The elderly Lady Sun rose shakily to her feet, her movements no longer as nimble as before. With her eyes half-lowered, she repeatedly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Your Grace. This old one was remiss in her manners earlier."
Yunxiu allowed her to continue speaking, shifting her gaze away and fixing it directly on Lady Li.
When the noble consort's light yet piercing glance fell upon her, Lady Li's face flushed crimson. Not daring to hesitate for even a moment, she swiftly knelt and bowed. "This humble one pays respects to the Noble Consort. May Your Grace be blessed with boundless fortune."
As she knelt, her fingers trembled slightly, and any thought of scrutinizing the noble consort vanished from her mind, replaced by a surge of fear deep within her heart.
What kind of gaze was that?
Regal and unapproachable, utterly untouchable—as if she were looking at an insignificant ant, not deigning to regard her at all.
Prostrated on the cold, hard ground, Lady Li suddenly remembered: the Cao and Li families had served as hereditary bondservants for generations. Even if they acted as the Emperor's eyes and ears in Jiangnan, earning respect and flattery from all, in the eyes of their masters, they were nothing more than servants.
This stark realization made her shut her eyes briefly, her posture growing even more deferential. After what felt like an eternity, she finally heard the noble consort's dismissive "Rise."
Outside the mansion gates, the atmosphere grew tense.
The noble ladies and concubines who had been fortunate enough to accompany the imperial entourage disembarked from their carriages, watching the scene unfold in hushed silence. Only Consort Rong stepped forward leisurely, smiling as she spoke. "Why are we all crowded here? Both the Noble Consort and I are weary and could use some rest. Might we trouble the venerable Lady Sun to show us the way so we may sleep undisturbed? Noble Consort, shall we enter together?"
"Very well," Yunxiu replied with a smile, happy to oblige. She mused to herself: in the past, she had called her "younger sister," but now it was "Your Grace."
Ever since the Imperial Noble Consort had been demoted to Consort Tong, Yunxiu noticed that Consort Rong had become livelier, her face often adorned with smiles, as if she no longer fixated on the hierarchy among the imperial consorts. Still, having grown accustomed to addressing her as "younger sister," Yunxiu could not bring herself to call her "elder sister"—especially since the Third Prince had inherited his mother's stubborn temperament.
If Consort Rong wished to extend goodwill, Yunxiu saw no reason to reject it. In the harem, who would want to make enemies and find themselves surrounded by hostility?
With just a few words, the women of the textile commissioner's household were relegated to the background.
Though Consort Rong no longer possessed her former beauty, her serene, smiling eyes and the faint scent of sandalwood lingering on her robes spoke of years of privilege and refinement that ordinary folk could scarcely match.
Lady Li was momentarily speechless, not daring to glance at her mother-in-law's reaction. Bowing humbly, she hurriedly said, "Please forgive this humble one's oversight. The main courtyard's bedding has been prepared and scented. Noble Consort, Consort Rong, and esteemed ladies, please follow me."
The main courtyard, where Lady Sun resided, was now occupied by the noble consorts and concubines. Lady Li had willingly vacated the Xiefang Hall, where she and her husband usually lived, moving all their belongings to a side courtyard.
When Cao Yin arrived, his eldest son, Cao Yong, was frolicking in the courtyard, waving his tiny hands and feet. His wife, whom he had not seen in so long, gazed at him with tearful eyes. "You've finally returned home."
When Yong'er looked at him, his expression was a mix of timidity and curiosity. Even a grown man like Cao Yin felt his eyes grow moist.
"Thanks to His Majesty's grace. We were still discussing matters earlier, but it seemed it would take a while, so he allowed me to return to the inner courtyard first," Cao Yin said gently. "I couldn't wait to see you both."
As the saying goes, marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. Cao Yin had no objections to the wife his mother had chosen for him. Though he hadn't been particularly fond of her at first, he had been satisfied.
