In the courtyard of the Kunning Palace, the Empress was feeling a bit of a headache.
She smiled helplessly, her tone still quite gentle. "What on earth are you two up to?"
Just as she entered, she saw Consort Hui and the Eldest Princess sitting on the ground, grinning foolishly at each other, their clothes and hands covered in mud.
There was even a smear of mud on the Eldest Princess’s cheek.
Qi Daiyu felt a little embarrassed. She hadn’t expected that when she tried to hold the Eldest Princess to prevent her from sitting on the ground, she had overestimated her own strength. Before she knew it, she lost her balance and the two of them fell down together.
And just at that moment, the Empress was returning from the Palace of Heavenly Purity and happened to see them.
It was the kind of guilty feeling one gets when caught by a parent while playing wildly like children.
Fortunately, with Zhuyi as a witness, it was clear it was an accident. The Empress wasn’t angry and ordered someone to bring them to change clothes.
Qi Daiyu was taken to a side hall, where Lanyi brought her a set of casual clothes worn by the Empress.
Qi Daiyu hesitated, "These are the Empress’s clothes. It wouldn’t be proper for me to wear them. Perhaps Shiliu could fetch a set from Yanqing Residence?"
Lanyi smiled and said, "A trip to Yanqing Residence would take at least half an hour. It wouldn’t be right to let Consort Hui stay in dirty clothes all that time. Don’t worry, this set is casual wear the Empress often wears and is not against protocol."
In Kunning Palace, the only clothes they could lend to Consort Hui were those of the Empress or the palace maids. Of course, they wouldn’t let her wear the maids’ clothes, so the Empress had Lanyi bring a nearly new old set.
Qi Daiyu examined it carefully. It was indeed a simple dress in a plain color, decorated only with subtle ruyi patterns on the sleeves, with nothing that violated court regulations. Only then did she feel comfortable changing into it.
When she came out after changing, Lanyi was momentarily stunned.
"Why?" Qi Daiyu asked.
Lanyi snapped back to attention and stepped forward to smooth the sleeves for her. "Consort Hui looks a bit too big in Your Majesty’s clothes. It reminds me of when I was still at the Jiang household, and the Second Miss secretly wore the Empress’s clothes. They were also too large on her, and for a moment, it made me feel a little dazed." She and Mei Yi were born servants in the Jiang household and had served the Empress since childhood.
"I see," Qi Daiyu smiled. "I can’t compare to the Jiang Second Miss at all." The Empress was majestic and commanding, so the Jiang Second Miss must have been an extraordinary woman.
Lanyi said nothing.
Consort Hui and the Second Miss were indeed worlds apart. The Second Miss was spoiled and arrogant, viewing the Empress as a thorn in her side, while Consort Hui was gentle and kind, having helped the Empress many times.
Watching Consort Hui’s retreating figure as she headed to the main hall, Lanyi suddenly wondered if the Empress would also be briefly taken aback when she saw her.
The Empress did indeed pause for a moment, a fragile figure with stubborn, tear-red eyes flashing through her mind.
She smiled in surprise, "Seeing you in this dress reminds me of my own sister."
Even the Empress said that, and Qi Daiyu was curious. "Could it be that I resemble the Jiang Second Miss?"
The Empress shook her head. "You don’t look alike at all. It’s just that the only ones who have worn my clothes are you two." That was why she thought of her sister.
Qi Daiyu didn’t know much about the Jiang family, so she asked, "How old is the Jiang Second Miss now?"
The Empress smiled softly, "She passed away at sixteen."
…Passed away?
Qi Daiyu forced a smile and quickly apologized, “Your Majesty, please forgive me, I was unaware…”
“It’s all right. Very few people know about this matter, and I have never spoken of it before.” The Empress’s face showed no trace of sorrow. Though she and Jiang Chan were sisters by blood, their relationship was far from good, especially since Jiang Chan’s death was partly related to her.
