Qi Daiyu encountered the Hall of Preserving Harmony at just the right moment.
The Hall of Preserving Harmony was ablaze with lights and bustling with voices. Today was the annual banquet—a family feast—where many members of the imperial clan had gathered, including even those distant relatives who barely shared blood ties with the Emperor. This was their once-a-year chance to appear before the sovereign, and they had to seize it. If they could leave even the slightest impression on His Majesty, it would be a great gain.
There was no helping it. In these times, noble titles alone held little sway. Most of these aristocrats bore prestigious surnames but lived in circumstances less comfortable than those of minor fifth-rank officials. For the nobility to rise again, relying on ancestral glory was no longer enough—they either had to pass the imperial examinations or prove themselves in military service.
But those accustomed to a life of luxury had no desire to start from scratch. Thus, the Hall of Preserving Harmony was alive with activity as marginalized imperial relatives clustered around the central figures, offering flattery and currying favor in hopes of securing a shortcut to power.
The saying, "A new sovereign brings new ministers," applied not only to the court but also to the imperial family. Whether one's father or a distant nephew sat on the throne made all the difference. Though these individuals could trace their lineage back to legitimate princes and imperial grandsons of past generations, they now had no choice but to bow and scrape.
After all, their ancestors had failed to claim the throne, and with so many bearing imperial blood, it had long since lost its rarity.
Inside the hall, Consort Ning, Consort An, and Consort Cao had already arrived and were conversing with several princess consorts.
When they caught sight of Qi Daiyu, a flicker of admiration passed through their eyes. Consort Cao fawned, "Noble Lady Qi, your attire today is exquisitely unique—utterly captivating!"
Qi Daiyu offered a modest smile. "You flatter me, Consort Cao. I hardly deserve such praise."
Consort An cut in bluntly, "If it’s beautiful, it’s beautiful. Excessive humility is just another form of boasting. Has Noble Lady Qi also become one who flaunts her charms?"
Qi Daiyu: "..."
Was she supposed to sing her own praises instead?
She had long witnessed Consort An’s sharp tongue—back when the latter had berated Concubine Miao, Qi Daiyu had found it amusing as a mere spectator. But now that she was the target, the experience was thoroughly unpleasant. And yet, there was little she could do about it.
Consort Ning ignored this minor clash and introduced Qi Daiyu to the princess consorts.
"This is Noble Lady Qi from the inner palace. She was previously unwell and seldom ventured out, so you may not have met her before. Noble Lady Qi, these are the Princess Consorts of Jin, Huai, and Jing."
Qi Daiyu glanced at them in turn.
The current Emperor was the third son, with two elder brothers, four younger brothers, and two younger sisters. However, the original Eldest Prince and Seventh Prince had both succumbed to illness in their youth, while the Fifth Prince had committed a grave offense and was now under house arrest. Thus, only three princes and two elder princesses remained: the Princes of Jin, Huai, and Jing, along with Princesses Yanping and Yanqing.
The late Emperor had long designated Jiang Yuan as his heir and installed him as Crown Prince early on. These remaining princes had long since shed any political ambitions and now lived as leisurely men of wealth—content with their lot.
The three princess consorts appeared amiable. Though they couldn’t recall when a Noble Lady Qi had entered the palace, they maintained impeccable decorum, offering her polite smiles—warm in appearance but distant in spirit.
This was only natural. After all, they were princess consorts, holding the rank of second-grade nobility, far above Qi Daiyu’s fifth-grade status as a noble lady. There was no need for them to ingratiate themselves with her.
Qi Daiyu, unruffled by the slight, performed the proper courtesies and stood quietly to the side, listening to their conversation.
The discussion was led chiefly by the princess consorts and Consort Ning, with even Consort An rarely interjecting. The topics revolved around matters of feminine interest—such as the declining quality of Shu brocade this year or the latest embroidery patterns trending in the capital. Notably, they avoided any mention of Prince Xiang’s household.
