The Ming Palace Gambit

Her hair was pinned up in twin loops, a red wedding gown draped over her, and lilies adorned her temples. How many girls had treasured this dream, only to become naive young women who lost track of the years and counted the days, waiting for their husbands to return? For women who married into the imperial family, things were even more complicated. Their marriages were not about the love between two people, but about the honor and disgrace of an entire clan. They were not marrying just one man, but another family. Their fate for the rest of their lives was left to chance.

After the wedding rites, Yang'er was led into the bridal chamber. For a young woman marrying for the first time, the longing to become a bride was overwhelming; she had carefully dressed and made herself up. In a red gown, her delicate softness was touching; dimples graced her cheeks, and her youthful beauty was precious. She was half delighted, half bashful, unable to voice her feelings, both lovestruck and reluctant to let go. Heaven had rewarded the beauty’s wish, giving her a talented husband... That was surely how Yang'er felt as a young bride! The candlelight flickered, and beneath her red bridal veil, she thought of the life that would now be hers. Her heart was sweet with anticipation, and for a moment she even forgot that she had yet to meet her husband.

The moon shone bright and clear. Guests bearing gifts and offering congratulations came and went without pause. For many people, today was a perfect opportunity. It was not until the last group of guests had finally left that Shizi Mu returned to the bridal chamber, his body weary. Remembering that he had gone through the same thing ten years ago, he could not help feeling utterly disappointed. He had also drunk some wine, and the hidden veil over his heart slipped away without his meaning it to. Exhausted in body and mind, he stepped into the bridal chamber and forgot that his bride was sitting beside the red candles. He went straight to the bed and fell asleep.

Hearing the noise, Yang'er's heart fluttered like a fawn's. She clenched her fists so tightly that her palms grew damp with sweat. But after waiting for a long while, there was no response at all. A wave of grievance rose in her heart, a stark contrast to her earlier anticipation. Tears began to fall before she could stop them. Who said Yang'er had no tears? On the very first day of her marriage, the tears she had once considered precious flowed away for nothing.