Battle of Palaces

"But niang naing..why would His Majesty do that to Jia pin?".. Tong asked with her eyes filled with curiosity.

obviously it was clear Tong was no longer paying attention to her work tonight as she was fully immersed in the hot topic, waiting for The Empress to point her light once again in the right direction.

The Empress remained silent while gazing at a distance of no particular interest. Then she replied.."it is not His Majesty"..she continued admiring her self through the mirror without care for Tong unsatisfied curiosity.

Utterly inquisitive, Tong asked.."if it is not His majesty, who is it then... niang niang?"

The Empress then tuned to meet Tong's eyes in the mirror..."Think about it Tong,...she paused , then continued.." The news of a princess envoy selection discussed in the Court shouldn't have spread so fast that it got to Luyang Palace in such a Little time, even before my awareness. It is clear someone in the forbidden city deliberately delivered the news to Concubine Jia to make her unease thereby stating the obvious that The first princess should be the candidate "..she concluded looking away in attempt to put together more facts to prove the credibility of her theory.

Tong on the other hand was lost in reasoning , with her eyelids almost closed together and brows adjoining medially . She got a bit more confused and asked again...

"niang niang, how will Concubine Jia's action affect the selection and gear attention to the First princess ?"

"That is where she fell right into her enemies palm, her action this morning did not only make everyone remember that the first princess is due for marriage but also proved that Jia pin is the most reluctant and unwilling to heed to the imperial decree when issued. And no one dares act against the decree"

" niang niang you mean silence would have done her more good then damage?...Tong asked gradually understanding.

"Yes, you finally get it " the Empress replied

"But niang niang, who dared to pull this string" Tong asked again.

The Empress smirked slightly, "Tong ,what place is the forbidden city?..is not an easy ground nor bed of flowers, even some beautiful flowers have thorns. Not every smile in the forbidden city are genuine , one can't tell her foe from her ally. Inside the walls of this harem, the only person you can trust is yourself". Empress Huang concluded with a sigh which seemed to convey lots of emotions.

Tong nodded, fully comprehending what was at play, but she couldn't stop thinking of who really wanted Concubine Jia heart broken this bad.

The Empress saw the look on Tong's face and smiled, she reached for Tong's hand on her shoulders, tapping her reassurably as she said.."Tong, don't worry..all of these will be clear to you some day" ..and she stood up all ready to retire for the night.

Silence filled the atmosphere in the chamber, Tong knew the Empress has fought and is still fighting to keep her position from the jealous wolves pack of concubines in the forbidden city. Her calm demeanor and countenance is an evidence of the many ordeal the Empress had witnessed. Tong does not like seeing this side of Empress Huang ; regrets, sorrows, tears and problems untold were all written all over the Empress's face as Tong watched her enter into her bed chamber.

With mixed emotions, Tong completed the evening routine as she closed the Empress's bed chamber curtain bidding her a peaceful rest as she departed for her quarters.

The evening was still young, calm and peaceful, but it was in complete contrast to the turmoil brewing within Luyang Palace. The crimson hues of the setting sun bathed the palace grounds in a serene glow, casting long shadows that danced with the gentle breeze. Yet, beneath the serene exterior, a storm raged in the inner chamber of Concubine Jia Palace tearing her composure apart.

Restless and agitated, her mind raced with thoughts of her failed plans at Changchun Hall not to mention her pride which was also shattered that morning. The very schemes she had painstakingly crafted had crumbled, leaving her in a restless position. She had spent hours strategizing, every move well calculated to perfection..or so she had believed.but reality had proven to be a ruthless adversary.

Even her visit to the Empress Dowager, a desperate attempt to save the First Princess, from the impending selection, had backfired badly .Instead of swaying the formidable figure, her plight had only intensified the scrutiny and pressure she was facing.

As she recalled the stern, unyielding gaze of the Empress Dowager, a shiver ran down her spine. The elderly woman's eyes, sharp and discerning, had seen through her facade and theatrics. Every word she spoke, bounded by desperation, had been met with an impenetrable wall of indifference.

Back in her palace, Concubine Jia paced relentlessly,to and from with her anxiety sweeping into every corner of the room. The once serene atmosphere was now crackled with tension, a sense of unease that affected even her closest maid, Lixin. The usually composed servant found herself unnerved by the weight of her mistress's distress pressing heavily upon her. With each step Concubine Jia took, the air grew thicker, the silence louder, and the sense of impending doom more pronounced. It was like a nightmare to Lixin seeing her mistress in such precarious state .

Lixin, who had served Concubine Jia faithfully for years, watched her mistress with worried eyes. She had never seen her in such a state of disarray. Lixin's heart ached to provide some words of comfort, but she knew that any attempt to soothe would be fueling the burning flames. The gravity of the situation hung between them, unspoken yet an understood reality.

"niang niang ,".. Lixin called out softly, her voice just above a whisper, "perhaps you should rest.. you've been through so much today."

Concubine Jia stopped mid-step, turning to face Lixin. Her eyes, usually sparkling with confidence and cunny were now clouded with worry. "Rest!?" she echoed, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. "How can I rest when my daughter is about to be sent to a foreign land with no one to lean unto "

Lixin lowered her gaze, feeling the sharpness of her mistress's words. "niang niang I understand... but you need your strength, the First Princess will need you strong and clear-headed"..Lixin said with her voice filled with worry.

Concubine Jia sighed, She knew Lixin was right, but the thought of lying down and closing her eyes felt impossible. Every time she blinked, she saw the disapproving face of the Empress Dowager, heard the mockery whispers of other wives , she just couldn't escape the torment of her thoughts.

She moved to the window, gazing out at the tranquil gardens, their beauty seemingly mocking her in her predicament .

The moon had risen, casting a silver glow over the landscape, but its light brought no comfort to Concubine Jia. Instead, it highlighted the isolation she felt.

Her mind drifted to her daughter, the First Princess, whose innocence was now tainted by the brutal reality of palace politics. She had always been a gentle soul, more interested in poetry and music than the machinations of the court. Concubine Jia had tried to shield her from the darker aspects of their world, but now, her failure was drawing near. How could she protect her child from a fate she couldn't control?