Chapter Seven: Powder and Rouge in the Palace (Second Update)

Thus, it was only after nearly half an hour that they finally arrived before the gates of Serenity Residence. The palace itself was not ostentatious, nor was it crowded with idle attendants. Instead, a subtle air of elegance lingered throughout, a fragrance that came from the verdant bamboo growing in the courtyard. Bamboo, ever a symbol of refinement, appeared all the more ethereal and transcendent within the palace walls.

“The Queen has arrived!” Before they even entered the hall, Eunuch Yundao announced their presence in a clear, carrying voice.

“Your Grace, mind the steps,” Peach Heart said softly, carefully supporting Blood Snow as she ascended the high staircase and entered the great hall at a measured pace.

Inside, the hall seemed spacious, and at the very moment she crossed the threshold, the consorts who had been seated rose to offer her their respects. “Greetings to Your Majesty the Queen,” they intoned.

Their voices did not blend perfectly, yet the collective sound was melodious, reminiscent of a mountain stream trickling over pebbles. Though their gazes were somewhat veiled, they could not conceal the intensity of their scrutiny.

“Your daughter greets you, Mother,” Blood Snow said as she halted, bowing with a bearing that was both dignified and gracious.

“Rise, my Queen, there is no need for such formalities.”

The matron seated above radiated kindness from her eyes and brow; though the fine lines at the corners of her eyes were visible, they did nothing to diminish her innate grace. She wore a robe of deep color, her hair simply arranged in a neat coil held with a plain jade hairpin. Jade earrings hung from her ears, a necklace of jade and emeralds adorned her neck, and on her right wrist was a string of green prayer beads.

Her attire was far from sumptuous, yet years of noble cultivation had bestowed upon her an air of majesty that few could rival.

“Thank you, Mother,” Blood Snow replied, straightening her back and responding with composed elegance.

All present surreptitiously observed the young woman standing tall in the hall. Her calm and unhurried demeanor was like a plum blossom braving the winter cold—subtly exuding an aura of cool detachment. Her dark green gauze robe was pristine, looking fresh and immaculate. The skirt was not overly long, just enough to cover her high-soled shoes.

Her face was untouched by powder, its natural fairness captivating. With the dark green robe, her complexion seemed all the more luminous—like a drop of water, delicate and clear.

“What a fine child. Come here, let me take a good look at you,” the Empress Dowager said with evident satisfaction, her voice tinged with a smile and exuding even more warmth.

To win the Empress Dowager’s favor should have been a blessing, yet Peach Heart was both alarmed and anxious, though she dared not show it and could only stand in place, searching for a solution. Wasn’t the Empress Dowager always known for her kindness? Why, then, would she seek to make things difficult for her mistress now?

A faint smile finally appeared on a few of the consorts’ faces. An unknown blind girl, so favored by the King, had already overshadowed them. With the King’s affection, they dared not act rashly, but if the Empress Dowager chose to intervene, they would at least have some small measure of satisfaction.

Just before the morning court, the King had issued a decree: the Queen’s adopted daughter—Yuan Xi—was to be granted the title of Eldest Princess of Ji, with the honorific Xi, changing her surname to that of the royal family, and given the name Xi.

Thus, she became the First Eldest Princess of Ji—Princess Ji Xi. Though for now only the title was bestowed, and the formal investiture would wait until she came of age, such a favor was something they could only dream of.

Yet Blood Snow had received it with effortless poise.

To them, Blood Snow was nothing more than a useless blind girl, worlds apart from themselves.

“Your Majesty, allow me to assist you,” a gentle, refined voice sounded, cutting through their tangled thoughts. Looking up, they saw a delicate and charming face.

Her figure was graceful, her features elegant: fine brows above limpid eyes, a straight nose, lips like cherry blossoms—a classical beauty. Silk brocade draped her form, her hair was adorned with pearls and flowers, rouge brightened her cheeks, yet her appearance was proper and composed.

“No, Noble Consort Jade, you may step back,”

The Empress Dowager only shook her head lightly, not displeased, but rejecting the offer. Hearing this, Noble Consort Jade could only return to her place, ignoring the hostile glances cast by the other consorts.

The Empress Dowager’s gaze then settled on the quietly standing young woman. Blood Snow stood calmly, her expression serene. “Is there anything else you wish for, my Queen?” the Empress Dowager asked gently, her eyes full of approval.

The consorts were all astonished at the Empress Dowager’s praise for Blood Snow. It was well known that the King and Empress Dowager were closely bonded as mother and son. Though the Empress Dowager was kind, she was also distant; no matter how the consorts tried to win her favor, she rarely appeared, let alone showed anyone special affection.

Yet their Queen had won her favor with apparent ease. If so, Blood Snow’s position would be even more unassailable in the future.

“Your daughter will obey your wishes,” Blood Snow answered with a calm composure, her tone respectful and flawless.

She moved silently, her steps light and steady, betraying none of the hesitance one might expect from a blind girl. Before long, she stood before the Empress Dowager, stopping at a proper distance of one pace, leaving all present dumbfounded.

Was this young woman truly blind?

“No wonder Wu Qing’s judgment is so extraordinary—he truly recognized a remarkable person in you,” the Empress Dowager said, rising and stepping to her side. With a gentle motion, she gathered her prayer beads and took Blood Snow’s hand in hers, holding it with boundless affection.

“I do not deserve such praise,” Blood Snow replied, showing no trace of fear or unease at the Empress Dowager’s sudden gesture, her demeanor steady.

At last, all were seated: Blood Snow at the Empress Dowager’s lower right, the consorts in their original places below.

“Tell me, Queen, why have you come so late? Was something delayed on the way?” the Empress Dowager asked, as if engaging in casual family conversation.

“Aunt, if our elder sister the Queen has come late, she must have her reasons. How could we inquire about such private matters?” Before Blood Snow could answer, a teasing voice rang out.

The speaker’s tone was clear as a warbler’s song, sweet and bright as a lark’s. Her face was alluring, her expression lively. With her hair adorned in pearls and jade, she was the very picture of vivid beauty. Yet her robe of violet brocade, embroidered with myriad flowers, was so dazzlingly ornate it bordered on excess.

“Private matters? But…” A white-robed girl nearby arched her brows, a look of confusion on her innocent, delicate face.

She was clad in pure white, resembling a misty moonlit night—her beauty both ethereal and enchanting. Her long black hair was neatly coiled in a small knot, the rest flowing freely past her waist, adding to her charm.

“Mother, I have prepared a gift for you. I hope that it will please you,” Blood Snow finally spoke, unhurried and measured, her words deepening the curiosity of all those present.

“Truly?” Even the Empress Dowager, usually unflappable, showed a hint of surprise.

...Author’s Note...

What do you think, dear readers? Has Blood Snow caught your eye? (One more chapter after exams ^_^)