MCUS Chapter 11

After tidying up the place, the personnel from the Ministry of Internal Affairs delivered various items. Apart from the basic necessities such as tea sets, silk quilts, and fabrics, there were three sets of promised attire. Additionally, a monthly allowance of two taels of silver was granted. Although two taels of silver may not sound like much, it equated to half a year’s expenses for an ordinary household.

Yan Ge had Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi unfold the attire for the Daying to inspect it. Fortunately, it was a standard men’s outfit consisting of a long robe and a brocade gown. The fabric was of superior quality compared to ordinary garments, and the tailoring, stitches, and embroidery were more refined.

The hair pins to be used were a distinctive feature. The hairpins had a fan-shaped design, as the character “fan” also means “good,” symbolizing understanding and empathy. Regardless of the material, patterns, or colors used, the shape of the hairpins was the same.

The “Daying” had one fan rib in the hairpin, representing a flat surface without folds. The “Changzai” had two fan ribs, and the “Zhaoyi” had three. This pattern continued, indicating a higher status with the increased number of fan ribs.

Meanwhile, the female consorts wore varied floral ornaments. The number of flowers varied to show their ranks, starting from one flower, then two flowers, three flowers, and so on. This also applied to hairpins or other hair accessories. The “Huanghou” was an exception as she could only wear the “phoenix crown.”

After changing into the new clothes, Yan Ge instructed Xiao Chuanzi and Wan Xiang, “Let’s go and pay a visit to Song Guiren.”

“Yes.”

The main hall was different from the side courtyard. The entrance to the hall was at least one zhang wide and one zhang and a half high, imposing and majestic. Upon entering the hall, Du Zhengfeng and Zhou Wenhuan were already present.

Song Ruhao was seated in the main position, adorned in a purple brocade robe that accentuated his handsome and captivating appearance. Yan Ge thought to himself that this individual would undoubtedly become a favored individual in the future.

Among the four of them, regardless of looks, family background, or talent, Song Ruhao outshone the others. Zhou Wenhuan was not lacking either, emanating an air of scholarly refinement. Du Zhengfeng, on the other hand, had a distinct air about him, embodying the masculine strength and ruggedness of a man.

Yan Ge’s thoughts momentarily deviated. Could such a “dominant” man be subdued by that lustful emperor? Nevertheless, with the charming Song Guiren, elegant Zhou Wenhao, and cool-headed Du, each possessing their own unique qualities, it could be considered a fortunate situation for him.

As Yan Ge observed Song Ruhao and the others, they, too, were sizing him up. The young man was extremely handsome, which was not particularly surprising. However, his eyes were exceptionally beautiful, as if they were smiling even when he wasn’t, endearing and delightful. Furthermore, his bearing was naturally composed, walking with a calm and leisurely demeanor that exuded an innate nobility and tranquility. It seemed as though no matter the magnitude of the matter at hand, it was of little concern to him.

Yan Ge bowed at a forty-five-degree angle, placing his left palm on top, and stacked his hands near his lower abdomen as he lowered his head. “ Yan Daying greets Song Guiren and pays respects to Du Changzai” This was a privilege afforded to male consorts, exempting them from the requirement to kneel during greetings, unlike female consorts.

*Song Ruhaos’s rank is Guiren while Du Zhengfeng’s rank is Changzai.

Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi knelt behind Yan Ge.

Song Ruhao smiled faintly and said, “Brother, please rise and have a seat.”

“Thank you, Song Guiren.” Yan Ge felt uneasy when he was addressed as “brother.” As he made his way to his seat, he exchanged nods of acknowledgment with Zhou Wenhuan, as their ranks were on par.

Du Zhengfeng casually inquired, “Why did Brother Yan arrive so late?”

Zhou Wenhuan chuckled lightly and said, “I remember that Brother Yan previously mentioned his proficiency in the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. When I arrived, I heard someone playing the qin, so it must have been Brother Yan.”

“Brother” was the self-proclaimed title for male consorts, as they served the monarch as “brothers.”

Yan Ge looked at him in surprise. How could he not remember ever claiming to be skilled in the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting? This person, who played the qin on the very first day of his appointment, seemed to be mocking him for seeking imperial favor so quickly.

While he thought this in his mind, he showed no trace of it on his face and simply smiled, saying, “Zhou Daying, you honor me. But I must confess, Yan Ge is truly lacking in proficiency in the arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I am deeply ashamed.”

Zhou Wenhuan did not expect him to respond this way and visibly paused.

Song Ruhao smiled and said, “Very well. The fact that the four of us can gather here is a matter of fate. We should strive for harmonious coexistence in the future. If any of you, my younger brothers, have any financial concerns, do not hesitate to inform this humble consort. Today, everyone is tired, so if there are no other matters, let us disperse and rest.”

“Yes, Brother, I take my leave.”

Upon returning to Chunfang Courtyard, before even entering the door, Xiao Chuanzi exclaimed indignantly, “Master, that Zhou Daying is truly adept at fabricating stories out of thin air. His status is no higher than yours, so what is there for him to be so smug about?”

Yan Ge smiled at him, his eyes narrowed. “Hmm? Xiao Chuanzi, remember, calamity arises from loose lips.”

Xiao Chuanzi quickly fell silent. Although the master was smiling, his gaze didn’t seem like he was joking with him.