Chapter Eight: A Calm Counterattack

After receiving the order, Peach Heart left the hall, followed by four palace maids waiting outside. Each maid carried a pot of violet orchids, their blossoms elegant and delicate. Though not as grand as peonies or Chinese herbaceous peonies, the purple flowers possessed their own unique charm—most notably their serene and pure beauty.

The crowd murmured in astonishment, and even the Empress Dowager’s expression subtly shifted.

“Forgive me for speaking frankly, but what does the Queen mean by this? Isn’t it rather disrespectful to the Empress Dowager?” Before Blood Snow could respond, the voice of the girl in purple rang out again. Her voice was beautiful, yet too assertive.

“Consort Violet, mind your words.” Indeed, the Empress Dowager was not pleased with such borrowed authority; her face darkened slightly.

“Yes,” Consort Violet replied at once, unable to hide her discomfort.

Though she was the Empress Dowager’s niece, their relationship had always been neither close nor distant. Many assumed she had the advantage of proximity, but in truth, it was an illusion—a shimmering mirage in the water, pleasing to the eye but useless. Even her entry into the palace had little to do with her aunt.

“Queen, let us hear your explanation. I am curious—could this be the gift you spoke of?”

The Empress Dowager turned to the girl who remained calm and detached, as if the commotion around her meant nothing. Her composure was astonishing, yet she seemed to know exactly how to conduct herself, with not a single misstep in her words or actions.

Blood Snow tilted her head slightly. Had they finally finished speaking?

She had thought she’d be forced to listen to them until noon; truly, this was even more tedious than the potters of her previous life.

“Mother, this is indeed the gift I prepared for you. Passing through the garden just now, I was suddenly inspired.” She answered with poise, unafraid of the doubts or schadenfreude surrounding her. “The orchid’s virtue lies in its gentle fragrance, which soothes and aids sleep. Its leaves are warm-natured and can be used as ingredients in medicinal dishes. Most importantly, its understated beauty is ideal for contemplation and rest.”

She spoke slowly and unhurriedly, seemingly unaware of the crowd’s eagerness for drama.

“Flowers bloom and fall, drifting alone; when music ends, feelings linger still. No feast lasts forever, and the affairs of life are ever-changing—birth, aging, illness, and death are immutable laws of heaven and earth, beyond anyone’s power to alter. Thus, it is better to face the joys and sorrows, reunions and partings of this world with a smile. If one can accept them calmly, nothing is truly frightening. I believe Mother understands this well, but perhaps fears to face it. So I presumptuously offer you these orchids—though their flowers will wither, they will bloom again. Perhaps you might see how these orchids, in full bloom throughout the courtyard, create an enchanting scene.”

Blood Snow’s words startled everyone, leaving them marveling in their hearts.

“Your words shame me, Queen. Such courage! You are indeed worthy to be the Queen of our Ji Kingdom!” The Empress Dowager was the first to recover from her astonishment, her tone excited and her gaze toward Blood Snow filled with affection. “Your gift has touched me deeply, and I must reciprocate. This string of green jade agate prayer beads has been with me always; it was blessed by a high monk from Cloud Buddha Temple. Though not precious, it is a token of my regard.”

She slipped off the green jade beads from her wrist and, without hesitation, personally fastened them onto Blood Snow’s wrist, stirring envy among the assembled consorts.

“Thank you for your kindness, Mother.” Blood Snow did not feign modesty nor utter empty pleasantries. She gently touched the warm beads on her wrist, quietly pondering.

Whether the Empress Dowager’s affection was genuine or merely a show, it mattered little. Either way, she had thrust Blood Snow into the center of attention, and beneath this seemingly supreme favor might lurk the threat of becoming a target.

“What has happened to make Mother so delighted?” A figure entered with light, graceful steps. He seemed to radiate a gleam from within, impossible to look upon directly.

His smile was intoxicating, inviting one to linger in its warmth. Yet, beneath its sweetness, there seemed to be a hidden poison, masked by a fragrance like fine wine—an illusion, neither truly dangerous nor harmless.

The young man’s robes fluttered elegantly; his black gown was embroidered with a golden dragon, the symbol of power and status. The dragon was so lifelike it seemed ready to burst from the fabric and soar among the clouds. His perfect features, too, shone with the same captivating brilliance.

“Your Majesty,” the consorts rose gracefully to salute him, their faces composed and serene, though their hearts beat wildly.

They stole glances at his alluring appearance, their feelings surging.

Blood Snow clearly sensed the consorts’ undisguised joy, and she secretly pursed her lips, unable to fathom the appeal of so many women revolving around a single man.

“Greetings, Mother.”

Ji Wuqing crossed the hall in the blink of an eye, his salute both refined and tinged with imperial grandeur—the noblest man in Ji Kingdom.

“You’re here, Ji. Come closer,” the Empress Dowager said kindly, her smile overflowing.

The palace maids, noticing this, promptly prepared a seat and retreated quietly.

The Empress Dowager’s eyes softened, her smile deepening. “Just now, I was chatting with the Queen. I had not expected her to be so learned in Buddhist teachings. She must visit my retreat often; she has won my heart.”

“That’s wonderful; now I am at ease.” Ji Wuqing barely perceptibly raised his brows, his expression unchanged. His gaze flickered over the silent Blood Snow, and he stepped forward to gently take her hand, worry creasing his forehead. “Are you tired, Xue’er? Your health is delicate; from now on, you may forgo these empty ceremonies.”

His gaze fell upon the green jade beads on her wrist, and the faint smile in his eyes grew even more subtle, though his face betrayed nothing.

Such open affection made Consort Violet’s eyes redden with jealousy, her heart swelling with hatred.

Consort Yan obediently lowered her head, but within her sleeve, her hand clenched into a fist, her knuckles white. The other two consorts showed envy and longing, but their low rank kept their hopes in check.

Noble Consort Jade lowered her head in contemplation, stirred by a hundred emotions. Was it true she had no chance left?

The sunlight poured in, warm as a tide, bathing all in comfort.

The Emperor and Empress left the retreat and strolled together through the garden, their procession so grand that even the palace servants kept their distance.

The tall, upright youth gently held the hand of the girl in green, the two walking side by side, harmonious as a duet of zither and flute. From that day forth, the palace had a Queen beloved above all others.

Behind them followed eunuchs and maids, neither too close nor too far, their heads bowed and steps measured.

“I’ve seen you in red only once—at yesterday’s wedding. Aside from that, you never wear red.” Ji Wuqing tilted his head to look at the quiet girl, his tone teasing.