That was to be expected. Prince Xiang was, after all, their elder. While gossip might fly in private, such formal occasions demanded discretion.
As she listened, Qi Daiyu found her impression of Consort Ning shifting.
She had always assumed Consort Ning to be stern and humorless, but the woman now engaged effortlessly with every topic raised by the princess consorts. Whenever a lull threatened the conversation, Consort Ning seamlessly steered it forward without a hint of strain.
Moreover, Consort Ning wasn’t entirely devoid of smiles—perhaps because it was New Year’s Eve, her lips were curved in a constant, if somewhat rigid, semblance of cheer...
Lost in thought, Qi Daiyu was jolted back by the announcement of Noble Lady Qin and Concubine Miao’s arrival.
The two entered almost simultaneously, but the air between them was thick with tension, their faces taut with displeasure.
This was rare. Everyone knew Noble Lady Qin as the most lighthearted soul in the rear palace—seldom did she show anger. What had Concubine Miao done this time?
Under the weight of collective scrutiny, Concubine Miao’s expression darkened further. "Why is everyone staring at me?"
Naturally, they were wondering what fresh mischief she’d stirred up. The thought flashed through the minds of all present, and their expressions grew oddly unified. Why was it that whenever Noble Lady Qin and Concubine Miao clashed, everyone assumed Concubine Miao had provoked it first?
It only went to show how deeply Concubine Miao’s impulsive, contentious nature had etched itself into public perception.
Consort An, ever at odds with Concubine Miao, took delight in her discomfort and remarked bluntly, "Your usual conduct speaks for itself. Everyone knows what to expect."
"You—!" Concubine Miao bristled, ready to retaliate.
But with the princess consorts present, Consort Ning—as the highest-ranking woman in the room—couldn’t allow a scene. Her tone cooled slightly. "Concubine Miao, today is a joyous occasion. Let us not spoil the harmony."
Concubine Miao swallowed her retort. Rash as she was, she understood the gravity of the situation. With a disdainful sniff, she turned away.
Qi Daiyu shot a concerned glance at Noble Lady Qin, who forced a faint smile in response, signaling that she was fine.
But the dimmed light in her eyes suggested otherwise.
What had happened between them?
Before she could ponder further, the eunuchs announced the arrival of the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, and Concubine Shu.
The first three appearing together was expected—but Concubine Shu as well?
A ripple of surprise passed through the hall as all eyes turned toward the entrance. When the figures came into view, the assembled guests collectively held their breaths.
There stood Concubine Shu, draped in a radiant gown of embroidered brocade adorned with auspicious motifs, her translucent veil shimmering like the robes of a celestial goddess.
"Lotus blooms in crimson splendor, skin pure as untouched snow. Graceful beyond compare, ethereal without restraint. A beauty unrivaled through the ages, a charm that topples cities."
The verse sprang unbidden to every mind.
This was Concubine Shu?
The same Concubine Shu who had recently given birth to the Eldest Prince?
No wonder she was the Emperor’s most favored consort!
For a moment, even the Emperor and Empress were eclipsed.
Basking in the awestruck gazes, Concubine Shu hid a smirk. Did they think she’d spent her recent seclusion idly? She took pride in her beauty and knew how to wield it. The design of this gown had come to her by chance—a bold fusion of tangerine, scarlet, and azure, dazzling beyond compare. Rumor had it such styles were popular in Gansu, rarely seen in the capital.
Such vibrant colors would overwhelm an ordinary person, but Concubine Shu, with her innate loveliness, only appeared even more stunning when wearing them.
The moment she saw the design, Concubine Shu fell in love with it. She secretly had it tailored and, despite the bitter winter cold, wore it to the gathering today.
To fit into this outfit, she had restricted herself to just one meal a day, shedding sixteen pounds in the process!
And this, despite having just emerged from her postpartum confinement! Her waist was now even slimmer than before her pregnancy.
