Lady Yue entered the Empress's chambers with a bow, but behind every graceful gesture lurked a knife wrapped in silk. Would the Emperor's favor protect her when the court's most dangerous women sharpened their claws?
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The Empress's receiving room was simple yet elegant.
Carved screens turned the sunlight into delicate patterns on the polished floors. The air was filled with the calming scent of incense, and soft zither music played in the background, creating a gentle and serene atmosphere.
However, Yue was on her guard. She entered the room with a deep, respectful bow.
"This concubine greets Her Majesty the Empress."
"Lady Yue," the Empress said warmly as if they were old friends."Please, rise."
Yue rose slowly, keeping her eyes respectfully downcast.
The Empress lounged on a luxurious sofa draped in light blue silk, adorned with a simple yet elegant white jade hairpin that subtly highlighted her high status.
She gestured gracefully to a cushion across from her.
"Please, have a seat. I imagine your journey has been quite tiring."
Yue sat, folding her hands carefully in her lap. The room was quiet, except for the soft music playing in the background.
"I heard of His Majesty's injury during the hunt," the Empress began casually.
Yue's shoulders tensed."Yes, Your Majesty. A tiger suddenly appeared in the woods during the hunt," she said carefully.
"How fortunate," the Empress replied, her eyes on her teacup. She set it down gently, and it made a quiet sound on the saucer. Her voice was friendly, but something colder was hinted underneath.
Yue blinked, looking uncertain."I'm sorry, Your Majesty... I don't fully understand."
The Empress looked up with a small smile."Being so close to His Majesty at such a critical moment—truly fortunate."
"I never intended for him to be in danger," Yue said quickly, lowering her eyes."If I had known... I would never have—"
"No need for explanations," the Empress said softly, waving her hand.
"Accidents happen. Yet, it's interesting how some women always seem to be in the right place... at the most dangerous moments."
She took a sip of tea and added, in a seemingly casual manner,
"When news of His Majesty's injury reached the palace, some were concerned. After all, he left in fine health and returned with an impressive wound—"
Though gentle, her words carried a sharp undertone. Yue's fingers quietly tightened in the fabric of her robe.
"I did what any loyal subject would do," she replied softly."I wasn't meant to be part of the hunt, but His Majesty invited me. I couldn't refuse him."
"Indeed," the Empress murmured. "Who could refuse the Emperor?"
A prolonged silence followed.
Then the Empress smiled again, her voice bright and light."His Majesty is a man of great strength. He will recover swiftly. But even superficial wounds can leave marks—on both the body and in the minds of others."
"I sincerely hope your presence with him is not misunderstood."
Yue felt the weight of the Empress's words.
"I will exercise more caution," she said, her voice low but steady.
"Please do," the Empress said, gently setting her teacup down. You are quite beautiful, and lovely women like yourself can sometimes cause unintended trouble. Their very presence can be provocative."
Yue bowed her head again. "This concubine receives Your Majesty's guidance."
"Very well." The Empress smiled as if her words had been nothing but kind.
Yue kept her gaze down, gripping her sleeve a bit tighter. The Empress spoke with kind words, but they had a sharpness that could hurt, like a hidden sting beneath the sweetness.
She tried to swallow her unease, the knot of worry twisting in her stomach.
No matter how careful she was in the palace, it felt as if someone was always ready to cause her trouble.
A tense silence filled the space between them, feeling like it could break any moment.
Then the Empress smiled again, looking calm and unbothered.
"Speaking of big events... the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet is just around the corner."
"I'm delighted to hear that the Dowager Empress has entrusted you with the responsibility of managing the banquet's food preparations," the Empress said, her voice smooth and courteous as she placed her hands neatly in her lap.
Her pale blue sleeves draped elegantly over the armrest, the silk glistening in the gentle sunlight.
"Quite impressive."
Yue kept her head low and maintained her composure, even as she felt the sharp focus of the Empress's gaze on her.
"Her Majesty is kind," she whispered. "It is an honor to serve."
