Chapter 21 – Tryst

It is only fifty miles away from Chengde, and the scenery along the way is no longer a single meadow and rice field. The high slopes, mountains, rivers and pools are gradually increasing, and many of the women got off and walked to enjoy the scenery along the way. Planning to arrive at Chengde Palace

Chapter 20 – Resentment

A few light showers fell in the early morning hours, and the weather after breakfast was still overcast and somewhat dreary. Accompanying guards have mounted their horses, and Yonghe waited for his father as he got on the mount. They were sent off by lot of people so Fujin only gave him simple instructions. Mei

Chapter 19 – Difference

The entire area is lit by the bright campfire that late night, but because of the exhaustion from the road rush, everyone rested early. Aside from the soldiers patrolling, only a few people are seen walking around. Mei Li washes Yonghe’s used handkerchief in the stream. The spring starry sky formed a radiant dome over

Chapter 18 – Wishing stones

The procession slowly moved forward. Yonghe, who was walking beside her suddenly gave low laugh. Mei Li looked at him in confusion, Yonghe used his chin and motioned for her to look forward. Mei Li followed his eyes and not far away a horse was grazing with its head down. Standing beside it is the

Chapter 16 – Mistake

It was high noon, and the ambiance in the carriage was a little bit stuffy, so Meili lifted the curtain to let the breeze blow in. They are already out of the city, the road was lined with green trees and green hills; the scenery was so pleasant to look at. The continuous green fields

Chapter 15 – Departure

The entire Cining Palace changed from the usual quiet and order. There were laughter and giggles from young girls¹ everywhere. Even the show girls² were running past Yu’an gugu with a smile without being reprimanded. The court ladies³ and eunuchs⁴ were busy carrying large and small boxes, and cage. The head maidservants⁵ hanging around the

Chapter 14 – One must give in order to receive

“One has to hurry up before the sun has warmed up the land to be able to to tend to flowers and plants,.” Ying Ru Fujin took the tiny flower shears and carefully cut the remaining leaves in the plant. The morning leaves still had drops of dew on them, and Mei Li smelled a

Chapter 13 – A Starry Sky

The night is already deep. Mei Li sat on her bed and stared at the flickering candlelight. She had been already been settled in this side hall before, when she used to lived in the palace. But everything seems strange like it was her first time being here again. She gently stepped down her bed,

Chapter 3 – Meadows

When she heard Jiang Liu that there is a eunuch in the courtyard with a message from the Emperor, Mei Li became instinctively afraid. Could it be that his majesty has regretted his decision and wanted to imprison her again? The eunuch outside the door urged her impatiently., “Princess Mei Li, quickly accept the decree!”

Chapter 2 – Going Home

Walking in the aisle in between the palace walls, Mei Li trod carefully, fearing that if she relaxed, she would lose control of herself and start running. For two years, she hasn’t stepped out of the dilapidated courtyard of the Anning Hall. At the small doorway at the Xihua Gate, she actually saw Zi Yu—