"Enough! What kind of time is this for you to joke around? How could I possibly be moved by things like a wasp waist, narrow hips, or a well-built physique? Do I look like that kind of person?" Yu Miaohua sternly reprimanded the utterly unreliable palace intrigue system while maintaining her dignified posture as she walked forward.
Full marks—she absolutely deserved full marks for her professionalism!
For the system to tempt her at a time like this, its conscience was truly rotten.
Only when she reached the entrance of the grand hall without any mishaps along the way did Yu Miaohua finally have the leisure to study the candidates the system had mentioned earlier.
She had kept her gaze strictly forward the entire time—how could she have dared to turn her head and look for them? Besides, with so many people present and at such a distance, she wasn’t a microscope—there was no way she could spot any handsome men, let alone get a clear look at their faces.
"System, did you take pictures of those candidates earlier? What does the Tanhua (Third-Place Scholar) look like? After the ceremony, send me some nice photos. Are there any without clothes on?"
"Wait, no—that doesn’t seem appropriate. Maybe just keep some clothes on."
Yu Miaohua reluctantly declined the indecent offer.
"...Don’t worry, our system never engages in illegal or disorderly conduct. We don’t just upload uncensored portraits."
Reassured, Yu Miaohua continued walking without pause, each step measured precisely—she had practiced this countless times in the Guanju Palace.
As she stepped into the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the imperial concubines, princes, and princesses lined both sides for the ceremony, while at the very front sat the three pillars of the inner court—the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress.
Lifting her gaze toward them, she saw the Empress as poised and gentle as ever. In all her years in the palace, Yu Miaohua had never seen the Empress lose her temper or act maliciously. Having such a superior—rather than the abortion-obsessed antagonists often seen in novels and dramas—was a stroke of luck that greatly improved her workplace experience.
Wait a minute...
Was there something off about the Emperor and the Empress Dowager’s expressions?
The Empress Dowager looked as if she needed oxygen, yet she forced herself to remain composed. As for the Emperor, his expression was even more complicated—a mix of frustration, anger, gritted teeth, excitement, and desire...
Yu Miaohua had truly witnessed the full spectrum of human expressions.
"System, what’s wrong with His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager? Who provoked them? Do you know if something happened earlier?"
"Not sure. From the moment we appeared in the square, no unexpected developments were detected."
Hearing this, Yu Miaohua relaxed.
"Then it definitely has nothing to do with me—I just got here!"
Where else could one find such a well-behaved and sensible favored concubine like her? Meeting her was Pei Lingyue’s good fortune.
Yu Miaohua, who never dwelled on self-doubt for more than five minutes, quickly reassured herself. Thus, faced with the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s expressions that resembled stomach cramps, she responded with great magnanimity.
Upon closer inspection, the two had already regained their composure and were even smiling at her.
This only confirmed Yu Miaohua’s suspicions.
Wonderful! Clearly, she wasn’t the one who had offended them!
The Empress Dowager, who had overheard every word of her conversation with the system, was at a loss for words.
Though she had known beforehand that this so-called "System" deity acted with capricious whimsy—even carrying a hint of wickedness (hence why she had initially mistaken it for a malevolent spirit)—she never imagined it would encourage Yu Miaohua to stray from her marriage, let alone provide such an extensive list of candidates—over twenty in total!
This—this was utterly improper! If word got out, how could the imperial family’s reputation remain intact?
Yet the rewards the deity dangled were undeniably tempting—whether it was the four-dan-yield crops suitable for mountainous terrain or the gunpowder capable of leveling entire cities...
Even she was tempted, let alone the Emperor. She knew her son’s character all too well. For the sake of Great Qi’s empire, there was nothing he wouldn’t do—even exploiting his own mother without hesitation if necessary.
Would she have to cover for him in the future? She had no intention of using her influence to help her son’s concubine conceal an affair.
As for Pei Lingyue... Seeing the deity once again egging Yu Miaohua on to flirt with others filled him with rage.
Again?
This time was even worse—forcing Yu Miaohua to choose three targets within a month!
Such an absurd and unreasonable demand was a blatant insult to him as the Emperor. By all rights, he should nip this in the bud and dissuade Yu Miaohua from entertaining such thoughts.
But then the System deity revealed the mission rewards.
The formula for glassmaking... The palace was hardly lacking in glassware, but its exorbitant price made it a status symbol for the wealthy elite. Owning the formula would be like possessing a golden goose—no more fretting over annual disaster relief funds or river management budgets. He might even be able to reduce taxes.
