“Sister, you jest.” Consort De stiffened for only a moment before her flawless smile returned. She set down her teacup and rose to greet the other woman.
With genuine admiration, she praised, “...This headpiece suits only you, sister. The colors complement your gown perfectly...”
Her voice was gentle, as if all past grievances had melted away, and no discord had ever existed between them.
Yunxiu’s gaze swept lightly over Consort De before she suddenly felt a spark of amusement.
Last night, the Emperor had stormed out of Yonghe Palace, leaving Consort De utterly humiliated. The entire harem was waiting to see her downfall.
Yet here she was, appearing completely unruffled, not a trace of emotion on her face.
Even when her attire was subtly mocked, she merely flickered with a slight change in expression, still addressing Yunxiu as “sister” with such warmth.
Such restraint!
She must be seething with hatred inside.
Yunxiu couldn’t care less what schemes Consort De was brewing or how long she intended to endure.
As the saying went, one shouldn’t strike a smiling face. Since Mrs. Wuya was playing nice, Yunxiu would respond with courtesy—she wasn’t foolish enough to give anyone ammunition against her.
When it came to acting, who couldn’t play the part?
“The congratulatory gifts are all piled up in the side hall—an overwhelming sight, truly difficult to sort through. I’ve had a gift list prepared, to be read aloud item by item. That should make things easier. What do you think?” Yunxiu reined in her haughty demeanor, speaking in a measured, consultative tone.
This was the Mrs. Guoluoluo Consort De knew.
Though her flamboyance was still irritating, at least she had toned it down!
Consort De exhaled softly and replied sweetly, “Sister may decide. I am merely assisting.”
Yunxiu shot her a faintly mocking glance.
Was this tone meant to seek reconciliation—or to feign submission?
How adaptable. It reminded her of the humble Mrs. Wuya from years past.
Once they reached the side hall, Yunxiu ordered two embroidered stools brought in and signaled for a eunuch to recite the lengthy gift list.
“From the Imperial Noble Consort of Chengqian Palace: a renowned painting by Wu Daozi, ‘Pine Waves’... From the Noble Consort of Yongshou Palace: an auspicious cloud-patterned inkstone... From Consort Hui of Yanxi Palace: a celebratory poem composed by the Eldest Prince...”
All were either lavish or exquisitely crafted.
Yunxiu lazily nibbled on a pastry.
Consort Hui had certainly gone the extra mile, using her son to curry the Emperor’s favor. She might just steal the spotlight.
Consort De maintained her gentle smile, but her expression faltered slightly at the mention of the Eldest Prince.
For her son’s sake, Consort Hui would stop at nothing!
“From Consort De of Yonghe Palace: a pair of fish-patterned powder-glazed porcelain...”
After a lengthy recitation, apart from the gifts from the primary consorts of each palace, only Concubine Hesheli of Chuxiu Palace stood out. Her offering was a nanmu wood screen embroidered with a breathtaking landscape of a thousand miles—stitched entirely by her own hand.
Yunxiu had the screen brought out and admired it for a long while before exclaiming, “Such fine needlework! She must have poured her heart into this.”
Consort De scoffed inwardly. “Poured her heart into it”? More like desperation.
Concubine Hesheli had been in the palace for a year but remained largely out of favor. Though she enjoyed the privileges of a consort’s rank, she was still just a concubine. Despite being the Crown Prince’s aunt, the boy kept his distance—no wonder she was scrambling.
Consort De now had a clearer idea of who was most eager to climb the ranks.
Once the list was finished, she turned with a smile. “What gift has sister prepared? I’d love to see it.”
Consort De was certain Yunxiu had something impressive hidden away, waiting to dazzle everyone at the birthday banquet. The thought soured her mood, and she fought to keep her lips from curling downward.
Her question was merely a probe, but Yunxiu merely smiled brightly and answered without hesitation, “See what? Just a few volumes of hand-copied Buddhist scriptures. Haven’t you seen those before?”
She tilted her head, her peach-blossom eyes brimming with innocent confusion, leaving Consort De momentarily speechless and inwardly fuming.
Buddhist scriptures? How utterly ordinary!
Safe and uninspired—nothing like what she’d expected.
“I must have misunderstood...” Consort De lowered her lashes and murmured softly.
Wenyuan and Ruizhu bowed their heads, stifling laughter while sighing inwardly.
Had their mistress actually copied them herself?
Not a chance. She’d scribbled a few lines before ordering her trusted attendants to mimic her handwriting, insisting they finish within three days—a blatant half-hearted effort.
Even with their increased monthly allowances and generous rewards, they couldn’t shake their dread.
If the Emperor found out... the consequences would be dire!
Disrespect toward the sovereign, deception of the throne... Wenyuan’s heart trembled at the thought.
Nanny Dong had nearly burst with frustration, unable to persuade her mistress to reconsider. What a headache!
Aside from the occasional irritation Consort De suffered, the atmosphere in Yikun Palace could almost be described as harmonious.
The Imperial Noble Consort had spies closely monitoring Yonghe Palace. The moment Consort De made a move, Chengqian Palace was alerted.
Heading to Yikun Palace... The Imperial Noble Consort’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
Nanny Zhen watched with growing concern but couldn’t voice her worries.
Her mistress was clearly not in her right mind!
