……Entrusting the Crown Prince to her!
If one were to describe Yunxiu’s instinctive reaction, it would be that the Grand Empress Dowager was testing her. The words were simply too unexpected, even bordering on shocking—how could the term "entrust" be used so casually?
Back when Empress Xiaozhao was alive, she dared not interfere in the Crown Prince’s upbringing, fearing it would displease the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor… The Crown Prince was of noble status, the legitimate son of the late Empress. In terms of entrustment, even if Yunxiu became a Noble Consort, she wouldn’t be qualified.
Her guidance for Yinreng had always been given in private, never openly acknowledged. Yunxiu steadied herself—had the Grand Empress Dowager noticed something and was using this as a warning?
Soon, Noble Consort Yi dismissed this speculation.
After sighing, the Grand Empress Dowager spoke without a hint of jest, her gaze gentle and unpressured, her tone consultative. Yunxiu even detected a trace of hopefulness in her words.
If this were a test, the attitude wouldn’t align. Moreover, the Empress Dowager, who was raising the Fifth Prince, was seated right there!
—The Grand Empress Dowager’s question was sincere.
The joy of being promoted to Noble Consort still lingered, but after careful consideration, Yunxiu found it hard to describe the complexity of her emotions in that moment.
Setting aside the distinctions between a stepmother and the legitimate heir in the imperial family, Yunxiu thought, few could dislike the Crown Prince.
Yinreng was just over ten years old—polite, sensible, yet still childlike. He was the type to repay tenfold the kindness he received. Exceptionally talented in both scholarly and martial pursuits, unmatched in intelligence, he was also a loving elder brother and filial to his father.
Since softening during her confinement, Yunxiu had shared many heartfelt words with him, often crossing boundaries without hesitation.
At first, it might have been solely for her own peace of mind, as her impression of the Crown Prince had been shallow, limited to the dream of his two depositions.
But after spending so much time together, the young Crown Prince had become vivid and real in her eyes. The way he looked at her with such earnestness tugged at her heartstrings. Her heart wasn’t made of stone—how could she remain unmoved?
To speak with some irreverence, aside from his status as heir apparent and the Emperor’s favor, Yinreng was, at his core, just a motherless child.
Not to mention his care for his younger brothers, the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince. Teaching the Fifth Prince Chinese and calligraphy, looking after the Ninth Prince more attentively than even his nursemaids—Yunxiu couldn’t find a single fault. Nor did she need to, for even among siblings in ordinary families, such affection was rare. She was grateful—why would she nitpick?
Over time, she had genuinely grown fond of him.
Yinreng was simply too bright and sensible, far surpassing the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince. Yunxiu lamented the fate he’d met in her dream, and the flicker of maternal affection she’d initially felt had deepened like a steady flame.
For the sake of her own ambition to become a Dowager Noble Consort, as well as the genuine affection that had taken root, Yunxiu had long resolved to stand behind the Crown Prince in this life, guiding him along the "right path."
Yet, it still felt somewhat improper. She could only act in secret, expending great effort to avoid gossip or incrimination. Now, the Grand Empress Dowager was proposing to entrust Yinreng to her…
Of course, Yunxiu was willing!
"Grand Empress Dowager, how could I possibly be worthy?" In those brief moments, her thoughts raced. She composed herself and rose to bow, feigning humility. "The Crown Prince is of exalted status. By protocol, even as a Noble Consort, I have no right to oversee his upbringing…"
She didn’t refuse—only cited status and rules. The Grand Empress Dowager’s aged, clouded eyes suddenly brightened, and she smiled warmly, lost in reminiscence.
"He is the child Mrs. Hesheli risked her life to bring into this world. I remember it clearly," the Grand Empress Dowager said slowly. "The Emperor, heartbroken that he grew up without a mother, took him under his wing… When Baocheng was three and contracted smallpox, the Emperor suspended court for two days and nights, caring for him without rest until his face was haggard and his beard unkempt."
"Now that Baocheng is older, I grow increasingly uneasy." The Grand Empress Dowager dismissed the attendants and spoke bluntly. "If he were to fall ill with smallpox now, and the Emperor defied all objections to tend to him day and night, it would inevitably carry a different implication… Those ministers would flood him with memorials of admonition. Ah, things can never return to how they were in his childhood!"
Though the Grand Empress Dowager spoke obliquely, Yunxiu understood her meaning.
"Those ministers" undoubtedly referred to powerful officials like Mingzhu of the Nara clan. In essence, the Grand Empress Dowager feared that schemers might drive a wedge between father and son!
For a moment, Yunxiu was awed—the Grand Empress Dowager saw things so clearly.
Before Yunxiu could respond, the Grand Empress Dowager shifted topics, her tone kind. "Rules are made by people! I know the Crown Prince often visits Yikun Palace and has been an exemplary elder brother to the Fifth Prince and the Ninth Prince. Among all the consorts, he has spoken well of you alone—that is no small thing."
The old lady was sharp-eyed. Had it not been so, why would she approach Yunxiu with such a sensitive matter?
