Concubine Hua's fury was palpable,Her eyes blazed, fixed in a dark rage that only seemed to deepen with each passing second.
"A promotion?" she spat, disbelief and bitterness lacing her voice. She laughed—a short, jagged sound, bitter and filled with a pain she couldn't hide as he darted left to right in her chamber "I was a Noble Lady long before Jia even became an imperial wife. And now, she is a Consort?!"
All these while A'rou watched her mistress from the sideline, not sure when to intervene.
Hua's laughter faded into silence, but her anger only grew, her thoughts racing wildly. How could Jia—a mere palace maid who, until recently, had been little more than an ordinary palace member—now holds a higher rank than her?
"A'rou!" she snapped, her voice sharper than she intended.
Her maid flinched, eyes downcast as she took a careful step forward. "Niang Niang ?"
"Does it make sense to you?" Hua's tone was accusatory, as if A'rou were somehow responsible for this sudden elevation of her rival. "She was nothing—nothing, you hear me! And now I will have to bow before her?."
A'rou nodded, her eyes sympathetic. "your highness please calm yourself," she said softly, attempting to offer a comforting smile. "This is the Emperor's decree, and nothing can change it now. Perhaps... perhaps it would be better to see this as an opportunity for peace."
"Peace?!" Hua's voice dripped with sarcasm as she turned towards A'rou. "You think I should simply accept that she now holds a rank above mine? That she now has the power and privileges of a Consort?" Her voice was nearly a hiss, and for a moment, A'rou feared she'd stepped too close to the flames of her mistress's rage.
"Niang naing, I only mean... she is now in a position of influence. Perhaps befriending her—"
"Enough!" Hua's voice cracked through the air, and A'rou immediately silenced herself. Hua's eyes were fierce, yet beneath her defiant exterior, a hint of desperation flickered.
As Hua paced back and forth, her mind churned with thoughts of revenge, though none of them seemed to provide her with comfort. The more she considered her options, the more it felt as if every path led to a dead end.
---
Meanwhile, at Chengqian Palace, Consort Xian sat in the quiet solitude of her chambers, her gaze distant as she contemplated the same news. Though her face remained impassive, her hands betrayed her inner conflict as they twisted slowly around the delicate fabric of her robe. Jia was now a Consort—a title equal to hers. No matter how much she told herself that this was the natural course of events within the Forbidden City, the notion unsettled her.
It wasn't jealousy that plagued her; it was something more complex, a feeling of loss that tugged at her from beneath her composure. Jia had once been her palace maid, someone whose presence was marked by duty and respect. Now, Jia had ascended beyond that position, becoming a peer—someone she could no longer order around, someone who now wielded her own influence.
Lingyi, standing by the side with a tray of tea, studied her mistress quietly. She could see the thoughts swirling behind Consort Xian's calm expression, the slight furrow of her brow. But Lingyi knew better than to disturb her mistress during such a time; instead, she set the tea down with a delicate touch, retreating quietly so as not to intrude.
Consort Xian finally let out a long sigh, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. The Forbidden City, she reminded herself, was a place where nothing remained constant. Yet, no matter how often she reminded herself of this truth, the realization still stung.
---
At Luyang Palace, Consort Shu arrived at Jia's quarters, her heart pounding slightly as she stepped inside. She had known Jia for many years—long enough to call her an ally, if not a friend. But now, as she crossed the threshold, Shu felt a prick of something unsettling ; jealousy.
Jia's promotion had struck a nerve, stirring within her a strange blend of admiration and envy. Though she fought to bury these feelings, to remind herself of the bond they shared, the jealousy lingered, persistent as a shadow.
Jia turned, her eyes lighting up as she saw Shu. "Ah, Consort Shu," she greeted, her smile warm. "You've come to visit. Please, sit."
Consort Shu took a seat across from her, the usual formality between them softened by years of familiarity. For a moment, she studied Consort Jia's face, searching for any sign of arrogance or pride that might give her a reason to harbor resentment. But Jia's expression was calm, composed—a mirror of the quiet strength that had guided her through the years.
"Congratulations are in order, I suppose," Shu said, forcing a smile. "You've certainly... risen through the ranks."
Consort Jia inclined her head slightly. "Thank you. It came as a surprise to me as well, to be honest."
"Did it?" Shu's voice held a hint of tension, though she masked it quickly. "I can't help but wonder what efforts you've been making behind the scenes to achieve such a... remarkable ascent."
Jia's brow arched slightly, but her expression remained serene. "efforts?...No efforts beyond my usual duties, Shu. I assure you, this promotion was unexpected. I simply did what was expected of me."
Shu felt a prickle of irritation at Jia's calm response. "It must be satisfying," she said, her tone turning slightly cooler. "To know that even the Emperor himself has taken note of you. I imagine there are few who would be content to let such an opportunity slip by."
Jia smiled, unphased by Shu's probing. "Satisfying? Perhaps, in the sense that I can now serve the palace with greater purpose. But ambition, Shu, is not my aim. I do what I can to support His Majesty and Empress ,just as you do."
There was a sincerity in Jia's words that threw Shu off balance. She had expected some degree of pride, perhaps even a hint of arrogance, but instead, Jia's humility disarmed her. For a moment, Shu felt her own jealousy waver, replaced by a grudging respect.
Shu leaned back, studying Jia with new eyes. "You truly believe that, don't you? That you are here simply to serve, without any thought of your own gain?"
Jia's smile softened, her gaze steady. "In this palace, ambitions are dangerous. I prefer a simpler path."
Shu sighed, glancing away. "Perhaps you are wiser than the rest of us, then."
Consort Jia chuckled softly. "Or perhaps, I simply value peace over power."
A silence fell between them, comfortable yet laden with unspoken words. Shu finally rose, feeling a sense of acceptance settle within her. Though she had initially come here with jealousy clouding her thoughts, she could not deny the respect she felt for Jia.
"Congratulations again, Consort Jia," Shu said, her tone sincere this time. "May your rise bring you the peace you seek."
Jia inclined her head, gratitude evident in her expression. "Thank you, Consort Shu. Your friendship has always been a comfort to me."
With a respectful nod, Shu took her leave, her mind still lingering on the quiet strength she had seen in Jia. In a palace where ambition ruled, Jia's humility was as rare as it was intriguing. And though Shu couldn't completely quell the envy she felt, she found herself feeling lighter as she exited Consort Jia's quarters.
As she walked back to her own quarters, Shu pondered the complex nature of her own feelings. The Forbidden City was a place where relationships were often strained and twisted by ambition and rivalry. But in Jia, she had seen something different—a purity of purpose that resonated deeply, even as it defied the very structure of palace life.
In her heart, Shu knew that the path Jia had chosen was not one she herself could follow. But in that moment, she found herself wishing that, perhaps, it was a path that more in the palace might one day come to understand.