Chapter Text
There were three rules in the Red Palace: no touching the concubines, no talking to the concubines and no courting the concubines.
To break any of these three rules required immediate revoking of privileges to the Red Palace and any other charges the Emperor saw fit to execute upon the offender. The first two rules had been broken plenty by nobles who just couldn’t control themselves but the last rule was absolute. One a many had received strict punishment for breaking the no-talking-or-touching orders.
The concubines belonged to the Emperor of the Lan Empire and they were to be treated as prized possessions. They were not to be looked down upon or sullied by anyone else. Each member of the Red Palace were specially selected and raised to be trained as the perfect concubine. After all, their one goal was to be chosen as the Emperor’s personal mistress—whether that be a man or woman—and should they be lucky, Imperial Consort. It was one status below Empress which the title and honor was only given to someone born of high noble status.
Most concubines in the Red Palace were all from noble families and high ranking members and officers of the Imperial court. The initiation to enter the Red Palace was a quite simple and was an event that only occurred after the coronation of a new Emperor. At the age of fifteen, eligible sons and daughters of each family were invited to take a test of various categories to determine their academic smarts as well as a physical test to observe their strength. The pool would dwindle from hundreds to a mere fifty best. Only one child from a family may be chosen to continue in the trials should they present the best, potential qualities.
From there on, the competition to make it into the final ten was fierce. One had to be the smartest, quickest, and most vicious of them all. There were no shortage of underhand comments and schemes to disqualify another from taking a slot into the final ten. It wasn’t all just about beauty and looks, one had to have a sharp mind and practical skills. The future Emperor would need more than just a lover to warm his bed; he would expect the best possible option to foster and bear him intelligent, strong heirs.
So although the top ten usually consisted of sons and daughters of noble birth, the invitation to take the entrance trials to the Red Palace was open to everyone beyond the court. The public were allowed to try out for it but nearly 98% were denied after the academic and physical tests. It was quite rare for any common folk to make it below one hundred contenders. In a certain, most unusual case, there was one who made it into the top fifty and kept persisting.
Wei Wuxian, who had been having breakfast with friends that one morning, could still vividly remember that day. He, along with nine others in the breakfast hall, including his close friend, had been called out by name from the Madame of the Red Palace, a most dignified woman, and received a sealed scroll with the stamp of the Imperial Palace.
He had been somewhat nervous to read the letter. He’d seen others get rejections and dismissals in the same way. Wei Wuxian didn’t want to be disqualified, not after he worked so hard and had gotten this far. For a person like him, he’d done what most couldn’t. He mustered up his courage, noticing the others hesitating as well and all at the same time, the sound of seals ripping and scrolls unfolding filled the quiet food hall.
Then, there were gasps from the recipients and their surrounding friends. Back then, Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe what he was reading. He had been chosen to be part of the final ten. He was chosen to be an official imperial concubine-in-training. He and the others were going to live in the private sector of the Red Palace specifically sectioned off for the ten finalists where they would be given their own rooms to be formally trained in all the ways of an educated, sophisticated imperial concubine.
That had been three years ago. Wei Wuxian was twenty-one now and living comfortably in his luxurious yet simplistic rooms. There were many perks that came with being part of the imperial concubines such as the weekly wages they were rewarded for their labors and work. They were given extra wages for any other extracurriculars they performed and on their birthdays and holidays. As well as that, the concubine trainees were each assigned a personal handmaiden and dressmaker. They were allowed to commission beautiful robes of the silkiest fabrics and paired with the sparkliest jewels fastened from the crown of their heads to their feet.
Wei Wuxian had a wardrobe full of beautiful clothes and drawers layered in jewelry. Should he not make it into the Emperor’s imperial harem or any high ranking nobleman’s home, he had a plan in mind to use the worth of the jewels, clothes and other room fixtures to sell for money. He’d be set for the rest of his life!
But, Wei Wuxian knew his own beauty and skills. He was confident he could be chosen to be part of the harem, if not the Emperor’s, then the Emperor’s elder brother should he catch his eye. Due to some reason unknown, the First Prince was not to succeed the throne; instead, the crown went to his younger brother. The First Prince was allowed to have a harem of his own after the Emperor selects the concubines of his choosing from the Red Palace. The ones not chosen, however, were to be given a chance to demonstrate their skills for the First Prince and other important members of the court afterward.
