Those words made Qin's face flush with rage, but before she could retort, a new presence entered the fray. Noble Consort Wei approached, her voice calm but authoritative. "Sister Qin...let's not let our emotions get the better of us. You have congratulated Sister Jia enough and by now I am sure she gets the message. We are, after all, here to support the emperor and the stability of the empire." Noble Consort Wei said ironically.
"Noble Consort Wei" Qin acknowledged, bowing, visibly irritated at being interrupted, shooting a glare at Wei. But the Noble Consort's higher rank commanded respect, and Qin grudgingly held her tongue.
With a graceful gesture, Noble Consort Wei redirected the conversation. "Speaking of important matters, Qin, I have been curious about something. That little girl , who was once your palace maid, now serves Consort Yang. How did that come to be?"
Concubine Qin's face stiffened for a moment, but she quickly composed herself, adopting a serene smile. "Ah, Ru Lingyi. Yes, Consort Yang took a liking to her, and I, out of respect for Consort Yang's wishes, decided to give Lingyi to her. It was a gesture of goodwill." Concubine Qin stammered.
Meanwhile Jia's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the lie. Qin had maltreated Ru Lingyi, or better say, the former occupant of the body and it was Consort Yang who had saved the poor girl from Qin's torment. But Qin, determined to save face, presented a different narrative.
Noble Consort Wei raised an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating. "A gesture of goodwill, you say? That's quite generous of you, Concubine Qin. I heard that Ru Lingyi is now flourishing under Consort Yang's care." Noble Consort Wei attacked waiting for a reaction.
Concubine Qin's smile tightened. "Yes, she is. The western Palace has always had a knack for nurturing talent. I'm glad Lingyi found a place where she can thrive."
Lixin, standing behind Concubine Jia, exchanged a knowing glance with her mistress. The tension was palpable, and Wei's intervention had deftly shifted the focus, defusing concubine Qin's attempt to provoke Concubine Jia further.
The Empress, observing the exchange, finally spoke. "It is good to see harmony among us, despite our differences. We must remember that our primary duty is to support the emperor and the stability of the empire."
The mistresses nodded in agreement, as they made their way to their respective seats again as it seemed the empress wasn't done with them. Although the undercurrents of rivalry and resentment remained.
Concubine Jia, taking a deep breath, decided to steer the conversation to safer grounds. "Noble Consort Wei, I heard that you have been working on a new initiative to improve the education of the palace maids. Could you tell us more about it?"
Noble Consort Wei smiled warmly, appreciating Jia's effort to maintain peace. "Indeed. I believe that well-educated maids can better serve the palace and contribute to a more cultured environment. And with the help of Her Majesty, we have introduced new training programs focusing on literacy, etiquette, and the arts." Noble Consort Wei replied gesturing at the empress with a smile.
Tong, always eager to engage in meaningful discussions, chimed in. "That sounds wonderful, Noble Consort. Such programs will surely elevate the standards of our court. How are the maids responding to this new initiative?"
Wei's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many of the maids are eager to learn and improve themselves. It has also fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among them."
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere in the hall gradually relaxed. The mistresses discussed various topics, from the latest fashion trends in the forbidden city to the upcoming seasonal festivals and ofcourse, making reference to the Empress.
Concubine Qin, though still simmering with frustration, remained silent, unwilling to draw further attention to herself.
Concubine Jia, feeling the tension ease, allowed herself a small sigh of relief. She knew that the peace treaty had bought her time, but she would need to remain vigilant. The palace was a place of constant intrigue, where alliances could shift and new threats could emerge at any moment.
As the gathering drew to a close, the Empress rose, signaling the end of the discussions. "Sisters, I thank you all for your contributions today. Let us continue to support one another and uphold the honor of the imperial court." The Empress said as she rose with the assistance of Tong.
The mistresses rose in unison, bowing respectfully to the Empress. As they began to file out of the grand hall, Concubine Jia caught the Empress's eye once more. There was a brief, unspoken understanding between them...an acknowledgment of the delicate balance they all maintained.
As the mistresses made their way back to their respective palaces, Concubine Jia and Lixin walked in silence, their minds preoccupied with the day's events. They had just reached the outer courtyard when a voice called out.
"Concubine Jia!, wait."
Jia turned to see Consort Yang approaching, with Ru Lingyi trailing behind her. "Congratulations on today's outcome," Consort Yang said warmly. "Your daughter is safe, and for that, I am genuinely happy for you."
"Thank you, Consort Yang," Jia replied, her tone gracious, but tinged with curiosity to why Yang is all smiley with her. Considering the history they share.
Consort Yang smiled, turning to Lingyi. "Ru Lingyi, is something the matter?"
Ru Lingyi's countenance changed and eyes flickered with recognition as she looked at Concubine Jia, but she quickly composed herself, lowering her gaze. "No your Highness, Everything is fine."
It was then Concubine Jia glanced at Lingyi, feeling a flicker of recognition. The young maid's face seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite place it. "Have we met before?" she asked, her lids narrowed in suspicion.
Ru Lingyi bowed respectfully. "No, Your Highness. I do not believe I have had the pleasure." Ru Lingyi replied, praying that Concubine Jia doesn't remember their encounter.
However, Consort Yang observed the exchange with interest. "Lingyi has been a loyal and diligent maid. She has served me well since she came to my palace and she barely communicates with other palaces. you must be mistaking her to someone else."
Jia nodded, still trying to remember where she had seen the face before. "You have a capable servant, Consort Yang"
Lingyi maintained her polite demeanor, though inside she felt a mix of emotions. She remembered all too well the harsh punishments she would have encountered if she hadn't played smart. However, she wanted it to stay hidden , not wanting to disrupt her newfound stability under Consort Yang's protection.
Consort Yang sensed the undercurrent of tension and decided to bring the conversation to a close. "Sister Jis, we must catch up properly another time. For now, I wish you and your daughter well."
"Thank you, Consort Yang" Jia said, inclining her head as she watched depart, wondering the reason behind the sudden change in their relationship.
As Concubine Jia and Lixin walked away towards The North palace, Jia's mind was still racing. The familiar face of Lingyi nagged at her memory, but she couldn't quite place it. She knew there was more to Lingyi's story than she had revealed, but for now, the truth remained just out of reach.
Lingyi watched Jia's retreating figure from behind, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. She had managed to avoid a direct confrontation with Jia, but the encounter had stirred memories she thought would be best they rather forget.
Consort Yang placed her hand on Lingyi's shoulder. "You handled yourself well, Lingyi. Very good" Yang said, completely unaware of the shenanigans that had transpired between Jia and Ru Lingyi.
Lingyi nodded immediately, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will do my best to serve you faithfully."
After the turn out of event at today's morning gathering, Ru Lingyi knew better what the imperial harem was. It was to every person to their capability and power. And Ru Lingyi felt a sense of gratefulness to have secured a Fourth ranked Consort favor.
Concubine Jia for now had secured her daughter's safety, and Lingyi had maintained her cover. Each woman had their own secrets and ambitions, but will this peace last a fortnight?.