Fu Rou was summoned. She was feeling nervous but her face remained calm. “Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Fu Rou.”
“Are you the one that embroidered this peony screen?” The Empress thought that this girl looked graceful and generous.
“Yes.”
“I have seen numerous peony embroideries but this peony screen is very unique. It showcases the beauty of the peony and looks extremely life-like. What secret technique did you use?”
“Your Majesty. In order to show the beauty of the peony, the colour of the flower petals have to look natural. When others embroider the flower, they usually use a single colour. However, I change the colour of my thread to suit the colour of the petals. I dyed the threads before using them to embroider the petal. To make it look life-like, it is necessary to make it slightly bumpy as if it were real. On top of interleaving the stitches as done in the Sun embroidery method, the pattern has to follow along the actual veins of the leaves. I used different techniques like the slanting and looping stitch.”
Empress Zhangsun made an oh sound. “You know how to dye threads?”
Fu Rou replied, “My family used to own a dye workshop and an embroidery house. I learn a bit from there.”
Lu Yunji started to find Fu Rou familiar. He suddenly remembered seeing Sheng Chumu pulling this girl’s hand and heading to the back of the mansion when he entered the Han Mansion earlier.
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.” Since Sheng Chumu ruined his plans, Lu Yunji wanted to get his revenge. “His Majesty has always acknowledged talented young people and looked to groom them. I am sure Your Majesty feels the same way. How can you give up such a talented young woman like her?”
“Duke Chen, I agree with your rationale. Fu Rou’s family has an exquisite technique and can serve the Royal Family. The Seamstress Department currently has a position. It will be considered a good use of talent if she could manage the dyeing of fabric and embroidery in the palace.”
The more she looked at the peony screen, the more Empress Zhangsun liked it.
Consort Han was about to speak up but caught sight of Prince Han giving her a look to remain quiet.
As Lu Yunji saw Fu Rou’s face pale, he sniggered, “Fu Rou, shouldn’t you hurry and thank Her Majesty?”
Fu Rou had no choice and kneeled down. Ever since she had arrived at Chang’an, it was as if she no longer had control of her fate.
Sheng Chumu came to find Fu Rou as soon as he heard the news. Sheng Chumu saw her standing by her window, pointing at the distance between the Altair and Vega star.
Walking up to her, he sighed. “I wanted to ask Her Majesty to let you go but Elder Sister felt that this is not the right time and bringing it up will only implicate your family and mine.” He looked at the stars alongside Fu Rou. “Why does Her Majesty want to split the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid with a silver river?”
“Maybe it is to test them. True love will go through numerous challenges. Just like the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid. Just like Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.”
“If we were butterfly lovers, that would still be okay. We can still fly across the ocean and eat pollen every day. We can also give birth to a few hairy caterpillars.”
Fu Rou snorted out a laugh. “Even at this time, you are not serious.”
Sheng Chumu grabbed onto Fu Rou’s hand. “How else will we survive if we do not find joy in suffering? When will you enter the palace?”
“According to the Empress’ decree, I will head home tomorrow to bid farewell to my parents before entering the palace the following morning.” Fu Rou had already calmed down. “I believe that we can get through this.”
Sheng Chumu nodded sharply. “But once you enter the palace, we won’t know when you will be able to come out again. I am not leaving tonight.”
Fu Rou’s eyes widened as her cheeks flushed red.
Sheng Chumu waved his hands. “Don’t worry, although I am young and vigorous, I treat you with utmost respect.” Sheng Chumu knew that Fu Rou was not a frivolous lady and he had to cherish her and wait until they get married.
Fu Rou thought of how after tonight, they wouldn’t know when they would be able to meet again and her heart softened. “Okay. You sleep on your pillow and I will sleep on mine. You can’t move close to me.”
Sheng Chumu raised his hand into the air. “I swear.”
Hence, the two of them each occupied one corner of the bed, with their backs against the wall. They hugged their knees to their chests as they sat.
After a while, Sheng Chumu said, “Rou’er, can I…”
Fu Rou did not wait for him to complete his sentence. “No.”
After a while more, Sheng Chumu persisted. “Even a tigress would let me touch her fur.”
Fu Rou remained stubborn. “You are the one that said you would treat me with utmost respect – Ah!” Sheng Chumu moved like a black panther, pushing Fu Rou down onto the bed and kissing her.
The beauty of the moon reflects how touching their emotions were. With that single kiss, it was like a pledge of eternal love. They sealed their commitment to each other for the rest of their lives.
After a while, he slowly released her lips and the tip of his nose brushed the side of her cheek.
Sheng Chumu's gaze was aggressive, like a starving panther seeking permission from his partner. However, Fu Rou, whose ears had reddened along with her face, quickly became clear-headed as she pushed Sheng Chumu away. Sheng Chumu scratched his head and retreated to another corner, hugging his knees once again. He was truly going to respect her.
Yet, Fu Rou was displeased. “You disrespected me.”
“You are right, I was too disrespectful. I should have kissed you harder, longer and more intensely.” If he knew she was going to act this way, he should have continued kissing her and never let go.
“Shut up.” How could he say something like this?
“Fine. I will shut up.” Sheng Chumu smacked his lips as he pondered on the aftertaste. “My mouth is filled with fragrance. This can last me three days.”
“Sheng Chumu, you are despicable.” How could he continue and say even more intense things?
“After you enter the palace, I will spend my lonely days thinking back on this memory. I will count on this memory to slowly get me through the torture. I will persevere until the rain clears and the day is bright.” Sheng Chumu slowly began to undo his belt.
“Sheng Chumu, what are you doing?” She covered her eyes in fright as even her neck reddened.
He held one side of the belt and threw the other side to her. She released her hand and grabbed onto one side of the belt. She then heard him say the most moving words on earth --
“This is our silver river.”
* * *
1. original names used in the novel
Chapter 11.2: Inner Palace
It was snowing heavily as Fu Rou entered the Royal Palace. In front of her, the Royal Palace looked like paradise. Behind her, Sheng Chumu sent her off with heavy emotions. Her footsteps were light and even the loud slamming of the palace door did not bring out the timid side in her.
She truly believed that she would soon leave these gates. When that time comes, he would still be there.