"The morning is the most important part of the day, another day to stick close to the beautiful sisters..."
Adjust the angle, take a photo, write a caption, and post it on the social feed.
Documenting the lovely daily life—even after transmigrating to ancient times, she couldn’t forget this habit.
This was a newly discovered function for Qi Daiyu—she could actually post on her social feed! Though no one else could see it, keeping it as a personal record wasn’t bad either. So when the Empress emerged and everyone had gathered, she immediately snapped a picture of the scene.
Of course, no one had any idea what she was doing.
But when she looked up after finishing, she accidentally met the Empress’s gaze, and Qi Daiyu felt inexplicably guilty.
It was the same feeling as getting caught slacking off during a morning meeting by the boss.
The Empress averted her eyes, tilted her head slightly, and behind her, Mei Yi quietly retreated. Soon after, a plate of pastries appeared on the tables beside Qi Daiyu and Noble Lady Qin.
Qi Daiyu: "..." She felt even more guilty now.
The Empress continued speaking.
With the exception of Concubine Shu, who was still in confinement after childbirth, all the imperial consorts were present. Coincidentally, the matters the Empress needed to discuss today were quite important.
"As the Mid-Autumn Festival passes, next month will be busy for the palace. First, the Double Ninth Festival is approaching. According to tradition, on that day, This Consort will accompany His Majesty to South Mountain for the ascent, prayers, and ancestral sacrifices. The imperial clan and titled noblewomen will also enter the palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager, so the palace will need someone to oversee affairs."
The Empress looked at Consort Ning. "Concubine Shu is still in confinement, so we shall not disturb her. Consort Ning, you have previously assisted This Consort in organizing palace banquets. This year’s Double Ninth Festival shall be entrusted to you. How does that sound?"
Consort Ning rose and bowed. "Your Majesty need not worry. This Consort will not disappoint."
No one had any objections to Consort Ning handling the palace affairs for the Double Ninth Festival. The reason was simple—the Double Ninth Festival differed from other celebrations. Its customs revolved around two things: ascending heights to pray for blessings and offering sacrifices to heaven and ancestors, and hosting banquets to pray for longevity.
The former was reserved exclusively for the Empress accompanying the Emperor outside the palace, receiving the admiration of thousands, while the other consorts were confined to the palace.
The latter involved noblewomen and titled officials' wives entering the palace to pay homage to the Empress Dowager—a display of filial piety and familial harmony—where the consorts were also required to attend. Among them, the one managing the arrangements would bear the heaviest burden.
There were benefits, of course: gaining visibility before the imperial clan and earning a good reputation. But for many consorts, their status and honor were already confined within the harem. Whether they left a good impression on the imperial clan mattered little, so few actively sought this responsibility.
Consort Ning, however, was delighted.
As the daughter of a prominent family, she had accompanied her mother in receiving guests even before entering the palace. She was familiar with the elder women of the imperial clan, and receiving a few words of praise from them would satisfy her greatly.
"The second matter concerns the autumn hunt." Last night, the Emperor had stayed at the Empress’s palace and informed her that with state affairs easing slightly, he planned to hold an autumn hunt at the hunting grounds.
In this dynasty, autumn hunts could be held in the eighth, ninth, or tenth month, depending on the Emperor’s schedule. This year, Jiang Yuan had decided on the ninth month, and the Empress naturally agreed.
At this news, everyone perked up.
Concubine Miao was the most eager. "The autumn hunt? Can we consorts attend as well?"
Their excitement was understandable—they had been cooped up for far too long!
After the late Emperor’s passing, the current Emperor, as a filial son, had taken measures to observe mourning. Banquets were simplified, the imperial selection of consorts was postponed, the summer retreat to the mountain palace was canceled, and the autumn hunt was also called off. As a result, these consorts had not left the palace for nearly three years.
The imperial palace was splendid, but after staying too long, one inevitably longed to see the outside world and experience different scenery.
"Everyone may attend." The Empress smiled. With so few consorts in the harem, it was only natural they would all go together.
"However," the Empress’s expression turned serious, "this will be His Majesty’s first autumn hunt since his personal campaign. Even This Consort is not entirely familiar with the procedures, so utmost caution is required. No one is to act recklessly or bring disgrace to the imperial family. Is that understood?"
The consorts hastily assented.
Then followed an unstifled wave of discussion.
Consort Ning was still pondering how to handle the Double Ninth Festival arrangements.
Consort An was troubled over whether to bring the Second Princess. Judging by the Empress’s tone, the Eldest Princess would certainly attend, but her Second Princess was still young. The hunting grounds were far—would the child endure the journey? Yet if she stayed behind in the palace with the Second Princess, she truly hadn’t left the palace in so long...
Noble Lady Qin was already fantasizing. "If we hunt well, won’t we get to taste wild game?" She cared little for leisure or horseback riding—her focus was solely on delicious food.
Consort Ma and Consort Cao, being of lower rank, didn’t overthink it. They were simply grateful to be included in the hunt.
As for Concubine Miao, after her initial excitement, she suddenly remembered something.
