As the year drew to a close, the Empress found herself overwhelmed with duties. She had delegated some of the palace affairs to Consort De, Consort Xian, and Consort Xian. Among them, Consort De was responsible for managing banquets.
Every day, Consort De and the others would go to the Phoenix Palace to handle official matters before returning to their own quarters. While attending to her duties, Consort De’s thoughts drifted to the New Year’s banquet—as a high-ranking consort, her family members were eligible to enter the palace to pay their respects. Her younger brother had also reached the age for marriage arrangements. Having watched him grow up, Consort De planned to ask her mother about his marriage prospects when the time came.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the palace. Startled, Consort De turned her gaze toward the door—the Empress’s Phoenix Palace was always meticulously managed and kept in perfect order. What could have happened outside?
Moments later, the Empress’s attendant, Aunt Fang, entered and bowed. "This humble servant apologizes for disturbing the noble consorts. A few palace servants accidentally dropped a food box earlier."
Consort Xian lifted her head. "Aunt Fang, is there anything else?"
Aunt Fang hesitated, but the Empress spoke calmly, "Just say it directly."
Aunt Fang replied, "This servant heard that His Majesty has just promoted Consort Hui to the rank of Noble Consort Hui, with an official ceremony to be held at an auspicious date."
The palace fell into silence in an instant. Consort De’s grip on the account book tightened slightly.
Had she misheard? How could Consort Hui suddenly be elevated to Noble Consort?
Yu Miaohua and Consort De had always been on good terms, often exchanging recipes. But when Consort De thought about how she had spent years bearing a son and a daughter to earn her current position, while Yu Miaohua had risen so swiftly… she couldn’t help but feel a pang of resentment.
Comparison was the thief of joy.
The Empress, ever graceful, spoke in a composed tone, "Did Lady Yu borrow another valuable book from the imperial library?"
Aunt Fang shook her head. "This servant does not know."
The palace servants outside had dropped the food box upon hearing the news, and Aunt Fang hadn’t had time to inquire further.
The Empress stood up. "I should prepare a congratulatory gift for Noble Consort Hui."
Consort De admired the Empress even more—truly, the epitome of a nation’s mother, showing not a trace of jealousy or displeasure.
She comforted herself—His Majesty must have had his reasons for promoting Yu Miaohua. Perhaps she had presented something valuable again.
She was past the age of competing for favor; there was no need to be petty. At least Yu Miaohua was someone she got along with.
Regaining her composure, Consort De smiled. "This is joyous news. If not for the year-end busyness, I would have insisted on Noble Consort Hui treating me to a few cups of wine."
Consort Xian clapped her hands lightly. "Even if we can’t do it now, we can arrange it after the New Year."
Consort Xian added leisurely, "We should still ask Noble Consort Hui’s opinion first."
Seeing that everyone’s thoughts were preoccupied with Yu Miaohua’s promotion, the Empress decided to conclude the day’s affairs early and dismissed them.
…
Returning to the Qiongming Palace, Consort Xian sat on the divan with a faint expression. "Bring out the silver-gilt jade-inlaid fish-basket Guanyin hairpin and the Manchi Jiao golden crown from my treasury. Add a few bolts of fine silk and send them to the Guanju Palace as gifts."
Her son, the Second Prince Pei Chiyao, strode into the hall just in time to hear her words.
"Mother, that hairpin and crown were specially commissioned for you. Why are you giving them away?"
Consort Xian’s lips curved slightly. "Lady Yu’s promotion is a rare grand occasion in the palace these years—we cannot afford to be careless in our congratulations. Her Majesty the Dowager Empress has already gifted Noble Consort Hui a collection of treasures. If my gifts are not up to par, it would reflect poorly on our Qiongming Palace."
The last consort to be promoted had been Consort De, and that was only after she had given birth to twins.
They had all assumed the rank of Noble Consort would remain among them—who could have guessed Yu Miaohua would quietly surpass them?
Moreover, Consort Xian wasn’t particularly devout, but she had set up a small Buddhist shrine in her palace to feign piety and have more topics to discuss with the Dowager Empress.
Yet, despite this, the Dowager Empress still favored Yu Miaohua more—even though she had initially disliked her. There was simply no reasoning with it.
Pei Chiyao understood, but it still rankled him. As the Second Prince, his status was second only to the Crown Prince. Yet his own mother lacked the same prestige—not only overshadowed by Consort Xian but now having to tread carefully around His Majesty’s new favorite.
Consort Xian saw his discontent and smiled gently. "As long as you are well, I feel no grievance."
