Upon hearing the announcement of Consort Yi’s arrival, Concubine Xi and the others paled. When Yunxiu’s cheerful voice rang out, they seemed as if their throats had been squeezed shut, their faces alternating between green and white, momentarily speechless.
The moment the words “sole favor” reached her ears, the Grand Empress Dowager understood the situation. She glanced at the slightly panicked concubines, shook her head inwardly, and calmly twirled her prayer beads before speaking gently, “Su Ma, prepare a seat for Consort Yi.”
“This concubine’s sudden arrival was indeed rash,” Yunxiu said with a smile, curtsying gracefully before sitting down properly. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty.”
Compared to the composed Grand Empress Dowager, the Empress Dowager’s reaction was far more pronounced. She leaned forward slightly, her words quickening as she asked, “How has the Emperor shown ‘sole favor’? This old one knows nothing of it. And what’s this about complaints and punishments… Consort Yi, you explain.”
To a discerning ear, the Empress Dowager’s words carried a clear bias.
As for whom she favored, anyone with eyes could tell—the Fifth Prince was still being raised under her care.
Concubine An’s already ashen face darkened further, while Concubine Xi seethed, her chest heaving with anger. Letting Consort Yi speak first was practically allowing her to defend herself!
The Grand Empress Dowager noticed but said nothing, merely nodding slightly—implicitly permitting it.
But that wasn’t all. The words “sole favor,” once brought up by Consort Yi and then boldly questioned by the Empress Dowager, no longer seemed taboo…
The Grand Empress Dowager, having lived through three reigns, was broad-minded, but she had also tasted the bitterness of Consort Donggo’s influence. She might have been furious, recalling the precedent set by the late Emperor, and blamed Consort Yi. Yet now, with the tension disrupted, their plan to bring Consort Yi down seemed to be slipping away.
Consort Ping clenched her handkerchief tightly, taking a deep breath. What a formidable woman this Mrs. Guoluoluo was…
Who had tipped her off and ruined their carefully laid plans?
Observing their reactions, Yunxiu let her smile fade, sighing softly as a trace of sorrow crossed her face. “In reply to the Empress Dowager, this concubine truly does not know how I’ve been labeled with ‘sole favor.’ As you know, I’ve only just left my confinement, and His Majesty only summoned me two days ago… the first time in months. How could that possibly be called ‘sole favor’?”
Since the records of the Imperial Household Department were undeniable proof, her words were irrefutable, and anyone could hear the grievance in Yunxiu’s voice.
The Empress Dowager was momentarily stunned before murmuring, “This… this is nothing short of slander, isn’t it?”
Matters required evidence—who would believe baseless accusations? With the Imperial Household Department’s records as proof, their claims instantly crumbled.
Hearing this, Concubine Xi grew frantic.
Her face flushed with anger as she gritted her teeth and said, “I beg the Empress Dowager to see the truth! We concubines would never dare slander Consort Yi! Aside from summoning her, His Majesty visits the Yikun Palace daily, staying for two hours each time and only leaving after dinner. In the entire rear palace, no one else can delay His Majesty from reviewing memorials or meeting ministers—how is that not ‘sole favor’?”
As she spoke, Concubine Xi’s eyes reddened. “This concubine cares not for favor, but we must not hinder His Majesty’s governance!”
While Yunxiu had focused on the frequency of summons, Concubine Xi emphasized the duration of visits—not only accusing her of monopolizing favor but also implying she interfered with state affairs. What painstaking effort.
“Daily visits to Yikun Palace, staying two hours each time”—such exaggeration was beyond belief.
Never mind that the Emperor was constantly occupied and his whereabouts unpredictable—was Yunxiu some immortal ginseng doll, capable of prolonging life?
The women of the rear palace, in their desperation to undermine her favor, had resorted to twisting facts and outright lies.
Was it worth it?
Yunxiu nearly laughed—and then she did. A soft “pfft” escaped her lips as she shook her head at Concubine Xi’s incredulous expression.
Once she composed herself, she covered her lips with her hand, her eyes glimmering as she said sweetly, “So, Concubine Xi’s eyes have been fixed on Yikun Palace’s plaque all along, knowing exactly when His Majesty arrives, when he leaves, even whether he stays the night. What a waste of talent in the rear palace—why not shift your gaze beyond Yikun Palace, up to the Forbidden City’s heights, and serve as everyone’s timekeeper?”
……
The moment these words left her mouth, the Grand Empress Dowager’s prayer beads stilled, and silence fell over Cining Palace.
Concubine Xi’s face stiffened, unable to believe Consort Yi had directly insulted her to her face!
That entire speech was pure mockery—sharp, venomous words that left one trembling with rage, mind blank, itching to retaliate.
What did she mean, eyes fixed on Yikun Palace’s plaque? What was this about being the Forbidden City’s timekeeper?!
Concubine Xi’s vision reddened, nearly fainting from fury.
Concubine An’s expression shifted, a long sigh escaping her internally; Concubine Jing looked oddly torn between laughter and restraint, her face eventually settling into deep regret. She shouldn’t have listened to Concubine An and Consort Ping’s instigation and gotten involved.
After her initial shock, Consort Ping’s heart sank.
Consort Yi’s wit had only grown sharper—not only subtly mocking Concubine Xi for meddling and obsessively tracking others’ movements but also dismantling her claims, making everyone realize—
Indeed, Concubine Xi was either fabricating or relying on hearsay. Consort Yi was right—how could she possibly know the exact times the Emperor visited Yikun Palace or how long he stayed unless she had eyes on the plaque?
Unless she sent spies constantly or planted informants in Yikun Palace.
And even if she had, that was not something to admit!
