Battle of Palaces

Ru Lingyi's footsteps were light as she moved through the palace halls, her thoughts focused as always on her duties. But, as she stepped out of her Mistress's quarters, the air seemed to shift. A figure appeared at the entrance of Chengqian palace, moving with an unmistakable grace and confidence that caught Lingyi off guard.

She stopped, her gaze fixed with suprise on the person approaching...a woman who commanded attention with every sway of her step, her silken robes flowing elegantly, her fingers deftly toying with a handkerchief that floated through the air in sync with her every gesture. Lingyi blinked, recognizing her only as the figure came nearer.

"Hua Pin naing naing ..." she murmured to herself, the name barely leaving her lips. She hadn't expected to see such presence at Chengqian palace. Lingyi quickly bowed, lowering herself with deference. "Greetings, Hua Pin Niang-niang," she greeted, her voice steady, though her mind buzzed with questions.

With a satisfied smirk, Hua Pin inclined her head. "Rise," she said, her tone light but carrying a faintly teasing edge. Her hand rested on Lingyi's arm, the faintest brush of her nail guard that sent chills down lingyi's spine .

"Lingyi," Hua began, her tone sliding into a familiar smoothness, "do announce my presence to your mistress."

Lingyi obeyed without hesitation, slipping into her mistress's quarters to deliver the news. Her voice was calm, practiced. "Niang-niang, Hua Pin is here."

Consort Xian paused, her chopsticks hovering over her dish. Her gaze flickered briefly with intrigue, though a smirk of understanding softened her expression. "Hua Pin?" she repeated, more to herself than to Lingyi. She set her chopsticks down with a sense of finality, a small, knowing smile playing at her lips. Of course, she had expected something like this eventually.

In truth, Consort Xian rarely entertained visitors. But concubine Hua's sudden interest in a visit suggested a purpose, and Xian could imagine exactly what that might be.

She nodded to Lingyi. "Show her in," she instructed, her voice calm, unreadable.

Lingyi stepped out, motioning for Hua to enter. Concubine Hua glided into the room, her presence filling the air like a scent of rare perfume, bowing deeply as she reached Xian. "Greetings, Xian Fei Niang-niang," she said, her voice as smooth as silk.

Xian's gaze swept over Hua, her expression one of mild interest. She motioned for Hua to rise, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of her chair. "To what do I owe the honor of this visit?" she asked, her voice smooth, her eyes revealing nothing.

Concubine Hua tilted her head, her eyes sparkling with something just shy of mischief. "Oh, Niang-niang," she replied, her tone shaking as she glanced briefly at Lingyi, then back at Xian with a slight smirk. "Surely a sister cannot come to pay her respects without being suspected of ulterior motives?"

Her gaze lingered on Lingyi a beat too long, sending a silent message that Xian caught instantly. With a wave of her hand, Xian called Lingyi over. "Lingyi," she said softly, her voice filled with an implicit command, "leave us."

Lingyi's eyes flickered, a quick glance that revealed her curiosity, but she bowed respectfully. "Yes, Niang-niang." She turned and exited, closing the door quietly behind her.

Outside, Lingyi's mind raced, her steps slow as she lingered by the door, curiosity getting the better of her. Hua Pin had never come to visit her mistress before. What could she possibly want with Consort Xian? A strange excitement bubbled within her, a thrill from knowing something secretive was transpiring. But she quickly composed herself, stepping back to resume her duties, though her thoughts remained entangled with questions.

---

Inside the chamber, Consort Xian and Concubine Hua remained silent for a moment, each studying the other, both weighing how best to proceed.

Hua broke the silence, with her voice delicate "Xian Fei naing naing," she began, folding her hands gracefully in front of her, "I know we have not always shared… the same perspectives. But surely, we can both see what has become of this palace." Her words were soft, but there was a sharp edge beneath them, each word carefully chosen.

Consort Xian's eyebrow arched slightly. "And what, exactly, has 'become' of the palace?" she replied, her tone casual, though her eyes held a dangerous glint.

Concubine Hua let out a faint chuckle, her hand dusting off invisible dirt from her hair. "Why, is it... balance has been disrupted, Niang-niang. I'm sure you've noticed." She took a measured breath, as if choosing her words with care. "Jia has risen quickly, some would say too quickly. And with her newfound rank… well, it appears she believes herself quite indispensable." Her voice dropped to a murmur, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "Almost as if she believes herself... equal to you."

Xian's expression didn't change, but a flicker of interest sparked in her eyes. She was well aware of Jia's recent rise and the unspoken ripple of discontent it had caused in the Forbidden City. "She has certainly garnered the Emperor's favor," Xian replied smoothly, her tone nonchalant. "But that is not new in the palace. The Emperor's gaze is often fleeting."

Hua's smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a hint of satisfaction. "Yes, yes, quite fleeting. But there are those who rise too quickly, leaving others behind without so much as a thought. And such ambition, unchecked… it threatens the stability of our world here."

Consort Xian leaned back, folding her arms, the faintest of smirks tugging at her lips. "Ambition, you say?" she echoed, her voice layered with amusement. "And here I thought you admired those with ambition, Hua Pin..and I must say you are also a person of ambition"

Concubine Hua's eyes narrowed so slightly, her voice softening to a conspiratorial whisper. "Admiration has its limits, Niang-niang. Especially when ambition becomes reckless." She paused, her gaze steady, unblinking. "I believe Jia's ambition has crossed that line. And I am certain you, too, can see the danger of allowing her influence to grow unchecked."

Xian's eyes flickered with understanding. She tapped her nail guard on her armrest, contemplating Hua's words. There was truth in them, and she could see where this was leading. But she wouldn't make it easy. "So, you propose… what, exactly?...Hua pin"

Hua's voice softened, carrying a hint of calculated warmth. "An alliance, Niang-niang. Between two sisters who wish to restore balance to the palace. With your influence and my... dedication, we could remind certain individuals of their rightful place."

Xian chuckled softly, a sound that was more steel than mirth. "An alliance, Hua Pin? That is quite the offer. And what, may I ask, would I gain from such a partnership?"

Hua's gaze hardened, her expression turning resolute. "Niang-niang, Consort Jia is merely the beginning. If she continues unchecked, who's to say what other… inconveniences may arise? An alliance would secure both our positions, as well as remind others of their place." She paused, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "We both know that one woman's rise can mean the downfall of another."

Consort Xian's smirk returned, a glint of approval in her eyes. Hua was showing her cards with precision, and Xian had to admit there was merit in what she proposed. "Very well," Consort Xian said, her voice low but powerful. "An alliance it is. But let us be clear Hua pin ....this is not an invitation to chaos. I have no desire to lower myself to petty schemes."

"Of course," Hua replied smoothly, bowing her head. "This will be no ordinary scheme, Niang-niang. It will be a… refinement of the balance."

Consort Xian studied her, the satisfaction clear in her gaze before replying. "Then let us proceed carefully, Hua Pin. I do not align myself with just anyone. Do not disappoint me."

Concubine Hua's face lit up with a smile that bordered on reverence. "I wouldn't dream of it, Niang-niang. You and I will remind the palace who truly holds the power here."

Xian inclined her head, a subtle nod that sealed their alliance, a pact formed in the quiet shadows of Chengqian Palace.