She paused. "Was there any news from this morning’s court session?"
Seeing that her son showed no surprise at Yu Miaohua’s promotion, she guessed it must have been related to her—likely something the entire court already knew.
Pei Chiyao rubbed his forehead—this was precisely why he had come to see her.
His expression was complicated. "Lady Yu… she discovered a new printing technique from ancient records, one that can significantly reduce the cost of book production."
"His Majesty intends to make this technique publicly available. From now on, scholars across the land will owe her a debt of gratitude."
The expressions of the civil officials in court made it clear—they held Yu Miaohua in high regard.
When His Majesty announced her promotion, no one questioned it. Everyone acted as though it were only natural.
Even the usually composed Consort Xian couldn’t hide her astonishment. "No wonder…"
She couldn’t fathom how Yu Miaohua kept producing such valuable contributions—as if she truly had divine favor.
It was unimaginable how much prestige she would gain among scholars in the future.
Pei Chiyao’s voice was sullen. "Father entrusted this matter to the Crown Prince."
Consort Xian said, "In your father’s eyes, you are still young. Naturally, he wouldn’t dare assign such an important task to you yet. Focus on excelling in your current duties first—prove your worth to him."
Pei Chiyao had been assigned to the Ministry of Rites, a post he found tedious and unimportant. The Crown Prince, meanwhile, had been sent to the Ministry of Revenue—yet another sign of their father’s favoritism.
Suddenly remembering his original purpose, Pei Chiyao quickly added, "I heard Noble Consort Hui has an unmarried younger sister…"
Consort Xian immediately cut him off. "Absolutely not! The generational ranks would be muddled!"
If Noble Consort Hui’s sister married Pei Chiyao, how would they address each other? Would they ignore the hierarchy? The scandal would be unbearable. Besides, Noble Consort Hui’s family background was hardly suitable for a prince’s consort.
Pei Chiyao flushed with embarrassment. "Mother, you misunderstand! I was thinking of my cousin—his marriage hasn’t been settled yet, and they are of suitable age."
Consort Xian’s smile faded slightly at the mention of her family. "Your cousin’s marriage is your grandmother’s concern. You, on the other hand, should keep your distance from them. Don’t pick up their frivolous habits."
Seeing that her son wasn’t convinced, she sighed inwardly but continued patiently, "Anyone with eyes can see Noble Consort Hui’s family is now highly sought-after. If you involve yourself with them now, what will your father think?"
Especially those upright scholars would likely be more than willing to form marital ties with the Yu family.
Pei Chiyao's expression turned serious. "I understand."
Consort Xian lowered her gaze, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her now-cold teacup. "Find an opportunity to inform your grandfather and the others—they should abandon any designs on Consort Hui's younger sister."
She paused, her lips curving into a meaningful smile. "Consort Hui is the rising star of the moment. If we don’t act, others certainly will."
Pei Chiyao seemed to recall something, his eyes brightening.
...
News of Consort Hui's discovery of clay movable-type printing quickly spread throughout the imperial harem.
Under the emperor’s urging, the Imperial Astronomers finally selected an auspicious date before the new year—the ceremony was set for the twelfth day of the twelfth month. Originally, the sixteenth had been chosen, but Yu Miaohua used her system points to check the weather forecast for that day. Heavy rain was predicted over the palace, so that date was promptly vetoed.
The palace seamstresses worked overtime to complete her ceremonial robes.
The consort’s formal attire was purple, embroidered with phoenixes, cloud patterns, and peonies—though the number of phoenixes was fewer than those on the empress’s robes. The empress’s robes were red, adorned primarily with phoenixes and tree peonies. The Imperial Household Department had also prepared a phoenix crown for her. The crown, crafted from gold and silver, was inlaid with pearls the size of fingertips and dazzling blue sapphires. The phoenix’s feathers were woven from gold thread, its eyes set with rubies, making the entire piece shimmer with brilliance.
As Yu Miaohua admired the exquisite robes and crown delivered to her, she couldn’t help but marvel inwardly: No wonder everyone strives for promotion. This phoenix crown is truly breathtaking. Rumor had it that the empress’s crown was even more magnificent, while those of consorts were slightly less ornate. As for those below consort rank, unless personally bestowed by the emperor or the empress dowager, they had no right to wear such a crown.
[Host, I’ve scanned it for you—this crown weighs three jin, and the robes ten.]
Yu Miaohua, who had been admiring her regalia, froze. That meant she’d have to endure the weight of this ensemble until the ceremony concluded… Not to mention, she’d have to wear it for all future grand ceremonies and celebrations.
