Capture the Jade

Teng Yuyi returned to the mansion, and the more she thought about this matter, the more it felt strange. In the evening, father returned to the mansion, and had Cheng Bo call her to the study room. 

“Attentively tell father about what happened in the palace today.” 

Teng Yuyi also knew that this matter was very important; therefore, she spoke about the matters that happened today in full detail. 

Teng Shao quietly listened, and his face remained calm: “Father is asking you, if the Emperor had long already set a rule that does not allow a prince to take in a concubine, would you still insist on not wanting to marry into the imperial family?” 

Teng Yuyi said oddly: “How could a prince not take in a concubine? In order to pass on the throne, the opening of the dynasty had already set four-sided rules.” 

Teng Shao said: “Don’t forget, the Emperor is a ready-made example. The Emperor had once vowed to not expand the inner palace because of his deceased mother’s misfortune and bitter experience.” 

Teng Yuyi was stunned. It’s no wonder that the Empress’s smile was so thought-provoking today as the Emperor has never taken in a concubine. It was heard that the Emperor is the eldest son of the former emperor. The former emperor’s side concubine who was pampered and favored, was harmed into becoming destitute1destitute = lacking something needed or desirable, like being poor or in poverty. Later, he was raised by the Taoist Chief, Qing Xuzi, and only after several twists and turns, was he able to recognize his ancestors and return to the sect. 

The Emperor and Empress had known each other since youth, and the two had mutually helped each other in humble circumstances. Ever since he inherited the throne, the Emperor did indeed only love the Empress alone for the past many years. 

She recalled that pair of boots behind the folding screen2Folding screen, 屏风 = also called a room divider, is a type of free-standing furniture consisting of several frames or panels, and usually decorated with beautiful art: “Could it be that the person was the crown prince?”  

Teng Shao secretly pondered. If it was the crown prince who stayed behind the folding screen to listen to Yuyi’s answer, then Is it the Empress’s idea or the crown prince’s?

He speculated and said: “Your name is still on the selection list for the crown princess. If you act recklessly, I’m afraid it will offend the palace, but you also don’t really need to be worried, the crown prince’s choice of concubine is related to the foundation of the country, and it affects the whole nation. You are not the only one on the list, and as long as it is not settled for a single day, it means that one can not be reassured for one more day. Father will try his best, and there will be news in a few days.” 

Teng Yuyi waited patiently for two days. On the day of the Winter Solstice, the wintersweets3Wintersweet = is a flower/shrub that’s native to China in the palace garden were fully bloomed in one night, and the Empress set up a banquet in the palace to appreciate the flowers. She once again issued a decree to have Teng Yuyi enter the palace.

Teng Shao was frequently ordered to enter the palace because of the recent disturbances in a town in Huai Xi. He was repeatedly receiving orders to enter the palace, and when the messenger from the palace came to issue the decree, Teng Shao was not in the mansion.   

Teng Yuyi did not have time to send a letter to her father so she hastily took Duan Fu with her and left the mansion. After arriving at the palace, she instructed Duan Fu to wait outside, and entered the palace under the guidance of the servants. 

The snow was very heavy, and in just one night, the Beiquezhu palace seemed to be standing in a glazed world. That continuous white seemed to have spread all the way to the end of the sky to the palace. However, turning over the palace wall, there was a large amount of red that unexpectedly appeared in the large white world. Looking at it closer, it was actually the red merlins outside of the Daming palace. The ten of thousands of merlin trees swayed along with the branches, raising up a kind of Penglai’s wonderland4one of three fabled islands in Eastern sea, abode of immortals/by extension, fairyland atmosphere. 

Teng Yuyi walked through the merlin trees, following the servants. When she was turning to pass a secluded pavilion, she suddenly saw a crowd of people standing abide under a tree. 

“Little princess, little princess, come down quickly. If there is an accident at any chance, we, servants can only pay with death.” 

“Brother A Da was just drinking wine on the tree just now, why didn’t I see you all be noisy with him?” 

“The prince can leap onto roofs and vault over walls5associated with knowing martial arts, and merely just a plum flower tree is considered nothing to him. We, servants, are not worried that the prince will fall off, so naturally there is no need to be noisy.”

“Bang.” A huge plum suddenly fell down from the treetop, and coincidentally hit that palace servant. 

The palace servant made an “ouch” sound, and placed his hand on his forehead while bending down. 

