❀ grand hall ❀

@王⁴ ❀ xingyi ˢᵘⁿᵍʸᵉ The Emperor had fallen ill. And not just ill. Gravely ill? Out of nowhere? It didn't make sense. So many people had gathered at the palace to celebrate and pray for His Majesty's longevity. How could this happen to the great father of this nation? Meihua had to swallow back the bile rising in , instead choosing to grip her husband's hand a little stronger. Her eyes scan the room, watching the reactions of the other members of the royal heirdom, and she locks eyes with her mother-in-law before she turns to look at her husband. "My prince, I don't know if that's a good idea..."

The noble lady was more than aware of the aspirations the Noble Consort held for her son, even if it wasn't exactly what he himself had wanted. His other siblings had started some ruckus already, asking to see their father, and it would be unbefitting for him to not follow suit. "If we do nothing and just go back to your old chambers, people will start talking about how Fourth Prince isn't showing filial piety despite how much the Emperor dotes on you. They will criticize your upbringing and claim that you're not fit to be the Emperor's son, which will inevitably harm Mother's place in the harem. As your wife, I can't allow any of this to happen."

Meihua reaches her free hand out to squeeze her husband's shoulder, earnestly wanting him to consider his next actions carefully. "If you don't want to fight to stay at the Emperor's bedside, we don't have to. We can also go pray for hi—" Her sentence is cut off by some palace staff that whiz right between them, running to the aid of someone who'd fainted at the news amidst all the chaos and leaving apologies in their wake. While they both wobbled backwards due to the impact, Xingyi's arm hits a lamp behind him, and in a matter of seconds, the flame inside sets fire to both the cloth of his sleeve and the ground it lands on.

"Fourth Prince!"

Everything after that happens too fast for her to comprehend, but Meihua remembers the panic she felt as she screamed for the servants to put out the fire and how quickly she had pulled the prince towards her. How the sudden weight had her stumbling, how her hip had hit a corner of the table they'd been seated at, and how she'd managed to cushion the fall. Theoretically, she should've been in pain. She probably was, but she couldn't feel it with the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Instead, she manages to murmur: "Are you alright?"

@王妃³ ❀ yeonwoo "I'm sure to pay a visit to father-in-law once all these celebration is over-" Taecyeon put his hands over Yeonwoo's and gave her a gentle pat. The festivity continues but one man has yet to turn up.

Taecyeon has lost count on the number of cups of wine he had while waiting for the arrival of his father. Despite his wife's dissuasions, he downed another cup that was still warm to the touch. The dancers twirling, music ringing in his ear, he felt his vision tunneling but he made sure he kept his public façade on. "You should have some too." He beckon the servant to pour them more as he finished another.

On the surface, he was more euphoric than he usually was, but inside, the wine was submerging his inner demons, as the place and people brought on more negative emotions that he had expected. His brothers whom weren't best of terms with him, especially the eldest who had been away most of the time. Feelings of abandonment once again engulfed him when the music came to a stop. His father wasn't going to be here, again. Disappointment flooded his face when he saw the Chief Eunuch whisper into his mother's ear, something was wrong.

Taecyeon watched his mother's expression while she stood up and as though time froze, he felt a punch in his stomach, was his mother leaving as well? Lady Wan then stood up after, her words shook the hall, "...the Emperor has fallen gravely ill..." The words echoed in his head. That can't be right, the emperor was still attending court just yesterday, accompanied with couple of coughs, but he looked just like how he did every day.

He stood up abruptly, staggering just a little while holding onto the table in front of him. "Where is he?" He called out brazenly, "I need to see him." Tossing away formalities, he was a concerned son, who was on edge about his father's condition.