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but grimace in distress.
[Your system store is seriously lacking. Don’t you have any auto-pilot skills?]
Like, if she activated it, the system would handle everything for her while she just lounged around watching dramas.
Even the system was speechless. It was a palace intrigue system, designed to help her conquer the harem—not a slacker system to enable her laziness.
With no shortcuts available, Yu Miaohua resigned herself to diligently learning etiquette from the senior maids sent by the empress dowager.
The consort investiture ceremony was far more elaborate than her previous promotion to Noble Consort. Not only would the entire harem, including imperial children, attend, but so would all capital officials and noblewomen. The event would take place in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Yu Miaohua had no intention of embarrassing herself by making a misstep during such an occasion.
On the bright side, her mother and younger sister would be permitted to attend. Her father, however, was occupied with official duties and wouldn’t arrive in the capital until the twentieth.
She consoled herself—at least she’d see him during the New Year’s banquet.
Yu Miaohua took her etiquette lessons seriously. In this era, if you tripped during a grand ceremony, people would deem you hopelessly uncultured—not adorably clumsy or refreshingly unconventional.
After weeks of training, she felt utterly transformed, often struck by her own elegance. Even if she were disfigured someday, her poise alone could make her an ambiance beauty.
…Wait, no. She shouldn’t jinx herself like that. Even if she were disfigured, the system’s medicines could restore her.
Checking the system’s time display, Yu Miaohua noted that the emperor should arrive soon for their meal.
Earlier, Chai Xiu had relayed that His Majesty would dine with her.
Yu Miaohua had her kitchen prepare several of her favorite dishes. As for the emperor’s preferences… she honestly had no idea.
After a long wait, a eunuch from the emperor’s retinue arrived to announce that His Majesty had gone to the Phoenix Palace for lunch but would visit her in the evening.
Yu Miaohua wasn’t bothered—this meant she’d get two rounds of imperial meal allocations. Total win.
The eunuch also delivered an imperial gift: a goldfish jade pendant of exceptional quality, the carving so lifelike it seemed to swim. Yu Miaohua’s sister adored goldfish, so this would make a perfect gift for her.
She remembered how her sister had wept buckets when she entered the palace, smearing tears and snot all over her robes.
Her maid Cuiwei soon brought news: The Duke of Qin’s wife, Madame Lu, had visited the empress that morning.
Madame Lu was the empress’s birth mother, accompanied by her youngest daughter, Yang Zhaorong. Yu Miaohua had heard rumors about the empress’s sister—this young lady had been betrothed three times, yet each fiancé met with misfortune within half a year, leaving her unwed.
People whispered that the fourth Miss Yang’s destiny was too noble for ordinary families to withstand.
Yu Miaohua found it curious. With the New Year approaching, why didn’t Madame Lu wait until then to see the empress? Why choose this busiest period instead?
Curious as she was, she refrained from prying—better to avoid misunderstandings.
She enjoyed her solitary meal, sharing a few dishes with Cuiwei and the others.
Meanwhile, after lunch with the empress, Pei Lingyue took his leave. "If the Dowager is not pressed for time, she may stay longer with the empress."
The empress was virtuous and gentle, never jealous, and managed palace affairs flawlessly—saving him considerable trouble. Pei Lingyue was thus inclined to grant her this courtesy, hence the midday visit.
He felt fortunate that Yu Miaohua, despite her overwhelming favor, remained respectful toward the empress rather than growing arrogant.
Madame Lu bowed gratefully. "Many thanks for Your Majesty’s grace."
Once the emperor departed, the empress had the table cleared.
Madame Lu shot her a meaningful look. The empress said calmly, "All of you, withdraw."
The attendants silently exited.
Madame Lu began, "What plans do you have regarding Consort Hui?"
At the mention of Consort Hui, Yang Zhaorong—standing behind her mother—wrinkled her nose dismissively.
Noting her sister’s expression, the empress replied evenly, "Consort Hui is guileless, kind-hearted, and delightfully spirited. I couldn’t be fonder of her."
Madame Lu frowned. "I’m your mother. Must you feed me such platitudes? If she were truly simple, how could she rise to consort rank within a year?"
The empress countered, "Had Yu Miaohua been born male, with her achievements, she might’ve been enfeoffed as a prince."
Madame Lu scoffed. "Those so-called discoveries were probably brought from her family."
The empress cut her off. "If the Yus possessed such books, her father could’ve used them to earn a hereditary title. Why waste them on harem favor?" Titles could be inherited—consort ranks could not.
