The Finest

It had been sometime since our meeting with the Empress Dowager and not much had changed. No one really made an effort so I decided too. Why not? I want to show them I mean to be friends with all of them if possible or at least on good terms. So I planned a fan painting party, with the Emperors permission of course. I'm having it in the large pavilion with delicate flower blossom tea and lots of yummy sweets and snacks. I've invited every lady of the imperial harem, and since the Emperor will make an appearance I am sure all of them will come.

I had the finest silk fans made for this and the most luxurious paints I've ever seen with the help of First attendant Mingyu. She's a fine painter and has learned how to make her own. They are all so vibrant and special but sparkly ones are my favorite of course. The ladies started to arrive and I was right it seem all would show up. All greeted me respectfully before taking their seats, but this was customary for I am the host. Tea was served first and light snacks. Most chatted with their neighbor and conversation seem light.

I decided now is a good time to state my intentions of the party. " Welcome my sisters, I am glad that you all took the time to come. As sisters I want all of us to spend more time together. And today we can start that by getting to know each other more. I got you each a plain silk fan to paint today and Sister Mingyu graciously designed most of the paints for you to use. I hope everyone finds good conversation with our sisters and some bonding on this lovely day" I said with a bright smile. Most of them smiled back to my surprise but it gives me hope.

All the ladies took a look at their fans deciding on a design they wanted. We were all brought up in fortunate families so of course we were all trained in the fine arts. I expect that all the fans will be beautifully painted but the Emperor get to be our judge this afternoon. The winner will get a beautiful pair of jade bracelets, each with three rubies imbedded. Very fine and they have a chance to impress the Emperor. I decided on painting a cherry blossom tree very delicate but I still used some sparkly paint to highlight the flowers.

Once we were all finished it was time for more tea and the sweets I had specially prepared. The Emperor made his entrance and most of the chatter died down. But then it was time for him to judge. Each lady brought their fan before him and showcased it. All were very well done, there was many flowers and spring scenes. Mingyu however painted two mated ducks in a lovely pond, she said it was for him. The Emperor choose hers of course, he said it's unique and heart felt. It was so realistic and detailed, she truly deserved to win.

The Emperor placed the bracelets on her personally and she gave him a gracious smile. I noticed she dressed very vibrant and beautiful today, in the new silk I gave her actually. I smiled myself also noticing how the Emperor stared, I hoped for my friend the same favor I have received...

At the end of the day I was very happy with how it all turned out. Maybe not as much bonding as I would have hoped but it's a start. Plus we will have many years together in this palace. I received news later that evening that the emperor had invited Sister Mingyu to the imperial bed chamber. I feel slightly jealous of someone else getting his attention. But I must remember my place....we are all his women.