Even more enticing was the four-dan-yield sweet potato, suitable for arid and mountainous land... Could such a miraculous crop truly exist? If he could obtain it, he couldn’t imagine how joyous an emperor he would become!
And then there was the gunpowder capable of obliterating entire cities.
With it, Great Qi would become invincible on the battlefield, forcing neighboring nations to bow in submission.
Each of these treasures seemed like something out of a dream, yet now, thanks to Yu Miaohua, they were within reach.
The Emperor’s inner scales tipped decisively.
So what if it meant wearing a green hat? For rewards this substantial, such humiliation was bearable!
As for Yu Miaohua’s curiosity about the Tanhua’s appearance—if it furthered the mission, he could easily arrange a private meeting.
Shen Sushang, the Tanhua, was indeed handsome—though slightly inferior to his Crown Prince—no wonder the System had selected him.
After placing third in the imperial examinations, Shen Sushang had been appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.
Pei Lingyue now considered promoting him to a lecturer position, where he could give lectures to both the Emperor and the Crown Prince. That way, he could conveniently cross paths with Yu Miaohua and spark some chemistry.
Of course, if possible, he would much prefer Yu Miaohua to choose the Crown Prince as one of her targets.
His Crown Prince was brilliant, graceful, and the future ruler of Great Qi—a man after his own heart. Still residing in the palace and yet to establish his own household, he was the perfect candidate for completing missions with the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s assistance.
His second son was also an exceptional talent, dignified and imposing—though not the brightest and somewhat impulsive. He might make a mess of things, so he could only serve as a backup option.
His other sons were still too young...
Pei Lingyue now lamented his lack of sons closer to Yu Miaohua’s age. And why limit the targets to men? Such outdated thinking! If women were included, there would be far more possibilities.
At least having the Empress Dowager as an ally who could also see the System was a blessing.
Having made up his mind, Pei Lingyue felt as if he had ascended to a higher plane of existence. All his earlier turmoil and frustration vanished, replaced by serene acceptance.
Everything he did was for Great Qi. If his ancestors were watching, they would surely applaud his brilliance.
When Yu Miaohua walked up to him, the Emperor's expression softened with an almost uncharacteristic tenderness as he began to read the edict conferring her new title.
"...The Yu family of Jiangzhou, renowned for benevolence and wisdom, gentle in nature, filial and graceful, self-restrained by propriety—henceforth, Yu Miaohua is conferred the title of Consort Hui, in recognition of her dignified virtue."
Yu Miaohua accepted the decree and the seal of office from the Emperor, performing the full ceremonial prostration of three kneelings and nine kowtows.
From a lowly Talented Lady to Consort Hui—her rise through the ranks was faster than a shooting star.
Next, she paid her respects to the Empress Dowager, again performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows.
The Empress Dowager, disregarding protocol, stepped forward and personally helped her up, her face alight with maternal affection.
The attending concubines had long grown numb to such displays.
Then came the Empress, who offered a few gentle words of encouragement.
With the rites completed, Yu Miaohua was now officially Consort Hui, a woman of rank and influence in the imperial harem.
[...Congratulations, Host, on completing another hidden mission: becoming one of the Four Consorts within a year and establishing yourself as a force to be reckoned with in the inner palace. Reward: three one-time Divine Blessing skills and 500 points.]
Yu Miaohua’s eyes sparkled at the reward.
Yes! This was exactly the kind of reward she loved. The more wondrous gifts she produced, the more her reputation as a divinely favored figure solidified—some commoners even whispered she was a celestial maiden descended to earth.
Though she wasn’t short on points, spending them on such skills would have felt like a waste. But free rewards? She’d use them without a second thought!
Best of all, this was a hidden mission—no effort required on her part.
She happily clicked "Claim."
The available Divine Blessings were numerous: "A Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," "Auspicious Aura from the East," "Buddha’s Light Shining Upon All," "Lotus Blooms with Every Step," "The Sun and Moon Aligning," "Sweet Rain Descending," "Divine Turtle Bearing a Prophetic Map," "Qilin Offering Auspicious Signs..."
Since there was no time limit on redeeming them, Yu Miaohua wasn’t in a hurry.
With the conferment ceremony over, it was time for the imperial consorts to offer their congratulations.
Those of lower rank than Yu Miaohua had to bow to her.
After the initial excitement, Yu Miaohua found such grand ceremonies exhausting.
No one could maintain a cheerful demeanor for long while weighed down by a heavy phoenix crown.
Especially someone as habitually carefree as her—she just wanted to rest.
She consoled herself: Just endure it for today.
After the consorts came the imperial princes and princesses.
