The morning sun poured through the lattice windows of Jade Phoenix Hall, illuminating the polished stone floors and the intricate patterns of the carved panels along the walls. The Empress moved gracefully among her attendants, her every step deliberate, her gaze sharp and assessing.
The hall was quiet, save for the soft shuffle of silk and the rustle of skirts as her aides obeyed her orders. Weeks had passed since the Emperor had last visited any of his concubines publicly, and the Empress knew this lull offered her a perfect opportunity. Now was the time to assert her presence, to remind the court that her influence remained intact.
"Lianhua," she called, her voice carrying clear authority, "check the candlesticks. The flames must not flicker excessively, and the wax must not drip on the table. Attention to detail is what reflects power." And also send word after that to the kitchen to prepare meals worthy of imperial presence.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Head Maid Lianhua responded, bowing slightly before moving to adjust the silver candlesticks.
"Wenqi," the Empress continued, turning to her assistant maid, "the flower arrangements—make sure the colors balance with the fruits on the table. Nothing should clash. Every detail speaks of order, elegance, and refinement. Remember, the Emperor notices these things."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wenqi replied, adjusting the vases as instructed.
The Empress walked slowly along the dining area, her hands brushing lightly over the polished surfaces as she inspected each arrangement. "The jade bowls," she instructed, "must shine. Place them just so. Symmetry is everything. Even a single misplaced dish betrays carelessness."
Satisfied with the preparations, the Empress picked up a folded letter from the table. She handed it to her most trusted messenger, a young servant named Shixun, known for his precision and obedience. "Take this to Azure Dragon Residence," she instructed. "Deliver it to Head Eunuch Gao Wei. It is an invitation to the emperor to dine with me this beautiful evening— she smiled . The Emperor must receive it promptly."
Shixun bowed deeply. "At once, Your Majesty," he said before slipping silently out of the hall, carrying the envelope with the Empress' seal.
Meanwhile, in Azure Dragon Residence, the Emperor sat amid a clutter of reports, decrees, and provincial letters. Sunlight streamed through carved wooden panels, casting geometric patterns across the carpeted floor. Even as ministers' concerns pressed on him—military updates, tax reports, border issues—his thoughts drifted elsewhere. The quiet, determined girl who had captured his attention lingered at the edges of his mind. The memory of her face, the soft curve of her hips, the subtle fire in her eyes, and the way her red hair shimmered in the moonlight refused to be ignored.
Head Eunuch Gao Wei entered quietly, bowing low. "Your Majesty, the Empress has sent a formal invitation. She requests your presence at Jade Phoenix Hall this evening for dinner."
The Emperor leaned back, a faint smile forming. "I see," he murmured, his voice calm but attentive. Though he acknowledged the importance of the Empress' request, his mind wandered to Ying Yue. The thought of her, of the secret encounters they shared in quiet moments, brought a rare lightness to his stern countenance.
Gao Wei paused for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "Your Majesty, regarding Lingxi,
Her name is Yin Yue the emperor corrects him
I am sorry your majesty for my ignorance,
" he began, "there is concern that the girl remains vulnerable. Rumors, palace whispers, even the keen eyes of concubines,others and especially in the residence she reside in may place her at risk. I suggest, for her protection, that you formally promote her to a concubine before the matter escalates."
The Emperor's smile deepened, thoughtful. "I have considered it, Gao Wei ," he said slowly. "But there is… a certain pleasure in secrecy. In the quiet moments when she believes herself unobserved, when the palace sleeps and she moves freely… she is entirely mine. No titles, no interference, no eyes on her. It is rare to experience such freedom within these walls."
Gao Wei inclined his head respectfully. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I only offer the counsel to prevent danger. But your decision stands, as always."
The Emperor returned his attention to the decrees before him, yet his mind refused to settle. Each line of text blurred as his thoughts returned to her—the tilt of her head, the fire in her eyes, the subtle confidence in her movements. A private smile formed on his lips. "For now," he murmured quietly, "the secrecy remains… but soon… soon she will have her place."
Evening descended, and the Emperor arrived at Jade Phoenix Hall. The Empress received him with measured elegance, her attendants, Lianhua and Wenqi, moving with quiet precision to serve dishes and ensure every detail reflected her authority. The hall gleamed, lit by candles whose flickers danced over polished surfaces and gleaming jade bowls. The Emperor's mind, however, wandered from the ceremonial formalities. His thoughts returned again and again to Ying Yue—the way she carried herself, her quiet intelligence, and the subtle strength that had captured him long before tonight.
Dinner proceeded with polite conversation. The Empress spoke with practiced poise, weaving compliments and observations that highlighted her influence while maintaining her dignity. "The Emperor's health remains a concern," she said smoothly. "The ministers report challenges at the northern border, yet you maintain composure even in these trying days. It is admirable."
The Emperor nodded absently, his attention drifting, recalling the way Ying Yue had moved with quiet confidence in the palace gardens, her careful diligence and subtle allure lingering in his memory.
After the meal, he returned to Azure Dragon Residence,retreating to the sanctuary of his private chambers.
The empress wasn't pleased with him not spending the night but still he accepted my invitation to dinner, other concubines have tried to invite him over for sometime now and face rejection, this show her position still remains above, she thought and smiled.
Back in the azure dragon residence.
Stacks of documents waited, yet the weight of the empire felt lighter than the pull of her memory. Every detail—the tilt of her head, the delicate slope of her hips, the way her hair caught the moonlight—played repeatedly in his mind.
Gao Wei entered once more, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, arrangements have been made should you wish to see Ying Yue tonight. Paths are clear, and her cloak has been prepared. She is ready to meet you."
The Emperor's eyes sharpened, a slow smile forming. "Very well, Gao Wei .Let her come. I wish to see her tonight."
Gao Wei inclined his head. "At once, Your Majesty," he replied. "She will arrive shortly."
Gao Wei— his highness has really taken a liking to this servant girl, although she is indeed beautiful one can not deny that fact.
The Emperor allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction, leaning back in his chair. The world outside—the politics, the whispers of concubines, the demands of ministers—faded slightly in the glow of anticipation. For now, the secret would remain theirs. When the time came, Ying Yue would take her rightful place. Until then, they would navigate the palace together, unseen by any who might seek to interfere.