The harem is protected by Feng Shui.
Feng Shui is an academic discipline based on geography, interpreting the land’s features to guide the construction of buildings and structures to the most auspicious locations. The imperial capital was built on the best land according to Feng Shui, with the ideal positioning of mountains behind and water in front. Furthermore, the internal structure of the harem was designed following the philosophy of the Four Directions.
The Four Directions philosophy involves creating sacred boundaries by aligning with the seasonal deities. Following this concept, the Spring Palace, representing clear waters and blooming flowers, is to the east; the Autumn Palace, adorned in gold, is to the west; the Summer Palace, built on water, is to the south; and the Winter Palace, featuring a high tower with views over the capital, is to the north. Each palace is positioned accordingly.
The noble harem is surrounded by these four seasonal palaces, making it a purifying area where the power of Feng Shui is most potent.
There are bridges leading from each palace to the noble harem, but guards stand watch over these bridges, ensuring that no one, not even a consort or the Empress, can cross without permission.
The Empress herself, except for during banquets, never visits the seasonal palaces. Fei Ling, the wise consort, had never met Her Majesty.
On the bridges, flags woven with the Kirin emblem fluttered in the wind.
The Kirin, a mythical creature resembling a dragon, with hooves and scales, is said to appear when an emperor rules with benevolence, bringing harmony to all things and peace to the land. From this story, Kirin banners have been displayed since the founding of the nation and continue to be honored as guardians.
Thus, the Kirin emblem also serves as a symbol of the imperial family.
As Fei Ling crossed the bridge, she was surrounded by the petals of cherry blossoms, the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, and the blue of hydrangeas. In the noble harem, flowers bloom continuously from spring through autumn. Even now, the hibiscus blossoms proudly beside the cherry trees, the water lilies decorate the pond, and the weeping plum blossoms still flutter in the wind. The beautiful scenery, like a painting, made Fei Ling gasp in awe. At the same time, she was reminded of the power of Feng Shui. The fact that flowers bloom year-round is a testament to the extraordinary vitality that flows into this land.
There is no room for toxic energy to enter. It must be so.
Upon arriving at the noble harem, Fei Ling was greeted by a maid and led into the palace made of glass.
This building is known as the Crystal Palace.
The transparent walls are made of glass, offering a clear view of the sprawling gardens in all directions. The ceiling is adorned with stained-glass windows, reminiscent of a kaleidoscope. Sunlight from noon turns into a rainbow of crystals, casting intricate mandala-like patterns on the alabaster floor.
This is the epitome of a magnificent palace.
Just gazing at the sight made Fei Ling feel lightheaded.
(What kind of “flower” reigns at the top of this harem?)
After kneeling and waiting for a while, the sound of wheels rolling echoed through the air.
“Oh dear.”
A beautiful voice echoed. It was a melody that felt like light shining from above.
“Please, do not be so formal.”
When Fei Ling raised her gaze, she saw a woman, bathed in the gentle warmth of spring, smiling at her. She resembled a celestial being.
Empress Xin Hua—though without children, she enjoys the full favor of the emperor.
(Surrounded by the beautiful women of the harem, the emperor is still enchanted by her. I had imagined how seductive such a woman must be, but… this is unexpected.)
She wore no makeup and was not adorned in elaborate clothes. She had freshly picked peonies and roses woven into her hair, and a light silk scarf draped over her shoulders. The only embellishment was an embroidered Kirin emblem, with no extravagant golden or silver threads. Though she had come from a distant land, one might think she had descended from the heavens.
(She is like an immortal fairy.)
She appeared as though she might spread her wings and gently rise into the air at any moment, yet what kept her grounded in reality was the large wheelchair she sat in, with its big wheels.
The Empress has been unable to move her lower limbs since childhood, and without the assistance of her maidservants, she cannot manage daily tasks. The court physician had even declared that she would likely never conceive.
“Ah, so you are Fei Ling… I see, hehe, how wonderful.”
Fei Ling could not understand the Empress’s true intentions and blinked in confusion.
“I had only heard rumors that made it sound like you had horns or something… I was so nervous. But now, I’m relieved. You’re such a cute young lady, after all.”