The demonstrations was the final test the concubines-in-training had to complete before selection day. The Madame hadn’t told them what the test would entail just yet, but Wei Wuxian was hardly nervous. He had come a long way and fought tooth and nail for his spot. He would not give up or open a potential chance for failure after all these years. Whatever the test was, he was more than prepared.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Madame of the Red Palace gathered the final ten at noon to announce the details about the upcoming test. Each concubine sat at attention, legs tucked under their thighs, spines erect, hands gracefully folded.
“Listen here,” said the Madame in a clear, loud tone. “Today marks the last day of your training. You have been taught everything you ought to know as a Red Palace concubine. You have all trained long and hard for years to be able put your skills to use. Today is that day.”
There was a collective confusion about what the Madame was saying but no one dared to speak or move, for they were hanging on her every word.
“For your final test, you will demonstrate an act of seduction in the form of a dance,” said the Madame. Some people let out a relived breath, glad that it only a dance and nothing more complicated. They had been taught different ways to dance for years. Wei Wuxian had been one of the top three dancers in a competition held a few months ago.
“Listen! This will be a blind dance. Meaning, you will be required to wear a blindfold as you conduct the sequence. This will be the ultimate test to your abilities.” At this, some people outright gasped and groaned. Wei Wuxian was merely surprised but he didn’t complain. He saw this as a challenge, one he was ready to take on, confident he could execute it to the best of his ability.
The Madame continued. “Your audience will be those of high ranking officials and nobles from the court. An Imperial Court inspector will be present to assess your qualifications as each of you take your turn dancing for the spectators. Should one catch an interest, you will be called in to privately dance for them. You may wear what you like, but make sure it is seductive yet appropriate. Are there any questions?”
Someone meekly rose their hand. “W-why would we be called in for a private dance?”
The Madame looks at them inquisitively, as if there shouldn’t have been any questions in the first place. “If you are called for an individual dance with one spectator from the audience, this will gain you merits on your qualification sheet. If you put on an unsatisfactory performance for the spectator, you will gain little to no extra merits but should they be exceptionally pleased with your performance, all the better for you.”
She continued. “You will benefit from these extra merits as the Emperor will note the individual spectator you danced for, their status, and their observation of your skills. Should he be pleased with what he reads, you will have a higher chance of being selected by His Imperial Majesty.”
“It is imperative that you do your very best. This is one step closer to being chosen by the Emperor for his harem. He may choose one or all ten of you. I expect only the very best of every one of you. You have six hours to dress and prepare. You may eat a light meal. The test begins at seven sharp, so be here before then. You will go in the order you are called. Sapphire Jasmine, you will go first, followed by…”
Wei Wuxian droned the Madame’s voice out. He let his mind drift, imagining what he would wear and how and in which way he would dance until he heard his name, “Crimson Lotus, you will go last. I will see you all shortly. Dismissed.”
Everyone wasted no time lingering around, they all gracefully rushed out to their rooms to begin dressing. Wei Wuxian informed his handmaidens on the task and they immediately got to work. He let them bathe and dress him, style his hair and apply cosmetics. He wore minimal jewelry and thin, satin slip on shoes.
The robes he donned were a beautiful dark red with a sheer layer of black fabric and subtle hints of white designs. They were not too heavy so as to be able to move freely as he danced. His hair has been styled half up and the rest flowed down to the bottom of his back decorated with golden beads that swished as he moved. Although they would be hidden, his eyes were lined with red in a fierce stripe, accentuating his purple-grey eyes and his lips were the color of a ripe, plump apple. He was sure to be irresistible.
A few hours later, Wei Wuxian and the others reconvened in the room they had been present in earlier. The Madame was spectating a demonstration so in her absence, they made low conversation.
“I heard the Emperor would be in attendance,” said one girl.
“Don’t spout such rumors. The Emperor is much too busy to attend such a silly little performance,” said Coral Hibiscus.
“This hardly silly. This is an attestment to our skills. Dancing blindfolded isn’t going to be easy.” River Lily stated, sounding absolutely offended.
