Notes: For those unfamiliar with palace harem heirarchy here is something that might help:
Harem Heirarchy
Empress (皇后; huáng hòu)
Imperial Noble Consort (皇貴妃; huáng guì fēi)
Noble Consort (貴妃; guì fēi)
Consort (妃; fēi)
Concubine (嬪; pín)
Noble Lady (貴人; guì rén)
First Class Attendant (常在; cháng zài)
Second Class Attendant (答應; dā yìng)
The clashing swords and shouts from the manservants for their masters to stop echoed over the walls of the Western Pavilion.
"Disgraceful," Lan Wangji fumed as he drew nearer. If word got out, and he was sure it would, this would reflect poorly on his ability to rule. The people would question his ability to run an empire if he couldn't even keep his harem in order. To further his ire, the empress dowager would surely put more pressure on him to produce heirs so he could appoint an empress to help him.
He strode into the Western Pavilion with his back ramrod straight, eyes flinty and face set like a thundercloud. Eunuch Nie was huffing and puffing ten steps behind him, the poor beta unable to keep up with the pace at which he was walking. No one noticed him approach, all eyes were on the concubine and first attendant who were fighting atop a gazebo. The Noble Consort Wanyin stood at the bottom, Zidian sizzling at his side, staring up at the two in anger.
"You dare fight in the presence of the emperor!" yelled Eunuch Nie who had finally caught up to Lan Wangji.
The manservants immediately dropped to their knees and bowed to the floor, trembling in fear. Noble Consort Wanyin rescinded Zidian and moved to kneel. Lan Wangji gripped the noble consorts arm indicating there was no need and instead drew the consort back from the gazebo to stand behind him.
He looked up at the two fighting and narrowed his eyes angrily. With a flick of his hand, he sent Bichen flying towards the two omegas.
First Attendant Minshan was in mid-attack when he saw the silver flash out of the corner of his eye. On pure reflex, he backed away from attacking Concubine Chengmei and deflected the emperor's sword. With a sharp clang, Bichen was sent flying in the direction of the manservants. His eyes widened when he realized the emperor was there, he quickly floated down from the roof and prostrated himself onto the ground.
"Your majesty," he cried out.
Concubine Chengmei descended gracefully and knelt in front of the emperor with a pout on his face. A wave of jasmine flooded Lan Wangji's nostrils, sweet and sultry. "Your majesty, thank goodness you're here. First Attendant Minshan is a brute and he..." The concubine stopped talking when Noble Consort Wanyin sent him a withering look.
There was a small whimper from the side that drew their attention. One of the noble consort's manservants was trying not to make a noise or move, even though they were bleeding from a gash across their shoulder.
Noble Consort Wanyin gasped and went to check on his manservant.
Lan Wangji stepped forward and picked up Bichen. He looked down at the blood on the edge of the blade. The manservant was lucky to be alive after being struck by Bichen. "Eunuch Wen, please see that Noble Consort's manservant is taken care of. Have the doctor use whatever medications are necessary," he said. He passed his blade and scabbard to Eunuch Nie to be cleaned and put away.
"Thank you, your majesty," the manservant managed to gasp out before fainting.
Suddenly the air sizzled with electricity. Noble Consort Wanyin was glaring at Second Attendant Minshan and ready to strike him with Zidian.
YOU ARE READING
The Legend of Moonflower
FanfictionWhile growing up, it was assumed that Lan Xichen was next in line for succession. No one could believe it when the moody and quiet second son of the emperor presented as the alpha and not the more amicable and diplomatic first son. Lan Xichen kne...
