Having been the imperial courtiers' residential area since the Li Empire's founding 500 years ago, Blossom Palace was aptly named after the pretty young ladies who were in the flowers of their youth. Among them were vivacious peonies, graceful roses, elegant orchids, and delicate lilies. But ultimately, all of them were part of the emperor's garden the moment they attended the consort selection.
During the walk to their assigned courtyards, the other courtiers meandered along in pairs or groups, chattering excitedly while admiring the unfamiliar scenery. On the other hand, Zi Hua kept a steady pace behind them, letting her thoughts fly.
There were around three hundred eligible young ladies who answered the imperial summon, and she once again admired the emperor for having his choice of so many beauties. It wasn't just him—all men, from the poorest peasant to the wealthiest merchant, could legally possess multiple wives, while women were bound to one husband for her entire life. Even if she remarried, society would judge her with eagle eyes that wouldn't even bat at a widower taking a new wife thirty years his junior.
Come to think about it, her own father was a rarity for not remarrying ten years after her sickly mother's death. Now that she was hundreds of miles away in Kunning, who would take care of him? Was his old leg injury acting up again? Did her brother read the detailed letter of care she had left behind? Despite his filialness, he lacked the attentiveness of a daughter...
Zi Hua could still recall their forced smiles when the carriage sent by the palace had arrived—the heartache two battle-hardened men must have felt when parting with their only remaining family...
"Good luck, Hua. And know that no matter the outcome, you are always welcome home," her father had said, even though they both knew being chosen meant never leaving the palace.
Smiling gently, her brother had added, "We'll always have your back, lil sis. Trust your instincts and follow your heart."
And then there was Jiu'er...
The normally prideful girl had had no qualms about bawling her eyes out in front of the imperial envoy despite the disrespect it posed. She had made her swear a hundred times to keep in touch, and even promised to visit her in the capital someday. In return, Zi Hua had gifted her the golden bell she never parted with as remembrance.
How lucky was one to have family who genuinely wished for her happiness instead of trading her for power, and to have a friend who cared for her so?
If not for herself, then she should be optimistic to live up to their well wishes.
Even if it meant burying that heart-fluttering autumn in history and becoming another man's wife.
***
When Zi Hua finally reached her designated room, she heard her new roommates before seeing them.
Two voices, one low and curt; the other shrill and obstinate, were engaged in a heated argument.
Zi Hua debated waiting for it to end, but after ten minutes of fruitless pacing by the door, she knocked on it.
The voices ceased.
Taking that as a cue, she entered the room and bowed slightly, introducing herself. "Greetings, my name is Yang Zi Hua. I'm from Xiping, so please take care of me."
The tallest of the three, who happened to be standing closer, mirrored her bow.
"Welcome to Kunning," she said perfunctorily, though her expressionless face made Zi Hua feel anything but. "I am Song Chang Ge, eldest daughter of Marquis Song."
Next, a girl with high-pitched voice raised her chin proudly. "I am Luo Yin, eldest legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites."
Lastly, a girl with some baby fat on her cheeks stepped out from behind the two. If she hadn't, Zi Hua would've missed her for her lack of presence. "Greetings, I am Ding Meng Meng, fourth illegitimate daughter of the Deputy Minister Herald."
With the pleasantries out of the way, Zi Hua surveyed her quarters for the next three weeks—only to find a few chests scattered around one side of the room, taking up limited space.
Sensing her confusion, Ding Meng Meng whispered, "Young Lady Song and Young Lady Luo were just debating over who gets the bed by the left over there."
"For ten minutes?"
Ding Meng Meng glanced at Song Chang Ge furtively. "That... It's a little complicated..."
"Because Young Lady Song is an illegitimate daughter, that's why," Luo Yin's cut in loudly, as though everyone was hard of hearing. "Naturally, I should get first pick."
Her straightforwardness was jarring, practically rudeness. Apart from the obnoxious young lady who had caused a scene earlier, Zi Hua was given the impression that the capital's noblewomen were more soft spoken, preferring subtle insinuations to outright discourtesy. Even in her hometown, few would outright express their views on legitimacy or lack thereof. It seemed Young Lady Luo was a hasty person.
But then again, the first day was optimum for establishing the status quo, and in the Li Empire, left was superior to right. No wonder she wasn't backing down.
"Young Lady Yang, who do you think should get the bed on the left?"
Zi Hua frowned at Ding Meng Meng. 'What does this have to do with me?'
However, the feuding ladies' expectant gazes were already drawn to her.
"Well?" Luo Yin demanded.
Zi Hua's mind spun.
Song Chang Ge's father was a marquis, whereas Luo Yin's father was an upper third-rank official. On the surface, the former was superior due to her family's hereditary title, but her illegitimacy was a blatant disadvantage...
It wasn't easy determining the better lady—and Zi Hua decided only an idiot would do so.
Thus, she smiled politely. "As a daughter of a fifth-rank deputy general, I dare not judge the young ladies of prestigious families such as Young Lady Song and Young Lady Luo."
Luo Yin preened, obviously appeased by her answer.
"Hmph!" she scoffed. "At least you know your place."
Ding Meng Meng paled. Song Chang Ge, who felt connoted, gritted her teeth. Her illegitimacy had always been a sore spot, and to have it repeatedly prodded only cemented her resolve to crush Luo Yin beneath her feet.
'Just you wait, Luo Yin,' she fumed. 'A lot can happen in three weeks...'
Zi Hua couldn't care less what her roommates were thinking. She scurried over to the only empty bed at the right and unpacked as slowly as possible to avoid further conversation.
In the end, Luo Yin won the fight, while Song Chang Ge moved her belongings one spot behind, her frustration palpable with the scraping noises she deliberately caused by dragging her luggage against the wooden floor.
The rest of the evening went by without a hitch, as the courtiers were all exhausted by their long journeys. That night, the inhabitants of Blossom Palace fell asleep to dreams of romance and glory, oblivious to the hellish training they would soon undergo to attain it...