It was likely that Jiang Chan, even in death, still harbored resentment toward her.
Qi Daiyu keenly sensed that this might involve a private matter of the Empress and promptly changed the subject. “May I ask what important matter Your Majesty summoned me for today?”
“There is indeed something.” The Empress continued, “The upcoming selection of palace maids is about to begin. Portraits of candidates from all regions have already been sent to the Imperial Household Department. I would like you to help select the portraits.”
Qi Daiyu’s eyes widened. “You want me to help select? I… I’ve never done such a thing before, so I’m afraid I lack the experience…” This task sounded very important. If word got out that the Empress entrusted her with it, she might stir up trouble. Qi Daiyu instinctively wanted to refuse.
But before she could say, “I’m not qualified,” the Empress interrupted, “I know you have no prior experience, but everyone has a first time. With me backing you, just do it. I’m not simply trying to promote you; honestly, there’s no one more suitable.”
“February is Concubine Shu’s birthday. She came earlier to request holding a birthday banquet in the palace, so I don’t want to trouble her with this.”
“The selection of palace maids is a matter of great importance; every step must be flawless. The repair of the palaces where the maids will be trained in palace rules has been entrusted to Consort Zhuang. The process of the final selection and arrangements for palace attendants along the route are handled by Consort An. The cleaning and repairs of Zhongcui Palace, Yonghe Palace, Chuxiu Palace, and Xianfu Palace have been assigned to Consort Ning. Selecting the portraits is the lightest task among these. I thought of your weak health, so I entrusted this to you.”
So she wasn’t the only one assigned a task. Qi Daiyu relaxed.
The Empress had clearly thought this through. The other tasks were one after another more difficult, each entrusted to someone experienced. Choosing portraits only required coming to Kunning Palace daily to pick candidates with suitable appearances. Aside from being time-consuming, it was the easiest job. That was why the Empress chose the least experienced Qi Daiyu.
“I understand,” Qi Daiyu replied, then thought of someone else. “What about Concubine Miao? Has Your Majesty arranged anything for her?”
Since Concubine Miao was also under the Empress’s faction, she should have been given such an opportunity to earn merit.
The Empress smiled upon hearing this. “Concubine Miao is no longer as before; she should not be troubled.”
Hmm?
Qi Daiyu held her breath.
Concubine Miao was pregnant!
This news spread through the palace like wildfire.
But it was not the Empress who revealed it; rather, Concubine Miao herself “accidentally” let it slip.
Chengqian Palace.
“‘Accidentally’? Does she take everyone for fools?”
Concubine Shu reclined on her couch, admiring her freshly painted rouge-stained hands.
On the other side of the couch, the Second Princess was shaking a rattle, amusing the Crown Prince, while Consort An sat stiffly on a chair by the couch.
Consort An’s lips twitched awkwardly. "Hasn’t she always thought everyone else were fools?"
They had been walking along just fine when a bird suddenly flew by. Though it was still several meters away, she clutched her stomach and instinctively blurted out, "The unborn dragon in my belly was startled." Such a clumsy ploy—only that fool, Concubine Miao, would use it.
"Foolish as she may be, she’s incredibly lucky."
She had conceived before the palace maids even entered the palace. Whether she gave birth to a prince or a princess, Concubine Miao would have a firm foothold.
"But what if she gives birth to a prince? Then the Empress’s side..." Consort An didn’t finish her sentence, but her eyes flicked toward the Crown Prince.
Concubine Miao was the Empress’s ally. If she bore a prince, it would naturally strengthen the Empress’s influence.
Concubine Shu frowned. "Do you think the Empress is so magnanimous? Would she really stand by and watch Concubine Miao give birth to a prince?"
"But when you were carrying the Crown Prince, the Empress didn’t do anything. There was no reason to act against Concubine Miao either," Consort An said bluntly.
"You! Whose side are you on?" Concubine Shu glared at her. "If she doesn’t make a move, can’t we? Eliminating one threat while driving a wedge between the Empress and Concubine Miao—two birds with one stone, isn’t that perfect?"
