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墨書 Inktalez
In the early morning of the Imperial Garden, a thin mist had yet to fully disperse.
Today marked the Shangsi Festival, and as was customary, the palace held a Spring Banquet. The concubines and noblewomen gathered in the garden, jade tables adorned with emerald cups, and exquisite dishes displayed on intricately carved long tables, where the fragrance of wine and tea mingled with that of blooming flowers.
Qin Fenghua entered with the other ladies-in-waiting, dressed in simple elegance, her hair held up by a plain silver hairpin. A few embroidered plum blossoms adorned her collar, echoing the season's theme.
In contrast to the surrounding noblewomen, who were bedecked with jewels and dressed in luxurious silks, her understated appearance exuded a unique charm.
She sat gracefully, her gaze lowered, her expression calm, seemingly oblivious to the scrutinizing glances and whispers from those around her.
At one side of the banquet, the Empress wore a bright yellow brocade gown, her demeanor composed and smiling gently.
With a delicate wave of her hand, a palace maid presented a jade platter as she softly suggested, "The weather is pleasant today, and with so many talented ladies gathered here for Shangsi, why not compose a poem inspired by the season and express our feelings through flowers?"
As her words settled in the air, a slight pause enveloped the gathering. Each woman harbored her own thoughts yet hesitated to speak up, exchanging glances filled with unspoken judgments.
The Empress's eyes flickered momentarily before she smiled and said, "I have heard that the Qin Family Girl is renowned for her poetry. Would you be willing to lead us in this endeavor?"
Her tone was gentle, but there was an undercurrent of scrutiny and significance in her gaze.
Silence fell over the table; someone whispered with a chuckle, "A girl from a humble background dares to flaunt her elegance before us?" Another noblewoman quietly echoed this sentiment, disdain evident in her eyes.
Qin Fenghua slowly rose and gracefully performed a curtsy. Her voice was soft yet resolute as she replied, "I am but a humble girl; however, I only wish to honor this great occasion."
She stepped forward to face Jin Ping. Raising her eyes to meet the Empress's gaze with composure, she smiled slightly as she recited:
"Amidst sparse shadows across shallow waters,
A hidden fragrance drifts at dusk."
As the last words lingered in the air, an immediate hush fell over the gathering.
The poetic lines were exquisite, capturing both the character of the plum blossom and subtly reflecting her own background.
Dressed in simple white like the shadow of a plum blossom, Qin Fenghua seemed to embody the essence of her poem, standing between dawn's light and misty haze.
The Empress Dowager reclined on the soft couch, a glimmer of appreciation flashing in her eyes, while the Imperial Concubine nodded slightly, a meaningful smile gracing her lips.
A few knowledgeable individuals whispered their praises, "What a beautiful line, 'The subtle fragrance drifts in the moonlit dusk,' truly exceptional talent."
However, the Empress's expression darkened, her smile fading. She lightly tapped her fan against her palm and said coolly, "Though the poem is elegant, it inevitably comes off as aloof."
Her gaze sharpened. "How can a woman from a humble background understand refinement? Since she prides herself on her character, why not compose another couplet on 'Orchid' as a theme? Can you respond spontaneously?"
Qin Fenghua's eyes narrowed slightly, a heaviness settling in her heart.
The Empress's challenge was clearly meant to put her in a difficult position. Many at the table were eager to see the spectacle unfold, and several noblewomen whispered among themselves, "Orchids in a secluded valley, how noble indeed. Let’s see how she responds."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Qin Fenghua's gaze swept over the vibrant flowers beside her before she slowly replied, "A gentleman is like an orchid; though it may be hidden and unscented, its fragrance travels far."
Upon finishing, she quietly regarded the Empress with a gentle expression.
On the surface, her words were respectful; however, they subtly mocked the superficiality of the powerful. True nobility does not seek validation from others but naturally exudes an enduring fragrance.
A low murmur of astonishment rippled through the gathering. The Imperial Concubine chuckled softly and remarked, "What a lovely line, 'self-fragrance travels far,' not seeking fame yet gaining a pure reputation." The Empress Dowager nodded in agreement, her admiration growing.
Yet the corners of the Empress's mouth stiffened; her displeasure was hard to conceal despite her tone softening slightly. "Indeed quite insightful."
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, a sudden gasp echoed through the hall. Noble Lady Liu, seated nearby with a faint blush on her cheeks, suddenly turned pale. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she slumped down onto the table.
Panic erupted among the guests; palace maids rushed to support her while noblewomen expressed shock and fear, causing chaos to ensue.
The Empress Dowager furrowed her brow and exclaimed urgently, "Quickly summon the imperial physician!" However, the medical quarters were far from the hall and would take time to arrive.
Seeing this unfold, Qin Fenghua stepped forward swiftly and bent down to check Noble Lady Liu's pulse.
Her fingertips were cold, yet her heart remained calm as she whispered, "Noble Lady Liu's pulse is floating and tense; it seems there is anxiety and stagnation that needs to be resolved quickly." She retrieved silver needles from her sleeve with practiced ease and deftly inserted them into key points like Hegu and Neiguan on Noble Lady Liu’s body before applying pressure to her philtrum.
Everyone around held their breath in anticipation as they watched Qin Fenghua work with agility and focus. A fine sheen of sweat appeared on her forehead, yet she remained composed.
Liu Guiren gradually stabilized her breathing, her complexion slowly turning rosy. After a moment, she gently awoke, opening her eyes, which were misty with tears. The palace attendants around her exclaimed in unison, “Qin Female Official’s miraculous skills have revived her!”
The Empress Dowager let out a long sigh of relief, looking at Qin Fenghua with approval. “Indeed, she possesses both talent and virtue, a rarity in the world.” The Consort also nodded slightly, casting a meaningful glance at the Empress.
Though the Empress felt reluctant, she could only smile and say in front of everyone, “It is rare to have such a talented and virtuous person in the palace; she should be praised.”
After a pause, with a hint of forced cheerfulness in her smile, she continued, “According to palace regulations, those with exceptional talents in both arts and medicine may enter the Inner Library to manage texts and medical affairs. From today onward, Qin Fenghua will be promoted to Inner Palace Female Official.”
The official from the Internal Affairs Bureau immediately read the decree. Qin Fenghua bowed in gratitude, but her heart was tumultuous.
The Inner Palace Female Officials fluttered in their robes, their expressions varied. Some whispered among themselves, “She comes from a humble background; how did she deserve this honor?” Others quietly advised, “A new official has taken office; let’s see how long she can last.”
As Qin Fenghua entered the Inner Library with her new colleagues, she saw high walls looming ominously, with medicinal herbs and books neatly arranged, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Outwardly obedient, she was inwardly on guard.
Having just stepped into the abyss of power, she understood that although she had gained attention today, tomorrow might bring unpredictable storms.
Sitting alone by the window, Qin Fenghua rubbed the silver needles she had used that day.
Reflecting on the tumult of the day, a sense of unease crept into her heart. The heights of power were chilling; the palace was as deep as the sea. Though she had not intentionally sought power, she had unwittingly embarked on this path. She lowered her head and sighed softly, her thoughts drifting away.
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