Returning to the Guanju Palace, Yu Miaohua faced the worried expressions of Cuiwei and the others with an air of nonchalance. "I'm hungry. Have the meal served," she said.
There was no need to spread her negative emotions to others.
Though the Emperor had defended her earlier, she didn’t believe he would repeatedly oppose the Empress Dowager for her sake. The Emperor was no fool in love—to him, the stability of the empire was paramount. How could he risk tarnishing his reputation as an unfilial son for the sake of a mere concubine?
Seeing her calm demeanor, Cuiwei and the others finally let go of their lingering anxiety.
After Yu Miaohua had been detained at the Empress Dowager’s Ning Shou Palace, Cuiwei and Qingluo had been dismissed and forced to return alone. When midday passed without any sign of their mistress, they had been beside themselves with worry, yet dared not go to Ning Shou Palace to inquire, fearing they might provoke the Empress Dowager and make matters worse.
Meanwhile, servants from other palaces whispered that Yu Miaohua was doomed this time, and the good days of Guanju Palace were over.
Cuiwei made a mental note of the gossips while ordering the palace staff to remain cautious, lest careless words add to their mistress’s troubles.
Those few hours had felt like an eternity, filled with unbearable tension.
Thankfully, their mistress had returned unharmed.
"What would you like to eat, Your Highness?" Cuiwei asked.
Perhaps because she had gone too long without food, Yu Miaohua no longer felt the gnawing hunger from before. Normally, she might have settled for a simple bowl of noodles, but now…
Her gaze swept over Cuiwei, Qingluo, and the others, taking in their uneasy expressions. Playing along, she pretended to consider. "It’s a bit chilly today. Let’s have a hot pot—a pickled cabbage one. Slice the beef and lamb thinly, prepare fish meatballs, and wash some greens. And bring a few skewers of lamb kebabs too."
Fresh greens in winter were something of a luxury. The imperial family’s vegetables were grown in hot springs estates and heated greenhouses. As a Noble Consort, Yu Miaohua had no shortage of such provisions.
Seeing her in the mood to order a feast, Cuiwei grew even more reassured—the situation couldn’t be too dire.
The servants, observing their mistress’s composure, went about their tasks with renewed confidence.
Since the hot pot would take time, the kitchen first sent over a bowl of chicken noodle soup to tide her over. The broth had been simmering since morning, its surface skimmed of all grease. Steamed pastries accompanied it.
After finishing half the bowl, the hot pot arrived. Yu Miaohua left the pastries untouched, distributing them among Cuiwei and the others instead.
Determined to enjoy the moment and eat her fill, she devoured most of the hot pot. The consequence was inevitable—she overate and had to take digestive hawthorn pills.
Though she could have walked around the palace to aid digestion, that would have been somewhat embarrassing.
Seated on the daybed, she stared blankly into space, her mind empty.
Guanju Palace fell into a hushed silence, the servants communicating only through glances, careful not to disturb their mistress.
[Host, would you like to watch a drama? I’ve found a few palace intrigue series that suit your taste—"XX Chronicles," "XX Strategies," "XXX Scandal"... Want to take a look?]
The Palace Intrigue System piped up timidly.
[Is this your way of apologizing? Weren’t you quite eager to push me into missions earlier?]
Yu Miaohua had long noticed that, perhaps because it was an outsider—or not human at all—the system treated the people of this world like NPCs in a game, willing to do anything to complete tasks.
But for her… even before awakening her past-life memories, she had already lived in this world for over a decade.
The system’s tone turned sheepish.
[The Emperor clearly favors you! We’ll be fine!]
Yu Miaohua had no idea where the system got its confidence. Truthfully, living an extra lifetime was already a bonus for her, but if possible, she didn’t want to drag her family in this world into trouble.
[Those dramas you mentioned require points to unlock.]
In her foul mood, Yu Miaohua decided to extort the system. She knew that with each completed mission, not only did she earn points, but the system also gained energy and a share of points.
