Coming to the Attention of the Harem

The beautiful Noble Consort Ling sat languidly in her chambers, surrounded by her servants and a handful of lower ranking concubine hangers-on, when one of her allied eunuchs entered the room.

He kowtowed to the senior consort, "Noble Consort, I have some news," he said slyly.

She waved her hand, dismissing the hangers-on and only leaving her most trusted maidservants in earshot.

"Go ahead," she yawned lazily.

"A new Court Lady has entered our Lord's service; the only daughter of Commander Mei. She was supposed to be a tea-lady, but this morning he already requested she help fix his hair."

Ling Lumei sat up straight, her face taking on a sharper countenance.

"Go on."

"She's a great beauty. Her beauty is commented on wherever she goes. Before she entered the palace her nickname around the capital was Wang Zhaojun."

The Noble Consort pursed her lips in displeasure.

"Any more bad news?"