Battle of Palaces

Lixin stepped forward "More reason you should surprise everyone on that day naing naing"

Consort Jia eyes rolled as she pondered on the suggestion"You are right, Lixin. The feast will require my full attention. But I will not let this matter with Shu rest. Something is amiss, and I will find out what it is."

Throughout the Forbidden City, the Empress's proclamation set the palaces into motion. Eunuchs scurried through the corridors with messages, maids polished silverware and arranged flowers, and consorts debated over fabrics and jewelries that would best display their beauty and rank.

At Chengqian Palace, Consort Xian sat with her attendants, directing preparations with her usual calm authority. The halls of Qixiang Palace echoing with the hum of activity, as Consort Jia personally inspected every detail to ensure perfection. Even the usually quiet Jingyang Palace was alive with movement, as Concubine Hua schemed to make her presence felt amidst the grandeur.

The feast promised more than just a celebration of the Empress Dowager's return. It was a stage where alliances would be tested, rivalries rekindled, and ambitions unveiled. For each concubine, the evening held the potential for triumph—or disaster.

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, Lingyi stood in her mistress's chambers, helping Consort Xian choose her final accessories for the feast tomorrow. Her fingers worked deftly to fasten a jade pendant around Xian's neck, but her mind was elsewhere.

"You seem distracted, Lingyi," Xian said, her tone light but observant. "Tell me, what weighs on your mind?"

Lingyi hesitated, her hands pausing mid-motion. "Nothing of consequence, niang-niang," she replied softly.

Xian arched a brow. "You forget, Lingyi, that I know you better than that. Speak freely."

"Hmmph" Lingyi sighed, lowering her gaze. "It is the feast, niang-niang. So many important faces will gathered in one place… it feels as though the air itself will be heavy with unspoken words and hidden intentions."

Xian smiled faintly, her reflection in the mirror as poised as ever. "That is the nature of the harem, Lingyi. But remember this: in a room full of intrigue, the one who remains silent often holds the most power. Watch and listen carefully. You may learn more than you expect."

Lingyi nodded, absorbing her mistress's wisdom as though that was the matter that troubled her. But deep down,it was the thought of meeting Prince Lan that has clouded her reasoning. And in her heart, she knew that tomorrow night, silence would not be an option. When the moment came, she would speak—and she would demand answers.

The day dawned with an aura of grandeur, the sky painted in vivid strokes of orange and gold. The Forbidden City pulsed with an unusual liveliness, as if every stone, tile, and column anticipated the evening's spectacle. From the earliest hours, the palace hummed with a symphony of activity.

Maids darted to and fro like industrious bees, their arms laden with ornate silk screens, golden lanterns, and lacquered trays. Eunuchs orchestrated the delivery of tables and instruments, their high-pitched commands echoing through the courtyards. Momos inspected every detail, ensuring no thread was out of place and no dish was imperfect.

In the six palaces, the buzz was even more frenetic. Every mistress desired not just to shine but to outshine her rivals. Their servants worked tirelessly to polish silverware until it gleamed, arrange floral displays that rivaled nature itself, and prepare gowns that could out-dazzle the stars.

But amidst the excitement, one pressing question loomed: What gift would each mistress present to the Empress Dowager? Gifts had become a silent competition, a weapon in the battle for favor. The secrecy surrounding these offerings only heightened the tension, with each mistress guarding her plans as closely as a general guarding a war strategy.

While the palace bustled around her, Lingyi moved through Chengqian Palace with a singular focus. She carried out her tasks methodically but with a faraway look in her eyes.

Unlike the others, her excitement for the feast did not lie in the grandeur or the competition. Her heart raced for one reason alone—Prince Lan. "Finally!" she thought to herself, "...I will see him again."

Yet, anxiety tempered her excitement. Would he acknowledge her amidst the throngs of imperial family members and courtiers? Would there even be a moment to speak privately? These thoughts swirled in her mind as she folded her mistress's embroidered gown for the evening, her hands trembling slightly.

"Lingyi," Consort Xian's voice rang out, pulling her from her reverie. "Why are you so distracted today?"

Lingyi froze for a moment before bowing low. "Forgive me, niang naing. I did not mean to appear inattentive."

Consort Xian studied her closely, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "It wouldn't have anything to do with Prince Lan, would it?"

Lingyi's cheeks flushed. "This servant dares not—"

"Lingyi...Lingyi," Consort Xian interrupted, her tone teasing but kind. "I've told you before, there's no need for all that pretense with me. You've proven your loyalty time and again. But let me offer you a word of advice... do not let your emotions betray you, especially tonight. Eyes will be watching, even when you think they aren't."

Lingyi nodded, swallowing her embarrassment. "Thank you, Mistress. I will remember your words."

"Good," Consort Xian said, turning her attention back to her reflection as she examined the jade hairpin she had selected for the evening. "Now, fetch the red lacquer box. It's time to finalize my look."

At Qixiang Palace, Consort Jia oversaw her maids as they arranged an array of golden peonies for her private courtyard. Despite the meticulous preparations, her mind remained troubled. Consort Shu's recent hostility gnawed at her, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant moment.

"Lixin," Jia called out, her voice soft but firm.

"Yes, Niang Niang?" Lixin answered, hurrying to her mistress's side.

"What do you make of Consort Shu's behavior during morning greetings yesterday? wasn't it... unusually cold."

Lixin hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Niang Niang, I have told you...do not be bothered by Consort Shu theatrics, it is possible she feels threatened by your recent rise in favor. The Imperial Harem is a delicate web of alliances and rivalries. Perhaps she believes you've... outgrown her."

Jia frowned, tapping her fingers against the lacquered armrest of her chair. "Do you truly think so?"

"Forgive me for speaking boldly Niang Niang," Lixin replied, bowing her head, "but it wouldn't be the first time such envy has sown discord among the concubines."

Jia sighed deeply. "Perhaps you're right. Still, I cannot shake the feeling that something else is at play. Keep your ears open, Lixin. I need to understand what has changed."

"Yes, Niang Niang," Lixin said, bowing before retreating to her duties.

---

At Jingyang Palace, Concubine Hua reclined on a chaise, her fingers idly playing with the fringe of her silk shawl. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she watched A'rou arrange her hair ornaments for the evening.

"Naing Niang ," A'rou ventured cautiously, "will you tell me what you've planned for tonight?"

Hua's lips curled into a sly smile. "Patience, A'rou. You'll see soon enough. But tell me, what do you think of my emerald phoenix hairpin? Too bold?"

"Not at all, Niang Niang," A'rou replied quickly. "It's stunning, just like you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," Hua said with a laugh, sitting up to examine her reflection. "Tonight is not just about the feast. It's a stage, and every one of us is an actress. But only one will steal the spotlight."

"Do you mean to steal it, Niang Niang?" A'rou asked as she lowered head, her eyes wide with intrigue.

Hua didn't answer directly. Instead, she rose gracefully and adjusted the hem of her robe. "Fetch the jade box from my dressing table. The Empress Dowager has a fondness for antiquities, and I intend to impress her."

A'rou hurried to obey, her mind racing with thoughts of her mistress's next move.