It is one thing to wake up with a purpose , but it is another to wake up with a purpose and renowned expectations. The latter is the case of Lingyi , who laid flat on her bed ..faced up to the ceiling , reminiscing on her privy engagement with Prince Lan..her Hero .
Her cheeks flushed, she smiled for ear to ear as she covered her eyes with her palms.. juggling her feets between the sheets . Then she stopped , as a thought passed her mind like a flash of lightening. She rose up and sat on her guilt to process this ounce of thought .
"Susan ...what has come over you?" It was like someone in the room spoke to her from the inside . She remained silent for some minutes.. feeding on this thought.
She continued.."You haven't even known your purpose to this world or why you were brought here and you are already falling in love?"
"No , I can't call it love...I'm just caught up in fantasy" she replied to herself.
"But still, is everything not happening too fast?"..another thought came in. Her eyes darted as she reasoned the meaning this one held.
"No .. Someone saved me and it's perfectly fine for me to be grateful "..she countered.
"This might be a scheme in the grand plan of someone in the forbidden city..you are just a pawn after all.." another thought came in.
This one was hard to counter...yes , the forbidden city was a layer of plans and schemes ...one will never know when they walk right into their enemies trap.
"Oh please "..she waved in the air as if dismissing the voice .
"You call it love or whatever..but I do enjoy this engagement while it lasts...haaaaa!!" She screamed, juggling her feets again as she fell back to her bed, turning side to side sheepishly.
****
The morning sun casted a glow of opulence on the curtains and ornaments at the emperors court. The ministeres arrived one after another ..waiting for the emperor to make an entrance.
Infront of the two rows who stood before the Emperor's grand throne was Minister Cheng and Minister Wei, heading each row , dressed in their regal ministers' apparel with a cap to compliment it. Each ministers stood according to their rank , from Minister Cheng and Wei in the front; the highest ranking ministers, to the men at the back ..the lowest ranking ministers. Everyone engaged in conversations that picked their interest..as they waited for the Emperor's arrival.
Just then, Eunuch liu entered, through the door behind the main stage where the emperor sits. The presence of Eunuch Liu silenced the murmurers and whispers that exuded from the minister's conversations. Everyone turned in seriousness with their composure straightened.
"His Majesty, the Emperor has arrived!!!" Eunuch Liu announced as the Emperor entered with poise and pride .
"Long live the Emperor , may you rule for a thousand years"..the ministers echoed in unison as they bowed in greeting.
"Rise" the Emperor gestured, already sat and settled .
The air was already charged with anticipation as Minister Cheng stepped forward to deliver his news. Clad in official robes that shimmered faintly under the morning light, he offered the Emperor a deep bow before beginning.
"Your Majesty," he intoned, his voice steady yet infused with excitement, "I bring good tidings. " Everyone attention were now in him . "The peace treaty negotiations with the State of Ortai have concluded successfully. Both sides have reached an amicable agreement that ensures our nation's stability and harmony." He concluded.
The Emperor's eyes brightened as he sat straighter on his throne, a rare smile crossing his face. A wave of relief seemed to ripple through the hall, and murmurs of approval and admiration rose from the ministers assembled.
"Minister Cheng," the Emperor declared, his voice ringing with authority, "your efforts have not only preserved our realm's peace but have also spared our first princess the sorrow of leaving her home. You have served your emperor and your nation with utmost dedication."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Minister Cheng replied, bowing even lower. "It has been an honor."
The Emperor turned to his ministers. "This peace treaty is not only a victory for us; it is a testament to our strength and wisdom. Let us remember this day. And as for Minister Cheng, he shall be rewarded handsomely for his dedication and service."
"The Emperor is wise"..all other ministers echoed, blowing in unison, and Minister Cheng's face lit with humble gratitude. The Emperor raised his hand to dismiss the meeting, and the ministers gradually exited, their spirits uplifted. The Emperor then rose, accompanied by Eunuch Liu, who trailed him quietly as they made their way back to the Emperor's quarters.
Once inside, the Emperor exhaled, allowing himself a moment of quiet satisfaction . He turned to Eunuch Liu, who stood beside him with a respectful yet curious gaze.
"Liu," the Emperor began, " issue my decree."
Eunuch Liu bowed, attentive. "Your Majesty, I am ready to carry out your command."
The Emperor's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Issue my decree to Luyang Palace. Promote Concubine Jia to the rank of Consort Jia."
For a split second, Eunuch Liu's composure slipped, and a ripple of surprise crossed his usually impassive face. Promotion within the imperial harem was no trivial matter. It was a privilege, an honor that most wives of the emperor coveted, often waiting years for even the slightest elevation in status. And now, here was the Emperor, bestowing a rare and prestigious rank upon Concubine Jia, seemingly out of the blue.
Eunuch Liu cleared his throat, carefully choosing his words. "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold to inquire… How did Your Majesty come to know that Concubine Jia played a part in the success of the peace treaty?"
The Emperor chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "Oh, Liu, I know far more about the happenings in this palace than anyone realizes. While Concubine Jia did not involve herself directly in matters of state, her actions were felt all the same."
Eunuch Liu's curiosity deepened. "And how might that be, Your Majesty?"
The Emperor leaned back, his gaze growing distant as he spoke. "Concubine Jia is a woman of grace, diligence, and quiet wisdom, upon learning the news about the princess envoy selection, she didn't come running down to this palace or kneeling here to plead that I spare her daughter. She didn't create any unpleasant scenes , rather she devised a better idea that has worked. I know it is improper and unallowed for the Imperial wives to discuss state affairs..but still in the wake of such tension, her loyalty and composure have earned my favor."
Eunuch Liu nodded, understanding the Emperor's appreciation for subtle influence. "Indeed, Your Majesty. She has shown herself to be virtuous and steadfast."
The Emperor's voice softened, though his words retained their weight. "The palace is a realm of shadows, Liu. Most maneuver for self-interest, but Concubine Jia has held true to her place with sincerity. Such devotion deserves acknowledgment."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Eunuch Liu replied, his respect for both the Emperor's insight and Concubine Jia's quiet strength deepening.
A thoughtful look settled on the Emperor's face. "Not only shall she receive the title of Consort Jia, but also a palace of her own. She has earned the right to be a mistress of her own domain."
Eunuch Liu's expression filled with joy. "Your Majesty's kindness is boundless. Luyang Palace will be honored by this news."
The Emperor waved a dismissive hand, though a hint of satisfaction lingered in his smile. "Go now, Liu. Relay my decree to Luyang Palace. And be sure the announcement is fitting for such an elevation. Let her know that I am watching… and that I am grateful."
Eunuch Liu bowed deeply and departed, practically brimming with enthusiasm. He left the Emperor's quarters with a sense of purpose, his steps swift and precise as he headed toward Luyang Palace. Along the corridors, servants and guards cast curious glances, noting the energy that radiated from the usually stoic eunuch.
As he approached Luyang Palace, Eunuch Liu could already sense the anticipation. News traveled quickly in the Forbidden City, and many within Luyang Palace had heard the whispers of the peace treaty's success. Yet they could not have imagined that something even grander was about to unfold.