116 A Beauty (2)

The Emperor’s birthday was approaching, and the palace had quieted considerably. Perhaps everyone was busy preparing to outshine one another at the celebration, hoping to win the Emperor’s favor.

In my eyes, Zhang Bitong’s preparations were rather unique. Yun Qing’s idea this time was indeed clever.

“Xiaozi, I need to help the Empress with her hair. Hurry to the Department of Imperial Wardrobe and bring back the altered gown for the Empress. The banquet is about to start; we can’t afford any delays.”

“Yes, your servant will go at once.”

I quickly made my way to the Department of Imperial Wardrobe, hoping to find Xiao Ruo while I was there. But the attendant told me he had gone out early and had yet to be found.

I didn’t press further and took the gown back to Cuiwei Palace.

I placed the gown on the bed and saw Yun Qing helping Zhang Bitong with her makeup. Then Zhang Bitong asked, “I heard there was some trouble in the Eastern Palace yesterday?”

Yun Qing replied, “I heard about it too. It seems the secondary consort quarreled again with the Crown Prince.”

Zhang Bitong said smugly, “The Empress’s clever scheme failed on Gong Wua’s head. Not only did she fail to become the Crown Princess, but the Crown Prince doesn’t like her at all. How amusing. Our Crown Princess seems quiet lately; perhaps she’s come to terms with it. She is clever, after all. Maybe the Empress Dowager advised her well—otherwise, with Miss Han’s temperament, she wouldn’t be any less fierce than Gong Wua.”

“Yes, Your Highness. It appears the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince are growing closer.”

“Indeed, affairs in this world are unpredictable. Look at Xuan’er—I have found several fine ladies for him, but he rejects them all. Even I am at a loss.”

“Prince Jiu, Your Highness need not worry hastily. When he finally falls in love, perhaps he’ll beg you to grant him a consort.”

“You’re right.” Zhang Bitong glanced in the mirror. “Do you think the Emperor will like me looking like this? Compared to Empress Xiaoren back then, do I fall short?”

“Your appearance is naturally different, but your aura is every bit as refined as Empress Xiaoren’s. It is in the spirit that the Emperor will understand your earnest efforts.”

“What time is it? Shouldn’t we be going?”

Yun Qing looked outside. “It’s nearly time. Your Highness, please change into your gown.”

“Yes.”

After Zhang Bitong changed, Yun Qing and I attended to her as we made our way to the banquet venue. At first, we did not enter immediately but waited aside for the Emperor’s arrival.

The Emperor’s birthday banquet was held in two parts: a daytime feast for the ministers and an evening gathering with the concubines of the harem.

The concubines were already seated.

“The Emperor approaches!”

Qiu Ronghai’s sharp voice rang out, and all the concubines rose, bowing deeply and chanting, “Long live the Emperor, long live, forever and ever.”

Amid their chorus, the Emperor strode in.

“Concubines, rise,” he commanded.

The Emperor sat on the phoenix platform, and the concubines took their seats.

“Thank you all for celebrating with me. Your thoughts are deeply appreciated,” the Emperor said.

The Empress stood and announced, “Your Majesty, I have prepared a gift for you.”

“Oh? Present it for my inspection.”

The Empress glanced at Ming He, who raised her hand, prompting two palace maids to unfurl a hundred longevity scroll. “This is a hundred longevity picture. I hope Your Majesty’s blessings are as boundless as the Eastern Sea and that the Great Jin prospers.”

“A thoughtful gift from the Empress.”

Ming He stepped forward. “Your Majesty, this is handmade by the Empress herself, each stitch sewn with care. She has lost sleep over it, often suffering headaches and injured fingers.”

“Oh? Empress, is this true?”

“Your Majesty, it is as Ming He says.”

Before the Empress could finish, the Emperor took her hand and saw the wounds. His face showed concern. “Your devoted heart is engraved in mine. You have always been a model for the harem. I am deeply gratified.”

“Your Majesty, this is my duty. As long as you are well, I harbor no complaints.”

“Good, good, good!” The Emperor repeated thrice, clearly in high spirits.

“Your Majesty, I also have a gift to present.”

The Emperor looked up and recognized Meng Pingjun. “Ah, Consort Jun, will you play a tune for me to liven the mood?”

“My thoughts are no secret from Your Majesty,” Meng Pingjun said coyly, smiling gently.

“The sound of Consort Jun’s qin is never tiresome, the echoes lingering for days. Very well, please play a piece for us.”

“Yes.”

Meng Pingjun played “Phoenix Seeks the Phoenix,” enchanting all who listened.

While Meng Pingjun played, Yun Qing whispered to Zhang Bitong, “Your Highness, it’s time to go.”

“Mm, I know.”

I stepped aside when someone gently tapped my shoulder. Turning, I saw Long Zhan.

He gestured for silence, and I quietly followed him to a secluded place.

“Lord Long, why have you sought me?”

“There has been another death in Cuiwei Palace. I came to inquire.”

“This matter happened quite some time ago, Lord Long; there is no need to worry.”

“Judging by your attitude, I suppose you are not involved. With Consort Tong demoted, I imagine your days have been difficult too. So today, I bring you good news.”

“What news?”

“Consort Tan has entered the game.”

I gasped. “Lord Long, you mean Consort Tan has become involved with a man?”

