The New Year’s Eve banquet was held in Hanyuan Hall. The nobles and high ministers had already entered the palace, and their wives had arrived that morning. They were supposed to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Empress, but the Empress declined, citing ill health.
However, the Noble Consort then turned around and summoned them to her own palace. Some of the titled ladies went, while others did not.
Chi Wan heard this news when Xia Qu was complaining indignantly beside Yu Jiuzhou.
“Your Highness, Her Majesty the Empress has presided over the Eastern Palace for many years. It is a matter for the Central Palace whether she receives guests or not. On what grounds does the Noble Consort summon the titled ladies?”
With the Empress still present, for the Noble Consort to overstep her authority was simply audacious.
Yu Jiuzhou extended her hands, allowing Chun Gui to help her into her outer coat, followed by a cloak.
The Noble Consort was naturally audacious. In her past life, she had been granted the title of Grand Consort Shou’an, a title reserved for an Empress Dowager. Her own mother, the Empress, had never received such a title.
Only later did she learn that Grand Consort Shou’an had been involved with Prince Bao’an back when she was still just the Noble Consort.
Chi Wan also knew about this Noble Consort. The protagonist had put on an act with her, but the Noble Consort thought she had found true love. The novel never explicitly stated what happened between them, but it was implied.
“Xia Qu, you talk too much,” Chun Gui said, truly exasperated. Xia Qu’s constant chatter gave one a headache.
Xia Qu retorted unhappily, “I only say these things before Her Highness. The moment I step out that door, I’m a mute.”
And it was true. Within the Princess’s Residence, she was very talkative, but once she left its gates, she was the lofty General Xia.
Chi Wan smiled. She was looking at Yu Jiuzhou’s robes—a light blue formal vestment worn over her garments, with a cloak draped on top. It was magnificent yet fresh, grand and dignified, and at times, it gave her an ethereal air.
The customs of Great Zhou were relatively open, and revealing one’s collarbones was not an issue. In the previous dynasty, low-cut dresses were in fashion. Now that the weather was cold, however, no one would dress so lightly.
Once Yu Jiuzhou was ready, the group set off for Hanyuan Hall.
Yu Jiuzhou rode in a palanquin, with everyone else walking alongside.
Halfway there, they happened to encounter the Noble Consort, who was approaching from another path. But the Noble Consort’s procession, when compared to the Grand Princess’s palanquin, was like a small sorcerer meeting a great one—completely overshadowed.
On its own, the Noble Consort’s procession was quite magnificent, but some things simply couldn’t be compared. In comparison, it was nothing.
When two parties met, one had to yield. Yu Jiuzhou was the legitimate Grand Princess. Even the Emperor’s consorts had to perform a half-bow upon seeing her. The only ones the Grand Princess would yield to were the Emperor and Empress, and Great Zhou currently had no Empress Dowager.
Seizing the opportunity, Xia Qu shouted, “Her Highness the Grand Princess arrives! Make way!”
The Noble Consort gripped the armrest of her palanquin, her fingertips turning white. “Let me down.”
The Noble Consort dismounted and led the way in bowing. She performed a half-bow, while those behind her performed a full one.
The Grand Princess’s procession was on a scale the Noble Consort could never match. The number of ceremonial umbrellas, regalia, and fans was greater, and they were more exquisitely crafted and luxurious. Her retinue was also larger.
Besides her personal female officials, the number of palace maids and eunuchs attending Yu Jiuzhou numbered in the dozens. This was within the Imperial Palace, where she couldn’t bring too many people. If they were outside, there would also be guards and others; each outing would involve at least one or two thousand people. When the legitimate Grand Princess traveled, her procession was comparable to the Emperor’s.
Yu Jiuzhou was inside the curtained palanquin, her expression hidden from view. The procession simply passed the Noble Consort by.
Chi Wan couldn’t see Yu Jiuzhou’s expression, but she saw the Noble Consort’s dark, sullen face. It was clear she was deeply resentful.
