The Gathering of Serpents
The Phoenix Palace's eastern pavilion was bathed in the soft light of early afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, casting delicate patterns on the polished wood floor. A low, lacquered table was set with an elegant jade teapot and four porcelain cups, their delicate designs of plum blossoms shimmering in the light.
Jin Meihui sat at the head of the table, her crimson robes flowing around her like a river of silk. Her expression was calm, her smile warm — a picture of serene grace. But beneath that gentle mask, her thoughts were a silent storm.
Gu Lianhua stood a respectful distance behind her, ever-watchful. At the door, a maid announced the arrival of the guests.
"Your Majesty, Concubine Jin Fang, Concubine Bai Ling, and Consort Wu Chun have arrived."
"Show them in," Jin Meihui said, her voice soft and welcoming.
The sliding doors parted, and the three women entered, each offering a deep curtsy.
"Your Majesty." Their voices rose in unison, a perfect chorus of respect.
"Please, rise," Jin Meihui said, her smile gentle. "It is a pleasure to share tea with such dear sisters."
Concubine Jin Fang was the first to step forward, her rose-pink robes delicately embroidered with silver butterflies. Her smile was warm, but her eyes flickered with a hidden sharpness. "Your Majesty's kindness honors us all."
Concubine Bai Ling followed, her emerald-green gown shimmering with golden peony designs. Her expression was sweet, but her gaze was calculating, watching every movement, every word. "Your Majesty's beauty outshines even the finest flowers in the palace garden."
And finally, Consort Wu Chun, a woman of quiet elegance, her pale blue robes simple but refined. Her face was calm, her eyes gentle — a mask that revealed nothing. "This humble one is blessed to be in Your Majesty's presence."
"Please, be seated." Jin Meihui gestured, and the three women gracefully arranged themselves around the table.
A maid poured the tea, the soft fragrance of jasmine filling the air. Jin Meihui's gaze swept over her guests, warm and serene, but her mind was sharp, watching each gesture, each fleeting glance.
"Such a peaceful afternoon," Jin Meihui said, taking a delicate sip of tea. "I wished for this quiet gathering, away from the bustle of the palace, to enjoy conversation among sisters."
"Sister Meihui is always so considerate," Concubine Jin Fang said, her voice sweet, but her fingers lightly tapped against the side of her cup. "In such busy times, we often forget the joy of simple companionship."
"Indeed," Concubine Bai Ling added, her smile bright. "Yet in the palace, even the quietest whispers can carry so far."
"A gentle breeze can carry many things," Jin Meihui agreed, her gaze calm. "But I hope that within this pavilion, we may speak freely, without fear."
A faint tension flickered across Concubine Bai Ling's face, gone in an instant.
"Your Majesty is wise," Consort Wu Chun murmured, her voice a soft, soothing melody. "Peace and trust are treasures in the palace."
"Trust is a delicate thread," Jin Meihui said, setting down her cup. "Once broken, it is difficult to mend."
Her gaze settled on Concubine Jin Fang, who forced a bright smile. "Of course. True sisters should always trust one another."
"Sisters…" Jin Meihui's smile widened. "Yes, and as sisters, we must support one another. So tell me, dear sisters, how have you all been faring?"
Concubine Jin Fang was quick to speak. "Your Majesty's favor has brought light to the Phoenix Palace. I only wish to be of service."
"To serve Your Majesty is an honor," Concubine Bai Ling added, her smile unwavering. "But the palace is vast, and sometimes it is difficult to know who truly deserves one's trust."
"A wise thought," Jin Meihui said, her voice warm. "But surely, those who serve with pure hearts need not fear."
A faint chill touched the air. Concubine Bai Ling's smile grew a fraction tighter. "Of course, Your Majesty."
Jin Meihui's gaze turned to Consort Wu Chun, who sipped her tea with quiet grace. "And you, Consort Wu Chun? You have always been known for your calm wisdom."
Consort Wu Chun's gentle smile remained. "This humble one is grateful for Your Majesty's kindness. I only wish for peace in the Phoenix Palace."
"Peace is a precious gift." Jin Meihui's voice softened. "But sometimes, peace can be an illusion… hiding shadows beneath the surface."
Silence settled like a mist over the pavilion. Concubine Jin Fang's fingers tightened around her cup. Concubine Bai Ling's gaze briefly flickered to Jin Fang, then back to Jin Meihui. Consort Wu Chun remained a picture of serene calm.
"I hope that here, we may speak as true sisters," Jin Meihui continued, her smile gentle but her eyes sharp. "Without the weight of titles or hidden fears."
Concubine Jin Fang forced a laugh. "Your Majesty is so gracious. Truly, this gathering is a blessing."
"Yes,"Concubine Bai Ling echoed. "We are fortunate to have Your Majesty's guidance."
But Jin Meihui saw the careful restraint in their smiles, the guarded flickers in their eyes. This was not a gathering of sisters. It was a gathering of serpents — each testing, each watching.
"Your Majesty, may I pour you more tea?" Consort Wu Chun asked, her tone calm.
"Thank you," Jin Meihui said, extending her cup. "Your thoughtfulness is always a comfort."
Consort Wu Chun's movements were smooth, her expression gentle. But beneath that serene mask, Jin Meihui sensed a quiet caution — a woman who observed but rarely acted.
A perfect listener. A dangerous witness.
"I do hope we may continue to meet like this," Jin Meihui said, her voice a quiet melody. "Sisters, sharing thoughts without fear."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Concubine Jin Fang said, but her smile was forced.
Jin Meihui leaned forward slightly, her gaze sweeping over them. "And if any of you ever hear of shadows gathering in the palace… I trust you will tell me."
Silence. The soft breeze stirred the curtains. Concubine Bai Ling's smile wavered. Concubine Jin Fang's knuckles whitened against her cup. Only Consort Wu Chun's calm expression remained unchanged.
"Your Majesty will always be the light of the Phoenix Palace," Consort Wu Chun said.
Jin Meihui smiled, but beneath that gentle warmth, she watched them all — their smiles, their silences, the hidden currents beneath their words.
This tea gathering was the first step. And already, she could see the lines of trust, the quiet rivalries, the alliances they sought to hide.
But while they watched one another, Jin Meihui watched them all.
They believed they could charm her, manipulate her, deceive her. But they were only beginning to dance in her web.
And in time, she would know all their secrets.