Chapter 2 — Old Dreams on the Dragon Bed

Family members tearing each other apart—is this not the absolute favorite spectacle of any sovereign ruler?

04

After a night of intimacy, Emperor Lang Zhao departed in the early hours. Moments later, the imperial decree of promotion arrived at the Quiet Chamber Palace. I was elevated straight from a humble Lady of Talent to a Bright Companion, standing at the very pinnacle of the Nine Consorts. That day, I commanded every gaze within the Phoenix Sanctuary Palace. Draped in the shimmering, smoke-purple brocade bestowed upon me by His Majesty, the solid gold pendant in my hair felt heavy and imposing. In the past, I had detested such ostentatious attire, finding it utterly vulgar. Yet now, looking back, this very garb displayed my status to the utmost and ignited the deepest fury in others. Within the Phoenix Sanctuary Palace, my aunt occupied the seat of honor. Today, her makeup was heavier than usual, and even the jade and pearl ornaments clustered in her hair gleamed with unusual brilliance. Had I not known how violently she suffered from coughing fits in the dead of night, I might well have been deceived by this flawless facade. Noble Consort Shen was also present. It had been quite some time since she last came to pay her respects, yet today she arrived early, her eyes harboring a lazy, mocking smile.

"I have not visited for a few days, only to find fresh and delightful novelties within the palace."

"Who would have thought that this concubine would become sisters with Bright Companion Lan?"

"It only goes to show just how magnanimous Her Majesty the Empress truly is. Two of the finest daughters of the Lan family—one presiding over the Central Palace, the other favored by the Emperor's grace, making the family complete. It fills this concubine with boundless admiration."

When educated women converse, their words can slay without drawing blood. Not a single phrase overstepped the boundaries of decorum. Yet every single syllable struck straight at my aunt's heart. Her complexion had already grown rather unsightly. Unable to find any fault in Shen's words, she could only turn her sights upon me: "Now that you have been elevated to Bright Companion, you must be all the more cautious in your words and actions henceforth."

"His Majesty's favor toward you is your greatest fortune."

"However, the more profound the imperial favor, the more imperative it is to know your limits."

I lowered my head and accepted the admonition: "This concubine shall forever engrave Her Majesty the Empress's teachings upon her heart." Catching sight of my docile demeanor, my aunt's gaze softened fractionally.

"Since you were a child, your handwriting has always been exceptional."

"Lately, I have been copying the Sutra of Peace for His Majesty, and I am in dire need of a tranquil mind to assist me close at hand."

"Now that morning greetings are concluded, you shall remain here."

05

My aunt possessed a nature utterly incapable of tolerating anyone surpassing her. This was a flaw I had long been aware of; it was simply that she had always treated me with such excessive kindness—a kindness so profound that it led me to believe her bitterness and ruthless stratagems were reserved solely for outsiders. Today, she was resorting to her old tricks, deliberately intending to teach me a harsh lesson. Copying scriptures required kneeling for hours; a single stroke out of place meant starting entirely anew, ensuring that word would soon leak out about how "Bright Companion Lan, bloated with imperial favor, dared show disrespect to the Central Palace." My glorious elevation today would instantly become a laughingstock. I was just about to open my mouth in refusal when the eunuch's sharp cry echoed from outside the hall:

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The moment Emperor Lang Zhao stepped across the threshold, his gaze locked directly onto me: "I was wondering why I could not find you anywhere this morning, only to discover you had run off to the Empress's quarters."

A wave of genuine joy washed over me as I hurried forward to offer my greetings. Emperor Lang Zhao half-supported me as I rose, tapping me lightly on the forehead: "Were you not quite skilled at acting like a spoiled child just a short while ago? Why have you suddenly become so well-behaved the moment you stand before the Empress?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I pouted playfully: "Her Majesty the Empress was instructing this concubine in the proper rules of the court; this concubine did not dare to act presumptuously."

No sooner had these words left my lips than the amusement in Emperor Lang Zhao's eyes deepened considerably: "Little girl, the Empress has spoiled you rotten in the past, and now she even wants to lecture you on court rules?"

Though spoken in a jocular tone, my aunt's expression darkened significantly.

"Your Majesty jests. The Bright Companion has only just been promoted, and this concubine was merely offering a few words of caution to prevent someone of her tender years from providing others with an opening for criticism."

Her words were delivered with absolute poise, mirroring to perfection the virtuous guidance a proper mistress of the Central Palace ought to bestow upon a newly minted consort. Not a single flaw could be found in her demeanor. Emperor Lang Zhao glanced at her: "The Empress is truly thoughtful."

"Since the admonitions are complete, I shall take her with me now."

I tugged gently at his sleeve, murmuring softly, "Your Majesty, I fear this concubine cannot leave just yet."

"Aunt just said she wished for me to remain here in the Phoenix Sanctuary Palace to copy scriptures."

Emperor Lang Zhao paused in his stride, turning his gaze toward my aunt seated high above. "Empress, tell me—are these scriptures of yours more important, or is grinding ink for me of greater consequence?"

The blood drained from my aunt's face as though it had been violently sucked away. She could no longer manage even a semblance of a smile: "Since Your Majesty has need of her, how could this concubine dare to delay?"

"Bright Companion Lan, you should accompany His Majesty."

"Your disposition is lively; you must mind your words and actions in His Majesty's presence and never overstep your bounds."

I immediately released Emperor Lang Zhao's sleeve and bowed obediently to her. "This concubine expresses her deepest gratitude for Her Majesty the Empress's gracious understanding."

In the past, I had always been submissive in her presence. Yet she could never have anticipated that when she personally shoved me onto the imperial dragon bed, I would become far more than a mere niece helping her consolidate her power. I would also transform into the very blade that would turn to slash across her throat. A sovereign is inherently suspicious; he might not entirely trust the sincerity of my affections. But he would undoubtedly relish the depth of my hatred. So long as this bitter hatred was directed solely at the Empress and the Eastern Palace, then in his eyes, I remained an instrument of value.

06