Battle of Palaces

The day broke into a tapestry of golden light spilling across every corner of Forbidden City. But for Ru Lingyi, the beauty of the morning was marred by the storm within her heart. Yes, she had wished for Prince Lan to come see her mistress and lay his intentions plain. But what she never saw coming was the new discovery of her lover been her Mistress's cousin. She couldn't help but wonder why he never mentioned it. If he could keep this from her, who knows what else he might also be hiding. Or was she just a tool he is using for momentarily emotional pleasure. She just couldn't sit well with the turn of recent events.

Even as she went about her duties, her turmoil seeped into her countenance. Consort Xian, ever observant, noticed her maid's distracted demeanor.

"Lingyi," the consort called, her voice a smooth melody that drew Lingyi from her troubled thoughts.

Lingyi turned quickly and bowed, awaiting instruction.

"I never imagined it was Prince Lan who had captured your heart," Consort Xian remarked, her tone laced with amusement. "Tell me, how did you climb to such a ladder of favor? You must teach me your ways." Consort Xian said jokingly. But to Lingyi , it sounded as though it was a mockery of some kind.

Lingyi's lips parted, but the words choked in her throat. She averted her eyes, unsure of how to respond.

"Ah, no need to explain," Consort Xian continued, a small smile curving her lips as she returned to her embroidery. "I see much of my younger self in you—a woman with ambition, willing to dream big. But take heed, Lingyi. Ambition, when unchecked, can pave the way to ruin."

Lingyi bowed again, murmuring a faint acknowledgment. She returned to arranging her mistress's closet, but the consort's words barely registered. Her mind was a cacophony of doubt, fear, and the unshakable urge to confront Prince Lan directly.

Meanwhile, at Jingyang Palace, Concubine Hua strode through the halls with a poise that betrayed her simmering determination. A'rou clutched unto her mistress's forearm, supporting her as they navigated the palace grounds, a second maid trailing behind with the well-packaged brocade Hua had ordered to be cleaned.

A'rou's curiosity had reached its peak and she couldn't hold it in. "Niangniang," she ventured hesitantly, "to whom are we bringing this gift?"

Concubine Hua's lips curled into a sly smile. "Watch and learn," was all she said.

Those words were not new to A'rou, but now..all it brought to her way mystery. Her mistress rarely brings gifts to other Concubines, except in special occasions.

"Who will niang naing give this fine brocade?" A'rou asked herself.

Her thoughts drifting to a conversation with herself.

"Or wait..was she going to make peace with Consort Jia ?"..."No...She is not the type to suddenly make peace".

They soon arrived at the gates of Luyang Palace, the residence of Consort Shu. A'rou's eyes widened in surprise. "Niangniang, why are we here? Are we visiting Consort Shu?"

Concubine Hua tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening. "Indeed."

As they entered the courtyard, the maids on duty froze in their tracks. Hua's beauty and commanding presence were legendary, and her unexpected visit caused a ripple of whispers. Hua beckoned one of the maids with a delicate flick of her wrist.

"Announce my arrival to your mistress," she instructed.

Moments later, Hua was ushered into Consort Shu's chambers. Shu sat gracefully on her ornate chair, her delicate fingers wrapped around a porcelain teacup. At the sight of Hua, Shu's brows lifted in mild surprise.

"Hua pin," Consort Shu called out, setting her cup down. "What breeze from the Forbidden City has brought you to my humble abode?"

Concubine Hua lowered herself into a low bow, her handkerchief fluttering theatrically into the air as she greeted "Greetings Shu Fei Niang Niang".

"Niangniang," she began, her voice trembling with feigned distress, "I come to you in great sorrow."

Consort Shu's curiosity was piqued. She gestured for Hua to rise. "Come now, Hua pin. What troubles

you so?"

"Sorrows?".. A'rou said to herself in great suprise.

Hua took her seat, her expression a masterful blend of sadness and indignation. "I sought to extend a gesture of goodwill to Consort Jia at Qixiang Palace," she began, dabbing at imaginary tears with her handkerchief. "I brought her a gift to congratulate her on her pregnancy, but... oh, niangniang, the humiliation I endured! She spoke to me as though I were beneath her—unworthy of even entering her palace!"

A'rou blinked in shock at the story, nearly betraying her surprise. Consort Shu, however, leaned forward, her expression softening with sympathy.

"Hua pin, you must not let her words wound you," Shu said gently. "The whims of fortune can change in an instant. Your time will come."

Hua sighed deeply, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You are too kind, niangniang. It is only you who understands my plight. I could not bear to return the gift to my palace, and so I thought of you—the one consort who has always been gracious and wise."

Shu's gaze flickered to the tray A'rou was holding. "This gift...?"

Hua rose, lifting the silk covering with a flourish. Beneath it lay the shimmering Jingzhou brocade, its intricate patterns glowing under the light. Shu's breath hitched.

"Niangniang," Hua said with a soft smile, "this brocade is too exquisite to remain unused. Please, accept it as a token of my gratitude for your unwavering kindness."

Consort Shu hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on the brocade. Then she nodded, her voice tinged with wonder. "You are most generous, Hua pin. Cai," she called to her maid, "see that this is stored with utmost care."

As Cai took the brocade, Shu rose from her seat and placed a comforting hand on Hua's arm. "Do not let these petty slights trouble you. You are a jewel of the harem, and your worth will shine through."

Concubine Hua smiled demurely, bowing her head. "Your words are a balm to my wounded heart, niangniang. I am forever in your debt."

"It's nothing mei mei"...Shu replied, rubbing her arms.

"Thank you again Niang naing...I will take my leave now"

With that, Hua bowed as she retreated while A'rou trailed behind her still in shock. Consort Shu escorted her to the courtyard with a look of genuine pity.

Once outside Luyang Palace, Concubine Hua's demeanor shifted entirely. Her head held high, her steps confident and deliberate, she wore a triumphant smile. A'rou, struggling to keep up, was still reeling from the performance she had just witnessed.

"Niangniang," A'rou began hesitantly, "what just happened in there?"

Concubine Hua stopped abruptly and turned to her maid, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Do you think I went there to seek pity?..Oh!" She scoffed

A'rou blinked, unsure how to respond. "But... the story you told—"

"Was precisely what Consort Shu needed to hear," Hua interrupted smoothly. "She believes she has gained an ally, but in truth, she has merely become a pawn in my grand scheme"

A'rou's jaw dropped, but before she could utter another word, Hua raised a hand to silence her.

"Speak less, observe more," Hua said, resuming her elegant stride. "The Forbidden City is not a place for the faint-hearted. Every move must be calculated, every word carefully chosen. Remember that, A'rou."

As they made their way back to Jingyang Palace, Hua's smile widened. She could already envision the ripples her actions would create, and the satisfaction was intoxicating. This is just the beginning.