The Mid-Autumn Festival letters from the imperial consorts were sent out of the palace. For officials in the capital, female officials from the Records Office delivered the letters to each household. For officials outside the capital, the letters were dispatched by fast horses to various relay stations.

When the letter arrived at the Prefect’s residence in Fuzhou, it was already close to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Gu Longtong, having finished his duties, returned to the Gu residence with great excitement, calling out to Madam Gu, “Madam, come quickly! Our eldest daughter has sent a letter home!”

Madam Gu came out to meet him, her face beaming with joy. “Really? But, my lord, you shouldn’t call her ‘eldest daughter’ anymore. You should address her as ‘Concubine’!”

Gu Longtong patted the black official hat on his head. “Look at me, I’ve forgotten. It’s Concubine Gu from Heluo Palace who has written to us!”

Madam Gu took the letter and examined it. After carefully studying the short line of small characters for quite some time, she said, “Servants, lock this letter in the square cabinet beside my bed and keep it safe!”

Gu Longtong removed his official hat, sat down, and sighed, “It’s been nearly half a year since Yi went to the capital for the imperial selection. I wonder how she’s doing in the palace now?”

Madam Gu, with a stomach full of words, finally found her opportunity. “My lord is right. It has been so long… I’ve been dreaming of her frequently. Some days ago, I even had a nightmare where I dreamt that Yi… she…” Madam Gu’s expression changed. “How inauspicious! Never mind! But my lord has been an official in Fuzhou for two years now. After completing the full three-year term, if next year’s evaluation is satisfactory, would it be possible for you to seek a position in the capital?”

Gu Longtong let out a long sigh. “Entering the capital isn’t so easy. The nine-year comprehensive evaluation considers three evaluations to determine promotions and demotions. My last evaluation was merely average. Although the one before that was satisfactory, even if next year’s is also satisfactory, it’s hard to say whether I can enter the capital. Even without a promotion in rank, a fifth-rank official position in the capital would still be advancement!”

Moreover, there was still a blemish on his record. Although he had requested a transfer from Qingzhou Prefecture two years ago, it was uncertain whether the new Emperor would be suspicious.

However… since Yi had been promoted, did that indicate the Emperor’s attitude?

Perhaps he could take a chance before next year’s evaluation…

Madam Gu, consumed with thoughts of her daughter, said, “Yi has always been proud and willful. I don’t know if she has tempered her nature since entering the palace. I’m truly worried. If my lord could enter the capital, I would have some peace of mind. Once she’s promoted to the rank of Consort, I might even be able to request an entry pass to see her in the palace… Why don’t… my lord try to use his connections in the Ministry of Personnel? First, send a letter to test the waters?”

Gu Longtong mentally reviewed suitable candidates in the Ministry of Revenue. “Lord Shen and I passed the civil examinations in the same year and have some old acquaintances. I’ll take advantage of this Mid-Autumn Festival to send him a letter…”

*

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, starting from the hour of Si (9-11 AM), Concubine Gong of Zhifang Palace had been practicing the Celestial Dance on the plum blossom stakes erected behind the hall.

The Celestial Dance, as the name suggests, involved dancers performing on three-foot-high plum blossom stakes, their rainbow-colored robes fluttering as if they were celestial beings.

After a month of practice, Concubine Gong had mastered the movements. She moved with light steps across the nine plum blossom stakes.

Zhao Wan entered the courtyard carrying the rainbow-colored dance costume and immediately witnessed Concubine Gong’s graceful dance.

Beautiful indeed.

When Concubine Gong finished her dance, she raised her eyebrows and noticed the costume in Zhao Wan’s hands. With delight, she said, “Wan, come here. Let me take a closer look at this costume.”

Zhao Wan quickly approached and unfolded the costume before Concubine Gong.

The cross-collared silk robe had flowing ribbons at the waist and multiple layers of gauze in the skirt, with brocade that shimmered brilliantly.

“How beautiful!” Concubine Gong gently stroked the costume. “Let me try it on.”

A moment later, Concubine Gong, dressed in the rainbow costume, stood on the plum blossom stake.

Huang Li sighed, “Concubine looks extremely beautiful, truly like an immortal!”