The Palace Intrigue System balked at the expense, but seeing Yu Miaohua’s deceptively calm expression… it caved, reluctantly spending its own reserves to unlock the dramas for her.
Squeezing points out of this penny-pinching system and watching it wince lifted some of the gloom in Yu Miaohua’s chest.
Just as she was about to pick a drama at random, Beauty Concubine Zhao arrived.
This was her first visit to Guanju Palace since the banquet.
Yu Miaohua had heard that Beauty Concubine Zhao rarely ventured out, spending her days diligently practicing dance—her perseverance was almost admirable.
"Invite Beauty Concubine Zhao in."
Moments later, Beauty Concubine Zhao was led inside. A servant behind her carried a food box, while she herself held a nanmu wooden case.
With dignified grace, she curtsied. "Greetings, Sister Yu."
Yu Miaohua smiled. "Sister Zhao is a rare guest indeed."
Beauty Concubine Zhao replied, "I heard you admire the embroidery style of Jiangzhou, so I spent some time making a double-sided embroidery piece in that style."
Hong Xing accepted the case, which held a small double-sided embroidery screen, perfect for display on a table.
After a discreet inspection, Hong Xing presented it to Yu Miaohua.
The system detected no issues, so Yu Miaohua examined the screen freely. One side depicted butterflies among flowers, the other a squirrel holding a chestnut—fresh and lively.
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but admire Beauty Concubine Zhao’s talent. Not only was she an exquisite dancer, but her embroidery was also impeccable.
She placed the screen on the small table beside the daybed. "My thanks. This embroidery is truly lovely."
After some small talk, Beauty Concubine Zhao finally broached her real purpose. "I’ve been choreographing a new dance but hit a snag. I hoped to consult Ruolan. I even brought her favorite sweet dumplings."
Yu Miaohua turned to Qingluo. "Go ask Ruolan if she’s free."
Beauty Concubine Zhao waited with a smile, though a trace of displeasure flickered in her heart.
Ruolan was merely a servant, while she was an imperial concubine. Shouldn’t Ruolan be the one to come greet her? Yet Yu Miaohua acted as if Ruolan’s consent was required, as though she might refuse on Ruolan’s behalf.
Soon, Qingluo returned with Ruolan in tow.
Seeing this, Yu Miaohua knew Ruolan was willing to meet. She waved a hand. "I know nothing of dance, so I’ll leave you to it. You may use the side hall for your discussion."
After bowing to Yu Miaohua, Ruolan followed Beauty Concubine Zhao out.
As the former residence of Empress Zhenyi, Guanju Palace was second only to the palaces of the Empress Dowager and the imperial couple. With only Yu Miaohua in residence now, many rooms stood empty—even a greenhouse for winter fruits and vegetables.
Beauty Concubine Zhao was led to the side palace with a heart full of mixed emotions. Even this unused side palace was larger than her own quarters. Consort Hui’s treatment in the palace was undoubtedly first-rate.
Once the others had left, Beauty Concubine Zhao signaled her personal maid to guard the door before speaking to Ruolan. "It seems you’re doing quite well in Guanju Palace. That puts my mind at ease." From Ruolan’s complexion alone, it was clear she was relaxed—proof that Guanju Palace was a place where she could find peace.
Ruolan’s lips curved slightly. "Consort Hui is a kind person."
She had even borrowed books on dance and music from the library and Dexin Tower for her. Since her fall to the Music Bureau, these past days had been the most tranquil she had known.
She turned to Beauty Concubine Zhao. "But has something happened to Her Highness?"
Most of her time was spent reading and choreographing dances in her room, with little attention paid to outside affairs.
Based on her understanding of Beauty Concubine Zhao, the woman was meticulous in her actions. After the banquet, to avoid stirring trouble, she would never have taken the initiative to visit Guanju Palace—unless something had happened there…
Beauty Concubine Zhao replied, "Sister Yu has incurred the Empress Dowager’s displeasure. Today, she was detained in the Empress Dowager’s palace."
