The palace walls whispered louder each day.
I didn't speak much.
I didn't need to.
Everyone else was talking for me.
"She's quiet, but she's everywhere," Chun'er whispered one morning as she brushed my hair. "A maid said she saw a court official asking about you. Not loud—just questions."
I listened.
That was always the secret. Let others speak. Let them think you're nothing, until they've said everything.
I started planting small seeds.
A cup of hot tea delivered to an overworked scribe. Some kind words to a nervous maid. A scarf folded neatly and left where a senior lady would find it.
Little favors here and there.
Nothing that looked important to be suspicious about.
But everything in the palace is remembered.
Especially kindness that is shown to those who are unimportant. Especially from someone they never expected it from.
One afternoon, as I passed the silk garden, I stopped behind a column.Two senior palace women were speaking in hushed voices.
"I heard Consort Ning's brother lost two thousand silver pieces gambling."
"Military funds?"
"They say the emperor doesn't know yet." They laughed nervously, then walked off.
Truth is sharp, it cuts deep when its found out. When it's needed. So I'm not going to use that against her yet.
For now, that rumor was a blade I tucked carefully into my sleeve.
~~~~~
That evening, I joined a walk through the east garden with several other concubines. A polite event, nothing special. We were meant to admire the plum blossoms and sip tea.
But the emperor was there. Walking with two of his ministers.
We are not supposed to speak to him. We are not even supposed to meet his eyes.
The other girls giggled and straightened their sleeves as he passed.
I just stood with my back to him, looking at a white blossom hanging low from a branch.
I touched the edge of the petal gently.
And I felt him pause in his steps.
Then kept going.
But he saw me.
Again.
That night, Chun'er smiled as she poured tea.
"Did you see His Majesty look at you?"
"No," I said, sipping slowly. "Did he?"
She nodded quickly.
I smiled.
But said nothing else.
Because I didn't need to be seen too much.
Not yet.
Just enough.