Concubine Gong smiled lightly, pointed her toes, and twirled in a celestial dance.

Unexpectedly, after only a few steps, one of the plum blossom stakes suddenly broke. Concubine Gong was shocked, lost her balance, and fell from the stake.

Huang Li cried out in alarm, “Concubine!”

Concubine Gong fell to the ground, feeling intense pain in her ankle. Huang Li and the palace maids hurriedly lifted her.

Concubine Gong looked at the broken plum blossom stake and said with a cold smile, “Who would be so vicious!”

These plum blossom stakes had been perfectly fine during half a month of practice. How could they fail just before the palace banquet?

The palace maids standing at the back of the hall were all shocked and remained silent.

Huang Li said in a low voice, “The Concubine’s ankle is swollen. This servant will go call for the imperial physician!”

Concubine Gong quickly thought, “Wait! Today is the Mid-Autumn Palace banquet. How can we let villains succeed?”

Two palace maids gently placed her on the couch in the hall and used cotton cloth soaked in clear water to wipe her ankle.

Concubine Gong said, “Wrap the ankle with white gauze, then cover it with silk stockings.”

After the ankle was wrapped, Concubine Gong tried to stand by holding Huang Li’s hand. She took two steps, feeling pain with each step.

Gritting her teeth, she took two more steps before sitting back on the soft couch.

Walking was still possible, but performing the Celestial Dance was out of the question.

Huang Li’s face turned pale. “Concubine, what shall we do?”

Concubine Gong’s gaze swept across everyone and landed on Zhao Wan, whose stature was similar to hers.

“Wan, stay. Everyone else, withdraw.”

Zhao Wan stood still as Concubine Gong’s scrutinizing gaze examined her from head to toe. “Tonight, you will wear a blue veil and dance in my place. Are you willing?”

Zhao Wan was startled. The Celestial Dance was not easy, and she would only have a few hours to practice if she were to perform.

She bit her lip lightly and curtseyed gracefully, “This servant is willing.”

*

The moon was full on Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tao Jia specially selected a dark blue cross-collared upper garment for Gu Yi, with moon shadows embroidered on the sleeves and collar. She arranged her hair in a ma-ji style and adorned it with silver ornaments.

“Concubine will surely astonish everyone with her beauty tonight.”

Hah, that’s because you haven’t seen the female lead perform the Celestial Dance yet.

Gu Yi: “Hehe.”

Tao Jia remembered that Concubine Qi’s maid had visited earlier. “By the way, Concubine, Concubine Qi sent someone to say she wishes to see you tonight.”

Gu Yi was overjoyed. Sister Qi must want to settle her writing fees again! She immediately nodded and said, “During the palace banquet later, keep an eye on Concubine Qi. If she leaves her seat midway, come and inform me immediately!”

At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), the moon began to appear.

The Mid-Autumn Palace banquet was set in the Imperial Garden. There was a pavilion in the garden, several feet high, called the Moon-Viewing Terrace.

Below the Moon-Viewing Terrace, the Emperor sat in the center. Since there was no Empress in the palace, the seat beside him remained empty.

To his left sat the ministers of the Grand Secretariat.

A little further away were the four consorts: Duan, Jing, De, and Su. Behind them in a circle sat the concubines of lower ranks: Guiren, Meiren, and Cairen.

The families of officials were seated even further back.

Everyone surrounded the circular outdoor stage set up in the garden.

Gu Yi noticed that the stage was quite far away. Given the distance, even if Zhao Wan impersonated Concubine Gong and danced with a blue veil covering her face, no one would be able to tell who she was!

The plot made sense!

She took a sip of flower wine, which was sweet on the tongue but slightly spicy as it slid down her throat. She dared not drink more and ate a small piece of mooncake with red bean filling.

It was sweet but not cloying, delicious.

As she chewed on the mooncake, her gaze sought out Concubine Qi. Fortunately, Concubine Qi was not far from her, but she had her head lowered and did not notice Gu Yi’s gaze.

Gu Yi shifted her gaze to survey the women of the imperial harem.

