The imperial garden shimmered like a jewel in the late autumn sun, its golden rooftops casting a radiant glow that could be seen for miles. Within its walls, preparations for Emperor Lu Shaofeng's birthday celebrations were in full swing. Servants scurried about like ants, hanging silk banners, arranging flower garlands, and erecting grand stages for the evening's entertainment.
This year's celebration was to be the most lavish in decades—a reflection of both the Emperor's personal grandeur and the recent triumphs of the empire. Invitations have been extended to the most powerful figures in the realm, from influential ministers to celebrated military leaders. The Emperor, in his infinite wisdom, intended the celebration to project unity and strength. Yet, behind the glittering facade, the court's simmering rivalries and ambitions threatened to disrupt the harmony of the occasion.
The Morning Audience
The day began with the traditional morning audience in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Court officials and nobles gathered in their finest attire, their bows deep and voices reverent as they offered congratulations to the Emperor.
At the head of the hall sat Emperor Lu Shaofeng, resplendent in his dragon robes of gold and black, his crown adorned with jade and pearls. Beside him stood his eldest and only son, Lu Xuan Jun, Prince Jian of the First Rank, whose youthful appearance belied the calculated sharpness in his eyes.
First to step forward was Grand Chancellor Li Heng, whose measured tone carried the weight of decades of service. "Your Majesty, on this auspicious day, may the heavens continue to bless your reign with prosperity and wisdom."
The Emperor nodded, his expression unreadable. Li Heng's loyalty was unwavering, but his cautionary voice had often clashed with the Emperor's bolder instincts.
Next came General Wei Jinrong, his broad shoulders and commanding presence a stark contrast to Li Heng's scholarly demeanor. "Your Majesty," Wei began, his voice resonating through the hall, "on behalf of the empire's soldiers, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. May your reign be as enduring as the mountains and as glorious as the rising sun."
The Emperor's lips curled into a smile, his gaze lingering on Wei. "You have brought glory to this empire, General. Your service will not be forgotten."
The exchange did not escape Li Heng's notice, nor that of his allies. Minister of Finance Qian Yu shifted uncomfortably, his hand gripping his jade belt. Beside him, Lord Sun Yuan cast a subtle glance at the Emperor, his expression carefully neutral. Meanwhile, Minister of Armaments Zhou Yan, a staunch supporter of Wei, stood tall, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
The Banquet Hall
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the celebrations moved to the grand banquet hall. Rows of intricately carved tables were laden with delicacies—roast duck glazed with honey, steamed fish garnished with lotus petals, and golden rice wine served in porcelain cups. Musicians played soft melodies on guzheng and flutes, while dancers in silken robes performed intricate routines.
The imperial family occupied a raised platform at the head of the hall. The Emperor sat at its center, flanked by his wives and consorts. Empress De Wanying, regal and composed, wore a phoenix crown that sparkled with rubies. Her poise was impeccable, but those who knew her well could sense the strain beneath her calm exterior.
On the Emperor's other side sat Consort Shu Yuhuan, her beauty radiant in a crimson gown embroidered with dragons. Her position so close to the Emperor was a deliberate statement, a reminder of her growing influence. Wanying's smile remained fixed, but her fingers tightened imperceptibly around her wine cup.
Further down the platform sat the other consorts: Consort Xian Suhuan, serene and unreadable as always; Consort Liang Xueqin, her gentle demeanor masking a sharp intellect; and Consort Qi Yuzhu, her eyes darting restlessly across the room, ever watchful for opportunities.
Among the lower-ranked women, the Imperial Concubines sat in their designated seats. Mei Lingxuan, Empress De's staunch ally, observed the gathering with quiet vigilance. Lian Yingning, Shu's confidante, whispered discreetly with Lady Fang Donger, whose mischievous grin hinted at trouble. An Lingrong, Consort Liang's ally, mingled easily with the other concubines, her subtle diplomacy evident in every interaction. Yan Feiyuan, devoted to Consort Xian, remained serene, while Lady Fang Donger, Consort Qi's unpredictable confidante, laughed loudly at an offhand comment, drawing curious glances.
