Why is the Emperor being so unfair?
The imperial edict announced three main things.
First, the Eldest Prince was given a name—just a single character, “Hao.” The character “Hao” means bright, which is a decent name. But the eight characters inscribed on the jade piece read “Bright moon in the sky, eternal fortune and longevity.” It was clear that the name was simply taken from these eight characters, making it feel rather careless and perfunctory.
What followed was even more surprising—a title was bestowed upon the Eldest Princess! In this dynasty, princess titles were usually chosen by the Ministry of Rites after the princess reached a certain age. But the Eldest Princess was only just over two years old, and the Emperor personally selected her title. Not only that, but she was granted a fief and a food stipend—real power and privileges! Unlike the Eldest Prince, who held only the honorable status of a prince. In a way, the Eldest Princess was now more esteemed than the Eldest Prince.
The third matter was even more insulting.
Concubine Shu wanted someone to bring the jade piece to the Hall of Preserving Harmony, but the Emperor insisted on sending it to the Hall of Ancestors instead. He spoke sweetly about bathing it in incense and offerings, but the real meaning was clear: he didn’t want Concubine Shu to display it.
The hidden message in the imperial edict and the Emperor’s attitude brought a sigh of relief to many.
The Emperor neither believed nor favored Concubine Shu’s schemes.
That strange omen was nothing to fear.
No matter how much the common people believed it, the throne was decided by the Emperor himself. As long as he didn’t believe it, whether the jade piece bore words or the Eldest Prince was born clutching jade, it was merely an amusing story.
Realizing this, the concubines exchanged glances discreetly. Someone said, “Empress, I suddenly feel unwell. I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the Eldest Prince’s third-month celebration. Please forgive me and Concubine Shu.”
“I’m feeling a bit unwell too…”
“The weather suddenly turned chilly, as if a cold has settled on me…”
“*cough cough*…”
The concubines’ change in attitude was even faster than the weather’s. Just moments ago, they were all praising Concubine Shu. Now, they even dared to skip the third-month celebration.
Qi Daiyu inwardly felt “utter despair.”
Naturally, she followed the crowd and found an excuse to leave.
After leaving the Chengqian Palace, she hadn’t gone far before someone called out to her.
It was Concubine Miao.
She gave a casual nod in greeting. Concubine Miao covered her mouth and nose with a handkerchief, her eyes sharp and scrutinizing. “Qi Jieyu, are you really well now? Or are you just pretending?”
Qi Daiyu replied calmly, “I’ve only ever heard of pretending to be sick. Who pretends to be well?”
“Looks like you’re truly better,” Concubine Miao chuckled lightly. “Don’t take it personally, I’m just concerned. By the way, I heard your green plaque has already been hung? Aren’t you rushing things a bit? After lying in bed for two years, you should have had the room cleaned up first, then had the Imperial Household Department send some rouge, fragrant powder, and new hairpins and skirts. That would bring a fresh look.”
“After all, our Emperor is very particular. If you upset him… oh, I almost forgot, you haven’t been granted an audience for a long time. You probably don’t know his habits anymore.”
Qi Daiyu finally saw the true skill of these women in the harem at their passive-aggressive barbs.
What they called concern was clearly mockery of her bedridden two years, the smell lingering in her room and on her body. They even hinted that she was out of favor.
She could easily fire back with her own snide remarks, but that would mean confronting Concubine Miao directly. Qi Daiyu had no desire to fight for favor or to pick quarrels.
But she also couldn’t just take the insult.
Qi Daiyu silently pinched her own thigh, and immediately her eyes welled up with tears. She bit down hard on her lower lip, the pale color pressed into a vivid red. Her chest trembled slightly, as if she were furious to the extreme, and then she suddenly began coughing uncontrollably, the harsh sound as if she might cough her lungs out.
Her entire body collapsed directly into Shiliu’s arms, as if she might faint at any moment.