Purple Pansy rolled her eyes, “We’re being reduced to common whores down in the brothels with this task.”
“We are not, don’t say such a thing. It’s not as if we’re being ordered to do anything else to the… spectators. But I have to say, this task seems easier than what I would’ve expected for the final demonstration.” River Lily rebutted.
Wei Wuxian smirked. River Lily was always sharp and quick-witted. She was his closet friend. They became acquainted the same day they were brought to the Red Palace for the entrance test. They’d been inseparable ever since and confide in one another and are often seen together in the food hall or on a stroll in gardens.
“What are you smirking about? Do you really believe you can pull off the dance, blindfolded?” Purple Pansy sniped at his direction.
“It’s easier than you might imagine. We’ve been trained blindfolded before in many ways. This is no different. Choose a dance you’re most familiar with, one that you’re confident you won’t need much room for or has the least acrobats.”
Everyone was silent, pondering his words. Purple Pansy scoffed and said, “Oh? Pray tell how will you choose to dance, Crimson Lotus?”
At this, Wei Wuxian smiled deviously. “And give you all my best secrets? I’d prefer to keep it a mystery.”
Purple Pansy clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, turning her back to him. Just then, the Madame came in.
“River Lily, you’re next. Follow me.”
River Lily stood up gracefully, her beautiful light blue robes flowing down her body like a stream. Wei Wuxian whispered to her, encouragingly, “Good luck!”
She nodded and smiled in thanks, following a few steps behind the Madame. There, the rest all waited for their turns. The whole ordeal took two hours before it was finally his turn.
“Crimson Lotus, you are the last one. After me,” said the Madame.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Wei Wuxian stood up without rushing, for they had been trained to rise slowly, with grace and without eagerness. He looked to River Lily, who said, “Do your best!”
Wei Wuxian winked and followed the Madame who looked just about done. The Madame wasn’t a particularly mean woman. She was strict when she needed to be but she was quite lenient with some of the concubines, one of them being Wei Wuxian. He’d known her since he was thirteen and he wiggled his way under her skin, and maybe even her heart. Sometimes, when he would tell a joke, he’d notice her try to hide a smile. After all, she had once been an imperial concubine in training, too, and knew what it was like for her trainees to spend their youth learning how to become a mistress.
When the y reached the doors to the performance room, she stopped and turned to him. “Alright, you know what you must do. Just beyond those doors are some of the most high-ranking, important officials and nobles of the court. Dance well, as if there were no one watching. Do not make me regret selecting you into the final ten.”
“Yes, Madame.”
“Crimson Lotus… you are one of my finest students, so I expect only the best from you.” The Madame flitted her hand around his hair and robes, fixing it to her liking then wrapped a black silk ribbon over his eyes.
“I won’t disappoint,” said Wei Wuxian. As she pushed the doors open, he tried to gauge how many people were in the room and the amount of space he’d been given to dance. The room felt big enough and he guessed there could be anywhere from ten to thirty spectators. The Madame positioned him in what he guessed was the center of the room then walked away and announced from somewhere in the back.
“The one before you is the final dancer of the evening, The Crimson Lotus,” she said. “You may begin.”
Suddenly, instruments started up, playing the notes to the song he’d requested to dance to. They played slowly and low at first, for the dance began unhurriedly. Wei Wuxian stretched out his arms in both directions, then curled them upwards, moving his hips and legs in a steady roll. He moved to the music, matching its pace and remembering to make expressions with his mouth since his eyes were concealed, the red of his lips were sure to get some attention.
The music gradually picked up and so did his movements. He was fluid and precise, dancing with ease, as if it were second nature. Wei Wuxian stepped around the room more, trying to encompass the audience and make sure each and every person watched how his body bent and moved at every angle. As the song reached its climax, he became one with the music and pivoted and flitted about in the room, his hair flying behind him, robes swaying around his legs, light and flowy. He felt like a crane, like the petals of a lotus drifting about in a stream.
At last, the song fell away from its crescendo and trickled into small, high notes. Wei Wuxian ended his last few moves with grace, twirling his hands and setting them in a pose. He took a final stance, with one leg crossed behind the other, one arm framing his bust and the other arching above his head, turned to the left for the extra dramatic effect.
