Eunuch Liu entered the palace gate , and asked the maids around to notify their mistress to come receive the Emperor's decree.
Concubine Jia in her chambers who was preparing for the morning greetings in respect to the empress overhead the words of Eunuch Liu. Surprised by what decree , she quickly stepped out to the courtyard.
The courtiers of Luyang Palace also gathered, bowing in respectful silence.
With a steady voice, Eunuch Liu proclaimed, "By order of His Majesty, the Emperor…"
Concubine Jia and her servants knelt down in respect. The servants holding their breath, their curiosity piqued.
"Concubine Jia is henceforth elevated to the rank of Consort Jia, in honor of her dedication and virtue. Furthermore, by imperial decree, she is granted the status of a palace mistress. A new residence will be prepared for her at once."
The reaction following the announcement was immediate. A ripple of gasps swept through the crowd, followed by murmurs of excitement. Concubine Jia ..or should this writer say Consort Jia couldn't believe her eyes and ears. The promotion of an imperial wife was a momentous occasion, a sign of the Emperor's personal regard. To not only receive a new title but also the privilege of her own palace—this was an honor that many could only dream of.
She arose by the assistance of lixin and stepped forward gracefully, joining Eunuch Liu, who waited with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Consort Jia," he said, a slight smile softening his formal tone. "May you continue to bring honor to His Majesty's harem."
"Thank you, Eunuch Liu," she replied, her voice warm. "It is a privilege I accept with gratitude."
The courtiers nearby bowed, each murmuring their congratulations, and Consort Jia accepted their well-wishes with the serene dignity for which she was known.
Eunuch Liu bowed again, respect evident in his expression. "May this new rank bring you the peace you so richly deserve."
She inclined her head in gratitude, and with one last bow, Eunuch Liu took his leave, the news already spreading like wildfire through the palace.
****
That same morning, the Mistresses of the palace gathered at Yanxi Hall, their vibrant silk robes catching the sun as they settled in the spacious hall. Since the Empress's illness, the morning gatherings had been transferred here, following the tradition of paying homage to the central authority of the Empress, even in her absence.
At the head of the gathering sat Noble Consort Ling, dressed in a flower patterned apparel, hair well ardoned with jade and gold hairpins, she complimented the look with a silk handkerchief that she folded between her index and last finger which was covered with a gold nail guard. Her elegance was undeniable as she presided over the assembled mistresses, each of whom presented herself in a perfectly styled attire and elaborate headpiece that depicted thier rank and taste.
The discussions moved smoothly from the palace gardens to ceremonial events, each mistress addressing concerns or sharing updates from her palace. All seemed orderly, but yet Concubine Hua sat with a simmering discontent, tapping her fingers lightly against her armrest. She scanned the faces in the hall, feeling a subtle irritation rise as her gaze passed over the empty space where Jia normally sat.
Finally, unable to contain her curiosity, Hua cleared her throat just loud enough to draw attention. With a sly look, she tilted herself slightly to the side, a faint smile curving her lips. "Hiao!..." she began, her voice silky with implication. " Guifei Niang naing , it seems that with the Empress unwell, some dogs have forgotten their place in the palace." she said with a sudden ignorance of any implications.
The room quieted instantly, every pair of eyes turning toward Hua. Her choice of words caused several brows to rise in intrigue, if not outright shock. Yet Concubine Hua maintained her coy smile, relishing the attention.
Noble Consort Ling's gaze narrowed slightly, but her composure remained calm. She leaned forward, speaking with careful poise. "What is it you're trying to say, Hua Pin?"
Hua patted her nose with her handkerchief as though cleaning off an invisible dust, making sure the moment lingered as she swallowed deliberately before continuing. "I only mean that the rules of the Forbidden City are quite clear, Guifei Niang niang. Yet, I do not see Jia here. Could it be that she has simply decided they no longer apply to her?"
