The Empress Dowager knew everything.
It turned out today's audience had been arranged specifically for her.
Consort Xu's psychological defenses crumbled under the Empress Dowager's piercing gaze. Her voice trembled with fear and desperation, "Your Majesty, spare my life! This lowly concubine was momentarily possessed by demons and committed a grave mistake. I swear I’ll never dare again."
Consort Xu understood that further excuses were futile—the Empress Dowager must have obtained irrefutable evidence.
She didn’t even attempt to justify her actions as being for the Empress Dowager’s benefit. Such claims would only hasten her demise and possibly implicate her family.
During her previous house arrest, Consort Xu had felt as though her world had collapsed. Yet now, even that punishment seemed like a merciful dream compared to what awaited her.
The other concubines finally realized—Consort Xu had been the one spreading the malicious rumors.
What a fool she was! To dare manipulate the Empress Dowager’s fate for her grudge against Yu Miaohua—did she truly think the Empress Dowager a fool?
Many had pitied Consort Xu during her confinement, but now, not an ounce of sympathy remained. With her self-destructive tendencies, she’d inevitably sealed her own fate.
Strangely, Yu Miaohua seemed destined to be Consort Xu’s nemesis—every confrontation ended in Consort Xu’s humiliation.
No… soon, there might not even be a "Consort Xu" left.
Several concubines closed their eyes, unable to bear witnessing her tragic downfall.
Concubine Shen silently chanted prayers of gratitude—thank heavens she hadn’t gotten involved.
Similarly, Beauty Concubine Zhao felt overwhelming relief. The previous lesson had been carved into her bones—she’d never follow Consort Xu’s doomed path.
The Empress Dowager watched Consort Xu calmly. "What’s wrong? Can’t make your choice?"
Consort Xu whimpered softly, too terrified to even weep aloud.
Then the Empress Dowager turned to Yu Miaohua, giving her a meaningful look.
Yu Miaohua, utterly clueless: ???
[System, what does the Empress Dowager want to tell me?]
[Host, if you wish to know, you could exchange points for the Mind Reading skill! Only 999,999 points, and it’s yours!]
[Too expensive—I’ll never save up that much in my lifetime. Besides, I don’t like that skill anyway.]
Yu Miaohua refused outright. She had no desire to know others’ thoughts—it would ruin her rosy perceptions. Sometimes, ignorance was bliss.
The Empress Dowager tensed upon seeing the mind-reading offer. No one, especially someone of her stature, wanted their thoughts exposed.
When Yu Miaohua declined, she exhaled in relief—thank goodness it was unaffordable.
The deity bound to Yu Miaohua was indeed formidable, offering such powers. Yet its abilities had limits—it hadn’t detected that both she and the Emperor could see their exchanges. A sharper mind would’ve noticed long ago.
Miaohua might be a bit slow, but that simplicity had its advantages.
Since Yu Miaohua missed her cue, the Empress Dowager had to improvise. Her gaze returned to Consort Xu.
"After learning you orchestrated this, We intended to send a white silk rope straight to your palace. However, Noble Consort Yu, kind-hearted as ever, pleaded for your life despite your past offenses."
Consort Xu jerked her head up, staring at Yu Miaohua in disbelief.
Had their positions been reversed, she’d have shown no mercy. Yet Yu Miaohua had begged for her life.
She had to admit—she paled in comparison to Yu Miaohua’s character. The Emperor’s favoritism wasn’t Yu Miaohua’s fault, yet she’d directed all her hatred toward her, never daring to resent the Emperor.
The resentment that had fueled her dissipated instantly.
The Empress Dowager decreed: "Consort Xu, for slandering imperial concubines and disrespecting Us, is stripped of rank and confined to the Cold Palace."
Compared to the white silk rope, the Cold Palace felt like salvation.
Consort Xu knelt, choking back tears. "This lowly one thanks Your Majesty’s mercy..."
After a pause, she added, "And Noble Consort Yu’s magnanimity."
Yu Miaohua squirmed internally—she’d never actually interceded! She wasn’t that saintly.
Yet everyone, even the Empress, seemed moved by this narrative.