The guests never failed to laugh and mingle, the music did not cease, and the royal performers danced and danced— it felt like they would dance forever. And while they all sported a smile, their eyes would reveal otherwise. It was not easy to conceal, the thick atmosphere, the unsettling aura that surrounded the royal family— something was /definitely/ amiss. Nevertheless, appearances must be kept. Bitna knew she could not falter, nor could her siblings and not in front of very powerful foreign allies…or otherwise. So the youngest Princess maintained her posture and a cordial smile, a bow of her head to every guest that passed by, and small chatter with her mother and the other Noble Ladies, as well as her siblings and their spouses.

Then Chief Eunuch came— his eyes seemed heavy and he whispered a few words to Her Majesty, the Empress. Then she stood, excused herself, and vanished. Before any of them could even speak or inquire, Lady Wan also stood, and with just a few words she had their attention.

‘…the Emperor has fallen gravely ill…’ and the rest was a blur to Bitna. Ill? No. Impossible, how— why? She had seen her father no less than a few days ago, he seemed fine— healthy, as lively as he usually was. There had to be a mistake.

“Father is— His Majesty, is ill? N-no, my Lady, there must be…miscommunication…” her voice became small…”This cannot be.” She whispered to no one in particular— but the worry in Lady Wan’s eyes, as well as her mother’s, told her otherwise. There was no logical explanation for falling ill so suddenly unless…/someone/ was personally responsible for it.

At that moment the Princess realized that her husband had yet to return. What should she do? Go to her father’s side? Should she look for Tonglun and Jianyu? Everything was so wrong, and it felt difficult to breathe for a moment, and wrap her head around the news.

“My Lady— please forgive me for speaking so suddenly but, can we please see His Majesty? M-my father, please, let me see him.” Her request was perhaps impossible, but she had to try.

@王妃⁴ ❀ meihua ᵐᶦʰʷᵃ “-es, mother, I understand.”

Though he cares dearly for the woman beside him, Xingyi has mastered the art of inflection over the years; because there are times, such as tonight, where he’d rather spend his limited conversational skills for somebody else. In all truthfulness, he has no idea what she spoke to him about; only catching the words ‘foreign’ and ‘Nihon’ in her nattering. He plastered a smile, using his free hand to squeeze his mothers arm in goodbye as she made her way back to her own seat and he could turn his attention back to Meihua. Who hadn’t touched the food on her plate, he noticed.

“Hm?” His gaze drifts from scanning the room back to his wife’s, the tiniest furrow appearing in his brow at the phrase ‘husband’ but he refrained from saying anything. “I share your worries,” Xingyi replied quietly, wanting to say more when the chief eunuch burst into the chamber. Almost immediately, the conversation in the hall died to murmured whispers, probably in hopes that whatever the eunuch was desperate to tell the empress would somehow reach their ears.

The only reason he was assuming that was because he was hoping he too would be able to hear what was going on.

(Even though they were a good few metres away—despite what he joked about having the eyes of a hawk and ears of an elephant to meihua, he did not, in fact, have either of those things. Disappointing.)

As soon as the eunuch left, Xingyi watched the empress whisper something to his mother; her face paling and he didn’t miss how her eyes flickered over to him briefly. What had happened? “This is certainly odd.” He said to nobody in particular. And worrisome, as the empress left in a hurried manner not too dissimilar to the eunuch. His mother stood and addressed the court; informing them of their emperors sudden illness and Xingyi felt sick. Both out of the worry for his father and suspicion for the strange shift in his mothers eye, but perhaps she was simply upset and her facade was cracking.

“Come with me to my chambers?” Xingyi turned to Meihua, lips set in a thin line. The announcement hadn’t released any of the tension in the room, instead making it more palpable; and knowing his siblings, Xingyi was certain one of them would create an outburst.

With a grave expression on his face, the chief eunuch takes hurried strides into the grand hall and whispers in the empress's ear. "Your Majesty, the Emperor has taken ill and is unable to rise from his bed! Your Majesty has to take charge now." The empress's eyes darken and she steadies herself before whispering back, "The celebrations outside of the palace may continue, do not inform our foreign guests that the emperor is unwell, I fear there may be a few who have arrived with ill intentions, tell them the emperor is busy and get the first and second princes to take care of them. Get Consort Hui and Concubine Rong to attend to the emperor. I will be there shortly."

