After enduring the fiercest heat of summer, August arrived, and with it came an autumn rain that swiftly cooled the capital. The temperature dropped sharply, requiring light outer garments even during the day.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the palace was adorned with lanterns and decorations. The Six Offices bustled with activity, preparing for the grand banquet soon to be held in the imperial harem.
On the night of the festival, the palace hosted a magnificent feast, requiring all officials of the sixth rank and above in the capital region to attend.
In anticipation, the imperial consorts had made thorough preparations. The embroiderers of the Clothing Office had been working tirelessly for the past two months, crafting lavish garments for the palace ladies. Meanwhile, the musicians and dancers of the Music Office rehearsed elaborate performances...
Yun Wan of the Incense Office was no exception to the flurry of activity. Not only did she have to prepare the vast quantities of prescribed incense for the banquet, but she also had to inspect the incense burners and censers in every palace to ensure nothing went awry.
Amid the bustle, the Mid-Autumn banquet arrived.
In the afternoon, Yun Wan was summoned to Changchun Palace, where she would accompany Consort Shu to the evening festivities.
Changchun Palace was unusually lively, adorned with exquisite lanterns and an array of delicately crafted mooncakes sent by the imperial kitchens.
As soon as Yun Wan stepped into the main hall, Consort Shu, resplendent in embroidered robes and adorned with jeweled hairpins, warmly took her hand and led her inside. "You must be exhausted," she said with a smile. "Come, sit and rest for a while."
Accustomed to Consort Shu's unpredictable shifts between warmth and indifference, Yun Wan feigned obliviousness to any awkwardness.
Accepting the proffered cup of tea, Yun Wan took a small sip before asking, "What urgent matter does Your Highness have for summoning me today?"
Since Yun Wan had last refused Consort Shu's request, the consort's demeanor had cooled, and Yun Wan had not set foot in Changchun Palace for half a month—until a few days prior, when Consort Shu insisted she remain in the palace for tonight's banquet.
With hours still remaining before the feast, Yun Wan was uncertain what Consort Shu truly intended by calling her so early.
Consort Shu shot her a playful glare. "Must there always be a reason for me to invite you?"
Setting down her cup, Yun Wan replied gently, "Your Highness misunderstands. That was not my meaning."
Studying her face, Consort Shu's smile deepened. "You've worked hard these past months in the palace. I’ve heard nothing but praise for you from His Majesty and the entire Incense Office. It seems my decision to bring you here was the right one."
Sensing an underlying implication, Yun Wan answered cautiously, "Your Highness flatters me. I’ve only done my duty."
With a sigh, Consort Shu clasped her hand, her voice tinged with reluctant fondness. "I initially promised you’d stay only three months, but now I find myself unwilling to let you go. How wonderful it would be if you could remain longer."
Pausing, she fixed Yun Wan with an intent gaze. "What if I petitioned His Majesty to allow you to stay?"
Yun Wan’s expression remained composed, though inwardly, her heart skipped a beat.
Meeting Consort Shu’s smiling eyes, she hesitated, assuming it was a jest, and laughed lightly. "Your Highness is too kind, but I know my place. It would be improper for me to linger in the palace."
"Forgive my boldness, but I must speak from the heart. Though the palace is splendid, I prefer life outside its walls. I have no grand ambitions—only to raise Sui well, watch him start a family, and live out my days in peace."
At the mention of Sui, her expression softened, eyes brimming with tenderness.
Consort Shu chuckled, her thoughts unreadable, and let the matter drop.
With a wave of her hand, she led Yun Wan to a display of garments. "Enough of that. Some time ago, I commissioned a new palace gown from the Clothing Office, but those careless fools mixed up the measurements."
"Given the circumstances, I’ve chosen not to punish them. I called you here today to see if this gown fits you."
"If it does, you may wear it to tonight’s banquet. Otherwise, it would go to waste sitting in my chambers."
Yun Wan’s gaze fell on the pale blue gown draped over the stand, hesitation flickering in her eyes. "Your Highness, this attire is far too extravagant for someone like me..."
Before she could finish, Consort Shu cut in, "Nonsense! Festivals are meant for finery. With your fair complexion, this color suits you perfectly."
"Chun Tang, help my sister-in-law change."
She summoned a maid, her tone brooking no argument.
Left with no choice, Yun Wan followed Chun Tang to try on the gown.
To her surprise, the dress fit flawlessly—its length, waistline, and sleeves tailored as though made for her.
The serene, lake-blue hue accentuated her fair skin, while the silver cloud patterns woven into the fabric shimmered faintly with each movement. The layered skirts flowed like rippling water, elegant yet understated in its refinement.
Witnessing this, Consort Shu’s eyes gleamed with a mix of admiration and concealed envy. "Just as I said—this gown was meant for you."
Blushing, Yun Wan lowered her head, masking her thoughts.
At the first chime of the golden bell in the clock tower, carriages began arriving at the palace gates. Officials in court robes, adorned with golden fish-shaped pendants, entered with their families, heading toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony for the banquet.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, lanterns illuminated the Forbidden City, its vermilion walls and glazed tiles glowing under the radiant lights, casting the grand palaces in majestic splendor.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a quarter-hour before the banquet’s commencement, every seat was filled. Officials and their families, dressed in formal court attire, exchanged greetings over wine, the air alive with music and laughter.
The golden nanmu banquet tables were laden with delicacies, each served in exquisitely carved gold and jade vessels. The melodies of strings and pipes swelled, heightening the festive atmosphere.
At the Lu family’s table, only Lu Yuanduo, Lu Changning, and Sui were present.
The elderly matriarch was unwell, Concubine Zhong remained under house arrest, and Lu Changze had prior engagements with friends—none attended the feast.
Sui shared a table with Lu Changning, seated behind Lu Yuanduo.
Turning, Lu Yuanduo gently instructed his daughter, "Changning, look after Sui."
Lu Changning handed Sui a mooncake and nodded. "Don’t worry, Father. I’ll take care of him."
Since Lu Changning had openly discussed her marital prospects with her father, their relationship had warmed considerably. Now, she behaved more openly in his presence.
As the eldest sister, she naturally took responsibility for little Sui in his mother’s absence.
Sui took a bite of the meat-filled pastry, then stood on tiptoe, scanning the hall before pouting in disappointment.
Looking up at Lu Yuanduo, he asked, "Uncle, where’s Mother? I don’t see her."
In previous years, he had always celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival with his mother. This time, his uncle had said she would be in the palace, so he’d come along.
Lu Yuanduo patted his head kindly. "Your mother is with your aunt, Consort Shu. She’ll be here soon."
"Okay," Sui mumbled, sitting back down.
Just then, a sharp voice rang out from the hall’s entrance:
"His Majesty arrives—"
"Her Highness Consort Shu arrives—"