After all, these words came from the Empress Dowager herself.
Family, who understands? The Empress Dowager is willing to villainize herself to uphold my pure-hearted image. Readers would call this too Mary-Sue!
Yu Miaohua mused that she might’ve missed her calling as a succubus.
Palace attendants approached to escort Consort Xu away.
As she passed, Yu Miaohua caught a whisper: "Thank you... I’m sorry."
Yu Miaohua’s lips parted, but no words came. She simply watched until Consort Xu vanished.
Then, celebratory fanfare echoed in her mind.
[Congratulations, Host! Main Quest 2.22 complete: Have the Empress Dowager champion your cause, punish Consort Xu, strip her rank, and banish her to the Cold Palace. Reward: Advanced screw-press method beyond this era. Where shall we deliver it?]
[The library. I’ll collect it with the dye reward.]
Seeing the reward secured, the Empress Dowager smiled in relief.
She clasped Yu Miaohua’s hands. "We told you We’d set things right."
Touched, Yu Miaohua saw the Empress Dowager as an invincible protector. "Your Majesty’s grace leaves me eternally grateful."
Other concubines found the scene painfully saccharine—one might mistake them for mother and daughter.
With the Empress Dowager as her new patron, how could they possibly compete?
The next blow came swiftly.
The Empress Dowager announced: "In recognition of Noble Consort Yu’s filial devotion, she shall receive consort-rank privileges, funded by Our household."
The Empress interjected, "We couldn’t burden Mother Empress! Noble Consort Yu has shouldered my duties by attending you daily. Her provisions should come from my reserves."
The Empress Dowager waved her off. "Our decision stands—even the Emperor cannot override it."
She would be first in Yu Miaohua’s heart.
With matters settled, the Empress Dowager dismissed the flowery flattery of her son’s concubines, claiming fatigue.
Finally, she added, "Noble Consort Yu and the Empress shall stay. The wind’s grown chilly—join Us for luncheon before retiring."
Despite her favoritism, she didn’t neglect the Empress.
The others exchanged glances—So the Empress is the daughter-in-law, Yu Miaohua the adopted daughter, and we’re just… extras.
The Empress smiled gracefully. "This daughter-in-law is honored to share another meal with Mother Empress."
Yu Miaohua happily ordered dishes, "I'd like to have 'duck paste' and spring rolls."
Even though it was winter, who said you couldn’t eat spring rolls in winter?
The Empress Dowager said affectionately, "Good, we’ll have them made for you. Didn’t you praise the imperial chef’s roasted lamb last time for its perfect doneness? Let’s have them prepare another serving for you."
The concubines who were leaving overheard the conversation and quickened their steps, eager to get away.
They couldn’t bear to listen any longer—it was too envy-inducing.
...
Yu Miaohua enjoyed a meal at the Empress Dowager’s palace, and under the pretense of making up for something, the Empress Dowager even showed her the inventory list from the treasury, letting her pick whatever she liked.
The Emperor was filial, always presenting the finest treasures to the Empress Dowager first. The dazzling array of rare jewels and artifacts in her treasury was enough to leave anyone awestruck.
Though the Empress Dowager meant well, Yu Miaohua couldn’t overstep her bounds. In the end, she only modestly selected two pairs of her favorite jewelry.
Seeing this, the Empress Dowager was displeased. "You’re treating me like an outsider."
She beckoned Nanny Zhou over and whispered a few instructions in her ear.
Nanny Zhou gave Yu Miaohua a knowing smile before withdrawing.
A short while later, palace attendants brought in a sandalwood chest. The Empress Dowager tossed all the inventory lists inside and shuffled them herself.
She said to Yu Miaohua, "Pick one."
Yu Miaohua suddenly understood—the Empress Dowager must have intended to gift her items from whichever list she drew.
She randomly pulled out one booklet.
The Empress Dowager handed it to Nanny Zhou. "Everything listed here is to be sent to the Guanju Palace."
To the Empress Dowager, the treasures in her treasury were things she couldn’t take with her anyway. Whoever she favored, she would give more to. Right now, she was particularly fond of Yu Miaohua and was happy to indulge her. If others were envious, so be it. Besides, compared to Yu Miaohua’s contributions to the Great Qi, these gifts were merely a drop in the bucket.
