Ye Qiong was led into Wenshan Hall.
Though not fully recovered, her pale complexion and light makeup did little to diminish her delicate beauty. True to the praise she had received from her etiquette tutors, her movements were graceful and poised as she curtsied.
"Your humble servant Ye Qiong pays respects to Noble Consort Zhuang and Noble Consort Hui Zhao."
Qin Saizhu gestured for a maid to bring her a stool. "You've only just awakened. Had you skipped paying respects, neither I nor Noble Consort Hui Zhao would have held it against you. Why not rest properly?"
Ye Qiong replied respectfully, "This servant came to express gratitude for the efforts of both Your Highnesses in uncovering the truth and delivering justice. Such kindness is beyond repayment. With nothing material to offer, I wished to convey my thanks in person as a token of sincerity. If my presence is an inconvenience, I beg Your Highnesses' forgiveness."
Qin Saizhu and Qi Daiyu exchanged a glance—this Lady Ye was truly kind-hearted.
"There's no need for thanks," Qin Saizhu said. "I was acting under the Empress's orders to investigate the matter. It was only right to uncover the truth and ensure fairness. Once the facts were clear, justice had to be served."
"I also heard you risked yourself to push others out of harm's way, which led to your injury. Such bravery will be reported truthfully to the Empress upon our return."
Ye Qiong flushed slightly. "This servant didn't think much at the time—only that no one should be hurt by the falling tiles..."
Qin Saizhu nodded. "One's first instinct in danger reveals their true nature. It speaks to your purity of heart, wouldn't you agree, Noble Consort Hui Zhao?"
Qi Daiyu smiled warmly at Ye Qiong, her favorable impression of the girl growing, perhaps due to shared experiences.
"How is your health, Lady Ye? If you're unwell, you mustn't push yourself," Qi Daiyu asked with concern.
Ye Qiong replied, "The imperial physician said I’m mostly recovered. I only need to avoid strenuous activity and rest more."
"Still, an injury to the back of the head is no small matter—one can never be too careful. Since that’s the case, we won’t keep you. Return and rest early," Qi Daiyu advised, suspecting something like a concussion.
Ye Qiong hesitated briefly.
Qin Saizhu noticed. "Is there something else you wish to say?"
Seeming to steel herself, Ye Qiong bit her lip. "This servant has an... impertinent request."
She rose and knelt again. "From Lady Chen, I learned that the one who harmed me was Nuo Fu... To be frank, Nuo Fu and I traveled together from Jizhou to the capital. Though we were never on good terms, we grew up knowing each other. While I resent her cruelty, I cannot bear to see her suffer such a fate."
"Your Highnesses, I plead for leniency for Nuo Fu."
Her plea was earnest, as if genuinely pained by Zhang Nuofu’s downfall.
Qin Saizhu was silent for a moment. "Your compassion is commendable, but palace rules are absolute. As a court lady, Zhang Nuofu must be punished accordingly. If exceptions were made for every plea, what purpose would the rules serve?"
"Neither the Empress nor I could permit this."
Truthfully, Zhang Nuofu had become an example—a warning to others, and her punishment was harsher than usual.
Ye Qiong lowered her head. "This servant spoke out of turn."
"However, as the victim, your wishes should be considered. Very well—Zhang Nuofu, as a convict, was to be escorted back to Jizhou. Instead, she may return on her own and seek medical treatment."
Originally, Zhang Nuofu was to endure thirty lashes without treatment and be sent back under guard, subjected to public scorn. Now, she would at least travel without humiliation.
Ye Qiong brightened. "This servant thanks Noble Consort Zhuang!"
Her bow was too quick, draining more color from her face.
Qi Daiyu urged, "Lady Ye, you must return and rest now!"
Ye Qiong, sensing her own exhaustion, agreed. "Then this servant takes her leave."
After she departed, Qin Saizhu and Qi Daiyu discussed her.
"What do you think of Lady Ye?"
Qi Daiyu sipped her tea. "She seems kind-hearted and loyal to old ties."
"And?"
"What else?"
Qin Saizhu chuckled, pinching her cheek lightly. "Must you be so carefree? I wasn’t asking about her character!"
She dropped the topic, shifting to other matters.
Meanwhile, Ye Qiong left Wenshan Hall, walking back to the southern quarters. The palace maid assigned to her trailed at a distance—close enough to keep watch but not intrude.
No one saw the faint smile on Ye Qiong’s lips, devoid of the pity she had displayed earlier.
The dull ache in the back of her head did nothing to dampen her satisfaction.
At last, that detestable nuisance was gone.
Better yet, the outcome had exceeded her expectations—harsher, more fitting.
Worth the injury she had orchestrated.
Indeed, all had gone according to Ye Qiong’s design. She had stumbled upon Zhang Nuofu’s plan and discreetly aided it. Zhang Nuofu had only meant to frighten her—the honey smeared on the tiles was too little to attract enough termites to weaken the roof. Ye Qiong had added more honey to ensure the tiles would collapse.
With the evidence devoured by termites, no investigation could trace it back.
When Court Lady Jin led her beneath that corridor, Ye Qiong had known. Aside from Lady Chen, the other two were aware and would evade the falling tiles. But Ye Qiong wouldn’t let them off so easily.