Lady Li was virtuous and capable, more than qualified to manage a household. He was not a man swayed by beauty—once he recognized her as his wife, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to her. Moreover, her brother, Li Xu, was his closest friend. For his sake alone, Cao Yin would never betray her.
Because of this steadfastness in Cao Yin's heart, their marriage was harmonious and fulfilling. Even after years of separation, he had never entertained thoughts of taking a concubine, remaining solely devoted to his family—his elders, his wife, and his child.
Truthfully, aside from Cao Yin's prolonged absence in the capital, Lady Li had little to complain about in her daily life.
Her husband had been the Emperor's childhood study companion, excelling in both scholarly and martial pursuits, with looks beyond reproach. Not only was he devoted to her, but her mother-in-law, Lady Sun, out of pity for the separation between mother and son, had never suggested he take a concubine. His father-in-law, Cao Xi, paid no mind to the affairs of the inner courtyard.
As Lady Sun grew older and gradually relinquished control of the household, Lady Li took charge of the textile commissioner's estate, wielding absolute authority.
Daughters from other families envied her endlessly—why couldn't they have married into the Cao household?
Now, reunited with her husband, Lady Li watched as he cradled their son, doting on him with unmistakable affection.
Her lips curved into a smile, feeling that life could not be more perfect. Then, as if remembering something, her smile faded slightly. Softly, she asked, "Has my lord paid respects to Mother? The main courtyard has been given to the noble consorts, so Mother now resides in Xiefang Hall. My lord and I must stay in the side courtyard—does this inconvenience you?"
Touched by her thoughtfulness, how could Cao Yin possibly feel inconvenienced?
"This is our duty as children. There is no hardship in it—thank you, my wife," he said warmly before rising. "Father mentioned that Mother is currently accompanying the Noble Consort and Consort Rong in conversation. Since I've returned, I should go and pay my respects."
"As long as my lord does not blame this humble one," Lady Li murmured, lowering her eyes. "Mother is not with the noble consorts. She is feeling unwell and may have already retired to rest."
"What ails her?" Cao Yin asked, alarmed.
Lady Li twisted her handkerchief, her eyes clouded with worry. "Such negligence may have offended Noble Consort Yi. My lord, should this humble one seek her forgiveness?"
Xiefang Hall.
Lady Sun reclined against the headboard, sighing. "Yin'er, tell me—what is Noble Consort Yi's temperament like? Earlier, during the welcoming ceremony, I fear she may have misunderstood this old one, misunderstood our Cao family, and by extension, you."
His Majesty had helped her rise, but Noble Consort Yi had behaved so coldly.
Judging by her attitude, far from showing goodwill, she had publicly humiliated her. Lady Sun's heart burned with anxiety. Gripping Cao Yin's hand, she fretted, "What if she whispers in His Majesty's ear? What then?"
Cao Yin frowned, remaining silent for a long moment. What was her temperament?
Given his position close to the Emperor, he had heard more than once of Noble Consort Yi's formidable reputation—though rumors might be exaggerated, His Majesty treasured her deeply. In moments of leisure, he had even confided that she was the only one who truly understood him.
As for whether she would whisper in his ear, Cao Yin couldn't say for certain.
His mind swirling with thoughts, he reassured her in a low voice. "Do not fret, Mother. Noble Consort Yi is understanding and would never do such a thing. To have earned the Grand Empress Dowager's favor and be entrusted with the care of the Crown Prince—she is magnanimous and virtuous beyond compare."
Before he could finish, Lady Sun perked up, astonished. "She cares for the Crown Prince?"
This had happened not long ago, and news had yet to reach Jiangnan, so her ignorance was understandable.
Cao Yin briefly recounted the events. Remembering how those who had once criticized her had ultimately fallen silent, his expression shifted slightly. "The Noble Consort is deeply favored and holds the Empress's trust. If there is no room for reconciliation, I shall accompany Lady Li to seek her forgiveness."
