Bab 14: Jia's Turnaround

A'rou giggled, adjusting the intricate embroidery on concubine Hua's gown as she replied..."niang niang,It will be a sight to behold, Jia pin has had too much power for too long. It's time she learns her place". Concubine Jia and Concubine Hua were both mistresses of equal ranks but Jia birthed the first princess and became a 5th ranking concubine way before Hua birthed the 6th princess . And this gave Concubine Jia an advantage over Hua as she always gets the best of favors and attention, even Concubine Jia's gifts can't be compared to Concubine Hua. And as such, Hua has held this envy inside her for like forever and she couldn't wait to see Concubine Jia crumble. The princess selection was an opportunity for Concubine Hua to rejoice over her nemesis.

The tension and anticipation continued to build as each mistress and her entourage made their way to the grand hall for the gathering. Chengqian and Yanxi palaces followed suit, each mistress arriving in glory, their elaborate gowns and ornate hairpieces reflecting their status and wealth.

The grand hall was a vision of royalty and luxury, with high ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers and walls lined with ancient writings of past virtuous consorts. As each mistress arrived, their presence was announced by an Eunuch at the entrance of the hall , their names echoing through the vast space.

Concubine Jia arrived, her face a mask of composure despite the turmoil and anxiety within her. She took her place among the other mistresses, her eyes darting nervously around the room. Lixin stood behind her, her expression a mirror of her mistress's unease.

Concubine Hua entered next with her head held high and a triumphant smile shining evidently on her lips. She exchanged a brief, mocking glance with Concubine Jia before taking her seat. A'rou tailed behind her with eyes gleaming of anticipation.

The Empress was the last to arrive, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the hall. She moved with the grace and dignity befitting her status, her maid following closely behind. As she took her seat at the head of the gathering, everyone rose from their seats to greet her.

"Respectfully greeting Huanghuo niang niang (your highness,the Empress), wishing niang naing thousands of good fortune and health!".. the imperial wives echoed kneeling with one knee accompanied by their handmaid in deep respect.

"Forgo the formalities" ...The Empress replied, gesturing for them to stand up and take their seats.

The Empress watched the atmosphere in the hall , studying each concubine's countenance.Whispers began to fill the silence, the imperial wives engaging in hushed 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. "It is hard to say. The emperor is unpredictable. But it would certainly stir things up if she were."

Nearby, Concubine Hua whispered to A'rou, her tone laced with malice. "Jia looks as if she might faint. It would be such a shame if all her scheming came to naught."

A'rou giggled in response. "Perhaps she deserves it. Her influence has been unchecked for too long."

Concubine Jia looking at them could decipher that their conversation was about her, she clenched her fists in her lap. She fought to maintain her composure, knowing that any display of emotion would only fuel their gossip further.

The sound of footsteps approaching the hall brought the conversations to an abrupt halt. Eunuch Lu entered, his presence signaling the importance of the announcement to come. He carried a scroll with the emperor's seal visible on the parchment.

"The Emperor's decree!" Eunuch Lu announced, compelling everyone to stand up as each Concubine left their seats to the open space in the hall to kneel, receiving 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 silence, all eyes on the eunuch. Concubine Jia held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest.

Eunuch Lu unrolled the scroll, his expression solemn as he continued "His Majesty, in his infinite wisdom, 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. Concubine Jia felt a wave of relief wash over her, her body sagging slightly as the tension drained away and the threat loosing her daughter gone, at least for now.

However, Concubine Hua's smile faltered, replaced by a look of disappointment. "A peace treaty?" she muttered to A'rou. "What a waste of an opportunity."

The Empress's expression remained enigmatic, though a faint glimmer of approval could be seen in her eyes. "A wise decision," she said softly, more to herself than anyone else.

Tong, however, could not hide her curiosity as she leaned towards thr empress, whispering.."What prompted such a change? The emperor's mind is truly a labyrinth."

As the mistresses began to rise, their conversations a mix of relief and frustration, concubine Jia remained seated for a moment, her hands still trembling. Lixin, noticing her mistress's state, leaned in close.

"You did it, Mistress," she whispered. "The first princess is safe."

Concubine Jia nodded, her eyes filling with tears of gratitude. "Thank you, Lixin. Your support means more to me than you know."

With Lixin's help, Jia rose gracefully to her feet. She exchanged a polite nod with the Empress, whose expression remained unreadable, and also Noble Consort Ling who smiled back at her as she made her way out of the grand hall . Jia felt the weight of the future pressing down on her shoulders.

She knew that this was only the beginning. The imperial harem was a place of intrigue and power, where every decision could change the course of lives. And she was determined to navigate its treacherous waters to eternity.

As Concubine Jia was about stepping out of her seat to mingle with other mistresses, she was immediately confronted by the unmistakable figure of Concubine Hua. Hua's face was a mask of jealousy and bitterness, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed malice.

"Jia pin" Concubine Hua called out, her voice dripping with 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 to face concubine Hua with a calm demeanor. "Hua, your insinuations are as baseless as they are tiresome. The emperor's decision is final, and we must all respect it."

Concubine Hua's eyes narrowed, her anger flaring. "Respect?" , She huffed. "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 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 Hua stepped closer, unable to conceal her envy, her voice lowering to a dangerous 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 Hua's gaze steadily. "Threats will get you nowhere, Hua. Perhaps if you focused on improving yourself rather than tearing others down, you might find true success."