This was serious; I dared not speak plainly.

Long Zhan nodded.

“Did you arrange this? Will it implicate you?”

“If I were not certain, I wouldn’t act rashly. But I cannot reveal details to you—doing so would break my promise and drag you into this.”

Though he remained silent, I guessed most of it.

Long Zhan was shrewd, and I was no fool. Since he would not speak, I should not press.

“Lord Long, I won’t ask further. But I do have one request.”

“Speak.”

“If the chance arises to expose Consort Tan, I hope to be the one to do it—not you.”

“Xiaozi, are you protecting me?”

“Lord Long, you hold no grudge against Consort Tan. It’s because of me that you are entangled. I am already remorseful. Besides, since you are often near the Emperor, if you expose her, it would surely arouse suspicion. Your involvement in harem intrigues would bring the Emperor’s punishment. But please trust me—though I intend to expose this, I will not step forward unless absolutely necessary.”

“We will discuss this when the time comes; everything depends on the situation.”

“Lord Long…”

“No need to say more,” he interrupted, then looked at me. “I’ve long wanted to ask you—what is your wish here in the palace? Is it simply to stay safe, or…”

I thought inwardly: if I said I wished to be second to none, to make the Xiao family proud, would Lord Long laugh at me as a dreamer?

I said, “I only wish for peace and to be free from humiliation.”

“Peace and dignity—what heights must one reach for that?”

“What?” I didn’t catch that.

The music stopped.

I looked toward the banquet and said to Long Zhan, “Let’s watch. Perhaps there’s more to see.”

“All right.”

I quietly took my place behind Zhang Bitong, who was absorbed in watching the banquet.

Meng Pingjun’s piece ended, and the crowd applauded.

The Emperor smiled, “Such a tune could only exist in heaven; rare to hear on earth. Consort Jun’s qin skill is truly superb. Oh, but now I should call you Noble Consort Jun.”

Before Meng Pingjun could react, the Empress smiled, “Noble Consort Jun, will you not express your thanks?”

Meng Pingjun knelt quickly. “I thank Your Majesty.”

“Congratulations, Sister Jun,” Lin Tanwei said beside me. “Everyone is diligently honoring the Emperor today. Where is Sister Tong? Even Noble Consort Ya is here. Is Sister Tong still sulking over recent events?”

“Empress, I heard Consort Tong was unwell some days ago. Is she still not recovered?” the Emperor asked.

Ming He stepped forward. “Your Majesty, the Empress sent me to visit Consort Tong. At the time, she was enjoying the imperial garden. Her health appeared fine, and that was many days ago. Could she have fallen ill again?”

Lin Tanwei said, “I think Sister Tong is just too proud to come, especially since she was at fault. She is quite prideful.”

“No matter how proud, she should still pay respects to the Emperor.”

At those words, Zhang Bitong, dressed in a snow-white red gown with a neat waist, strode confidently to the center of the stage. She held a long sword. Though she lacked martial skill, she was a graceful dancer. Her sword dance, paired with today’s attire, was a stunning sight.

The concubines snickered secretly, thinking Zhang Bitong mad to perform sword dancing in such an unrefined outfit—truly a laughingstock. Yet, on the phoenix platform, the Emperor stood, momentarily distracted.

“Your Majesty!” the Empress glanced at him. The Emperor realized his lapse and sat down.

Zhang Bitong finished her dance, spinning elegantly and crossing her sword before her chest in a beautiful finale.

The concubines remained silent, but the Emperor was the first to applaud. “Excellent, excellent, truly wonderful.”

His praise for Zhang Bitong surpassed even that for the Empress.

Lin Tanwei’s tone turned sour. “Your Majesty, forgive my dullness. Sister Tong’s sword dance was neither skillful nor was her attire impressive. I cannot appreciate it, especially compared to Noble Consort Jun’s gentle elegance. As for Sister Tong…”

The Emperor ignored Lin Tanwei and continued looking at Zhang Bitong. “Consort Tong, why do you present yourself so today?”

Zhang Bitong rose and bowed. “Your Majesty, these days I have reflected deeply within the palace. I admit I was too harsh on Noble Consort Ya. I recalled when I first entered the palace, knowing nothing, and was fortunate to receive guidance from the Empress and other senior sisters. Today, on Your Majesty’s birthday, I wished to offer a grand gift. Yet, I have been consumed by repentance and had little time to prepare. Then I thought, on one’s birthday, the hardest day is the day of birth. At such a time, one should cherish the love of one’s mother. I heard from the palace elders about Your Majesty’s childhood, raised by the late Empress Xiaoren, who was like a birth mother to you. Thus, I dared to perform this today, hoping to ease Your Majesty’s longing. I am simple-minded and do not know if I have pleased Your Majesty.”

Having spoken, the Emperor was moved.

He descended the phoenix platform and approached Zhang Bitong, helping her to her feet. “Bitong, your thoughtful efforts are the best gift I have received. Today, you danced like a startled swan, swift as a swimming dragon, bringing me great joy. You have suffered these days. I know your earlier actions were only strict adherence to palace rules, taken too seriously, causing conflict with Noble Consort Ya. Now that you have reflected and understand flexibility, my purpose is fulfilled. I hereby restore Zhang Bitong to her position as Consort Tong.”