Shiliu panicked instantly, disregarding all notions of rank, and hurriedly exclaimed, “Concubine Miao, this is going too far! My mistress’s body is already weak—how could she possibly bear to hear such words from you? Are you trying to bring her harm?”
She quickly supported Qi Daiyu’s back.
Qi Daiyu buried her entire head in Shiliu’s embrace, her shoulders trembling as she fought the urge to laugh out loud and give herself away.
Concubine Miao froze, eyes wide. Didn’t she say her health was perfectly fine?
But seeing Qi Daiyu coughing like that, it was hard to be sure—perhaps she really had been angered badly. Qi Daiyu’s frailty was well-known to her.
Concubine Miao felt awkward.
Both she and Qi Daiyu belonged to the Empress’s faction. The Empress had always shown favor to Qi Jieyu, so if she learned of today’s incident, she would surely be displeased with her.
The reason for targeting Qi Daiyu today was not only because of the threat she felt rising in her heart but also because of the breakfast incident—the morning kitchen was understaffed, and when her palace maid went to fetch the meal, there was hardly anything left. Unexpectedly, Shiliu had already snatched away the better dishes from Yanqing Residence.
Because of this, Concubine Miao had picked a fight with Qi Daiyu. But who knew Qi Daiyu was so fragile? She only said a few words, and now she looked like she was about to die right in front of her.
With a flick of her handkerchief, Concubine Miao snapped, “If you’re so worried about your mistress, why don’t you go fetch the imperial physician? Why drag me into this?” With a twist of her waist, she strode off hurriedly, her steps like she was fleeing from a death spirit.
The reminder brought Shiliu back to her senses, and she planned to carry her mistress back to Yanqing Residence to summon the imperial physician.
But Qi Daiyu had stopped coughing, took a steadying breath, and waved her hand, “I’m fine, no need to call the imperial physician.”
“But you’re coughing like that!” Shiliu’s face and neck flushed bright red, tears glistening in her eyes.
That was from holding back laughter!
“Really, I’m okay. Today has been full of troubles; it’s best not to attract attention. Besides, between Concubine Miao and me, even the Empress wouldn’t want to take sides.”
Tears welled in Shiliu’s eyes. Their mistress was just too kind-hearted! Despite being bullied to this extent, all she worried about was not troubling the Empress.
“That Concubine Miao, flaunting her favor, is truly arrogant!” Shiliu’s heart was set on revenge. When she had the chance, she would visit Kunning Palace to speak with Sister Zhuyi, emphasizing how sensible their mistress was and how much she cared for the Empress.
Their mistress’s character and demeanor were no less than Concubine Miao’s. With the Empress’s support, she would surely win the Emperor’s favor. Then, let’s see if Concubine Miao still dared to act so arrogantly!
Qi Daiyu was completely unaware of her head maid’s thoughts and was still making excuses for Concubine Miao.
“She’s just unwilling and can’t accept me,” she said calmly.
Back when they were still in the Eastern Palace, Concubine Miao and the original mistress were both appointed as the Crown Prince’s consorts. Unlike the original mistress, who had only seen the Crown Prince twice in three months, Concubine Miao was favored. So, when the Crown Prince ascended the throne, Concubine Miao was fully convinced that her rank would be higher than the original mistress’s.
But then that incident happened. Thanks to the original mistress’s heroic act of saving the emperor, she was promoted to the rank of Consort Shu, one level above Concubine Miao.
Concubine Miao was deeply dissatisfied.
However, since the original mistress had been bedridden these past two years, Concubine Miao, though unwilling, dared not vent her frustration on a sick person, so they kept the peace between them.
Now that Qi Daiyu had recovered, Concubine Miao’s heart was unsettled again.
Qi Daiyu said, “Enough. Let’s not pay her any mind. Let’s go back first.”
After all, she had been ill and upset today; it was only natural to need a few days to rest.