Taking a deep bow, the chief eunuch leaves to complete her instructions. Her handmaid ushers Lady Wan to her side and she she whispers what the eunuch had told her earlier. The noble consort gasps, her eyes instantly filling with tears of worry. "Empress, what should we do?"

"Go prepare rooms for the princes and princesses to stay in the palace. The eldest princes can help by taking care of the foreign dignitaries. The other children can take shifts. I will go to the Emperor's side now, take care of the hall." she nods at her rival and sweeps out of the hall.

The commotion that the empress created by leaving gave Lady Wan the perfect window of silence to grasp the attention of all the imperial relatives in the room. "All my sisters, the princes and princesses, princess consorts and dukes, the emperor has fallen gravely ill. All my sisters, please return to your palaces to await further news. Princes, princesses and their families, I will prepare rooms for you to stay the night in the palace."

@王³ ❀ taecyeon It was the first time she was attending such an event. Truthfully, she was impressed by the splendid decor and luxurious furniture put together in the grand hall for the celebration, but she'd been expecting it since it was the emperor's birthday after all. Taking Taecyeon's lead, she bowed whenever he did, flashing small smiles here and there. Most of them were familiar faces, including high ranked officials and of course the other prince and princesses.

Settling down in their seats, her eyes surveyed the room with keen interest, before leaning in to whisper in her lover's ears, feeling amused. "You know...half the goods here are from our warehouse. Father must have earned a lot. He'd love you the next time you visit." Oh, there were perks of being in-laws with the royals all right. No wonder her father had been eager to marry her off in exchange for these supply contracts.

@王⁴ ❀ xingyi ˢᵘⁿᵍʸᵉ Unable to reply verbally so as to not fight over her husband's attention with his own mother, all Meihua could do was squeeze his hand gently in an attempt to reassure him that it was fine. After all, Xingyi should be celebrating together with Noble Consort Wan's maiden clan for their recent achievements within the inner court. She turns her head to face her mother-in-law as well, offering the older lady yet another cordial bow of her head, and stared at the back of his head as if this was a message she could deliver to him telepathically.

She turns away after a few seconds, not wanting to seem like she was intruding on their privacy although she doesn't let go off their interlaced hands under the table. Her eyes land on the small pile of fruits he'd placed on her plate moments earlier, and although she hasn't taken a single bite due to court etiquette along with her lack of appetite these days (something she knows has been worrying the prince), Meihua is already full with love thanks to her husband's small displays of affection.

For the next several minutes that the prince spends listening to his mother's words, the princess consort absentmindedly rubs her thumb back and forth against the back of his hand in a soothing manner. Not that he needed it, of course, but it was Meihua's way of showing her husband that she was there to support him even in the most subtle manners. She only turns back to look at the fourth prince after Noble Consort Wan finishes discussing whatever it is that was so urgent and settles back in her seat next to the emperor's empty one.

"Husband," she addresses him in a formal manner as per court etiquette, although she already knows he'll probably pout about this when they're back in their chambers, "I'm worried about the Emperor. It's been quite a long wait, and it's so unlike His Majesty to be late... to his own celebration, nonetheless." These whispers are genuine concern for a man Meihua considers almost as a second father and she can only hope she didn't say something out of line.