Tensions at the Banquet
The evening's first sign of discord came during the Emperor's toast. As he raised his cup to honor General Wei Jinrong's military victories, a murmur rippled through the hall.
"To General Wei, whose valor has expanded our borders and secured the prosperity we now enjoy," the Emperor proclaimed.
The military faction erupted into cheers, led by Commander Xu Da and Minister Zhou Yan. But at the chancellor's table, the response was muted. Li Heng's lips tightened, and Qian Yu exchanged a worried glance with Lord Sun Yuan.
The tension deepened when Consort Shu, emboldened by the Emperor's favor, rose from her seat. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice honeyed, "perhaps it is time to consider General Wei's proposals for strengthening our borders. After all, his wisdom extends beyond the battlefield."
Her words, seemingly innocuous, carried a pointed edge. The hall fell silent, all eyes turning to the Emperor.
Empress De, sensing the danger, interjected smoothly. "Your Majesty, Consort Shu raises an important point. However, the Grand Chancellor's insights into the empire's internal needs are equally invaluable. Perhaps a balanced approach would serve the empire best."
The Emperor hesitated, his gaze shifting between Shu and Wanying. Finally, he nodded. "A fair point, Empress. Let us continue this discussion in council."
Shu's expression darkened, but she quickly masked it with a gracious smile. Wanying inclined her head, her victory subtle but undeniable.
Private Conversations and Hidden Agendas
As the banquet continued, smaller groups formed, each pursuing their own agendas.
Li Heng and his allies huddled in quiet discussion. "Consort Shu's influence grows bolder by the day," Qian Yu whispered.
"She is not the threat," Li Heng replied, his voice calm but firm. "It is Wei Jinrong's ambitions that we must curb. Tonight's display only confirms it."
Meanwhile, Wei Jinrong held court among the military faction, his booming laughter drawing admiring glances. "The chancellor clings to his parchments and ledgers," Wei said, his tone mocking. "He forgets that empires are built on strength, not words."
In another corner, Shu and her confidante Lian Yingning exchanged whispers. "The Empress will not yield her position easily," Lian murmured.
"She underestimates me," Shu replied, her eyes gleaming. "The Emperor's favour is all I need."
Wanying, ever vigilant, observed the shifting dynamics. Mei Lingxuan leaned close, her voice low. "Shu grows bolder. She must be reminded of her place."
"Not yet," Wanying said, her tone measured.
"Patience is our greatest weapon."
The Emperor's Speech and a Final Showdown
As the evening drew to a close, the Emperor rose to deliver his final speech. The hall fell silent, the air heavy with anticipation.
"This celebration is not merely for me," Lu Shaofeng began, his voice steady. "It is for all who serve this empire—our soldiers, our ministers, and our people. Together, we have built a realm that stands as a beacon of strength and unity."
The speech, though grandiose, did little to quell the underlying tensions. As the Emperor concluded, a sudden commotion erupted near the military tables. Commander Xu Da, emboldened by drink, had confronted Qian Yu over the treasury's reluctance to fund Wei's proposals.
"You speak of limits and caution while our soldiers bleed for this empire!" Xu Da thundered.
"And you would bankrupt the empire with your endless demands!" Qian Yu shot back.
The argument escalated until Wei Jinrong intervened, pulling Xu Da away. "This is neither the time nor place," Wei growled, his glare silencing the commander.
Li Heng approached Qian Yu, his expression grave. "Be wary," he said. "This is far from over."
A Night of Reflections
As the guests departed, the palace corridors buzzed with whispered conversations. The Emperor, retiring to his chambers, pondered the evening's events. The celebration, meant to display unity, had only highlighted the fractures within his court.
In the East Palace, Shu Yuhuan plotted her next move with Lian Yingning, her confidence undiminished. In the Phoenix Palace, De Wanying strategized with Mei Lingxuan, her resolve unshaken. In the Outer Court, the factions of Li Heng and Wei Jinrong prepared for the battles yet to come.
The Emperor's birthday had passed, but its echoes would reverberate through the palace for weeks to come, shaping the future of the empire in ways no one could yet foresee.