Capítulo 26: Chapter twenty six: False accusation.
From her throne in Han Palace Onyx watched the Concubines leave. The meeting had been a short one. It was designed for her to meet the Concubines herself and know what she was dealing with. Her servants did their best to procure information about the concubines but she had wanted to see them with her eyes.
The last to take her leave was Lady Su.
The five women had been an interesting bunch, and the meeting had let her in on their personalities.
First was the fifth Concubine, Lady Liquin, she was shy and barely said few words in the meeting. She kept to herself and barely related to the other women who could hardly tolerate her presence. They acted as if she didn't have the right to be there.
Not surprising seeing that she alone among all the ladies in the harem came from a poor background. Lady Liquin is a very beautiful woman, delicate like a flower with a gentle manner. She is the daughter of a farmer with eight other siblings. Before she became one of the King's Concubine she sold bread in the market. One day the King was taking a stroll through the street and encountered her. He became enchanted with her beauty and decided to make her one of his Concubines. It was like fortune has smiled on her poor family.
Onyx had watched her during the meeting and noticed that the polite smile that graces her lips doesn't reach her eyes. There was sadness and longing in her beautiful brown eyes. She had wondered what the source was.
Then third Concubine, Lady Daiyu. She was a beautiful woman with a sharp tongue and was very blunt. The only problem is that she seems very partial to the first Concubine. Listening to her barb and the secret smiles that poured off the first concubine following her words Onyx could only conclude that the woman was acting on the first Concubine's orders.
The second and the fourth Concubines Onyx have yet to determine where their allegiance lies. The second Concubine, Lady Huian had barely said anything during the meeting. Onyx watching her saw intelligence that was masked underneath her quietness. She wondered what made the woman tick. She was an enigma. Her father was one of the King's ministers. Those under Minister Wang's counsel but the woman made no indication that she was one of the first Concubine's supporters.
The fourth Concubine, Lady Jiayi was another person Onyx couldn't figure out. Her manners and words made her seem as if she hated the first Concubine, but there was craftiness to her words that made Onyx a little cautious. The woman looked like someone you have to deal with carefully. If she was going to survive in the palace she was going to figure out who her real enemies.
Concubine Su has already made her stand. With their past encounter being friends was already out of question. The woman converts her position. The third Concubine seems to be on the first Concubine's side so she is out. The fifth looks like she rather is anywhere else than the palace and Onyx doesn't know if the woman can be trusted. The second and the fourth are the ones she will need to put effort to find out where their loyalties lie.
Onyx was pulled back from her thoughts when she heard her name. She concealed her irritation at being addressed by her name by Lady Su.
" I believe the right word is your highness, Lady Su, " she corrected through pursed lips.
Lady Su looked like she was going to Ignore the warnings in her voice but thought better of it. All through the meeting, she had watched the young Queen prance about like the whole world was under her feet. Watching her arrogance and listening to her patronizing words had angered her so much that she couldn't leave without a parting shot.
" Your Highness, I have a piece of advice to offer you. "
Onyx tried to look interested when in truth she didn't give a damn what the woman was going to say. She didn't think the woman cared enough for her to be giving her advice but once in a while the sun rises from the West.
" Don't get too comfortable in your seat after all your predecessors never lasted more than a year, " Lady Su smirked at Onyx before she made her way out with a smooth fluidity that made her who she is.
Onyx stood glaring at the door with her fist closed at her side.
" Evil bitch! " Mei glared also at the empty doorway. She had seen the way the First Concubine treats her lady and that made her dislike the woman.
Onyx chuckled at her maid's words.
" You are right, Mei, " Onyx poured herself tea and drank while her maids began to tidy the room.
" What do you think she will do My lady when she finds out what you have done to her servants? " Sally looked up towards her mistress.
Mei sneakered into her hand as she recalled the servants' screams as they were being caned.
" What is so funny? " Sally frowned at Mei.
" The look on their faces when they were being flogged. They wailed like babies, " Mei mocked laughing again.
Sally shook her head at her friend even as she smiled. Mei can sometimes be wicked.
Onyx whispered a smile alongside her servants. She couldn't be more pleased with herself for dealing with the servants that dare lay a hand on the blonde.
Speaking of the blonde, she wondered what she was doing right now.
All their discussion came to a halt when one of the Queen's female servants walked into the room.
" Your Highness, there is a guard outside who wishes to speak to you, " the servant told Onyx with her head bowed.
" Let him come in, " Onyx said pouring herself another tea.
Mei and Sally stopped what they were doing and moves to stand on the side as they waited for the guard. The guard was one of the royal guards in the King's palace.
" My Queen, " he went down to one knee with his head bent in respect.
Onyx waved her hand for him to stand.
" The King demands your presence in his Palace.
Sally and Mei looked sharply at each other, worry look in their eyes, their mistress looked unconcerned.
" I will be right there, " Onyx told the guard.
He nodded his head and bowed before taking his leave.
" What does the King want? " Mei looked down at her mistress, her voice tinged with worry.
" Is he angry because you didn't let him in last night? " Sally asked sounding worried like Mei. They have all heard how their mistress had turned the King away last night to take care of her servant. It was all anyone could talk about this morning.
Mei had been so angry when she heard the tale. Once again the blonde was putting her mistress in trouble. She had wondered if the blonde was some kind of witch that had put a spell on her Mistress.
Onyx was amused by her servants worries. " Calm down ladies, I have to go to him to find out what the problem is, " she smiled at them to put them at ease.
