The gentle light of the sun filtered through the trees in the Empress's courtyard, casting a warm glow over the delicate blooming flowers. Her fingers brushed across the petals of each flower, lingering on the ones she had personally tended to. It was as if each blossom held a memory, a piece of herself she had poured into her garden. She inhaled deeply, savoring the familiar scent of jasmine and lilies, a subtle reassurance of life's resilience.
Tong followed behind closely, her face lighting up with each step the Empress took. It had been weeks since she had seen her mistress looking so spirited, and now, her eyes were clearer, her steps steadier. Tong's heart swelled with joy at seeing the Empress back on her feet.
"Your Majesty," Tong ventured gently, her voice warm, "it is a blessing to see you out and about again."
The Empress turned, her lips curving into a faint smile. "These flowers," she murmured, brushing her fingers along a bud beginning to bloom, "they are reminders of how life comes back... even when it has been silent for so long."
Tong nodded, feeling the quiet strength in her mistress's words. She hesitated a moment, then softly inquired, "Huanghuo Niang naing, have you heard how Consort Jia is settling into her new quarters at Qixiang Palace?"
The Empress's expression softened, and a flicker of pride warmed her eyes. "Yes, Consort Jia. I have thought much about her lately. I heard she has transitioned well, hasn't she?"
Tong smiled, nodding. "Yes, Niang naing . Everything has been arranged to perfection. Qixiang Palace is prepared for her as befitting her new rank. She has settled in quite comfortably."
The Empress nodded slowly, a contemplative look crossing her face. "Three consorts in the Forbidden City," she mused. "It has been some time since we have seen such a fit. To see them grow into such ranks... it is a change, Tong, a ripple through these palace walls." Her voice held an undertone of both pride and nostalgia.
After a moment, Tong ventured, "Will Your Majesty be resuming your duties tomorrow, then?"
The Empress shook her head gently. "Not yet, Tong... but soon. For now, let Noble Consort Ling continue in my stead. It is good for her, and for the others, to learn the weight of such responsibilities."
Tong nodded in understanding, grateful that her mistress was taking her recovery slowly. But there was a gleam of strength in the Empress's gaze, a promise that she would return to her full duties soon enough.
---
Meanwhile, across the palace, a shadow of bitterness had settled over Concubine Hua's chambers. She hadn't left her quarters for days, her spirit dampened by shame and lingering humiliation. The palace had seen the changes in rank, and she had remained stagnant, her position untouched while Jia soared. The weight of her discontent was a heavy shroud, keeping her from any gatherings, from her usual routines.
A'rou hated seeing her mistress in such a state, her once fiery demeanor now quieted to a distant murmur. She moved quietly about the room, setting a cup of tea on the side table near Concubine Hua, hoping to coax her out of the dark cloud of thoughts that seemed to consume her.
But Hua's eyes were distant, lost in a thousand thoughts, each one seemingly more bitter than the last. She didn't even seem to notice the tea placed beside her, her mind racing with the unfairness of it all. Concubine Jia—a mere maid, now risen to Consort. The sting of it lingered, an insult to everything Hua had laboured for.
Seeing her mistress unresponsive, A'rou clumsily jostled the ceramic teapot, allowing the soft clink of pottery to break the heavy silence. Finally, Hua turned, her gaze flicking to the teapot, as if seeing it for the first time. She picked up the cup, not a word of acknowledgment leaving her lips. It was as if she had been hollowed out, leaving only the shell of the woman who once held her head high, confident in her status.
A'rou took a breath, her voice gentle but filled with a hint of urgency. "Niang-niang," she began carefully, "I hate to see you like this... To sit here and let bitterness eat away at you—it's not like you."
Concubine Hua's eyes flicked toward A'rou, a faint spark of irritation flaring. But A'rou pressed on, undeterred. "I know how you feel...I know it hurts, Niang-niang, but… there is still a way forward."
Hua's lips pressed into a thin line. "And what do you propose, A'rou?" Her voice was sharp, carrying an edge of despair.
A'rou looked down for a moment, then back up, her gaze steady. "Consort Jia may hold her new title, but she is not without enemies. I've observed that Consort Xian... well, she harbors no love for her."
Concubine Hua's eyes narrowed, the bitterness momentarily giving way to curiosity. "Xian fei?" she repeated slowly.
"Yes, Niang-niang," A'rou continued, her voice low but determined. "Consort Xian never wanted Jia to rise, even though she doesn't admit it . And now that Jia has been promoted to same rank as her, it's bound to strike a nerve. If you were to ally with her—"
"Ally?" Hua murmured, turning slowly, her mind turning over the possibility. She hadn't considered it, and yet… the idea wasn't without merit.
"Consort Xian could be the key, Niang-niang," A'rou continued, watching Hua's expression carefully. "Her distaste for Consort Jia is well known. Together, you could bring her down. After all, you both know how dangerous it is for anyone to hold such favor in this palace."
Concubine Hua fell silent, her eyes narrowing in thought as she absorbed A'rou's suggestion. The seed of an idea took root, its potential promising a way out of the mire of disappointment that had been holding her captive. The tension in her shoulders relaxed slightly, her lips curving into a cold smile.
"Perhaps... you are right, A'rou." Her voice softened, but there was a wicked glint in her eyes. "I have always been capable of handling matters on my own, but... in this instance, I see the benefit in joining forces."
The silence in the room grew taut with anticipation, the once-muted energy replaced by a burgeoning sense of resolve. For the first time in days, Hua felt her strength returning, a plan forming within her mind that pulsed with the thrill of possibility.
"A'rou," she said quietly, a dangerous smile playing on her lips. "This might indeed be the game-changer we need."
A'rou's heart lifted at the sight of her mistress's revitalized spirit, her own expression mirroring Hua's sly satisfaction. "Yes, Niang-niang," she agreed softly. "Together, you and Consort Xian would be a force to be reckoned with."
Hua dismissed A'rou with a wave of her hand, her thoughts now entirely focused on a new path. She began to mentally map out her strategy, considering the best way to approach Consort Xian and secure her cooperation. Every calculated step, every detail, every word would be carefully crafted to win her favor and solidify their alliance.
The night air was thick with a quiet intensity as Hua continued to devise her plans, her mind alight with the thrill of new purpose. Tomorrow, she would begin laying the foundation for her alliance with Consort Xian. They shared a common goal, after all. Both of them knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows of the palace, and both were keenly aware of what could be gained—or lost—in the dance for power.
And as she imagined Jia's face, stripped of its newfound pride, brought down by the very court that had raised her, a satisfaction settled within Hua's heart.
Jia might have won the Emperor's favor for now, but Hua was far from defeated. She would see to it that the rise of Consort Jia would be brief—a mere flicker of light before it was extinguished.
A'rou watched her mistress from the door, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Hua was ready for battle once more, and she would do everything in her power to support her. Because in the Forbidden City, alliances were forged and broken in an instant, and A'rou was determined to ensure that Hua would be the one left standing . And in the quiet of the night . A'rou watched her Mistress's cold smile deepened.