The Empress offered a faint smile."To be given such a significant task with limited experience indeed says a lot."
She turned slightly, picking up her teacup with delicate fingers.
."The Dowager has quite an eye for spotting unique talent."
The soft sound of porcelain clinking filled the room as she took a sip, echoing gently.
Yue bowed her head lower, feeling each word like a precise needle. The compliments seemed thin, while the underlying messages were much heavier.
The Empress continued in a pleasant tone."Yet, the Dowager Empress's birthday is no ordinary event. It will be the grandest celebration the court will witness this year."
"The entire imperial family will be there, along with important guests from other regions. Every detail must be flawless."
She paused for a moment.
"It would be a shame," said the Empress, her voice calm and steady. If someone with little experience ruined the beauty of such an important day, it would be a shame."
She gently set down her teacup and softly clapped her hands once.
At her signal, the soft music stopped. The room became silent as if even the air was listening.
A maid stepped forward, and the sound of silk rustling could be heard. She drew aside the light curtains at the end of the hall.
A figure emerged—tall and all too familiar.
It was Consort Zhang.
She walked into the room slowly and with purpose. Her red robes moved like a wave of fire across the polished floor, and gold embroidery sparkled in the light with each step.
Her head was held high, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction masked as calm.
Yue's eyes widened at the sudden appearance of Consort Zhang.
Panic surged through her, though she struggled to keep her composure.
She took a deep breath, straightened her back, and stepped forward, offering a low, respectful bow.
She didn't flinch, but the memory was still there—the sting on her cheek, the slap Zhang had given her without hesitation.
"Lady Yue... it's been a while," Consort Zhang said, her voice dripping with false sweetness, like honey laced with poison
.Her smile curved but never reached her cold, assessing eyes.
"I was wondering if the palace had swallowed you whole."
Yue lifted her head just enough to make brief eye contact, catching the glint of cruel satisfaction in the other woman's gaze.
Her fingers curled slightly against her robe, but her voice remained smooth—polished like jade.
"Consort Zhang brightens the hall like the spring sun—how could anyone forget?"She added lightly,
"Though I confess, it's been rather peaceful since His Majesty asked you to reflect on… recent indiscretions."
A flicker of rage passed across Zhang's features before she replaced it with a smile of icy amusement.
"How kind of you to notice my absence," she said, stepping closer, the scent of peony perfume growing stronger.
"But a temporary retreat is not the same as defeat. One must learn patience—something a creature of your station would hardly understand."
Yue's pulse jumped, but she tilted her head with mock innocence.
"Of course. I still have much to learn. Though I suppose even the most seasoned among us can... misstep."
Zhang's laugh rang out like a silver bell—bright and cold.
"Missteps are for those who can afford them. A servant promoted above her rank would do well to remember her place—lest she find herself back on her knees."
She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Or worse."
The Empress watched from her seat, stirring her tea gently, her expression serene as a painting.
To her, their exchange was like nothing more than a polite conversation between ladies of the court.
"Consort Zhang will assist you with the banquet preparations," she announced, her voice as soft as silk but iron beneath.
"With her extensive experience in court ceremonies, I trust she'll ensure everything meets the required standards."
A smug satisfaction flickered in Zhang's eyes, though her face remained composed and obedient.
"Certainly, Your Majesty," she said, bowing just enough to show deference."I would be honored to lend my expertise."
She could feel it—this was a trap, and she was being led straight into it.
The Empress took a slow sip of tea, her gaze drifting between them like a judge weighing fates.
"Then I leave it in your capable hands," she said faintly.
"I'm certain you'll work together in harmony—for the good of the court."
The command was a mockery. Harmony had never been the goal.
Yue rose and bowed deeply. "This humble one will strive to meet Your Majesty's expectations."
As she turned to leave, the rustle of Zhang's crimson robes followed like the hiss of flame on silk.
Then, just as she reached the door, Zhang murmured low enough for only her to hear:
"This time, you won't be able to hide behind the Emperor."