Whispers turn into blades as the Empress's tea gathering becomes a silent execution of reputations. But when an old protector reappears by sword's edge—what danger is fate preparing next?
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Morning sunlight poured through the lattice windows of the Moonlight Pavilion, lighting up the elegant gold decorations in the Empress's reception hall.
Servants moved about briskly, arranging cushions and setting out delicate porcelain tea sets with expert care.
The air was filled with the scent of jasmine, mixed with the gentle fragrance of incense burning in brass holders.
Yue walked alongside Consort Shu, matching her careful steps. Shu's face was pale, without her usual warm presence after the night's events.
Her hands shook slightly as she held on to Yue's arm for support.
"I shouldn't have left him," Shu whispered softly.
"Not even for a moment."
"Don't blame yourself," Yue responded, adjusting her hold to better support Shu.
"The prince is safe now."
They reached the pavilion's entrance, where other concubines were gathered.
Their colorful robes looked like a garden of silks on the white stone steps. Conversations paused as Shu appeared, replaced by understanding looks and quiet whispers.
Inside, Empress Wei sat on an elevated cushioned platform. Her crimson robes were perfectly arranged, and golden phoenix hairpins sparkled with her slightest movements.
Her painted lips formed a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Consort Shu," the Empress called out, her voice musical and clear across the room.
"I'm glad you joined us even in your difficult time. Such commitment to our court's unity deserves recognition."
The women parted, creating a path for Shu and Yue. Each step felt heavy under the gaze of the entire court.
"Your Majesty is very generous to organize this gathering," Shu replied, her voice steady while her body was not, as she bowed carefully.
Empress Wei briefly looked at Yue before focusing back on Shu.
"We need to show that the inner palace remains strong and united, especially after such unfortunate events."
The Empress invited them to sit close to her, saying,
"Please, sit here so I can personally ensure your comfort."
As they settled down, Yue observed the Empress's attendants nearby, their expressions carefully neutral.
Consort Zhang sat across from them, her face showing concern, but her eyes betrayed a hint of satisfaction.
Empress Wei gestured, and a servant quickly came forward with a beautifully painted teapot.
The room grew silent as the Empress herself poured tea into a delicate jade cup, the hot liquid flowing smoothly.
"This is for our dear Consort Shu," the Empress said, handing over the cup with both hands.
Her smile was gentle, almost motherly, yet her eyes remained cold and calculating.
"To calm your nerves after the difficult time you've had."
Shu accepted the cup with a respectful bow, her hands still trembling slightly.
"Your Majesty is very kind."
"It must have been quite an eventful night," the Empress continued, her voice sweet but carrying an edge.
"How fortunate that His Majesty stayed with you throughout. The entire palace was awakened, the imperial guard was mobilized, and His Majesty gave up sleep to be at your side..."
She tilted her head, making her phoenix hairpins catch the light.
"Such attention is rare, even for those who regularly share the Emperor's company."
Many of the concubines shifted uncomfortably on their cushions. Yue maintained a calm expression despite the clear implications in the Empress's words.
"Indeed," Consort Zhang added, her painted lips curving into a smile.
"It's often said that nothing draws more attention than a mother's tears."
Shu's teacup shook in her hands, tea nearly spilling over the rim.
"What a remarkable coincidence," Zhang continued, adjusting her sleeve with practiced grace,
"That the prince was found safe in a simple laundry basket, while poor Ling lost her life. One might almost suspect the entire incident was... orchestrated."
Gasps spread through the assembled women.
The accusation was direct enough to be obvious, yet subtle enough to avoid open conflict.
"That's a very troubling suggestion," the Empress remarked, her tone suggesting anything but trouble.
"Though I'm certain Consort Shu would never use such tactics simply to regain His Majesty's attention."
Shu's face lost what little color it had left. Yue sensed her friend tensing beside her, noticing the flash of hurt in her eyes before she lowered them to her tea.
"Such favor from His Majesty," Concubine Hua remarked, her voice carrying across the pavilion as she adjusted her overly ornate hairpins.
"First your servant becomes his concubine, now this dramatic night. The Emperor certainly rushes to your side with remarkable consistency."
Consort Lan, usually quiet, surprised everyone by saying,
"It is no surprise, His Majesty has always favored Consort Shu. Her quarters are even larger than those given to women of equal rank." Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly as sips her tea.