Rumors said it was only after the Emperor personally went to Ningshou Palace that Yu Miaohua was released. She had lingered there for so long that she missed lunch and was sent away in a daze, confirming everyone’s suspicions.
The Emperor would never defy the Empress Dowager for Yu Miaohua alone. To preserve the Empress Dowager’s dignity, Yu Miaohua was destined to fall from favor.
Upon hearing the news, Beauty Concubine Zhao exhaled deeply, her heart bubbling with quiet delight.
She was certain she wasn’t the only one rejoicing—most of the imperial harem would share her sentiment.
Yu Miaohua’s favor had been overwhelming. With her around, the Emperor had eyes for no one else. Even in terms of gifts, the finest were always sent either to Fengyi Palace or Guanju Palace.
After the banquet, it was clear to all that she had suffered a great injustice. Yet she neither wept nor complained, and the Emperor had neither compensated her nor stepped foot in her palace again.
Ruolan’s face paled at Beauty Concubine Zhao’s words.
Beauty Concubine Zhao continued, "Given our past connection, I could ask Sister Yu to return you to me."
Ruolan’s presence in Yu Miaohua’s service had been a constant source of unease for her, fearing the day Ruolan might trade her secrets for favor.
Now was the perfect time to reclaim her. Yu Miaohua herself would likely be unwilling to stir trouble over a mere palace maid, especially when it risked further displeasing the Empress Dowager.
Ruolan looked at her with quiet understanding. "Is Your Highness afraid I’ll tell Consort Hui about that matter? Since I made a deal with you, I won’t break it."
She had never spoken of it, nor did she intend to—Consort Hui had simply figured it out on her own.
Beauty Concubine Zhao said, "I trust you, of course. I’m only concerned for your future."
Ruolan lowered her eyes. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I appreciate it."
It was clear to Beauty Concubine Zhao that Ruolan was determined to stay with Yu Miaohua.
"Aren’t you afraid of being sent back to the Music Bureau?"
Ruolan replied, "At worst, I’ll return to my old life."
Consort Hui had even offended Beauty Concubine Zhao for her sake. If she left now, wouldn’t she become the very kind of ungrateful wretch she despised?
Beauty Concubine Zhao fell silent for a moment, her expression complicated. "Don’t regret it later."
"Try the sweet cakes I brought you."
…
As a woman of propriety, Beauty Concubine Zhao had only subtly used Ruolan as an excuse to gauge the situation in Guanju Palace. Other concubines were far more direct.
No sooner had Beauty Concubine Zhao left than Consort Xu arrived with Concubine Shen in tow.
Consort Xu had been released from house arrest at the end of September but had since kept a low profile, nearly fading into obscurity.
Seeing Yu Miaohua sitting calmly on the couch, peeling a roasted tangerine, Consort Xu was baffled. How could she remain so unruffled at a time like this?
She was sorely disappointed not to see her in a state of panic.
Since her house arrest, Consort Xu had lost not only face but also the Emperor’s favor. Even after her release, he had never visited her again.
Naturally, she blamed Yu Miaohua for this. Had Yu Miaohua remained favored, she might have swallowed her resentment. But now that misfortune loomed over her, she couldn’t resist coming to gloat. On the way, she had run into Concubine Shen—their shared intentions clear in a single glance—and so they arrived together.
Consort Xu smiled. "How fortunate you are, sister, to have so easily caught the Empress Dowager’s eye. She even kept you by her side to chant scriptures—a privilege none of us have enjoyed in all our years in the palace."
Her sarcasm was unmistakable.
Yu Miaohua refused to be cowed, flashing them a radiant smile. "What can I say? I’m simply likable. The Empress Dowager adores me. It’s a gift you sisters can’t hope to match."