After a pause, the Grand Empress Dowager sighed again, speaking without reservation. "The Emperor grows more formidable by the day. If he becomes stubborn, I fear the courtiers will cower like quails, too afraid to remonstrate. After much thought, once I am gone, you may be the only one who can temper him. I know you are good at heart, free of the petty schemes of Consort Hui and the others… I hope you will watch over the Crown Prince and prevent any rift between father and son."
The old lady saw things plainly—Noble Consort Yi was nothing like Consort Hui!
Years ago, when the Empress Dowager had felt the loneliness of the palace, the Grand Empress Dowager had thought of the infant Fifth Prince. Because of this, she had carried a trace of guilt, which only deepened when Yunxiu voluntarily offered the Fifth Prince to the Empress Dowager’s care.
That the Empress Dowager adored Yunxiu was no empty praise; the Grand Empress Dowager felt the same, though she never showed it overtly.
After all, overseeing the harem required impartiality.
Moreover, Noble Consort Yi had always been clear-minded and free of ambition, her heart devoted solely to the Emperor… This was another reason for the Grand Empress Dowager’s trust.
Even if people changed, and the future was uncertain, she believed Noble Consort Yi’s maternal affection for the Crown Prince was genuine.
And if that affection were to vanish, replaced by ambition… The Grand Empress Dowager pondered. By then, Baocheng would have grown his wings. Even if he faced challenges, they wouldn’t cripple him.
Besides, the Emperor would still be there.
Having witnessed three reigns and countless consorts, the Grand Empress Dowager was certain—she was never wrong about people.
Likewise, if Baocheng ascended the throne, he would not forget Noble Consort Yi’s—no, Noble Consort Yi’s—kindness. Her blessings lay ahead.
Finally, she asked once more, softly, "I entrust Baocheng to you. Are you willing?"
……
Such thoughtful consideration, such heartfelt devotion—it was deeply moving.
The Grand Empress Dowager had spoken so frankly. If Yunxiu continued to hedge, she would only invite ridicule!
Yunxiu took a deep breath, raised her eyes solemnly, and declared, "This concubine is willing. I shall not fail the expectations of the Grand Empress Dowager and will devote my utmost efforts to ensuring the Crown Prince’s safety and well-being!"
Good, very good.
Direct and decisive, without the slightest hesitation—she truly had not misjudged this woman.
The Grand Empress Dowager exchanged a glance with the Empress Dowager and let out a long sigh of relief.
Her eyes brimming with admiration, the Grand Empress Dowager smiled in profound satisfaction, repeating the word "good" three times before addressing Yunxiu warmly, "Set your mind at ease. Once this matter is formally announced, no one will dare to criticize you."
"Moreover, I understand you must also care for the Fifth Prince, Ninth Prince, and Yierha. In that case, let Noble Consort Le take on more responsibility for Yierha… following the example of Noble Consort Liang." The Grand Empress Dowager paused briefly before chuckling, "If you truly find yourself overwhelmed, just leave the children to Baocheng! As their elder brother, it’s only right that he shoulders some of the burden."
"This concubine obeys the decree!" Recalling how Yintang would wail thunderously every time the Emperor sent him to Yuqing Palace, Yunxiu responded with a serene smile, inwardly agreeing with the Grand Empress Dowager’s wisdom.
And that remark about "following Noble Consort Liang’s example"—Consort Yi could hardly contain her joy. Did this mean Yun Shu would soon rise above the rank of noble consort?
Yunxiu quickly reined in her excitement, her expression turning thoughtful. It seemed the dynamics of the imperial harem were about to shift once more.
As early spring gradually replaced the depths of winter, the withered branches in the imperial garden, silent for months, began sprouting new shoots. Yet the lingering chill in the air still forbade the wearing of delicate, embroidered robes.
In recent days, the Forbidden City had been unusually tranquil.
The Noble Consort was preoccupied with the heavy duties of managing the palace, leaving Yunxiu no room for idleness. Consort Hui, still "atonement-bound," had kept to her quarters for a month, while Consort Rong, as always, refrained from stirring trouble. With the consorts setting such an example, how could the lower-ranking concubines dare make a scene?
The fates of Concubine Xi and Consort Ping served as stark warnings—another misstep that angered the Emperor would bring consequences far graver than mere confinement or copying scriptures.
Yet on this very day, a sudden flurry of imperial edicts descended upon the palace, their contents soon known to all.
Save for those who had anticipated the changes, the others stood frozen in shock, unwilling—or unable—to process the news.
Consort Hui could scarcely believe her ears!
Noble Consort Niu Gulu was granted the honorific title "Wen," becoming Noble Consort Wen. Consort Yi of the Guo’erluo clan was elevated to Noble Consort Yi, while Consort Cheng of the Daijia clan was promoted to Concubine Cheng, with the Fourth Prince Yinzhen placed under her care. Noble Consort Liang was raised to Concubine Liang and granted residence in Yonghe Palace. Noble Consort Le was elevated to concubine rank and bestowed the new title Concubine Jing. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Wuya was demoted to noble consort…
The rapid succession of decrees left her dizzy, but only three words burned in her mind—
Noble Consort Yi!
Her nails dug deep into her palms as a wave of vertigo surged through her. Staggering back, Consort Hui collapsed onto her divan, her body limp with disbelief.