Yu Miaohua stood frozen in shock.
[System, I think I just hallucinated…]
[Host, I think I’m having electronic hallucinations too—otherwise, how could I have heard the Empress Dowager gifting you an entire inventory’s worth of treasures? Let me run a virus scan.]
A few seconds later, the system returned.
[No viruses detected!]
Yu Miaohua shuddered. If both she and the system heard the same thing, then it must be real.
Was this the joy of being pampered by a powerful figure? How had she earned such favor?
Seeing Yu Miaohua on the verge of tears from gratitude, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh. Yu Miaohua’s emotional reactions were certainly satisfying—at least, the Empress Dowager found them delightful.
She patted Yu Miaohua’s head. "I’ll also send over the palace attendants who manage these treasures. They have experience."
If it were anyone else, they might suspect the Empress Dowager was planting spies in their residence. But Yu Miaohua didn’t even consider that possibility.
She sighed in relief. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."
Many of the treasures looked difficult to maintain, requiring specialized care. The Empress Dowager’s gesture saved her from future worries.
She carried the inventory list back to her palace, followed by a procession of attendants—a truly spectacular sight.
When the other concubines heard that the Empress Dowager had gifted Yu Miaohua an entire inventory’s worth of treasures, they were stunned.
The previous time the Empress Dowager had rewarded Yu Miaohua, they had been green with envy. But compared to this, that earlier gift was nothing.
This time, it was a full tenth of the Empress Dowager’s treasury!
But then they remembered how Yu Miaohua had spent days copying forty volumes of blood scriptures, and their resentment faded.
They couldn’t match Yu Miaohua’s dedication, so there was no point in jealousy.
On the bright side, though Yu Miaohua had a lively personality, she wasn’t the domineering type. Unless provoked, she treated others with kindness and never humiliated anyone unnecessarily.
...
Yu Miaohua thought the Emperor had been quite foresighted in assigning her the Guanju Palace. Its treasury was spacious enough that even after storing all the Empress Dowager’s gifts, it didn’t feel cramped.
She selected a few items and had Cuiwei note them down as New Year’s gifts for her parents.
After admiring the treasures, she didn’t forget about claiming her rewards and eagerly headed to the imperial library.
This time, she borrowed over a dozen books, among which were two special rewards.
Yu Miaohua had already decided—she would keep two new dye recipes for her maternal grandparents’ family, who were in the textile business. Their trade had been struggling in recent years.
She didn’t need to give them everything. Even just two recipes would be enough to help them stand out in the competitive market.
After setting aside the book she wanted to keep, she took the remaining volumes to the Empress Dowager’s palace.
The Empress Dowager had treated her exceptionally well, and Yu Miaohua wanted to return the favor.
She arrived at the palace with practiced ease.
The Empress Dowager was listening to a young maid recite a story when she noticed Yu Miaohua’s arrival. She smiled. "Have you finished organizing your treasures? What brings you here?"
"Or are you here to mooch another meal?"
Her gaze fell on the books Yu Miaohua was carrying. "Why are you holding them yourself? What are your attendants doing?"
The Empress Dowager had a protective streak, and her displeased glare swept over the servants behind Yu Miaohua.
Were they taking advantage of her kindness?
Yu Miaohua quickly explained, "It’s not their fault. I insisted on carrying them myself."
She gave a meaningful look, and the Empress Dowager waved for the others to leave.
Nanny Zhou even closed the doors behind them.
Truly, ever since Consort Yu came into the picture, the Empress Dowager had seemed years younger.
Yu Miaohua placed the books on the table and whispered, "I borrowed more books from the library."
The Empress Dowager already knew.
Yu Miaohua really was lazy—she kept using the same trick. Rumor had it that the scholars at the library had become obsessed, reading every book in hopes of uncovering more secrets.
The Empress Dowager almost pitied them.
"What did you find this time?" Caught up in Yu Miaohua’s conspiratorial tone, she instinctively lowered her voice.