@驸马⁴ ❀ tonglun ᵈᵒⁿᵍʳʸᵘⁿ Lady Chun turns to her daughter, and rather than seeing a smile on the girl’s face concern instead adorns her youthful features. But there is truth to the words her daughter speaks, it is very out of character for the Emperor to ever be late. Still, she opts to nod once, her hand gingerly holding her daughter’s as if to reassure her. “I know my dear, but I suspect he will be here soon, there is no need to worry. You’ve ought to enjoy this celebration. Just like he is.” Lady Chun motioned to the merry and cheerful Jianyu who was tugging at his father’s robe. Bitna nodded, there was no need to worry her mother too, or anyone else for that matter— she just hoped, whatever it was, that her father was well. This evening was one to celebrate, and she would do her best to play her role as a Princess tonight and keep up her appearances. Bitna then turned to her husband, little Jianyu, and Lady Xiaosheng. It seemed everyone else had arrived as well. “Yes of course, of course. The sun has yet to set, and the breeze is cool, it should be perfect to fly a kite! I’d love to join you but,” she would indeed, only because she needed a breath of fresh air to calm her nerves. The odd feeling in her gut had yet to cease, and the Princess felt like she could unceremoniously hurl at any moment… “I will remain here for a while longer, shall I go fetch you before we begin?“

@王妃⁴ ❀ meihua ᵐᶦʰʷᵃ The atmosphere in the grand hall felt strange. Like the room itself was holding its breath in anticipation for something to happen. Xingyi was not the only one who had noticed this, though he kept his attention firmly on his wife beside him; his peripherals caught the sly whispers between his siblings and their parents; something was amiss.

But even if things were tense, he was more than preoccupied with the lovely vision sitting beside him, whom he plucked ripe peaches and succulent pears to decorate her sparse plate with. Though he didn't outwardly smile at her like some of his siblings did with their spouses(not that those smiles were anything but for impressions), anyone perceptive enough would have seen the carefully masked warmth in his expression. So whatever was going on fell second to the woman beside him.

At least, it was until he felt a hand snaking under his arm; his mother, all sharp teeth and stern gazes demanded his attention. Xingyi suppressed a sigh, "forgive me, peach", he muttered, slipping his fingers through hers under the table in apology before he turned to his mother, a thin smile gracing his handsome features as she nagged at him over something he didn't particularly bother listening too; hm'ing and ah'ing at all the right places to avoid her scorn.

@公主⁴ ❀ bitna "Father, father, I want to go see the the lotus flowers!" Jianyu's excitedly tugs at his father's formal robes, the atmosphere of the imperial banquet was too stifling for a young child to appreciate. He waved his small kite at Tonglun, as if hinting that the flowers was simply an excuse for them to go and play. He had told many stories about the forbidden city to his son, one was that the lotus flowers that bloomed in the summer were magnificent, the other, was how he spent many joyful days playing kite with his friends in the palace. He had lied, but his son believed him anyway. Turning to his wife, the princess, he whispers, "I will bring Jianyu out to play but we will be back shortly." before slipping out of the grand hall quickly, with his son in tow.

As per usual, any parties or formal gatherings that were held in the grand hall were fitting of the world ‘luxurious’. Ever since she could remember, her father would hold events in these halls, and what was once an empty and dim-lit space, as if magic had dispersed through the halls— became beautifully lit with guests and colors, laughter and conversation.

Bitna was one to always be on time, so when her time came, she stood promptly outside the grand doors. Clad in traditional and her best formal wear, a hanfu with gradient tones of lilac and violet. Beautiful flowers were embroidered in the sleeves, and various small diamonds and precious gems. She was never one to be /too/ exaggerated, she preferred the simpler and less extravagant wear but today was a special occasion after all. She was announced, as were her siblings, to all the guests and she greeted them with grace and a kind smile. The Princess was ushered to her seat, greeting her mother and also paying her respects to the other Noble Ladies. It seemed almost all were here, all but her father— the Emperor himself.

