Chapter 3: A New Rival In The Harem

As the new arrivals entered the hall, it was clear that the delicate balance of power within the harem was about to shift irreversibly.

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The air was thick with anticipation as there was a grand meeting for all the concubines at the Empress's Palace.

As the Palace Concubine Selection concluded, the new members were set to be introduced to the harem.

Within the vast and opulent halls of the imperial harem, every concubine knew what this day represented—a day to present themselves, a day to form alliances, and perhaps, a day to gain favor in the eyes of the Empress.

It has been a few weeks since Yue became a concubine. Not much has changed for her, she was still assigned to live in Consort Shu's quarters.

She chose the east side quarters as her residence: her room was now much bigger than she was used to as a servant. She even has her own handmaid now,

"Hong, please help me get dressed before Consort Shu wakes up." The girl is young and inexperienced, much like Yue when she first came to Consort Shu

This would mark her first official appearance appearance as a concubine in an official meeting of the harem.

Yue stood quietly in front of the mirror, her reflection almost as plain as the clothes she wore. She had picked out a simple robe—nothing too fancy, no bright colors or sparkly trinkets. Just muted tones, the kind of thing you'd expect from a low-ranking concubine like herself.

"Her hair was put into a simple updo, with only a few silver accessories to adorn her."

She didn't mind it, though. She knew her place. For now, her role was just to exist in the background, an accessory for Consort Shu.

As soon as Consort Shu woke up, Yue helped her with her preparations. Shu, of course, was a different story entirely.

She wore a gown that practically screamed elegance; the fabric rich and intricate, shimmering with delicate embroidery. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo, adorned with a crown of pins and jewels, each selected with care to emphasize her elevated status. She radiated the unmistakable presence of the emperor's favorite Consort.

"Are you going to be alright?" Consort Shu asked gently as she adjusted her gown. "I know it's a bit overwhelming, but just remember to keep your heads up."

Yue gave her a small smile, grateful for the kindness. It was hard to feel like she had much worth in a place like this, but Consort Shu's words were comforting.

As the time to leave approached, Consort Shu stepped into her palanquin, her attendants gathered around her, ready to take her to the Empress's palace.

Yue, as always, trailed behind, her steps silent on the stone path. The contrast between them couldn't have been more stark—one riding in a luxurious carriage, while the other walked behind like a shadow.

The Empress's quarters were as grand as you'd expect. Pillars with intricate carvings, golden chandeliers that glowed softly in the light, and doors so finely decorated that they looked like they belonged in a museum rather than a palace.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with the scent of incense, and the concubines had already gathered in the central hall, waiting for the Empress.

Two long rows of chairs were lined up, facing the walkway that led to the Empress's throne. The higher-ranking women were seated closest to the Empress, while the lower-ranking ones—like Yue—were left to stand.

It wasn't hard to feel the weight of the hierarchy here. Yue took her place quietly at the back with all the other low ranking members of the harem. No one paid her much attention, which was just the way she liked it.

The sound of hushed whispers filled the air. The higher-ranking concubines were chatting amongst themselves—most likely discussing the latest gossip or eyeing each other up, already sizing up the competition. Yue couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation, but she kept her eyes down. There was no need to get caught up in their drama.

The moment the Empress entered, the entire room fell into a profound silence. She moved with a slow, graceful poise, as if the world itself bowed to her every step.

Her robes were a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship, heavy with layers of rich silk that shimmered like liquid gold. The deep crimson fabric was adorned with intricate phoenix embroidery, its golden threads catching the light with each movement.

Her hair, styled in an elaborate updo, was decorated with sparkling jade and gold hairpins, and a jeweled crown that glinted like stars in the dim room.

Every detail of her appearance radiated power and elegance, leaving no doubt that she was the true center of attention, the embodiment of the empire's grace and authority.

All the concubines got up and lowered themselves into deep curtsies. Yue followed suit. There was no need to do anything extravagant—just show the right amount of respect and keep one's head down.

In unison, the greeted the emperor "We wish the Empress well, may your Majesty be blessed with good health and prosperity."