But the only people who did not have to bow to the Grand Princess were the Emperor and Empress. The Noble Consort’s ambitions were quite large indeed.
Chi Wan wrapped her cloak tighter. The north wind was biting. The Noble Consort was wearing a low-cut dress; stepping out of her palanquin like that, she was probably freezing to death.
The titled ladies following the Noble Consort felt as if they had swallowed flies. The Empress was frail and easy to deal with, but the Grand Princess was trusted by the Emperor, who even consulted her on matters of state. They must have been out of their minds to accept the Noble Consort’s invitation to her palace.
“Your Highness, the Noble Consort is following behind us.”
The Noble Consort kept a distance of about two hundred meters, neither too close nor too far.
Yu Jiuzhou chuckled softly and ordered, “Slow down.”
Chi Wan looked up and somewhat understood her meaning. This woman was truly black-bellied.
When they arrived at Hanyuan Hall, everyone was present except for the Emperor and Empress.
Yu Jiuzhou alighted from her palanquin and walked into the hall. Chun Gui announced in a loud voice, “The Grand Princess has arrived.”
All the ministers knelt. “We humbly greet the Grand Princess.”
On one side, the civil officials in their red robes, and on the other, the nobles in their purple robes, all bowed in salute. Prince Zhongshan, Prince Ying, and Prince Bao’an were no exception.
They were princes, but only commandery princes, not princes of the blood. They weren’t even the Emperor’s biological sons, nor were they Yu Jiuzhou’s cousins. Upon seeing the legitimate Grand Princess, they could only bow.
Yu Jiuzhou raised a hand. “I am well.”
The ministers bowed once more before rising.
Yu Jiuzhou naturally took the seat of honor to the left. Chi Wan, not understanding the seating arrangements, whispered, “Your Highness, where do I sit?”
Yu Jiuzhou was speechless. She then glanced at the table next to her, indicating that Chi Wan should sit there.
Chi Wan obediently sat down. The three princes, who had been standing nearby, had all wanted to sit there. That was why they had been loitering, hoping to claim that spot.
In seating, the left was the position of honor. The first seat on the left was undoubtedly Yu Jiuzhou’s, and all three princes coveted the second seat on the left.
Seeing Yu Jiuzhou have Chi Wan sit there, Prince Bao’an immediately took the first seat on the right. Prince Zhongshan and Prince Ying were furious, but they couldn’t say anything at that moment.
Prince Zhongshan shot Chi Wan a hateful glare before sitting in the second seat on the right. He was unwilling to sit in a position subordinate to Chi Wan.
Prince Ying sat down in the third seat on the left with a cheerful smile. He was chubby, and his smile was very amiable, showing no sign of displeasure.
Prince Zhongshan looked like a boorish warrior, very rough around the edges. In contrast, Prince Bao’an was a handsome young scholar.
Seeing Prince Zhongshan take the second seat on the right, Prince Bao’an feigned confusion. “I thought you would sit next to Her Highness the Grand Princess, brother. It was rude of me. Shall we switch seats?”
Prince Zhongshan was speechless. He had always detested pretty-boy scholars—they looked frail but were full of wicked schemes.
Just like a moment ago, while he wasn’t paying attention, Bao’an had snatched the first seat on the right. So disrespectful, so improper.
Prince Bao’an maintained a low profile, but he had been summoned to the capital by the Emperor. On the surface, nothing was said, only that His Majesty was getting old and wanted some young people in the capital. In reality, it was to select an heir.
Now that he was here, even if he didn’t compete, others would force him to. So, he had to compete. Otherwise, the entire House of Bao’an would be destroyed. His father had died young, and he had to protect his mother and his younger siblings.
By vying for the first seat on the right, he would be in the Emperor’s constant line of sight. It was always good to be noticed more by His Majesty. Prince Zhongshan and Prince Ying both held important posts, while he alone currently had no official position.
