Testing Allegiances
The sunlight filtered softly through the gauze curtains of the eastern pavilion, casting a warm, golden glow across the polished wood floors. Incense burned in a delicate porcelain burner, its pale smoke curling like ghostly vines. A low, lacquered table stood in the center, set with a teapot of fine jade and two cups.
Jin Meihui sat gracefully on a silk cushion, her crimson robes perfectly arranged, her expression a tranquil mask. Across from her knelt Madame Zhao, the Chief Attendant of the Phoenix Palace — a woman of middle age, her graying hair neatly coiled beneath an elegant silver hairpin, her sharp eyes lowered in careful deference.
"Your Majesty," Madame Zhao's voice was smooth, practiced. "It is an honor to be summoned."
"Thank you for coming, Madame Zhao," Jin Meihui replied, her voice gentle, warm. "I have heard of your years of loyal service to the Phoenix Palace. Such dedication is to be admired."
Madame Zhao's thin smile widened slightly. "This humble servant's only wish is to serve the palace well."
Gu Lianhua stood quietly behind Jin Meihui, her gaze lowered, but her attention sharp. Jin Meihui's fingers lightly traced the edge of the jade teacup, her serene smile never wavering.
"I am still new to the palace," Jin Meihui continued. "There is much I must learn. And I wish to ensure that all who serve here feel valued and respected."
"Your Majesty's grace is truly a blessing to all," Madame Zhao murmured, but her eyes lifted, a faint light of calculation within them. "Such kindness will surely bring great harmony to the inner palace."
Harmony. The same delicate word they all whispered. A pretty veil over schemes and ambitions.
"Tell me, Madame Zhao," Jin Meihui said, pouring the tea with a calm, graceful motion. "How do you ensure that harmony is maintained among the servants?"
Madame Zhao's thin smile did not falter. "Discipline, Your Majesty. A clear understanding of duties, strict enforcement of rules, and rewards for loyalty."
"Discipline is indeed necessary." Jin Meihui's smile remained warm. "But sometimes, even the most loyal servants may be tempted. Whispered promises, secret gifts… I fear the shadows in the palace may cloud even the purest hearts."
Madame Zhao's expression tightened ever so slightly. "Your Majesty is wise. Indeed, there are always those who seek favor… who forget their place."
"Then I must be vigilant," Jin Meihui said, her voice soft but steady. "An Empress must be a light, but she must also see clearly through the darkness."
Madame Zhao's head lowered. "Your Majesty speaks with the wisdom of one who understands the ways of the court."
Jin Meihui sipped her tea, her gaze never leaving the woman's bowed head. "You are experienced, Madame Zhao. Tell me… who among the palace staff do you trust most?"
Madame Zhao hesitated, a flicker of caution in her eyes. "There are many who have served the Phoenix Palace faithfully for years… but trust is a delicate matter."
"A delicate matter," Jin Meihui echoed, her voice a gentle whisper. "And yet, loyalty must be tested. For what use is a servant who wears a mask of respect but serves another master?"
Silence hung between them. Madame Zhao's fingers tightened slightly against the floor.
"Your Majesty is wise beyond her years," she said at last, her voice calm. "This humble servant assures you, should I discover any who stray from loyalty, they shall be dealt with."
A quiet promise, but was it true? Jin Meihui's smile softened. "I am glad to hear it. I hope I may always rely on your wisdom."
Madame Zhao's smile widened, but beneath it, Jin Meihui saw the faintest tension — a shadow of unease. Perfect. She was beginning to understand.
Jin Meihui leaned forward slightly, her voice becoming softer, almost conspiratorial. "There are… whispers, Madame Zhao. Some say you have close connections with certain concubines."
The woman's smile froze. "Your Majesty, such rumors are… misunderstandings. This humble servant has only ever served the Phoenix Palace."
"I understand," Jin Meihui said, her gaze kind, but her eyes sharp. "But I must ensure that all who serve me… serve me alone."
Her voice was still gentle, but there was a subtle weight beneath it, a quiet steel. Madame Zhao's smile wavered, but she quickly bowed low.
"Your Majesty's words are a command. This humble servant's loyalty belongs to the Empress and the Emperor."
"Then we have nothing to fear," Jin Meihui said, her smile warm once more. "Please, enjoy the tea."
Madame Zhao straightened, her movements careful, but her gaze remained lowered.
Jin Meihui watched her, each gesture, each flicker of emotion. This woman was cautious, clever — a survivor. Her loyalty was a ribbon, stretched between whoever held the greatest power. In her past life, Jin Meihui would have feared such a woman. Now, she saw an opportunity.
"A thought occurs to me," Jin Meihui said suddenly, her voice light. "The palace staff must be properly managed, but also properly rewarded. Loyalty should not go unnoticed."
Madame Zhao's gaze lifted, curiosity in her eyes. "Your Majesty speaks truly."
"I would like you to prepare a list of the most dedicated and capable servants. Those who have shown true respect and devotion."
Madame Zhao's expression brightened. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will ensure only the most loyal are recognized."
"Good," Jin Meihui said, her gaze soft. "And any who show… troubling behavior should also be noted. I wish to protect the harmony of the Phoenix Palace."
The faintest hint of a smile touched Madame Zhao's lips. "Your Majesty's wisdom is beyond her years."
Jin Meihui's gentle smile never wavered. "Thank you, Madame Zhao. I look forward to your report."
Madame Zhao bowed deeply, then rose, backing away with quiet, practiced grace.
As the pavilion doors slid shut, Jin Meihui's smile faded.
"Your Majesty," Gu Lianhua whispered. "Do you trust her?"
Jin Meihui's fingers traced the edge of the jade teacup. "I trust that she is a woman who values her own survival. And such people are useful… as long as they remember where their survival depends."
Her gaze remained on the closed doors. "She will return with her list. And from that list, I will see who can be trusted… and who must be watched."
A ripple of wind stirred the gauze curtains, their soft rustle the only sound.
Jin Meihui rose, her robes flowing around her like a crimson river. "Come, Gu Lianhua. The Phoenix Palace is vast… and I have much to learn."
They stepped into the sunlight, but Jin Meihui's gaze remained cool, a quiet storm hidden behind her serene smile.
She would pull at the threads of this palace, unraveling the hidden ties, the secret loyalties. One by one, they would all reveal themselves.
And those who had betrayed her would find that the Empress they remembered was gone.
Only Jin Meihui remained — and she was a shadow wrapped in light.