Why is everyone so tense?

Imperial Palace, Chuxiu Palace

Hui Yue’er first went to the Department of Attendants to change back into her usual clothing, then returned to Chuxiu Palace as if nothing had happened. The others simply assumed she had gone for a stroll in the Imperial Garden—no one had the time or energy to keep track of her every movement. All the other ladies-in-waiting were busy preparing their talents, hoping to leave an impression on the Emperor. In truth, they had all been practicing quietly in their own rooms for the past two days. After all, one must always be wary of rivals; now was not the time to reveal one’s trump card. Still, they couldn’t help but pry into each other’s plans.

As Hui Yue’er entered Chuxiu Palace, she saw the young ladies gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves. A thread of worry tugged at her—had someone noticed her absence from the palace? She approached Fu Xiu to inquire, “What’s going on? Why is everyone so tense?” The air was thick with a sense of urgency, as if something significant was about to happen. If she knew it was merely about meeting Xuanyuan Ren, she would have found it rather absurd—what was all this fuss for, really?

Fu Xiu looked nervously at Hui Yue’er and asked, “Princess, you mean you don’t know about the First Meeting Ceremony?” Every girl selected for the palace had been carefully instructed by her parents; the rules of the selection process were drilled into them long before they entered.

Hui Yue’er shook her head and asked, “The First Meeting Ceremony? What’s that supposed to be?” She hadn’t the slightest desire to become an imperial consort, so she saw no need to bother with such formalities. In truth, she could guess what it was from the name alone, but she wasn’t entirely certain.

Li Wanrong and the daughters of several high-ranking officials approached, all casting her dismissive glances. Li Wanrong smiled condescendingly, saying, “So the Princess of Siyue doesn’t even know what the First Meeting Ceremony is? Jing Shu, why don’t you enlighten her?” How could a girl who didn’t know such a fundamental rule ever hope to become a consort? It was only because she’d met the Emperor beforehand—if Xuanyuan Ren had met me first, where would she be now? Li Wanrong was proud and ambitious, unwilling to yield to anyone she considered her equal or superior. She demanded only the very best.

Jing Shu, who trailed after Li Wanrong like a loyal lapdog, looked at Hui Yue’er with open disdain and explained, “The First Meeting Ceremony is the official introduction to the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and all the imperial consorts. If the Emperor, Empress Dowager, or Empress takes a liking to someone, she’ll be asked to display her talents. It’s all considered when deciding future titles and ranks.” Jing Shu was of rather plain appearance and lacked any remarkable talents of her own, so she relied on Li Wanrong’s influence, hoping that if Li Wanrong were ever elevated to consort, she might be granted a lesser title as well.

Fu Xiu looked anxiously at Hui Yue’er and asked, “You’re certain to be chosen. Haven’t you prepared anything at all? If not, the Empress Dowager’s opinion of you will suffer. Even if the Emperor wants to make you a noble consort, if the Empress Dowager objects, it won’t happen!” Everyone knew Hui Yue’er was the Emperor’s personal choice—her selection was all but guaranteed.

If Hui Yue’er managed to see Xuanyuan Ren without striking him, it would be a great concession. She’d made it perfectly clear she wanted nothing to do with the palace, yet here she was, dragged in against her will and now expected to perform for his amusement. Her expression hardened. “Being thrown out of the palace would be the best outcome!” She could barely stand the stifling atmosphere of court life, never mind the fact that someone who fancied himself her moon was waiting for her.

The others assumed Hui Yue’er was simply venting her frustration and paid her no mind. At that moment, Nanny Li arrived. Hui Yue’er pulled her aside, handed her the palace regulations book, and watched as Nanny Li examined it. “It’s not damaged, is it?” the nanny asked. If it were, Hui Yue’er would be in real trouble.

Hui Yue’er smiled calmly. “Of course not. See for yourself.” But could it really pass for the original? As Nanny Li turned the pages, Hui Yue’er’s anxiety grew. Even if she managed to deceive Nanny Li, could she fool the Empress Dowager as well?

Nanny Li inspected the book thoroughly and, finding nothing amiss, breathed a sigh of relief. “Don’t forget me when you rise, Princess Siyue!” she said. Hui Yue’er nodded and walked away. Her name was already known throughout the palace, and many of the consorts were eager to put her in her place today—including Consort Shu, Li Wanrong’s cousin. Such was the trouble that came with attracting the Emperor’s favor.

Ladies, gentlemen, old and young alike, and all those in between—hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts. Hold nothing back. Let the tempest rage all the fiercer!