When the Crown Prince bowed to her, Yu Miaohua, following the instructions of her attendants, gracefully sidestepped the full gesture.
This was also the first time she’d seen the Crown Prince up close.
[Ahhh! It’s the Crown Prince! My heart’s racing again! Host, he’s one of your romanceable targets! We could go for the thrilling, taboo "stepmother romance" trope!]
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but retort.
[Oh please, are you stuck in perpetual "heartthrob mode"? Why does your heart race at every turn? Can I ask what the selection criteria even are?]
[Age under twenty-four, handsome, well-built, virgin, no... premature issues.]
[???]
Yu Miaohua was stunned—was this information she was even allowed to know?
Wait, how did the system even have this intel? Its powers were downright terrifying.
The topic instantly banished her fatigue, filling her with gossip-fueled energy.
"Ahem—"
A sudden coughing fit interrupted her thoughts.
Yu Miaohua glanced sideways and saw the Empress Dowager and the Emperor clearing their throats. She shot them a concerned look.
In unison, the Empress Dowager and Pei Lingyue said, "This one (I) was choked by the wind."
The most powerful mother and son in the empire exchanged glances, mutual understanding—and awkwardness—flashing between them.
Everyone else pretended not to notice.
The Empress Dowager sighed inwardly: Miaohua, for all her demure appearance, had a mischievous streak. Why was she so fascinated by such matters?
As for the Emperor, he’d originally planned to arrange concubines to "educate" his eldest and second sons, both of marriageable age.
Now he reconsidered: The divine seemed to favor men of purity. Best not risk disqualifying his sons as candidates.
Seeing that they were fine, Yu Miaohua turned back.
Next was the Second Prince. Though he tried to appear amiable, the rebellious "the world owes me a fortune" glint in his eyes remained.
Since he wasn’t the Crown Prince—a half-sovereign—Yu Miaohua could accept his full bow. Normally, she might have demurred, but today, she didn’t.
She couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but his already sour expression seemed to darken further.
Yu Miaohua resumed her gossip session with the system.
[System, are you sure the Second Prince is a virgin? He looks like the type who’s been around!]
[Guaranteed, Host. 100% certified virgin. He’s the elitist type who thinks no woman is worthy. The kind who deserves to be conquered and humbled.]
Yu Miaohua understood—this guy was destined to die alone. She ignored the system’s wilder suggestions.
[Host, if you insist on pursuing him, I’ve got the perfect item! Our shop carries a "No One But You" potion. One dose, and he’ll be incapable with anyone except you. A must-have for sweet romance tropes! Say the word, and whether it’s the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, the Imperial Scholar, or the Young General—they’ll all fall at your feet.]
Yu Miaohua recoiled in horror.
[No, thank you!! I don’t need to know this exists!!]
"Ahem—"
Another round of coughing, again from the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
The Empress looked ready to summon the imperial physicians.
Yu Miaohua wondered: What’s going on with them today?
The Empress Dowager... declined the Empress’s concern.
She sighed inwardly: She hadn’t meant to choke, but the system’s divine revelations were too brazen.
At least Miaohua had the sense to refuse.
After the imperial children came the court officials, who entered en masse to offer congratulations.
With the crowd and the need to maintain decorum, Yu Miaohua couldn’t pick anyone out. She still had no idea what the Imperial Scholar, the Young General, or other "candidates" looked like.
She could only hope the system recorded everything for her to review later.
While she had no intention of actually pursuing them, admiring handsome men wasn’t a crime. Staring at the Emperor’s face every day, no matter how handsome, grew stale.
Life needed a little novelty.
After the officials came the noblewomen.
Yu Miaohua had thought herself long-suffering, but compared to these ladies who’d waited in the cold since dawn, she counted herself lucky.
[System, help me find my mother and sister!]
The Empress Dowager had assured her they’d be present for the ceremony.
The system promptly displayed an image, circling Yu Miaohua’s family in bright colors.
Her gaze followed the direction, soon landing on two familiar faces she hadn’t seen in so long.
Her mother was dressed in the formal attire of a noblewoman, appearing as dignified and graceful as ever. Only Yu Miaohua knew that she had once chased her around with a feather duster after she nearly blew herself up with firecrackers.
Her younger sister, four years her junior, still had an air of childishness about her. Even more mischievous than Yu Miaohua, while the latter at least pretended to behave, Yu Miaoping didn’t bother with pretense at all. She was the undisputed troublemaker of their street, a notorious little tyrant.
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
Wang Yaning, Yu Miaohua’s birth mother, caught sight of that fleeting smile on her daughter’s face.