The maids and eunuchs all lowered their heads, shoulders trembling slightly after their initial shock.
The Empress Dowager coughed lightly, suppressing her amusement; the Grand Empress Dowager’s lips curled briefly before she composed herself, chiding mildly, “Enough. You are a mother now—speak with more decorum.”
“Yes,” Yunxiu replied gently, her tone serene. “This concubine will remember Your Majesty’s guidance.”
Her seamless shift in demeanor delivered another blow to Concubine Xi, whose nails dug deeply into her palms.
As the “sole favor” accusations teetered on collapse, Consort Ping lowered her gaze, silently cursing Concubine Xi’s stupidity, before forcing a gentle smile and preparing to speak.
“This consort knows the rumors have been rampant lately,” Yunxiu cut her off, her tone light. “They say not only does this consort enjoy His Majesty’s sole favor, but I’ve also grown arrogant from it—leaving scratches on His Majesty’s face, an act of grave disrespect.”
She smiled faintly, turning to the Grand Empress Dowager. “Heaven knows, hearing these rumors, this concubine felt utterly wronged. It was Yintang’s doing—what does it have to do with me? Unless Chief Eunuch Liang’s scratches are also to be blamed on this concubine?”
At this, even the Grand Empress Dowager’s expression turned odd.
Suggesting Consort Yi had scratched Liang Jiugong’s face? Who would dare?
Yunxiu glanced at Consort Ping, who was forcing a smile, and said apologetically, "This palace has already reprimanded Yintang. Your concern for the Emperor is not unreasonable, sister. However, rumors are often distorted. If such baseless words spread, tarnishing the dignity of the imperial family..."
Her unfinished words left the Empress Dowager unusually pensive. "Well said. Rumors are indeed fiercer than tigers."
Consort Ping could no longer maintain her composure, her smile fading. Consort Yi's words were practically an accusation—implying she lacked regard for the greater good and even suggesting she was the mastermind behind spreading these rumors!
"Esteemed Ancestor, Empress Dowager, this concubine would never dare to speculate recklessly!" Consort Ping rose and knelt on the ground, pressing her forehead to the floor. "Fabricating such rumors is utterly unfounded..."
"Enough, enough," the Grand Empress Dowager waved her hand, her aged face showing weariness.
The Emperor favored Consort Yi—this much the Grand Empress Dowager knew. Yet the extent of his affection remained unclear to her.
He was a wise ruler, his heart balanced like a scale, far from being blinded by folly.
After listening for so long, it was clear there was no "exclusive favor." Rather, these women were scheming against Consort Yi out of sheer jealousy.
The old matriarch felt uneasy.
Without evidence, they rambled on, hemming and hawing—was their aim to exploit her aversion to "exclusive favor" and pressure her into punishing Consort Yi’s palace?
Look at them—Concubine Xi, Consort Ping—utterly lacking Consort Yi’s straightforwardness. They couldn’t even articulate their thoughts, leaving nothing but awkward silence in their wake. How tiresome.
"You," she said coolly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the four consorts, her tone stern, "must henceforth guard your words and actions. Do not spread hearsay or chase shadows. This talk of 'exclusive favor' is absurd! My Cining Palace is no place for your petty rivalries."
Concubine An and the others hastily rose to beg forgiveness, their faces deathly pale. "Esteemed Ancestor..."
The Grand Empress Dowager closed her eyes. "That’s enough. I am weary. You may leave."
No matter how unwilling or resentful Consort Ping was, there was nothing she could do. She murmured her obedience, clenched her handkerchief tightly, and slowly retreated.
Thus, the storm over "exclusive favor" came to an end.
Once outside Cining Palace, the four consorts hurried away, especially Concubine Xi, who kept her head low, beads of cold sweat forming on her forehead as if fleeing from a ghost.
Only now did they recall Consort Yi’s notorious reputation for arrogance. Their blazing anger cooled, leaving their expressions even stiffer.
Concubine Jing, once her impulsiveness faded, was consumed by regret. Not only had her efforts come to nothing, but she had also needlessly provoked Consort Yi. What was she to do now?
If Mrs. Guoluoluo whispered in the Emperor’s ear...
The more she thought, the deeper her remorse grew. Suddenly, she halted in her tracks—
Yunxiu followed behind them with a bright smile, calling out, "Wait."
Seeing them freeze, Yunxiu’s smile grew even sweeter as she circled behind them and stopped directly in front of Concubine Xi.
Sensing Concubine Xi’s trembling, Consort Ping lowered her eyes and asked softly, "What does Your Highness intend?"
"What do I intend?" Yunxiu glanced at her, her tone indifferent. "This palace has something to say."
She ignored Concubine An and Concubine Jing, her gaze sweeping over Consort Ping before she remarked with a mocking smile, "A noble lady of the Hesheli clan, yet you leap about like a common shrew, never at peace."
Her voice softened to a whisper. "Aren’t you tired? If not, this palace is certainly weary of watching this farce."
Consort Ping jerked her head up, her eyes dark with fury, her lower lip nearly bitten through.
Yunxiu paid her no mind, shifting her attention to Concubine Xi.
"Ruizhu, according to palace regulations, what is the punishment for insubordination?" She idly adjusted her fingernail guard.
Ruizhu stifled a smile and answered dutifully, "Your Highness holds the rank of consort and assists in managing the inner court, while Concubine Xi is merely a concubine. Insubordination and disrespect warrant a slap to the face! Given Your Highness’s superior rank, you naturally have the authority to discipline her."
...
Concubine Xi’s eyes widened in shock, her entire body trembling with rage. "Consort Yi, do not push me too far!"
Yunxiu chuckled softly, leaning close to her ear. "This palace is pushing you. What will you do about it?"
...!
