Chapter 7: Empress Dowager's Palace
The grand entrance of the Empress Dowager's palace loomed ahead, its imposing structure reflecting both the prestige and authority held by its occupant. As the three young ladies of the Huang family alighted from their carriages, their delicate silk gowns fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Inside the courtyard, a maid hurried into the inner chambers. "Your Highness, the three young misses from the Huang family have arrived," she announced respectfully.
"Let them in," came the Empress Dowager's voice, cold yet dignified.
The maid returned promptly. "Young Misses, you may enter now," she said, gesturing toward the entrance.
Huang Ning and Huang Tian, brimming with confidence, were the first to stride into the Empress Dowager's grand hall, their elegant postures embodying the grace expected of noble ladies. Ye Xiwu nudged Huang Nian. "Young Miss, you should go in now. You wouldn't want the Empress Dowager to scold you for being late," she whispered anxiously.
With a composed nod, Huang Nian followed them in, her serene demeanor contrasting with her sisters' eagerness.
"Good morning, Your Highness," the three young ladies chorused, bowing low.
The Empress Dowager, a woman of dignified beauty and stern grace, allowed a rare smile to grace her lips. "Good morning, my lovely grand-nieces," she said warmly. Despite her usual coldness, the Empress Dowager had a soft spot for her family, particularly those she considered worthy of her attention.
"Please, take your seats," she gestured graciously.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied, taking their seats as instructed. The tension in the room was palpable, but it was masked by the calm elegance each of them displayed.
Breaking the silence, Huang Tian stood up and gracefully approached the Empress Dowager. "Your Highness, I've brought a small gift for you. I hope it pleases you." She bowed respectfully, offering a silk shawl and a beautifully embroidered qipao.
"Tian'er, how thoughtful of you! This shawl and qipao are exquisite. Thank you," the Empress Dowager said with genuine appreciation.
"You flatter me, Your Highness. It's nothing compared to the kindness and care you've always shown me," Huang Tian replied, her voice laced with modesty as she returned to her seat.
Next, Huang Ning rose with poised confidence, approaching the Empress Dowager with a refined smile. "Your Highness, I too have brought a gift for you," she said, revealing a pair of shimmering European-style Baroque earrings adorned with dazzling red stones. "These are long, waterdrop-shaped earrings. I thought they might suit your refined taste."
The Empress Dowager's eyes widened in admiration. "Ning Ning, these are magnificent. I'm surprised—and impressed—by your impeccable taste."
Huang Ning beamed, her satisfaction evident. "I'm glad you like them, Your Highness. I've also brought a calligraphy piece by Tushan Jing."
"The Tushan Jing? The world-renowned calligrapher?" The Empress Dowager's voice rose in surprise.
"Yes, Your Highness. It's an original piece," Huang Ning replied confidently.
The Empress Dowager nodded, clearly pleased. "You're indeed generous and thoughtful." Suddenly, her expression darkened as she shifted her gaze toward Huang Nian. "Huang Nian, why are you so unfilial? Look at your sisters and then look at yourself. How could you come here empty-handed and disgrace our family?"
Huang Ning's eyes sparkled with barely concealed delight at her sister's misfortune, though she quickly masked it with feigned concern. "Your Highness, please don't be angry with Elder Sister. It's not her fault. She likely didn't know what to bring since you already have everything."
The Empress Dowager sighed. "Ning Ning, you're too kind-hearted. You say I have everything, yet your sisters managed to find thoughtful gifts. Why didn't she do the same?"
"Please don't blame her, Your Highness," Huang Ning continued, a hint of satisfaction in her voice as she pretended to defend her sister.
Huang Nian's calm demeanor remained unshaken. "Ning Ning, you are not my sister, and who said I brought nothing for the Empress Dowager?" Her voice was clear, cutting through the tension in the room.
"What do you mean?" Huang Ning asked, her eyes widening in surprise and doubt.
Without answering, Huang Nian called out, "Ye Xiwu, come in!"
The door creaked open as Ye Xiwu entered, carrying a mysterious box, leaving everyone in the room curious and intrigued.