Dazzled by her grin, Consort Xu cursed inwardly: The audacity! Who’s praising her? Who’d want such a ‘privilege’?
Just wait—she’d be crying soon enough.
Consort Xu bit back her retort, remembering her month-long house arrest.
Unlike Consort Xu, Concubine Shen took a different approach. She sighed sympathetically. "Sister, you don’t have to force a smile. I know how much you’re suffering."
Yu Miaohua wouldn’t concede. "What nonsense. Why would I be suffering? Serving the Empress Dowager in prayer is an honor. Unless… you think it’s a hardship?"
Concubine Shen couldn’t possibly agree—such words reaching the Empress Dowager’s ears would spell disaster.
She hastily denied it. "Of course not! We’re envious, truly."
Yu Miaohua waved a hand. "Exactly! I knew you’d all be jealous. Since that’s the case, why not join me in copying scriptures?"
These women had come to mock her, ruining her drama-watching plans. She might as well make them copy scriptures as payment for their amusement. Dealing with their veiled barbs was exhausting—copying scriptures at least required no mental effort.
Just as Consort Xu was about to refuse, Yu Miaohua frowned disapprovingly. "You wouldn’t refuse to copy scriptures for the Empress Dowager, would you? Were your earlier words just lies?"
Consort Xu: "…"
Cornered, Consort Xu had no choice but to comply.
Yu Miaohua called for Cuiwei. "Fetch paper and brushes. Sisters Xu and Shen will be staying to copy scriptures with me."
Consort Xu wanted to slap herself. Why did I have to come? Since when was Yu Miaohua’s misfortune ever enjoyable?
But regret was useless now.
She and Concubine Shen could only swallow their anger and begin copying scriptures.
As the writing materials were brought over, Concubine Shen suddenly spoke up. "The Empress Dowager is deeply devout. If you were to copy the scriptures in blood, sister, she would surely cherish you even more."
Yu Miaohua had fallen out of favor with the Empress Dowager. Though she appeared calm and composed on the surface, inwardly she must have been flustered and desperate. With no other options left, she might just take the advice offered to her.
If she truly resorted to copying scriptures in blood, she would be cutting off all paths of retreat.
Had it not been for a stroke of fate, she would never have learned the secret history of how Empress Zhenyi once used blood-written scriptures to frame the Empress Dowager.
Yu Miaohua glanced at Concubine Shen but said nothing.
Copy scriptures in blood? She wasn’t foolish enough to play such a dangerous game with her own health.
She had already done what she could. If the Empress Dowager still disliked her… so be it. At least her conscience was clear.
Consort Xu frowned, eyeing Concubine Shen with confusion. Had Concubine Shen lost her mind? Why was she offering Yu Miaohua advice?
Concubine Shen averted her gaze and began copying the scriptures.
Since chatter was forbidden while transcribing Buddhist texts, the front hall fell into silence.
Just as they were nearing the end of a scroll, commotion erupted outside the hall.
A palace maid from the outer chamber rushed in, her face alight with excitement. "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has sent Nanny Zhou!"
Consort Xu immediately set down her brush, her eyes gleaming. The frustration of being forced to copy scriptures vanished in an instant, replaced by undisguised glee on her delicate features—finally, the moment she had been waiting for had arrived. She hadn’t lingered here for nothing.
Surely, the Empress Dowager had sent someone to reprimand Yu Miaohua—perhaps even punish her with more scripture copying or confine her to the Guanju Palace.
Concubine Shen’s initial delight quickly morphed into a mask of concern.
...
Half an hour earlier, in the Ningshou Palace.
The Emperor had sent over chests of tribute, each filled with rare treasures that dazzled the eye.
"Send these gold peony hairpins, the crab-and-lotus gold pin, and the coral-inlaid headpiece to the Empress. She has worked hard managing the inner palace," the Empress Dowager instructed softly.
