Ancient Love for His Majesty
Episode 1
The first rays of dawn kissed the Dewdrop Pavilion, painting the intricate carvings with a soft, golden light.
I, Qin Meixin, second daughter of the Ministry of Justice, stirred beneath my silk covers, the scent of plum blossoms drifting in from the courtyard. Today was the day. The annual archery competition for the ladies of the court.
A thrill, sharp and clean as a newly fletched arrow, shot through me. Not for the accolades, though Mother always stressed the importance of maintaining our family's reputation.
No, my excitement stemmed from the pure joy of the draw, the tautness of the string, the satisfying thunk as the arrow found its mark.
I rose, the cool marble floor a stark contrast to the warmth of my bed. As I dressed, my thoughts drifted to my elder brother, General Qin. He led the Imperial Guards with an iron fist and a stoic face, yet he always found time to critique my archery form, his gruff voice softening with pride when I improved.
He wouldn't be here today, duty chained him to the palace walls, but I knew his expectations hung in the air like the morning mist.
A knock on the door heralded the arrival of Lian, my personal maid. Her face was a picture of nervous anticipation.
Lian
Second Miss, everything is prepared. The Plum Blossom silk for your embroidery, the ingredients for your famous lotus root cakes, and of course…
Ishe trailed off, gesturing towards the long, slender case leaning against the wall.
I smiled, a genuine smile that reached my eyes.
Qin Meixin
Thank you, Lian. Let us not keep the sun waiting.
The archery grounds buzzed with activity. Ladies in vibrant silks, their faces powdered to porcelain perfection, chattered like magpies. I spotted Lady Li, the Minister of Rites' daughter, whose eyes narrowed in my direction. We had been rivals since our days at the Imperial Academy.
Her embroidery was exquisite, her calligraphy flawless, but her archery… well, let's just say she favored style over substance.
I ignored her pointed gaze and focused on the target. Fifty paces. A simple distance for a seasoned archer, but today, with the weight of expectation pressing down, it felt like a mile.
I drew my bow, the familiar weight comforting in my hand. The arrow, fletched with feathers I had personally selected and painstakingly embroidered with a delicate plum blossom design, felt like an extension of my own arm.
I breathed in, drawing strength from the crisp morning air, and exhaled slowly, centering myself. The world narrowed to the target, the red bullseye a beacon in a sea of green.
This was it. Time to show them what Qin Meixin could do.
The arrow flew, a silver streak against the azure sky. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. I held my breath, watching, and waiting. The arrow struck. Not the bullseye. Not even close.
It thudded into the outer ring, a pathetic showing that drew a snicker from Lady Li. My face burned with shame.
What happened? I practiced this a thousand times. My form was perfect, my aim true. Yet, here I stood, humiliated in front of the entire court.
Lian rushed to my side, her face etched with concern.
Lian
"Second Miss, are you alright? Perhaps the bow is misaligned?"
I shook my head, my mind reeling. The bow was fine. The arrow was fine. It was me. Something had thrown me off, a momentary lapse in focus, a flicker of doubt.
Head Judge
"Another arrow, Second Miss?"
The head judge, a stern-faced woman with eyes like chips of flint, prompted.
I nodded, forcing a smile.
But as I reached for another arrow, my hand trembled. The confidence that had coursed through me moments ago had evaporated, replaced by a cold, gnawing fear.
Could I recover from this? Could I salvage my reputation, my family's honor?
Taking a deep breath, I knocked another arrow, this one adorned with a simple bamboo leaf design. I raised my bow, but the target seemed to sway before my eyes. The whispers of the crowd grew louder, each one a tiny barb pricking at my pride.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the crowd. Tall, imposing, dressed in the crimson robes of a high-ranking official. My father. His face was unreadable, his eyes fixed on me.
My heart sank. He had come to witness my failure. To see his daughter, the supposed paragon of virtue and skill, crumble under pressure.
He stopped a few paces away, his presence radiating an aura of authority that silenced the murmuring crowd. He didn't speak, didn't offer a word of encouragement or rebuke. He simply stood there, watching.