The Imperial Noble Consort loathed Consort De with a passion, her judgment clouded by hatred. She longed to see Mrs. Wuya humiliated, to watch Yunxiu and Consort De tear into each other.
But what if things didn’t go as planned?
Soon enough, Nanny Zhen’s fears materialized.
She’d assumed Yunxiu and Consort De would clash, yet the two seemed to get along just fine—completing the task of selecting gifts without a hitch.
When Yikun Palace sent a note requesting the Imperial Noble Consort’s review, Nanny Zhen spotted a eunuch from Yonghe Palace among the messengers!
Furious and disappointed, the Imperial Noble Consort smashed her teacup. The memory of the recent red coral gift only stoked her resentment, and she now included Yunxiu in her hatred.
“Yunxiu! Useless fool.” Gripping her seat, the Imperial Noble Consort’s eyes flashed coldly. After a moment’s deliberation, she ordered, “Summon Concubine Yuan. I have matters to discuss with her...”
The gift selection was finally complete, having taken over two hours.
Despite the length, Yunxiu felt no exhaustion.
Sipping pear juice intermittently and exchanging idle chatter with Consort De, she’d efficiently wrapped up the task assigned by the Imperial Noble Consort.
Even if her companion was unpleasant, at least she provided some entertainment.
As the “assistance” concluded, Consort De knew Yunxiu wouldn’t invite her to stay for lunch. Pressing a hand to her waist, she rose slowly and prepared to take her leave. “It’s nearly noon, and the hour grows late...”
Before she could finish, an announcement rang out from beyond the hall. Liang Jiugong hurried in, whisk in hand.
“This servant pays respects to Consort Yunxiu...” His tone was ingratiating, bordering on obsequious.
Yunxiu absently touched her stomach, an inexplicable sense of foreboding rising.
What mischief was the Emperor up to now?
Spotting Consort De, Liang Jiugong froze before swiftly composing himself into the dignified Chief Eunuch once more. “...And to Consort De.”
After paying his respects, Liang Jiugong inwardly cursed.
After court, the Emperor had summoned ministers to Qianqing Palace to discuss matters of utmost secrecy, barring all visitors—hence why he’d been unaware of Consort De’s presence in Yikun Palace.
Such an oversight was his fault!
At least he’d recovered quickly...
Consort De wasn’t blind to the shift in Liang Jiugong’s demeanor.
What a bootlicker.
Recalling the scene from last night when Kangxi had stormed off, her heart felt as though it had been pierced with countless holes, letting in a chilling draft from all directions.
His Majesty… is going to reward Mrs. Guoluoluo again?
Consort De still wore a smile, standing motionless, though her eyes darkened considerably. "Rise. What brings you here, Chief Steward Liang?"
Yunxiu raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of amusement, her mood suddenly lifting.
Fine, let there be trouble if there must be trouble.
...
Liang Jiugong glanced at Consort De, hesitating for a moment. By protocol, Her Ladyship should excuse herself.
But Consort De showed no intention of leaving, and as a mere servant, he dared not offend her, did he?
... Once the Emperor’s decree summoning Consort Yi to accompany him was announced, would Consort De be pleased?
And who would bear the brunt of her displeasure if not Liang Jiugong himself?
Consort De had never been so tactless in the past.
Liang Jiugong forced a stiff smile. Very well, if Consort De wished to hear, he might as well deliver the message in her presence.
"His Majesty requests Consort Yi’s presence in Qianqing Palace. He also said that if Her Ladyship has not yet dined, they might share a meal there…" Liang Jiugong bowed slightly, his face breaking into a practiced, ingratiating smile. "His Majesty awaits Her Ladyship."
Leaving aside the storm of envy and resentment raging in Consort De’s heart, Yunxiu herself widened her eyes slightly, silently cursing Kangxi to the depths of hell.
Accompanying the Emperor in Qianqing Palace! She truly had no desire for such an "honor."
What had gotten into His Majesty lately?
She had been quietly resting in Yikun Palace, minding her pregnancy, never seeking his favor—in fact, she would rather avoid him altogether. And yet?
First came the inexplicable rewards, and now this summons. A few more incidents like this, and she’d become the target of the entire harem’s hostility.
Consort Yi took a deep breath, forcing out the words through gritted teeth: "This concubine… thanks His Majesty for his boundless grace."
The moment Kangxi caught sight of Yunxiu, he set down his memorials and smiled faintly.
The crease between his brows smoothed, softening his usual imposing demeanor. When his gaze landed on the sapphire hairpiece adorning her hair, a flicker of admiration passed through his eyes, followed by a quiet surge of satisfaction.
His mood had been foul all morning.
During court discussions, his expression had been icy, leaving the ministers trembling, nearly prostrating themselves in fear.
But now, everything was different.
The deep blue gems sparkled brilliantly, the gold filigree of irises peeking through… The stifling atmosphere shifted instantly, as if the room had been bathed in light.
Kangxi extended a hand toward her, the lingering anger from earlier gradually dissipating.
Yunxiu had dressed so meticulously to see him, wearing the very jewels and garments he had bestowed upon her.
"Yunxiu is already beautiful enough as she is," Kangxi remarked, the corner of his lips quirking upward in praise before his voice softened. "There’s no need to go to such lengths for me. Don’t tire yourself, understood?"
※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※
Kangxi: The undisputed champion of self-delusion.
Yunxiu: ???