“I don’t know qinggong6轻功, Qinggong =  is a training technique for jumping off vertical surfaces from the Chinese martial art, but I have concealed weapons. If you are still pesky, I will smash out eight to ten bulges on your head.” 

The other girl said: “A’zhi, you have a lot of strength right now. When Brother A Da exposed that Lady Xu, why didn’t I see you smash her with plums?” 

The one called A’zhi said: “With brother there, do I still need to take action?” 

“That’s true.” The other girl seemed to be a little older, “I thought that this time, Brother A Da will finally be willing to propose a marriage, but I didn’t expect that this A Gu was an impersonation.” 

“Brother has said, repaying kindness is repaying kindness, and proposing a marriage is proposing a marriage. He won’t marry a woman inexplicably just because he wants to repay kindness. However, brother did not expect that someone would actually dare to impersonate that A Gu.” 

“How does he know that person is not A Gu?” 

“I also want to know.” A’zhi was resentful, “But brother was not willing to tell me.” 

The palace servant heavily coughed, stiffened his scalp and went forward: “This servant pays respect to Princess Changyi and Princess Jingde.” 

The treetops rustled lightly, and the person on top looked down: “Hey, Eunuch Li, who is she? Is she also here for the banquet?” 

The palace servant bowed and said: “This is the daughter of General Teng. At the order of the Empress, she is going to the Daming Palace to pay respects.” 

Teng Yuyi looked up. The branches and leaves of the plum tree were sparse, and she could not see the heads and faces of the people on the tree. However she could see the elegant and beautiful waistband of a skirt hanging down. 

She bent her knees under the tree: “I, your servant, Teng Yuyi, pays respect to the two highnesses.” 

“Where are you from? Why haven’t I ever seen you before?” 

Teng Yuyi raised her head and replied: “I lived in Yangzhou before, and have returned to Chang’an less than a year ago. In the past, I rarely walked around the palace so it is not strange that your Highness has never seen me around before.”  

When A’zhi heard the two words “Yangzhou”, her reaction seemed very odd: “Ah, why is it that so many young ladies from Yangzhou appeared all of a sudden recently. Don’t tell me your nickname is also A Gu.” 

Teng Yuyi said in her heart that it was right to call her A Gu for some time, but it was a name she gave herself and in her memory, she has never mentioned it to other people before. She is the only one who knows. 

“Replying to the words of Your Highness, my nickname is A Yu, and ever since I was born, this is what my mother and father called me.” 

Princess Changyi seemed to be relieved: “Okay, not called A Gu. You are very smart and discreet. I want to get to know you well. You move a little to the side, I am coming down.” 

A’zhi also hurriedly said: “Wait for me, I am also coming down.” 

There was another rustling noise, and the palace servants rushed to change their positions, and all at one, they were in a mess.

Teng Yuyi avoided and hid in a far distance. The palace servant exclaimed and took the lead to help one down at a time. 

Teng Yuyi looked over. That young girl was eleven or twelve years old and her smile was very innocent. Her eyes were big and round, and her overall appearance was very beautiful. 

After a moment, the other one also came down. This person seemed to have some foundation of martial arts. After falling to the ground, she only stumbled for a little bit, and quickly was able to stand firmly. Her age was even younger and her body was also shorter and round. A pair of watery and bright eyes with a face full of innocence and tenderness. 

The two young girls wore a jade hairpin, and every movement was so noble that it cannot be expressed with words. 

The girl who was a little bit older approached Teng Yuyi and attentively looked at her: “Not bad, not bad. Although both are from Yangzhou, you are much more pleasing to the eye than that Lady Xu who pretended to be A Gu.” 

Teng Yuyi listened to her, and knew that she was Princess Changyi. 

The other one is probably Lin Chengyou’s younger sister. Although she is very young, she had clear skin and a jade-like appearance. At a glance, one would know that she was the embryo of a beauty. Her eyebrows have some similarities with her older brother, Lin Chengyou. She also laughs before speaking, and her appearance would definitely not be unpleasant to the eyes of others either. 

“Were the two Highnesses looking for a magpie’s nest in the tree just now?” 

Princess Changyi’s eyes slightly widened: “How do you know we were looking for a magpie’s nest7Magpie = Black and white bellied bird? These stupid servants only took it as if we were picking flowers. You are the only one who was able to guess that we are looking for a bird’s nest.” 

A’zhi was still very young, and she tilted her head and asked: “That’s right, that’s right, how do you know?” 