Consort An was speechless.
She looked at the two children playing together. "Your Highness, are you sure you want to harm a child?"
Concubine Shu was silent for a long moment. When she spoke again, her tone was resolute. "I do not want anyone close in age to the Crown Prince."
Only the one and only is the most precious.
Concubine Shu knew there would inevitably be more princes in the palace, but she intended to keep the Crown Prince’s uniqueness intact for as long as possible.
The bond between the Emperor and the Crown Prince was still shallow; at least the Crown Prince needed to grow older and interact more with the Emperor.
By then, even if there were second or third princes, or even princes born to the Empress herself, none would surpass the Crown Prince’s position in the Emperor’s heart.
The first son is always different.
This time, it was Consort An who fell silent. She stared steadily at the Second Princess, a dark current swirling in her eyes. After some time, her stiff face moved as her lips parted, "Schemes to sow discord are not the best plan. Concubine Miao is foolish, but the Empress isn’t someone to provoke. If Your Highness wants to eliminate the threat, there’s no need for unnecessary actions."
Concubine Shu looked at her. "Then what’s your plan?"
...
Leaving the Palace of Eternal Peace, Consort An walked ahead while Puying carried the Second Princess behind her. The little princess had grown tired from playing and had fallen asleep resting on Puying’s shoulder.
Puying carefully pulled the princess’s hood over her head, worry etched across her face. "My Lady, are you really going to help Concubine Shu... do something like that?"
Consort An’s voice was icy. "Have I ever refused to help her do bad things?"
"But this time, it’s against someone not even born yet..." Puying couldn’t bear to say more.
"It’s utterly ruthless, isn’t it?" Consort An closed her eyes briefly. "But who asked it to stand in Concubine Shu’s way?"
In the Winged Kun Palace, upon hearing the news of Concubine Miao’s pregnancy, Consort Ning’s brush paused mid-air for a long moment, until the drop of ink finally lost its battle and fell.
YH
The ink had blurred the paper, and only then did she come back to her senses.
Setting down her brush, Consort Ning crumpled the unfinished characters into a ball and tossed it into the wastebasket. She then took out a fresh sheet of paper.
After carefully completing a piece of calligraphy, Consort Ning stood up. “How are the arrangements for the household affairs coming along?”
Suihe lowered her head. “Master has made all the arrangements, and the date has been set. It’s just that the Second Miss... has caused a few disturbances.”
“Hm.” Consort Ning responded lightly.
After a while, Suihe thought Consort Ning had no further instructions and was about to take her leave, but then she heard Consort Ning ask again,
“Tell me, if His Majesty finds out, will he come to Yikun Palace to see me?”
Suihe was at a loss for words. “...Your servant does not know.”
Counting the days, since the last time the Empress invited the Emperor to Yikun Palace to speak, he had not come even once.
It seemed the Emperor truly did not care about her lady.
Suihe looked regretfully at the calligraphy. Clearly, her lady’s talents were unmatched in the harem, so why couldn’t the Emperor see her?
“He will come.”
Consort Ning muttered to herself.
“He will come.”
As long as she pleased him, he would come.
When the decree appointing Concubine Miao as “Concubine Mei” was announced, Qi Daiyu happened to be in the side hall of the Kunning Palace, flipping through portraits of the selected maidens sent by the Imperial Household Department.
The Empress, who usually handled palace affairs here, had specially added a desk by the window for Qi Daiyu’s use.
The rosewood chair was cushioned with a soft pad, and beside the desk sat a plate of chestnut cakes. A small stove kept warm some hot milk, ready to be taken at any time.
This working environment left Qi Daiyu with no complaints.
The only awkwardness was that the Empress was not far away, giving her the strange feeling of sharing an office with her superior.
Shaking off the distracting thoughts, Qi Daiyu focused on the portrait album before her.
