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When Mei Liang finally arrived at the Empress Yaotai Palace, she walked in quickly and respectfully paid her respect to the high-ranking concubines. After taking her seat and glancing around, she realized she was the last to arrive — even though she had come early.
Just then, Imperial Concubine Jing spoke first.
"It seems Mei Wenyuan is growing quite arrogant now that she has earned the Emperor's favor and has become the first to be promoted after only one night."
The other concubines exchanged glances, some hiding faint smiles behind their sleeves.
Mei Liang had already expected that many of the high-ranking concubines would use this gathering to embarrass her, venting their jealousy and resentment. But she hadn't expected the first to be unable to swallow her pride would be Imperial Concubine Jing.
She turned slowly to face her.
"It seems Imperial Concubine Jing hasn't yet heard the news — I am no longer a Wenyuan, but a Guiren. You should be careful not to mistake someone's rank, especially if that someone has a terrible temper. But since I'm gentle by nature, I won't take offense easily," Mei Liang said with a calm smile.
Imperial Concubine Jing nearly exploded with anger. What did Mei Liang mean by that? Wasn't she just calling her brainless and warning her to watch her tongue, lest it get her into trouble?
Before Jing could retort, a servant outside announced the arrival of the Empress.
Everyone rose immediately and bowed as the Empress entered. What surprised Mei Liang most was that Xian Guifei didn't say a single sharp word — nor did she disrespect the Empress. That alone was unusual.
After taking her seat, the Empress Qing spoke. "You may rise."
Mei Liang and the rest concubines straightened and sat down once more. The Empress's voice was calm as she asked, "What interesting things were you all sisters talking about?"
Wen Fei spoke up with a light smile.
"Younger Sister Jing had a small misunderstanding about Younger Sister Mei. "She thought Younger Sister Mei was being arrogant for arriving later than the rest of us."
Mei Liang turned to glance at Wen Fei. This Wen Fei was beautiful, yes — but not stunning. Then again, most concubines in the palace had beautiful faces and graceful figures. Her words might have seemed harmless on the surface, simply informing the Empress of what had happened. But the way she said it… it almost sounded like Mei Liang really had arrived late.
If Mei Liang wasn't the person being spoken about, she might've believed Wen Fei's version herself. She needed to be careful with this one — people like Wen Fei were the type to smile sweetly while stabbing you in the back when you least expected it.
Empress Qing then turned her gaze toward Mei Liang.
"What Consort Wen said just now — is it true?" Her voice was calm, but her tone held a subtle edge. "You must remember, you are a concubine of the Emperor. There is no tolerance for those who disregard proper etiquette in the palace. Do you understand?"
Did everyone in this palace think she was a pushover simply because she always wore a cold expression and rarely argued with others?
"Your Majesty might have misunderstood something," Mei Liang replied, her tone neither humble nor arrogant. "This concubine was not late. It's just that the others arrived unusually early. If Your Majesty doubts me, you may ask the servants outside to confirm. I would never dare to disrespect etiquette simply because of a little favor from His Majesty."
De Fei, seated nearby, narrowed her eyes. This Mei Guiren… she was not as easy to deal with as she had seemed. Until now, she had been so quiet and overlooked that no one paid her much attention. But today, there was something dangerous in her presence — something cold and calculating beneath that serene expression.
If this woman was dangerous, then she could always be removed. De Fei smiled faintly to herself. "Let's see if she can continue remaining favored by the Emperor, or if she's just his latest plaything — soon to be forgotten like the rest."
Xian Guifei, meanwhile, looked like she was about to die from laughter. The way the Empress struggled to contain her anger was almost too entertaining. Empress Qing had never imagined that a low-ranking concubine would dare speak to her in such a bold manner.
It seemed she needed to be more strict with the concubines of the palace — otherwise, they might all start treating her like some soft-hearted fool. Just like that woman — that wretched Xian Guifei — who repeatedly disrespected her in front of others, again and again, and yet still walked away unpunished.
Suppressing the storm of fury in her chest, Empress Qing finally spoke.
"It seems I was mistaken — due to Consort Wen's words." She turned her sharp gaze toward Wen Fei. "Consort Wen, you must be careful with how you speak. Do not cause this Empress to be misunderstood or seem unjust because of your careless remarks."
Wen Fei, caught off guard by the sudden rebuke, felt a wave of humiliation rise in her chest. But what could she do? She dared not speak back — not to the Empress. If she still held the Emperor's favor, this might have passed without consequence. But it had been two full months since His Majesty last visited her palace.
Quickly, she stood up, bowed, and kowtowed.
"This concubine sincerely apologizes for making the Empress misunderstand my words."
" Alright as long as you know what you did wrong, It is almost time for the lotus flower gathering to begin," Empress Qing said, her voice calm but full of anticipation.
At the mention of the gathering, some of the concubines couldn't hide their excitement. It was an opportunity to see the Emperor, and perhaps, if they were lucky, earn his favor.
After arriving at the Imperial Garden, they took their seats according to their ranks. Servants quickly brought out lotus flower tea, lotus seed paste buns, and other delicacies.
"The air is so much fresher in the garden, with the scent of lotus calming the mind," De Fei remarked, taking a deep breath.
"Yes, I agree," Xian Guifei added, finally speaking for the first time. "How wonderful it would be if the palace could always be this peaceful."
Wen Fei nodded. "It would truly be a blessing."
Mei Liang remained silent, quietly observing them, keeping her thoughts to herself.
"Your Majesty, don't you think the lotus flowers this year are even more beautiful than last year?" Wen Fei asked the Empress.
Just as Empress Qing was about to respond, a loud cry broke the peaceful atmosphere. A concubine suddenly collapsed from her chair, clutching her stomach in agony.
The scream sent a wave of panic through the others. Another concubine, sitting close by, turned pale as she noticed the blood.
"There's blood—blood coming out from her!" the second concubine exclaimed in horror.
At the mention of blood, the other concubines were instantly alarmed. What was happening?
As Empress Qing was about to check on the situation, a servant suddenly shouted, "The Emperor has arrived!"
Immediately, all the concubines bowed in unison.
"Greetings to Your Majesty! May the Emperor live ten thousand years!"
Emperor Xiang Longwei entered, his presence commanding attention. He walked toward the Empress and helped her stand, saying, "You may all rise."
Meanwhile, the concubine who had collapsed continued to scream, writhing on the floor in pain.
For a moment, Empress Qing forgot about the injured concubine, distracted by the Emperor's arrival. But upon seeing the blood pooling beneath the woman's body, her heart sank with dread.
If what she feared was true, the Emperor would surely question her control over the harem. Her position would be at risk.
"Quickly! Bring Cairen Yang to the Moonlight Fragrance Pavilion — hurry!" Empress Qing ordered sharply, her voice filled with urgency.