closed her eyes and let the stillness of the palace night embrace her.