Her carefree attitude didn't lessen her servants' fear, if anything it worsened it.
" My Lady you have to be careful, I heard that the King murdered his wives in a fit of anger, " Mei whispered looking around to make sure no one could hear her.
Onyx laughed at her words even though they lacked humor. " You shouldn't listen to everything you hear Mei darling, " Onyx got to her feet.
" My Lady Mei is right you should be careful, especially here. " Sally's words were delivered softly as she stared at her mistress. She knew that nothing scares her young mistress and she was someone that seems to crave danger but they were in the Palace where the rules seem to be different. Were enemies appear like friends and friends like the enemies.
Onyx's eyes softened at her servants. They worry too much, and she appreciates their concerns but she can take care of herself.
" I will be fine and I promise not to do anything that will get me killed, " she joked but none of the girls laughed. Onyx rolled her eyes at them with a huff.
" You girls need to relax, I can take care of myself, " she told them before leaving the room. She made her way toward the Xiash Palace. It was a long walk from the Han Palace.
When she got there the two guards stationed at the door bowed their heads and opened the door for her. She was received by the King's Eunuch who was waiting by the door.
" Your Highness, " the slightly older man bowed his head at her.
" Imperial Eunuch, " Onyx bowed her head in return.
" Please follow me, " the King waits for you in his receiving chamber.
Onyx followed the Eunuch as he lead them further into the Xiash Palace.
Onyx faltered when they entered the receiving room. The king was seated on his seat and Lady Su was perched beside him, whispering and stroking his ear. Onyx quickly masked the tension that gripped her shoulders as she continued further into the room. She wondered what the Concubine was doing here.
" Your Majesty the Queen is here, " the Eunuch announced to the King before taking his place on the side.
" My King, " Onyx courtesy with her raised joined hands bent and her head bowed. When she raised her head her eyes met that of Lady Su. She smirked at her like she had something to hide. Onyx decided to ignore the woman and focus on the King. The King was watching her, not saying anything. The tension on her shoulders knotted further.
The King stared at his young Queen, his face devoid of the emotions that were churning inside him. He was still angry that his young Queen had dared refuse him last night. None of his wives or the women he has bedded has ever said no to him. He was still amazed that he hadn't had the girl punished, and now his first Concubine brought a report that the young Queen through her servant had tried to kill his child. Since he was told the news he had been thinking about why the Queen will want to take his daughter's life. She wasn't a threat to her as the girl wasn't a boy.
" Tell me my Queen are you a jealous person? " Onyx looked up at the King.
Where is this coming from?
" No, your Majesty, " she answered politely despite her confusion at the question.
The King nodded. " Then tell me why you want to kill my child. "
Onyx didn't let her shock show. " I am sorry My King but I do not understand your question. "
" You do not understand my question! You hypocrite! " The King yelled flying to his feet, a look of pure rage on his face. Onyx flinched but otherwise remained calm.
" Please take it easy, " the imperial Eunuch looked at his fuming King with worry. The King's health wasn't as it used to be and the Palace doctor advised that nothing should stress the King.
The King ignored his Eunuch and glared furiously at his Queen. The young woman had her eyes down and refused to look at him. He let out a growl before demanding more answers.
" Why did you ask your blonde servant to harm Sulang, my daughter? " his furious dark eyes stared intently at his Queen as he waited for her response.
Lady Su grinned into her palm as the King screamed down at the young Queen. She had thought with the young's woman beauty that she will lose her hold on the King but that seems not to be the case. She was still the King's favorite. Now if she can find anything against the younger woman that will discredit her in front of the King and the court. She will be demoted and the King will have no choice but to promote her as the Queen. An evil grin danced across her lips as she imagined herself wearing the Queen's crown.
Onyx stifled a laugh of disbelief at the King's accusation. So that is what the evil bitch told him. She has made her first move.
" My King that is not what happened. I believe the story have been twisted out of proportion, what will I gain by killing your daughter, " Onyx looked at Lady Su when she said this.
The King blinked as if he had not expected a denial. He sat down on his seat again, looking more in control of his emotions.
" Tell me, what happened. "
" My King, I have told you what happened, and your daughter doesn't lie, " Lady Su interjected before Onyx could speak.
The King looked reluctant to make a judgment, his eyes moved from his Consort to his Queen. The two women looked as if they were telling the truth.
" My King why don't you have someone investigate what happened and you will know who amongst us is lying, " Onyx suggested with a straight face.
" I have to agree with the Queen my King. Before determining who is wrong I believe it will be better to find out for yourself the true story, " The Imperial Eunuch suggested.
Fear struck Lady Su's heart. Sulang was known for her rebellious attitude, and most times the young girl was fabricating stories to cover up her crimes. If that is the case this time, she might be punished because of it. She started to panic wondering what she could do to stop the King from investigating. Before she could think of something the King was already speaking.
" Imperial Eunuch I want you to investigate this matter, " The King ordered.
" Yes, your Majesty, " The Imperial Eunuch bowed his head.
" You are all dismissed, " The King told them. He wanted to be left alone with his thoughts.
The three bowed their heads to the King and took their leave.
Outside the Xiash Palace, they all went their separate ways. Lady Su towards the Concubine's Palace to make sure there is nothing for the Imperial Eunuch to Find and Onyx towards her Palace.
On her way something caught her attention.
At the Lotus pond stood her blonde servant. The girl was throwing bread crumbs into the ponds with her thoughts far away. Before she realized it her feet were moving towards the blonde.
" What have your thoughts troubled? " she asked softly when she joined the blonde.
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