Teng Yuyi smiled in her heart. What is the point of picking flowers? When she felt lonely as a child, she would often climb up a tree to look for a bird’s nest. She would then take her leftover pastries and throw them in to tease those young chicks, causing them to chatter and chirp. 

“The merlin trees in the palace have long been specially reserved, and the two Highnesses want to appreciate the plums, and naturally there are palace servants who cut them down and send them to the Qin Palace. In such cold weather, it is not worth it to climb trees. In addition to plum blossoms, there are only bird’s nests left.” 

Changyi thought for a while: “Hey, it seems to be quite reasonable. Seeing that you are calm and gentle, even I can understand this. Oh, I know, you must have dug a good amount of bird’s nests before.” 

Before Teng Yuyi could reply, someone suddenly laughed: “Changyi, do you think that everyone is as naughty as you?” 

Teng Yuyi turned her head, and saw a young man striding over. He wore a golden crown and an imperial robe, with an upright and tall figure and a jade fish pouch8FYI, fish pouches were worn by royalties during the Tang and Song dynasties and gold ornament fish pouches were used for those above the third rank hanging from his waist. 

Teng Yuyi recognized that it was the crown prince, and hurriedly retreated to the side. 

The palace servants were startled, and hurriedly knelt down: “His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.” 

The crown prince’s face was slightly squared, yet his facial features were very outstanding and handsome. He said softly: “All of you can get up.” 

A’zhi and Changyi could not help, but run towards the crown prince: “Brother Crown Prince.” 

(TL’s note: I feel like like “Brother Crown Prince” sounds weird in english, but in chinese, it does sound normal and that is what they are saying) 

“The weather is so cold, and you two are not returning to the Qin Palace. What are you two doing in the forest?” 

I was looking for a magpie’s nest with A’zhi on the tree, and then this A Yu came. I saw that she is very interesting and wanted to become friends with her.” Changyi said, turned around and pointed at Teng Yuyi. 

Teng Yuyi felt that two gazes swept towards her, and she lowered her head. 

The crown prince quietly looked at Teng Yuyi, then asked A’zhi and Changyi: “What did you guys talk about?” 

A’zhi said: “A Yu said that although she is from Yangzhou, she is not called A Gu. Moreover, as soon as she opened her mouth, she guessed that we were looking for a magpie’s nest.” 

The crown prince turned to Teng Yuyi and asked: “You are from Yangzhou?” 

Teng Yuyi looked left and right, realizing that the crown prince was talking to her. She hurriedly said: “Replying to the words of His Highness, although this servant girl has lived in Yangzhou for a long time, my father and mother are both from Guanlong.” 

The crown prince smiled: “Your father is Teng Shao?” 

Teng Yuyi said: “Yes” 

“When I went out with the army that year, It was General Teng who I gained experience from. No wonder I thought that you were familiar when I looked at you. You look a little similar to your father.” 

Changyi was curious and said: “Older brother, do you also want to chat with A Yu too?” 

The crown prince coughed: “Your hands are so cold. How long have you two been nesting on the tree? How did all of you serve the princess, even a hand warmer was not brought?”  

The palace servant hurriedly brought a heater over. 

The crown prince said: “You two are fooling around and even causing the servants to also suffer from fright and alertness. Mother had sent people to come find you two and you two instead hid in the tree without making a sound. If you two are this mischievous next time, don’t expect me to help cover up for you. Go, if you two continue to stay here, you two will catch a cold. I was just about to go see mother to pay respects so I will accompany you two back to the palace.” 

A’zhi asked: “Brother Crown Prince, have you seen Brother A Da?”

The crown prince said patiently: “He is outside with people shooting arrows for fun. He is too worried about being restrained so how could he be willing to come to the inner garden.” 

The three of them walked as they spoke, and a group of servants followed behind them. 

Changyi took two steps, loosened the crown prince’s hand, and ran to Teng Yuyi: “How old are you?” 

“Replying to the words of Her Highness, this servant is fifteen.” 

Changyu bent her fingers and counted: “Four years older than me, and five years old than A’zhi. We know each other now, and from now on, I will call you A Yu.” 

She immediately lowered her voice, and her eyes were glistening: “I know that you have dug magpie’s nests before, and it will be up to you next time.”

Teng Yuyi blinked her eyes: “I haven’t dug a magpie’s nest in a long time, and my hands have long been inexperienced. Moreover, the northern land is different from the southern land so if I don’t find one, Her Highness must not blame me.”  