Even Chi Wan had been appointed Magistrate of Qingyuan County. Although it was a minor post, it was a substantive and important one, offering a quick path to promotion and making her likely to be entrusted with significant responsibilities.
He didn’t understand. He had visited Yu Jiuzhou multiple times, but her attitude was always lukewarm. She would often refuse to see him. Even if she was the legitimate Grand Princess, wouldn’t the heir still be chosen from among them?
Prince Ying was kind-faced but cruel-hearted, and Prince Zhongshan was a brainless brute. No matter how you looked at it, he was the most suitable candidate for crown prince, and he would never be the type to discard an ally once he achieved his goal.
A Grand Princess would still have to rely on the Emperor in the future, yet Yu Jiuzhou couldn’t see this, ignoring all his overtures.
He had no idea what Yu Jiuzhou was thinking, supporting that good-for-nothing Chi Wan instead of helping him. He refused to believe that Chi Wan’s appointment as Magistrate of Qingyuan County was a whim of the Emperor’s; Yu Jiuzhou’s hand must have been involved.
A single word from Yu Jiuzhou could elevate a nobody to the magistrate of a capital county. If she were to fully support him, he would surely secure the position of crown prince.
Those two idiots, Prince Zhongshan and Prince Ying, didn’t understand the deeper meaning. Especially Prince Zhongshan, who had even offended Yu Jiuzhou by forcing her to marry a good-for-nothing.
But now, it seemed Yu Jiuzhou didn’t despise that good-for-nothing as much as he thought.
Prince Bao’an drained the wine in his cup, his heart filled with discontent, but his expression remained gentle and courteous, making others feel as if they were basking in a spring breeze.
Beside him, Prince Zhongshan glared viciously at him, then turned his glare to Chi Wan and Prince Ying.
Sensing his gaze, Chi Wan turned her head and asked, “Is there something wrong with Prince Zhongshan’s eyes?”
Yu Jiuzhou subconsciously glanced at Prince Zhongshan. His eyes were fixed on Chi Wan. When he saw Yu Jiuzhou looking at him, he quickly averted his gaze. He did it so hastily that his eye began to twitch, the lid jumping up and down in a rather amusing way.
Chi Wan lowered her eyes and chuckled softly. She hadn’t expected Prince Zhongshan to be so afraid of Yu Jiuzhou. In truth, Prince Zhongshan felt guilty, knowing his actions had been exposed and fearing that Yu Jiuzhou would settle the score with him.
He acted without thinking, then became fearful of the consequences.
Hearing the laughter beside her, Yu Jiuzhou’s lips curled into a smile for some reason.
Just then, a eunuch announced loudly, “His Majesty arrives.”
The ministers rose. Seeing the bright yellow figure on the dais, they proclaimed, “We humbly inquire after Your Majesty’s health.”
“We are well.”
The Shengyuan Emperor walked slowly to his seat and sat down. One glance was all it took for Chi Wan to know that the Emperor was in poor health.
After a pause of about three breaths, the Shengyuan Emperor finally spoke. “Be seated. It is New Year’s Eve; there is no need for excessive formality.”
Some words were meant to be heard, not heeded. Who would dare to be unrestrained in the Emperor’s presence?
Prince Zhongshan was the first to step forward. “Your Majesty, on this auspicious New Year’s Eve, the peace and prosperity of Great Zhou are all thanks to Your Majesty’s efforts. On this festive occasion, I wish Your Majesty good health and a continuation of this glorious era for a thousand autumns…”
“The Noble Consort arrives~”
Prince Zhongshan was speechless. The ministers were speechless. Even the Emperor was speechless.
The Empress had excused herself due to illness, so the Shengyuan Emperor had summoned the Noble Consort. But why was she causing such a scene?
The next second, the Minister of Rites stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present.”
