A'rou giggled, adjusting the intricate embroidery on her mistress's gown. "Your Highness, it will be a sight to behold. Concubine Jia has held too much power for too long. It's time she learns her place."
Concubine Qin and Concubine Jia held the same rank, but Jia, having birthed the First Princess and been elevated to a fifth-ranking concubine much earlier than Qin, always commanded better favors and attention. Even the Emperor's gifts to Concubine Jia far surpassed those given to Qin. This festering imbalance had fueled Qin's envy for what felt like forever, and she couldn't wait to see Concubine Jia crumble. The princess selection was more than an opportunity, it was a chance for Qin to finally rejoice over her nemesis.
The tension and anticipation, thick and palpable, as each mistress and her entourage made their way to the Central hall for the gathering. Western and Silver palaces followed suit, their mistresses arriving in a blaze of glory. Elaborate gowns shimmered, and ornate hairpieces, adorned with pearls and jade, reflected their status and wealth.
The Central hall was a vision of royalty and luxury. High ceilings soared, adorned with golden chandeliers that sparkled like constellations, while walls were lined with ancient writings recounting the virtues of past consorts.
Concubine Jia arrived, her face a carefully constructed mask of composure, concealing the turmoil and anxiety raging within her. She took her place among the other mistresses, her eyes darting nervously around the opulent room, searching for any sign of impending doom. Lixin stood directly behind her, her expression a mirror of her mistress's deep unease.
Concubine Qin entered next, her head held high, a triumphant smile shining evidently on her lips. She paused, exchanging a brief, mocking glance with Concubine Jia, a silent jab, before sweeping to her seat. A'rou trailed behind her, eyes gleaming with open anticipation.
The Empress was the last to arrive, her entrance commanding the immediate, absolute attention of everyone in the hall. She moved with the fluid grace and quiet dignity befitting her status, her maid following closely behind. As she took her seat at the head of the gathering, every person in the vast hall rose from their seats to greet her.
"Respectfully greeting Your Majesty, the Empress, wishing Your Majesty, thousands of good fortune and health!" the imperial wives echoed in unison, kneeling with one knee, their handmaids bowing deeply behind them in respectful reverence.
"Forgo the formalities," the Empress replied, a gentle wave of her hand gesturing for them to stand and reclaim their seats.
The Empress surveyed the atmosphere in the hall, her gaze shrewdly studying each concubine's countenance, dissecting their carefully arranged masks. Whispers began to fill the ensuing silence, the imperial wives engaging in hushed, furtive conversations.
"Do you think the First Princess will truly be chosen?" Tong asked, her voice barely audible as she leaned towards the Empress.
The Empress shrugged slightly, her gaze fixed on the entrance, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk playing on her lips. "It is hard to say. The Emperor is unpredictable. But it would certainly stir things up if she were."
Nearby, Concubine Qin whispered to A'rou, her tone dripping with venomous malice. "Jia looks as if she might faint. It would be such a shame if all her scheming came to naught. After all, some women just aren't cut out for the real game of the palace, are they?"
A'rou giggled in response, a conspiratorial sound. "Perhaps she deserves it. Her influence has been unchecked for far too long."
Concubine Jia, though not privy to their exact words, could decipher from their gleeful expressions that their conversation was about her. She clenched her fists tightly in her lap, her knuckles seeming to pop out. She fought to maintain her composure, knowing that any display of raw emotion would only fuel their malicious gossip further.
The distinct sound of approaching footsteps in the outer hall brought all conversations to an abrupt halt. Eunuch Lu entered, his solemn presence signaling the immense importance of the announcement to come. He carried a heavy scroll, the Emperor's official seal prominently visible on the parchment.
"The Emperor's decree!" Eunuch Lu announced, his voice ringing through the hall, compelling everyone to stand. Each concubine moved from their seat to the open space in the hall, kneeling to formally receive the decree.
With Eunuch Lu's voice crying through the hall, he began, "The Emperor's decision regarding the selection of the princess envoy will now be announced."
Immediately, the room fell into an expectant, breathless silence, all eyes fixed intently on the eunuch. Concubine Jia held her breath, her heart almost jumping out of her chest.
Eunuch Lu unrolled the scroll, his expression solemn as he continued, "His Majesty, in his infinite wisdom and for the enduring prosperity of the empire, has decided that the selection of the princess envoy will be canceled. And instead, a peace treaty will be pursued, ensuring the safety and stability of our empire."
The announcement was met with a collective gasp that rippled through the hall. Concubine Jia's heart sank in overwhelming wave of relief, her entire body sagging slightly as the agonizing tension drained away. The immediate threat of losing her daughter was gone, at least for now.
However, Concubine Qin's triumphant smile faltered, replaced instantly by a look of bitter disappointment. "A peace treaty?" she muttered to A'rou, her voice laced with frustration. "What a waste of a perfect opportunity."
The Empress's expression remained enigmatic, a perfect mask, though a faint glimmer of approval, almost a silent knowing, could be seen deep within her eyes. "A wise decision," she said softly, more to herself than anyone else.
Tong, however, could not hide her own curiosity. She leaned towards the Empress, whispering, "What prompted such a sudden change? The Emperor's mind is truly a labyrinth."
As the mistresses slowly began to rise, their conversations, a mix of profound relief and simmering frustration, Concubine Jia remained seated for a moment longer, her hands still trembling from the emotional whirlwind. Lixin, noticing her mistress's fragile state, leaned in close, her voice a comforting murmur.
"You did it, Mistress," she whispered, her eyes shining with fierce loyalty. "The First Princess is safe."
Concubine Jia nodded, her eyes filling with unshed tears of profound gratitude. "Thank you, Lixin. Your support means more to me than you know. Far more."
With Lixin's steadying help, Jia rose gracefully to her feet. She exchanged a polite nod with the Empress, whose expression remained unreadable as ever. Then, her gaze met Noble Consort Wei's, who offered a subtle, knowing smile in return, a silent acknowledgment of the strategic play.
As Concubine Jia was about to step out to mingle with other mistresses, she was immediately confronted by the unmistakable figure of Concubine Qin. Qin's face was a mask of stark jealousy and bitter disappointment, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed malice.
"Concubine Jia," Concubine Qin called out, her voice dripping with sharp sarcasm. "It seems fortune continues to smile upon you. How convenient that the selection was canceled. One might almost think you had a hand in it."
Concubine Jia paused, turning slowly to face Concubine Qin with a calm, almost serene demeanor. "Qin, your insinuations are as baseless as they are tiresome. The Emperor's decision is final, and we must all respect it."
Concubine Qin's eyes narrowed dangerously, her anger flaring. "Respect?" she scoffed, a harsh, dismissive sound. "That's rich coming from someone who manipulates behind the scenes. Do you really mean to say your daughter's safety was secured by mere chance?"
Concubine Jia's composure remained utterly unshaken. "Unlike some, I do not rely on deceit and cruelty to achieve my aims. The Emperor's wisdom prevailed, and it is for the benefit of the empire."
Concubine Qin stepped closer, unable to conceal her raw envy, her voice lowering to a dangerous, venomous whisper. "You may have won this time, but do not think for a moment that you are untouchable. Your enemies are many, and they are watching."
Concubine Jia met Qin's gaze steadily, her own eyes betraying nothing but cool defiance. "Threats will get you nowhere, Qin. Perhaps if you focused on improving yourself rather than tearing others down, you might find true success."
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Who do you think will have the last laugh between Jia and Hua??