Chapter 14: A Fright in the Serpent House (Part One)

If one were to judge by the opulence of the petals and the vibrant variety of colors, the only flower that could be mistaken for the kingly peony is the common peony itself. The Empress favored peonies, while the Noble Consort loved only peonies. Peonies bloom in April, and the peony gardens in the imperial grounds were already in full splendor; the common peony, however, blooms later, in mid to late May.

In the courtyards of Yongle Palace, many common peonies were cultivated. As the temperature gradually rose, their buds began to swell, with lush green foliage and vigorous growth. It would not be long before the Noble Consort’s palace would be filled with intoxicating fragrance.

The golden sun had already sunk in the west, and its last lingering rays clung stubbornly to the iron bells hanging beneath the eaves. Yet, the twenty-four palace attendants from the Six Departments gathered in Zhifang Hall had not departed.

The management of the inner palace in Great Yan still followed the system established in the Sui and Tang dynasties. Though there had been many reforms over the past two centuries, its main structure remained unchanged.

Inside the hall, the voices of the palace attendants from the Six Departments faded, leaving only the Noble Consort’s own voice echoing, cold and authoritative, though lacking some of the grace befitting a phoenix. Without rules there can be no order. Zhifang Hall would never be as grand or spacious as the Empress’s Hall of Virtue; the chair she sat upon would never bear the true motif of a phoenix, nor could it be painted in vibrant vermilion, even if she held the Phoenix Seal in her hand.

“If there are no objections, then I shall affix my seal,” she declared.

She favored the use of the phrase “this palace,” believing it best represented her status, for few women within the imperial city had the right to use those words. In fact, any mistress of a palace could refer to herself thus. The Virtuous Consort was entitled, but as a gentle and approachable woman, she felt it lacked harmony and only used it in formal settings, such as grand banquets she was allowed to attend.

The Empress disliked it. Yudai always believed her position was so eminent that even without those words, none would dare slight her. During grand banquets or ceremonial occasions like the Emperor’s spring plowing or the Empress’s silk-reeling, she used “I”—the most formal pronoun recorded in the classics, for it was written that Empress Zhangsun referred to herself as such.

“Your Grace, the Virtuous Consort has arrived,” Hong Die whispered in the Noble Consort’s ear.

“Let her wait,” came the reply, eyes never lifting.

“Summer approaches. Liu, urge your departments—Accounting, Tailoring, and Embroidery—to hasten the making of summer garments. You know well enough that the maids’ attire is easy, but for the Empress and others, it is complicated. Just the embroidery of the phoenix on the Empress’s robes will take no less than a month. Be mindful that you do not leave me empty-handed when I ask. If your work is lacking, I can forgive you, but the Empress will not. She will surely think you slighted her. Though I hold the Phoenix Seal now, everyone knows it is only temporary, standing in for the Empress. The true steward of the inner palace remains the Empress. If she wishes to punish you, it would require no more than a word. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I will complete it in time,” Liu replied.

Outside Zhifang Hall, in the corridor, with no outsiders present, the Virtuous Consort gently stroked a pink bud and chuckled, “At first glance, the common peony could easily be confused for the peony, but anyone who knows flowers recognizes the narrow, delicate leaves and supple stems of the peony.”

“Exactly! A gust of wind or a drop of rain is enough to bend its heavy blooms, no matter how someone may adore them—it’s nothing but imitation,” Rong He said indignantly, still annoyed at the cold reception earlier.

“Flowers vie for beauty as they are wont to do. I am no exception; I love chrysanthemums, especially for the saying, ‘When my flowers bloom, all others wither.’”

With a delicate motion, she released the pink bud, which crumbled to pieces in her hand.

At that moment, Hong Die approached, bowed, and said, “Virtuous Consort, our mistress is now free. Please follow me inside.”

The Virtuous Consort had already wiped her fingers clean and replied calmly, “Let’s go.”

The Noble Consort had come out to greet her, smiling, “I’ve kept you waiting, sister. It’s all my fault. Come in and sit.”

The Virtuous Consort smiled but did not respond, instead saying, “I just saw the palace attendants from the Six Departments leaving your palace in a stream and was suddenly struck with a realization. I forgot to instruct the Bureau of Tailoring to start on the summer clothes sooner. It’s not much for most, but the embroidery on the Empress’s attire is so complex—a month may not be enough. You are meticulous, always catching what others miss; otherwise, this would have been a grave oversight on my part. Now, if His Majesty asks, I can answer with confidence.”

The Noble Consort laughed and patted her sister’s hand. Like close friends, they entered the hall hand in hand. “As long as you don’t blame me for overstepping, that’s all that matters. Originally, the Bureaus of Clothing, Tailoring, and Ceremony were yours to oversee.”

“Nonsense. We both share the Empress’s burdens. It doesn’t matter who handles what. If you prefer, I’ll speak to His Majesty and let you manage those three bureaus from now on. How does that sound?”

The Noble Consort gently released her hand and feigned displeasure, “Is that a rebuke for meddling?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Their exchange was playful, each knowing when to stop. The Noble Consort said, “I originally called you here to discuss this year’s selection of palace maids, but the day has been spent with the palace attendants. It’s late now; let’s talk another day. There’s still time before the minor selection.”

“As you wish,” the Virtuous Consort replied indifferently.