The assembled officials immediately turned their attention to him. The Minister of Rites, Xie Xuanfeng, spoke in a clear voice, “Your Majesty has already arrived, yet the Noble Consort is only just arriving. I impeach the Noble Consort for showing contempt for imperial authority.”
With a single sentence, he had condemned the Noble Consort. Contempt for the Emperor was a crime she could not afford to bear.
At this moment, Prince Ying leaned closer to Chi Wan and said with a smile, “Minister Xie is from the Xie family of Kuaiji.”
Chi Wan turned to see a large, plump face and immediately gave a dry laugh. “Oh.”
Although she didn’t know what the Xie family was, she knew that ancient times had aristocratic clans, and most of the scholar-officials at court came from such families.
Oh?
Prince Ying was momentarily stunned by her reaction. Then he added, “Minister Xie is one of Prince Zhongshan’s men. The Noble Consort is from the Xue family, and Danfeng is Prince Bao’an’s fiefdom.”
“Mm.” So they’re from the same area. No wonder they could get involved with each other.
Prince Ying was speechless.
Chi Wan adhered to the principle that the outside world was too dangerous and people were too devious, so she would speak as little as possible.
Evidently, the Prince couldn’t stand the cold shoulder either and immediately stopped talking to her.
Yu Jiuzhou had a clear view of their interaction and had overheard their conversation. Chi Wan was quite a character.
Among the three princes, Prince Ying had the best background. His fiefdom, Jinshui, had well-developed irrigation, a thousand li of fertile fields, and extremely abundant grain production, comparable to the Guanzhong Plain or the Jiangnan region.
With such a fiefdom, Prince Ying was also the wealthiest of the three princes. He was also a skilled businessman who carried gold beans with him, tossing them to people he met, giving off the impression of being kind, foolish, and rich.
Prince Zhongshan’s fiefdom was Huai’an, which bordered the northern steppes. Further north was the state of Ning. Having a fiefdom there was akin to a vassal king guarding the nation’s borders.
Prince Zhongshan’s great-grandfather and Yu Jiuzhou’s great-grandfather were siblings. One became the emperor, the other guarded the border—a rare instance of kinship within the imperial family.
It was because of this connection that the Shengyuan Emperor had thought of Prince Zhongshan when his ministers suggested searching for a Qian Yuan from the imperial clan.
Prince Bao’an and Prince Ying were both brought in because their fathers had passed away. Prince Bao’an’s fiefdom was also good, with high grain yields. However, for the sake of his reputation, he had forgone the vassal king’s tax revenue, giving it all to the court. Otherwise, with so many who had lost their fathers, he would never have made it to the capital.
Seeing Xie Xuanfeng attack the Noble Consort, Prince Bao’an’s expression soured slightly. Noble Consort Xue was from the Xue family of Danfeng, and Danfeng was indeed his fiefdom, but his reputation for not associating with others was already well-known.
He, Yu Yichen, had been taught by his father since childhood to never associate with officials and to keep his distance from aristocratic families. To ensure he could smoothly inherit the title after his death, his father had not hesitated to donate all the tax revenue from their fiefdom and instructed him to do the same in the future.
Among the common people, his reputation was that of a virtuous prince. In the eyes of court officials, he was aloof. Although those people had no intention of pledging allegiance to him, those who had no hope of siding with Prince Ying or Prince Zhongshan still wanted to approach him.
But he had his pride. He had no use for officials who only came to him after failing to join others. Besides, his residence had its own tutors and chief clerks. Though his power was weak, he was not without capable men.
Chi Wan, having read the novel, naturally knew how difficult Prince Bao’an’s early days were. It wasn’t until he collaborated with Yu Jiuzhou that he gradually built his own faction. After ascending the throne, without Yu Jiuzhou, his decrees couldn’t even leave the capital.
One could say that Yu Jiuzhou single-handedly helped him ascend the throne and stabilize the realm. Yet, the first thing he did after securing his position was to break his promise, refusing to honor the Shengyuan Emperor as his father and instead posthumously elevating his own father to emperor.
