An Eight-year-old Princess
Chapter 3 Alone In The Lingering Cold
In the dead of night, a small figure wrapped tightly in a black cloak quietly opened the door of the Nichang Palace and rushed out.
The figure crept through part of the inner court, and stopped at a secluded courtyard and knocked on the door. After a long time, a weary voice answered from inside, "Coming. Who is it?"
The door creaked open and an old maid in a grey dress looked out. The figure removed the cloak's hood and looked up at the old maid.
"Princess Yun Shang? Your Highness, why are you here at this time?" The old maid hurriedly looked around before pulling Yun Shang inside.
The interior was utterly bleak. There was nothing but a well and a tree in the yard, though everything was clean and in its proper order. Yun Shang had not been here in her last lifetime. But now, after a close look, she wanted to weep.
When she looked at the small building in the yard, she saw a dim yellow light from an oil lamp shimmering inside. Yun Shang paused, "You haven't slept yet?"
The old maid had been studying Yun Shang since she came in, and when she asked, she replied in a soft voice, "We are out of food. Her Highness intended to make some clothes for the eunuchs of the Shangshi Bureau*, in exchange for food."
(*TN: The ancient Chinese and Korean institutions responsible for the provision of royal meals.)
Yun Shang didn't ask any more questions. She walked towards the building and entered the door.
sat a young woman embroidering in the light of the oil lamp. She wore plain cyan clothes but still looked extraordinarily beautiful. As the door opened,
couldn't help feeling sad. She walked forward, knelt on her knees and whispered,
the Cold Palace*. Since losing favor with the Emperor, no one was allowed to speak about Lady Jin. When others asked Yun Shang
have lost favor with the Emperor
now, she understood that criticism cut deeper
be in a daze when she saw the young princess. But then she
separated from her mother at childhood. It was no wonder that
princess was barefoot she exclaimed, "How can you run out of your palace at this hour? And you didn't even wear your shoes. What
to her mother, Lady Jin still loved her. She couldn't help but think of her child, whom Mo Jingran had tossed out the window. He had
Jin was worried when she saw Yun Shang's tears. She hurriedly raise a hand to help the young princess wipe away the tears, "Why are you crying? Were they
me to make me more and more useless. The Empress personally selected my companions and caregivers so that she could watch me. They told me every day how generous and virtuous Her Majesty was, which blinded me to her faults. They also told me every day how her teacher was punishing princess Hua Jing. If I ever behaved well, the virtuous Empress would come and tell me that I could do whatever I want, that I could even beat or kill my servants if they displeased me. She also assured me that would always be under her protection. Mother, do you still think I am good? I'm eight years old now, but I still can't write, draw or play an instrument. Whereas Princess Hua Jing is already renowned in the Imperial City for her
In ancient China, high-born ladies were required to master skills in music, chess,
Jin fell silent for a long time, and sighed, "It is all my
had a bad fall and passed out for several days. When I woke up, I lied about having nightmares every night and forbade my servants from coming near me. Whenever the eunuchs and maids approached, I shouted curses at them. Now, they dare not come and check on me. I finally got the chance to visit you. But now they are about to get up, and I can't risk staying here any longer. I can't let you be punished because of me, mother." With these words Yun Shang hurried to the door.
and didn't prepare anything for you. You can take this bracelet to exchange for some food. The
sat on the stool and watched Yun Shang leave. She didn't