Cao Min, courtesy name Shenqing, entered the palace in the nineteenth year of Yongle.
That was the year the Ming Dynasty moved its capital to Beijing, and the year the Six Bureaus reached the height of their power.
Hu Shanwei, the Director of the Palace Women's Bureau who controlled the Six Bureaus, held authority over the twenty-four inner-court offices and oversaw the annual production quotas and grain supplies. Even the imperial treasury was within her reach. The Weaving Bureau, the Needlework Bureau, and the Imperial Stables all followed her lead.
"From the inner court to the outer court, only one person has ever managed to extend her reach so far."
The court lady guiding her looked at her and smiled. "Winning Director Hu's favor is a talent in itself."
·
The third year of Xuande
"My lady, the Hall of Reverent Body lies ahead. The sedan can go no farther."
Cao Min nodded and stepped out of the sedan. In an instant, snow covered her from head to toe, settling on her black gauze hat as well.
She looked up. The Hall of Reverent Body seemed especially solemn in the snowy night, its steps already blanketed in white.
The year's end was approaching, and it was time to audit the Inner Palace Treasury. A storm within the palace was inevitable.
She took a deep breath and stepped forward. Snow settled on her shoulders and hat. The sedan bearers and attendants remained behind, while several senior servants followed with umbrellas, though none dared come too close.
At the foot of the steps, Cao Min stopped and straightened her robes and hat.
"Your servant, Cao Min, who oversees the Six Bureaus and the Imperial Stables, has been summoned to an audience!"
She dropped to her knees, her voice carrying far through the snowy night.
The guards before the hall remained rigidly at attention. Only the snow fell in silence.
A moment later, the doors opened.
Fan Hong of the Directorate of Ceremonial was the one who came out to open them himself.
He stood beneath the eaves and gazed at her from across the snow and wind. His voice was gentle. "Lord Cao, come in."
Palace Women's Bureau (Blue Seal) versus Imperial Authority (Vermilion Edict)
Time span: The nineteenth year of Yongle to the third year of Xuande
Events: The Yongle capital relocation, the Han Prince's rebellion, Emperor Xuande's frontier inspection, the deposition of the empress
Theme: All the storms have passed. I remain safe and sound.