Changyi was stunned, and giggled: “Don’t call me princess, call me Changyi instead.” 

A’zhi rushed over joyfully: “What are you guys whispering about? A Yu, we will find you to play after the banquet so don’t randomly leave.” 

The two returned to the crown prince’s side, and the group of people walked forward again. 

The crown prince turned his head to glance at Teng Yuyi, then suddenly stopped his steps, and said in a gentle tone: “It’s rare to see that Changyi and A’zhi both like you. In the future, you can often come to the palace and walk around.” 

Teng Yuyi complied. When she lowered her head, she swept past the crown prince’s feet. There was a “thump” in her heart, and she suddenly remembered that folding screen in the Empress’s palace that day. That person was also wearing these black letter six-seamed boots. 

Because it was the Great Dynasty Meeting of the Winter Solstice, this time is different from last time, and even the Manchu women have come. 

The Empress called Teng Yuyi to the front and asked her a few words, rewarding her with two packs of spices in front of everyone. 

The spices were white like a cocoon, and had a faint and unusual fragrance that penetrates deeply into one’s heart. 

Everyone in the hall was a bit surprised, and Teng Yuyi was also stunned. Yangzhou is a big city. She has stayed in Yangzhou for all these years, and has seen many foreigners bring different fragrances from various countries. The condition of the spices in front of her can be considered very special and unique. 

The Empress said: “This is the fragrance of dipterocarpus turbinatus9Dipterocarpus turbinatus = this is a type of tree native to Asia and in china, it is cultivated as as a medicinal and as a perfume plant, known as ‘The crown of a hundred medicines’. Last year, Brunei gifted it, and there are only eight pieces in the palace. I heard that you contracted a cold after returning to Chang’an, and the cause should be that you have not gotten used to the sudden change in the environment. This fragrance has the effect of being able to expel and resist the cold. It may be able to help treat your cold.” 

Teng Yuyi said frighteningly: “This incense is extraordinary. Niangniang10Niangniang = a term for use when addressing an empress or a consort should use this fragrance to take care of her body. This servant is virtuous and does not have much use for it. I absolutely do not dare to accept this.”

The Empress smiled and said: “Bengong11本宮, Bengong = is a way a royal family member address him or herself, basically saying “I, who owns this palace rewards you so you should accept it. All that exists is carefully selected for a reason, and it is the same for gift-giving. The children in the palace do not like to use fragrance, and it would be a waste if it is given to them. You take it and use it. If it’s useful, come back and tell Bengong.”  

Teng Yuyi could only kowtow12Kowtow = traditional greeting, esp. to a superior, involving kneeling and pressing one’s forehead to the ground to the Empress to express her thankfulness. The Empress then took out a few more silk fabrics, and with a smile, she rewarded it to the noble daughter who came with Teng Yuyi. 

On the left of where Teng Yuyi sat, it was the granddaughter of Deng Zhiyao, a senior secretary official while on the right was the second daughter of Wu Ruyun, a imperial censor deputy. Perhaps it was because the Empress rewarded her with the dipterocarpus turbinatus fragrance, when she was eating, she could always feel gazes from all directions. 

After the banquet dispersed, Teng Yuyi left the palace along the original road, and all along she did not see Princess A’zhi or Princess Changyi. It seems that it is just a young child’s nature and in a turn of a head, the words that were said could be just forgotten. 

After returning to the mansion, Teng Yuyi put the spices on the table and insisted on waiting for her father to return to the mansion. 

Teng Shao did not appear until the middle of the night. As soon as he returned, he immediately ordered Cheng Bo to have Teng Yuyi come to the front courtyard. 

When Teng Yuyi arrived at the study room, Teng Shao was wearing a lightly draped robe, and was sitting in a lotus position on the couch, wiping his sword. 

She held the spices and went in. Everytime before father went on an expedition, he would wipe his armor and precious sword. It seems that he is going to lead the troops out of Chang’an again. 

“The Empress rewarded me with two dipterocarpus turbinatus fragrances.” Teng Yuyi put the spices on the tray that was on a long narrow table, and said lightly. 

Teng Shao put the sword back into its scabbard: “The Empress also summoned Deng Zhiyao’s granddaughter and Wu Ruyun’s daughter into the palace today, what was rewarded to them?” 

“Eight strands of silk for each.” 