A murmur rippled through the room as Hua's question landed. The other mistresses shifted, exchanging glances as they waited for Ling's response.
Noble Consort Ling held Hua's gaze, her face unreadable. "Perhaps she is unwell, and it would be unwise to force her to attend in such a state. Concubine Jia has always been a respectful member of the imperial household, and I've never known her to disregard protocol."
Concubine Hua's lips curled in a mocking smile, not convinced by the noble consort's response. "Oh, of course," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure that's the case." She leaned forward as if about to press further, her eyes gleaming with an almost predatory interest.
But just as she opened her mouth to continue, a palace maid entered the hall, bowing low to all the Mistresses . The interruption stilled the room, and all eyes turned to the maid, curious at the sudden appearance.
"Speak," Ling said, gesturing for her to rise.
The maid straightened and addressed the room. "Your Highness, Noble Consort... His Majesty has decreed the promotion of Concubine Jia to Consort Jia ."
A stunned silence fell over the hall. It was as though time itself had paused, each mistress frozen in place as they processed the news. A breath caught in the throat of several ladies, and the shock was nearly tangible, hanging thick in the air.
Concubine Hua's eyes widened, her entire expression shifting as disbelief colored her face. She opened her mouth but found no words, only a strangled sound escaping as she struggled to keep her envy and frustration from showing. But the tightness in her jaw and the spark of anger in her eyes betrayed her emotions, even as she tried to mask them.
Noble Consort Ling maintained her serene demeanor, though a slight lift of her brow indicated her own surprise. She, too, had not anticipated this sudden rise for Jia. Still, she allowed a small, approving nod to the maid, gracefully acknowledging the news.
"Well," Ling finally spoke, her voice breaking the thick silence. "Now, we can all see the reason for Jia's absence today. It is not a matter of disregard but rather a matter of honor." She cast a gentle look around the room, "I think it would only be fitting if each of us pays a visit to Consort Jia to congratulate her on this achievement."She concluded, her tone soft but commanding.
One by one, the other mistresses nodded in agreement, some with murmurs of approval, others with more muted responses. Hua, however, sat rigidly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her knuckles pale from the strain.
Consort Shu, who had been watching the entire exchange with a quiet expression, couldn't help but glance toward Hua with a faint smirk. She rose gracefully, offering a polite nod toward Ling. "A wise suggestion, Your Highness. It is important to honor His Majesty's decisions." she said mockingly .
The words were directed more at Hua than at Ling, and the jab was unmistakable. Hua's eyes flashed as she met Shu's gaze, but she knew better than to respond directly.
One by one, the mistresses rose to take their leave, each bowing to Noble Consort Ling before departing. Hua was the first to exit, her movements sharp and clipped as she stormed out, her envy and frustration barely concealed. The sudden promotion of her rival to consort rank stung deeply, and the shame of her earlier remarks left her feeling humiliated.
Consort Shu followed shortly after, a look of mild amusement lingering on her face as she watched Hua's retreating figure. She, too, had been surprised by Jia's promotion, but unlike Hua, Shu respected Jia's quiet strength. Shu nodded to herself as she considered the Emperor's decision, seeing the wisdom in rewarding such loyalty.
Consort Xian left with calm grace, her expression thoughtful but unreadable. She held no ill will toward Jia, or so this writer thinks. And even though the promotion was unexpected. To her, it was simply another shift in the ever-changing balance of the palace.
Noble Lady Yu, meanwhile, lingered at the back of the hall, her expression one of idle curiosity. She had no particular interest in Jia's promotion but found the reactions of the other mistresses to be quite entertaining.
As the last of the mistresses filed out, Noble Consort Ling allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. She had seen the bitterness in Hua's eyes and the satisfaction in Shu's, and she knew that this promotion would send ripples through the palace for days to come. Yet, Ling felt a small sense of satisfaction herself. In a world where ambition often masked itself as virtue, Jia's humility had finally been recognized.