This was nothing like what Lady Sun had imagined.
It was worlds apart.
When Lady Sun had merely instructed her daughter-in-law to test the waters with a probing remark, she never expected Cao Yin would truly harbor such intentions.
What alarmed her most was not only Consort Yi’s favor with the emperor but also her appointment to oversee the Crown Prince—the very young master Cao Yin had pledged his loyalty to.
The old matriarch’s heart grew heavy, her head throbbing with pain. After a long silence, she forced a strained smile. "You’re right. Her Majesty the Consort is magnanimous. She must have long forgotten our earlier discourtesy. There’s no need for us to apologize. I was overreacting."
After much persuasion, she finally dissuaded her eldest son from his reckless thoughts. Watching Cao Yin’s retreating figure vanish beyond the threshold, the old lady closed her eyes wearily, then reopened them, her smile completely gone.
"Tell Lady Wang to be sharp-eyed and seize any chance to serve His Majesty," she murmured, massaging her temples as she instructed the attending nanny. "The sooner, the better. Isn’t she most skilled at the art of ‘red sleeves adding fragrance’? Arrange it so she can serve tea—better yet, if she can attend to his writing and ink."
The main compound of the weaving commissioner’s residence was spacious, divided into several smaller courtyards, more than adequate to accommodate the imperial consorts traveling with the emperor. The largest central chamber was where Yunxiu had taken up residence.
The room’s color scheme and furnishings exuded the delicate charm of the Jiangnan water towns. While not as grand as the decorations of Yikun Palace, they were far from conventional, possessing a unique elegance.
After a cursory glance, Yunxiu found herself mostly satisfied. She had no inclination to nitpick, nor could she find any fault. Picking up a celadon vase from the cabinet, she noted its smooth texture and exquisite patterns—hardly an ordinary piece.
Was it an antique?
Consort Yi was no expert in such matters, so she kept the question to herself, intending to ask the Crown Prince when he visited with his younger brother.
Replacing the vase, a wave of drowsiness washed over her. Yunxiu’s eyelids grew heavy. The morning’s journey had been exhausting; a short rest would help her recover for the evening banquet.
Earlier, upon entering the chamber, Nanny Dong and Ruizhu had meticulously inspected every item on the tables and bed, finally nodding to her in silent assurance that nothing was amiss.
After nibbling on a few pastries from the carriage and rinsing her mouth, Yunxiu lay down fully clothed, closing her eyes gently.
The quilt covering her was warm and fluffy, exuding a faint, soothing fragrance of flowers and fruit, as if carefully perfumed. Yunxiu didn’t dislike the scent—in fact, she rather liked it. As the delicate aroma enveloped her, she soon drifted into slumber.
She couldn’t tell how much time had passed when, in her haze, she heard Liang Jiugong’s voice: "You’re awake? His Majesty summons Your Ladyship to attend him."
Yunxiu slowly opened her eyes, rubbing her temples as a dull heaviness settled in her mind.
How long had she slept?
"Exactly two hours. It’s past noon now, and His Majesty has left a meal for Your Ladyship," Liang Jiugong said eagerly from beyond the curtain. "Please make your way to the Western Garden at once."
After being helped with washing and dressing, Yunxiu’s drowsiness faded, but the heaviness in her head only deepened. A faint discomfort also stirred in her abdomen, though it was negligible.
Pressing her fingers to her brow, she sensed something was off.
Frowning, Yunxiu thought to herself: The emperor has traveling physicians in his retinue. Once she reached the Western Garden, she would have one examine her.
Her destination for attending the emperor and seeking a physician was the same—the Western Garden, where Kangxi was lodged.
The Western Garden was quite far from the rear compound. The journey would take considerable time. Following Kangxi’s orders, Liang Jiugong had a palanquin prepared, respectfully ushering Yunxiu inside. After half an hour, the palanquin came to a steady halt before the garden’s entrance.
