Battle of Palaces

As Ru Lingyi entered into her quarters she couldn't stop thinking of what of just happened, from the furious concubine whom Ru Lingyi doesn't even know, to the mystery man and now the suspicion of Wanying.

Confused and worried , Ru Lingyi lowered to sit on her bed as she questioned her presence in this realm. She decided to lay down flat on her bed facing the ceiling of the room, and then starting contemplating if this was a sign or a mission to uncover something the world does not know.

"Tsskk..she kissed her teeths together in frustration, suddenly remembering the man again.

"But who can he be?..She asked herself, "the concubine's guard?, A visitor?.."or is he truly an assassin?.."ohhh! Ru Lingyi think ..think"..she wailed, rolling around on her bed.

Then she suddenly stopped and became still, her eyes widened like she uncovered a puzzle..

"No he can't be an assassin...if he was, why didn't he kill me when I saw his face but instead he allowed me escape" she thought as she sat up on her bed folding both hands against her chest.

"Humph!"..Ru Lingyi signed falling back to her bed in failure to identify the mystery man or to even pin any possible identity on him. Bored of frustration and weary thoughts she slept off .

*****

Meanwhile, back at Changchun Palace, the light of day was gradually fading and the night was drawing near, casting long shadows over the ornate corridors. The soft glow of lanterns began to replace the dying light of the day, their flickering flames casting a gentle warm light over the rich tapestries and gilded decorations that adorned the palace walls depicting royalty

Inside the Empress's private chambers, she sat before a large, intricately carved wooden screen, its surface adorned with scenes of Phoenix and peonies, symbols of longevity and prosperity.

She was in the process of retiring for the day, her silken robes whispering softly with her every movement. Tong, her loyal handmaid, moved cautiously around her, with her hands quick and practiced as she began to undo the complex layers of the Empress's attire.

Empress Huang, a figure of serene beauty and dignified grace, sat with a composed expression, her long hair, as dark as the raven's wing, was slowly and meticulously being unbound by Tong, each pin and ornament set aside with intense care.

The Empress thoughts seemed to be far away and the silence between she and Tong was heavy with the weight of the unspoken events of the day lingering in the air.

As Tong worked, she couldn't help but steal glances at the Empress through the mirror before them, her mind racing with questions she dared not ask.

The morning's events was sure a hand and mouthful; Consort Shu's insolence had shocked everyone present, not to also mention Concubine Jia breaking the news of the princess envoy selection and her attempt to shift attention to the second princess.

Tong, along with the other servants present, had fully expected a harsher punishment for Consort Shu and for Concubine Jia to atleast be reprimanded. But no,the Empress's response had been unexpectedly mild, leaving a whisper of unease among the palace staff.Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Tong gathered her courage and suddenly asked..

"Huanghuo niang niang", Tong began as she hesitated, her hands pausing in it's task, "why didn't niang niang punish Consort Shu further for her behavior this morning? , she really overstepped "

The Empress remained silent for a moment, her gaze fixed on a distant point beyond the screen. The question hung in the air, the silence stretching out uncomfortably. Then, with a soft sigh, the Empress shifted her gaze from the screen , meeting Tong's eyes in the mirror before them.

"Tong, sometimes the most effective punishment is not the one that is most immediate"..she said, her voice calm and collected .

"Shu fei indeed went overboard but I won't be staining my hands to punish her today, so I left her for someone more cruel and intentional"...Tong totally paused surprised and curious.

"niang niang , you mean..... Tong hesitated staring directly at the Empress through the mirror waiting for an answer.

"Noble Consort Ling" the empress replied raising an eyebrow.

"Ling Gui fei?.. Tong asked confused, but unable to contain her curiosity she continued.

"Niang niang...why will Noble Consort Ling -"

"Take matters to her hands?" the Empress interrupted the curious Tong who nodded swiftly In affirmative.

"Hmph!.. The Empress chuckled as she continued.." Tong, with Consort Shu running wild without constraints who is to be more bothered?"

There were some seconds of silence then Tong realized what and where the Empress was heading at . Consort Shu is just a rank below Noble Consort Ling , so if Noble Consort ling allows Consort Shu go unscathed for her recent disgraceful act before the Empress and everyone, Noble Consort ling's position will be at jeopardy which is something She takes great pride in;her Noble rank position. Therefore, Noble Consort Ling must go all out to guard her position and as such will not let Consort Shu off.

Tong's brow relaxed slightly in awe of the Empress speculation.."niang niang i understand "..she replied with her tune conveying the ease she felt as her hands resumed it's gentle work on the Empress's hair.

Tong hands slightly slowed in their works and with unsatisfied look at the mirror she asked ..."But Niang niang..., won't others see this as a sign of weakness? Won't they think you are... lenient?"

The Empress's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile...

then she began "Strength, Tong, is not always displayed through harshness but by showing restraint, I have planted seeds of doubt and fear in the hearts of those who might seek to undermine me..Other imperial wives will wonder what I am planning, what consequences will eventually befall Consort Shu, in this uncertainty lies my true power" she concluded.

Tong nodded slowly, beginning to understand the deeper strategy at play. The Empress's wisdom and foresight were aspects of her rule in the forbidden city that often went unnoticed . "You are very wise, niang niang," Tong added again softly, with admiration evident in her tone.

The Empress reached up, placing a gentle hand on Tong's . Tong, The court and the imperial harem are entirely different but thesame in some particular way ,there are like a game of chess, every move must be calculated and every decision must be weighed on its potential outcome.

Tong nodded, feeling the weight of the Empress's words. As she continued to assist the Empress with her evening routine, her mind was at rest with newfound understanding. She realized that the Empress's true strength lay not in her ability to punish swiftly, but in her ability to control the narrative.

The room fell into a comfortable silence once more, but then, Tong remembered Concubine Jia's ordeal and surely she couldn't hold back the hunger for more gossips .

"But Niang niang... something seems to confuse me"..Tong asked waiting for the Empress to reply her with more words of wisdom

"You mean Concubine Jia's Plight?"...the Empress asked looking directly at Tong in the mirror.

"niang niang..you are always ahead of me"..they both smiled.

"But Niang niang..how come did the news get to Luyang Palace all the way from the court even without niang naing knowing about it "..Lingyi asked

The Empress countenance remained composed and calm as she replied.."Tong, it was a trap set for Concubine Jia and she walked right into it"..

"a trap!?...Tong asked surprised.The sudden shock on Tong face told she wasn't expecting to hear such.