Chapter 3: Shadows in the Garden

The gathering in the imperial gardens continued, a symphony of forced smiles and veiled barbs. Su Yao sat rigidly beside Consort Li, acutely aware of the weight of the other concubines' stares. The sweet fragrance of blooming peonies and chrysanthemums filled the air, yet it did little to ease the suffocating tension.

Consort Li picked at a plate of delicate pastries, her red - lacquered nails clicking against the porcelain. "Tell me, Su Yao," she murmured, leaning close enough for Su Yao to catch the scent of sandalwood and rosewater on her breath. "How does it feel to be so out of place? Do you think your simple ways can charm the emperor for long?"

Before Su Yao could reply, the empress clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Ladies, let us enjoy some entertainment. Consort Chen, would you grace us with a song?"

As Consort Chen rose, her silken robes rustling, Su Yao took the opportunity to relax her tense shoulders. But her moment of respite was short - lived. Under the pretense of reaching for a cup of tea, Consort Li "accidentally" spilled scalding liquid onto Su Yao's lap.

Su Yao gasped, jolting upright. The pain seared through her, but she bit her lip hard, refusing to cry out. The other concubines fell silent, their eyes widening in shock or thinly - veiled amusement.

Consort Li feigned horror. "Oh dear! How clumsy of me. Here, let me help you." Her hands reached out, but instead of offering assistance, she roughly grabbed Su Yao's arm, digging her nails into the soft flesh. "Such a pity. This robe was a gift from the emperor himself. I hope you can still wear it with pride."

Tears stung Su Yao's eyes, but she forced them back. "It is nothing, Consort Li. An honest mistake."

Just then, the emperor's voice cut through the tension. "What goes on here?"

All heads turned towards the imperial seat. The emperor's brow was furrowed, his gaze fixed on Su Yao's stained robe. Consort Li's expression transformed in an instant; she fell to her knees, tears welling in her eyes. "Your Majesty, I am so ashamed. I was trying to serve Lady Su, but my hand slipped. I have failed in my duty to care for our new guest."

Su Yao stared at Consort Li, stunned by her audacity. But she knew better than to contradict the favored concubine in front of the emperor. "It was indeed an accident, Your Majesty. Consort Li has been most kind."

The emperor studied her face for a long moment, then nodded. "See that you tend to your injuries, Su Yao. Consort Li, ensure she has everything she needs."

That evening, as Mei Ling carefully applied a soothing ointment to Su Yao's burns, there was a knock on the door. Consort Wang entered, her expression grave. "I heard what happened. Li is becoming bolder."

Su Yao sighed. "I don't know how much more of this I can take. But if I fight back, she will only find more ways to hurt me."

Consort Wang took her hand. "You must be strategic. The emperor has shown interest in you. That is both a blessing and a curse. Use it wisely."

Over the next few days, Su Yao's encounters with the emperor became more frequent. He summoned her to discuss literature, and once even asked her to accompany him on a walk through the gardens. During one such stroll, as they paused by a serene pond, the emperor turned to her. "You are different from the others, Su Yao. There is a... purity about you."

Before Su Yao could respond, a shrill scream pierced the air. They turned to see Consort Li running towards them, her hair disheveled, her face streaked with tears. "Your Majesty! Help me!" she wailed. "Lady Su attacked me! She tried to push me into the pond!"

Su Yao's eyes widened in disbelief. "Your Majesty, I would never—"

But Consort Li fell at the emperor's feet, clutching his robes. "She is jealous, Your Majesty! Ever since she arrived, she has plotted against me. Please, have mercy!"

The emperor's expression darkened. He looked from Consort Li to Su Yao, his gaze intense. "Is this true?"

Su Yao met his eyes steadily. "I swear on my family's honor, Your Majesty. I have done nothing of the sort."

For a long, tense moment, the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the pond's edge. Then, the emperor sighed. "I will investigate this matter. Until then, both of you will remain in your chambers."

As Su Yao was escorted back to her quarters, she knew that this was only the beginning. Consort Li had thrown down the gauntlet, and in the treacherous world of the palace, there could be no turning back. With danger lurking around every corner, she would have to rely on her wits, and the few allies she had, if she hoped to survive the shadows that threatened to engulf her.