When she looked at Lin Wanyi, her gaze brimmed with murderous hostility. Were it not for the setting, she might have already torn Lin Wanyi's face to shreds.
Yet Lin Wanyi, upon turning and seeing Noble Lady Chu, remained entirely unfazed.
Since their facades had already been ripped away, there was no need to feign sisterly affection any longer.
She stepped into the main hall ahead of her and took her designated seat.
Noble Lady Chu reined in her fury and followed suit with proper decorum, blending back into the crowd of consorts without drawing further notice.
Today, Noble Consort Lin sat upon the central throne, dressed in a resplendent gold gown embroidered with phoenixes and luan birds. Dignified and opulent, she exuded imperial grace.
"Your Highness's attire today seems a bit out of step with the rest of us sisters, wouldn't you say?"
Consort Yi, who had dressed modestly for the occasion, could not help but voice her displeasure at Noble Consort Lin's elaborate appearance.
It felt as if the rest of them had merely been summoned to serve as a backdrop for her, to make her brilliance shine all the more.
Noble Consort Lin's eyes sparkled as she replied with a smile, "His Majesty and I are to offer rites at the river today, hence this ceremonial phoenix gown. What does Consort Yi think of it?"
"It's lovely, of course. I only wonder how Your Highness interprets His Majesty's recent decree on mourning the late Empress Xu."
"Mourning is indeed a matter of reverence, but the dignity of Great Wei's royal family must also be upheld. I imagine the late Empress, watching from the heavens, would understand my intentions. Surely she would not take offense."
The two exchanged words with well-practiced ease, their veiled rivalry no secret.
The rest remained silent, watching from the sidelines.
A chill flickered in Consort Yi's eyes. She harbored a deep aversion to Noble Consort Lin's demeanor, but constrained by propriety, she could only huff and say no more.
Seeing her opponent retreat, Noble Consort Lin shifted her attention to Consort Lan.
"It has been some time since we last met, dear sister. I trust you've been well?"
"Thank you for Your Highness's concern. I am well. The imperial physician says the child in my womb is obedient and well-behaved, so I haven't suffered much."
"Obedient? That is wonderful. It seems my daughter Mingruo will soon have a younger sister to keep her company."
Consort Lan's cheeks flushed with bashfulness. "I, too, hope it is a well-mannered little princess. It would be lovely to have someone to accompany me."
Noble Consort Lin noted her sincerity—just for a fleeting moment, she nearly believed it. But years of court intrigue had long tempered her heart.
She lifted her cup with a warm smile. "I happen to have a jade Guanyin, one my grandmother specially acquired when I was pregnant with Mingruo. Without the bodhisattva's blessing, I might not have made it off the birthing bed. I would like to gift it to you, in hopes you'll have a smooth delivery and realize your wish."
She gestured to Palace Attendant Qinliu, who brought forward a brocade box.
Within it lay the jade Guanyin, clearly carved from the finest Hetian jade—its craftsmanship flawless, the bodhisattva's face serene and compassionate.
Consort Lan accepted it with a beaming smile.
"Your Highness's gift touches my heart. I shall enshrine it within my quarters and offer prayers daily for the safe and healthy birth of my child."
The other consorts followed suit, offering their blessings.
"We humbly wish Consort Lan a smooth delivery and the fulfillment of her hopes."
Consort Lan glowed with happiness, hands gently resting on her belly, eyes full of maternal warmth.
But Lin Wanyi noticed how Consort Ying, hidden beneath her slightly oversized garments, kept her hands subtly shielding her abdomen.
She was clearly with child as well—yet how long had it been? Why was she still hiding it? What was she waiting for?
For a moment, Lin Wanyi found herself unable to guess.
It was the Dragon Boat Festival, and all were expected to attend the palace banquet. No matter how many longed to vie with Noble Consort Lin or Lin Wanyi today, they would have to hold back, for now.
Consort Yi glanced at Lin Wanyi and noted her understated attire.
There was something thoughtful behind that gaze.
...
After a short time in the Linzhi Palace, the entourage made their way to the banquet site—Haiyan Isle.
Though it was called an island, it was in fact a vast flat platform built atop Shounan Lake, supported by enormous stones and wooden pillars.
Haiyan Isle offered spectacular views and housed a grand palace known as Qingyuan.
Its painted beams and jade pillars soared skyward, enclosed on all sides by railings that ensured both safety and cool summer breezes.
For the consorts suffering through the heat, it was a rare delight.
Qingyuan had five broad halls, enough to host dozens of low tables for the feast.
A zitan screen split the hall in two—the left side reserved for imperial clansmen and their families, the right side for the consorts.
By the time Noble Consort Lin arrived with the consorts, the left side was already half filled.
The most honored among them was the wife of the Fourth Prince, flanked by the consorts of the Ninth and Zhan Princes. The rest were princesses, their husbands, and various young nobles and ladies.
The atmosphere was lively.
Several noble ladies stepped past the screen to greet Noble Consort Lin.
"Your Highness, we pay our respects. Greetings to all the young mistresses."
"Princess Consort of the Fourth Prince, there's no need to be so formal. As the Emperor's elder, you are my elder as well. There's no need to bow in the future."
The Princess Consort of the Fourth Prince—His Majesty's aunt-in-law—held the highest rank among the noblewomen present.
Thus, Noble Consort Lin always sought to win her favor, never pressing her with rank.
"Thank you for Your Highness's kindness, but decorum must be observed."
The Princess Consort was admired both in and outside the palace for her virtue and dignity. The other noblewomen all deferred to her.
"Please make yourself comfortable, Princess Consort. His Majesty and the royal uncles should be arriving shortly. Then we'll be able to watch the dragon boat races together."
"As Your Highness says."
With that, the noblewomen returned to their seats.
Noble Consort Lin sat atop her phoenix throne, from where she could survey all of Shounan Lake and the distant Shou Mountains.
The shimmering waters and distant peaks made for a breathtaking view.
Since assuming the imperial seal, she held a status just below the Empress. Were the Empress still alive, this seat would not have been hers—but now, none in the harem had greater claim.
She sat upright, chin slightly raised, her posture perfectly poised.
Consort Lan, with child, had been given a central-left seat—safe from the water yet offering a prime view of the dragon boats.
An impeccable arrangement.
Consort Lan felt deeply grateful for Noble Consort Lin's care and took her place with ease.
Consort Yi sat beside her in the center, while Consort Ying was seated farthest left, closest to the lake.
Their tables were adorned with seasonal fruits, all appearing freshly picked.
Especially eye-catching were the lychees sent from Lingnan, their vibrant red tempting every eye.
Not every consort had the privilege to enjoy such delicacies, but today, all tables had a share, differing only in amount.
Under Changzai Du's lead, praises for Noble Consort Lin rang out once again.