Chapter 6: Yuanchun's Homecoming
Jia Yuanchun was the eldest daughter of the Jia family. She had been chosen to serve in the emperor's palace, a great honor that brought pride to the entire family. For years, she had lived behind the high walls of the palace, far from her loved ones. Her letters home were few, but each one was read with tears of joy.
Then came the wonderful news: Yuanchun had been given the title of Imperial Consort, and she would be allowed to visit her family. The Jia mansion was filled with excitement and activity. Servants worked day and night to prepare a beautiful garden for her visit. New buildings were built, and old ones were painted and decorated.
The day of her arrival was like a festival. The streets were cleared, and soldiers stood at attention along the route. When Yuanchun's golden carriage finally appeared, the entire family knelt on the ground to welcome her. She stepped out in her royal dress, looking like a goddess from heaven.
But behind her beautiful smile, Yuanchun felt a deep sadness. She embraced her parents and siblings, but she knew that her time with them was short. "The palace is a golden cage," she whispered to her mother. "I have honor and wealth, but I have no freedom."
Her visit lasted only a few hours. She walked through the garden, admired the new buildings, and shared a meal with her family. Then she returned to her carriage, leaving behind a family that would not see her again for many years. The garden she had visited would later become the home of the younger generation.