Consort Jia and Noble lady Yu made their way to Yanxi palace. Yu guiren, completely oblivious of such summon prior to the gathering at the Imperial garden. As they trailed along the street of the palace walls, Jia couldn't help but notice some unshaken anxiousness on Noble lady Yu. She thought that it must be the presence of Concubine Hua that has frightened her. Yu was among the newly selected palace mistresses but to Jia it was enough time that Yu learned the way of the palace. She turned her eyes towards Yu who walked by her side anxiously.
Consort Jia started, "Yu mei mei, you seem anxious..what is the reason". She asked giving her room to feel comfortable.
Noble lady Yu turned towards Jia with a forced smile trying to conceal what was already opened up.
"Jia Fei naing naing , it's nothing..I am fine" Yu replied
"Nothing?..."Jia cut in sharply.
"You don't look fine, I know a pale and shaken flower when I see one"..Consort Jia replied, now slowing their pace.
"Niang Ni-
"It's okay Yu.." Jia interrupted Yu stammering attempt and continued. " I have seen a great deal of this battle ground called the forbidden city, and believe me when I say, you can never get ready enough, you probably would have told yourself that you don't want be part of the palace intrigues and drama and that you want to stay to yourself, so that by that way, you will have peace and longevity..." Noble lady Yu turned surprised to Consort Jia who maintained her default demeanor and expression.
She continued.." ofcourse I understand you. I get that you want peace and serenity , but mei mei...."she paused , turning to face Noble lady Yu who at this point was sunken in Consort Jia's words. " trouble lurks at every corners of the harem, finding those that don't need it, devouring those that run from it , bringing from those that chicken away from them. " Jia paused again, taking a deep breath she turned forward and continued walking, Noble lady Yu following suit .
"So, instead of you to be consumed by the terrors that fly around, you take up your armor and face it head on, you may become a master of the games after some successful wins" Jia smiled and trailed off.
Noble lady Yu who just received a lecture of her life, hesitated for a moment after Consort Jia finished..trying to process the words that just hit her. But she had to keep up with Jia to Yanxi palace.
****
Consort Jia crossed the threshold of Yanxi Palace gate with an air of grace, though her figure leaned subtly against Lixin's supportive arm. Her steps were measured, while Noble Lady Yu with her maid followed a few paces behind, her head lowered, as if to hide her unease.
The steward announced their arrival, and soon they were led into the grand chambers of Noble Consort Ling. The room was a testament to Ling's stature—elegant, imposing, yet not overtly ostentatious. The noble consort reclined gracefully on her elevated couch, her expression serene but commanding.
Consort Jia and Noble lady Yu immediately fell to their knees, their foreheads almost brushing the ground. "Greetings to your Highness ,Noble Consort Ling,," they chorused.
Ling regarded them for a moment, her gaze sharp and assessing, before she lifted a hand in a gesture of acknowledgment. "Rise," she said, her tone soft but firm.
The two women stood and were guided to seats opposite her. They sat stiffly, the weight of Ling's presence palpable. The silence stretched, broken only by the soft clink of Ling setting her teacup down on the table beside her.
"You must be wondering why I called for you today," Ling began, her voice calm yet deliberate.
Jia and Yu exchanged a brief glance before returning their gazes to the noble consort, anticipation evident in their expressions.
Ling's eyes settled on Yu first. "Yu Guiren" she said slowly, "you've caught the emperor's attention, thanks to your Osmanthus cakes. A small achievement, but an achievement nonetheless."
Noble Lady Yu's head dipped quickly. "I am deeply grateful, Guifei Niang Niang. Without your guidance, I—"
Noble Consort Ling raised a hand, cutting off her words. "Gratitude is expected. But now the ball is in your court. You must prove you're not just a fleeting novelty but someone worth keeping in the emperor's sight."
Yu bowed low, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Niang Niang. I will not disappoint you."
Ling nodded, her expression unreadable. "We shall see."
Turning her attention to Jia, Ling's piercing gaze seemed to strip away any facade. "And you, Jia Fei," she said, her tone shifting slightly, carrying a hint of weight. "It's a new world you've stepped into, isn't it? Rising from concubine to consort—a feat few accomplish."
Jia's eyes met Ling's briefly before lowering in humility. "Niang Niang, it is only through the emperor's favor and Heaven's grace that I—"
"Spare me the modesty," Ling interrupted, leaning forward slightly. "You may wear the robes of a consort now, but don't let them blind you to the truth."
Consort Jia stiffened, her hands tightening in her lap. "Niang Niang?"
Ling's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "You are no longer invisible. The moment you stepped into this rank, you became a target. Those who smiled at you yesterday will see you as an enemy tomorrow. Envy brews quickly in the harem, Jia Fei. Do not let complacency invite disaster."
Consort Jia lowered her head, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "I understand, Niang Niang. I will tread carefully."
Ling's gaze softened slightly, though her voice remained firm. "Good. You must learn to see every move as a step in a larger game. Only then can you survive the storms that are surely coming."
A heavy silence followed her words, each of them absorbed in their own thoughts. After a long pause, Ling waved her hand dismissively. "That will be all. You may go."
Both women rose, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Guifei Niang Niang," they said in unison before retreating from the chamber.
Once they were out of sight, the room seemed to grow quieter, the air stilling. Ling remained seated, her gaze distant, as if her mind was piecing together some unseen puzzle.
Her maid approached hesitantly, her steps soft against the polished floor. She bowed deeply before speaking, her voice cautious. "Niang Niang… if I may…"
Ling glanced at her, raising a brow in silent permission.
Xiu'er swallowed nervously. "Is Noble Lady Yu the one you've been seeking?"
Ling's expression faltered briefly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. She sat back, exhaling slowly. "She is close," Ling admitted, her tone thoughtful. "She possesses many of the qualities I seek, but she is not the Chosen one."
Xiu'er blinked, her confusion evident. "Then… what is she missing, Niang Niang?"
Ling shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It isn't something easily defined. The one I am looking for must not only possess the emperor's favor but have the cunning to turn it into something lasting. Noble Lady Yu has charm, yes, but charm fades. I need someone who can hold the emperor's interest while navigating the web of rivalries in this palace. And I will know that person when I see her."
Xiu'er lowered her gaze, contemplating her mistress's words. "Perhaps, in time, she may prove herself."
"Perhaps," Ling echoed softly. "Or perhaps she will crumble like so many before her. The harem is a battlefield, and only the strongest can thrive."
The room fell silent once more, the weight of Ling's words hanging in the air. The maid bowed again and retreated, leaving the noble consort alone with her thoughts. Ling picked up her teacup, the liquid now lukewarm, and stared into its depths as if seeking answers.
Outside, Consort Jia and Noble lady Yu walked side by side, the tension between them palpable. Lixin followed at a respectful distance, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
Yu broke the silence first, her voice tentative. "Jia Fei Niang Niang… do you think we've done enough to please Noble Consort Ling?"