章 19: A Strange Wind
A new day dawned in the forbidden city, with everyone after their morning routine ritual. The emperor already set to oversee the court preceding ,clad in his dragon rope, adorned with precious stones and suiting fragrance pouche hanging freely on his waist.
The imperial concubines in their respective palaces, enhancing their beauty with careful and intentional makeups, perfect hairdo and matching outfits to suit their rank and majestic bearings.
The servants on the other hand dared not slack off in their duties. Every corner of the forbidden city was bustling and busy as usual but something was not thesame. At least, clearly to this author, even the birds in the air and leaves of the trees could tell there was something off.
The wind in the imperial harem that morning seemed somewhat different, but no one could tell what it was neither could anyone put a guess to it.
The early morning sun filtered through the gauzy silk curtains of Changchun Palace, casting soft, golden hues across the polished marble floor. The palace stood serene, its calm broken only by the distant flutter of bird wings and the soft rustle of few servants moving through the corridors. From the courtyard, the sound of footsteps, delicate yet purposeful signaled the arrival of the imperial concubines.
One by one, they entered, each draped in luxurious silks and brocade with matching handkerchief and handfans , their robes embroidered with meticulous detail that reflected their respective ranks. The smell of jasmine and sandalwood followed them, mixing with the faint perfume of peonies blooming in the palace garden.
First to arrive was Noble Lady Yu accompanied by her hand maid, her eyes downcast as she stepped into the hall. She adjusted her pale yellow sleeves, smoothing the silk nervously. Though her rank was modest, this morning's greeting was not a formality to take lightly. She took the last seat on her row, waiting and watching as the others arrived.
Consort Shu was next, her green robes shimmering with dragon embroidery, a bold reminder of her higher status. Her chin was held slightly higher as she waved her handkerchief while she sasheyed majestically, her demeanor poised, yet her sharp eyes scanned the room. She leaned slightly toward Lady Yu just before heading to her seat, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Noble Consort Ling hasn't arrived yet?"
Lady Yu shook her head, her fingers trembling as she adjusted a hairpin. "It seems we are all waiting…"
As if summoned by her words, Noble Consort Ling appeared at the doorway. Dressed in deep crimson robes embroidered with phoenixes, her hair adorned with silver and jade pins, she moved gracefully but with a certain deliberateness that suggested caution. Her gaze swept across the hall, taking in the sight of the assembled women, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"The Empress... has she not emerged yet?" Ling's voice was calm, though the others could sense her unease.
"No," Lady Yu replied softly, "we have all arrived, yet there is no sign of her."
A faint murmur spread through the room as more concubines trickled in. Concubine Jia entered, her violet robes flowing like water around her slender frame. Her sharp eyes darted toward the empty seat at the head of the hall, a faint frown creasing her brow.
"Has something happened?" she whispered to Lixin who had followed closely beside her.
"I don't know mistress, but this isn't like the Empress" Lixin responded, her voice light but tinged with uncertainty as she helped her mistress settle on her seat.
Concubines Hua followed, dressed in soft pinks and adorned with delicate floral motifs, appeared more concerned with her appearance, adjusting her hairpin with one hand and patting her nose with the other as she glanced around the room. She took her seat, opposite jia pin on the other row.
Soon after, Consort Xian arrived, her blue robes edged in gold, giving her an air of quiet dignity. Unlike the others, Xian remained composed, though her keen gaze swept the room, assessing the situation. She stepped quietly into her place beside the others, offering only a slight nod to Noble Consort ling who sat directly opposite her.
Everyone waited patiently, not like there was anything one could do. Glances were exchanged at different instances between the mistresses followed by a heavy silence in the hall.
Noble Consort Ling's gaze was fixed on the doors that led to the Empress's chamber. The air seemed to thicken with each passing moment, the absence of the Empress unsettling the usual order of things.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doors to the Empress's chamber creaked open. All eyes turned, expecting the regal figure of the Empress to emerge ...but instead, it was Tong, the Empress's personal maid, who stepped forward. An unusual occurrence, one must say.
Tong's face was pale, her usual composure shaken. Her hands were folded respectfully before her, but there was an unmistakable tremor in her fingers as she bowed low.
"Greetings mistresses.." Tong began,
"Her highness the -" Tong's voice soft yet clear in the silent hall. "The Empress has fallen ill. She will not be able to attend the morning greetings."
A ripple of shock spread through the room. Consort Shu raised an eyebrow, her fan pausing mid-motion.
Concubine Jia's lips parted in surprise, while Concubine Hua exchanged a worried glance with Noble Lady Yu. Even Consort Xian's normally calm expression faltered, though she quickly composed herself.
Noble Consort Ling, however, remained still, her eyes narrowing as she turned towards Tong. "How sudden is this illness?"Noble Consort Ling asked, her voice steady but laced with suspicion. "The Empress was in good health just yesterday. what has happened?".
Tong swallowed, her eyes lowering. "It came upon her overnight, niang niang . The imperial physicians have been summoned."
At this, Consort Shu's eyes flickered with doubt. "Ill, you say? Yet no word was sent until now? This is most unusual."
A murmur of agreement passed between some of the lower-ranking concubines. Concubine Jia's fingers played nervously with the jade bracelet on her wrist, while Concubine Hua's gaze darkened with contemplation.
Consort Xian, always the voice of reason, spoke up. "Illness can strike quickly, especially in the palace where the burdens of leadership are heavy. We must not jump to conclusions."..she finished.
But despite her calming words, the atmosphere in the room remained tense. Without the Empress to anchor the hierarchy, the balance of power within the harem felt suddenly precarious.
Noble Consort Ling, ever perceptive, sensed the growing unease among the concubines. She took a step forward from her seat, her voice calm but firm.
"The Empress's health is of utmost importance. We must ensure that all necessary measures are taken." She paused, her gaze lingering on Tong. "The physicians...are they confident in their diagnosis?"
Tong hesitated before speaking. "guifei niang niang, they... are still uncertain, But they are doing all they can."
A sharp silence followed her words. Concubine Jia exchanged a glance with Consort Shu, both of them silently weighing the implications. Concubine Hua shifted uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. Lady Yu remained quiet, her face pale with worry.
Noble Consort Ling stood at the center of the room, her thoughts racing. This was no simple illness. The Empress had always been a pillar of strength, guiding the court with grace and authority. Her sudden absence Left a void that could easily be filled by ambition or....chaos.
"The Empress is the heart of the harem," Noble Consort Ling said finally, her voice steady. "We must pray for her swift recovery."..she concluded as she paced around continuously.
The others nodded, though their minds were already working, calculating the potential shifts in power that could arise from the Empress's illness. Without her presence, the court could easily fracture, with factions forming around for the Emperor's favor.
Tong bowed again, retreating toward the doors. "I will return to the Empress's side. She thanks you all for your concern."
As Tong disappeared back into the Empress's chamber, the concubines were left speechless in the hall, the weight of the moment pressing down on them. Noble Consort Ling could feel the eyes of the other women on her, their unspoken questions hanging in the air. How ill was the Empress? How long would she be absent? And most importantly, who would step forward to fill the void?.
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