The imperial erhu maiden - Chapter 0
For a daughter of a noble family, the era in which one is born greatly influences one’s life.
For example, if one is born around the same time as His Majesty the Emperor, one might try to enter the imperial harem.
The imperial harem. It is the place where the concubines of His Majesty the Emperor, who rules the country of Kouen, live.
However, right now, there is not a single concubine in the imperial harem.
The vermilion beams, along with the gold and silver decorations that adorned them, made the resplendent palace seem like it was from another world. It was like a forgotten flower that bloomed in a corner of the palace.
“Miss Rinfu. Please come this way.”
The elderly maid opened the glossy black door. Her calm, crimson clothing and black sash were the attire of a high-ranking maid who was permitted to serve the imperial family.
I followed her into the waiting room, my steps heavy as the day’s events filled me with unease.
My pale blue clothing was elegantly reminiscent of a celestial maiden. The long sleeves and hems fluttered softly as I walked, and it was the most glamorous outfit I had ever worn in my 17 years of life.
The top half of my long black hair was tied up high, adorned with golden hairpins and jade beads, giving it the luxurious appearance befitting one who would stand before the nobility.
That was only natural, as today’s banquet was to choose the concubine of the Emperor of Kouen.
It was a momentous occasion where the Empress, who stood at the apex of the women of this country, would be chosen.
My right minister father had recommended me, his daughter, out of his ambition to form ties with the imperial family.
For the past two months, I had repeatedly tried to dissuade him, with my mother and my uncle also trying to convince him, but I could not overturn my father’s decision.
I could not refuse, and I could not run away either.
I took cold showers several times, hoping to get sick and miss the event, but I was too healthy to even get a fever or a cough.
I regretted how healthy I was…!
Today, the day of the main event had finally arrived. The weather was beautiful, with the sunlight making the trees of the palace gleam.
Supported by a great welcoming party of maids and officials, I walked along, enduring the awkwardness and plastering a smile on my face.
Through the long, long corridors, I told myself over and over again.
It’ll be okay.
I’ll figure something out.
However, unfortunately, I still had not found a solution, and I had finally reached the waiting room.
The maid who had brought me there bowed to the male official in front of the door.
“I have brought the young lady from the Yanagi family.”
The lattice door opened silently, and I swallowed hard.
“Please enter.”
I supposed I was to wait here until the selection began,
I said “Thank you” quietly, and went inside.
Then, I was shocked by what I saw.
“Hic… hic… I’m scared…”
“Hey, I heard from my father that if you cry, you’ll get scolded?”
“I wonder if I’ll be able to do it…”
“Is the emp-per-or here? Where is he?”
There were four young girls in here who were candidates for concubine.
One of them was crying, another one looked at her with a perplexed face, and the other two were chatting with a maid.
The chief official waiting in this waiting room gave me a look of pity when he saw my face twitch.
“We have been expecting you. Miss Rinfu Yanagi, 17 years old, the first daughter of the Yanagi family, is that correct?”
“Y-yes… That is correct.”
I’m the only daughter of the Yanagi family. I’m the real deal.
It was no wonder I was being pitied.
The young princesses who had noticed me all looked at me at once.
“……”
They must think I’m a maid.
Well, I’d prefer that too…?
Everyone here is five or six years old except me.
These girls still don’t really understand why they’re gathered here.
All of us, including me, are daughters of the five great families that hold the power second only to the imperial family in this country. We were gathered because of the custom that dictates that an Empress must be chosen from the daughters of these five great families, regardless of their actual wishes.
Yes, I’m here because of my family’s status.
I’m 17 years old, and I have to attend a banquet as a candidate for concubine, mixed in with these little girls…!
The current Emperor is five years old!
He’s a boy!
A boy Emperor who’s a perfect match for these little girls!!
I’m 17 years old! That’s an age difference of 12 years!
No matter how you think about it, it’s strange that I’m here.
“Well then, please relax until it is time.”
The maid who had shown me to this place bowed reverently to me and left.
She probably won’t stay with me here.
That’s understandable. I’m not a little girl.
“……”
Their stares sting.
I could no longer bear this atmosphere, and I forced a very friendly smile on my face.
As the eldest, I couldn’t show any distress or sadness.
I straightened my back and made sure to act in a way that would not shame the Yanagi family.
First of all, I showed my respect to the four young princesses.
“It is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Rinfu. I have come from the Yanagi family for this selection. Please allow me to join your company.”
I smiled and clasped my hands in front of my chest, while cursing my father in my heart.
Even if there were no younger daughters, surely it wouldn’t be me, right!?
Kozue (12), who is from a branch family, even wrote a letter respectfully declining the invitation…
At today’s banquet, I will perform my signature erhu in front of a large audience.
Kozue declined probably because she’s not good at erhu, or even singing or dancing, but no matter how confident I am in my performance, it’s going to be a laughingstock when a 17-year-old girl appears among little girls.
My father probably wants to make me a decorative concubine and will put me in the harem, but I’m the one getting dragged into this, and it’s really annoying.
Above all, I won’t even be able to be an “ornament!”
Oh, I resent you, Father.
As I was being stared at by the little girls and the maids, I was desperately thinking of a way to get out of this situation.