Once the consorts left, the Empress took the Eldest Prince away, and Chengqian Palace suddenly fell into a heavy silence. The palace maids dared not even breathe loudly, afraid of bringing bad luck to Consort Shu.
Consort Yuan Shu was helped back inside by Diancui and sat down, her expression shifting constantly. After a long while, she shot a sharp glance at Diancui.
“What are you still standing there for? Why aren’t you watching over the Eldest Prince? If anything happens to him, I’ll hold you responsible!”
Startled, Diancui quickly replied, “Your servant will go at once!”
After the final banquet ended, Diancui brought the Eldest Prince back to Chengqian Palace, where Consort Shu was still seated.
Seeing Diancui enter, Consort Shu immediately knelt down. Consort An, who followed behind, hesitated for a moment and then slowly stepped inside.
Diancui said, “Your Highness, the Eldest Prince has returned. He was very well-behaved at today’s banquet. The Empress Dowager praised him at length, and even the Eldest Princess said the Eldest Prince is blessed with long-lasting fortune…”
Diancui’s voice gradually trailed off because Consort Shu’s expression showed no sign of improvement.
“The Chaoyun County Mistress married my younger brother, so naturally the Eldest Princess praised the Eldest Prince,” Consort Shu said vaguely. “Did the Emperor say nothing at the banquet?”
Diancui lowered her head. “His Majesty was busy with state affairs. He only stayed for a short while before returning to Qianqing Palace…”
With a loud bang, a teacup shattered on the floor.
Startled, the Eldest Prince burst into tears.
“Who told you to hold the Eldest Prince here? Get out and soothe him!” Consort Shu shouted sharply.
Diancui hurriedly gestured to the wet nurse to take the Eldest Prince away.
“What a bunch of blockheads!”
“Your Highness, there’s no need to lose your temper. It’s bad for your health and frightens the Eldest Prince,” Consort An, who had remained silent until now, said calmly.
Consort Shu’s sharp eyes turned to her. “Do you think I need you to teach me how to handle things?” Still upset, she breathed heavily. “He is the Emperor’s eldest son, yet he showed no respect at all!”
This plan was risky but offered great rewards. Even if uncovered, the blame could be shifted to the subordinates trying to curry favor with the Emperor. Consort Shu had considered how the Emperor might react—but definitely not like today—he not only slapped her face with disdain but even favored the Empress!
Consort An said quietly, “So, Your Highness, you’re not angry that the Emperor doesn’t care for the Eldest Prince, or that he deliberately bestowed the title of Eldest Princess today. You’re angry because you were snubbed by the Emperor. But the Empress is the central palace lady and never makes mistakes. It’s only natural the Emperor protects her.”
"How dare you! You belong to this palace; you should speak up for me!" Another teacup shattered, shards scattering over Consort An's skirt.
Consort An didn't move a muscle; her expression remained unchanged.
Consort An said calmly, "I am merely speaking the truth."
"You!" Concubine Shu took a deep breath, unwilling to argue further. Consort An was like a stone-faced wall—arguing with her only made her more frustrated.
"Leave!" Just seeing her was irritating.
Consort An bowed as usual. "I take my leave."
Once outside Chengqian Palace, only her own attendants remained nearby. Consort An's maid, Puying, spoke bitterly, "Mistress, can't you just keep your thoughts to yourself? Why stir up Concubine Shu's anger?"
Consort An snorted coldly. "I've held back enough already. She conspired with the Yuan family on this matter without informing me. Now that the Emperor is displeased, she vents her anger on me—why should I take it?"
"Mistress!" They had just stepped out of Chengqian Palace!
Puying's heart ached. Since giving birth to the Second Princess, Consort An had suffered from a strange affliction called "facial paralysis." At first, it was only slight stiffness in her face, but gradually, even smiling or closing her eyes became difficult. The imperial clinic prescribed medicine, but it only prevented the condition from worsening.
