27 Good Morning (1/2)
WEI LI LIAN
PRINCESS WEI LI LIAN
VIRTUOUS CONSORT SHU'S WELCOMING ROOM
”Concubine Pi greets her Highness, the Virtuous Consort of Shu clan.” A young lady bowed down on the floor then stock-stilled, waiting for the consort to excuse her and have her sit down.
”Hǎo hǎo,” Consort Shu said carelessly. ”Sit down.” She unceremoniously motioned her hands in the air and reclined back on her colourful floor couch. Although two moons had passed since Princess Leanne had started teaching her how to be graceful, she still fell short in many ways.
”Did her highness sleep well?” The concubine straightened herself respectfully.
Unlike the previous concubines who had come to wish the consort a good morning, she was the most confident of all. She did not stutter or shake nervously like the few before her had done. She was probably impressive because of her higher status. Obviously, her clan had invested tons of gold to have her groomed by the best courtesans before being sent away to the palace.
Consort Shu sighed and spoke in a nonchalant tone, ”I slept well.”
The concubine smiled. ”I'm glad to know that all of our palace's respectable, great women slept well.”
'Wrong move!' Le-anne squirmed inwardly. 'Not when she is in this sour mood.'
Instantly, the Virtuous Consort's eyes narrowed in distaste. She hated the very thought of Dowager Empress Wang; even worse, being associated with her in any way. This was public knowledge, how dare the concubine speak like that? The consort's temper began to flare.
”Court Lady Park!” the consort shouted. ”Concubine Pi wishes to retire to her chambers, please help her out,” she spat venomously.
Concubine Pi did not say anything further but kept smiling as she bowed her regards. Princess Le-anne kept watching intently and nodded at this.
'How brave.'
It was the concubine's aim to make it clear on whose side she was standing. Virtuous Consort Shu was one to be easily affected by small matters because the moment the concubine left, she started hyperventilating. Le-anne knowingly switched from massaging her feet to rubbing her back in circular motions instead.
”Her Highness must control herself,” Princess Le-anne said tenderly. She then started to slowly inhale and exhale so that the consort could follow her lead, and settle herself down. Virtuous Consort Shu pitifully nodded her head and tried to follow her breathing exercises.
”Her Highness has a few more concubines waiting outside to pledge their greetings. This servant wishes to have her highness presentable before them,” she tried to remind her. It was custom for each woman, whether the emperor's consort or a mere concubine, to present herself to the elders of the harem each morning and wish them a good day.
In short, this was an opportunity to gain favour from their elders.
The next concubine entered and presented her greeting procession before sitting down.
”This concubine has made some sweets for her Highness, and she would be flattered if her highness accepted them.” She raised her eyebrows hopefully, but the consort only nodded her head once, her mood still gloomy because of earlier. A maid belonging to the consort knelt beside the concubine and took the sweets basket.
”Her Highness is the most beautiful woman in this harem,” the concubine continued. ”I am blessed to serve you as Mother.”