The evening fell as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Forbidden City transforming into a spectacle of light and color, bringing with it an air of grandeur and anticipation. The long-awaited feast was about to commence, and Yanxi Hall stood at the heart of it all. Its tall, ornate doors were thrown open to welcome the Imperial family and distinguished guests. Within the hall, every detail radiated opulence.
The massive space was bathed in the warm glow of golden lanterns, their intricate designs casting dragon and phoenix silhouettes across the walls. Red silk banners embroidered with auspicious symbols adorned the columns, and the scent of fresh peonies mingled with the subtle aroma of burning sandalwood. Along the left and right sides of the hall, chairs were meticulously arranged in long rows, each one carefully placed according to rank and station.
At the far end of the hall, elevated on a dais, stood two magnificent thrones—centered that anyone walking in could see right away. One was a grand masterpiece of gold and jade, carved with roaring dragons. This was the Emperor's throne, symbolizing supreme authority. Beside it stood a slightly smaller throne, elegant in its own right but more understated, draped with soft silks and pearls—a seat of honor for the Empress Dowager, the evening's centerpiece.
Soon enough, the attendees started arriving and the first to arrive were the direct members of the Imperial family. Princes and Princesses, Dukes and duchesses, dressed in luxurious silks and dazzling accessories, entered with the regal composure expected of their rank. They made their way to the right side of the hall, each taking their assigned seat in order of seniority. They all exchanged pleasantries, some of them nodding at the sight of a peculiar face. The sound of their footsteps echoed softly, a prelude to the larger gathering to come.
Soon after, the imperial wives began to file in, their entrances marked by understated elegance and undeniable subtle competition. Each mistress was escorted by her maids, their outfits carefully chosen to balance modesty with grandeur.
Concubine Hua was the first to arrive, her presence introducing the woman's magic that every imperial concubine seems to bear. Dapped in fine green rope, that seemed to follow every of her body movement and escentuated by her emerald handfan which she held unto, casually but artistically. She sure brought life in her almost all-green ensemble.
Noble lady Yu followed behind, in her blue and yellow patterned apparel. She moved delicately, leaning with style towards her maid who supported her every step. Her ensemble was eye catching but yet, modest for her rank. She sasheyed with an unmistakeable grace that surprised even Concubine Hua, making her way to sit on same row with Hua without any acknowledgement whatsoever.
Consort Shu arrived in a gown of pale lavender, embroidered with delicate silver clouds that shimmered with her every step. She moved with quiet confidence, her face serene, betraying none of the inner conflicts she harbored.
Right behind her was Consort Jia, resplendent in crimson, the color of celebration and power. Her robe was adorned with golden lotuses, their petals blooming with intricate detail, a deliberate choice to catch the Empress Dowager's favor. Despite her graceful demeanor, her sharp eyes darted around the hall, taking in every detail and rival.
Trailing closely was Consort Xian, draped in a serene shade of teal that brought out the calm, composed air she was known for. The subtle pearls in her hair gleamed under the hall's light as she exchanged polite nods with the other wives.
Though the three women seemed to arrive together, it was clear there was no camaraderie between them. Each carried her own thoughts, ambitions, and schemes as they took their seats in the same row, deliberately leaving the two front seats vacant for those of higher rank.
Meanwhile, Concubine Hua was not convinced that Noble lady Yu would have transformed overnight, coming out fully from her shell. She needed to taste the woman's resolve, for it will take more than just a show of a well put together outfit to convince a woman like Hua.
"Hmph"..Hua coughed low but audible enough to draw Noble lady Yu's attention, which she succeeded as Yu turned her gaze to her. Tension crackled in the air as they exchanged polite but sharp smiles, their eyes lingering for a moment too long on each other.
"Yu Guiren," Concubine Hua said with a sweet yet biting tone as she broke the silence. "I trust your preparations were... satisfactory."
"More than satisfactory," Yu replied coolly, her gaze steady. "And you, Hua Pin? Will tonight finally be your moment to shine?"
Hua's smile faltered for just a fraction of a second before she recovered. "One ne-ver.... knows. That's the beauty of a feast, isn't it?" Hua stammered barely able to conceal her defeat.
Noble lady Yu shrugged in victory, turning away like she couldn't care less.
The hum of whispers quieted as Noble Consort Ling entered the hall. Her arrival carried an aura of authority that was impossible to ignore. She wore a gown of deep gold, the color of imperial favor, its fabric shimmering like sunlight on water. The other Mistresses, lowered their heads respectfully as she glided toward the front row. With the grace of a swan, she took her place, adjusting her sleeves with delicate precision.
Not long after, the Empress made her grand entrance. The sound of her footsteps seemed to command the very air in the room. Her gown was an exquisite masterpiece of imperial design, a deep red robe accented with gold phoenixes, their wings appearing to spread with each movement. A jade crown sat regally upon her head, its dangling beads swaying softly as she moved.
All the mistresses rose in unison, their maids stepping back as the women folded into low graceful bows. "Huanghuo Niang Niang," they chorused, their voices a symphony of deference.
The Empress acknowledged them with a small, dignified nod before taking her seat at the very front of the left wing. Her presence anchored the room, exuding a quiet strength that silenced even the faintest whispers.
By now, every seat in the hall was filled. Maids stood at attention beside their mistresses, their hands folded neatly before them, while eunuchs and servants stationed themselves discreetly at various corners of the room.
The air was thick with anticipation, every pair of eyes fixed on the grand entrance. Though the feast's festivities were meant to celebrate the Empress Dowager, it was an unspoken truth that the Emperor's presence would elevate the event to its highest significance.
Lingyi, standing beside Consort Xian, could feel her pulse quicken. She had scanned the room discreetly as each prince entered, but there had been no sign of Prince Lan yet. Her fingers tightened around the edge of her sleeve, her thoughts a chaotic mix of hope and apprehension.
Across the hall, Consort Shu sat with perfect posture, her hands resting lightly on her lap. Yet, behind her composed expression, her thoughts churned. The tension between her and Consort Jia had reached a boiling point, and tonight's feast presented both opportunity and risk. Shu's fingers brushed the edge of the gift she had prepared, a delicate porcelain vase painted with scenes of filial piety. Would it be enough to curry favor with the Dowager?.
Meanwhile, Consort Jia feigned calmness, her lips curved in a practiced smile. But her mind was elsewhere, contemplating her own offering—a rare phoenix-tail feather fan, its craftsmanship unparalleled. She couldn't help but glance occasionally at Shu, her rival's silent presence grating on her nerves