Perhaps because her emotions couldn't show on her face, Consort An felt increasingly stifled inside, and her temper grew more peculiar. Sometimes, she even dared to retort to Concubine Shu face to face.
Consort An had the Second Princess to protect her; no one dared to provoke her.
But those of them serving her lived in constant fear.
"Mistress, even if not for yourself, you must think of the Second Princess!" Consort An's family background and favor were average, and with the Eldest Princess Zhu Yu ahead, the Second Princess was not much favored by the Emperor. It was only because Concubine Shu occasionally allowed the Second Princess to appear before the Emperor that he kept her in mind.
Consort An said, "If I didn't care about the Second Princess, I wouldn't bother with her." After holding back for a long time, she finally blurted out stiffly, "So annoying."
At Kunning Palace.
The Empress returned from Baohe Hall exhausted but still forced herself to visit the Eldest Princess in the side chamber.
Night was deep, and the Eldest Princess had long since fallen asleep, clutching the rabbit doll given by Qi Daiyu.
Looking at her daughter's peaceful sleeping face, the Empress's expression softened.
"My precious Lingyi Yuxue is adorable and truly deserving of her noble status." Since the founding of the dynasty, few princesses had been granted fiefs or stipends, and those under three years old even rarer. Lingyi's honor showed how deeply the Emperor treasured her.
The Empress felt immense comfort in her heart.
Her thoughts drifted to the Eldest Princess's behavior at today's banquet. She lowered her eyes. "Last time, there was news that Yuan Zishi frequented the pleasure house?"
Yuan Zishi was Concubine Shu's brother.
Mei Yi replied, "It is true. Someone personally saw Master Yuan closely associating with a courtesan."
Empress said, "Pass this news to Chaoyun County Mistress."
Chaoyun County Mistress was fiery and jealous; once she learned of this, the Yuan family would have more trouble.
Mei Yi hesitated, "At today's banquet, the lady's maid slipped a sealed family letter to me..."
The Empress's expression didn't change as she rose and returned to the main hall.
After removing her makeup and washing up, she finally allowed Mei Yi to present the letter.
The letter came from her mother's maid, but it was actually written by her father.
The Jiang family was also a prominent clan in the court. The Empress’s grandfather, General Jiang, was a celebrated military hero who had led countless victorious campaigns, cutting down enemy forces by the thousands. The Jiang family once basked in great glory. Unfortunately, while General Jiang’s reputation remained untarnished throughout his life, his son was an ordinary man who failed to live up to the family’s legacy.
In youth, he relied on his father’s influence; in old age, he depended on his daughter.
His talents were limited, but his ambitions soared.
After reading the letter, the Empress couldn’t help but scoff.
The tone of the letter was as if from a devoted, loving father pouring out his heart, doing everything in his power to find secret remedies for conceiving a son, all in the hope that the Empress would bear a legitimate heir to end Minister Yuan’s arrogant reign.
She threw the letter into the incense burner and watched it burn to ashes. “Send word back: cut off Father’s monthly allowance for three months. If anyone dares to secretly provide him with aid and I find out, they’ll be sent to serve by the grandfather’s side at the frontier. Let them repay their filial duty there.”
With no spare money in hand, naturally, she couldn’t meddle further.
Mei Yi also understood Marquis Chengen’s temper; he was probably acting on some malicious gossip. The Empress detested anyone from Marquis Chengen’s household meddling in palace affairs.
Seeing the Empress’s fatigue, Mei Yi sighed silently. If only the Empress had a reliable family backing her, she wouldn’t be so isolated in the palace.
“Your Highness, shall I massage your head for you?”
“Hmm.”
Mei Yi’s skilled hands worked expertly, and the Empress was about to drift off when a messenger outside announced, “Your Majesty has arrived!”
The Empress’s eyes snapped open, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. After all that had happened today, she had expected the Emperor to visit the Chengqian Palace.
The man who entered wore a sky-blue formal robe. Tall and slender, his features were refined, though faint shadows under his eyes and a light stubble on his chin betrayed his weariness.