The Zhaoguo Kingdom implemented a local administrative system consisting of one capital, thirteen provincial administrative offices, and seven western garrisons. Under the thirteen offices were prefectures and counties with different administrative levels. All unmarried daughters aged fourteen to eighteen of officials or scholars holding at least the rank of county magistrate or above were required to register for the selection of palace maidens.
After registering, the maidens had to submit their portraits to the authorities, who would then send officials to verify the likeness in person to prevent fraud.
The portraits collected from various regions were compiled into volumes and sent to the capital, then forwarded to the Imperial Household Department, and finally delivered to Kunning Palace.
Qi Daiyu flipped through the portraits recorded by the Imperial Household Department: a total of 4,682.
Qi Daiyu: “...”
When would she ever finish looking at them?
If the novelty had carried her through the first few hundred, by the three hundredth, Qi Daiyu was numb. She even felt she was becoming face-blind, unable to distinguish beauty from ugliness.
Moreover, the painters’ skills varied—some portraits were simply unbearable to look at.
Qi Daiyu couldn’t help but wonder: was it too reckless to decide a maiden’s appearance solely based on a portrait?
She thought of a famous historical anecdote: Wang Zhaojun’s marriage alliance.
Apparently, it was the painter’s fault.
Noticing her sudden pause, the Empress looked over. “What’s wrong?”
Qi Daiyu voiced her doubts.
The Empress chuckled upon hearing this: "Generally speaking, very few would deliberately tarnish their own reputation. Most tend to depict themselves as more beautiful in their portraits. After all, merely being accepted into the capital and surviving a month of palace training without being eliminated already proves one’s dignified appearance. For every family, that is a matter of great honor."
"However, although the selection is meant to fill the harem and ensure the continuation of the royal lineage, it doesn’t mean every beautiful woman in the realm is taken into the palace. Moreover, the larger the scope and the more people involved, the more likely there will be oversights. As long as the general quality is acceptable, there’s no need to assign blame."
"If someone truly does not wish to be selected and resorts to some tricks, why force them? Once inside the palace, they might meet a tragic end, sullying the sanctity of the imperial quarters."
Qi Daiyu was just beginning to appreciate this considerate approach when she saw the Empress pick out those careless portraits. The slight curve of her lips carried a hint of coldness. "The royal family has kindness and mercy, but also strict laws. To deceive the sovereign is a grave crime. If one refuses the right path and instead resorts to underhanded means, then the law will show no leniency."
With that, the Empress handed the selected portraits to Mei Yi. "Send these to the Imperial Household Department for investigation. Anyone found guilty of falsifying portraits—whether the instigator or accomplices—will be dealt with according to the rules."
What?
Qi Daiyu was stunned.
Suddenly, she realized what the Empress meant.
The palace selection was said to be a process of selecting eligible young women from across the land, but there was also a way to avoid selection: by arranging a marriage before the selection began. The royal family would never stoop to the barbaric act of forcibly taking brides. If a woman had no betrothal when the selection started, it was assumed she willingly participated. If she then tried to cheat by hiring an unskilled painter to make her look ugly, that was considered deceiving the sovereign.
The dignity of the imperial household must not be desecrated.
If anyone thought that bribing low-ranking officials and submitting false portraits would guarantee safety, they were mistaken. After the selection ended, a covert inspection would verify the authenticity of the portraits.
These procedures were quite different—and far stricter—than what Qi Daiyu had imagined about ancient palace selections.
She remained silent, and the Empress mistook her for being frightened.
"Even if you hadn’t singled out these portraits, the Imperial Household Department would have eventually found them."
Such careless portraits were impossible to overlook. The Empress’s eyes flashed with anger—this was the very first selection since the new emperor’s ascension, yet someone dared to be so brazen.
"I understand, Your Majesty," Qi Daiyu replied, sitting back down and continuing to examine the portraits.
For several consecutive days, Qi Daiyu went to the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, selecting over two thousand three hundred portraits of women deemed suitably attractive.
