It was easier said than done. How could I learn and embroider so many different ‘longevity’ and ‘happiness’ characters? What’s more, I would have to hide this from Xiao Yi in order for it to be a surprise.

    While I was wondering, Qinglian guessed what I thought, and said, “Sister, the different writings are not difficult.”

    “You know how to write them?” I was surprised, since she was less educated than me.

    “How could that be? But I know where you can get a copy of them.”

    “Where? Tell me!” I was so eager to make this present immediately.

    “Concubine, do you remember Princess Yongkang?”

    “Yongkang?” Soon I understood her meaning. “Qinglian, you are so clever.”

    Princess Yongkang was my old friend; we knew each other before my marriage. I’d heard that she was in seclusion practicing Buddhism meditation since three months ago. She even did not join in my wedding ceremony. I was planning to visit her soon.

    Qinglian was shy when she heard my praise. “May I give you some more advice?”

    “Hurry, hurry!” I was so thankful to her and impressed by her brightness.

    “The rules, written or implicit, in the royal family are complicated, concubine; you need a director to help.”

    “Isn’t the director you?” I smiled to lift her up.

    “I am honored that you raise me to such a level. However, I am not capable enough to be your director.”

    “Then who are you pointing at?” I felt like an idiot about the unspoken rules of the royal system.

    “Madam Su.”

    “Got it.” Yes, she had been in the palace for ten years. Who could be better than her? “Great idea! You solved my quandary.”

    “I am flattered and honored.”

    “My good sister, you are much better than me, a stubborn stone.” I smiled.

    I planned to ask Bing to take a jade hair clasp to cheer her up, when I heard a familiar laugh.

    “Who is a stubborn stone? Concubine of the Highness of Xiangdong? Did you forget me, the older sister, when you became his concubine?”

    I was surprised to hear her voice. It was Princess Yongkang.

    “Pei greets you, my princess,” I said and bowed halfway.

    “Maid Qinglian greets the Princess Yongkang, my majesty,” Qinglian followed behind me.

    “Don’t be so formal! Now we are in the same family. Pei, why don’t you call me older sister, instead of princess?” She pretended to be angry with me. “Are you still unhappy with me because I didn’t take part in your wedding?”

    “Forgive me, my royal sister.” I helped her take a seat.

    “Pei, I am coming to celebrate your marriage. Meanwhile. . . ” She laughed loudly.

    “Is something funny, royal sister?” I was confused.

    “Come in, Shitai,” the princess called out toward the outside. “Pei, I have brought you a special person.”

    I saw a nun of about forty enter, and the kind smile on her face was like water cleaning my heart.

    “Pei, this is Jingyuan Shitai from the Nunnery Longcui. She is a good teacher. Your mother asked me to bring her to you for explaining the scriptures.”

    “Greeting to the concubine,” she said, still smiling.

    I laughed. “Royal sister and Shitai, you both come to save me today. I need your help.”

    The princess nodded and said, “Your mom has asked me to help you for a long time. Now I’ve finished my job.”

    “Thanks, my royal sister. Mingzhu, it is cold today; add hot tea for Princess Yongkang and Jingyuan Shitai.”

    “Shitai, how about my job as a matchmaker?” the princess asked her.

    “Sister, what do you mean?” I was trying to figure out the meaning behind her words.

    “Amitabha, it’s a good arrangement.” Shitai nodded.

    “Pei, do you remember the last moon festival, when you went to my mansion?” The princess was trying to give me some clue.

    I followed her words to think about traveling during the last moon festival. It was a royal dinner for the palace to invite all the senior imperial mandate madams higher than Grade Three and their female relatives and friends to celebrate. Many beautiful and talented ladies went to the Capital City at the same time, and made the palace a beautiful gathering. This was my first time to the Capital City led by my mom. At the dinner, a lady with the last name Yuan showed us a pretty dance, which amazed all of us.