whispers of Intruige

The chirping sound of morning birds, the rustling sounds of servants who busied about and the rays of the bright sunset filtered through Ru Lingyi's windows. Deep from her slumber she could hear these sounds, she turned to the left—an attempt to get more sleep. This attempt was futile as a knock on the door interrupted her journey to peace.

"Who is it!?" Lingyi grumbled, sitting up angrily, her lids almost completely closed.

"Lingyi!..are you there?" the maid asked from outside the door

"What sort of question is that?..get away from my door!" Lingyi yelled furiously, falling back on the bed to pick up her sleep from where she left it.

"Lingyi!..Xian Fei Niang Niang is waiting for you!"..The maid said, loud enough that every word resounded twice in lingyi's ears.

"Xian Fei?" Lingyi's eyes struck open as she repeated. Immediately she jolted up swiftly as if hit by lightning. Lingyi had forgotten where she was, for a minute she thought of herself in the modern world, a hardworking office assistant who worked tirelessly everyday only to come back home drained and battle with waking up the next morning.

"Oh Good heavens, what was I thinking?..." Lingyi nagged as she quickly put on any garment her hands could lay hold on. She peeped outside through the window to see the cooking smoke traveling up from the imperial kitchen, and fortunately, everywhere was clear.

Lingyi had taken note of the imperial kitchen's schedule, the smoke that traveled up the sky from the imperial kitchen never appeared until she and Consort Xian were

on their way to Changchun Palace for the morning greetings. She had noticed it on two occasions and thought it to be mere coincidence. But after the fifth time, Lingyi realised that her morning routine was in sync with that of the Imperial kitchen. And ever since then, it has become her timer.

She flung the door open and dashed out immediately, paying no mind to the structural integrity of the door nor whether she even closed it. The servants in the courtyard all paused their duty midway as they watched Lingyi race from her quarters to Consort Xian's chamber.

Upon getting to the door, lingyi halted like a race horse..her shoes screeching against the marble floors, a sharp sound that shook the servants to fear that she might fall. She breathed in deep as she paused arranging her garment, she turned her gaze backwards, looking over her shoulders and immediately, the servants went back to their respective duties, pretending as though nothing happened, barely concealing the laughter on their faces.

Lingyi swallowed and stepped inside Consort Xian quarters, her steps light and measured as she proceeded from the main hall, heading inside Consort Xian's chamber, her gaze fell onto the bronze stainless tray on the side table before the door to the inner chamber. On the tray were oils, rose petals and other necessary items to prepare Consort Xian. Lingyi picked the tray up to her abdomen and proceeded forward walking inside the inner chamber. Her gaze darted to the bed and dressing table in search of Consort Xian but both sections were empty. Just as Lingyi wondered where next to look, a voice came from the bathing room.

"Ru Lingyi, if this Palace is late to the morning greetings..you will have yourself to blame for my actions" Consort Xian said. Lingyi quickly shoved the curtains and made her way into the bathing room, dropping the tray and started her morning routine in earnest.

"Why are you late?, you are becoming more incompetent Lingyi" Consort Xian queried.

"Niang Niang.. I was -"

"Don't make me regret giving you a chance " Consort Xian interrupted, shutting down Lingyi's attempt to say nothing.

Meanwhile, the mistress of Jingyang Palace sat before the mirror on her dressing table, taking one last glance at herself. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she envisioned Lingyi's fate once she exposed Consort Shu's scheme to Consort Xian.

"A'rou, how do I look?" Concubine Hua asked, caressing the delicately woven couifuiree on her head.

A'rou who had stationed behind her mistress like a statue leaned in closer with a bright smile, " Niang Niang looks ever ravishing". A'rou said, her response drawing a smile from Concubine Hua.

"Now, let's go... today will be an eventful and interesting one" Hua said, standing up as A'rou supported her slender frame.

******************

The smell of jasmine and sandalwood filled Changchun Courtyard as the ladies of Forbidden city arrived in grandeur, their exquisite apparel depicting their opulence. It has always been a sight of delight to Changchun servants as they always pause their duties to feed their eyes with the ravishing appearance of each mistress.

The first to arrive was Noble Lady Yu, clad in deep yellow silk, with a blue handkerchief to complement her look. She walked straight inside Changchun hall and assumed her usual position.

Next was Concubine Hua, everly radiant in anything she wore, everything else seemed to halt as she entered Changchun gate. She sasheyed so elegantly, her waist moved together with her gown, flowing like water on every step she took. She leaned slightly to the side as A'rou supported her right arm and with the left, she held a brocade fan ...which she flung casually in style. As she entered Changchun hall, her darting gaze met Noble Lady Yu's, Concubine Hua smirked, rolling her eyes as she assumed her seat on the opposite roll.

Following Concubine Hua was Consort Jia in her elegant crimson rope, she acknowledged Noble lady Yu with a nod, taking the seat after her. Noble Consort Ling followed, commanding respect and dignity from the seated imperial Concubines. She trailed gracefully to her seat, enjoying the silence and reference that her presence commanded.

Consort Xian arrived, exuding grace and poise.Lingyi's breath hitched, her fingers tightening on the silk sleeve as Concubine Hua's piercing gaze bore into her, she immediately concealed the unease that ravaged her from within and maintained a straight face as she assisted her mistress to settle down. Lingyi thought of what Concubine Hua might hold against her since Hua and Xian were allies in the palace war. But then she remembered " Concubine Hua only came in after my conversation with Consort Shu, so there's nothing to worry" she reassured herself.

The entrance of Consort Shu doubled Lingyi's anxiety. Her heart almost dropped to her stomach when Consort Shu shot her a knowing glance as she took her seat opposite that of Consort Xian. Lingyi quickly looked away but her eyes met the preying gaze of Concubine Hua whose lids were narrowed in scrutiny.

"What have I gotten myself into?" Lingyi asked herself, looking straight up—an attempt to avoid anymore eye contacts.

"The Empress, her highness is here!" Tong's voice announced. The screen door behind the Empress's throne on the elevated dais slid open revealing the regal ruler of the imperial harem. Immediately, everyone arose on their feet, the imperial wives stepped towards the center of the hall in two files, falling to one knee as they greeted in unison...

"Greetings Huanghuo Niang-niang, wishing Huanghuo Niang-niang thousands of good health and fortune!".

Already seated, the Empress gestured and said, "Remain as you were," her tone calm and collected. She let a moment of silence linger, scanning the hall and observing everyone's demeanor. Then, she began, "Hmph, hmph! The princess of Chu State arrives tomorrow evening."

The hall buzzed with whispers.