"Your Majesty, in that case, Concubine Shu won’t be able to attend, will she?"
All eyes turned to her.
"By the time of the hunt, Concubine Shu will have just emerged from confinement, and the Eldest Prince is still so young..." Could Concubine Shu really leave the Eldest Prince behind to go to the hunting grounds?
The consorts fell silent. Concubine Shu loved excitement, especially horseback riding. After being cooped up in the palace for three years, she finally had a chance to leave—only to miss it. One could imagine her frustration.
The thought of Concubine Shu’s furious reaction upon learning she couldn’t go made Concubine Miao inwardly gleeful.
The Empress glanced at her, intending to temper her enthusiasm.
"Concubine Shu has borne a prince, continuing the imperial lineage. Minister Yuan has served with loyalty, sharing His Majesty’s burdens. Moreover, Concubine Shu’s grandmother, Old Lady Yuan, will soon celebrate her grand birthday. The decree conferring upon her the title of Third-Rank Shuren has already been dispatched to the Yuan residence."
Concubine Miao’s smile froze.
Though it was an imperial decree from the Empress, if the Emperor hadn’t ordered it, how could the Empress have issued such an edict?
After slighting Concubine Shu the other day, the Emperor had turned around and granted her grandmother a third-rank title—proof of his regard for Concubine Shu... Concubine Miao deflated instantly.
She suddenly recalled how her younger brother had passed the imperial exams but remained without an official post. She had privately pleaded with the Emperor multiple times, hoping for even an eighth or ninth-rank position to bring some honor to her family, but the Emperor had refused, stating that official appointments fell under the Ministry of Personnel’s jurisdiction. Yet he was the Emperor—appointing a minor official required but a word. He simply hadn’t wanted to.
At the time, fearing accusations of meddling in court affairs, Concubine Miao had dropped the matter. But now, in contrast to this, she couldn’t help but feel disheartened. Unconsciously, she pressed a hand to her abdomen. If she too could bear a prince, would His Majesty look more favorably upon her and her family?
No one knew of Concubine Miao’s thoughts. With the matters discussed, the Empress dismissed the consorts after the customary farewells—except for Qi Daiyu, whom she asked to stay.
Leading her to the rear hall, the Empress had her seated.
"Today, Doctor Xia will be here to check This Consort’s pulse. Wait a while, and when he arrives, have him examine you as well."
Qi Daiyu was flustered by the favor. Doctor Xia was the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, responsible only for the health of the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress. For a mere Noble Lady like her to receive his diagnosis required special imperial grace.
She wanted to decline, but upon reflection, she understood the Empress’s intention and remained silent.
After a short wait, Doctor Xia arrived.
First, he checked the Empress’s pulse, then turned to Qi Daiyu.
Doctor Xia, though middle-aged with streaks of gray in his hair, possessed hands as delicate and smooth as a baby’s—even fairer and softer than a woman’s. When his fingers rested on Qi Daiyu’s wrist, it reminded her of the elderly Chinese physicians she had seen in her past life.
This was a master physician, a true national treasure! How had she been fortunate enough to receive his diagnosis?
Perhaps her excitement made her heartbeat quicken, because Doctor Xia glanced up at her in surprise before calmly lowering his gaze again.
After asking a few more questions about Qi Daiyu’s daily routines and diet, he rose to report to the Empress.
"Having reviewed Noble Lady Qi’s previous medical records, I can confirm that her recovery follows a clear trajectory. The damage to her internal organs has largely healed, and with continued rest, she will be fine. However, Noble Lady Qi has always been frail, and the emotional strain of the past two years—her melancholy and excessive worries—has depleted her vitality. Sudden emotional fluctuations make her susceptible to illness, so it’s best she maintains a peaceful state of mind and avoids overthinking."
"Medicine is inherently toxic, and Noble Lady Qi has already taken too much. I will prescribe a few dietary remedies for daily use instead. To soothe her emotions, she may practice calligraphy or copy Buddhist scriptures—both will nurture her body and spirit."
Doctor Xia spoke earnestly.
Though Qi Daiyu had known she wasn’t seriously ill, hearing his reassurance put her further at ease.
The Empress nodded. "Zhuyi, escort Doctor Xia to the side hall to draft the dietary prescriptions." She gave Zhuyi a meaningful glance.
Understanding, Zhuyi nodded and then called for Shiliu. "Come with me."
Once they had left, the Empress turned to Qi Daiyu. "Did you hear him clearly? I will have the kitchen set aside a stove specifically for your medicinal meals. From now on, they will be prepared by a dedicated attendant, and you must consume them daily to restore your health."
Qi Daiyu flushed with gratitude. "Your Majesty’s kindness is beyond what this humble consort could ever repay."
The Empress shook her head. "You saved me and the Eldest Princess that day. It’s only right that I ensure your full recovery." Had Qi Daiyu’s rank been higher, she might have even arranged a private kitchen in her residence.
Qi Daiyu: "…" Mention of the rescue only deepened her guilt.
"By the way, a letter from your family has arrived. You may take it with you."