Dressed in lavish court robes and adorned with a phoenix crown, her daughter stood there with regal poise, almost unrecognizable from the memory of the mischievous girl who would sweet-talk and wheedle her way out of trouble.
Over the past year, Wang Yaning’s emotions had fluctuated with every scrap of news trickling out of the palace.
When she learned that Miaohua had been consigned to the cold palace, she was beside herself with worry, tossing and turning at night, unsure of what to do. She knew her daughter well—the worst she’d ever done was secretly splashing water on the chair of someone she disliked. How could she ever harm anyone? The distress over the situation even made Wang Yaning fall ill. All she could do was bribe the palace eunuchs through her family connections to ensure her daughter wasn’t mistreated.
She never imagined that Miaohua would one day leave the cold palace. Every subsequent piece of news brought word of her rising status.
Rumors about her even took on a mystical hue, with many claiming that Miaohua was a gift from the heavens to Great Qi.
Some went so far as to visit their home, begging for items Miaohua had used before entering the palace, hoping to bask in her supposed good fortune. All of it felt surreal to Wang Yaning.
People praised her for raising such an exceptional daughter, assuring her that she would live a life of ease. She smiled in public, but in private, she fretted over her daughter’s situation in the palace.
With such favor from the emperor, wouldn’t she become a target? How much hardship had she endured to get here?
The opportunity to enter the palace and see Miaohua in person filled her with joy and gratitude for the emperor’s grace.
Yet, when her daughter appeared before her, beyond excitement and happiness, Wang Yaning felt mostly unease and concern. Her once lively and carefree girl had become so composed and refined—she must have suffered greatly.
But then she saw her daughter’s smile—and Wang Yaning’s worries melted away.
…She had been putting on such a proper act earlier, but that smile was just as carefree and a little silly as ever.
She had been overthinking things.
Really, this child—how could she smile at them in such a solemn setting?
Despite her thoughts, Wang Yaning found herself smiling back.
……
What was she smiling about? Was she showing off?
While some saw Yu Miaohua’s smile as warm and approachable, others found it insufferable, convinced she was flaunting her status.
Yang Zhaorong was among the latter. She had entered the palace with her mother, yet despite being part of the empress’s family, she received no special treatment. Forced to wait outside with the others in the biting cold, she had refused to bundle up for the sake of appearances, nearly turning into an ice sculpture. Her nose burned red, and she sneezed repeatedly—the expressions of those around her haunted her.
She had never endured such humiliation.
Yang Zhaorong seethed inwardly: Once she became a noble consort, she would make Yu Miaohua stand outside in the cold too, until she was a sniveling mess.
After what felt like an eternity, it was finally her turn to bow before Yu Miaohua.
Yang Zhaorong had been waiting for this moment.
Just then, birdsong echoed from outside—she recognized it as the call of the bird trainer they had secretly arranged. His mimicry was flawless; even palace attendants would mistake it for real birds.
As relatives of the empress, the Yang family had little trouble smuggling someone into the palace, even keeping it from the empress herself.
The birds had been trained relentlessly. Yang Zhaorong wore the same attire they were accustomed to, her clothes imbued with the scents they loved.
At the sight of her, they would flock to her, surrounding her in a spectacle.
This was the auspicious omen her mother had meticulously planned—a "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix."
On what should have been Yu Miaohua’s glorious day, this divine sign would instead humiliate her, shattering the superstitious reverence the commoners held for her. It would prove that Yang Zhaorong was the true phoenix among women.
Yang Zhaorong blinked, her smile radiant. "This humble girl congratulates Consort Hui on this joyous occasion."
She timed it perfectly, just as she began her bow.
The birdsong grew louder, more chaotic. Those in the grand hall watched as dozens of birds, some brilliantly plumed, swooped inside.
"Is this… the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix?" A minister, recalling legends of such omens, gasped aloud.
Who could have imagined such a spectacle at Consort Hui’s investiture ceremony?
Given Yu Miaohua’s reputation as heaven-blessed, many assumed the birds were drawn to her. Some officials paled—such an omen should have occurred at the emperor’s wedding, not a consort’s celebration. Was this fortune or doom?
Yu Miaohua was stunned.
[Wait, System—did you arrange this "Hundred Birds" thing? I told you I didn’t need such a grandiose display!]
[No! This is slander! Our system-produced miracles would never be this pathetic. A few dozen birds? That’s not a Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix! If it were us, we’d have at least five hundred, and we’d even stage a phoenix for them!]
To Yu Miaohua’s shock, the birds flew not to her—but to Yang Zhaorong, fluttering around her, their chirping deafening.