"The court beads are of fine quality. Take two strands for Chi Yan—he can string them for amusement. And bring him four boxes of gourd-shaped gold ingots for New Year’s rewards."
"Mingyao’s health is frail. Send her the blue satin marten coat and the brown satin squirrel-lined jacket. And this white fox fur cloak—keep it for her as well."
The Empress Dowager was thoroughly enjoying the distribution. Initially, she had only intended to open the treasury to send gifts to Consort Hui. But the Emperor had insisted she take first pick of this year’s tribute, so she happily obliged, preparing New Year’s gifts for all.
The Empress, the Crown Prince, the eldest princess—none of those she cared for were overlooked. As for Consort Hui, she had done so much for the Emperor and endured much hardship. She deserved generous compensation.
Nanny Zhou noticed the Empress Dowager had set aside a pair of orchid hairpins and a peacock hairpin adorned with kingfisher feathers on a tray to the left, yet hesitated to name their recipient.
The orchid pins were newly arrived tribute. The petals were carved from mutton-fat jade, encircled by leaves of emerald-green jade—so exquisitely crafted they were impossible to ignore.
Nanny Zhou had assumed they were meant for the Virtuous Consort, whom the Empress Dowager often praised for her orchid-like virtues. Yet the Virtuous Consort only received gold hairpins with bats and mushrooms and a pair of gold bracelets.
Soon, Nanny Zhou realized who the orchid pins were for.
The Empress Dowager asked, "How is the situation at Guanju Palace?"
"If Consort Hui has awakened, send her the orchid pins and the peacock hairpin. Also, deliver these six bolts of pearl silk and dawn satin to Guanju Palace. The colors will suit her complexion—she’ll look lovely in gowns made from them."
The palace concubines always dressed modestly when paying respects, but the Empress Dowager preferred vibrant hues that lifted the spirits.
"Take this case of rubies and green agate as well. She can have new jewelry crafted."
Knowing Consort Hui often napped in the afternoon, the Empress Dowager instructed Nanny Zhou to check first, not wishing to disturb her rest. After the day’s ordeal, the girl deserved proper repose.
Nanny Zhou was stunned. Earlier, when the Empress Dowager summoned Consort Hui to the prayer hall and the Emperor stormed in, she had feared a rift between the two most powerful figures in the palace.
But when mother and son emerged from the hall in calm spirits, and the Emperor sent over the finest tribute, her worries eased.
In her heart, she had assumed Consort Hui would be the sacrificial lamb.
Who could have guessed the Empress Dowager would change her mind, casting aside past disdain and even preparing gifts for Consort Hui that rivaled those for the Empress?
Whatever the reason, Nanny Zhou was relieved. She hated seeing the Empress Dowager and the Emperor at odds.
With a light heart, she acknowledged the orders and sent someone to Guanju Palace for news.
Fifteen minutes later, the messenger returned.
"Consort Hui’s palace is bustling. Beauty Concubine Zhao visited earlier, and now Consort Xu and Concubine Shen are there."
The Empress Dowager’s expression darkened. These women must have thought Consort Hui had fallen from grace and were eager to kick her while she was down.
Consort Hui was too soft-hearted, enduring such treatment in silence. Wasn’t she the Emperor’s favorite?
No wonder the Empress always shielded her—she must have worried the girl’s gentle nature would be her undoing in the harem.
After a moment’s thought, the Empress Dowager decided the original gifts were insufficient. With a wave of her hand, she added more.
"Fetch two cases of ivory combs, the sandalwood octagonal treasure box, two white tiger pelts, and ten bolts of gold-woven satin from my treasury… Send them all to Guanju Palace."
The Empress Dowager’s attendants had witnessed countless storms, remaining unshaken through every crisis. Yet now, as they watched her empty her treasury for Guanju Palace, they gaped in disbelief.
What had come over Her Majesty?
A sharp glance from the Empress Dowager snapped them back to attention. "Why are you still standing there?"
