A great contrast separated life within the inner palace of this ancient dynasty from that of the modern world. Inside the confines of palace walls, trust was a luxury not everyone could afford, making alliances an important aspect of survival. Living each day spontaneously in the modern world did not exist here, each day and event was tailored to suit the traditions that has been laid down and passed from generations to the next. And the law of hierarchy kept things in order, from servants, concubines, ministers and royals to the most revered being-the emperor, and everyone had the knowledge of their status crafted in their heart.
Ru Lingyi's heart raced as she stepped through the ornate gates of Western Palace. Her eyes darting all around, grasping the complexity of her new reality. The air was heavy with anticipation, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of both trepidation and excitement coursing through her veins. Her journey from the bustling modernity to the hallowed halls of the imperial palace felt like a dream, one she could not awake from.
As she made her way through the grand courtyard, Ru Lingyi marveled at the opulence surrounding her. Intricately carved stone dragons adorned the walls, their eyes seeming to follow her every move. Colorful flowers dancing the breeze, the vibrant colors of silk casting a shade of light across the marble floors.
"Enough with the looking and follow him to show you how things are done here" Wanying, Consort Yang's Handmaid commanded, cutting Ru Lingyi from the delightful sight before her.
"I don't even know what Her Highness saw in that low-life of a maid " Wanying mumbled as she raced to meet Consort Yang inside her inner chamber.
"Welcome to Western Palace, young lady," a voice called out, and Lingyi turned to see an elderly eunuch approaching, his face lined with age yet his eyes sharp and perceptive.
"I am Eunuch Zhang, the steward of this palace. You must be the new maid assigned to serve Consort Yang," he continued, his voice carrying a hint of authority.
Ru Lingyi nodded nervously, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes, that's me. My name is Ru Lingyi." She said as though mentioning the name would help acquaint her with it faster
"Follow me," Eunuch Zhang instructed, leading her through a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. As they walked, Ru Lingyi couldn't help but steal glances at the eunuch, wondering what secrets lay hidden behind his stoic facade.
Finally, they stood before a set of intricately carved double doors, Eunuch Zhang motioned for Ru Lingyi to enter, and she took a deep breath before stepping inside.
The room beyond was breathtakingly beautiful, with walls covered in silk tapestries and shelves lined with priceless artifacts and scrolls.
Lingyi couldn't help but wonder how the palace of other concubines higher than Consort Yang in rank would look like.
At the end center of the room sat a figure draped in robes of crimson and gold, her presence commanding the attention of all who entered.
Ru Lingyi's eyes widened as she beheld the woman before her, even though she met her just recently at Concubine Qin's palace, she didn't get to carefully appreciate the beauty of Consort Yang. She was even more exquisite than she had imagined, her delicate facial features framed by cascades of ebony hair. Her demeanor like that of a Chinese goddess.
"Welcome, Ru Lingyi," Consort Yang said, her voice soft yet tinged with authority. "I trust you will serve me well," she said, her tone questioning.
"I will do my best, Your Highness," Ru Lingyi replied, bowing low in deference. She sure has learnt that bowing was another form of respect and etiquette. But her curiosity for why Consort Yang wanted her couldn't let Lingyi have another cycle of free breath. And unknowing to her, Consort Yang noticed her change in composure.
"Seems to me like that reply of yours didn't convey honesty, or do you not wish to serve this palace?" Consort Yang asked, leaning forward from her seat.
"I wouldn't dare …Your Highness!" Lingyi sharply replied, concealing her anxiety in a kowtow.
"You wouldn't dare..." Consort Yang chuckled, raising her left arm, a gesture for Wanying to support her to get up.
She elegantly rose up, walked to the east of the room and to the opposite end, while slowly moving her right arm wielding a perfectly embroidered handkerchief, the movement of both her arm and the piece of fabric creating an elegant flow with her body movement.
Then she paused before Lingyi, bending low, she lifted Lingyi's chin with the golden nail guard on her fourth and last finger. Lingyi's eyes burned in fear, her blood running cold.
"I will not sit idly and watch Concubine Qin send innocent maids to the underworld just because no one would care...I was once a palace maid like you Lingyi, and I know how life as one tastes" Consort Yang said, her tone filled with bitterness as she let go of Lingyi's chin.
She turned around abruptly, facing her seat, "You're dismissed."
Lingyi rolled her eyes confused, she turned her gaze from Wanying to Consort Xian and then back to Wanying who quickly gestured for her to leave.
***********
Ru Lingyi moved swiftly through the corridors of Western palace, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts.
"Is this how I'm going to survive this torture, one minute I am trying to register these intricate designs and walls and the next minute I'm reminded of the courtly life buzzing around me," she whined.
"I must quickly find Eunuch Zhang…I can't continue this way," Lingyi hastened her pace, her primary focus now was to find Eunuch Zhang, the senior eunuch known for his shrewdness and extensive knowledge of palace affairs.
As she approached the living quarters of the eunuchs, she slowed her pace, gathering her composure. She seemed to remember much about Eunuch Zhang's reputation like there was a system somewhere helping her in this, he was a man of few words but great influence. Lingyi knew that gaining his favor could prove invaluable in navigating her new life. A knowledge she must have come to acquire from all the historical shows and books she has read in time passed.
"Eunuch Zhang?" Lingyi called softly as she reached the chamber door. The door slid open, revealing a wiry man with keen, penetrating eyes.
"Who seeks me?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of authority despite its softness.
"Ru Lingyi, from Western palace," she replied, bowing respectfully.
Eunuch Zhang studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Ahh! The new maid…Come in."
The room was modestly furnished, but it was filled with scrolls and books, evidence of Eunuch Zhang's vast knowledge. Lingyi took a seat at his gesture and waited for him to speak.
"You are new here, yes?" he began. "What do you know of palace life?"
"Very little, I'm afraid," Lingyi admitted. "I was brought here quite suddenly." She said, with hopes that maybe it could stop the unnecessary questions she had no answers to.
Zhang nodded, "The palace is a place of many secrets and unseen battles. You must learn quickly whom to trust and whom to avoid. Consort Yang has taken an interest in you. That is both a blessing and a potential danger."
Lingyi's heart raced. "What must I do?"
"First, observe. Listen more than you speak. Knowledge is power here. You must also learn the hierarchy and the various factions within the court. Alliances are crucial, but they can be treacherous". Eunuch Zhang added, his expression casual without any care.
"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang. Your guidance is invaluable."
He inclined his head slightly. "You may go now. Remember what I have said." Lingyi nodded as she retreated.
As Lingyi left Eunuch Zhang quarters, her heart raced with a mixture of fear and sudden determination. The knowledge of escaping this dream that has turned reality eluded her but she was determined to navigate this new discovery until she finds a way out.