Leaving the Changmen Palace - LTCP 35: Request of Official Position

A few days thereafter, the grand princess graciously arranged for Jia Ji and her family to enter the palace and pay their respects.

Coincidentally, Liu Che had just returned from the morning court, with little remaining to occupy his time. The scorching heat also dissuaded him from going hunting, prompting him to visit the Jiaofang Hall to seek out Chen Jiao.

Having recently concluded a game of chess in the corridor, he had inevitably bested Chen Jiao, who returned to her chambers in humble defeat.

“It is truly a tragedy that gambling has become so popular that chess has declined. In my opinion, the knowledge between the dozen or so vertical and horizontal lines is much deeper than the board itself,” he was intrigued, and still holding the pieces, he sighed at Chen Jiao. “If you consider chess pieces to be cities, then the world’s major events are nothing more than chess!”

Only someone like him, who is always thinking about military plans, can think about worldly matters while playing chess.

Chen Jiao smiled, “It would be best if we played chess. A’ Che is a chess master. I wouldn’t be surprised if you could beat me. I’m sure there aren’t many people in the palace who can beat you.”

He declared with a hint of disdain, “Who among mortals dares to challenge me—except perhaps Han Yan, who possesses the courage to do so?” Noticing Chen Jiao’s shifting gaze, he added with a touch of condescension, “Though Jiaojiao is brave, how could you possibly triumph over me?”

The emperor and empress both chuckled in amusement, prompting Chen Jiao to remark, “That’s simply because the emperor has yet to learn the art of yielding.”

With a nonchalant gesture, she turned her gaze toward the Jia family members awaiting below the steps.

The grand princess, born into wealth and noble lineage, had cultivated a discerning eye over the years. To Chen Jiao, Jia Ji’s parents appeared nothing more than rustic country folk. Despite their silk and satin attire, their expressions, skin, and the dark, large-knuckled hands betrayed their humble origins.

It was Jia Ji’s sister who exuded an air of pure elegance and refined grace.

Though her complexion was a touch darker, her features remained delicate and captivating, and her slender figure mirrored Jia Ji’s own. Her waist and hips possessed a harmonious fullness restrained by modesty, enhancing her natural charm.

When Chen Jiao’s gaze fell upon her, she found herself momentarily halted, as if enchanted by an unseen force. Only after a brief pause was she able to resume her composure.

She showed genuine kindness toward this family, harboring no disdain for their humble origins. In the bustling streets, it was not uncommon for those of modest beginnings to ascend to prominence, a narrative well-known within the harem of the Han Dynasty.

“It’s been years since you’ve seen Lady Jia, right?” She gave Miss Jia a chance to show her face, “The elders have strong accents and are unclear. Miss Jia, please answer.”

Liu Che remained silent the whole time, smiling as he gazed at the two of them. It was clear that he didn’t take Jia Ji’s family seriously.

Yes, there were at least dozens of women favored by him. If he had given each of them official positions and titles, the harem would have been in chaos by now.

Chen Jiao was a little surprised, and sighed with the voice, “After all, he is the emperor. Although he may seem to ignore everything, he actually knows everything that happens in Weiyang Palace.”

Miss Jia lifted her head gracefully and met her gaze with confident composure, “Since my sister’s entrance into the palace five years ago, we have not had the pleasure of her company. Our entire family yearns deeply for her presence. I am truly grateful, Your Majesty, for your kindness in permitting my family to enter the palace.”

Her words were spoken with refinement, and from her demeanor and manner of dress, it was clear she was well accustomed to the ceremonial attire required for court.

Unlike her parents, who appeared somewhat awkward in their heavy robes with the central seams askew, Miss Jia’s deep robe not only accentuated her slender figure but was also impeccably neat. Even when her hands were modestly clasped, the round floral patterns on her sleeves were perfectly aligned, indicating she had been properly trained in decorum and grace.

It seems that the grand princess still has some resentment about the fact that Wei Zifu accidentally got favored, but it is not because of her, but because she wants to compete with the Princess of Pingyang for her favor.