"Moreover, all palace entrants are thoroughly searched. At most, Yu Miaohua could’ve smuggled in silver or gold—not books."
Thus, the empress never doubted the origins of those texts.
Madame Lu grew increasingly displeased. Why did her eldest daughter keep defending a mere consort? As her mother, surely she had her best interests at heart.
"When I passed by the Guanju Palace earlier, the maids there were dressed in such gaudy, improper attire," the Empress remarked with a stern expression.
"Mother, please refrain from such comments," the Empress cautioned. "Just the other day, the Empress Dowager praised the maids serving Consort Hui for their elegant appearance, saying it lifted one's spirits."
She knew her mother, Madame Lu, harbored resentment toward those who prioritized appearances due to past grievances involving her father. But this was the imperial palace—not a place for reckless words.
Madame Lu's face burned with embarrassment. "I only mentioned it to you in private. There are no outsiders here."
The Empress felt utterly exhausted.
Seated beside Madame Lu, Yang Zhaorong cooed in a spoiled tone, "Sister, Mother is just worried about you. She fears you might be slighted. Yet you always take Consort Hui’s side—more than mine! I’m jealous."
Madame Lu’s heart warmed at these words. This is why I raised her myself—she’s so considerate. It was worth all her efforts to secure a brilliant future for her younger daughter. Yang Zhaorong deserved nothing but the finest.
The Empress, though impeccable in every other way, had grown up in her maternal family, making her overly rigid and distant. Despite being the birth mother of the Great Qi Empress, Madame Lu had reaped few benefits.
"I’m only concerned that your words will bring trouble sooner or later," the Empress said coldly.
Yang Zhaorong interjected, "You can’t blame Mother for resenting Consort Hui. Her family has gone too far."
"Did you know? Mother initially thought that despite the Yu family’s modest standing, their reputation among scholars made them suitable. She proposed a match between Brother and Consort Hui’s younger sister. But that girl was insufferably arrogant—she outright declared she would only accept a husband who married into her family! Can you believe it? Demanding the future heir of a ducal house to become a live-in son-in-law? Such audacity!"
The Empress’s chest heaved—not from anger at Consort Hui, but at the sheer stupidity of her mother and sister.
"Consort Hui has just unveiled the printing technique, and our family rushes to propose a marriage alliance? If the Emperor learns of this, what will he think?"
What she left unsaid was far worse: Would the Emperor suspect the Yang family of maneuvering to pave the way for the Crown Prince? No matter how fond he was of the heir now, as the Son of Heaven, he would never tolerate anyone coveting his throne.
Madame Lu sniffed. "I only sought to bind the Yu family to us for the sake of your son, the Crown Prince. I wanted Consort Hui to become your ally. Yet the Yu family spurned us."
The Empress’s voice turned icy. "If you truly cared for me and Chiyan, you would do nothing."
Her usual gentleness vanished, replaced by an imperious aura that made even her own mother avert her eyes.
Madame Lu stammered, "I’m still your mother—"
"And if you weren’t," the Empress cut in, "I wouldn’t bother warning you. I’d let you walk into the fire."
Madame Lu choked on her fury, crumpling her handkerchief in frustration.
"So you’ll do nothing during Consort Hui’s investiture ceremony? Aren’t you afraid she’ll become another Empress Zhenyi?"
The Empress gave her a measured look. "In the end, it was the current Empress Dowager who triumphed—not Empress Zhenyi."
Moreover, the present Emperor was nothing like his predecessor. As long as she remained virtuous and fulfilled her duties, her position—and the Crown Prince’s—would stand firm.
Besides, Yu Miaohua’s temperament differed entirely from Empress Zhenyi’s, and their paths to advancement were worlds apart.
One rose through merit, the other through favor.
A pang of envy pricked the Empress’s heart. Future generations might forget her, but they would remember Yu Miaohua—when wearing cotton robes or flipping through books.
She reined in her wandering thoughts. "Whatever schemes you’ve concocted, abandon them now. I’ve no desire to play the ruthless judge who condemns her own kin."
Her final words carried a blade’s edge.
Madame Lu, thoroughly cowed, fell silent.
Only after returning to the Yang residence did she clutch her beloved daughter’s hand, her voice trembling. "What sin have I committed to deserve this?"
Yang Zhaorong soothed her. "Mother, Sister is the Empress now. Naturally, she dislikes opposition."
Madame Lu spat, "She only bullies her own family! If she’s so mighty, why not direct that temper at Consort Hui instead of venting on me?"
She, a mother, held no authority in her daughter’s eyes—humiliated like a scolded child.