Bitna excused herself for a moment with her husband, turning to her mother in a hushed voice. “Mother, is father well? Is something the matter? He has never been one to arrive late— let alone to his own banquet.” She says, noticing the music in the hall has grown louder, as have the enthusiastic cheers of the guests as the royal performers make their way through the marbled floors. As much as she wishes she could be enjoying herself, she senses something is not quite right. An uncomfortable feeling sets itself in the core of her stomach. Something grave is about to occur, and Bitna does not know. And not knowing, sometimes, can prove to be fatal…

@王妃³ ❀ yeonwoo Taecyeon signals to his subordinates to hand over his gifts to the emperor's servants who were waiting the doors of the grand hall. He and his wife made their entrance through the side, crossing over the high ledge of doors, entering the celebration of his father's birthday. It was a yearly affair and all, or rather, most of his siblings would have made it. The many wives of his father were already seated in their respective seats. "Greetings to the Empress and the consorts." He bowed and greeted the senior royalties in the room. It was always a spectacle to see the ladies of the court, putting on their mask and pretended that they were one harmonious family during events like this.

The golden throne in the middle was obviously empty, the main character always comes in last right? But also, it wouldn't look nice on anyone if they came in after the Emperor. Taecyeon ushered Yeonwoo to their assigned seats, in a inconspicuous corner behind his older siblings, of course. Food and wine were immediately brought to their table as they

@王³ ❀ taecyeon The emperor hadn’t shown up to his celebration so it was rumored that he had fallen ill . Wei hadn’t predicted the emperor would fall ill so soon. It was always in the back of her mind. The emperor was sitting in such an influential position. He was bound to attract vultures and hyenas, ready to bite and naw at any exposed flesh that they could find. But it didn’t matter much. If the old man fell, it would mean that the time for her dear husband to sit on the throne was also near. She just had to get rid of all the road blocks in his way. And the easiest? The third prince, prince Taecyeon. What better way to cause a little chaos than to spread a tiny rumor that he was the one who poisoned the emperor?

Her calm, warm eyes found their way to the third prince, a practiced smile forming on her face when his eyes met hers. Wei was practical beaming in Taecyeon’s direction as she made her way over to him. “Yuqiang’s brother. It’s lovely to see you healthy and well, prince.” Concern washed over her face but quickly disappeared, making sure there was just enough time between the chance of facial expression so that Taecyeon could see and believe that she was concerned for his well-being. “Third prince. I’m worried about you, you know… one of my maids told me that there was a rumor going around about you… that you poisoned the emperor and now he’s bed ridden… I know these rumors are baseless. But whoever came up with these rumors certainly don’t mean you any good…”

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Massive was only an understatement.

When Suran looked up at the sky, the sun was already out of sight, leaving streaks of red decorating the sky as it fades from a tangerine hue. It did not seem any particular for her before boarding the carriage, but a sense of desolation was felt when she stepped out again, looking at the brick red walls around her and the palaces afar. She held onto the railing, feeling as if air was knocked out of her lungs, dryness crept up but she could not puke.

So this was it. Everything that they, her so called 'family' had planned was finally starting.

It took her a while to get back to her feet, but the dizziness was still present. In mere confusion, she followed the crowd as she made baby steps, the tightness clutching at her heart barely allowed any room for breathing, but she managed to take in more air as she hem all in, her loud inhales might have a few heads turned to her in between. She must remember who she was, and the army general's daughter would not miss her gracefulness in any slip of chances.

But then she wasn't. So did that really matter?

Turned out that the crowd she was following was entering what it seemed like the main location of the banquet. Long tables spread out in the shape of a square arch leaving a wide space in the center, which she eventually knew it as where the performances would take place after asking the servant following her. That's weird, people in the slums always watched shows sitting in rows where the performance would take place at the front. Guess the royal family always did it differently. Even though everyone had came in, no one was sitting down just yet, which made Suran wondered if she also had to wait.

The clothes made her feel like a part of everyone, but in all reality it felt like thousands of ants were climbing all over her. Even more so when she came here not only just for eating, but to find someone. What was his name again ... Hufeng? Fenglim? Fenghu? The first prince under the emperor was the perfect candidate targeted by the army general to be the next owner of the throne, despite having come back from an unknown place after 12 years. Suran had always thought otherwise, if he was ever so loved and supported, would he even be sent away in the first place? But she was in no place to sound her humble (and disregarded) opinion, so that was still the person she was looking for.