There are many girls of that age. No matter how outstanding Wei Zifu is, she can’t be the most beautiful one.

“Well, your sister lives in Yongxiang Hall. She was supposed to come here to serve you and see you, but unfortunately she is pregnant, so she was not allowed to come out. You don’t have to be restrained when you enter Yongxiang Hall, but you should also be careful not to make loud noises, so as not to excite Lady Jia and harm the dragon seed in her belly.”

Chen Jiao casually gave a few instructions, then looked at Liu Che with a smile, “Your Majesty, is there anything else to say?”

He had already put on an indifferent and impatient expression. In front of her, he was already absent-minded, his thoughts drifting to the ends of the earth.

Not until she asked him did he come back to his senses and whispered, “A few words of advice are enough, what else can I say?”

Obviously, he was in a bad mood because he had been just disturbed from playing with her.

Everyone in the Jia family had to turn around and respectfully leave Jiaofang Hall. Of course, the daughter of the Jia family had to wait for her parents to leave first.

Chen Jiao glanced at Liu Che, and seeing that his eyes were still lingering on Miss Jia’s waist, she smiled and joked, “I thought you would be depressed for a long time. Didn’t you fall in love with Miss Jia just now? If you like her, let her come to the palace as well. The two sisters can serve you together, and let our emperor enjoy all the blessings in the world.”

It was nothing new in the Han Dynasty for sisters to serve a man. He had four brothers who were both his brothers and his cousins.

Since Jia Ji was now popular, it was only right that she wanted to help her sister.

Chen Jiao was willing to help her.

She thought that even if Liu Che didn’t have much interest in Miss Jia, he wouldn’t refuse the spicy dogwood snack that was placed in his mouth.

Unexpectedly, he showed his displeasure, “I just took a few more glances. If every girl I linger with and pay attention to had to be taken to the harem, Weiyang Palace would be overcrowded sooner or later.”

Wasn’t that the case? Chen Jiao looked at him in surprise.

This look made him feel guilty again.

Although Chen Jiao said nothing, the young emperor thought for a long time and then said angrily, “You see, we went out together several times. In the Changling area, there were also peasant women who made eyes at me.”

But when it came to beauty, he couldn’t be accused of being reserved.

She had to laugh. She didn’t argue with Liu Che about such things.

She lowered her head to pick up the chess pieces, “Okay, okay, are we still playing chess?”

Liu Che dropped the subject and discussed it with her, “Jia Ji has been in the palace for five years and hasn’t been able to see her family. That’s a good thing. I heard from the empress dowager that some of the old palace servants in Weiyang Palace have been in the palace for over ten or twenty years and haven’t been able to see their parents. This year is too late. I think we can select a group of new people next spring and release some of the old people.”

He rarely paid attention to the affairs of the Weiyang Palace, in fact, because most of the palace servants were old people who stayed over from the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing.

Looking around, apart from the servants that Chen Jiao specially promoted to the Jiaofang Hall, and a group of servants from the Changxin Hall, there were not many new faces.

As an emperor, Liu Che sometimes had to pay homage to some new beauties, and he always had to go to the Brocade Room and the Laundry Room to look for them.

Chen Jiao’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and her hand, which was about to make the next piece, paused.

She suppressed the short sigh from her heart and said softly, “That’s good. After the New Year, we can start.”

…

A few days later, Jia Ji came out of the Jiaofang Hall, a rare occasion, to meet Chen Jiao.

She discovered she was pregnant in March, and now it was July, the time when the tiger of autumn was in full bloom.

She waited until the sun set and the weather turned cooler before entering the Jiaofang Hall with the help of a palace servant.

It was only four months, but her belly was already bulging. Her clothes were thin, and her belly was more obviously like an hourglass, pointed.

Chen Jiao saw it the first time she saw her, and it was even more obvious this time.

She was happier than Jia Ji, “They say a pointed belly means a son, and it looks like this child is a little prince.”

Jia Ji sat, panting, on the lower end of Chen Jiao’s seat. Although it was night, thick sweat still dripped from her forehead and nose as she passed by.

