"Oh, Brother Zise! Brother Zise, are you there?"
"I'm here. What is it? You're rushing and shouting so loudly; you'll get slapped," Zise craned his neck from behind a stack of scrolls, seeing the waist-high boy in a brown eunuch's robe. His soft cheeks were flushed, his eyes bright, and in his hand, he held a freshly transcribed scroll.
"I've finished transcribing the scroll. I'll leave it on the table, Esteemed One."
"Mm," Zise hummed in acknowledgment. Usually, the boy would be quick to come and go, but today he seemed restless, as if something was on his mind. Zise couldn't help but ask, "Is something the matter?"
"I-I... may I borrow some scrolls to read in my room?"
"Of course. I always let you borrow them, don't I?"
"May I borrow and read every scroll in this library?" Lan Se reiterated.
"You seem strange today. There's nothing particularly important in the scrolls in this library. If you wish to read them, take them. But if you're interested in military strategies, state governance, various religious scriptures, important scrolls like those are in His Majesty's study. You probably can't borrow those."
"I'm not going to govern the state or wage war. Why would I read those scrolls?" Lan Se pouted. "Brother Zise, please continue your work. I'll just look through the scrolls nearby."
After promising to help Imperial Consort Lii Fei regain favor and prevent further scorn from other consorts, Lan Se went straight to the Imperial Library Department to seek a method.
The problem of attire was not difficult to solve. Lan Se searched for a short while and found a scroll that taught how to apply makeup, style hair, and select garments to match accessories. It was written by a high-ranking palace maid who had served the Imperial Noble Consort (Huang Guifei) of the eighth Emperor of the Wu Dynasty.
In the past, Imperial Noble Consort (Huang Guifei) was said to possess divine beauty. Anyone who beheld her was captivated and would yearn for her for three to seven days. There was even a period when all consorts and common women would observe her, imitating her hairstyles and attire. Furthermore, at a time when the Great Qing Empire had not yet expanded its power widely and was embroiled in wars with neighboring states, losing many soldiers, it was said that part of the reason was that leaders of other states also coveted the Imperial Noble Consort (Huang Guifei). But due to Great Qing's military might and prowess in battle, Her Highness was not abducted. Had it not been that the former Empress was the daughter of a great general, it is feared she would have been deposed, and the Imperial Noble Consort (Huang Guifei) would have ascended to the position of Mother of the Empire.
Now, to the problem of how to make His Majesty favor Lii Fei again... Lan Se, an eight-year-old boy, still couldn't grasp this. He didn't understand much about the relationship between men and women.
Li Lan Se took several scrolls back to his room to study, concurrently observing how other consorts dressed, what hairstyles they wore, and what hairpins they adorned themselves with.
"Reporting to Your Highness, your humble servant believes that if Sister Xi Ying styles Your Highness's hair in the 'Startled Swan' coiffure and adorns it with this flying phoenix comb, Your Highness will appear even more beautiful. The varying heights of the hair will add charm to Your Highness's countenance, captivating all who behold your face, leaving them spellbound!"
After diligently studying, reading scrolls that had no bearing on him whatsoever, today was the first day Lan Se entered the palace early, to help the Imperial Consort dress before her daily audience with the Empress.
"But I think sapphire and emerald hairpins would be prettier..." The Imperial Consort looked sideways at the two hairpins in her hand.
"Did Your Highness not promise your humble servant to follow all my suggestions?" Lan Se understood. The Imperial Consort had her own long-held aesthetic. Persuading her was no easy task. "If Your Highness wishes to wear both hairpins, perhaps tomorrow your humble servant can style them well? But today, Sister Xi Ying has already styled Your Highness's hair. If the comb were removed, it would become messy, and we would have to restyle it, causing Your Highness to be late for the audience with the Empress."
The beautiful consort still frowned.
"Your humble servant agrees with Lan Se, Your Highness. The Imperial Consort has never worn this hairstyle. Let Xi Ying display her skill, Your Highness." Wan Ying, her Confidant Maid, interceded.
"Furthermore, this comb was bestowed by His Majesty long ago, but Your Highness has never used it. Your humble servant fears that if His Majesty knew, he would surely be displeased!" Lan Se did not give up. He knelt beside her, meeting Lii Fei's gaze in the brass mirror, speaking in a soft voice, "Trust your humble servant, Your Highness. Today, please try this hairstyle with this comb. If, after your audience with the Empress, any consort dares to mock Your Highness, it will not be too late to punish your humble servant. And your humble servant will no longer dare to offer advice to Your Highness."
"Hmph... very well." Listening to the young eunuch's persuasive words, combined with his endearing demeanor, Lii Fei had to relent.
Lan Se cheered with joy in his heart, quickly presenting the garments. "Moreover, if Your Highness wears this Qinghai Lake blue jacket and twelve-pleated skirt, it will further enhance Your Highness's graceful steps. When you walk, the skirt will sway, as if you are walking upon the waters of Qinghai Lake, Your Highness!"
"And what about the necklace and earrings? Which should I wear?" Lii Fei looked at the dazzling array of jewelry that Wan Ying had brought out for her to choose from.
"The 'Startled Swan' coiffure should not be adorned with earrings and necklaces, Your Highness, as it would appear overly cumbersome. Your humble servant recommends this coral bracelet instead, Your Highness. Worn on Your Highness's fair wrist, it will further highlight Your Highness's radiant complexion and also match the color of the skirt, Your Highness."
Though the Imperial Consort demurred, she eventually allowed herself to be dressed as the young eunuch advised. Once adorned, Lan Se's smile widened. He was pleased with his selections for her. Even the two Confidant Maids beside her praised him incessantly.
"Hmph. If I style my hair and dress like this and anyone still dares to laugh at me, I will return and punish you!" Lii Fei threatened lightly, for she herself felt she looked more beautiful today than on other days.
"Yes, Your Highness. Your humble servant will await Your Highness in the palace. I will certainly not run away."