Teng Shao was silent: “Those two are also on the crown princess selection list. The Empress summoned the three of you into the palace, yet you were the only one given the dipterocarpus turbinatus fragrance. A Yu, do you know what the meaning of this is?” 

Teng Yuyi sneered: “Father has promised me that I could decide on my own marriage.” 

Teng Shao’s heart was disordered. He got up, pacing back and forth: “A Yu, this matter involves many things. Father will talk to you in full detail, and after this, you will know why the Empress made this move.” 

His brows pinched together. He said slowly: “You should know that there has been a lot of chaos among the towns of various regions for a long time. After the Emperor ascended the throne, he wholeheartedly wanted to cut down the vassal states and strengthen the imperial court. First was to sweep away Liu Cheng of the Jiannan province, and then suppress the rebellion of Wei Wenmao in the Qianzhong province, then the Huai Xi province. The Shaodong province refused to hand over the military troops to the imperial court, and in recent years, a large army has been secretly built up, and it has already become a problem for the imperial court.” 

Teng Yuyi said: “This daughter has heard about it long ago. However, what does it have to do with today’s events?” 

Teng Shao let out a deep sigh: “Last month, Peng Zhen, the provincial governor of the Huai Xi province, has already sent troops to invade the neighboring territory. Someone performed a secret recital in the imperial court, and the Emperor was furious like the sound of thunder, immediately writing an imperial decree to suppress the armed forces of the Huai Xi province. However the ministers objected to it, saying that the imperial court has been through a lot of battles, and the veterans soldiers have long been weary, mentioning that this matter of cutting down the vassal states should not be rushed and persuaded the Emperor to exhort soldiers by offering amnesty13Amnesty = the act of an authority (such as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals.” 

“The other group advocated to continue reducing the vassal states.” 

Teng Yuyi said: “Father himself advocates to continue reducing the vassal states.” 

Teng Shao nodded: “Peng Zhen has the ambition of wild wolves14“Ambition of wild wolves” = greedy and grasping mind, idiom, and secretly has the power to seize the Central Plains15Central Plain = the middle and lower regions of the Yellow river, including Henan, western Shandong, southern Shanxi and Hebei. The Huai Xi province is linked together with the Hebei province and Shandong province, and there will be a rebellion from one of the parties sooner or later. It is necessary to use troops as soon as possible, otherwise it will definitely become a future problem if nothing is done.” 

“Now the two groups of the imperial court are in a dialogue of deaf16“dialogue of deaf” = each sticks to his own thoughts, and completely ignoring others.” 

After an entire day of whines and complaints, the Emperor urgently summoned me back to Chang’an. I replied: If one move can defeat Peng Zhen’s rebel army, then the Hebei and Shandong provinces will naturally lack the spirit to fight. This move has hundreds of advantages and zero disadvantages. May the Emperor use the troops soon.” 

“The Emperor listened and was very pleased, and ordered me to be in charge of suppressing the armed forces of the Huai Xi province. However, several old ministers of the imperial court violently obstructed it, and the most violent were the senior secretary official, Deng Zhiyao, and the imperial censor deputy, Wu Ruyun.” 

Teng Yuyi suddenly realized: “Deng Zhiyao’s granddaughter and Wu Ruyun’s daughter are also on the selection list for the crown princess. The Empress rewarded me with a dipterocarpus turbinatus fragrance in their presence so it is most likely the Emperor’s meaning.” 

Teng Shao said: “The Emperor’s move is aimed at borrowing the hands of the Empress to intimidate the two old ministers: first it is to clearly indicate attitude, and second of all, it is also to beat the two. If it is further hindered, another minister’s daughter could be chosen as the crown princess.” 

Teng Yuyi’s face darkened: “Suppose that the two old ministers refuse to change their minds, wouldn’t the Emperor appoint me as the crown princess then?” 

Teng Shao smiled sarcastically: “Maybe they have already changed their minds. When father was returned to the mansion, Deng Zhiyao and Wu Rujun were about to go deliver official documents to the Emperor, but the Emperor said that he wanted to rest, and did not allow the two of them to enter the palace. I assume that tomorrow morning, Deng and Wu, the two of them will tactfully change their arguments. The Emperor was afraid of long nights and many dreams17metaphor makes it difficult to fall asleep because of something on the mind, and just waited for these old ministers to loosen their breath, then immediately ordered father to lead the troops to suppress the armed forces.”

