Dragon Palace. Night.
Candles in ornate candelabras flickered silently, cautious not to disturb the magnificent atmosphere of the emperor's study. Orange flames illuminated the majestic tapestry taking up an entire wall: a five-clawed dragon, soaring above golden palaces and other lesser mythical creatures; breaking through auspicious clouds with a victorious roar to mingle with the deities above.
The inky shadow of a man poring over a mountain of bamboo scrolls cast over the dragon, half of his defined face shrouded in lethargy and darkness.
Step. Step. Step.
Light footsteps entered the study, barely a rustle of clothes and a click of jade.
Head Eunuch Ming bowed and broke the silence. "Your Majesty, the empress is here."
Li Zhen Tian pinched the bridge of his nose and set down his brush, pushing the report he was marking aside. "Let her in."
Empress Zhao entered in a swish of black and gold silk, curtsying slightly. "Greetings, Your Majesty. Apologies for interrupting at this late hour."
"Not at all," Li Zhen Tian shook his head. "Is this about the results of the consort selection?"
"Your Majesty is perceptive."
The empress motioned at her attendant, who placed a scroll on the emperor's purple mahogany desk.
"These are the rankings and residences I have assigned the new consorts after consulting with Imperial Mother. Please inspect their adequacy."
Flip...
Li Zhen Tian unfurled and read the content of the scroll. For awhile, silence suspended in the study... until he neared the end of the list.
He picked up a brush and circled a name, then seemingly thinking the better of it, wrote a few more notes beside other names.
When Empress Zhao saw what he had written, a knowing look crossed her face.
'As expected.'
"Relocate Noble Lady Meng from the Palace of Glorious Beauty to the western chamber of Silver Rose Palace, and raise Lady Talent Yang's rank to Lady Beauty whereas Junior Waiting Lady Jiang's to Senior Waiting Lady. Oh, and relocate Lady Beauty Yang to the Palace of Tranquillity's eastern chamber as well," Li Zhen Tian added.
"As you will it, Your Majesty."
"You have worked hard, empress," he complimented.
Empress Zhao allowed a fraction of a smile. "Not at all. It is my duty."
***
Two days later.
The last time Zi Hua saw the imperial palace's walls, they were as red as the blazing sunbird on the Li Empire's flag, and she remembered thinking the palace resembled a large, fancy box from afar. Now, those walls were everywhere in sight, framing the endless paths and meeting them around every corner.
It didn't matter how many archways and statues displayed unprecedented grandeur, how many rare flowers lined the paths, or how many servants parted and bowed submissively at her presence. This box would be her home from now on.
After winding through multiple gardens; crossing bridges made of stone, wood, and jade; and passing by less and less servants with every turn, the small party of three finally reached their destination.
The eunuch guide stopped before a palace with a pure ivory plaque hanging above its front gate.
"Lady Beauty Yang, we've arrived at the Palace of Tranquillity," he said. "Your new quarters is the eastern chambers to the right."
Zi Hua craned her neck. The Palace of Tranquillity matched its name—located in a far south-eastern corner of the imperial palace, birds seemed to chirp a little louder here due to the lack of human presence. Even the air radiated a sense of serenity, and the peach blossom trees all around rained petals in welcome.
Compared to the bustling parts of the palace she had seen so far, it was a tranquil realm of its own. A silver lining.
"Thank you for showing the way," she told the eunuch. "Yue'er, come along now. I can't wait to explore."
"Yes miss!" Her childhood attendant stopped gawking and hurriedly followed her.
Just like that, they crossed the threshold of the palace and didn't look back.
The eunuch's jaw dropped behind them, sputtering.
'What is wrong with Lady Beauty Yang and her attendant? What happened to the customary reward money?! How stingy!'
***
"We greet Lady Beauty Yang! Welcome to the Palace of Tranquillity!"
Around a dozen servants kowtowed in a small courtyard, forming a most jarring welcome retinue. This was the first time Zi Hua was ever put on a pedestal like this, and words momentarily eluded her.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three.
"E-everyone! Please, stand," she blurted out, embarrassed she had made them kneel for so long.
"We thank Lady Beauty Yang!"
With a rumble of synchronised thanks, the servants stood. More than two thirds wore plain pink dresses, while the remaining few were eunuchs dressed in dark blue robes. Two representatives stood at the head of both groups, looking at her expectantly.
"Ahem," Zi Hua cleared her throat to disperse the awkwardness. "Please introduce yourselves, everyone."
A woman in her early twenties stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings, mistress," she said. "I am Qiu'er, the Head Maid of the eastern chamber."
One step behind, a eunuch introduced himself too. "Greetings, mistress, I am Xiao Tong, the Head Eunuch here."
The lower-ranked servants spoke one after another:
"I am Yuan'er, a second-rank servant."
"I am Chun'er, also a second-rank servant."
"I am Xiao Bian, a third-rank eunuch."
"I am..."
.
.
.
It didn't take long before all fifteen self-introductions ended.
"Since I'm new to the palace, your expertise will be much appreciated," Zi Hua started, weighing her stance carefully. "It may seem empty at first, but I hereby give you my word—I will be fair and reasonable, so in return, I hope everyone does their part to ensure our eastern chamber runs smoothly.
"Those who violate palace rules will be dealt with accordingly, while diligence and loyalty will be duly rewarded." She nodded at Yue'er, who promptly gave each servant a small pouch of coins. "This is a token of my sincerity.
"Lastly, I believe honesty is the key ingredient of long-lasting relationships, so if any of you face difficulties or have any grievances, don't hesitate to share them with me. I look forward to living with you all. That's all for now, you may resume your duties," she finished.
"Yes, mistress!"
"Thank you, mistress!"
"We will do our best!"
With enthused cheers and renewed motivation, the servants dispersed, happily whispering about their mild mistress.
Zi Hua looked at their retreating figures. She had said all she needed; whether they listened or not was beyond her control.
Of course, she didn't expect them to pledge loyalty to her on the get-go—even soldiers fought for duty before loyalty was eventually fostered, if at all—but she would do her best to earn it.
Only time could tell the rest.