Battle of Palaces

Ru Lingyi knew that the storm coming would shake the walls of the Forbidden city. And as insignificant as she was, her involvement was undeniable. So, she needed an armor, a strong branch to hold unto. Lingyi's days in chengqian palace after the visit of her supposed saviour—Prince Lan has been nothing but wallows of resentment. She blamed herself to have believed the words of Prince Lan for how sweet they were. A part of her mind reminded her that Prince Lan has not broken off his promise in anyway, that she was the one making up things by herself. Still, the betrayal of trust lingered.

"He should have told me all these while ...that niang naing is his cousin."...she said to herself as she sat up from her bed. She stepped towards the window and opened it up for the night wind to have entrance, maybe they could be of some kind of consolation.

"I must be careful, my purpose in this world is not even known yet and here I am , already trusting and been complacent. " She murmured as she lowered into the wooden chair beside the window, staring into the silent night.

"No, before I conclude..I must see him first..and It has to happen fast "..she thought.

The night was calm but yet, a contrast to the turmoil that brewed within three ladies in the imperial harem. For lingyi; it was indecision and fear of the unknown, for Hua pin , it was anticipation , and for Shu Fei, the night was laced with confusion whether to render pity or act as though nothing concerned her.

A new day dawned its brightness upon the walls of the forbidden city, with each person bearing their own burden for today.

The Imperial wives prepared for the usual morning greetings . Each, clad in elegant ropes, beautiful accessories and delicate couifuiree that emitted their ranks and bearing.

At Changchun palace, the first to arrive was Concubine Hua, surprisingly early. She walked into the courtyard of Chengqian Palace, with an unbothered expression as A'rou supported her by the forearm , trailing closely alongside her in sync. Once inside the hall, Hua scanned the seat arrangements, she took her normal spot and sat down . A'rou couldn't sense any dramatic energy this morning. Her mistress was never one to arrive so early, even if she does, concubine Hua was not known to inhabit peace and serenity. And this morning, it was as though Concubine Hua was another person.

Just as A'rou pondered on the reason behind her Mistress's change in character, the next mistress arrived. Her steps, calm and measured , but intentional. She walked with grace as he took her seat on the opposite row. Her maid helping her to settle down . Hua waited for their gaze to meet eachother for acknowledgement but it never happened. She acted as though she never saw Concubine Hua. A'rou was puzzled yet again, she immediately leaned forward from the back, whispering into her mistress right ear.

"Niang naing, what is wrong?..did you fall off with Consort Xian?" A'rou asked, her voice low but audible.

"It's nothing...remains as you were " Hua cut in with haste trying to conceal her shame.

Meanwhile, lingyi stood behind Consort Xian completely taking pleasure from the turn out of events. Not that she knew what was wrong between both mistresses but she cared not to find out either.

Consort Shu was the next mistress to walk in, the sight of Consort Xian causing her the smile that played on her face to falter. She walked towards Hua, nodding as they made eye contacts and took the seat before her close to the Empress throne.

"niang naing, you look so dashing as always, no one can compare"...Hua pin said , leaning towards Consort Shu side.

"Ohhh Hua pin , you are too sweet, you do look good yourself" ..she replied with a small smile.

"But not as good as —"

The entrance of another mistress interrupted Hua, she turned towards the door to the sight of Noble lady Yu. Dressed in elegant blue rope, one that resonated with her skin tone. One thing was noticeable today, she didn't anxiously coward away quickly to her seat. Rather, she calmly took her time to settle down, and sat with her dignity well defined. She didn't care to acknowledge anyone..not even the likes of consort Xian.

"wow...what an eventful morning to behold" Lingyi thought to herself barely able to conceal her excitement.

Everyone's gaze shifted once again towards the door to the sight of a figure that has been much anticipated—Consort Jia.

The gentle look of triumph was visible on Jia's face as she sashayed rhythmically as though there was a background music playing specifically for her entrance. She manueoverd her way to sit between Consort Xian and Noble lady Yu, opposite the row that Hua and Shu sat with their eyes pricking keenly into her. If only eyes could speak or shoot. Jia would be lying dead by now.

Concubine Hua couldn't hold her disdain, the more she looked at Consort Jia , the more painful her wounds were. The regular Hua would have initiated a battle of words but she knew better to remain silent . For she mustn't risk the success of her plans just for momentarily pleasure.

As Hua tried to swallow, her guts caught air causing her to choke. She immediately covered her mouth with her handkerchief as she coughed as though it was an intentional act.

Shu could sense the tension brewing within Hua and the silence coming from Jia was palapabe. She thought of Hua's words the day before — of how Jia has humiliated her . Shu decided to speak up.

"Hiao!..Jia Fei, the most precious flower in the harem, hope everything is going well at Qixiang Palace?"...Shu asked with a taint of mockery in her tone.

Hua's eyes lit up in excitement, Xian's gaze shifted towards Jia to see her reaction. Noble lady Yu maintained her composure, although one could see the look of displeasure on her face .

Consort Jia knew where Shu was playing at but what marveled her was that she never expected such from her. And the shock of it left Jia speechless as she searched for words to counter the reproach.

"Thank you for your kind thoughts, Shu Fei. All is fine"..Jia replied , almost stammering.

"Well...if you are finding it hard to handle the new emotions that follow the attention coming your way, "she paused..to see the reaction on Jia's face. Then she continued.." do not hesitate to come to sister for some pointers"

What mockery, everyone one gasped. Consort Jia's eyes narrowed. She searched for words but they seemed to have betrayed her. She blinked repeatedly, as she forced a smile trying to reply.

Just as Jia opened her mouth to speak..a voice cut in from the entrance.

"One should be able to manage her affairs well enough before offering to help another."

All eyes turned to the door as the figure walked in with grace, and poise.

"Gui Fei Niang Niang!"..Noble lady Yu said, nodding in acknowledgement as Noble Consort ling trailed past her towards her own seat in the front. Before she settled for her seat. She paused, turning to Consort Shu.

"Shu Fei, you seem to have lost your virtue or did the stream of envy wash it away?"

Consort Shu's jaw dropped. Hua looked away in shame, Noble lady Yu convered her nose as though removing an invisible dust.

"Nia-ng Niang I —"

"Oh Shu Fei, I better be wrong , for what's a mistress without her pride and virtue in the forbidden city "

"Gui Fei Niang Niang!"...Shu let out subconsciously.

"Enough... I'm not in the mood to entertain your words". Noble Consort ling cut in as she waved her left hand, while settling into her chair before Xian .