The sly flower and the bored butterfly

Boring days~~

I wasn't feeling well. I really, really wanted to throw a tantrum. But all the court ladies and eunuchs around me were too diligent for me to do that. It would be unfair for them and I can't risk showing any flaws like short temper or irritation.

　　Today was one of 'those' days. Those days when you feel grumpy without any reason. Since the moment I woke up everything has been upsetting me for no reason. There wasn't anyone who irritated me in particular. Everyone was doing fine, not a leaf was out of place. I think it was the perfection that irritated me. Now, it so happens that people seem to approach me more when I am annoyed. I don't know why. It just happens.

　　' Your majesty, the seventh princess has requested your presence. She has recently obtained a treasure and wants to view it with the other consorts and your majesty.'
　　' Tell her bengong will be there.' The seventh princess, Long biyu. A'xi had told me about her. She was doted on a lot by the late emperor. She is also quite close to the emperor since young. A sweet and charming girl, apparently. She is quite famous for being spoiled, given the best of everything etc. She is named after a precious stone. In other words a total brat. I can already feel an ominous aura.

　　I was going to the garden where the princess was holding her treasure viewing. When I reached the entrance, I heard someone slapping the table. I stopped to listen.
' Hmph, that no name sparrow dared to insult you? Don't worry Fen jiejie I will take revenge for you.'

' Princess, I am truly grateful for your thoughtfulness but it can give you trouble. Her majesty is the ruler of inner palace.'
' So what if she is the empress? She is still a country bumpkin. I shall squish her under my feet.'
　　I recognized the voices as the seventh princess and noble consort Mei fen. I could feel the atmosphere around me tighten. The court ladies don't approve of seventh princess's behavior. I felt the corner of my lips involuntarily lift. I walked in before anyone could announce my presence. The other consorts looked a bit startled at my arrival. The princess greeted me with a sweet smile and directed me towards my place.

　　' I recently obtained a seven colored jade vase. I heard it is quite unique. So, I wanted to see it with the empress and others. It is my first time seeing it as well.' She clapped her hands twice. Two maids brought a figure covered in translucent light blue fabric. They removed the fabric. The vase was black with multiple colors dotting it. The colors swirled and formed a bird like structure. A Phoenix, probably. The princess had a satisfied smile on her face.

　　Consort Li hua looked back and forth between the princess and the vase. With a curious look she asked, ' Seventh Princess, if I am seeing right, are the seven different colors forming a Phoenix ?' The seventh princess nodded. ' Yes, the colors indeed form a Phoenix.' Consort Li hua looked at me and said, ' What does your majesty think about the vase?' I was drinking tea when she asked me this question. I raised my eyebrows and was going to make a comment when the seventh princess interjected.

　　' Consort Li hua, how can you ask the empress questions like that? Niangniang was raised in the countryside, it is probably her first time seeing a vase of this style.'
Everyone else than my entourage seemed to be enjoying the drama. Why is everyone so vicious? I haven't even done anything yet. I calmly set my tea cup down and folded my hands.

　　' The seven colored jade is indeed quite beautiful but the shape of the vase reduces it beauty. The carvings are all intricate and elegant but they are excessive. It makes people confused about what they should see? The carvings or the jade? For a material like the seven colored jade, a simple design would have looked better.'

　　' Consort Li hua, what do you think?' Consort Li hua was stuttering. ' Do- does your majesty mean that this vase has  failed to showcase the beauty of the jade?'
' Yes, Consort Li hua you have portrayed my thoughts wonderfully.' I looked at my entourage. ' Bestow the Ruby embedded hair pin to Consort Li hua.' 

　　Consort Li hua bowed and muttered a thank you. The seventh princess looked furious. She tried to say something. But ended up talking about how inexperienced she was. And my most favorite Noble consort Mei fen looked extremely uncomfortable. I made no signs of moving and sat on my place. The seventh princess thanked everyone for coming and took her vase away. Needless to say I left happy and satisfied.

　　I feel like I am enjoying these little interactions more than I should. Power of the palace I suppose...
　　Things were oddly normal these days. The harem was quiet, no disputes in the court, no letters from home. I lazed about everyday, read some books ( I was impressed with the collection of military books), drank tea ( of course), sometimes talked with General Liu. Everything was calm. Needless to say, I was bored. A'xi looked bored as well. I thought about sneaking out a few times but decided against it. The chances of getting caught were high. I missed the mountains and my home.

　　Somehow the serenity felt out of place. Like the calm before a storm. It had been five months since I entered the palace. Up until now, no one had tried to kill me. I was excused from bed services since I said that I was new to palace and needed sometime to adjust. I haven't particularly ticked off anyone. The court ladies from imperial mother sometimes helped me if there was a sticky issue. I am convinced that all the court ladies and eununches from imperial mother are loyal to me.

　　I just need to get rid of some of a few maids. They are most likely the spies of other consorts and the emperor.

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I know that this chapter was short. It will get better. Thank you for reading ~