The Silent Flame A Princess Reborn for Revenge

Chapter 7 Consort Eun

Part 1

“The little trinket of yours, We find most pleasing,” the Emperor said, then instructed Huang Changzheng, “Hang this cloth in the bedchamber of the Jieyu (Concubine of lower fourth rank) in Jingren Palace. From now on, when We wish to see bamboo, We shall visit Jingren Palace.”

Huang Changzheng accepted the order and withdrew. Jieyu Jing was overwhelmed by the honor and thanked him profusely. The Emperor's words were ambiguous, and a few consorts couldn't help but smirk faintly, their expressions awkward with concealed jealousy.

Next came Jieyu Shi and her pipa performance. The melody was elegant and pleasant, but Jieyu Jing had already stolen the spotlight that night, leaving others merely as background decorations.

Rongrong and Talented Lady Yue performed a gentle duet. Singing was not Rongrong’s forte—but she knew well that seeking favor should never be rushed. Otherwise, it might come quickly but vanish just as fast. The Emperor and Empress praised them in a perfunctory manner and soon ordered them to leave the stage.

“Bright moon—when did you rise? Let me raise a toast—and ask the sky…”

Just as the audience was guessing who would be next, a sudden voice rang out from the stage. The first two characters were sung in a high, sustained pitch before slowly descending into softer tones with flawless transition. This unique vocal style—starting strong, then easing into a delicate fade—was extremely rare and challenging. Even the court’s best songstresses couldn’t perform it. To describe the voice as celestial music would still fall short of its beauty.

Yet, the woman sang only those two lines—no more. Her voice faded, but the musicians continued playing.

On stage, eight women dressed as soldiers began to perform synchronized movements mimicking military drills, blending martial discipline into dance. In the center of the stage, a veiled woman dressed in white slowly rose with her back to the audience. Her hands, pale and slender like spring onions carved from jade, moved in soft circles, as if boneless. As she moved, she stood up slowly, revealing her bare feet—no shoes or socks. Her feet were so delicate, they seemed sculpted from the finest white jade. Gracefully, she turned to face the audience.

That face—childlike and serene—belonged to Eunhee!

Even Rongrong couldn’t hide her astonishment. Jieyu Jing had already dazzled the crowd, yet Eunhee stole the show with a single appearance. Her dance was mysterious, fluid, and hauntingly beautiful. The contrast between her soft, strange elegance and the military-themed dancers only highlighted her singular beauty.

As expected, the entire hall was stunned. Jieyu Jing’s face turned livid; she was utterly speechless.

Part 2

Everyone was indeed dumbfounded. Jieyu Jing’s face turned a shade of iron gray, completely at a loss for words.

After Eunhee finished her performance, Emperor Bupei’s eyes sparkled with amazement. “To think the daughter of Long Xiang possesses such talent—truly an eye-opener. Huang Changzheng, go quickly and escort Consort Eun back to her palace to change her attire.”

The crowd was slightly puzzled. Huang Changzheng, ever astute, immediately added, “Congratulations to Her Ladyship Consort Eun on her promotion. This servant humbly requests a reward!”

Eunhee was both shocked and delighted. She knelt quickly in gratitude. In the long history of the Great Tai dynasty, very few concubines had ever been promoted without first having shared the Emperor’s bed.

After Eunhee left, the banquet lost its luster. The concubines and nobles exchanged casual conversation, while Emperor Bupei seemed distracted. The Empress noticed the Emperor’s mind lingering on Eunhee and ended the banquet early.

The concubines returned to their palaces, some with envy, some with disdain. But one thing was clear—Eunhee had succeeded. Tonight, in the warm lotus-draped bedchamber of Chengqian Hall, she would surely receive the Emperor’s favor.

Later, as Lin Xi helped Rongrong prepare for bed, she waited until only Xia Lan remained before speaking in a whisper: “Consort Eun seems deeply favored by the Emperor. What are your intentions, my Lady?”

Rongrong was startled and shot a sharp look at her through the bronze mirror. Lin Xi immediately knelt down in fear. “This servant speaks only out of loyalty, not to sow discord.”

Rongrong helped her up and said, “I know you’re loyal. Eunhee would never oppose me. She is a smart woman. We share a deep bond—there’s no need to tear that apart.”

Lin Xi replied softly, “Yes, my Lady.”

Eunhee’s favor with the Emperor was undeniable. One could only hope she truly meant no harm to Rongrong, as Rongrong believed.

Indeed, Eunhee was summoned to the Emperor’s bedchamber three nights in a row—unprecedented in the palace. Whispers spread among the palace staff, claiming Eunhee used seduction to gain favor. Eunhee paid no mind, and even the Empress smiled faintly upon hearing it: “Nowadays, the Emperor has few he truly trusts by his side. If all the new concubines could bring him joy like Consort Eun, this Empress’s burden would be much lighter.”

On the fourth day, Eunhee finally visited the Duanyang Palace. She wore a deep blue robe with golden embroidery, her face glowing with rosy health and subtle shyness—like a woman newly wed.

She and Rongrong sat together, idly picking at the purple jade grapes before them.