Yu Miaohua’s eyes sparkled. "I found something amazing in these books!"
She proudly pulled out two volumes. The system had done well—dividing the rewards into three books. She kept one and brought the other two here.
Fully aware of the situation, the Empress Dowager played along, feigning surprise. "This must be the Buddha’s blessing, rewarding you for all those scriptures you copied."
At the mention of the scriptures, Yu Miaohua felt awkward. The Empress Dowager really knew how to spoil someone. She had only copied one volume a day—more like calligraphy practice—but thanks to the Empress Dowager’s endorsement, the entire palace believed otherwise.
She cleared her throat. "This time, it’s all thanks to you, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager was puzzled. "Me?"
Yu Miaohua grinned mischievously. "You’ve been so kind to me that I wanted to borrow some books to entertain you. And by sheer luck, I stumbled upon improved oil-pressing techniques and dye-making methods!"
"This must be the heavens using me to deliver these gifts to you."
Only then did the palace intrigue system realize Yu Miaohua’s true purpose in bringing these books here.
【Host, are you planning to give this credit to the Empress Dowager?】
【Just tell me, is she worth it?】
Yu Miaohua already had plenty of achievements to her name and didn’t lack this one. The Empress Dowager had given her so many treasures and even lied for her in public. Yu Miaohua deeply wanted to repay such overwhelming kindness.
【She definitely is.】
After all, the Empress Dowager was also someone who contributed energy to the system. How the task rewards were handled was the host’s decision, and the palace intrigue system had no intention of being a villain and opposing it.
【Who knows? This might even earn the Empress Dowager a place in history.】
When the Empress Dowager saw the words floating above Yu Miaohua’s head, she froze—so this was why the girl had brought it to her.
It was hard to describe how she felt at that moment. Her heart softened, tinged with a bittersweet ache, as if gently brushed by a spring breeze.
Even the Emperor, who had always been filial to her, had never thought to share his own merits just to secure her a place in history.
At first, the Empress Dowager’s kindness toward Yu Miaohua had stemmed from guilt and compensation. But as the girl’s temperament resonated with her, she began to invest genuine affection. In truth, what she had given Yu Miaohua were merely trivial material things.
Yet, in return, she received an emotional response far beyond her expectations…
This unexpected joy shattered her defenses, and her eyes grew slightly damp.
Her voice softened. "You silly child…"
Yu Miaohua whispered, "I took advantage of your favor this time and even falsely claimed it was your decree—saying I was following the Empress Dowager’s orders to search for books. Will Your Majesty blame me?"
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but laugh. How was this taking advantage of favor?
"Of course not. I understand your intentions."
Noticing the faint redness in the Empress Dowager’s eyes, Yu Miaohua quickly changed the subject. "I’d like to have Wensi tofu and phoenix-tail shrimp for dinner."
The Empress Dowager immediately instructed the kitchen to prepare them.
After happily sharing another meal at the Empress Dowager’s palace, Yu Miaohua left in high spirits.
Under the lamplight, the Empress Dowager flipped through the books Yu Miaohua had brought her and made up her mind.
"Tell the Emperor that I’ve prepared his favorite crystal jelly with quail and invite him over."
……
Pei Lingyue had already eaten dinner, but since the Empress Dowager rarely summoned him so deliberately, he obliged as a dutiful son—treating it as a late-night snack.
When he arrived at the Palace of Tranquil Longevity, he found the Empress Dowager had prepared several of his favorite dishes.
Touched, Pei Lingyue said nothing.
The Empress Dowager gazed at him fondly. "You’ve been working so hard lately, my son. Look how sharp your jaw has become—eat more."
Unable to refuse his mother’s doting care, Pei Lingyue obliged, sampling each dish and finishing most of the quail jelly.
Subtly adjusting his posture—he was uncomfortably full—he remarked, "Mother, I heard you opened the treasury again this afternoon to reward Consort Hui?"
This immediately set the Empress Dowager off on a long, effusive praise of Yu Miaohua.
Midway through, she dismissed all the attendants and added with a hint of pride, "These past few days, I’ve helped Miaohua complete two palace intrigue tasks."