"Rise," Empress Wei said, her voice calm but carrying an authority that made you pay attention.

The Empress took her seat on her gilded throne at the front of the room. She turned to Consort Shu.

"I trust you are all well in the palace. Consort Shu, how is your pregnancy coming along?"

Consort Shu, always composed, stood and smiled gently. "I am well, Your Majesty. The child is healthy, and I've been resting as you advised."

The Empress gave a subtle nod, her gaze briefly flicking to Consort Shu's modestly rounded belly, a fleeting glimmer of jealousy passing through her eyes before it was quickly masked.

There was a brief pause before the Empress continued. "Now, as you all know, as per tradition of the Royal Palace Selection, we will have new additions to the harem today. I trust you will all be welcoming to them."

The concubines masked their anxiety with practiced smiles, hoping the new arrivals would pose little threat to their standing.

The doors to the hall opened, and the new concubines entered the room like a procession. Only three concubines were selected this round.

Immediately, Yue's eyes landed on one in particular, the striking beauty who walked confidently at the front of the group.

They knelt before the Empress, and greeted the harem. Their movements calculated and respectful.

"Rise," the Empress commanded.

"You've all been carefully chosen from noble families to serve His Majesty," the Empress said, her voice steady but carrying a quiet authority.

"Within these walls, we are all sisters and servants to the imperial household. I expect all of you to do your duties well, and please the Emperor."

She looked around the room, her gaze lingering on each of them.

"Now, allow me to introduce the current members of the imperial harem" said the Empress

Her gaze set on Consort Shu, who sat closest to the throne.

"Here we have Consort Shu, currently blessed with the Emperor's child."

Consort Shu inclined her head slightly, her serene smile never wavering.

"Here is Consort Lan, She has served His Majesty for many years and is well-versed in courtly arts"

She bowed gracefully, her movements precise.

"Next is Concubine Hua and Concubine Mei, ever the lively presence in our halls."

They dipped into a graceful curtsy, with a playful smile.

The Empress goes on announcing the lower ranking consorts.

"Lastly..we have Second Class attendant Yue, recently graced with the Emperor's favor."

The new concubines barely spared her a glance, already dismissing her as insignificant.

"Now, let us properly welcome our new sisters"

The most prominent of the newcomers, Consort Zhang, did not wait to be called—she stepped forward with the confidence of a woman who had already claimed her place.

"Consort Zhang, daughter of General Zhang Wei of the Northern Army." the Empress said, her eyes locking onto Zhang with a sharp, calculated gaze.

"I look forward to serving His Majesty… and getting to know all of my new sisters." Her voice was smooth, but the challenge in her words was unmistakable.

Consort Zhang didn't even bother with a proper a curtsy. She exuded an aura of superiority, where she believed all the other concubines were beneath her.

She was spectacle in the room that overshadowed all the others. Every inch of her voluptuous form was wrapped in a lavish gown of bright, bold colors, the golden embroidery glimmering in the light like a symbol of her wealth and status.

Intricate accessories adorned her—heavy jade bangles clinked on her wrists, a necklace of sparkling pearls and rubies rested at her throat, and her headpiece, encrusted with jewels, gleamed with an almost arrogant brilliance.

Her sharp features—high cheekbones, a perfectly sculpted nose, and full lips—gave her a striking, almost intimidating beauty.

Yue could feel the tension in the air shift. There was no subtlety in Consort Zhang's ambition. She was here to climb the ranks, and she wasn't going to let anyone get in her way.

"Very well," the Empress said, her tone cool and dismissive.

"Moving on, we have "Noble Lady Bai, daughter of the Minister Bai, second ranked head in the Minister of Justice"

"And Second Class Attendant Xue, daughter of Magistrate Xue."

They gave a deep curtsy gracefully, and kept their gaze respectfully lowered.

"Now that we are all acquainted, let harmony reign in the inner palace. Serve His Majesty well, and remember—your conduct reflects upon the entire imperial household."

Yue watched quietly as the new concubines took their places. She knew the harem was about to get a lot more complicated.