The Emperor's Concubine

6: Blossoming

As soon as the large doors slid closed, the room erupted into a cacophony of harshly whispered insults. Looks like Leng Yue already has enemies, she thinks smugly to herself. Yao Mei walked over to her, small frame shaking violently.

"How could she?!" She whispers furiously, eyes flashing, jealousy practically emanating off her pale skin. Li Hua shrugs nonchalantly despite the ugly feeling of jealousy consuming her. Yao Mei's eyes soften suddenly, before the girl laughs- a shuddery, unsure exhale.

"You're right...this is nothing to get upset about...." she says reassuring herself. Li Hua gives the girl a supportive smile, patting her shoulder gently.

"I think I'll go to bed now" she informs her. Yao Mei nods in understanding, bidding her a goodnight. Li Hua can't stand the stuffy room, the harsh insults bouncing off the walls. She feels conflicted, she hates Leng Yue just as much as the next person, but she could see why the girl was so eager to please. You only had two choices here in The Palace, either grab The Emperor's attention and live a life full of wealth and comfort, or never gain his attention and be left to your own devices for the rest of your life. The second option was a lonely one, many concubines often choosing to take their own lives, or be banished for adultery with the guards. Jingah runs after her, clutching at her own dress. The girl doesn't ask what's wrong, merely helping her to undress and get rid of the uncomfortable pins in her hair. The maid leaves soon after and Li Hua tries to sleep. Tonight, the bed that at first felt so comfortable, now feels alien and cramped. She tosses and turns as the sounds of other girls returning to their own rooms evades her senses.

It's probably been hours now, she thinks solemly, and still, she can't seem to fall asleep. She huffs, pulling the smooth silken blankets back. Her night gown is a pale pink much like the Lotus' that grow around The Palace ponds. She blushes as the memory of the pet name, the handsome stranger- no, The Emperor had made for her. Clumsy Lotus, she scoffs. Grabbing a nearby cloak, she slips it on, not bothering to wear the uncomfortable slippers provided. She grins triumphantly at her own act of rebellion- Screw the Palace!! She creeps out of her room, careful to not disturb the neighbouring girls. The night air is cool and refreshing as she makes her way towards The Palace ponds. A few guards see her, stopping her to question- but she dismisses them, showing her Royal Seal on her Jade amulet. The coy fish swim happily in the clear water, the moonlight making it easy to see their antics. A part of her wishes that The Emperor would catch her here again, another part of her thinks she might do something stupid- like slap him, if she saw him. Could she really expect anything less though? The Emperor grew up in here, the spoilt environment surely rubbing off on him. He would have been surrounded by servants all his life, everything served to him on a silver- or maybe gold, platter! Her eyebrows furrow,

"How spoilt...." she grumbles to herself. A voice chuckles behind her, causing her to jump, almost slipping into the pond. Luckily, a hand comes out to steady her, wrapping securely around her waist.

"I hope you weren't talking about me" he says amusedly, low chuckle in his throat. She scrambles off of him, immediately bowing in respect.

"Your Highness..." she mutters. He grins, dark black hair falling into his eyes. Without his huang guan (Royal Robes), he looked like a palace guard.....a very handsome, palace guard. "I thought you were with Lady Leng Yue" she says sarcastically.

"I was" he replies smoothly, a hand waving in the air to dismiss the guards behind him. "But I tire of her quickly....she was....how can I say this....not very interesting"

She looks at him skeptically before he adds cheekily, "Not as interesting as you my Bènzhuō (Clumsy) Liánhuā (Lotus)" She internally battles with her brain in order to not roll her eyebrows. He clears his throat suddenly,

"I believe you owe me an apology though" he says smirking at her. She scoffs, immediately regretting the action as his eyes widen. She expects him to call for the guards- or something of the sort. He doesn't. She hadn't been wrong, she had merely defended herself of uncoming advances from an unknown stranger.

"I have no memory of this". she replies haughtily.

A/N: Sorry if this chapter feels rushed, because it was >.> Comments and votes make me happy!! <3