At the time, Yu Jiuzhou had not brought up these matters. It was he who, in order to secure their cooperation, had proposed honoring the Shengyuan Emperor as his father. Once his wings were fully grown, he completely disregarded his promise.
The more Xie Xuanfeng attacked, the more she enjoyed watching.
With the matter raised publicly by a minister, the Emperor said coldly, “Send the Noble Consort back. She is to be confined for one month and forbidden from leaving her palace.”
“Your Majesty is wise.”
Only then did Xie Xuanfeng return to his seat.
At this moment, Prince Zhongshan cleared his throat and offered his congratulations again, but the earlier enthusiasm was gone. Instead, the atmosphere turned awkward.
The Grand Princess had not yet spoken, yet he had rushed to be the first to offer blessings. He was really showing off.
After Prince Zhongshan finished, neither Prince Ying nor Prince Bao’an rose. They were waiting for Yu Jiuzhou to offer her blessings first, which made Prince Zhongshan seem all the more ill-mannered.
The Shengyuan Emperor also realized this. Even if he didn’t think Yu Jiuzhou could inherit the throne, even if the imperial family’s dignity was more important to him than she was, she was still his biological daughter, the Grand Princess of Qin he had personally enfeoffed—a title second only to the Crown Prince.
What did Prince Zhongshan mean by this? Did he not hold his daughter in regard? If he was like this now, would he still respect him as a father in the future? Would he treat his daughter well?
The Shengyuan Emperor looked at him coolly, then announced in a loud voice, “Today is New Year’s Eve. We shall drink with all our ministers.”
The ministers shouted, “A toast to Your Majesty! May Your Majesty be well! Long live the Emperor, for ten thousand years!”
This was the first time Chi Wan had experienced such a scene firsthand, feeling the fierce loyalty of everyone present towards their sovereign. Perhaps some were feigning it, but at this moment, no one dared not to.
The Shengyuan Emperor’s gaze swept over the ministers, lingering on the faces of the three princes, then on Chi Wan’s face, before finally meeting Yu Jiuzhou’s eyes.
He had always felt that if Yu Jiuzhou were a Qian Yuan, she would surely be a sagacious ruler, and he would be able to face his ancestors in the afterlife. Unfortunately, she was not a Qian Yuan.
However, he had been feeling unwell recently, and the three princes were becoming more and more active. He wasn’t dead yet! This throne was his to give to whomever he pleased. Anyone who tried to snatch it would have to face his wrath.
But the three princes were grown, and he was old. He could no longer stop the court officials from choosing sides. If he were to be bedridden, even if there was a chance of recovery, the three princes would surely not save him. They would only want him to die sooner so they could ascend the throne earlier.
Initially, he had thought to summon the three princes to the capital to create a tripartite balance of power. Things had developed as he had expected: the three princes vied for power, and the court officials took sides, which indirectly stabilized his imperial authority. All he had to do was steer the course.
As he grew older, it became more and more taxing. He urgently needed someone to help him at the helm. He had originally considered the Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, Gao Zheng, but that man was a slippery character who made a point of offending no one—not the Emperor, and certainly not a future crown prince.
To ensure a peaceful old age and that his affairs after death would be handled as he wished, he had to support another person. The best candidate was his own biological daughter, Yu Jiuzhou.
The Grand Princess of Qin had the right to participate in politics. After what had just happened, the Shengyuan Emperor felt an even more urgent need to cultivate Yu Jiuzhou into a State-Assisting Grand Princess, a State-Supervising Grand Princess, and when the new emperor ascended the throne, a Princess Regent.
When he first ascended the throne, he had fought with the Grand Secretariat, with the entire court of scholar-officials, and with the Empress Dowager in the inner palace, ultimately securing the power of the emperor. How could he allow the empire he had fought for his entire life to be taken by a Qian Yuan who was not his own flesh and blood? At least, not easily.