And she didn't know how he even looked like. But whatever, she could only wish bumping into him while she roamed around, getting a hang of the palace while she had time.

@公主¹ ❀ fengli ᵇᵒⁿᵍʸᶦ Anxious. Wei was anxious. It had only been a few days into the sick emperor’s week long birthday and she had already screwed up. That dumb Duke Zhixiu should just know his place than to just nose around and get into other’s business. She had to find a way to deal with him. But that could wait for later. Right now, she had to make sure the news hadn’t gotten to the ears of the third prince, Taecyeon. Wei had just told him that some wench was spreading rumors about him poisoning the emperor. Taecyeon was finally on her side. She couldn’t lose him just yet.

Her dark orbs shook as they flickered over everyone in the room in search of Taecyeon. Instead of the third prince, her eyes landed on the icy glare of the Duke Zhixiu. The hand which held the wine glass trembling with nervousness as she averted her gaze and turned around to leave. However, the abruptness of her will to leave caused her to bump into someone hard and the glass of wine tipped and spilled onto the other’s dress.

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— 1700 AD, Eastern Kingdom

In the sixth month of the eleventh year of the Yongguang Emperor, the emperor invited all the noblemen, potential in laws and political allies of his children, princes and princesses, and all imperial relatives, to even the homeless, the elderly in the street and foreign envoys from far away lands, to the forbidden city for a banquet that was to last for seven days. As the rules of the forbidden city, dictated that no adult male, besides the emperor was allowed to remain within the red walls of the palace once the sun sets, hotels and rentals all around the capital would be filled with people who have travelled far and wide to catch a glimpse of the emperor or spend a day in the forbidden city of legend. Out in the streets, opera performances, dominated the day and dazzling lanterns painted the night sky in vibrant colors. Colorful ribbons decorated every nook and cranny of the country and street vendors came from far and wide to the capital to share their delicacies and local curiosities.

At 6 am in the morning, the forbidden city's side gates (only the emperor and empress were allowed to use the main gate) open and stay open for the rest of the day. Eunuchs put on opera shows on every stage in the city, imperial chefs dole out dish after dish to a never ending flow of eager and hungry visitors. Over at the main hall, the finest wines and gourmet meals are being served by the emperor's personal kitchen staff to his wives, children, and their families.

Seated at the left of the emperor was the Noble Consort Wan, or Lady Wan, who had a serene smile plastered on her face, nodding at everyone she made eye contact with. She had everything to smile about. The emperor had honored her younger brother at court, after he successfully quelled a riot caused by severe draught down in the south. Her younger sister, Concubine Min was also favored by the emperor these days.

On his right was Empress Yuan, maintaining a regal front. She had everything she wanted too. An adult son to fight for the throne, the prestige and respect the position of Empress held, the support of the court and the people. She knew her husband had been wary of her for years, silently taking sides with Lady Wan when their bitter rivalry erupted, but she was empress, and he had to respect that. She was empress, and when he was gone, she would be dowager. Seated adjacent to her were the women who vied for her husband's attention like their lives depended on it. They did. How many of them truly loved him? Without his love, they would spend cold, lonely nights within this golden cage they called the forbidden city with barely enough food to fill their bellies or coal to heat their drafty palaces.

Adjacent to Lady Wan were the princes and princesses and their families. The emperor was fortunate to have so many children make it survive till adulthood, Lady Wan muses, recalling her many miscarriages before she finally bore her only daughter. Not everyone was here yet, but she was excited to have all the children gathered in one place with their father. Although they were not like a regular family, they were still a family, bonded by blood. She fears that in a few years, some of these children would turn against each other, as her husband starts to decline, and moments like these would be hard to come by. It was inevitable, judging from her husband's own experience, that the closest of imperial siblings could eventually fight till the death.

The emperor had yet to arrive. Sensing a long wait, the empress ordered the court dancers and musicians to perform, hoping to distract the room from the emperor's tardiness.