Jiang Yuan stopped the Empress’s bow with a wave. “I’ll go check on the Eldest Princess first.”
While the Emperor went to see the princess, the Empress changed into a casual outfit and sent Mei Yi to the small kitchen to bring a bowl of noodles.
By the time Jiang Yuan returned to the main hall, the noodles had arrived.
“Just in time, I’m quite hungry,” Jiang Yuan said with a faint smile. He sat down and finished the noodles in a few bites, even drinking most of the broth. “The Empress is always so considerate.”
“I have served Your Majesty for many years. I have learned to read your moods well. You seem tired today,” she replied.
Jiang Yuan sighed. “A bunch of stubborn old men, resisting every change.”
He wanted to establish a cabinet and implement reforms, but the conservative faction led by Prime Minister Yang obstructed him at every turn. Today’s court meeting ended in a deadlock once again. Just as the matter of the jade cup was reported, Jiang Yuan’s mood soured, and he issued the imperial edict.
But...
Seeing him fall silent, the Empress took the initiative to speak. “Even if the Emperor is troubled, he shouldn’t disrespect Concubine Shu like that. Minister Yuan is Your Majesty’s trusted aide and a staunch supporter of the reforms. If you slight Concubine Shu, isn’t it the same as offending Minister Yuan?”
“The reforms must be carried out, and Minister Yuan’s ambitions curbed,” Jiang Yuan said firmly. “Besides, you are my Empress. My favor toward Concubine Shu doesn’t mean she can disregard rank and protocol.” He took the Empress’s hand gently. “I have already decided on the Eldest Princess’s title. Even if I don’t announce it today, I will at the year-end family banquet.”
“Your Majesty...” The Empress’s expression softened, touched.
Both yielded a little, and the Empress had already made up her mind. “For the sake of the greater good, Your Majesty should soothe Concubine Shu a little.”
Jiang Yuan lowered his eyes. “Old Lady Yuan’s birthday is next month. Grant her the third-rank titled lady, Shuren.”
The Empress smiled gently. “Very well. I will have the palace maids deliver gifts to celebrate her birthday.”
Jiang Yuan still had state affairs to attend to, so he returned to the Qianqing Palace.
Once he left, the palace maid Ju Yi couldn’t help but ask, “Your Majesty, why are you speaking up for Concubine Shu?”
The Empress replied calmly, “The Emperor has already shown me great favor today. If I were not magnanimous, would that not be ungrateful?”
Given the current situation, the Emperor would never move against the Yuan family. With Old Lady Yuan still alive, Concubine Shu’s position remains secure.
So why stir up trouble over a moment’s anger?
Besides, in the Emperor’s heart, I have always been the one who understands the bigger picture. Because of this, no one can shake my position as Empress.
Ju Yi whispered, “But even Madam has never been granted a titled rank.” She was referring to the Empress’s own mother. Yet Old Lady Yuan was granted the title of Shuren.
“Isn’t grandmother a first-rank titled lady?” the Empress retorted. “Grandmother was granted the rank of Madam because grandfather earned great merits. Old Lady Yuan was granted Shuren because Minister Yuan contributed to the state. If my mother wants a titled rank, should she rely on her husband? Or her son? Or me, her daughter who married out?”
“Don’t call me unfeeling. I married His Majesty because my grandfather earned great achievements during the reign of the previous emperor. My parents never showed me kindness, yet I, as Marquis Chengen, enjoy all the glory and wealth. That should be enough.”
Who would dare say the Empress is heartless? She was merely venting her feelings.
The palace maids bowed their heads low, no one daring to respond.
The Empress closed her eyes briefly and instructed Mei Yi, “Delay anything about Yuan Zishi until the birthday feast.”
She would not interfere in state affairs, nor would she ruin her reputation as someone who understands the big picture.
But if Concubine Shu wanted to be smug, that would never happen.
