In the year 331 AD, Ningdu, Yunpei.
It was the Winter Solstice, the Festival of the Rooster. The slanting sun had yet to set, and the Guang Han Palace, bathed in the glow of firelight, stood proudly like a phoenix on Mount Chang’e, its architecture grand and dreamlike. The intricately carved gray steps, each one amplifying the humility of those who ascended, led to towering pillars that gave an awe-inspiring view of the palace’s grandeur. Anyone standing at the entrance would feel their heart race, overwhelmed by the indescribable majesty and dignity of the place. Since the Five Nations divided their territories, only Yunpei had truly reached the pinnacle of culture and art. From sculpture to painting, from dance to music, all flourished, and this prosperity only grew after Na Zhan took power. For the people of the southern desert, Na Zhan had become an emperor in all but name over the past fourteen years.
Zhan Bie stood anxiously before the grand hall of Guang Han Palace, his burly frame catching the occasional glances of the two men waiting beside him, who were equally tense. After what seemed like an eternity, a young maid hurried out, bowing to each of the three in turn.
The three men quickly bowed and asked in unison, "Where is His Majesty?"
The maid trembled, her expression one of deep anxiety. She stammered for a moment before finally replying, "Your Excellencies, His Majesty is currently enjoying the sunset with Lady Jia in Hua Yu Palace."
According to Yunpei tradition, any concubine given a palace title would be recorded in the official history, marking their status as legitimate. It was clear that Lady Jia's position had risen considerably.
However, this did not deter the three men from their desire to meet the king, especially one of them, an elderly general with graying hair and a sturdy physique that revealed his martial background. His voice boomed with barely restrained anger, "What kind of woman demands His Majesty's company every day to watch the sunset! Send word again! I won’t leave without seeing His Majesty today."
Zhan Bie and the other man immediately voiced their agreement.
The maid quickly retreated, clearly flustered.
It wasn’t long before she returned, but this time, there was a faint trace of disdain in her expression. She stood firmly before them and said, "General Hua, Lady Jia has asked me to relay a message: You are not young anymore, and you’ve been retired for many years. You should be enjoying your peaceful life. It would be wise not to rely on your past merits to disturb others’ tranquility. One day, it could ruin the reputation you earned with your life!"
Her words caused General Hua's face to darken, his snowy eyebrows knitting in frustration. The blatant insult left him so enraged that he could barely stand.
Before Zhan Bie and the other man could react, the maid turned to the second person. "Prince Chang, Lady Jia has also asked me to remind you that, as a royal prince, your frequent visits to the inner palace are inappropriate. Rumors could easily displease His Majesty and damage your future prospects. Please be cautious with your behavior."
Hearing this, the dashing Prince Chang turned pale and took a step back in shock.
Zhan Bie, barely able to contain his anxiety, asked the maid, "What about me? Did His Majesty read my letter?"
The maid finally turned to him, giving a slight bow. "Lady Jia said that His Majesty will read your letter. As the envoy, you’ve traveled a long way, so you may rest easy. Once His Majesty has finished watching the sunset, there will be a time for your audience. There’s no need to be anxious."
Hearing this mocking reply, Zhan Bie felt as if lightning had struck him. His face fell, just as embarrassed as the other two. He could only follow the maid, his spirit seemingly disconnected from his body, his mind still reeling from the absurdity of it all.
From that day on, Lady Jia of Hua Yu Palace became a hot topic of gossip among the common folk, and the "Three Reprimands of Hua Yu Palace" became a popular story told in the teahouses and taverns near Ningdu’s royal city.
Not long after, Hua Yu Palace began to receive a flood of visitors, and the rumors of King Na Zhan’s continuous favor toward Lady Jia spread rapidly until everyone knew. As a result, Lady Jia's family, the Zhenqu tribe of the southern desert, soon reaped great benefits. With Yunpei's backing, they swiftly drove out the Ziken tribe and seized a coveted oasis—though, in Na Zhan’s eyes, it was worth little more than a speck of dust.
Na Zhan favored this woman because she gave herself to him, body and soul. Her purity, her pride, and her unique charm matched his taste for elegance and indulgence. Thus, he summoned her every night, unable to tire of her company. In this way, she became the unrivaled favorite in Guang Han Palace, feared by all the other concubines. Yet, in her heart, there was always a thorn—its name was Huang Bei Shuang.
The wind blew steadily, but it couldn’t sweep away the lingering sound of a flute drifting through the air on Mount Chang’e. The melody was so clear, so peaceful, that even the flowers and grasses seemed to rustle in harmony, dancing to its tune.
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