“Thank you for your understanding,” the Noble Consort smiled. “But I still feel guilty for neglecting you today. If you truly aren’t upset, accompany me to the Rare Pet House. I’ve heard from Xia Xiaofu that a litter of Star-patterned Cats was recently presented—delicate and charming. Let’s each pick one. We spend much idle time in the palace; a pleasing cat or dog is a good way to pass the hours.”

The Virtuous Consort nodded with a smile. “At this hour, it’s too early for supper. I’ll go with you. Perhaps I’ll find one I like.”

The Noble Consort’s face lit up. “I’ll have the sedan and escort prepared at once.”

The Rare Pet House was located within the inner palace, somewhat secluded due to the birds and beasts loved by the Emperor but feared by the consorts. It was not far from Yongle Palace, and it took less than half an hour by sedan.

The Rare Pet House was large, a compound with several courtyards. Cats were kept in the cat courtyard, dogs in the dog courtyard, and so on.

The chief eunuch of the Rare Pet House had already received word and was waiting at the gate with attendants from each courtyard, kneeling in welcome.

“Welcome, Noble Consort—”

“Welcome, Virtuous Consort—”

“Rise,” said the Noble Consort as she alighted, her tone cool.

“Rise,” the Virtuous Consort smiled gently. “I heard from the Noble Consort that you have new Star-patterned Cats?”

“Replying to Your Grace, yes. They arrived a month ago. I’ve assigned young eunuchs to train and tame them, so they may soon be presented for your enjoyment.”

“You’re thoughtful.”

“Don’t dawdle. Lead us there, and show us the cats and dogs. If I find one I like, you’ll be rewarded,” the Noble Consort added.

The chief eunuch’s eyes crinkled with delight. He bowed deeply and ushered them inside.

These men had no descendants; their lives were reduced to the pursuit of wealth. If either consort found them useful, a reward would be nice, but perhaps fortune would smile—if chosen to serve closely at a consort’s side, riches would flow endlessly.

Of all the departments under the Ministry of Attendants, the Rare Pet House was the lowest. It was filled with eunuchs, less esteemed than the animals they tended. No one respected them, nor could they profit from their post. Everyone sought a better future.

Upon entering, they were faced with whitewashed walls and glazed tiles. To the left was a long corridor, wide enough for five or six to walk abreast. On the left, tall walls; on the right, a series of courtyards, each with a stone plaque above the gate bearing red-painted characters: Cat House, Dog House, Rabbit House, Leopard House, Lion House, Tiger House, and so forth.

“Please, Your Graces, the Star-patterned Cats are in the third courtyard,” the chief eunuch said.

The Noble Consort glanced to the end of the corridor and said with a smile, “I suddenly wish to see the Snake House. Those creatures are so frightening, and I wonder why the Emperor loves them so.”

The Virtuous Consort could not discern the Noble Consort’s intent and responded cautiously, “I fear those most of all. I won’t go. If you’re not afraid of nightmares, you may go; I’ll visit the Cat House.” With that, she stepped inside.

The Noble Consort followed, laughing, “You’re right, sister. I’ll refrain. I wouldn’t want nightmares.”

The Cat House was spacious. To the left, a shed built with glazed tiles held many cages—some stacked, some hanging, some arranged neatly—each containing a furry cat. Women were often fond of such creatures, and as the consorts entered, their ladies and maids whispered excitedly.

The Noble Consort was not bothered; instead, she said kindly, “Enough. Today you may enjoy this favor: while the Virtuous Consort and I are here, you may go find your favorite animals in the other courtyards.”

“Thank you, Your Grace!” Green Butterfly, the Noble Consort’s attendant, answered cheerfully, and the others quickly expressed their gratitude.

The Virtuous Consort smiled as well and addressed her own attendants, “Since the Noble Consort has spoken, you may go play. But return within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The Rare Pet House was established during the reign of Emperor Yanwu, the second ruler of Great Yan, when the nation was prosperous. That emperor delighted in collecting exotic beasts from all corners. During his reign, the Rare Pet House enjoyed its heyday. After his death, Emperor Yan’ai succeeded him, but lacking ability, he could not control his ministers. The chancellors disapproved of the Rare Pet House’s extravagance and persuaded the emperor to distance himself from it. Gradually, the house fell into decline, reduced to keeping only cats and dogs for the consorts’ amusement.

Then the current Emperor ascended the throne, a lover of snakes. As the ruler’s preferences are followed by all, those seeking favor began to collect rare snakes to offer him.

Eventually, provincial officials coming to the capital would search for precious snake breeds to present. The Emperor also took to dishes like Dragon-Tiger Duel and Three-Snake Soup, entertaining officials with the Dragon-Phoenix Banquet. From the capital outward, nobles and wealthy families began to raise, eat, and play with snakes. It became a fashionable trend.

Just as paper once became precious in Luoyang, in Great Yan now, a rare snake could command a fortune.

The sun slipped behind carved eaves, birds returned to their nests, and after lingering in the Cat House, the Virtuous Consort found no cat to her liking. She moved on to the Dog House and Rabbit House, finally settling on a white lion rabbit with black ears.

The Noble Consort, intent on the Star-patterned Cats, chose a tiger-striped kitten—a tiny, exquisite creature beloved by women.

The chief eunuch of the Rare Pet House saw both consorts cuddling their new pets, clearly delighted, and began to anticipate his reward. Suddenly, a scream pierced the air, shrill as if someone had seen a ghost.

By then, twilight had fallen.

“What is this commotion?!” The Noble Consort barked from the Cat House.

In the Rabbit House, the Virtuous Consort felt her heart skip a beat, sensing trouble was at hand.