She had shoved them aside before they could move, ensuring Court Lady Jin sprained her ankle—while Ye Qiong earned praise for her "selflessness."
She had calculated the angle—the tile struck the back of her head, leaving her face unharmed. The two-day unconsciousness was unexpected, but the risk had paid off.
Not only was Zhang Nuofu banished, but her family was barred from future selections—without implicating Ye Qiong’s own father.
After all, Zhang Nuofu had struck first. Even Zhang’s father would be ashamed to face hers.
Ye Qiong’s smile deepened.
For years, Zhang Nuofu had antagonized her, shielded by her father’s higher rank forcing Ye Qiong to endure it. Now, the imperial selection had rid her of the fool.
The palace was where she belonged, Ye Qiong mused.
The memory of Zhang Nuofu’s punishment played vividly in her mind. The incident had quelled unrest among the court ladies, leaving the quarters peaceful.
Two days later, with no further pretext to stay, Qin Saizhu and Qi Daiyu returned to the palace.
After half a day’s journey, they reported to the Empress at Kunming Palace.
The Empress nodded approvingly. "You’ve done well. The journey was tiring—go and rest."
"Rest now, there’s no need to come and pay respects tomorrow."
The two bowed and took their leave.
Upon returning to Yanqing Residence, Qi Daiyu was greeted with Shiliu’s enthusiastic care—pouring tea and asking if she was hungry—until Putao stopped her, "Let Her Ladyship rest properly."
After a nap, Qi Daiyu finally felt refreshed.
Once awake, her thoughts immediately turned to the business venture she had been longing to pursue.
Slacking off was due to a lack of motivation.
But making money? That was motivation.
An annual profit of four or five thousand taels seemed unimaginable to her; she’d be content with just two thousand.
The question was, what kind of business could she run?
Truthfully, she knew nothing about commerce. At best, she could contribute ideas and startup capital—though even that might fall short. The capital wasn’t her main concern, though; the real issue was deciding what to sell.
Given the prosperity of the capital, every industry likely already had established shops. To stand out, she’d need something unique, like Concubine Zhuang’s Baiwei Lou, which had its own distinctive appeal.
Qi Daiyu’s gaze swept over her study. What unique skills did she possess?
Pottery figurines? These were her personal hobbies, but people in this world wouldn’t understand the cultural significance behind them. They’d probably find them as bizarre as the Emperor had, unable to appreciate their beauty.
Doll-making? That might only appeal to children, hardly enough to cover rent, let alone turn a profit.
Lost in thought, Shiliu entered to fetch the sewing kit from the side table and suddenly remembered something. "My Lady, while you were away, I packed up the tools you used to make that beauty cream. Would you like me to bring them out?"
"Hmm… What?" Qi Daiyu’s eyes lit up. "Beauty cream!"
"Pardon?" Shiliu was confused. "Do you need it now? I’ll fetch it right away."
Inspiration struck! How could she have overlooked such a treasure? She had her phone! She could easily purchase modern products, repackage them, and sell them in this world!
Perfumes might not outshine the existing incense and balms here, but beauty and skincare products were another matter.
Currently, the concubines used imperial-made cosmetics—the finest available. Yet, from a modern perspective, these products had flaws: foundations weren’t finely milled, lip colors were limited, and most concerningly, many contained lead powder or cinnabar, harmful with prolonged use.
What if she sold modern makeup here?
Qi Daiyu decided it was worth a try.
With the business idea settled, the next hurdles were startup funds and connections. The silver from Concubine Zhuang wouldn’t arrive anytime soon, and Qi Daiyu’s own funds couldn’t even cover a year’s rent for a shop in the capital, let alone operations.
She needed a patron.
But before approaching one, she had to demonstrate the feasibility of her plan.
Thus, by day, Qi Daiyu pretended to concoct tonics and creams in her study, while at night, she secretly applied the most luxurious modern skincare—masks, serums, and massages. After a few days, her complexion glowed, her skin so dewy it seemed one could pinch water from it.
One morning, she used her "modern makeup" to create a natural "no-makeup" look—barely detectable yet leaving her fairer, brighter, and more radiant than usual.
During the morning greetings, even Concubine Shu couldn’t help stealing glances.
But everyone maintained their decorum, too proud to ask. After all, if someone had discovered a beauty secret, they’d hardly share it.
Once the greetings concluded, Qi Daiyu lingered behind.
Smiling at the Empress, she said, "It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Eldest Princess. I’ve made a little toy for her amusement."
It was an illustrated primer she’d designed—a teaching aid for young children. The task had come naturally to her, and she’d finished it quickly.
Adults might not appreciate the whimsical, cartoonish style, but a child like the Eldest Princess would likely enjoy it. Moreover, it aided in learning, so the Empress wouldn’t refuse.
Sure enough, after skimming through it, the Empress recognized its value and instructed Zhuyi to deliver it to the Eldest Princess’s quarters.
"You’ve always had clever ideas, but don’t overexert yourself," the Empress advised gently.
Qi Daiyu replied, "Your Majesty need not worry. I’ve been in excellent health lately, feeling lighter than ever."
The Empress observed her complexion. "Indeed, your radiance has been remarkable these days—lovely even without cosmetics."
Here it was.
Qi Daiyu steadied herself. Her patron had arrived.
