The grand hall of the Emperor's palace was even more magnificent than I had imagined. With each step, I made sure to take my time, letting my gaze sweep across the room. My eyes caught every minister's seat, and I took note of their positions, movements, and expressions.
To my left, near the entrance, sat Minister Xian, his silver hair gleaming in the light as he adjusted his robes. An older man, known for his calm demeanor and well-reasoned decisions. Beside him was Minister Wu, sharp-eyed and quick-witted, a man who never lost control of the situation. Further down, I spotted Minister Lin, Lin Hua's brother. He looked nervous, fidgeting with the sleeves of his robe, clearly out of his comfort zone in such a setting. Near him sat Minister Zhao, whose loyalty to the throne was unwavering, and at the far end of the room, Minister Lu, a man whose reputation in the shadows of trade preceded him.
But it was Lin Hua that held my attention. The disdain was obvious in the way she studied me. Lin Hua had always seen herself as superior despite being a slutty concubine who charmed Shen Fuchen into marrying her, but I knew better than to let her games intimidate me. I'd learned long ago that the only way to survive in this court was to play with respect—even if that respect was for someone I knew to be evil.
As I approached the throne, I looked at the Emperor. Emperor Lian, a man known for his jovial nature and sharp intellect, was seated on his golden throne. His smile was wide and welcoming. I knelt before him, feeling the cool air brush my skin.
"Your Mightiness, I am Shen Mi, the fourth daughter of Shen Fuchen. I am happy to be here."
There was a moment of silence, then the Emperor burst into cheerful laughter. "Aiyoo!" he exclaimed, leaning forward with an amused twinkle in his eyes. "I thought Shen Hua was the prettiest, but you, my daughter, have truly caught my eye. You may even become my daughter-in-law when my son arrives from the war."
Laughter rippled through the room, and the courtiers seemed to enjoy the jest. I could see the ministers laughing along with the crowd, their faces lit up in approval of the Emperor's light-hearted words. But my eyes quickly shifted to the faces of those who mattered most. Lin Hua, sitting near the Empress, had no trace of amusement on her face. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her lips tight with disapproval. And beside her, Shen Fuchen sat in silence, his expression unreadable.
They knew what that meant if I got entwined with the Emperor's son. But I knew better. By getting on the Emperor's good side, I had just made my position much harder to undermine. I wasn't just a daughter of Shen Fuchen now—I was someone the Emperor had his eye on. And in this court, that was a dangerous thing to ignore.
The laughter died down, but I held my smile. I knew this was only the beginning of the game. Lin Hua had seen through the jest, as had my father. They both knew that my favorable position with the Emperor meant I would not be so easily discarded, no matter how they tried to push me aside.
"In fact, a toast to Shen Mi cleansing ritual." Lian took a golden chalace from his wife hands, proceeding in pouring himself some red wine and raising it above his head.
"A toast!" They all roared in unison. Of course, anything to Garner the emperor's favor even though they didn't like me returning to royalty. I could feel their resentment simmering beneath the surface, but for now, they had no choice but to play along.
The Emperor took a long sip, his eyes briefly flickering to the Empress as he lowered his chalice. "Do you have something for Shen Mi before we begin today's parade?"
Empress Tian, sitting gracefully beside the Emperor, let out a soft laugh, a sound almost as light as a breeze. She didn't look at all like a woman who had spent years in the palace, ruling with strength and wisdom. She was poised, with a quiet power that was always present, even when her lips curled into a smile. "Ah, my old mind is slipping, but I do," she said, her tone warm and amused. She then gestured to her chief maid.
The maid swiftly approached, holding a large, ornately decorated box in her hands. It was lined with red silk, and I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. Empress Tian's gift was no small thing. She had already shown favor toward me, but this was something more. A symbol of approval, perhaps—something that would solidify my standing.
The maid opened the box to reveal a collection of ruby jade pendants, each one intricately designed, glimmering under the candlelight. The rich red color matched the fabric of the Emperor's throne, and the gems seemed to shimmer with their own inner fire. There was also a delicate necklace, strung with small ruby beads that glittered like stars. It was a gift fit for royalty.
Empress Tian's eyes met mine as she spoke. "Shen Mi, my husband is well pleased with you. Accept this gift with a good heart, as a sign of our favor."
I bowed my head deeply, my hands trembling slightly as I accepted the box from the maid. "Your Mightiness, Your Majesty," I began, my voice soft but steady, "I am humbled by your generosity. I will treasure this gift and remain ever loyal to the throne."
The Empress smiled, clearly satisfied by my response, and I knew I had done well. The courtiers watched closely, some with approval, others with silent resentment. Lin Hua's eyes were narrowed even further, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She saw the subtle shift in the room, the way the court now looked at me differently, as if I had crossed some invisible threshold into a world of power and influence. But for now, Lin Hua's discontent was not enough to change the tide.
The Emperor clapped his hands, the sound echoing in the grand hall. "Well done, Shen Mi. You are a true treasure to the court."
Lin Hua sneered, adjusting her gown behind her legs. She was infuriated by the attention a brat of low lineage would be getting from the emperor.
*********
Everyone began exiting the pavilion and lining themselves into their palanquin getting ready to move into the villages. I stood in line for a minute while the royal Palanquin of that of Shen dynasty arrived. "Shen Mi, why don't you accompany us in our carriage?"
I hadn't expected it---neithrt did anyone think that the empress in her right senses would invite someone like me to come ride with them.
That alone made Lin Hua enraged.
"I appreciate the kindness showered upon Shen Mi. But the emperor and the empress do need their privacy." Lin Hua countered me before I could agreed but Tian wasn't interested in what she said.
She came down from her seat, dragging her emerald green silk gown behind her. She stopped in front of Lin Hua, her eyes rolled into a sneer. How could she forget the slut trying to seduce her husband when she was ill with pneumonia?
"What insolent to talk back at your Empress! I suppose you are so mighty to know our needs better than we do! If I say I want her in our Palanquin, then no one can stop me."
Gasps rippled through the gathering. Even the guards lowered their heads in shame for Lin Hua. Lin Hua bowed instantly, her face paling as she clenched her fists within her sleeves.
"Your Majesty, I… I only spoke with concern—"
"Concern?" Empress Tian interrupted sharply, her smile turning cold. "If you were so concerned, perhaps you would have done well to mind your own status. Or has being a concubine made you forget your place?"She then looked at me again, her tone softening. "Come Shen Mi, come seat with us."
I stepped forward, bowing low again, and climbed into the royal palanquin after her. The interior smelled of jasmine and sandalwood. Cushions lined with golden thread supported our backs, and sheer curtains filtered the sunlight into soft beams.
As the palanquin began to move, Empress Tian studied me. "You've stirred the court with just one entrance," she said, almost amused. "You remind me of myself—once young, underestimated, yet full of quiet fire."
I smiled politely but said nothing. She was testing me.
"Tell me, Shen Mi," she continued, watching the trees pass by the window. "What do you seek in the palace? Favor? Power? Revenge?"
Her directness startled me, but I didn't let it show. "I seek to serve the Empire as best as I can, Your Majesty," I said calmly. "If that earns me favor, so be it. If it earns me enemies, so be that too."
She laughed, a soft, pleased sound. "Good. At least you are not foolish. The court is no place for the naïve."
"May I ask something my mightiness? Why do you favor me when you barely know anything about me?"
"Why do I favor you?" she repeated, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Your mother served me well before she ever entered his household. Loyal. Fierce. And far too noble for the fate she met. It is only right I protect her daughter now."