One month ago, Longevity Palace.
"Rong'er, never forget why you are entering the rear palace. Our family's future depends on you."
In a majestic hall decked out with red sandalwood folding screens, white nephrite sculptures, and priceless works of craft, two women sat in vastly different chairs separated by the dais between them.
The former, in her late forties, embodied supremacy despite her simple attire. She had wrinkle-free skin that glowed with the rosiness of one who enjoyed the finest of life, and black hair as lustrous as the finest oils in the empire used to maintain it, secured by a single nine-tailed phoenix hairpin.
The latter, on the other hand, was in the flower of her youth. Her features, though not especially dazzling, radiated the serene pride of one who had calculated every move in the game called life.
"Of course, Imperial Aunt," she replied. "I have prepared for the consort selection my entire life. Anything for the prosperity of our Qiu Duchy."
Empress Dowager Qiu smiled approvingly at Qiu Rong's answer, as well as her dignified bearing which bore a shadow of her younger self.
She had only met her brother's eighteen-year-old daughter a handful of times, but unlike other girls her age, Qiu Rong had never once displayed childlike awe or over-demureness within the lavish and stately halls of Longevity Palace, instead behaving with utmost grace and politeness. Most importantly—what she lacked in beauty, she made up for in composure.
While her ladies-in-waiting replenished their refreshments, the empress dowager spoke again. "I called for you today to discuss your competition. There has been a new development."
"Pray tell, Imperial Aunt," Qiu Rong said, sipping her tea calmly.
"The emperor has specifically arranged for a courtier to pass the selection."
Her hands tightened around her cup. It was common—a consensus even—for noblewomen from certain families to receive "special" treatment during the selection, but for the emperor himself to get involved? Warning bells rang in her head.
"Who is the lucky girl?" she asked.
'Stay calm,' she told herself. 'Savour the tea. It's 300-year-old Dianhong.'
"The daughter of Deputy General Yang from Xiping."
Qiu Rong nearly spat out the precious tea. "A mere fifth-rank military officer's daughter? And one from the western border at that?" she said incredulously.
If it had been any noble lady from the capital, anyone at all, she would've been less shocked. But Xiping? How could a girl from such a rural province have captured the emperor's eye?!
Clink!
"Watch your tone," Empress Dowager Qiu warned, setting down her cup heavily. "The Li Empire's military officers are shedding blood and sweat at the western border as we speak. It is their sacrifices which enable you and I to chat so idly in this peaceful palace."
Qiu Rong put down her cup as well, mood soured. "My apologies. I was just surprised."
Empress Dowager Qiu pursed her lips, but her expression softened. "What is there to be surprised about?" she consoled off-handedly. "The first rule of being a consort is to never attempt decoding the emperor's whims. Young Lady Yang is not the first to catch the emperor's eye, nor will she be the last. Instead of being surprised, you should start planning."
"Yes, Imperial Aunt. Rong'er understands."
"Good. Your father made the right choice sending you here."
Right choice.
Hah. She was the only choice. Of course she was the right one.
Qiu Rong lowered her head obediently, hiding the gleam in her darkened eyes.
Although her aunt had a point, it wasn't one she shared. The future she had always envisioned was by Cousin Tian's side—even if he didn't reciprocate her feelings, at least that only made her one of many consorts vying for his affection. At least it was a fair competition.
But everything had changed now. All because a wildflower stuck out in a garden of peonies.
When Qiu Rong raised her head again, all her grievances were tucked under the composed mask her aunt so adored. Her heart, on the other hand, was twisting with unseen animosity for a nameless stranger.
'Young Lady Yang... How dare you snatch Cousin Tian from me."
***
Present.
"...Qiu? Young Lady Qiu?"
The memory was replaced by a stinging sensation in Qiu Rong's palm. Yang Zi Hua was nowhere to be seen.
She looked down—
Oh. The broken stem had scratched her.
She tossed the useless flower away. Beside her, a girl with round eyes scrunched her moderately cute face in concern. "Young Lady Qiu, are you alright?" she repeated.
Qiu Rong sighed, "Meng Meng, how many times have I said to call me by name?"
Ding Meng Meng bit her plump lips. "But you're the daughter of Duke Qiu, and I'm..."
She silenced her with a look. "I thought we were friends, and friends don't care about formalities."
"Alright then... Rong Rong?"
"Yes?"
Ding Meng Meng's grin was part gratitude and part something else. "What were you so deep in thought about?"
"I was admiring your lilies," Qiu Rong lied smoothly. "They remind me of my cousin."
Ding Meng Meng followed her gaze to the ivory lilies she had picked as her centrepiece, their pink centres blushing with vigour and adorned with beads of morning dew, as though beckoning the sun rays and butterflies to dance upon them. When she'd seen them, she'd instantly thought the lilies in her home were shrivelled little weeds.
"They are pretty, aren't they?" she preened, proud of her excellent aesthetic.
"Pretty... but also dangerous."
She blinked in surprise. "How so?"
"When we were nine, my older cousin fell into a plot of lilies face-first. The pollen triggered an allergy reaction, and her face..." Qiu Rong shook her head in pity, hinting at her cousin's misfortune. "I haven't seen her since she was married off to Yongrui last year, but even the thick bridal makeup couldn't hide her... you know."
Awkward silence fell. Ding Meng Meng subtly eyed her arrangement and pushed it away. She felt it appropriate to commiserate, but Qiu Rong beat her to it:
"It's all in the past. Let's talk about something else," she chirped. "Meng Meng, how are things with your roommates?"
Ding Meng Meng rolled her eyes, all thoughts of disfiguration chased away by the annoyance that took over whenever she thought of her undesirable living situation.
"What else is there?" she ranted. "Song and Luo bickering every waking minute as though the room is theirs alone. I can't even eat without them arguing over a seating arrangement! As for Yang Zi Hua... Hmph! She's a good actress, I'll give her that."
Qiu Rong looked at her with practiced sympathy. "Really? Tell me more..."