"Sister has her struggles in the palace," Yang Zhaorong murmured.
"Stop defending her!" Madame Lu’s resentment boiled over. "She clearly favors Consort Hui over you, her own sister. I’ve heard she sends Consort Hui gifts constantly. The Empress of a nation, groveling like that—it’s disgraceful! You’d make a better Empress."
Yang Zhaorong waved her off. "You don’t mean that. Vent to me, but never say such things to Sister."
Madame Lu gritted her teeth. "I went to such lengths to secure her position, and this is the thanks I get?"
"All that silver wasted on the bird trainer, too..."
Yang Zhaorong sighed. "If only I’d been born earlier—I would’ve been the one entering the palace."
A sudden idea struck Madame Lu. Her eldest daughter, the Empress, was beyond her influence—but her younger daughter?
Yang Zhaorong’s destiny was extraordinary. No ordinary man deserved her—only the Emperor himself.
She gripped Yang Zhaorong’s hand. "On the twelfth, accompany me to the ceremony."
The money was already spent. Why let it go to waste?
If auspicious signs manifested around Yang Zhaorong during Consort Hui’s investiture... The world would see who truly bore fortune’s blessing. The Emperor would surely summon her to the palace. As the Empress’s sister with an exalted fate, even the title of Noble Consort wouldn’t be beyond reach.
And today, the Emperor had treated Yang Zhaorong with notable gentleness. Once in the palace, she would undoubtedly win his favor.
......
Time flew, and soon it was the twelfth of December.
Yu Miaohua rose early that morning, sitting stiffly before her bronze mirror as Hongxing applied her makeup.
Her system chattered incessantly in her mind.
[Host, it’s your investiture ceremony! Should we arrange an auspicious omen to shock the court?]
Yu Miaohua mentally declined. She was already conspicuous enough—no need to court more attention. More importantly, that would cost points.
[I think you’ll need it.]
The system’s tone made her uneasy.
[System, is someone planning to disrupt my ceremony?]
The system only smiled.
Yu Miaohua longed to throttle it. She checked her point balance—if trouble arose, she could always have the system scour for solutions and exchange points for countermeasures.
Thanks to daily check-ins and mission rewards, her reserves were ample.
Pushing aside her misgivings, she focused on rehearsing the ceremonial protocols the palace matrons had drilled into her.
【System, if I forget any steps, you have to remind me. If I embarrass myself, my prestige will definitely plummet, and no amount of divine miracles will convince anyone afterward. We’re allies in this!】
【I know, don’t worry—I’ve got your back.】
The palace intrigue system was even more invested in this than Yu Miaohua herself.
Reassured by its confidence, Yu Miaohua relaxed.
Guided by the palace eunuchs, she arrived at the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Civil and military officials stood in two rows, while further back were noblewomen who had come to witness the ceremony.
Seeing so many people, Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
Yet the results of her recent training shone through. No matter how flustered she felt inside, her body moved reflexively according to the etiquette drilled into her by the palace matrons.
Rumor had it that every official in the capital ranked sixth-grade or higher was present—a truly grand occasion.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Yu Miaohua walked gracefully toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Then, suddenly, the distinctive sound of a triggered mission echoed in her mind.
【A true heroine of a palace intrigue novel must have admirers beyond just the emperor! Detecting over twenty eligible candidates for conquest in the vicinity, the host will automatically activate a side quest in three minutes. Within one month, confirm three non-homosexual romantic targets (non-homosexual emphasized in bold).】
【As you progress, collecting more affection points and CG scenes will unlock generous rewards, such as drought-resistant sweet potatoes yielding four dan per mu, the must-have glass recipe for transmigrators, or even gunpowder formulas capable of leveling entire cities…】
Yu Miaohua’s entire being froze. Where on earth were there so many qualified targets here? Was the quality of the Great Qi court’s officials really this high?
How could a side quest like this trigger automatically?! Could she refuse?
【Host, charge ahead with courage! I’ll be your most loyal support, sparing no effort to help you master time management so you never capsize while riding the waves of romance.】
【Look! The one in blue is Jiang Xunxin, the young general who rose to fame last year by crushing the Taran tribe in battle. Cold on the outside but burning with passion inside—are you really not tempted by this fiery wolf-dog type?】
【And Song Xinghe, the son of the Grand Academician, is the popular sickly-beauty archetype girls adore. Ahhh, that side profile is lethal!】
【Don’t miss the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar)! Narrow waist, firm hips—lean in clothes but sculpted underneath. He’s totally your type! Pick him! You have to pick him!】
