Procession

A long line of floats were assembled in a neat formation at the side of one of the administrative buildings in the palace compound.

Ancient floats in the shape of flying dragons, lions, horses (this year was the year of the horse), firecrackers, ingots, gourds and whatever else were mounted on a sturdy base that looked to be the underside of carriages.

Embroidered cinnabar and gold silk stretched over wire skeletons, topped with a smattering of glitter.

At the back of the floats, a small slip was visible, giving the servants access to the inside of the floats, which were hollow save for large glass lamps, each housing a sizeable flame. From the outside in the limited visibility at this time of day, the floats appeared to emit a warm glow.

The floats were sizeable, nearly twice the size of a large carriage, and on the outside of the installments was a portion for its primary occupants - on some floats, dancers; on other floats, a drum section, qin section, wind instrument section and what else, dressed gaily in light costumes that fluttered with the cold winter breeze.

They had faces full of makeup and coloured eyeshadow, and for the female performers, some opted for coloured ribbons in their hair instead of the usual dangly accessories, which would likely dislodge after a hectic day.

Lu Qing Yu's carriage was near the front, just behind the eunuchs and the dragon dance float, and us Noble Concubines would ride in separate carriages some way behind him, sandwiched between a few floats. The usual carriages had too been decorated specially for the occasion, and there was a translucent red veil over the windows to prevent the public from seeing too much of the Noble Concubines' faces.

The entire procession was heavily guarded, with guards on horses flanking the floats and carriages to the left and right as well as between carriages in a beautiful formation. Even the horses had been decorated with colourful sashes, a fact that annoyed the guards. Security was tight to prevent any danger from coming near the Emperor and the Noble Concubines since public turnout was expected to be huge.

The performers were still getting ready, and hanging around their assigned floats, so I figured there was still enough time to look around.

"Qiu Ci, what's the procession schedule like?" I asked. "Noble Concubine Ling, the procession will exit from the palace compounds and make a tour of the capital before returning to the palace. We should be done by mid-afternoon at the earliest."

"Oh." I nodded. We must be moving at a very slow pace then. "Then when are the breaks?" "There are no breaks." "Huh?" "That's why Noble Concubine Ling should rest as much as possible before the procession begins. It will be a tiring day."

Just as I was contemplating if I should visit the restroom... err, I mean chamber pot again, an delicate figure shrouded in layers of red silk bounced up to me.

It was Noble Concubine Ju and her maidservants, and she was extremely eye catching.

"Sister Ling!" she called amicably.

"Sister Ju. You look... very beautiful today." I squeezed out as I examined her outfit.

The first day of the Spring Festival was the only day the ladies of the harem were allowed to wear red or gold, as it was usually reserved only for the imperial family. As Noble Concubines, we hadn't yet earned the right to be considered.

She had worn a very glittering red gown - by glittering I meant dripping with decorations, and simply thrown over an equally glittery red fox fur coat for warmth.

Didn't anyone tell her minimalism was in? By themselves, her gown and fur coat looked fine, but they were a terrible combination, making her resemble a walking Christmas tree.

However, Noble Concubine Ju was one of the rare great beauties even in the harem - ignoring the outfit, she indeed looked radiant and refreshing today.

"Thank you! Sister, you look beautiful too." Unaffected and oblivious, Noble Concubine Ju continued to smile brightly.

"Sister, I'm hosting the harem's annual New Year tea ceremony tomorrow. You'll come, won't you?"

Tea ceremony? To my knowledge, the tea ceremonies of this era were very strict and regulated by etiquette. It wasn't as simple as just drinking tea. I really didn't want to go and embarrass myself...

Perhaps seeing my face fall, Noble Concubine Ju pushed to me a red envelope.

Reluctantly, and with a feeling of dread, I pried open the envelope with a crisp sound.

Inside was a handwritten invitation from Noble Concubine Ju inviting me to a "tocha or tea contrast" tea ceremony, held at her palace, tomorrow.

"Hmm... Sister Ju, I don't know, it's very last-minute..." I tried.

"Pleeaaasseee Sister Ling?" Noble Concubine Ju pouted, flashing her big, watery eyes at me.

Although I was also a woman, I was also overcome with a protective instinct upon her cajoling....

"Sister Ling, you haven't attended any annual tea ceremonies yet, and its usually custom for all members of the harem to attend. We would all like to get to know you better."

"Hmm..."

"Sister Ling, this is my first time hosting the tea party, and having you there would be such a great support! Will you at least consider it for me?"

"Oh... alright..."

Pressed by her dirty tactics, I had no choice but to settle for a halfway answer. In my mind, I was already thinking of last minute excuses I could use...

"Thank you Sister Ling! I knew I could count on you!" Noble Concubine Ju smiled brightly, then tottered away.

In my peripheral vision, I felt another gaze burning into us.

Noble Concubine Shao.