"元妃驾到!" Someone called, and we all knelt. (元妃驾到 yuán fēi jià dào= Consort Yuan is here)

I glanced nervously at Wu Zhao, still remembering her temper tantrum yesterday. It seemed that her mood had not improved, because she was gritting her teeth and staring at the ground. I caught her lips murmuring some words- I could only make out "never bowing again..."

What was up with her? Puzzled, I looked away from her and instead talked to Gao Ling when we were allowed to rise, who was happily pointing out that Consort Yuan was wearing the latest fashionable dress.

Consort Yuan was thin and pretty, with high cheekbones, full red lips and delicate eyebrows. I could see why she had the status of a consort. There were only four consorts in the Imperial Palace, and they were only second to the Empress. To be one meant you had money, status, power, and affection all in your palm.

They were the only women, aside from the Empress, that were consistently visited and doted on by the Emperor. His other hundred women were lucky if they got even a day or two in an entire year. I knew if I wanted a shot at a good life, I would have to try to make it to this- the second level of the hierarchy. I was suddenly overcome by a rush of nostalgia and sadness for Liang Wen. To make myself feel better, I reached up and touched the jade hairpin he had given me, which was nestled in my dark hair.

Wu Zhao swept by us to pay her respects to Consort Yuan. I watched closely, not really listening to Gao Ling's animated talk. Consort Yuan's face brightened, and she looked approvingly at Wu Zhao before saying something to her. Wu Zhao replied prettily back. I could almost hear her distinguished city accent, not at all like mine or Gao Ling's, speaking to Consort Yuan.

Consort Yuan dismissed Wu Zhao soon after, and immediately, the smile slipped from the consort's face. She screamed, "Where's the traitor?"

"What's going on?" Gao Ling asked in confusion, scrunching her eyes.

I shrugged. I didn't know either. Wu Zhao laughed sharply and shook her head. "Fools," she muttered.

Gao Ling bit her lip and whispered, "Why do you put up with her?"

"She's decent to talk to," I clarified. It was true. The other girls were secretly vicious and cunning, and they looked down on me. Although they, too, were from the countryside, their families were respected in their provinces, unlike mine. My family consisted of a drunk father, weary mother, and absent older brother and younger sister. Families were important in China; they decided your reputation and social standing.

Wu Zhao, at least, had never looked down on my birth, and only criticised my intelligence and what she called naivety. Besides, she did tell me about poems and history, which I drank in eagerly. The way she talked was captivating.

Gao Ling made a disgusted noise and turned away. I tugged at her arm. "I like both of you," I told her quickly. It wouldn't do to make enemies here.

Wu Zhao leaned against the wall and her clever eyes watched us. I got the feeling that she knew what we were talking about and what I had said.

Concubine Lin was suddenly dragged in by a few guards, clad in a simple white dress and covered with bruises. I gasped. "Concubine Lin!" Quickly, I rushed forward but Gao Ling pulled me back.

"What're you doing? Do you want to get killed?" Gao Ling hissed. Ashamed, I took a faltering step back and shook my head. For once, Gao Ling had more foresight than me. I didn't know why I'd been so rash, it was unlike me...I couldn't show impulsiveness again. But looking at Concubine Lin made me sad. She had been nice to me lately...congratulating me for passing the inspection, and pretending not to see Wan En and me talking...

My brother stood silently behind, his left hand shaking as he stared down at the ground. I couldn't understand him. Why did he seem so upset?

Consort Yuan took quick short steps forward and slapped Concubine Lin, causing her to fall over. "How dare you sicken the Empress!"

Concubine Lin, who'd appeared so high-and-mighty when we had first arrived, now had her chin pressed to the floor tiles. She said nothing.

Consort Yuan towered over her, an evil glint in her eyes. "The Emperor says there's no evidence, but I don't believe it. You must have done it, you vixen! There's no one that hates the Empress more than you do."

"You hate her too," Concubine Lin breathed, and dropped her head.

I saw my brother look up, fast, and then lower his head again, visibly distraught. I wished we could talk. He was acting strange. Consort Yuan was so angered by Concubine Lin's words that she kicked her viciously, and yelled, "Outrageous suggestion! I have tended to the Empress for years! She is a virtuous and wonderful woman. How could I dislike her?"

Wu Zhao stood up suddenly and interjected calmly, "Consort Yuan, it would be best if you pause for a moment."

"What?" Consort Yuan stopped her screaming and turned to Wu Zhao, stunned for a moment. So were we all. Everyone couldn't imagine how Wu Zhao had the audacity to speak up now.

"The Empress arrives!" came a sudden announcement, and everyone's faces paled, especially Consort Yuan.

Consort Yuan fell gracefully to her knees and so did we. A tall, motherly figure swept in, her hand on her belly protectively. "I'm well now, as you can see, Consort Yuan. I thank you for your concern and unwavering support for me. However, I must remind you to soothe your temper. There is no solid evidence that Concubine Lin has plotted to kill me, and we must not jump to conclusions," her lilting, gentle voice said.

She was wise indeed. I remembered her pardoning of me when I broke her vase carelessly. Empress Zhangsun was as beautiful as ever, with gold pins sparkling in her ebony hair and pale, smooth skin. Somehow, though, Wu Zhao overshadowed her. Wu Zhao had that bewitching beauty about her that was impossible to outshine, even Empress Zhangsun could not hope to compete with Wu Zhao.

Consort Yuan rose and shot a dark look at Concubine Lin, before saying, "Understood, Your Highness. I will not be so hasty in the future." She moved away and left.

"Concubine Lin, I will pardon you this time. I trust you had no ill intentions towards me. However, you will be demoted to the rank of a Lady. You will continue to stay here, training the new girls, but must forfeit the Concubine position."

Concubine Lin inclined her head respectfully and said meekly, "Lady Lin thanks the Empress."

I was in shock. Although Concubine- no, Lady Lin was pardoned, she was to live in disgrace. Who would want that? Yet she had to thank the benevolent Empress and act happy. The palace life really was full of pain and suffering.

Suddenly, I couldn't bear to stay in the room anymore. I whispered a hurried, "I'm not feeling well, will depart first," to Gao Ling and rushed from the room, wanting to go upstairs to the shared bedroom and just sit there by myself to cry.

I paused as I passed Lady Lin's room. The door was closed but there were voices inside. I pressed my ear to the door, compelled to hear it for some reason.

"I can help you get rid of her," Wu Zhao's distinctive voice reached my ears.

What?

"You?" This voice sounded faintly amused. And familiar. "What could you do?"

"You see Concubine Lin has already been disposed of. I could do so much more if you let me."

"You did that? You framed her?"

Wu Zhao laughed lightly. "What makes you say so?" But she was avoiding the question. Gripped by revulsion and horror, I clenched my fists to stop myself from uttering anything.

"I will owe you if you can help me," the other person finally said.

Where had I heard that voice before? It was familiar...

Oh.

Consort Yuan. 

I apologise for the delayed update, everyone! My exams are in two days, so I've been busy. So sorry. Thanks for your patience and support:)