The intentions behind a smile

No matter how the princess, general, prime minister and emperor tried, Mulan still had to enter the palace and thank the wedding and this time she would have to follow the imperial etiquette that she spent an entire month learning from Princess Qin Ruan, so she would have to visit the Empress Dowager and Empress, who held the highest status among the women of the Emperor's harem, for reasons of courtesy.

And these women wanted to eat her alive.

Qin Ruan joined Mulan on the visit to the palace even though she was not invited, as no one could offend her not even the old empress. Mulan was with the princess, as the prime minister's family had decided to play the role of her dead maternal family. So she would marry as a lady in the prime minister's family, consequently an imperial lady, since by sheer whim the princess decided some time ago to take her as her goddaughter.

Anyway, in status Mulan was equated to an imperial concubine, but in power...

The meeting was to be held at the palace of the dowager empress, which was the most luxurious palace among the women of the harem. Fountains, flowers and rare animals. When Mulan passed by the garden she saw a bit of everything and what a huge garden was that?! She was scared.

How much power did a woman have to have to live in a place like this?

Mulan studied Egyptology and if there is one thing she learned it is that in all empires there is one thing in common, status is not comparable with power and whoever has both dominates everyone.

As the emperor's mother it is clear that the dowager empress would have great status and a considerable amount of power and this frightened Mulan. She wasn't an idiot, Mulan knew that although she was being used she was also being protected from the dangers that came with marrying Zhang xian by the interested parties, but bringing her here today is like saying "now pay for your food".

No matter who was there, Mulan had been set up as a fledgling gladiator to fight the lions and alone. What happened there in that palace was entirely her responsibility, whether to make it out alive or dead. At the right moment, she was undecided whether she wanted to live or die, but in living doubt.

Princess Qin Ruan entered first, no one would dare bar her entry, but Mulan had to wait for the Dowager Empress to feel "comfortable". Mulan waited for two hours outside the empress's hall. She didn't dare move or look around. It would be wrong to say she wasn't afraid. She was so scared that if she could, she would run away right then and there.

But she couldn't run away and this time she couldn't even cry.

The Empress Dowager was clearly demonstrating her power, until the Emperor and Empress Consort arrived at the General. As she had been taught, Mulan greeted them with a graceful bow, quite difficult to do by the way, as her legs seemed about to break from standing so long.

- Are you waiting for the dowager empress to call her? – the empress asked hiding a smile behind her Hanfu sleeve, she was happy for Mulan's misfortune and felt partially avenged that the unknown girl had ruined her plans to gain power.

Mulan nodded, still saying nothing.

- Well, wait no longer – The emperor said – Come with us.

Qin Shi knew what her mother was trying to do. It was a petty trick to tell who was still in charge of this place, but he didn't mind dragging his own mother's face to the ground. Especially seeing her trying to meddle in his business. He was a rebellious son.

When everyone entered Qin Shi spoke directly to the eunuch:

-Place chairs for the general and his bride – That was to show that no matter whose palace it was, it all belonged to him, because he was the emperor and not even his mother could contradict his wishes.

It was as said, the dowager empress had to swallow the rebuke to Mulan that was stuck in her throat. In a corner of the room, Qin Ruan smiled at the sight of his brother performing such a petty trick, he never missed an opportunity to demonstrate his power in front of the court or the women of the harem. Not to impress them, but to warn them.

He was the emperor and above him there were only the gods.

When the emperor and the two empresses sat down, Zhang xian and Mulan still stood in the middle of the room with their heads bowed, waiting for permission to speak. Their seats had already been placed, but if they took their seats before thanking the wedding it would be a breach of etiquette. At least that's what the princess taught Mulan and made it very clear that the only ones who could break those rules were she and the emperor.

Qin Ruan was overjoyed to see that her efforts to train Mulan had not been in vain and she had indeed learned the etiquette that Qin Ruan herself knew and refused to use.

- Speak up - The emperor used a deep and authoritative voice, different from the day they met to indicate that Mulan and Zhang xian gave their thanks. He looked more like an emperor like that, Mulan thought. However, his thoughts quickly retreated to the words he had practiced many times and now had to repeat with Zhang Xian.

- We thank the emperor for his grace – The two spoke, joining hands in front of the bodies, kneeling and bending until their heads were close to the ground.

At no time did they mention any of the empresses and just thanked the emperor showing who was his loyalty and making another show of power and well in the palace of the empress dowager, who smiled deeply almost vomiting blood in rage.

These people went to his palace to demonstrate their power.

- Dispose - This time the emperor spoke relaxed, as if he had done something trivial and not blocked the search for power of half the imperial court - Rise! The imperial mother's palace has the best tea in the kingdom, let's all enjoy it as we celebrate the general's wedding.

The emperor ordered as he gestured to a servant and ordered them both to sit down.

From beginning to end the two women remained silent, but as soon as tea was served the hunt began.

-I understand that the general knew you… - The empress looked at Mulan pretending to have forgotten her name.

- Mulan, your majesty – Mulan replied, neither humble nor arrogant. Zhang xian was surprised that Qin Ruan had the ability to teach that to Mulan, with her twisted personality.

- Of course, Miss Mulan – The Empress spoke smiling – But I didn't ask.