“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty!”

After all, she was pregnant. Although she was careful in everything she did, her words and actions were even more brazen than before.

Chen Jiao showed no emotion and didn’t pay much attention.

She gently admonished her, “You are very pregnant. You should have told me when you went out, and I would have loaned you a sedan. It’s too far from Yongxiang Hall.”

Jia Ji blushed, “I am of low birth, how can I be worthy of using a sedan chair in the palace? Although Your Majesty is generous, I do not dare to forget my duty.”

She then chatted with Chen Jiao about some trivial matters, thanked her for the rewards she sent from time to time, and this continued until the latter became sleepy, before she sheepishly announced her intention.

“There is only one brother in the family, who is now seventeen years old, and he still has not found a real job. My parents do not sleep day or night…”

The Jia family members entered the palace to discuss this matter—they came to request an official position for their brother.

Chen Jiao raised her eyebrows and looked at the few elders around Jia Ji: these were all close associates of the empress dowager.

The voice in her head laughed, “Look, how many women in the harem aren’t stingy? She hasn’t had a child yet, and she considers herself a consort. It’s a good thing Liu Che doesn’t even bother looking at her. If he paid more attention, perhaps she might have opened a dye shop in the palace.”

She thought absently, “She can’t read or write, how much knowledge does she have? It’s considered smart that she knows to be discreet. I don’t understand… why the empress dowager hasn’t said a word.”

While Chen Jiao had discreetly assigned a few seasoned palace servants to Yongxiang Hall, her intention was merely to avert suspicion. Furthermore, given her close relationship with Jia Ji, there was no need for servants to remind her of proper conduct.

She deliberately refrained from cultivating confidantes within Jia Ji’s circle. Although palace servants assigned to her occasionally whispered to Chu Fu, such instances were rare.

In contrast, the empress dowager held Jia Ji in higher regard and generously dispatched three or four veteran palace servants—women who had endured much—to safeguard the small palace where she resided, ensuring its defenses were truly impregnable.

It is often said that Jia Ji has long held a deep respect for the venerable palace servants, frequently seeking their counsel when matters arose. Though she remains obedient within the confines of the empress’ Jiaofang Hall, there is no doubt that she strives to maintain favor with all parties involved.

What perplexes Chen Jiao most is this: the child has yet to be born, yet plans are already underway to secure an official position for her brother.

While it is understandable that the Jia family might be unaware of the palace’s strict protocols, and even more so that Jia Ji, coming from modest origins, might lack familiarity with these customs, one would expect the seasoned palace servants loyal to the empress dowager to voice their concerns or offer guidance. Yet, they remain silent, leaving these questions lingering in the air.

If Jia Ji had given birth to the emperor’s eldest son and he had been safely nurtured to the age of one or two, she would undoubtedly have been elevated to a position of noble distinction within the harem.

According to established customs, without any need for explicit petition, at least her brother would have been bestowed the esteemed title of Grand Master of the Palace. Should she now request a formal title, even if Chen Jiao were to speak on her behalf, Liu Che would surely grant it.

Once Jia Ji was appointed a consort of the harem, her official rank could no longer be advanced. It would be wiser to bide one’s time, allowing the matter to be settled with even greater grace and propriety.

The profound bond between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is truly a force to be reckoned with.

Chen Jiao offered a gentle smile and nodded in agreement, “The matter of bestowing official titles is something His Majesty deeply considers. I can speak on your behalf, but whether he grants your request ultimately depends on His Majesty’s opinion.”

She was immediately moved to tears, making a gesture to bow. However, as her body shifted, she was supported by the venerable palace servants, allowing her to straighten herself with dignity.

Chen Jiao observed this poignant scene with keen interest, her smile lingering as she admired Jia Ji’s serene expression.

If Liu Che had not remained in Qingliang Hall and were not expected here tonight, she might have almost suggested that he come and feel Jia Ji’s belly himself.

The following morning, feeling restless, Chen Jiao summoned someone to call Wei Zifu to sing her a song, seeking a moment of distraction from her boredom.