Some claps and cheers rang out from the crowd. Wei Wuxian dropped his pose and took a bow, swooping down elegantly. The Madame came to his side once more and guided him to the doors, staying inside after he left. When he exited, he immediately took off the blindfold, eyes readjusting to the lights.
Wei Wuxian walked back to the waiting room and took his seat. River Lily was at his side in an instant. “How did it go? You didn’t slip once, did you?”
“Not a foot off mark. I think it went well.” He proudly remarked.
“I wish I could have been there, your dancing is always so mesmerizing.” She sighed dreamily. “I’m sure you had the whole audience under a trance. If not a single one privately summons you, then I’m certain it was them wearing blindfolds.”
Wei Wuxian laughed breathily and the two continued to chat until the Madame appeared some time later. “I have the results of the final test and I am pleased to say you all did well and some of you did exceptionally well. You have all passed but it does not mean you will have a higher chance at being chosen by the Emperor. He has to make that assessment for himself during the selection ceremony.”
Some people who had gotten their hopes up sighed. In the end, the Emperor will choose who he wants based off the information given from the Madame about each concubine.
She continued, “The audience have casted their ballots on whom they would like to receive a personal dance from later this evening. They were only allowed one vote. You will come up here to choose a name at random from the box positioned above your name.”
Each person went one by one from the order they danced and drew a name written on a slip of paper from their corresponding box. There were many papers in Wei Wuxian’s box and he swished his hand around for extra measure before pulling out a slip. “As you unfold the paper, you will see that a name and room has been written. That is the person you will be attending to. You may choose to dance how you wish, until the end of the night.”
Wei Wuxian unfolded the paper and the name revealed itself; Jade Peony. “Huh?” He must have said that out loud because the Madame spoke in response, “Yes, they too, have an alias. Alright everyone, please head to your designated room. Please remember to keep the blindfolds on for the duration of the dance and adhere to the three rules: you may not be touched, spoken to or persuaded into courtship. You are not for anyone else but the Emperor at the moment. We’ll reconvene in two days. You are dismissed.”
Once the Madame left, everyone let out their thoughts. “What does your name say? Mine is Yellow Spring.”
“Jade Peony,” said Wei Wuxian. “At least our rooms are close to each other. Let’s walk together.”
“Let’s!” River Lily said excitedly.
“Hold up.” Someone called out. “Anyone want to explain how Crimson Lotus had so many slips in his box? Your dance couldn’t have been that spectacular. Some of us barely had three slips to choose from.”
Wei Wuxian held back an eye roll. “I’m not sure why that could be, Purple Pansy. I certainly didn’t vote for myself. Maybe I’m just that irresistible.” He replied.
“We’ll see about that,” she scoffed and stomped off.
“Someone’s jealous,” River Lily giggled. “Let’s go or we’ll be late.”
They locked arms and walked to their designated rooms together and put on each other’s blindfolds. Wei Wuxian sighed, “Time to dance for some old croak.”
“Put on your best show!” River Lily said encouragingly. At the same time, they slid open the doors to their separate rooms. The room had on some lights, he could make out that much through the blindfold. It didn’t completely block out his vision so he could faintly see where he was going.
There was a bed against the wall opposite the door and a chair situated in the middle. He could feel the presence of another person in the room.
Wei Wuxian sucked in a breath and spoke with trained ease, “Good evening, Jade Peony. I am Crimson Lotus. Luck must be with you tonight, for fate dictates that I shall dance for you. Please, make yourself comfortable, I shall entertain you.”
He heard the person shift from their position over to the chair that creaked under their weight. Must be a rotund one, he thought to himself. Old, rich bastards and their creepy interests in the young.
“Before I begin, please heed my words,” said Wei Wuxian. “No touching, talking or attempting to court this concubine. These are the rules of the Red Palace. I am property of the Emperor and only for his eyes, with the exception of tonight as it is part of my final test. You are only allowed to speak the simple words of yes or no. However, I am allowed to touch or talk to you if I wish. Understood?”
“Mn.”
“…Grunting is acceptable, too, I guess.” Not knowing what else to say, Wei Wuxian began his inquiry.
He didn’t know if he were dancing for a woman or a man, so he asked, “How shall I address you? My Lady?”