Pei Lingyue perked up, feeling the trip hadn’t been wasted.
"What were the rewards?"
The Empress Dowager didn’t hide anything, recounting them in detail.
The dye was one thing, but the technique to increase oil extraction efficiency truly intrigued him.
A pleased smile spread across his face. "I’m glad you can also see the tasks, Mother."
He couldn’t monitor Yu Miaohua’s tasks at all times, so having the Empress Dowager as an ally was invaluable.
In a deliberately casual tone, the Empress Dowager continued, "Miaohua is such a filial child—she insisted on borrowing those books under my name. Earlier, she gave them to me."
"I even told her, at my age, what use do I have for such empty honors? But she’s stubborn, spoiled by my indulgence, and refused to listen. She was determined to give me the credit."
"I truly don’t know what to do with her."
Pei Lingyue’s smile faded. "She gave the credit to you?"
The Empress Dowager nodded. "Miaohua said it was the Buddha’s will—rewarding my devotion through her hands. Of course, I know she was just humoring me. But it’s the thought that counts, isn’t it?"
As the ruler of the realm, Pei Lingyue was accustomed to being the object of envy. Yet now, for the first time, he felt a pang of it himself.
A sour taste filled his heart. He had treated Yu Miaohua well—rescuing her from the cold palace, elevating her to Noble Consort. But the Empress Dowager, back in the palace for less than a month, had already surpassed him in Yu Miaohua’s affections, even earning her willingness to surrender such a significant achievement.
"Consort Yu must adore you dearly."
His words dripped with vinegar.
Noting his expression, the Empress Dowager smiled even more brightly. "Perhaps it’s fate. She and I simply understand each other better."
Pei Lingyue: "..."
This conversation was unbearable.
Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile. "Since you and Consort Yu get along so well, I’m at ease. I still have some documents to review—"
As he stood to leave, the Empress Dowager stopped him. "Wait, I have something to ask. How is the clay movable-type printing progressing?"
Pei Lingyue sat back down. "It’s ready. We’ve printed three hundred copies of the Book of Songs. The cost and time are both lower than traditional methods."
The Empress Dowager said, "Since its superiority is proven, why not announce it at the grand court assembly the day after tomorrow?"
She knew the Emperor had planned to wait until after the New Year, but she couldn’t hold back any longer.
Pei Lingyue looked at her in surprise—his mother rarely interfered in his governance.
"Why the sudden urgency?"
She didn’t mince words. "Announce it sooner, and we can confer Miaohua the title of Consort Hui before the New Year."
"With regional princes coming to the capital for the celebrations, I won’t have her looked down upon by their consorts."
While the rank of Noble Consort was below that of a prince’s primary consort or dowager consort, a full Consort would stand equal.
Pei Lingyue: "..."
Now he understood. This meal had been a setup—all to secure Yu Miaohua’s promotion. He’d been deceived!
"Year-end affairs are hectic..."
The Empress Dowager waved it off. "I’m not unreasonable. I’ll oversee the ceremony myself—no extra burden on you or the Empress. Consider it my way of staying active."
When the Emperor hesitated, she played her trump card. "If it’s truly impossible, I’ll just have to tell Miaohua that the Emperor is too busy and her promotion must wait until after the New Year."
Pei Lingyue’s eyelid twitched. If he let that happen, his standing in Yu Miaohua’s heart would plummet even further behind the Empress Dowager’s.
The absurdity struck him—Yu Miaohua was his consort, yet here he was, competing for her favor with his own mother. Who would believe such a thing?
He let out a long sigh and decided not to be the villain in this situation. Looking on the bright side, the Empress Dowager was his birth mother, and the closer Yu Miaohua grew to her, the more willing she’d be to complete tasks—which meant more rewards for him.
"Thank you for your trouble, Mother. You’ve worked hard."
Having smoothly achieved her goal, the Empress Dowager smiled. "It’s no trouble at all. I’m your mother, so of course I’m on your side."
"You’ve been busy all day and must be tired. Go rest now."
Pei Lingyue, now being shooed away, stood bewildered in the wind, torn between laughter and tears—just who was the Empress Dowager’s real child here?!