The Empress opened a folding fan and smiled with a tinkling sound like rolling bells.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I called you here for a reason. You know there’s a spring banquet coming soon, don’t you?”
It was the banquet hosted by the Empress, which Consort Xue Mei had mentioned.
“I want you to be in charge of the banquet’s food, Fei Ling, since you’re the court physician.”
Fei Ling was taken aback by this unexpected request.
“Since the land has been cursed by the poison, all I’ve been hearing are dark tidings… In the east, water has been poisoned, and crops have rotted down to their roots. In the west, poisoned livestock have started attacking people. Even in the capital, the people are worried about when the plague will spread. Though it’s spring, the flowers of the harem are withering away.”
The Empress lowered her eyes, looking sorrowful. Crystals of light gathered at the tips of her lashes and twinkled faintly.
“The people’s worries will be taken care of by the Emperor. As for me, I want to at least ensure the flowers of the harem don’t wither away. I want to serve medicinal food at the banquet. Medicinal food is said to balance the mind and body and even cure diseases before they fully manifest. Will you help me?”
Fei Ling was unsure whether to be happy or astonished. Did the Empress know that she was the daughter of a great criminal?
“I must humbly inform you…”
Though she knew it was inappropriate, she could not stay silent.
“Fei Ling Cai is the daughter of a great criminal. I am not worthy of such a grand responsibility. Please, let the court physicians handle the medicinal food.”
“But you are a special court physician who inherited the wisdom of the Bai Ze family. Isn’t that so?”
In the time of the late Emperor, there were rumors about the Bai Ze family, known for their wisdom, being part of the harem. Though few now remember, Fei Ling had been granted a pardon because she had inherited both the bloodline and knowledge of Bai Ze.
To be precise, right now, it was a test—whether she would be pardoned or condemned, whether she would use poison or medicine.
“That… might be true, but…”
She hesitated. The patients suffering from the poison epidemic desperately begged her for medicine, but the consorts were not in the same position.
“They might think I am trying to poison them… and it would scare them.”
“Ah, poison you say?”
For a moment, Fei Ling faltered, and with difficulty, squeezed the words out from her frozen throat.
“… I will make medicine.”
“Then there is no reason to worry.”
The Empress smiled without a care. It was a smile so full of kindness, it seemed to radiate light.
Now, Fei Ling understood why the Emperor favored her. The Empress had to be the mother of the people. She possessed the grace and capacity to embrace everything and love all equally.
“Fei Ling… listen to me. Your father truly committed terrible deeds, just as his other name, ‘Chaos,’ suggests. He executed loyal ministers, cut down innocent people for trivial reasons, and even treated the consorts violently…”
“Chaos” — that word referred not only to absurdity and disorder but also to a mythical, monstrous being, akin to the Kirin.
According to the myth, “Chaos” was a creature resembling a dog, its body larger than a bear’s, with no eyes, nose, ears, or tongue, but with a massive jaw that could tear through its body and only devoured the good. While the Kirin was a sign of prosperity, Chaos was the epitome of evil.
“But you’ve borne the sins of your father and are trying your best to atone… How precious, how touching.”
The Empress’s eyes filled with tears as they shimmered.
“I want to support you. I can’t do much, but I want to give you a position worthy of your skill… Is that wrong?”
Fei Ling had been given the title of court physician, but she did not work directly with the noble’s food, only prescribing medicine to severely ill patients. Her actual position was even lower than a junior medical officer’s. While Fei Ling had no complaints about this, she was deeply grateful for the Empress’s kindness. And if it was for a banquet, a variety of ingredients and herbs from all over the continent would be gathered. Perhaps there would be materials to detoxify Consort Xue Mei’s “wood poison.”
“I am truly grateful for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will surely prepare the best medicinal food.”
The Empress’s eyes sparkled. “I’m looking forward to the banquet,” she said cheerfully, and as Fei Ling heard her words, she quietly considered the idea of atonement deep in her heart.
If removing the poison left by the Emperor was her atonement, then yes, that was what she had to do. But her desires did not end there.
(…Can I forgive him?)
In her green eyes, a dark flame burned fiercely, unseen by anyone. As if swallowing fire, she silently bit her lip.