Everyone in the room started agreeing, nodding their heads like grass swaying in the wind.
Second Class Attendant Xue, with an innocent look, said,
"I've noticed that the imperial doctors quickly attend to her, even for small issues. Others suffer without such special care."
Consort Zhang added with a smirk, "It's interesting how trouble seems to follow Consort Shu. First, her difficult childbirth, and now an attack on her child. Yet she continues to receive more of the Emperor's attention."
"Maybe the gods want to test how much His Majesty cares," Concubine Hua suggested with a dramatic sigh, her heavy jewelry clinking as she moved.
"How many more incidents will occur before the year ends?"
Yue felt anger rise inside her, like a hot, sharp blade.
Her vision blurred for a moment in fury while these pampered women gossiped around Shu. Yet, her face stayed calm and expressionless, hiding the storm inside.
Under the table, Yue felt Shu's hand shaking violently.
Without drawing attention, Yue placed her hand over Shu's, squeezing gently—a silent message:
I am here. You are not alone. Gradually, Shu's fingers stopped trembling, finding strength in Yue's touch.
While Shu kept her eyes down, her breathing became steady.
The atmosphere in the pavilion became tense and unfriendly, with each remark against Consort Shu becoming sharper.
The tension seemed like a string pulled tight, ready to snap at any moment.
Just when Yue thought about defending her friend, not caring about the consequences, Empress Wei raised her hand smoothly, instantly silencing the room.
The Empress spoke in a calm and strong voice.
"Ladies," she addressed them, "I understand your worries, but we have more important matters of state to focus on."
She changed her tone smoothly, catching some women off guard with how quickly she shifted the atmosphere.
Standing tall, the Empress's crown reflected the morning sunlight.
"In a few days, the King of Qarakhai—our esteemed ally from the north—will grace our court with a visit."
This news stirred excitement among the women. Qarakhai is known for its brave warriors, vast plains, and skilled horsemen.
The king's visit to a foreign land was a rare and important diplomatic event.
"There shall be a grand feast by the end of summer."
"As members of the inner court, each of you must contribute to the success of this alliance," the Empress stated, glancing around the room and then focusing on Consort Shu.
"Consort Shu, because of your skill in embroidery, I ask you to prepare a special ceremonial tapestry as a tribute gift."
Shu's face turned even paler. Even under normal circumstances, such a task would require many months work from multiple seamstresses.
Added to this, she was still recovering from the stress of her child's recent kidnapping, making the task seem impossible.
"The tapestry must reflect the strength of our empire while honoring their steppe traditions," the Empress continued, her smile controlled but her eyes cold.
"It should be impressive enough to display in the royal tent of Qarakhai, would you not agree?"
Shu bowed slightly, her voice barely audible. "Yes, Your Majesty. I shall do my best."
Yue observed Shu's struggle to hold herself together.
The Empress had skillfully moved from blame to setting Shu a task that seemed destined for failure in front of the entire court.
As evening approached, long shadows spread across the garden.
Yue and Consort Shu strolled slowly along a quiet path. The ground was covered with fallen magnolia blossoms, creating a pink and white carpet.
Since leaving the Moonlight Pavilion, Shu had been silent. She seemed lost in thought, replaying the veiled accusations in her mind.
Her hands rubbed together, movements unsteady and uncertain.
"My hands still feel cold," Shu murmured, staring at her pale fingers.
"Even in the sunlight, they won't warm up."
Yue slowed down to match Shu's hesitant steps.
"My Lady, the shock of last night lingers. It will ease with time and rest."
"Rest?" Shu's laugh was hollow, like breaking ice.
"How can I rest with a grand tapestry due? It's as if the Empress asked me to catch the moon."
As they walked under the sheltering willow trees, neither noticed the beauty around them, lost in their thoughts.
"I'll help you," Yue promised.
"We will work through the nights if we must."
Shu was about to respond when suddenly, a noise came from the nearby bushes.
Sparrows erupted into the air, wings flapping frantically.
Then, a large wild boar charged out of the undergrowth, its sharp tusks glowing in the afternoon light.
Its eyes were panicked as it rushed across their path, mere steps away.
Reacting without hesitation, Yue pulled Shu back, placing herself protectively in front. Her actions were quick and instinctive, as though she were trained for such moments.
Just then, a sword sliced through the space where they had been standing, tracing a silver arc in the air and narrowly missing the boar as it vanished into the bushes on the other side.