The names of the women on these portraits would be sent to their native regions, officially beginning the second stage of the selection process. Within half a month, those who passed this stage would travel to the capital.
Qi Daiyu’s busy period came to an end.
After resting for two days, a messenger from the Palace of Eternal Serenity arrived, informing her that Concubine Shu would host a birthday banquet at the Chengrui Pavilion in the Imperial Garden three days later, and Qi Daiyu was invited to attend.
“What gift should I give for Concubine Shu’s birthday?” Qi Daiyu found herself in a dilemma. Concubine Shu held a high rank, so the gift had to be valuable; anything less would be disrespectful. Yet, since Concubine Shu and the Empress were at odds, the gift couldn’t be too extravagant either.
After much thought, she settled on the reliable old three: fine brocade silks, colorful pottery and white porcelain ornaments, and gold and silver jewelry.
Reluctantly, Qi Daiyu instructed Putao to prepare two bolts of brocade, and she also took along two “golden” tangerines.
In terms of value, it was certainly not modest. The brocades were part of the rewards she received when she was promoted to Consort Hui, and the tangerines were gifts from the Emperor himself—there was no chance of offense.
Quite safe.
But utterly uninspired.
On the day of Concubine Shu’s birthday, Qi Daiyu made her way to the Chengrui Pavilion bearing the gifts.
When she presented them, Ming Cui, the palace maid responsible for registering the offerings, twitched at the corner of her mouth and glanced at Qi Daiyu a little longer than usual.
This gift from Consort Hui was indeed genuine.
Two large “golden” tangerines were certainly valuable, but they struck Ming Cui as somewhat tacky.
Of course, this was only because she didn’t know the tangerines were personally bestowed by the Emperor—otherwise, she wouldn’t dare to criticize.
Qi Daiyu pretended not to notice Ming Cui’s peculiar expression and stepped into the pavilion.
Inside, the tables and chairs were arranged in a “凵” shape, with twelve seats around three sides. Apart from the seats for the Empress, Concubine Shu, and Consort Ning, the remaining one was presumably reserved for the Emperor.
Whether the Emperor would actually attend was uncertain.
Qi Daiyu’s seat was on the right side, next to Consort Zhuang Qin Saizhu.
It had been some days since they last met, and Qi Daiyu was surprised to see that Qin Saizhu appeared thinner.
“You’ve been on leave these past days—are you really that ill?”
On the day they went to the Taiye Pool to admire the ice sculptures, Qin Saizhu had said she was unwell and didn’t come. Afterwards, she took leave, claiming stomach troubles, and hadn’t gone to pay respects at the Kunning Palace either.
Qi Daiyu herself had just recovered from an illness and then was assigned tasks by the Empress, leaving no time to visit. She hadn’t expected Qin Saizhu to be so seriously unwell, losing so much weight.
Qin Saizhu smiled and said, “If it’s stomach trouble, naturally I can’t eat much. I’ve been starving these days—today, I’m going to enjoy a proper meal, taking advantage of Concubine Shu’s birthday.”
Behind her, Zhi Ma lowered his head.
The stomach trouble was real, but the cause was deliberately inflicted by his mistress. Thinking of how his mistress had been eating only half a bowl of porridge daily, Zhi Ma was deeply distressed.
Just then, Concubine Mei arrived. Seeing the very person responsible for her mistress’s distress, a flicker of disdain flashed in Zhi Ma’s eyes.
Concubine Mei was completely oblivious. She swayed her waist as she walked to her seat and sat down, covering her mouth with a handkerchief as she laughed, “Why is Concubine Shu’s birthday banquet held here in the Chengrui Pavilion? Why not at Jiangxue Hall or Wanchun Pavilion? Those places are bigger. This Chengrui Pavilion feels so cramped—I can barely catch my breath.”