“No.”
The voice was deep. “Oh, well then, my Lord would you prefer if I called you Jade Peony? It has a pretty ring to it.”
“…Yes.”
Wei Wuxian smiled. He wanted to get a feel of who the person was and how he should dance for them so he kept asking questions. “Was the dance from earlier to your liking? Shall I dance to it again?”
“Mn.”
“As you wish.” He started off slow, simply moving and swaying his body. There were no instruments filling the room with music in the background, but he needed none to dance to the melody playing in his head. “Shall I pick up the pace?”
“…”
“Or do you prefer to observe my body move languidly, inch by inch?”
The Lord took his time answering, seemingly hesitating, “…Yes.”
Wei Wuxian put on a grin but internally gagged. Pervert. “As you wish.” So he continued the steps of the dance in a slow pace, rolling his hips and sliding his hands down his arms and body leisurely, making sure the man before him looked his fill; hopefully enough to satisfy him for the night. Wei Wuxian danced for some time for the strangely quiet man before he spoke up again.
“Tell me, Jade Peony, is there something you take a liking in me? Ah! Wait, let me guess… my hair. Isn’t it so long and shines like crow feathers? I’ve worked hard to maintain it. It is my best feature if I do say so myself,” Wei Wuxian boasted.
“No.”
“Oh? Well then, is it my body? I was fortunate to be blessed with this physique and I take the utmost care of it. As a concubine, it is my most valuable asset.” He continued to move while yapping away.
The man grunted. Wei Wuxian arched a brow, then grinned. “Oh, I know. You must be entranced by my lips. They’re not as plump as my female counterparts, but red rogue works wonders.”
The man let out a sigh. “No.”
Wei Wuxian paused in his step, utterly perplexed. “Well, what could it be then? Oh, never mind me, you must simply like the way I dance—“
“Your eyes.”
“Ah, yes, my eyes. Wait, my eyes? But I’m wearing a blindfold! How could you possibly take a liking to my eyes when you have not seen them?” Wei Wuxian was stumped.
“That is precisely why I answered. Your eyes are a mystery I wish to uncover,” said the smooth, rich voice.
Pondering over those words, Wei Wuxian was suddenly hit with a realization and his mouth dropped open. “Wait a moment! You are not to speak to me! That is against the rules!” He screeched.
“You asked me a question. I answered,” the man deadpanned.
Wei Wuxian palmed his face, cursing his stupidity. “But your answer doesn’t make sense! And you’re still speaking! I could get in trouble!”
“You will if you continue shouting like that,” he replied fluidly.
“Agh! You—! Do not tell anyone we spoke about anything in here. Nothing happened. I danced and that’s all. If the Madame gets wind that we broke the rules, I will not get my chance to be presented to the Emperor and I have worked far too hard to get where I am.”
The man fell silent for a few beats. “Agreed. I will not say a word to anyone about what occurred in this room on one condition.”
Wei Wuxian crossed his arms. “And what is that?”
“You must agree to continue dancing for me when I summon you.” Wei Wuxian was baffled at how this man so quickly cornered him in this situation. He could not refuse lest he get in trouble with the Madame for breaking the rules. He’d lose his chance at catching the Emperor’s eye for sure.
“I cannot do that. Summons must be approved by the Madame and the Imperial Concubine presentation to the Emperor is in two weeks. Until then, I am to wholly dedicate myself and my body to the preparation of that ceremony. I must be focused and in top notch condition. After the ceremony, if I am not selected by the Emperor… then you may summon me.”
Wei Wuxian tried to not to think about the possibility of not being chosen. If anything, he could be chosen by a member of the extended Imperial family or a nobleman, such as Jade Peony. He seemed quite young judging from his tone of voice and not at all like the pudgy, creepy man Wei Wuxian originally suspected he was.
“Cast away your worries, I know the Emperor very well and the workings of the selection ceremony. Summoning you will not pose an issue with him or the Madame of the Red Palace.”
“Are you certain about this?” Wei Wuxian didn’t seem sure this wouldn’t get him in some trouble but Jade Peony apparently knew the Emperor well enough to borrow his concubine for his own entertainment.
“I am. You will be summoned every other night to this room at this exact hour. What say you?”
