Chapter 2: The First Barbs

The days following Su Yao's arrival in the palace passed in a blur of confusion and trepidation. Each morning, Mei Ling would wake her before dawn, helping her dress in the prescribed robes of a newly - selected consort. The silk was fine and soft against her skin, but Su Yao missed the rough, familiar feel of the cotton clothes from home.

On the third day, as Su Yao was practicing her calligraphy at a small table in her chamber, there came a sharp knock on the door. Before she could respond, it swung open, and a group of women entered. At the forefront was a young woman, her face painted with thick layers of powder and rouge, her eyes cold and calculating. Her robes were embroidered with peonies in vibrant shades of red and pink, the golden threads glinting in the sunlight that streamed through the window.

"Who might you be?" Su Yao asked, rising to her feet and curtsying as best she could, though her heart was pounding in her chest.

The woman let out a haughty laugh. "You really are a country bumpkin, aren't you? I am Consort Li, one of the emperor's favored concubines. And you," she said, stepping closer and eyeing Su Yao up and down, "are nothing but a lowly commoner who somehow managed to worm her way into the palace."

Su Yao's cheeks flushed with anger, but she bit her tongue. Remembering her father's words to be brave yet cautious, she forced a polite smile. "I am honored to meet you, Consort Li. I hope we can get along well."

Consort Li scoffed. "Get along? Don't make me laugh. You think you can just waltz in here and steal the emperor's attention? You're a threat, and I won't stand for it." With a flick of her wrist, she signaled to one of the maids behind her. The maid stepped forward and roughly grabbed Su Yao's calligraphy brush, tossing it to the floor and smearing the ink across the paper.

Su Yao gasped in shock. "Why... why would you do that?"

"Consider it a warning," Consort Li sneered. "Stay out of my way, or things will get much worse for you." With that, she turned on her heel and swept out of the room, her entourage following closely behind.

After they left, Su Yao sank back down onto her chair, her hands trembling. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't show weakness, not here. Mei Ling rushed over, picking up the brush and trying to soothe her. "Don't worry, my lady. Consort Li is like that with all the new girls. She's jealous because the emperor showed interest in you."

Su Yao took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "I can't let her intimidate me, Mei Ling. But I also need to be careful. I don't know how to navigate these treacherous waters."

That evening, as Su Yao was preparing for bed, there was another knock on the door. This time, it was a gentle rap. Mei Ling opened the door, and a kind - faced woman entered. She was dressed more simply than Consort Li, her robes a soft shade of lavender, and her makeup was subtle.

"Hello, Su Yao," the woman said, smiling warmly. "I am Consort Wang. I heard what happened today with Consort Li, and I wanted to come and check on you."

Su Yao was taken aback by the kindness in Consort Wang's voice. She curtsied deeply. "Thank you, Consort Wang. It was quite a shock."

Consort Wang sat down beside her on the bed. "I know how scary it can be when you first arrive. The palace is full of vipers, but not everyone is like Consort Li. I've been in the palace for many years, and I've learned that it's important to have allies. If you ever need anything, or if you're in trouble, come to me."

Su Yao felt a glimmer of hope. "Thank you so much, Consort Wang. I... I'm truly grateful."

Consort Wang patted her hand. "Just remember, stay true to yourself. Don't let them change you into someone you're not. And be careful around Consort Li. She's not one to give up easily when she feels threatened."

As Consort Wang left, Su Yao lay in bed, thinking about her words. She knew that surviving in the palace would be no easy feat, but at least now she had someone she might be able to trust.

The next day, Su Yao was summoned to the imperial gardens to attend a gathering of the concubines. As she walked through the beautiful gardens, filled with colorful flowers and the gentle trickling of fountains, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She could feel the eyes of the other concubines on her, their whispers following her like a shadow.

When she reached the pavilion where the gathering was being held, she saw Consort Li sitting in a place of honor, a smug smile on her face. Su Yao took a deep breath and curtsied to the assembled women.

"Ah, the little commoner has arrived," Consort Li said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Come, sit beside me. I want to get to know the girl who thinks she can compete with us noble ladies."

Su Yao knew it was a trap, but she had no choice. She walked over and sat down, her body tense. Consort Li leaned in close. "You know, Su Yao, there are rules in this palace. Rules that you, a lowborn peasant, would never understand. And if you break them..." Her voice trailed off, but the threat was clear.

Just as Su Yao was about to respond, the sound of footsteps interrupted them. Everyone stood up as the emperor entered the pavilion, accompanied by the empress. Su Yao's heart skipped a beat as she saw the emperor's eyes land on her. She curtsied deeply, praying that she wouldn't do anything to offend him.

"Su Yao," the emperor said, his voice booming. "I have heard that you are adjusting well to palace life. I hope you are finding everything to your liking?"

Su Yao looked up, meeting his gaze. "Your Majesty, the palace is more magnificent than I could have ever imagined. I am honored to be here."

The emperor nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Good. I look forward to getting to know you better." With that, he took his seat, and the gathering began.

As the day wore on, Su Yao could feel Consort Li's jealousy and hatred growing. She knew that she was in for a long and difficult battle, but she was determined to survive, no matter what the cost.