The tension in the palace thickened as rumors swirled like dark clouds, gathering over the harem. Xu was still a formidable force, and though Mei had begun to shift the tides, the real storm had yet to come. Mei knew Xu was too clever to let her influence slip without retaliation. Tonight, Mei could sense that something was about to break.
"Lian," Mei called as she adjusted her silk robe, eyes sharp despite the late hour. The moon was high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the palace grounds.
Lian entered quickly, her face pale, her usual calm composure gone. "My lady, there's news. Urgent."
"Speak," Mei commanded, sitting by her vanity but turning her full attention to her maid. She knew when Lian was rattled, and it wasn't often.
"Xu has moved," Lian said, her voice steadying as she forced control over her nerves. "She's called a private gathering in her chambers with several of the concubines. It seems she's ready to make her next play."
Mei's eyes narrowed. Xu was regrouping faster than she expected, which meant she was ready to go on the offensive. A private gathering in Xu's chambers wasn't just for idle gossip—this was a war council.
"Who's attending?" Mei asked, her voice soft but cold.
"Concubine Rui, Concubine Linghua…" Lian hesitated, her gaze flickering to Mei's face, gauging her reaction before continuing. "And Minister Feng's sister."
Mei's grip tightened on the edge of her vanity. "So, the court is getting directly involved now," she muttered, her tone clipped. Xu wasn't just pulling strings in the harem anymore; she was weaving a noose around Mei's neck, and this new move could be the start of Xu's full-scale assault.
But Feng's sister was ambitious, and Mei knew that ambition made people predictable. Xu was gathering her allies for a strike, and with Feng's sister in the mix, the plan was clear—Mei was the target, and Xu was setting the stage for her downfall.
Mei stood abruptly. "It's time we shake the board." Her eyes gleamed with the fire of determination. "Let's not wait for Xu to make the first move."
Xu's chambers were alive with whispered plotting. The room was filled with carefully chosen concubines—those who had either been swayed by Xu's promises of power or those too afraid of what would happen if they defied her.
Concubine Rui shifted nervously as Xu paced in front of them, her expression cold and determined. "Mei thinks she can outmaneuver me," Xu spat, her voice a low hiss. "But she's a fool if she believes the harem will follow her for long."
Feng's sister, Lady Feng, sat quietly at Xu's side, her fingers tracing the rim of a delicate tea cup. She was beautiful, with sharp eyes that took in every detail of the room. "Your issue with Mei is... personal," she said softly, her words measured but laced with intrigue. "But let's not forget the bigger picture. If we don't deal with her quickly, Mei's influence will bleed into the court, and we can't allow that."
Xu paused, turning to Lady Feng. "I am well aware. That is why we must strike decisively now." She glanced at the other concubines, her eyes narrowing. "Linghua—" Xu's voice cut through the air like a knife.
Linghua, sitting toward the back of the group, flinched visibly, her face paling. "Yes, my lady?"
"I've been patient with you," Xu continued, her tone dangerously soft. "You've been... hesitant to choose a side. But tonight, you will."
Xu's threat hung in the air, and Linghua's eyes darted around the room, panic rising. She was trapped. If she didn't side with Xu now, the consequences would be severe.
But before Linghua could answer, the doors to Xu's chambers opened with a quiet but deliberate sound.
"Apologies for the interruption."
Mei's voice rang out, calm and composed, as she stepped into the room. A hush fell over the concubines, all eyes turning toward the newcomer. Mei smiled faintly, the picture of poise and grace, though her eyes flickered with cold steel.
Xu's expression froze, her hands curling into fists. "You dare walk in here uninvited?"
Mei tilted her head slightly, her smile widening just a fraction. "Uninvited? I was under the impression that we were all here to discuss the future of the harem. After all, what would such a gathering be without me?" She gave a small laugh, the sound light but sharp enough to draw blood.
Xu's eyes flashed with anger. "You're out of your depth, Mei. This game isn't something a novice like you can win."
Mei stepped further into the room, her eyes sweeping over the gathered women before settling back on Xu. "Perhaps, but I've learned from the best, haven't I?" Her gaze darted to Lady Feng, who watched her with mild curiosity. "The game isn't just about controlling the harem anymore, is it? The stakes have risen."
Lady Feng's smile was thin. "Indeed. It's become a matter of politics now. The court is watching closely."
Mei's smile never faltered. "Exactly. Which is why I've come to offer a compromise."
The room tensed at her words, and even Xu paused, wary of what Mei was planning.
Mei clasped her hands behind her back, her posture relaxed. "We all know that power in the harem is fleeting. Concubine Xu, you've ruled here for some time, but even you must see that your grip is slipping. Why not share the influence, rather than fight for every scrap?"
Xu's lips curled in disgust. "You think I'll share anything with you?"
Mei's eyes gleamed dangerously. "If you don't, you'll lose everything. The harem is already turning against you, and soon enough, your position will be untenable. But if we work together, we can secure our place, and you can maintain control over your loyal followers."
Xu looked ready to snap, but Lady Feng raised a hand. "Let's hear her out," she said, her voice smooth and calculating. "What exactly are you proposing, Mei?"
Mei's smile deepened, though it never reached her eyes. "A simple alliance. We divide the influence in the harem evenly. You maintain control over your followers, and I over mine. That way, neither of us loses. And in return," she glanced meaningfully at Lady Feng, "I ensure that the harem remains stable, preventing any... inconvenient disruptions that might spill into the court."
Xu's jaw clenched, but Mei could see the gears turning behind her eyes. The queen of the harem had never been one to share power, but even she wasn't foolish enough to believe she could hold on to it all. Not now. Not with Mei's influence growing by the day.
"Xu," Lady Feng said softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "It seems Mei is offering you a lifeline."
For a moment, the room was silent, the tension palpable. Xu glared at Mei, her pride warring with the cold logic of survival.
Finally, Xu spoke, her voice low and venomous. "Very well. But if you think this makes us equals, Mei, you're sorely mistaken."
Mei inclined her head slightly. "I wouldn't dream of it."
As Mei left Xu's chambers, Lian fell into step beside her. "Do you really think Xu will honor this alliance?" Lian asked quietly, her eyes flickering with concern.
Mei smiled to herself, her mind already a few steps ahead. "Of course not. But that's not the point."
"Then what is?" Lian pressed.
Mei's smile widened, her eyes gleaming in the moonlight as she walked through the quiet palace corridors. "The point is, by the time Xu realizes she's already lost, it will be too late."
The game was still unfolding, but now, Mei had shifted the pieces into her favor. Xu's pride would be her downfall, and by the time she realized it, the harem—and the court—would belong to Mei.
As she returned to her chambers, Mei allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The storm had begun, but she was already two steps ahead of it. Soon enough, the entire palace would see that Concubine Mei was not a pawn in this game. She was the queen.