Since becoming pregnant, Concubine Mei had grown increasingly outspoken. She had always regarded Concubine Shu as a rival, and now, emboldened by carrying the Emperor’s heir, she dared to mock the modest scale of Concubine Shu’s birthday celebration.
How could Concubine Shu tolerate her insolence? She smiled lightly and said, “It’s not like it’s a full year celebration, so why make such a big fuss? I remember Concubine Mei’s full year birthday was last year, wasn’t it? Where was it held? I don’t seem to recall.”
Diancui, standing behind her, replied, “Your Highness, at Concubine Mei’s birthday last year, she only reserved a table in the kitchen and did not hold a banquet.”
But was that really not holding one? The truth was she wasn’t qualified to!
Back then, Concubine Mei was still a beauty, with only Concubine Cao and Consort Ma ranked below her. Her relationships were poor, so who would want to attend?
Concubine Mei straightened her back, opened her mouth, and blushed deeply. “When it’s my birthday this year, I will petition His Majesty to hold a banquet at Jiangxue Pavilion!”
These days were different from the past; she was now pregnant—who would dare disrespect her?
Thinking of this, Concubine Mei grew even more proud.
But soon, when she saw Zhaorong walk in, her brows furrowed. “Why was she invited?”
Zhaorong paused, turned to Concubine Mei, and bowed, “Concubine Mei, I am here by the Empress Dowager’s order to bring joy to Concubine Shu.”
Though she bowed, her movements lacked reverence. Before Concubine Mei could respond, Zhaorong stood up herself and had the palace maids behind her present the offerings.
She was about to take her leave immediately.
“Ah!” Concubine Shu called out to her, “Since Zhaorong has come, I must of course treat her as a guest. Diancui, show her to a seat.”
Her eyes curved like a crescent moon, her beauty like that of a flower hiding its shame. “Sooner or later, Zhaorong and I will be sisters-in-arms. I believe no one here would object, right?”
Naturally, no one opposed.
Zhaorong was reluctant, but when she saw the faintly threatening look in Concubine Shu’s eyes, she immediately recalled what her mother had said that day.
It seemed the Yuan family and the Grand Princess’s manor had secretly reached an agreement, and Concubine Shu was aware of it too.
Zhaorong pressed her lips together. “Then I shall trouble you for a short while.”
Just as she sat down, Consort Ning, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke.
“Concubine Shu’s words just now were somewhat inappropriate. The selection of beauties has yet to begin. If such talk spreads, it could damage Zhaorong’s reputation.”
Consort Ning was always strict about palace rules; her reminder was well-meaning, but it made both parties uncomfortable.
Zhaorong bit her lip. Her entry into the palace was already a done deal, but she still had to go through the formalities. In half a month, she would be sent to the palace residence to learn the rules. What did Consort Ning mean? Was she implying Zhaorong might not pass that month smoothly?
How insulting!
As for Concubine Shu, she thought, since when did Consort Ning have the right to lecture her?
She sneered coldly and leaned back. “Speaking of which, I recently heard an interesting piece of news to share with all of you.”
“The emperor’s trusted minister, the commander of the capital guards, Zeng Qiming, has finally decided on a second wife. Can you guess which noble lady’s family he chose?”
The news of Zeng Qiming’s desire to marry a noble lady had already spread throughout the capital. Some laughed at him for his foolish dreams, while others eagerly sought to curry favor.
After all, although Zeng Qiming came from a poor background, his future was boundless. Even as a second wife, it wasn’t without suitors who were interested.
Compared to reputation, some were willing to choose wealth and glory.
Those unfamiliar with the matter pondered quietly, recalling the prominent families, wondering which one could be so shameless.
Then Concubine Shu laughed and said, “It’s just a coincidence that the people from that residence are at a banquet today.”
Everyone followed her gaze.
Consort Ning?!
Consort Ning’s natal family—that’s the Yang Residence, the Prime Minister’s household!
Is the Yang Residence really going to arrange a betrothal with Zeng Qiming?
The crowd fell silent in astonishment.