The weight of his gaze was almost unbearable. I lowered my bow, my hands numb. I couldn't do it. I couldn't face the humiliation of another missed shot, another wave of whispers.
I stammered, my voice barely audible.
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of gasps and murmurs. Lady Li's triumphant smile widened. My father's expression remained unchanged.
I turned and fled, pushing through the throng of onlookers, desperate to escape the judging eyes, the stifling atmosphere, the crushing weight of my own failure. I ran until I reached the sanctuary of the Dewdrop Pavilion, collapsing onto my bed in a flood of tears.
The embroidered arrow, once a symbol of my skill and pride, now felt like a cruel reminder of my inadequacy.
What had gone wrong? And more importantly, what would my father say?
Ep2: Whispers of the Bow
A year prior, the air in the Imperial Academy crackled with anticipation.
The annual examinations loomed, and I, found myself buried beneath a mountain of scrolls, desperately trying to memorize the intricate details of Confucian philosophy and imperial edicts.
The weight of expectation pressed heavily upon me. Not only was I expected to excel in my studies, but I also had to maintain my reputation as a skilled archer, a deft embroiderer, and a culinary artist.
The pressure was immense, but I thrived on it. Or so I told myself.
The hushed whispers of my classmates, usually a dull background hum to my studies, suddenly piqued my interest. They huddled in a corner of the library, their voices laced with excitement and speculation.
Young lady Wei #1
Did you hear? Lady Li is already practicing her stance,
Young lady Zhang #2
Her embroidery skills are unmatched, but her archery… well, let's just say she relies more on luck than skill,
Another replied, earning a chorus of suppressed laughter.
Intrigued, I leaned closer, feigning interest in a particularly dense passage on the virtues of filial piety.
Qin Meixin
What are you all discussing?
I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Lady Wei, a sweet-faced girl with a penchant for gossip, turned to me, her eyes wide.
Young lady Wei #1
Meixin, you haven't heard? The Imperial Archery Ceremony! It's being held next month, during the Emperor's birthday celebrations.
I frowned, my brow furrowing in confusion.
Qin Meixin
The Imperial Archery Ceremony? I don't recall any mention of it in the official announcements.
A wave of knowing glances passed between my classmates. Lady Zhang, a sharp-tongued girl known for her ambition, stepped forward.
Young lady Zhang #2
It's not an official event, per se. It's more of a… private competition, organized by the Empress Dowager. Only the most skilled ladies of the court are invited to participate.
My heart skipped a beat. A private competition, judged by the Empress Dowager herself? This was an opportunity to showcase my skills, to elevate my family's standing in the court. But why hadn't I heard about it?
I said, trying to mask my surprise.
Qin Meixin
And what exactly does this ceremony entail?
Young lady Wei #1
Archery, of course,
Young lady Wei #1
But also displays embroidery, calligraphy, and even culinary skills. It's a chance to demonstrate one's overall refinement and talent.
My mind raced. Archery, embroidery, cookery… these were all areas in which I excelled. But the fact that I had been kept in the dark troubled me.
Was I not considered worthy of an invitation? Had my skills been underestimated?
Qin Meixin
It sounds… interesting,
Qin Meixin
I suppose I should return to my studies. The examinations are far more important than a frivolous competition.
But as I turned back to my scrolls, my mind was far from the teachings of Confucius. The whispers of the Imperial Archery Ceremony echoed in my ears, planting a seed of doubt and ambition in my heart.
Why hadn't I been informed? And more importantly, what could I do to ensure that I would be invited?
Ep3: A General's Counsel
The weight of the unanswered questions from the library clung to me like a persistent fog. The Imperial Academy examinations loomed, yet my focus remained fractured, my thoughts consumed by the whispers of the Empress Dowager's private archery competition.
I needed answers, and there was only one person I trusted enough to provide them: my elder brother, General Qin.
