Past The Silk Curtain

*chapter seven

The sunlight pierces through the windows of Shen Xiao's palace, illuminating the glow of the intricate lanterns and casting a warm glow over the opulent furnishings. The soft light dances across the room, highlighting the delicate patterns on the silk curtains and the gentle sheen of the jade vases.

In the midst of this serene atmosphere, Shen Xiao lies in bed, her slender form barely making a ripple in the plush blankets. Her maids, Jingyi and Huan rong, move quietly around the room, their soft whispers and gentle movements a stark contrast to the turmoil that brews beneath their mistress's calm exterior.

As they approach the bed, Jingyi notices something amiss. "Huan rong, look," she whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "Her Highness is flushed."

Huan rong's eyes widen as she reaches out to touch Shen Xiao's forehead. "She's burning up!" she exclaims, her voice low and urgent.
"Send for the physician" she yells

Shen Xiao's eyes flicker open, her gaze unfocused. She tries to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "No...no physician...I just need...rest..."

Jingyi and Huan rong exchange worried glances, but they nod obediently. "Yes, Your Highness. We'll just...let you rest, then."

As they back away, Shen Xiao's eyes drift shut again, her chest rising and falling with rapid, shallow breaths.

---

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, Wang Mei makes her way to the Empress's chambers, her heart still racing from her encounter with the Emperor. She knows that it's customary for the concubine who served the Emperor the previous night to greet the Empress in the morning.

As she approaches the Empress's chambers, Wang Mei takes a deep breath, smoothing her robes and composing her features. She enters the room with a graceful bow, her eyes cast downward.

" Greetings Huang ho niang niang," she says, her voice soft and respectful. "I hope you're in good health today."

The Empress looks up from her tea, her eyes narrowing slightly as she takes in Wang Mei's radiant complexion and sparkling eyes. "Wang Mei," she says, her voice cool and detached. "I hear you served the Emperor well last night."

Wang Mei's heart skips a beat as she meets the Empress's gaze,

The Empress looked up from her tea, her eyes meeting Wang Mei's. For a moment, they simply regarded each other, the air thick with unspoken tension.

Wang Mei's expression remained serene, her eyes sparkling with a hint of pride. She knew she had the Emperor's favor, and she wasn't afraid to show it.

The Empress's gaze narrowed slightly, her lips compressing into a thin line. "Wang Mei," she said finally, her voice cool. "I trust you're well."

The Empress's eyes lingered on Wang Mei's face for a moment before she nodded curtly. "You may go," she said, her voice dismissive.

Wang Mei bowed again, her movements fluid and graceful. As she straightened, she caught the Empress's gaze once more, her eyes flashing with a hint of triumph.

She turned and glided out of the room, her silk robes rustling softly. The Empress's eyes followed her, a flicker of annoyance dancing in their depths.

Once Wang Mei was gone, the Empress's expression turned thoughtful. She sipped her tea, her mind working overtime.

"Wang Mei is becoming a problem," she murmured to herself. " Her maid says , which earns a chuckle from the empress  before she replies "every new concubine is always like that, before the ways and cruelty of the palace sinks in"