I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 376 Zhao Yu, a man of wide interests

...

After leaving the stadium, Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women, along with Empress Qinxian and other Jin women, went to the leisure and entertainment center.

In the music room, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air. Palace ladies sat gracefully before their instruments, their fingers tracing the strings, the stirring strains of "Guangling San" and the lingering tranquility of "Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank" echoing in alternating waves. In the chess garden, black and white chess pieces silently battled on the board, each move crisp and clear, each step concealing a hidden strategy. Spectators held their breath, afraid to disturb the game played on this small scale. Inside the calligraphy and painting pavilion, the air was filled with the fragrance of ink. Some wielded their brushes, their strokes flowing like dragons and snakes, creating landscape paintings on Xuan paper, some bold and vibrant, others delicate and expressive. Others held wolf-hair brushes, inscribing poems on silk, their handwriting either graceful and elegant or vigorous and powerful.

Inside the Hall of Rites and Music, musical instruments such as chime bells, guzheng, and pipa are neatly arranged. Palace ladies, dressed in splendid attire, dance gracefully to the rhythm, their movements light and elegant, like butterflies fluttering. On the archery range, bows and arrows are arranged in neat rows. Palace ladies draw their bows, nock arrows, and with determined gazes, the arrows pierce the air, hitting the bullseye precisely. On the indoor horse arena, imperial horses gallop, and palace ladies, with upright postures, display superb horsemanship skills. In the study, palace ladies who look like students are engrossed in their studies, their desks piled high with classics and historical texts, occasionally discussing the profound meanings within the books. In the arithmetic room, the abacus clatters as palace ladies intently calculate complex arithmetic problems, their expressions serious.

Even more astonishingly, the harem contained many novel things that Wanyan Wule had never heard of before. At the mahjong table, four people sat around, rolling dice, drawing cards, and playing, their shouts and laughter rising and falling. In the card games, various variations like "Landlord" and "Upgrading" were played, with participants sometimes frowning and sometimes beaming. In the werewolf game room, people sat in a circle, relying on language and expressions to suspect each other, their deductions echoing throughout. At the murder mystery game scene, women dressed in costumes of their respective characters immersed themselves in the story, acting out joys and sorrows. In front of the indoor climbing wall, palace servants, secured by safety ropes, used both hands and feet to climb with all their might, challenging their physical limits.

In the swimming pool and on the golden beach, sunlight shines through the glass windows onto the soft sand, creating a shimmering effect. Palace ladies, dressed in light swimsuits, stroll along the beach or relax and chat under parasols. In the azure pool, water splashes as palace ladies frolic and play, some swimming freely in the clear water, others enjoying sunbathing by the poolside.

Needless to say, these were definitely Ye Shiyun's doing, and Zhao Yu helped her promote them.

Zhao Yu not only had a fondness for athletic and fit women, but also for women who were exceptionally intelligent and talented.

If a palace maid is not good at sports but is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, or has expertise in rites, music, archery, horsemanship, calligraphy, and mathematics, she can receive generous rewards as long as she displays her talents. She will also have the opportunity to be favored by the emperor and have a chance to showcase her talents.

Even if you don't have a talent for these areas, there's no need to worry.

The imperial harem regularly hosts various competitions, including mahjong, poker, werewolf games, murder mystery games, and indoor rock climbing. Zhao Yu would also attend these competitions in his spare time.

During the competition, whether one won first place, attracted everyone's attention with outstanding performance, or displayed unique charm, they could receive rewards from Zhao Yu and have the opportunity to serve him in bed.

Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women carefully observed and found that in this harem, all the palace servants had something to do, and there was absolutely no idleness or depression.

Even if you have no interest in sports, talents, or games, you can still go to the stadium to watch your favorite matches and pass the time.

Furthermore, Li Qingzhao and others spearheaded gambling activities, allowing people to gamble a little while watching the games, adding a touch of fun to the otherwise mundane life in the imperial harem.

Those who preferred quiet were also given ample freedom in the imperial harem.

They can grow flowers and plants, read books and enjoy tea in their own courtyards, and enjoy quiet time alone.

In terms of religious beliefs, Zhao Yu's open-mindedness is even more commendable.

The imperial harem did not prohibit any religion. Statues of the Three Pure Ones of Taoism, Buddhist statues, and shrines of Shamanism could all be found in the corresponding halls. Whether a palace woman believed in Taoism, Buddhism, Shamanism, or any other religion, as long as it did not affect her ability to serve the emperor, she did not force others to convert, she reported her religion in a timely manner before preaching, and she was kind-hearted and law-abiding, she was free to believe without interference.

The shock that Wanyan Wule and the other Goryeo women felt along the way was indescribable.

This inner palace of the Forbidden City is no longer the traditional cage that confines palace servants, but a vibrant and inclusive world where most palace servants can live a happy and peaceful life.

While Wanyan Wule and other Goryeo women were shocked, stunned, and incredulous, they also began to look forward to the fun, relatively free, and humane life in the harem.

On the other hand, although Jo Yu's harem was far more fun, free, and humane than Goryeo's Suchang Palace, most Goryeo women still felt somewhat uneasy and anxious, especially as night fell.

