21 Poison at the banquet

I had forgotten about the banquet. Seeing the length of the shadows, I hurry to go and get ready. As Jeweller Ping has suggested, I wear my beautiful new hairpin together with the new apricot and peach coloured dress the Emperor had ordered I wear especially for tonight. The result is pleasing to the eye and I cause quite a stir when I enter the banquet hall later in the evening.

The Emperor's eyes light up and his smile comes from his eyes. I am glad I have pleased him.

"I see you like the gift I sent you," he says after I have greeted him. "It suits you well. Your jeweller has passed my test. You have a good eye. You've chosen an excellent partner to help show off your creative talents. Turn around. That's it. Spin around slowly. Let us all have a look at what you have done with yourself."

The room fills with murmurs when I bow my thanks and sit. A never ending line of admirers afterwards come to take a closer look at my hairpin. So many people badger me for the jeweller's name, despite knowing I am currently mute. One pulls at me from one side. Another tugs my sleeve on the other side. Another pretends to massage my shoulders and yet another keeps trying to force wine into me. I can't stop them. They whisper in my ear that I must be pretending. Pretending that I am mute and unable to speak. They do not know that I am mute out of necessity. If I speak, who knows what words may come out and wake what should not be awoken. I am pushed and pulled and pinched. The room moves with me and I am at a loss for what to do. Bewildered and hating all this unwanted bullying type of attention.

If only I were stronger. Even if I lost a temper that I don't have, it would be unlikely to make a difference. There's only one person that can save me and I fix my eyes on him beseechingly until he comes to save me with a swish of yellow robes. While I would rather not ask his help, my physical condition is still not strong enough to withstand all this rough treatment.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Emperor comes to stand beside me and places a possessive hand on my shoulder. The people scatter back to their seats, "please don't disturb my Tofu. She has not been well of late and I don't want her tired out as this is her first banquet with us for the past two years. I would very much like her voice to return as soon as possible too but she has not finished recovering. I miss her voice but she is still too weak, so do not push her. My Tofu has been working hard to please me. Her jeweller is making a new range of jewellery that she has designed that they will showcase to us some time soon."

He knows everything. I have not told him anything and yet he somehow knows all that has been planned. Perhaps Jeweller Ping has reported to him. I shouldn't be surprised.

"Now, my favourite Tofu, tell me, is your courtyard fully staffed yet? When will you be inviting me for dinner? Better yet, when are you inviting everyone for the exhibition?"

My eyes widens at this. He is making everything into a bigger and bigger fuss. He hasn't even sent me the eunuch that he said he would. I can't organise such big events so quickly. Nothing has been made or is ready yet. Signing to Siao Ren, she speaks for me.

"Your Imperial Majesty, please be patient," she says. "My Lady Consort says she would like the matters of her courtyard to be settled before she can organise the exhibition. It has only been a few days. She is still planning everything and only asks for your patience." With an additional sign from me, Siao Ren adds, "Your Imperial Majesty can rest assured that you will be pleased with the arrangements she makes if you will be gracious enough to give her more time."

The Emperor gives a mock frown, holding me at arm's length.

"I am an impatient man," he says, examining my face and then leaning toward me so close our nose tips almost touch. It's like a threat. A warning. And it makes me nervous. "I will give you more time. Don't make me wait for long or I will be displeased."

Releasing me, he walks from beside me to the front of my table. I bow and accidentally hit my head on a bowl, causing the room to erupt in laughter. My cheeks flushed hot and I offer the Emperor a cup of wine. He drinks and returns the favour. I swallowed the bittersweet liquid in one gulp. With all the wine I have drunk, it is a good thing that I have a good alcohol tolerance or I would likely be drunk by now.

"Good," he beams, his voice as deep as the flowing river. The boulders in his eyes shift. Then he moved on.

Eating some fine starch noodles in sauce, I feel the first twinge that something isn't right with me. What it is at first, I am not sure. I try to brush the strange feeling coming over me and wonder where it may have come from. The food? The drink? So many people have come over to my table tonight that anyone could have slipped something into my food or drink. What about the Emperor? Was his cup of wine poisoned too? The dishes sway before my eyes. The noise of the banquet crowds in around me, as if it is trying to crush me. The room whirls and then spins like decorative wind chimes in the breeze.

"My Lady," Siao Ren whispers in my ear, "Are you all right? My Lady? Shall we go back to your room?"

I nod, but cannot stand. My legs feel numb. Falling down, I knock my table over. The room lurches in a mash of colour, blurring every shape together. Numbness spreads. A distasteful fluid gurgles in my throat, choking me. My tummy is burning. My lips and mouth are burning.

There are surprised screams and murmurs. Gasps and even a barked guffaw. Booming thunder shouts orders as footsteps retreat and others draw near.

Fingers on my wrist. Someone peers into my mouth.

"Poison," a distorted voice announces. "Consort Tofu has been poisoned."

Consternation fills the room like a strong wind. Needles prick. A pill followed by a bitter liquid are pushed and poured into my mouth. Swallowing, I gasp, crying and grasping at the burning feeling in my mouth and throat. Then someone lifts me up and carries me away.