Modeled after an imperial retreat, the Western Garden housed a study for the emperor to conduct state affairs.
The haze in Yunxiu’s mind left her exhausted. Struggling to stay alert, her gaze wandered aimlessly until—
Her expression froze.
Among the attendants carrying writing supplies, why was there a familiar maidservant?
Like a flower on the verge of blooming, her plain attire couldn’t conceal the radiant beauty beneath. Petite and delicate, her features were exquisite, her eyes misty with spring-like allure as she timidly hid among the attendants.
After glancing around, she suddenly locked eyes with Yunxiu.
Her face instantly paled. Lowering her head, the maidservant trembled like a startled deer, nearly dropping the paperweight in her hands. Biting her lip, she seemed to weigh her options before whispering to those beside her, feigning a stomachache as she turned to flee.
The dizziness worsening, Yunxiu fought through the discomfort and coldly commanded, "Stop."
Liang Jiugong jumped in surprise. The strikingly beautiful maidservant stiffened, trembling where she stood, abandoning all thought of escape as she bowed her head deeply.
"Who is that?" Yunxiu asked Liang Jiugong, who stood nearby.
Liang Jiugong turned to look but saw nothing amiss. Who had Consort Yi been speaking to?
These attendants were his selections—had some scheming interloper slipped in?
The chief eunuch grew uneasy, but before he could gather his thoughts, Yunxiu pressed him: "Well?"
"Those are all servants I chose to attend His Majesty," he admitted awkwardly.
Oh?
Chosen by Liang Jiugong?
Or rather, chosen by the emperor?
In an instant, fury surged within her. So, not only had he kept this from her, but he was also preparing to hide a beauty away?
So Consort Mi, Lady Wang, hadn’t entered the palace in the twenty-fifth year as history claimed—she had already caught the emperor’s eye by now!
The sting of deception burned in Yunxiu’s chest. She nearly laughed in bitter amusement.
True, she cared little if the emperor favored Han women or if she herself fell out of favor.
But this? This trampled Yikun Palace’s dignity underfoot. What position did it leave her in?
After summoning her to attend him, was he planning to indulge in the company of another?
From the moment the southern tour began, Yunxiu had braced herself for such a scene. Unexpected, perhaps, but not entirely surprising.
The anger lasted only a moment before dissipating. Squinting through her dizziness, she swiftly regained composure.
This was a future she had long foreseen. There was no point in rage. As a consort, how much was pride truly worth?
Your Majesty, forgive me for not keeping you company.
"To hide such a beauty—Your Majesty has fine taste indeed," Yunxiu said coolly, stepping forward past the kneeling attendants. She pulled Lady Wang to her feet, her tone dripping with sincerity. "What splendid fortune."
Ruizhu and Liang Jiugong gasped in unison upon seeing the maidservant’s face. This—
Ruizhu fretted: With such a stunning woman here, would Her Ladyship be driven to illness?
Liang Jiugong was first bewildered, then furious. Where had this woman come from?
Then it struck him—oh no. If Consort Yi misunderstood, disaster would follow!
Meeting Ruizhu’s worried gaze, Yunxiu smiled faintly and waved her off. Releasing the terrified Lady Wang, she dusted her sleeves and strode away, her expression dark.
As for Consort Mi, she had long made peace with her existence. She truly didn’t care.
But why was her headache worsening?
No matter. The weaving commissioner’s residence had physicians on hand.
Liang Jiugong hurried after her, ready to explain, when his eyes widened in horror.
Consort Yi collapsed just beyond the garden gate, having fainted dead away.
"Your Ladyship!" Ruizhu cried out, rushing forward in a panic to support her.
Her voice trembled with suppressed sobs as she pleaded, "Summon the imperial physician! Her Majesty cares so deeply for His Majesty, her heart and eyes holding no room for another—how can she possibly bear such a blow?"