Because nighttime meant serving the emperor in bed.

Every woman in Goryeo couldn't help but wonder, 'Will His Majesty the Emperor of Song select me to serve him tonight? If I am chosen, what should I do?'

These Goryeo women's concerns were not unfounded, because soon, the ladies-in-waiting arrived at the Goryeo Palace and announced: Tonight, the eldest daughter of Yi Ja-gyeom, Queen Dowager Yi, the second daughter, Queen Dowager Sundeok (also known as Queen Dowager Mungyeong), the third daughter, Princess Yeondeok, and the fourth daughter, Princess Bokchangwon, will be attending to the emperor.

It is not difficult to see from this that Zhao Yu was about to enjoy the fruits of victory.

Seeing that Zhao Yu had chosen the four sisters right away instead of Wanyan Wule, who had made great contributions in the capture of Kaijing by the Song Dynasty, Li Ziqian's four daughters were both uneasy and secretly relieved, and even a little proud.

The four sisters knew that Zhao Yu did not choose Wanyan Wule mainly because Wanyan Wule was a person who had made meritorious contributions, and it was not appropriate to directly choose her; he had to give her some respect.

Even so, there were still powerful competitors such as Empress Dowager Wenzhen, née Wang.

Under these circumstances, Zhao Yu was able to choose the four sisters right away, which is something they could be proud of.

Crucially, the smoke of Goryeo's demise had not yet dissipated, and the tragic fate of the Goryeo royal family as prisoners was still vivid in their minds. The Incheon Yi clan, who had relied on the Goryeo royal family for survival for over two hundred years, were now merely remnants of the previous dynasty in Jo Yu's eyes. If they failed to gain Jo Yu's favor, they would at best be forgotten in a secluded corner of the palace, spending their days in quiet contemplation; at worst, they might become victims of court intrigues, and the Incheon Yi clan itself would be completely swallowed up by the tides of history.

On the eve of Goryeo's demise, their father, Yi Ja-gyeom, repeatedly instructed them that the Incheon Yi clan's ability to stand strong for over two centuries amidst Goryeo's turmoil was due to the many outstanding women in their family. Now, their entry into the Song Dynasty's imperial harem was a gamble for the family; every step concerned the safety of the entire clan. If they were not chosen, it meant they wouldn't even have the qualification to approach the core of power, and the family's two-hundred-year-old glory might end in their generation.

Now that Zhao Yu has chosen them right from the start, it is undoubtedly an excellent start.

Although the Palace Mistress of Yande Palace and the Courtyard Mistress of Fuchang Academy had already married Wang Kai, they were still virgins because Wang Kai was still young, which made them somewhat nervous.

Seeing this, Consort Li advised, "There is nothing to fear about being favored by the emperor. Just endure it for a moment, and you will feel no pain."

Consort Li was the first to marry Wang Yu, but unfortunately, she was never able to bear him any children. It was only then that Li Ziqian married Empress Dowager Shunde to Wang Yu.

Empress Dowager Shunde was more capable. After entering Wang Yu's harem, she not only gave birth to Wang Kai, but also two daughters—Princess Chengde and Princess Xingqing—who were later made empresses by Wang Yu. Because of this, Empress Dowager Shunde had more say in the Incheon Yi Clan. She said in a deep voice, "Judging from His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty's demeanor and actions, he is not a cruel and tyrannical person. You two do not need to worry about being punished for misbehaving."

With the comfort and reassurance of their two elder sisters, the Palace Mistress Yande and the Palace Master Fuchang felt somewhat at ease and began to actively prepare for the matter of serving the Emperor.

Revolt?

Refuse to comply?

Are you kidding me?!!!

Even with hundreds of thousands of troops from Goryeo, they couldn't stop the Song Dynasty from breaking through the capital and capturing them here. How could these few weak women possibly resist, and how dare they disobey?
Besides, they were at the mercy of others, no longer the queens and concubines of Wang Yu and Wang Kai, and their father, Yi Ziqian, was no longer the powerful minister who held sway over the court. In fact, even their Incheon Yi clan was on the verge of decline. To be honest, they were now just prisoners.

As prisoners, what other choices did they have?

The key point is that the person who wants them is Zhao Yu, the most powerful emperor of the Song Dynasty in the world at that time.

Even if they are resentful, what can they do?
The crucial point is that if they don't seize this opportunity to successfully conceive Zhao Yu's child, the Incheon Yi clan will have absolutely no chance of turning their lives around.

Knowing that her two younger sisters had no experience serving men, Consort Li and Empress Dowager Shunde secretly passed on some of their unique skills to their sisters.

The Palace Mistress of Yande Palace and the Headmaster of Fuchang Academy blushed deeply, lowering their heads in embarrassment. The Headmaster of Fuchang Academy even whispered, "Why bother?"