But the Emperor’s dazed expression upon seeing her and the awed murmurs from everyone in the hall made Concubine Shu feel every ounce of her sacrifice was worth it.
Flushed with triumph, she couldn’t resist casting a glance at the Empress. So what if you’re the Empress? Who even notices you now?
The Empress was well aware of Concubine Shu’s smugness, but when it came to beauty, no one in the harem could surpass her. Though displeased, she couldn’t possibly make a scene on such an occasion.
On the contrary, the more Concubine Shu preened, the more the Empress needed to embody the grace of the imperial consort.
A virtuous wife and beautiful concubines—those without secure positions must adorn themselves to stand out. But I need do nothing, for all must honor me regardless. That is the fundamental difference between Concubine Shu and me.
Steadying her emotions, the Empress gently took the Empress Dowager’s arm and smiled. "It seems everyone is captivated by Concubine Shu’s beauty. With a celestial being like her among the imperial consorts, no wonder the people say the palace is filled with peerless beauties. We’re all basking in her radiance."
Her words snapped the crowd out of their daze, and they hurriedly bowed in agreement, inwardly marveling—Concubine Shu may be breathtaking, but Her Majesty’s magnanimity is truly a blessing to the empire.
Concubine Shu’s smile stiffened. The Empress was as unshakable as ever.
Princess Consort of Huai covered her mouth with a titter. "The common folk speak nothing but the truth! Concubine Shu is divine, Her Majesty the Empress is peerless, and even Qi Daiyu is a rare beauty. Truly, the empire’s most exquisite women reside in the palace!"
Her flattery even extended a passing mention to Qi Daiyu, who stood nearby.
Qi Daiyu: "..."
She had arrived feeling confident, but being singled out now was unnecessary.
She had to admit—tonight, Concubine Shu’s beauty reigned supreme.
That outfit… was it "Dunhuang-style"? Qi Daiyu’s imaginary camera clicked away in her mind, capturing Concubine Shu from every angle.
Emperor Jiang Yuan was thoroughly pleased. To have such virtuous and beautiful women by my side—such fortune belongs only to an emperor.
When Princess Consort of Huai mentioned Qi Daiyu, his gaze drifted over, and his brow lifted slightly.
Her attire tonight was unlike her usual style—less flamboyant than Concubine Shu’s, yet fresh and delicate.
Just as Princess Consort of Huai had said, she was indeed a rare beauty.
Suppressing a flicker of emotion, Jiang Yuan gestured for the banquet to commence.
Soon, music swelled, and dancers took the floor.
The imperial consorts were seated near the front, while behind them sat noblewomen of the imperial clan. The distance wasn’t great, and during lulls in the performance, hushed chatter could be heard.
"Concubine Shu is so breathtaking. That gown—I’ve never seen anything like it. Is it a new design?"
"Must be. I should study it closely and have one made for myself!"
"Will this be the trend next spring? If so, I must get one too. Which tailor in the capital is the best?"
Most conversations revolved around Concubine Shu, though Qi Daiyu caught her own name as well.
"The lady sitting in front of you is also lovely. What’s that design on her forehead? A begonia?"
"The palace is full of beauties. If only I could be as stunning as them."
"Who is she? I’ve never heard of this consort before."
Eavesdropping, Qi Daiyu’s lips twitched. Being discussed so openly was uncomfortable, and she considered turning to subtly silence them—until she noticed Concubine Miao beside her, nearly tearing her handkerchief to shreds.
Seated side by side, whatever Qi Daiyu heard, Concubine Miao did too.
Concubine Miao prided herself on being nearly as beautiful as Concubine Shu and had always disliked Qi Daiyu. Yet tonight, both outshone her, leaving her utterly overlooked.
Humiliated by her two least favorite people, Concubine Miao’s eyes reddened...
And she wasn’t the only one clenching a handkerchief in frustration.
Zhaorong sat with a despondent expression beside Princess Yanping, her elder sister, Chaoyun County Mistress, on her other side.