The Shengyuan Emperor believed that with his own daughter as Princess Regent, he would at least have a grand funeral. He would still be the Emperor of Great Zhou, the ancestor of the emperors of Great Zhou.
What he could not tolerate was his chosen heir, after ascending the throne, honoring his own biological father as emperor. That would make him, his imperial father, and his imperial grandfather all look like a joke.
The Shengyuan Emperor had thought for a long time and felt that the only person he could rely on was probably his own daughter.
After making this decision in his heart, he still didn’t want Yu Jiuzhou’s power to become too great, to the point where she could step on his head. Thus, he kept her away from military authority, giving her only some minor and major tasks. As for marrying her to Chi Wan, it was to support the nobility, but more so to suppress her, to place a master troublemaker by her side, making it easier to deal with her in the future. After his death, he would naturally leave behind an edict allowing her to divorce or kill Chi Wan.
In short, if she agreed to marry Chi Wan, she would become the Grand Princess who would wield power in the future. If she didn’t agree? Then he couldn’t be blamed for forcing her to agree.
Fortunately, things were developing as he wished. The next step was to let Yu Jiuzhou grasp even greater power.
Zhou’er, you must not disappoint me!
The Shengyuan Emperor’s gaze was too complex, but in the end, only expectation remained. Yu Jiuzhou sneered inwardly. In her past life, she had been deceived by this very look from her imperial father.
On the surface, Yu Jiuzhou remained smiling, her gaze filled with reverence, love, gratitude, and reliance.
Such a look was very pleasing to the Shengyuan Emperor. He raised his cup and drained the tea within. “Alright, we are drinking on New Year’s Eve. There is no need for everyone to rise. Be seated.”
Who would have thought that the Shengyuan Emperor’s wine pot contained tea? This had been prepared by the eunuchs in advance. The Emperor could no longer drink alcohol, but he couldn’t let the outside world know how gravely ill he was.
The military officials had already started drinking. They came from the army; when His Majesty said to relax, they relaxed. The scholar-officials also began to raise their cups and recite poetry. It was the nobles, whose ancestors had come from the military, who remained quiet.
Chi Wan’s gaze fell upon the nobles, and her eyes met those of the Marquis of Huai’an’s family. The Marquis glared at her, the Marchioness looked at her with worry, and the Marquis’s heir looked smug.
So much for reporting me to the Emperor. Is this all you’ve got?
Chi Wan lowered her eyes and sneered. Just you wait.
Chun Gui and Xia Qu sensed the coldness emanating from their mistress and then saw the Fuma’s cold sneer. They exchanged a look and shook their heads in unison.
The music and dancing were lively, and the atmosphere was just right, but there was always someone who didn’t want the Shengyuan Emperor to have a good new year.
“Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present.”
After the performance ended, Wang Jin, the Prefect of Shengjing Prefecture, stepped out, holding a memorial in his hand.
The Shengyuan Emperor was furious. He slammed his cup down. “Wang Jin, today is New Year’s Eve.”
“Your Majesty, I have encountered an injustice. The common people are being oppressed. I can wait, but the people cannot.”
This statement put the Shengyuan Emperor in a difficult position. He had no choice but to address it.
“Approach and speak.”
Wang Jin strode forward with his head held high and bowed deeply to the Shengyuan Emperor. “Since my appointment as Prefect of Shengjing Prefecture, I have worked tirelessly day and night, not daring to slacken in the slightest, striving to live up to Your Majesty’s great trust. Recently, the people of Qingyuan County have accused the Grand Princess of annexing their fields and driving them to their deaths. This is a failure of my supervision, which has led to the people suffering harm. I dare not conceal this matter and implore Your Majesty to pass judgment.”
As soon as he finished speaking, many officials came forward to support him.
The New Year’s Eve banquet had just begun, and they were already pointing their swords at Yu Jiuzhou. Chi Wan tilted her head and asked, “Your Highness, whose man do you think he is?”
