RISE OF THE ABANDONED PRINCESS

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 It has been 7 months after the incident of the princes,the country even though peaceful was just a calm before storm ,the harem intrigue toned down a little everyone has been busy preparing for this big day..the Empress Dowager birthday.

The palace was a marvel of grandeur that evening, adorned in vibrant silks and gilded decorations in honor of the Empress Dowager's birthday. The hall echoed with laughter and murmurs of nobles eager to catch the attention of the emperor or the Empress Dowager herself.

The emperor sat regally at the head of the banquet, his face unreadable. The Empress, seated beside him, wore her customary mask of elegance, her eyes flitting between the guests with practiced ease. Lady Seraphine, though still visibly frail, had been carefully carried to her seat, earning polite acknowledgments from the gathered nobles.

It was time for the maidens in the marriageable age to perform hoping to catch the emperor or one of the high-ranking officials eyes, some danced ,some showcased talents in poem or instrument...the palace was buzzing in excitement then it was time for the princes' to present their gifts to the dowager

One by one, the Dowager's grandchildren stepped forward to present their gifts.

The First Prince stepped forward first, his stiff bow and tense posture betraying his discomfort. He presented a jade hairpin, a piece of exquisite craftsmanship but lacking in sentiment.

The Empress Dowager accepted it with a polite nod but offered no praiseAfter the first prince was the second prince he provided some budha beads and handwritten scriptures ,showcasing his filiality he said wirh a bow"may you live a good life "the dowager smiled happily and thanked him. Then, her gaze drifted to the Third Prince, whose turn came next.

The Third Prince approached confidently, his sharp features softened by a warm smile. He presented a delicate painting of the Empress Dowager surrounded by lotus flowers—a symbol of resilience and purity.

"This humble gift," he said with a bow, "is my tribute to your wisdom and strength, Grandmother."

The Dowager's eyes lit up, and she beamed at him. "Such thoughtfulness. Truly, you honor me, child."

The contrast between the three princes was clear to all in attendance, and whispers rippled through the hall. The Empress's smile faltered, while Lady Seraphine, from her seat, allowed herself a faint, satisfied smirk,Lady mei also smiled slightly. 

Amid the celebrations, a figure in plain robes and a cane entered the hall. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the man—a surviving child of the former emperor.

Prince Charles, once a vibrant figure of the imperial court, now bore the weight of his survival. His crippled leg and lined face were stark reminders of the brutal purges that had secured the current emperor's throne.

The emperor's gaze hardened, but he said nothing. The Dowager, however, rose to greet him, her voice steady. "charles, it has been too long."

Prince Charles bowed low. "Your Majesty, I come to pay my respects and to celebrate your many years of wisdom." He presented a simple yet elegant tea set. "May this remind you of the tranquility you bring to us all."

The Dowager accepted the gift with a soft smile, but tension hung thick in the air as the emperor's eyes followed charles back to his seat.

Even though the emperor was vigilant, the atmosphere of the banquet soon went back to normal as they all merried

As the evening wore on, wine flowed freely, and the atmosphere grew livelier. It was then that Concubine Yvonne became the center of attention—though not in a way she had hoped.

A loud crash drew all eyes to her table, where a servant was hastily cleaning spilled wine from her lap. Concubine Yvonne's face flushed as she stammered apologies.

Lady Seraphine's quiet voice cut through the murmurs. "Oh dear, such clumsiness. I hope the wine didn't ruin anything precious."

Another concubine, seated nearby, added with feigned concern, "I heard that dress was specially made for tonight. What a shame."

The Empress's lips twitched as she fought to suppress a smile. It was clear to all that the "accident" had been orchestrated, likely by some of the former concubines seeking to humiliate Yvonne.

The Dowager's gaze swept over the scene, her expression unreadable. "Enough," she said, her voice firm. "Let us not mar this joyous occasion with petty squabbles."

The hall quickly returned to order, but the damage was done. Yvonne's humiliation was complete, and the other concubines exchanged satisfied glances.

As the evening drew to an end, the emperor finally rose to his feet. His deep voice carried through the hall.

"Mother, on this day, we celebrate your strength, wisdom, and the stability you have brought to this empire. Let us raise our cups to the Empress Dowager."

The hall erupted in cheers as everyone toasted to the Dowager, who smiled graciously. Yet beneath her smile, her sharp eyes observed the silent battles waged around her.

Lady Seraphine, leaning on her maid, quietly made her exit, her mind already working through her next move. Prince Charles sat in his corner, a storm brewing behind his calm demeanor. The emperor's gaze lingered on his crippled brother, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

The banquet ended with applause and smiles, but as the guests filed out, the whispers began anew.

***

After the banquet closed ,the emperor walked out with a dark face ...the concubines exchanged glasses..as the mother of the harem the Empress punished concubine Yvonne for inappropriate behavior and should copy the scriptures for a month this means she is getting grounded for a month,the decree was to be sent to her the next morning when she is sober .that night was a peaceful night for some and sleepless for many like the emperor ,his brother ,the Dowager and the Empress .