There was no Empress Dowager in the palace, only a few Dowager Consorts. However, the Dowager Consorts had requested to visit a Taoist temple, leaving only Dowager Consort Liu in the palace.

But she couldn’t see any imperial women of similar age and rank, so she turned her gaze toward the four consorts wearing ten ornaments not far away.

Consorts Duan and Jing were the oldest, one surnamed Bai and the other Tang. Neither came from prominent families; both had been in Prince Xiao’s residence before Xiaoyan’s ascension to the throne. Gu Yi had never interacted with them and couldn’t distinguish between the two figures for now.

But Consort Su, Gu Yi could identify at a glance. When she first arrived, she had seen the lofty Consort Su from behind the etiquette instructress.

Looking closely, she indeed had eyebrows like distant mountains touched with ink and skin like smiling peach blossoms.

No wonder she was considered the greatest beauty of the Great Mu Dynasty.

Unfortunately… she had fallen in love with someone she shouldn’t have. Alas.

The person sitting closest to the Emperor was Consort De, surnamed Liu, given name Piaopiao, who was the proper female secondary character in the book.

Unlike Consort Su’s flamboyant beauty, Liu Piaopiao was a delicate beauty from a noble family. She deeply loved the male lead but couldn’t have him, ultimately overshadowed by the female protagonist’s aura.

Here, let’s light a candle for her as well.

After observing the four consorts, Gu Yi’s gaze inevitably fell on Xiaoyan. She saw him wearing a bright yellow court robe with a black crown, but his gaze unexpectedly met hers.

Come to think of it, it had been some time since she had seen Xiaoyan. Since their last meeting at the Peach Garden, Xiaoyan had been busy selecting officials and had not set foot in the imperial harem for half a month.

Gu Yi displayed a smile.

Today, she was also playing the role of a professional fake-smiler.

Xiaoyan coldly turned his face away.

He recalled what the palace servants had reported: tonight, Concubine Gu of Heluo Palace had no talent to offer.

Hopeless.

Dong, dong, dong.

After several drum beats, the musicians began to play.

Gu Yi eagerly began to watch the performances.

Concubine Zhou presented a dance, as did Concubine Chen.

Both were tall figures, one dressed in green, the other in red.

Both danced quite well.

But Xiaoyan did not say, “Reward.”

Concubine Tian performed calligraphy on the spot, capturing the essence of elegance, but Xiaoyan still offered no reward.

Concubine Wang, dressed in blue, played the zither, performing “High Mountains and Flowing Water.”

Finally, Xiaoyan said: “Reward.”

Concubine Wang thanked him for the favor and was just about to leave the stage when a gentle breeze arose. A few wisps of clouds drifted over, covering the moon hanging overhead and cutting off the moonlight.

In the slight darkness, Concubine Wang saw a dancer wearing a blue veil ascend the stage.

Concubine Gong could still dance! What a joke!

Just wait for her to embarrass herself!

Dong, another drum beat sounded.

Nine plum blossom stakes were set up on the stage.

Here it comes!

Gu Yi couldn’t help but sit up straight. She saw the figure on the circular stage gracefully leap onto the wooden stakes, lightly touching with her toes, whirling and dancing.

The rainbow costume on her body reflected the moonlight, shimmering brilliantly.

Below the stage, Concubine Wang was so angry she nearly ground her silver teeth to pieces. What was happening? Gong Yueqin could still perform this so-called Celestial Dance!

On stage, the dancer’s face was covered with a blue veil, her movements light and graceful.

Her beauty astonished all, and everyone fell silent.

Eunuch Gao was inwardly impressed—Concubine Gong truly had superior skills!

When the dance concluded, the Emperor indeed said: “Reward.”

Zhao Wan hurriedly left the stage. Under Huang Li’s guidance, she avoided the crowd and walked behind a rockery where Concubine Gong was already waiting. Concubine Gong took the blue veil from her head, changed into the rainbow costume, and hurriedly returned to her seat.

Zhao Wan was left standing there in only her undergarments.

Huang Li left her a set of palace clothes. “You can leave quietly later.”

Zhao Wan’s back was still covered in sweat, and she could only stand still, suddenly feeling a sense of desolation in her heart.