Who else could it be but Prince Zhongshan? He had made overtures, wanting to cooperate with Yu Jiuzhou, and had spoken so bluntly. She had, of course, refused, and as a result, Prince Zhongshan held a grudge.
Prince Zhongshan was a petty and ruthless man, incapable of doing anything good. But when it came to bad deeds, there was nothing he wouldn’t do, even if it was a thankless task.
He wanted to show Yu Jiuzhou the consequences of not cooperating with him.
Chi Wan didn’t know much about these matters, but she knew that tonight’s events would cause Yu Jiuzhou a great loss, especially to her reputation. Coupled with the series of attacks that followed, she was forced to cooperate with Prince Bao’an.
A corner of Yu Jiuzhou’s lips curled up. Only then did she answer Chi Wan, “One of the three princes.”
There was nothing wrong with that statement. Chi Wan smiled, raised her eyebrows, and stood up, shouting at the same time, “Your Majesty!”
Her shout startled the Shengyuan Emperor, whose face was flushed with anger. He had read the memorial Wang Jin submitted and was furious with Yu Jiuzhou. Hadn’t he bestowed enough upon the Princess’s Residence? How could she compete with the common people for profit, annex their fields, and even cause someone’s death? Most importantly, how could she let it be exposed?
The Shengyuan Emperor knew that Wang Jin was Prince Zhongshan’s man, but seeing so many officials step forward, he remained silent and grim. While he was displeased with Yu Jiuzhou, he was also deeply wary of Prince Zhongshan.
The next second, Chi Wan’s loud cry startled the Shengyuan Emperor, and he suddenly remembered her memorial. That’s not right. Didn’t Chi Wan’s memorial say that it was the House of Huai’an that was annexing fields and driving people to their deaths?
So, was Wang Jin’s accusation against Zhou’er made in ignorance, or was it a conspiracy by Prince Zhongshan?
Chi Wan stepped forward, her voice clear and bright. “Your Majesty, I also have a memorial to present.”
Before she could continue, Wang Jin interrupted loudly, “Your Majesty, I presented mine first.”
Zhang He and his nephew Zhang Quan had returned to the capital. Zhang Quan was in a daze. A physician had examined him and removed a silver needle from the top of his head. Zhang Quan had relayed the message Chi Wan had given him to Prince Zhongshan.
If Chi Wan were to speak now, she would surely be defending the Grand Princess.
Ancient Chinese Measurements:
- Li (里): A traditional unit of distance. Its length has varied over time, but during many dynasties, it was approximately 500–600 meters (roughly 1/3 of a mile).
- Chi (尺): A traditional unit of length, often called a “Chinese foot.” It was approximately 23–33 cm (9–13 inches), varying by dynasty.
- Cun (寸): A unit of length equal to 1/10 of a chi, often called a “Chinese inch.”
- Zhang (丈): A unit of length equal to 10 chi.
- Mu (亩/畝): A unit of area. The exact size varied, but it was typically about 614–720 square meters (roughly 0.15–0.18 acres).
- Qing (顷/頃): A large unit of area equal to 100 mu.
- Jin (斤): A unit of weight, traditionally about 500–600 grams (1.1–1.3 pounds). It is often translated as “catty.”
- Liang (两/兩): A unit of weight equal to 1/16 of a jin, approximately 30–40 grams. It is often translated as “tael.”
- Shi (石) / Dan (石): A unit of capacity for grain, also used as a unit of weight. As capacity, it was often around 60–100 liters. As weight, it equaled 120 jin. The character 石 is pronounced shí when referring to capacity and dàn when used as a weight unit in modern Mandarin, though the term dan is more commonly used in historical context in English.
- Dou (斗): A unit of capacity equal to 1/10 of a dan.
- Sheng (升): A unit of capacity equal to 1/10 of a dou. It was typically around 1 liter.
Note: The exact values of these measurements fluctuated across different dynasties and regions. The equivalents given are common approximations.
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