Wei Wuxian puckered his lips in feign concentration, as he had no other option. “It’s a deal. There had better be no hidden requirements in this agreement or I shall be in a great deal of trouble, my lord.”
“Just a small one.”
As expected with these nobles. “Oh? And what are the terms?” He crossed his arms.
The man didn’t spare one second as he stated his terms. “You must showcase a different dance each night with lighter clothing than that which you wear.”
“You mean, you wish to see more of my bare skin?” Wei Wuxian scoffed in disgust.
“No.” The man said evenly. “I simply wish to see every part of your body move. Your current robes, though beautiful, are too restricting. I see how you long to move freely. You have the movements of a talented dancer.”
Ignoring the compliment and accurate observation, Wei Wuxian gave in. “Hmph, fine. But the blindfold stays on. I have set my sights on none but the Emperor.”
“Ha…” he breathed. “If you wish.”
“Is that all?”
“Yes. You may leave for tonight…” He trailed.
“Alright, then. I’ll leave first. I bid you a good night, Jade Peony,” Wei Wuxian bowed with grace and turned to leave but as he neared the doors, he stopped. “Are you sure that is all the terms of the agreement?”
The man stood up and walked toward him, with steady yet light steps. “There is… one last term.”
Wei Wuxian waited for him to speak, mind racing to think what else he could possibly ask for. His answered surprised him.
“Conversation.”
“B-but we aren’t allowed to speak. This, what we were doing here, was not allowed in the first place.”
Jade Peony clicked his tongue and sighed. “Then I’ll have to tell the Madame we spoke and that you took off your blindfold.”
This person was blackmailing him! Wei Wuxian couldn’t believe this man. “I never!”
“Agree to this last term. It will only be simple conversation. I do not intend to court you. I will not tell anyone what goes on in this room, so long as you agree to these conditions.”
This man really put him in a bind. Wei Wuxian threw his hands up in the air. “Alright, fine. I’m going now.”
The man seemed satisfied by this answer, saying in a gentle yet heavy voice, “Good night, Crimson Lotus.”
Chills ran down his spine as he exited. The door closed behind him and Wei Wuxian pulled the blindfold off, shaking his head at all that had just transpired. He couldn’t even fathom what would take place within the next two weeks. Jade Peony was a strange, mysterious man.
———
“Crimson Lotus, I have a summons for you from Jade Peony.” The Madame called out into the lounge hall. “It seems you’ve left an impression on the lord. He wishes to see you tonight in the same room and hour as two nights prior.”
Wei Wuxian stood up and went toward her, taking the summons slip from her hands. “I am glad to have caught the attention of the nobleman. I enjoyed dancing and will use this opportunity as a practice for the ceremony.”
The Madame pursed her lips, eyes narrowed. “Mmm… yes. Although, I was rather surprised to receive this request. I nearly declined it.”
Wei Wuxian choked back a gasp. That wouldn’t have been good. He needed to pacify this Lord for the next few days or else he’d get in trouble. “W-why would you have done so, Madame? The Lord was cordial and followed the rules.”
“Well, I usually don’t lend my trainees to the Gentry this close to the Imperial Concubine Selection ceremony. You must all be in top condition and your mind only focused on the Emperor. It doesn’t do well to have you all flocking between the nobles when you are all reserved for the Emperor first.”
“You make a fine point, Madame. I understand how that could prove to be distracting.” He hastily agreed with her, trying not to fiddle with the slip in his hand.
“However, this Jade Peony was quite insistent that he watch you dance again and he even paid quite handsomely. I’ll use the money to order more fabrics and cosmetics for you all to look your best at the ceremony.”
Wei Wuxian faked an enthusiastic smile. “I’m glad to have contributed in some way. I will dance my best tonight.”
“You do that. Actually, should you put on another impressive performance for the nobleman, you have my permission to continue to dance for Jade Peony up until the selection ceremony, should he continue paying a hefty tab like this.” She giggled to herself. The man must have paid a massive sum for the Madame to be so easygoing about the situation.
“Yes, Madame. As you say. I will leave first to prepare for tonight.” Wei Wuxian bowed then strode to his room, his head full of thoughts. He had much to do and a man to dance for.