The servants scrambled—some to the treasury, others to pack the gifts—buzzing about like busy bees.
A procession of palace staff carefully carried trays and hauled chests toward Guanju Palace, the line so long it drew stares.
Suddenly, the Empress Dowager remembered something. "Nanny Zhou, Beauty Concubine Zhao, Consort Xu, and Concubine Shen are at Guanju Palace, correct?"
Nanny Zhou nodded. "Beauty Concubine Zhao has left, but Consort Xu and Concubine Shen remain."
The Empress Dowager smirked. "Since they’re so eager to witness, they shall receive gifts as well."
If they had so much free time, they could copy scriptures for her.
...
At Guanju Palace.
Yu Miaohua, braced for punishment, stared in shock at the amiable Nanny Zhou and the lavish gifts piled behind her—so many they occupied half the room.
Nanny Zhou smiled. "Consort Hui, your filial piety and wisdom have greatly pleased the Empress Dowager. She has opened her treasury to bestow these treasures upon you."
Yu Miaohua was baffled. When she left earlier, the Empress Dowager had loathed her. What could have prompted such a sudden reversal?
What had the Emperor said to change the Empress Dowager’s attitude so drastically? The contrast was so stark, she wondered if she was dreaming.
[System, could this be a sugar-coated trap?]
[Will you accept it?]
[Of course!]
The gifts were explicitly for her—only a fool would refuse.
Whatever the reason, it couldn’t be worse than what she had imagined.
Yu Miaohua wore an expression of pleasant surprise. "This humble one thanks Her Majesty the Empress Dowager for her grace."
The Empress Dowager had indeed been exceedingly generous—the jewelry she sent was truly exquisite, especially the orchid hairpin, which was practically a work of art.
Consort Xu could hardly believe her eyes. This was nothing like what she had expected!
There was no reprimanding decree, no punishment—only dazzlingly lavish gifts.
In all her years in the palace, the rewards she had received from the Empress Dowager combined could not compare to even half of what Yu Miaohua had just been given.
Unable to contain herself, Consort Xu spoke up, "Nanny Zhou, could these gifts have been delivered to the wrong place?"
They should have been sent to the Phoenix Palace instead.
Had Nanny Zhou grown senile?
Facing Consort Xu, Nanny Zhou’s smile cooled slightly. "This old servant is not so muddled as to bungle such a simple task."
"Every one of these gifts for Noble Consort Hui was personally selected by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager."
How could this be?
Consort Xu’s face drained of color, her eyes filled with disbelief.
Concubine Shen stood quietly to the side, silent, her long nails digging into her palms beneath her sleeves.
Nanny Zhou continued, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager was pleased to hear that the two of you had come to show concern for Noble Consort Hui. In recognition, she has bestowed gifts upon you as well."
Consort Xu’s resentment instantly turned to delight—so she was to receive something after all! Had the gifts been sent to her palace? What had the Empress Dowager given her? Would it be even more than what Yu Miaohua had received?
The next moment, two palace maids stepped forward from behind Nanny Zhou, each holding a tray. On the trays lay two copies of a Buddhist sutra.
Nanny Zhou smiled. "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager presents Consort Xu and Concubine Shen with a copy of the Heart Sutra each. The two of you are to transcribe ten volumes daily. The sutras you copy will be offered before the Buddha by Her Majesty, so we trust you will not disappoint her expectations."
Her gentle tone struck Consort Xu and Concubine Shen like thunder, shaking them to their very souls.
Consort Xu’s legs gave way, and she collapsed to her knees, her ears ringing.
Yu Miaohua’s voice reached her as if through water, distorted and distant.
"Sister Xu is so overjoyed she’s speechless. Sister Xu, you must thank Her Majesty for her kindness."
A metallic taste rose in Consort Xu’s throat as she forced out the words, "This humble concubine kowtows in gratitude for Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s grace."