Empress Dowager Shunde poked the head of Fuchang Academy with her index finger and said with exasperation, "Do you know why my elder sister is not favored by His Majesty, while I have given birth to one son and two daughters for His Majesty? It is all because my elder sister was like you two and refused to study this art diligently, while I studied and practiced hard, which is why I was able to become the Queen and then the Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, the Palace Master of Yande Palace and the Headmaster of Fuchang Academy looked at Consort Li, hoping to get confirmation from her.

Consort Li sighed softly and said, "That is the truth. You two do not want to end up like me, rarely receiving the emperor's favor and thus unable to bear children, do you? If you do not want to follow my old path, when you serve the emperor later, you must not be shy and must do your best to please His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty."

Fearing that Princess Yande and Princess Fuchang would miss this opportunity, Empress Dowager Shunde added, “His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty is fond of women and has gathered beauties from all over the land. Leaving aside those from afar, more than a thousand women from Goryeo alone have entered his palace. The Emperor is surrounded by beauties every day. If there is nothing special about them that can make the Emperor remember them, how can we expect him to show favor to us again in the future?”

Queen Dowager Lee also reminded Princess Yeondeok and Princess Bokchang: "This is not the homeland of Goryeo, and you two are no longer the queens and princesses of the past. Once you enter these vermilion walls, you can only rely on your own strength to survive. You should know that if a woman in the harem has no heir, she will often end up in a desolate old age: there will be no silk to keep her warm in her chest, no one to serve her medicine at her bedside, and even if there is a flickering candle on the wall, she will only be left with her shadow until her bones are buried in a desolate garden, and no one will care about her."

Thinking that Zhao Yu's harem was much more humane, Consort Li said, "Although things are a little more peaceful now, it is still not as good as having an heir to rely on in one's old age. You should understand: youth fades in an instant, and beauty is easily changed. Even if you receive favor for a time, it is like morning dew that dries easily. Moreover, the world is unpredictable, and one cannot be sure of what will happen in a day or two. Only blood relatives and relatives can be the foundation of one's life."

Consort Li was practically stating the obvious: while Zhao Yu's harem was lenient and the palace servants didn't have to be overly bound by strict etiquette, this stability was actually a lifeline tied to Zhao Yu alone.

This special status was entirely due to Zhao Yu's momentary whim, like a castle in the air. Once Zhao Yu passed away and a new emperor ascended the throne, all the rules would be overturned and rebuilt.

The new emperor may follow the ancestral system of the Song Dynasty and reorganize the harem. Those special cases from the Zhao Yu era will be regarded as non-compliant with the system, and the former favor and freedom may vanish in an instant.

At that time, concubines without children will be relocated to the cold palace to live a life of solitude and Buddhist devotion, or they may become sacrifices for the new emperor to establish his authority, and their families may also be implicated.

Looking at themselves in the mirror, the Palace Mistress of Yande and the Palace Mistress of Fuchang realized their features were exquisite, their skin radiant—the perfect time to win the Emperor's favor. But beauty fades with age, and imperial favor is fleeting. Only offspring are the true foundation for a woman's survival in the harem. With children, they have security; even if the Emperor's favor fades one day, they can still secure a place in the harem through their offspring, and perhaps even help their families rise again.

Having understood these things, Palace Master Yande and Abbot Fuchang no longer resisted, but instead actively followed Consort Li and Empress Dowager Shunde in their last-minute preparations...

I must say, Palace Master Yande and Courtyard Master Fuchang are truly talented.

Under the careful instruction of Consort Li and Empress Dowager Shunde, the Palace Master of Yande Palace and the Palace Master of Fuchang Academy have each mastered one or two special moves, which should be enough to handle tonight's battle.

……

night.

The palace maids who had served the emperor arrived at the Goryeo Palace and took away four of Yi Ja-gyeom's daughters.

They were all dressed up beautifully, and the four women cleverly did not wear the Song Dynasty palace attire, but instead wore their original palace clothes—the Goryeo palace clothes that represented their original identities.

It must be said that the daughters of the Incheon Lee family do have their unique qualities. Although they don't know what uniform fetish is, they cleverly guessed that Jo Mak would definitely prefer to play with them who are different from others.

After all, in Zhao Yu's eyes, which had seen countless beauties, ordinary gentleness and obedience were likely already fleeting and could hardly stir any waves in his heart. But these women, dressed in the palace attire of their former kingdom, possessed a unique charm and mystery, like a distinctive pearl, radiating a different kind of light in this bustling harem. Perhaps they could truly rekindle Zhao Yu's long-lost sense of novelty and desire for conquest.

It must be said that they made the right bet. When they saw that Empress Dowager Shunde was dressed in the attire of a Goryeo empress dowager, Princess Yeondeok was dressed in the attire of a Goryeo queen, Consort Li was dressed in the attire of a Goryeo consort, and Princess Bokchang was dressed in the attire of a Goryeo queen, Zhao Yu smiled brightly.

He said to the four women, "Come and sit here with me."

The four women truly lived up to their reputation as the elite of the Incheon Yi clan, the most adept at women's politics in Goryeo. Although they each harbored their own thoughts and schemes deep down, on the surface they were all as docile as lambs. When Jo Yu asked them to serve him, they immediately and obediently came to his side, letting him play with them...

……

(End of this chapter)