Have We Met Before?

Those words made Hua's face flush with rage, but before she could retort, a new presence entered the fray. Noble Consort Ling approached, her voice calm but authoritative. "Hua pin mei mei...let's not let our emotions get the better of us. You have congratulated Jia pin 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 Ling said ironically as she approached them.

"Ling Gui fei " Hua pin said, bowing in acknowledgement, visibly irritated at being interrupted , shooting a glare at Ling. But the Noble Consort's higher rank commanded respect, and Hua grudgingly held her tongue.

With a graceful gesture, Noble Consort Ling redirected the conversation. "Speaking of important matters, Hua pin , I have been curious about something. That little girl , who was once your palace maid, now serves Consort Xian. How did that come to be?" Noble Consort Ling was referring to Ru Lingyi.

Concubine Hua's face stiffened for a moment, but she quickly composed herself, adopting a serene smile. "Ah, Ru Lingyi. Yes, Consort Xian took a liking to her, and I, out of respect for Consort Xian's wishes, decided to give Lingyi to her. It was a gesture of goodwill."..Concubine Hua replied stammering.

Meanwhile Jia's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the lie. She knew the true story: Hua had maltreated Ru Lingyi, and it was Consort Xian who had saved the poor girl from Hua's torment. But Hua, determined to save face, presented a different narrative.

Noble Consort Ling raised an eyebrow, her gaze penetrating. "A gesture of goodwill, you say? That's quite generous of you, Hua pin. I heard that Ru Lingyi is now flourishing under Consort Xian's care." Noble Consort Ling attacked waiting for a reaction.

Concubine Hua's smile tightened. "Yes, she is. Consort Xian 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 Ling's intervention had deftly shifted the focus, defusing concubine Hua'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 Ling, 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 Ling 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 Huanghuo niang niang, we have introduced new training programs focusing on literacy, etiquette, and the arts."..Noble Consort ling replied gesturing at the empress with a smile.

Tong, always eager to engage in meaningful discussions, chimed in. "That sounds wonderful, Noble Consort Ling. Such programs will surely elevate the standards of our court. How are the maids responding to this new initiative?"

Ling'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 Hua, 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.

"Jia pin!, wait."

Jia turned to see Consort Xian approaching, with Ru Lingyi trailing behind her. "Congratulations on today's outcome," Consort Xian said warmly. "Your daughter is safe, and for that, I am genuinely happy for you."

"Thank you, Consort Xian," Jia replied, her tone gracious.

Consort Xian 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 niang niang... 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 curiosity piqued.

Ru Lingyi bowed respectfully. "No, Jia pin niang niang. I do not believe we have had the pleasure."..Ru Lingyi replied, praying that Concubine Jia doesn't remember their encounter.

However, Consort Xian 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. Mei mei you must be mistaking her to someone else."

Jia nodded, still trying to remember where she had seen Lingyi before. "You have a capable servant, Xian fei."

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 Xian's protection.

Consort Xian sensed the undercurrent of tension and decided to bring the conversation to a close. "Jia pin, we must catch up properly another time. For now, I wish you and your daughter well."

"Thank you, Xian fei," Jia said, inclining her head as she departed.

As Concubine Jia and Lixin walked away towards Luyang 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, 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 Xian placed her hand on Lingyi's shoulder. "You handled yourself well, Lingyi. Very good"..Xian said completely unaware of the shenanigans that had transpired between Jia pin and Ru Lingyi.

Lingyi nodded immediately replying.... "Thank you, niang niang. 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 forbidden city 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, and amidst the ever changing tides of the imperial court, they prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that their paths would inevitably cross again.