Teng Yuyi swept a glance at the precious sword that father had put on the long narrow table. Her father wiped his armor in advance, is it because he knows that he will go into the battlefield soon? 

Teng Shao looked at his daughter: “A Yu, if the old ministers no longer oppose the idea of sending troops out tomorrow, the Emperor will keep the Deng and Wu’s daughters on the selection list in order to appease the hearts of the ministers.” 

Teng Yuyi slowly nodded: “Father has said so much to persuade me not to worry too much, because the Emperor and ministers are currently secretly fighting right now. The Emperor wants to restrict the several old ministers, so does that mean the Emperor won’t rashly appoint who takes the position of the crown princess?” 

Teng Shao’s eyes showed approval: “Exactly, since you told father that you do not want to marry into the imperial family, father has reported that this matter is refused, but father has always been in the factions that the imperial court most supported when it comes to reducing the vassal states. If the Emperor announced an imperial decree for having you removed from the selection list, it will definitely attract suspicion from both factions.” 

“Because of this, not only did the Emperor not promise father, but also ordered the Empress to show great regard for you. However, privately has told father: The children’s marriage affairs are up to them, and once the war in the Huai Xi province has calmed down, he will find a respectable reason for you to withdraw from the selection list if you are still not willing to marry the crown prince.” 

Teng Yuyi secretly pondered. The Emperor’s arrangement was far more wise and open-minded than she had thought. It’s just that everything has to wait until the war in the Huai Xi province is over. 

Teng Shao continued: “There is another matter that you need to know about. The crown prince also strongly advocates for reducing vassal states. Although the Empress’s reward for you is the Emperor’s idea, the crown prince at least knew about it and consented to it.” 

Teng Yuyi’s complexion changed slightly. 

Teng Shao raised his hand and pressed down: “Deng and Wu, the two of them have already been on the selection list for a long time, and you were only added at the last moment. Last time, at the Jade True Lady flower viewing banquet, it should be the first time the crown prince has seen you, but he has always been steady. Even if he has a good impression on you at the moment, he would still only make a decision after careful consideration. You can rest assured as the crown prince is a rare benevolent gentleman. He won’t force you or even more use secretive and shameful methods. You just need to pretend to be unfamiliar with the situation, and all things will wait until father returns from the Huai Xi province.” 

Teng Yuyi couldn’t help but say: “Father going to the battlefield this time, how long will it approximately take to return back to Chang’an?” 

“The shortest is three months, and the longest is half a year. You rest assured at home to recuperate. To pacify the Huai Xi province this time, all of the world’s military power belongs to the imperial court. Father will report of being sick at home recuperating, and concentrate on taking care of the marriage for you.” 

Teng Yuyi’s heart suddenly bounced. She deeply hated her father because of her mother’s tragic death. The amount of words she has said to her father over the years have not added to as much as tonight. She thought that father would spend his life handling military and urgent affairs, but tonight, he actually took the initiative to say that he wanted to report being sick at home recuperating. 

Hi! New part! I also just posted a new series I am translating called “The Words of the Number one”. I will be translating this novel and that one at the same time! Thank you for the support!

1destitute = lacking something needed or desirable, like being poor or in poverty2Folding screen, 屏风 = also called a room divider, is a type of free-standing furniture consisting of several frames or panels, and usually decorated with beautiful art3Wintersweet = is a flower/shrub that’s native to China4one of three fabled islands in Eastern sea, abode of immortals/by extension, fairyland5associated with knowing martial arts6轻功, Qinggong =  is a training technique for jumping off vertical surfaces from the Chinese martial art7Magpie = Black and white bellied bird8FYI, fish pouches were worn by royalties during the Tang and Song dynasties and gold ornament fish pouches were used for those above the third rank9Dipterocarpus turbinatus = this is a type of tree native to Asia and in china, it is cultivated as as a medicinal and as a perfume plant10Niangniang = a term for use when addressing an empress or a consort11本宮, Bengong = is a way a royal family member address him or herself, basically saying “I, who owns this palace12Kowtow = traditional greeting, esp. to a superior, involving kneeling and pressing one’s forehead to the ground13Amnesty = the act of an authority (such as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals14“Ambition of wild wolves” = greedy and grasping mind, idiom15Central Plain = the middle and lower regions of the Yellow river, including Henan, western Shandong, southern Shanxi and Hebei16“dialogue of deaf” = each sticks to his own thoughts, and completely ignoring others17metaphor makes it difficult to fall asleep because of something on the mind