Lian Hua dressed extravagantly, and accompanied by Xiao Qing, she made her way to the Noble Consort's Huaqing Palace. Today was bound to be extraordinarily lively, as concubines of all ranks would be present. Having a low status herself, she needed to arrive early to make a good impression.
Described as extravagantly dressed, she had merely drawn her eyebrows and applied homemade rouge made from crushed flower petals to her cheeks. Her hair was pulled into a bun, adorned with a few silk flowers, and she wore matching pendant earrings.
The style of the silk flowers was quite unique, all handcrafted by Lian Hua herself.
Thinking of jewelry, Lian Hua's mood somewhat dimmed, as despite usually not caring, she only had a silver hairpin and two pairs of earrings at her disposal.
These were the same pieces she brought with her when she entered the palace. In ostentatious occasions like today, they would seem too plain. Fortunately, she was skilled with her hands and had made silk flowers as a clever substitute.
Approaching Huaqing Palace, it was indeed bustling with concubines gathered together, chatting in pairs and groups.
Lian Hua had left home early, thinking she would be among the first, yet many arrived much earlier than her, but that was also because her residence was far while others lived closer.
After paying her respects to the higher-ranking concubines, Lian Hua felt a sourness in her heart. It seemed she had the lowest rank, bowing so much that her back ached.
She also chatted with a few sisters about jewelry. Having been knowledgeable before her family's decline, she kept up with the conversation.
Two sisters openly praised Lian Hua's silk flowers, seemingly intent on befriending her. Lian Hua blushed and said softly that she would make and give them some later.
At that moment, a eunuch announced His Majesty's arrival, and all concubines came out to greet him. Without an Empress in the palace, the Noble Consort held the highest position.
The Noble Consort led the way, followed by concubines of various ranks, all there to welcome His Majesty.
The Emperor, with a majestic gait, walked up to the Noble Consort, helping her rise and affectionately saying she needn't be so formal. After having everyone rise, he accompanied the Noble Consort into the hall, where they took their seats at the head, with the Noble Consort's seat slightly behind his.
Today's Noble Consort was the center of glory and affection, radiantly eye-catching, with a smile that never left her beautiful face.
Lian Hua, positioned at the very end, worried about how to present her gift in a way that would catch the Noble Consort's eye. She felt tense, her hands beginning to sweat—understandably so, given the overwhelming number of people present.
The concubines in the hall all wished the Noble Consort a happy birthday in unison. After the cordial greetings, the banquet was declared open, and a symphony of toasts and chatter filled the air.
The high-ranking concubines at the front chattered away effusively, their witty banter seemingly endless.
Occasionally, someone would tease the Noble Consort, provoking uproarious laughter, with the Emperor also chipping in from time to time, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
For the lower-ranked concubines like Lian Hua, speaking out of turn could be seen as highly disrespectful, so she focused solely on her meal.
She had been looking forward to tonight's banquet, boasting a variety of delicacies. Despite some dishes growing cold, she found them utterly delicious. Rarely did she have the opportunity to partake in such an extravagant meal all at once, all thanks to the Noble Consort's auspicious day.
As the banquet concluded, Palace Maids began clearing the dishes and brought out refreshments. Lian Hua felt it was such a waste; so much food had been left uneaten and was simply discarded. How wonderful it would have been to take it home—she could have eaten well for days.
The Palace Maid who cleared her plate looked at her disdainfully. Among everyone present, only Lian Hua's plate was cleaned completely—it was as if she had never seen the world.
Next was the part where concubines presented their congratulatory gifts to the Noble Consort, starting with the high-ranking ones. Amidst the glittering jewelry and lively chattering, Lian Hua couldn't distinguish who was who. All she knew was that those before her ranked higher, and she only needed to wish each 'Consort' well regardless of who they were.
The Emperor, of course, was the first to present his gift—a Hetian Jade Ruyi, symbolizing good wishes for the Noble Consort's year. She was delighted, grinning from ear to ear.
The gifts from the concubines were varied, from ruby jewelry to coral artifacts to precious medicinal herbs, each one valuable.
Lian Hua was awestruck, but inside she grew increasingly anxious. Her tea was so inconspicuous, its beneficial effects unseen if not brewed and served. Would it catch the Noble Consort's attention and win her favor?
It was at this moment that Lian Hua realized she had been overconfident. Good dishes may fear the depth of a lane, and she became anxious, unsure of what to do.
As the banquet drew to its close, it was finally Lian Hua's turn to present her gift.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Lian Hua, stiff with nervousness, slowly left her place, holding the box aloft while bowing to the Noble Consort, "Your servant wishes the Noble Consort good fortune on her birthday, and eternal youth."
The Emperor raised his eyebrows as Lian Hua stepped out, recognizing her as the Little Concubine who had "offered" tea in the Imperial Garden some time ago.
The Ceremonial Eunuch announced, "Daying Lian presents a box of Dew Tea, wishing the Noble Consort good fortune on her birthday, and eternal youth~"
The list of gifts had been written in advance, with each concubine uttering her good wishes and the eunuch loudly proclaiming them.
Following the eunuch's cue, Lian Hua spoke with a quivering voice, "Consort, the Dew Tea was personally prepared by your servant. It is sweet to the taste, with a lingering aftertaste, and it is excellent for dispelling heat. With the summer heat being so intense, I hope it may alleviate some of Your Highness's discomfort."
The Emperor's brow twitched, "Dew Tea? This little concubine was reluctant to give it to Us just a while ago, and now she willingly presents it to the Noble Consort—what does this mean?"