Qi Daiyu was surprised. A letter from the Qi family?
Consorts in the palace were permitted to correspond with their families, though letters had to pass through the Imperial Household Department for record-keeping. Incoming letters were stamped and logged, as were outgoing ones—a measure to maintain records without infringing on privacy.
Once received, the Imperial Household Department delivered letters to the Empress’s palace at designated times, and she would then distribute them to the respective consorts. The Empress, being upright, would never stoop to reading others’ correspondence.
Seizing the opportunity, Qi Daiyu also requested permission to borrow books from the Zhaoren Hall. The Empress agreed, granting her a green waist token. With her family letter and dietary prescriptions in hand, Qi Daiyu departed the Empress’s palace.
After she left, Zhuyi returned to report.
"Your Majesty, Doctor Xia confirmed that Noble Lady Qi’s health is indeed no cause for concern—she only needs to nurture her spirit. There are also no issues regarding fertility." Earlier, the Empress had signaled Zhuyi to discreetly inquire whether Qi Daiyu could still bear children, given her past injury.
The Empress nodded.
Zhuyi smiled. "Your Majesty even had me bring Shiliu along to listen. Did you fear Noble Lady Qi might suspect you of ill intentions?"
The Empress replied calmly, "Better to avoid complications. With her maid as a witness, she’ll feel more at ease."
Ju Yi, who was serving tea, chimed in, "But Your Majesty’s kindness to Noble Lady Qi is plain for all to see. Even if repaying a debt of gratitude, haven’t you done enough? Why go so far as to arrange these favors?"
When Shiliu had come weeping to report that Concubine Miao had provoked Qi Daiyu into another illness, the Empress not only reprimanded Concubine Miao but also summoned Doctor Xia for a consultation.
Now that Qi Daiyu’s health was confirmed stable, her name plaque could be reinstated in the imperial selection records.
The Empress was creating an opportunity for her.
Sipping her tea leisurely, the Empress said, "Foolish girl, debts of gratitude are the hardest to settle—especially life-saving ones. It’s better that I repay it willingly than have her come demanding it later. She saved my Eldest Princess. What harm is there in helping her rise high?"
"Besides… she’ll still need to seize the opportunity herself." The Emperor’s favor was not so easily won.
On the way to Zhaoren Hall, Qi Daiyu noticed Shiliu’s unusually buoyant mood.
When she asked, Shiliu merely grinned. "Doctor Xia said you’re truly well now—of course I’m happy!" And with no concerns about bearing children, it was the best news possible.
Her delight was almost too much to bear.
The path to Zhaoren Hall led past the Jiaotai Hall and into the vicinity of the Qianqing Palace. Though still part of the inner palace, this area was frequented by the Emperor and occasionally by ministers, so guards patrolled in abundance.
The guards stood tall and imposing in their crisp uniforms, their heroic bearing making Qi Daiyu’s heart race.
A whole troop of men in uniform…
Ahem. Though her mind buzzed with thoughts, her expression remained composed. She’d seen enough palace dramas to know that consorts entangled with guards met tragic ends—she had no desire to court scandal.
Head lowered, she and Shiliu hurried to Zhaoren Hall, where she presented the Empress’s waist token.
The Empress’s tokens came in four tiers: the highest was the yellow phoenix token, symbolizing her personal authority; next was the red token, used for imperial decrees and edicts; then the blue token, issued to palace matrons for deliveries or official errands outside the palace.
The lowest was this green token—a one-time pass for minor requests like borrowing books. The Empress’s palace had these in abundance.
After verifying the token’s authenticity, the Zhaoren Hall steward recorded it and assigned a eunuch to guide Qi Daiyu inside.
Unbeknownst to her, someone near Qianqing Palace had taken notice.
Quan Fuhai, stationed outside the Emperor’s quarters, spotted the visitor to Zhaoren Hall and summoned a young eunuch. "Find out which consort that is."
He assumed it was another ploy for the Emperor’s attention—some consort hoping for a chance encounter. Little did they know the Emperor never visited Zhaoren Hall; with endless books in his own study, he simply sent attendants to fetch what he needed.
To his surprise, the eunuch returned with: "It’s Noble Lady Qi from Changchun Palace’s Yanqing Residence. She borrowed books with the Empress’s token."
"Noble Lady Qi?" It took Quan Fuhai a moment to place her—the consort who had saved the Empress and Eldest Princess, then spent over two years bedridden.
So this wasn’t a bid for favor?
Quan Fuhai couldn’t quite recall her appearance, but his shrewdness had carried him far.
After a thoughtful pause, he mused, "Since Noble Lady Qi has recovered, her plaque must be back in the selection records?"
The eunuch confirmed, "It is." If not, he’d have reminded the Office of Imperial Consorts.
Quan Fuhai nodded. "Go and give the order—when they come to request the imperial summons today, place Noble Lady Qi's green plaque at the forefront."
It wasn’t that he sought to flatter Qi Daiyu; a mere noble lady wasn’t worth the chief eunuch’s efforts to curry favor.
He was merely easing his master’s burdens.