Securing a moment alone with him was no easy feat. His days were consumed by matters of imperial security, his nights often spent strategizing with his officers. But I knew his routines and his habits.
I knew that every evening, after his final patrol of the palace grounds, he would retreat to his private courtyard for a solitary cup of tea.
It was there, under the watchful gaze of the moon, that I found him. He sat on a stone bench, his tall, imposing figure silhouetted against the night sky. The scent of jasmine tea hung in the air, a rare indulgence in his otherwise austere existence.
He looked up as I approached, his expression softening slightly.
He said, his voice a low rumble.
General Qin
What brings you here so late? Shouldn't you be studying for your examinations?
I replied, approaching him cautiously.
Qin Meixin
But something has been troubling me, and I need your advice.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp and assessing.
General Qin
Speak your mind.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to broach the subject.
Qin Meixin
I overheard some of my classmates discussing a private archery competition, organized by the Empress Dowager. They called it the Imperial Archery Ceremony.
His face remained impassive, giving nothing away.
Qin Meixin
And I was wondering if you knew anything about it,
Qin Meixin
Why wasn't I informed? Is it true that only the most skilled ladies of the court are invited?
He took a slow sip of his tea, his eyes fixed on the distant stars.
General Qin
The Empress Dowager enjoys hosting small gatherings, showcasing the talents of the young women in the capital. It is a way for her to assess their character, their skills, their suitability for potential… alliances.
The implication hung heavy in the air. Marriages. The Empress Dowager was subtly vetting potential brides for the Emperor and other high-ranking officials.
Qin Meixin
So it is true, then,
I said, my voice barely a whisper.
Qin Meixin
And I wasn't invited.
He finally turned to me, his gaze piercing.
General Qin
Do not jump to conclusions, Meixin. The invitations have not yet been sent. The Empress Dowager is a discerning woman. She takes her time in making her selections.
Qin Meixin
But why the secrecy?
Qin Meixin
Why wasn't this announced publicly?
General Qin
Because the Empress Dowager prefers discretion,
General Qin
She does not wish to create unnecessary competition or envy. Those who are meant to be invited will be invited. Those who are not… well, they will focus on other pursuits.
His words were carefully chosen, leaving me with more questions than answers.
Was he trying to protect me from disappointment? Or was he subtly warning me that I was not considered worthy of an invitation?
I said, my voice pleading.
Qin Meixin
Do you think I am skilled enough to participate in this competition? Do you think I have a chance of impressing the Empress Dowager?
He studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he finally spoke, his voice firm and unwavering.
General Qin
You are my sister, Meixin. I know your talents better than anyone. You are skilled in archery, embroidery, cookery, and your performance at the Academy is exemplary. You have the potential to excel in anything you set your mind to.
His words were comforting, but they lacked a certain conviction. I sensed a hesitation, a reservation that he was unwilling to voice.
He sighed, running a hand through his close-cropped hair.
General Qin
But the court is a treacherous place, Meixin. It is filled with ambition, envy, and deceit. The Empress Dowager is a powerful woman, and her favor can be fleeting. Are you prepared to navigate those waters? Are you prepared to face the scrutiny, the competition, the potential for disappointment?
His words were a sobering reminder of the realities of court life. The Imperial Archery Ceremony was not just a simple competition. It was a test of character, a trial by fire.
I looked at my brother, his face etched with concern. He was trying to protect me, to shield me from the dangers of the court. But I knew that I couldn't back down. I had to prove myself, not just to the Empress Dowager, but to myself.
I said, my voice was filled with newfound determination.
Qin Meixin
I am prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead. I will not let you down.
He nodded slowly, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes.
General Qin
Then go, Meixin. Study hard for your examinations. Hone your skills. And if you are invited to the Imperial Archery Ceremony, show them what you are capable of.
With his words echoing in my ears, I turned and left the courtyard, my heart filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but I was ready to face them head-on.
The Imperial Archery Ceremony was no longer just a competition. It was a test of my worth, a chance to prove myself to the world. And I would not fail.
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