The Empress leaned back, contemplating. "There are many who could benefit from your misfortune. Concubine Hua as you said may be a possibility, but you have to provide concrete evidence to pursue this ".
Concubine Jia nodded, her resolve strengthening. "I will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and protect my daughter niang naing."
The Empress's gaze softened slightly. "You have my support, Jia pin . We will monitor the situation closely and act when the time is right. For now, remain vigilant and gather any information you can." the empress concluded.
But Jia was not at peace and with a renewed sense of purpose, filled with anger and revenge, Concubine Jia left the Empress's quarters, determined to uncover the truth behind the setup.
Upon her return from the Empress's quarters, Concubine Jia found herself in a whirlpool of thoughts in the confines of her inner chamber. The echo of the Empress's words still lingered in her mind, weaving an intricate web of doubt and determination.
Jia pin paced the length of her chambers, her footsteps soft against the finely woven rugs. Could she truly trust the Empress, or had she just thrown herself into another layer of palace intrigue? , These thoughts played round her mind as they were facilitated by Consort Shu's warnings earlier. The Empress's promise of support had seemed genuine, but the forbidden city is filled with deception, even the most sincere words could mask hidden agendas.
Lixin watched her mistress with concern. "Niang Niang ...you seem troubled. Is it the Empress's counsel that worries you?"
Concubine Jia paused, turning her gaze to Lixin. "It's not just the counsel, Lixin. It's everything. The Empress's support is a powerful shield, but it could also be a double-edged sword. I must tread carefully." Jia replied completely worried .
Lixin nodded, understanding the weight of the situation. "You have always navigated the palace with grace, niang niang. Your instincts have kept you safe thus far."
Concubine Jia sighed, moving to sit by the window where the soft light of the late afternoon bathed her in a warm glow. "Instincts alone might not be enough this time. The stakes are higher, and the players more cunning."She replied, completely immersing her gaze at a distance.
As she gazed out into the courtyard, concubine Jia's mind wandered back to her encounter with Consort Shu. The warning had been clear, someone had orchestrated her daughter's potential selection as a trap. But who? And why? The usual suspects floated in her mind, but without concrete evidence, she was merely grasping at shadows.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. A servant entered, bowing deeply. "niang niang, someone unknown dropped a message at the gate just now."
Jia took the scroll, "who would have dropped this" She asked her fingers tracing the elegant script before she unrolled it. The message was brief, yet laden with meaning: "Trust is a rare currency. Spend it wisely."
The cryptic words seemed to echo her own doubts. Trust in the Empress?, in Shu?, or even in her own instincts, it all felt like a gamble with no clear outcome. She closed her eyes, letting the silence of the room envelop her as she tried to make sense of her next move.
"Trust is a rare currency," she repeated softly. "But so is caution."
Concubine Jia knew she couldn't afford to be reckless. The safety of her daughter and her own position in the palace depended on her ability to navigate this delicate situation. She had to stay calm, vigilant, and above all, patient. Playing the situation by ear was the only viable strategy, as rushing into action without a clear understanding of the players involved could spell disaster.
"Patience, Lixin.... patience"Concubine Jia said finally, turning to her faithful maid. "We must watch and listen. Gather information quietly. Let those who plot reveal themselves in their haste."
Lixin bowed her head. "I understand, niang niang. We will be like shadows, observing everything and revealing nothing."
With a deep breath, Jia felt an ounce of peace and hope. The palace was a game of chess, and every move had to be calculated with precision. The Empress's support, Consort Shu's warnings, the intricate dance of alliances and enmity all pieces on a board that Jia had to master.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across her chamber, Jia stood firm in her resolve. She would play the situation by ear, trusting no one fully but herself. In this treacherous game, only the keenest mind and the steadiest heart would prevail.
And Concubine Jia was determined to be that mind and heart, for the sake of her daughter and her own survival.
**********************************************
Back in the dimly lit chambers of Chengqian Palace, Ru Lingyi sat by the window, her mind swirling with thoughts of the morning's gathering. Her encounter with Concubine Jia had unsettled her in ways she couldn't quite articulate. Concubine Jia's face brought back the past she prayed never to return to, and the weight of unspoken histories pressed down on her.
Unable to shake the feeling, Lingyi knew she needed answers. She rose from her seat and made her way through the palace halls to find Wanying, although they don't see eye to eye but Wanying have been in Chengqian Palace far longer than she had and if there was anyone to help her out it must be Wanying.
Wanying was often reluctant to talk, but Lingyi hoped she might be more forthcoming this time.
She found Wanying in one of the side chambers, arranging fresh flowers in a vase. The older maid looked up, her expression turning guarded as she saw Lingyi approach.
"Wanying, I need to talk to you," Lingyi began, trying to keep her tone casual.
Wanying sighed as she continued her handiwork, clearly not in the mood for any conversation. "What is it, Lingyi? I have work to do."
"I know, and I'm sorry to bother you," Lingyi said, taking a step closer. "But I need to know about Concubine Jia. There's something about her that... doesn't sit right with me."
Wanying's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean? Why are you so interested in her all of a sudden?"
Lingyi hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's just that... when I saw her today, She seemed to have recognized me from that day..you know?,the punishment, she was the one.
Wanying eyes widened as she dropped the flowers reluctantly.."Jia pin was the one that punished you that day?" Wanying asked surprised.
"Yes...but she seemed not to remember me for that, when she looked at me , it was as though she was surprised to see me with Our mistress..even the look on Xian fei niang niang face complemented hers.. Lingyi answered.
"I can't help but feel there is an untold history between them" Lingyi said leaning close to Wanying in anticipation of an answer.
Wanying's expression softened slightly, though she still seemed reluctant. "You're not imagining things. Concubine Jia has a history with Chengqian Palace."
"Please, Wanying," Lingyi implored. "Tell me what you know."
With a resigned sigh, Wanying set the flowers aside and motioned for Lingyi to sit. "Very well. But this is not a pleasant tale."
Lingyi nodded, her curiosity piqued.
"Jia pin was once a maid here, in Chengqian Palace," Wanying began. "She served under Consort Xian, our mistress. She was diligent, clever, and had a way of making herself indispensable. Then I was just like you, new to the whole palace atmosphere and drama"
Lingyi leaned forward again, hanging on Wanying's every word.
"But then," Wanying continued, "the emperor noticed her. He was taken with her beauty and wit. Before long, she found favor in his eyes, and he elevated her to the rank of a Second class attendant. It was a swift rise, and many were envious."
"Consort Xian included?" Lingyi asked, already knowing the answer.
"Yes..who wouldn't be, but Xian fei niang niang is wise and discreet. She did not show her envy openly. Instead, she focused on maintaining her own position and influence."
"Ohh!!.."Lingyi exclaimed softly as she nodded in understanding. Then she turned to Wanying again.
"Wanying, what about Concubine Hua?" Lingyi prompted, remembering the morning gathering.