"How could this be?" Yang Zhaorong feigned disbelief, casting a pleading look at the empress. "Sister, why are they coming to me?"
"What’s happening? Sister, I’m frightened," she added, forcing her voice to tremble.
The empress studied her younger sister with a complicated gaze—Zhaorong’s act was too deliberate.
In an instant, she understood. Her sister coveted the palace, perhaps even her own position.
The onlookers were equally stunned.
The omen itself was astonishing, but even more so was the fact that it centered on the Yang family’s fourth daughter.
Vaguely, they recalled rumors of Yang Zhaorong’s extraordinary fate—how those betrothed to her met with misfortune.
A thought struck them: Such an exalted destiny could only be matched by the Son of Heaven himself.
[That scheming little—! System is furious! Host, attack! This fake innocent is targeting us!]
【On our home ground, we are the most dazzling presence. Host has triggered the main quest: Show these ignorant folks what a true auspicious sign looks like and solidify your divine-favored persona. Reward: Distilled liquor technology. Host, go smash her head in!】
Yu Miaohua was usually even-tempered, but even a clay figurine has its limits.
Yang Zhaorong had chosen her special day to steal the spotlight and belittle her—this was something she absolutely refused to tolerate.
Of course, she had no intention of exchanging for the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" omen—it wasn’t the right fit for her.
Then it hit her!
She quickly made her choice—to exchange for the one-time skill "Buddha’s Radiance Shines Upon All."
[System, I want to exchange for the Buddha’s Radiance Shines Upon All skill!]
[Range of effect—just me and the Empress Dowager!]
Yu Miaohua had initially considered including her mother and younger sister… but they were too far away, and she simply couldn’t extend the blessing to them. The Empress Dowager, however, was right beside her—an easy addition.
The Empress Dowager was moved: Truly, her non-blood-related daughter still remembered her in such a moment of grace.
The system immediately activated "Buddha’s Radiance Shines Upon All."
The next second, the people in the hall witnessed a scene they would never forget for the rest of their lives.
In full view of everyone, Yu Miaohua and the Empress Dowager suddenly began to glow. The light was neither as harsh as the midday sun nor as melancholic as the setting sun. It was holy and gentle, so serene that just gazing upon it calmed the heart, making one instinctively clasp their hands in prayer.
The radiance grew brighter, enveloping the two of them completely. Under the light, Yu Miaohua’s skin appeared translucent, her expression even carrying a hint of the Buddha’s own compassion.
The Empress Dowager, too, wore an expression of awe. She murmured to herself, "Is this… the Buddha’s light?"
Those who heard her immediately understood—yes, this was indeed the Buddha’s radiance!
In the next moment, an enormous figure of the Buddha slowly materialized behind Yu Miaohua and the Empress Dowager. This Buddha surpassed all the statues they had ever seen in temples, embodying perfection beyond imagination.
The Buddha gazed down upon them, his presence so sacred and majestic that no impure thought could arise—only the urge to prostrate oneself and beg for his divine protection.
"Heavens! The Buddha has descended!"
"The Buddha has come for Consort Hui!"
Many noblewomen couldn’t help but drop to their knees. How fortunate they were to witness such a miracle with their own eyes! Some devout believers even shed tears of emotion—what incredible luck to behold such divine intervention.
The shabby version of "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" had been impressive, but compared to the Buddha’s manifestation, it was utterly insignificant.
This was the real auspicious sign!
Truly, Consort Hui was blessed by the Buddha!
Watching this scene, even Virtuous Consort couldn’t help but entertain a thought so absurd she almost laughed at herself: It was as if the Buddha himself had personally stepped in to back Consort Hui.
Since when did the ever-impartial Buddha play favorites?
Yang Zhaorong stood frozen, her blood running cold, lips trembling uncontrollably.
How could this be?
An actual divine miracle… Why was Yu Miaohua so damn lucky? It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair at all!
Amid her fury, a deep terror surged within her—she had tried to frame Yu Miaohua. Would the Buddha punish her for it?
The next second, something warm, foul-smelling, and thick dropped onto Yang Zhaorong. Once. Then again.
One after another, splattering onto her hair, her clothes.
Was it raining?
No—this wasn’t rain! And rain couldn’t possibly fall inside the hall! Besides, rain wasn’t warm, nor did it reek like this.
She instinctively wiped at it, only realizing afterward what had landed on her—bird droppings.
Yang Zhaorong’s pupils dilated in horror before she let out a piercing shriek.
Meanwhile, the Emperor sulked under his blankets at night, stabbing a voodoo doll: Why wasn’t I included?!
