Pei Lingyue was well aware that the demeanor the imperial consorts displayed before him might not reflect their true selves.
However, the Virtuous Consort had performed exceptionally well over the years—never competing for favor, remaining obedient and restrained, often pleading for leniency on behalf of other consorts. She could be called a rare and understanding companion. Though she was not his most favored consort, she still held a special place in his heart and enjoyed his deep trust.
Thus, the sudden discovery that the two sons she had raised harbored such intense dislike for Yu Miaohua struck Pei Lingyue with shock, swiftly followed by overwhelming anger and dissatisfaction.
Yu Miaohua had no children of her own—she merely received a little more favor. Could that really be enough to provoke their resentment?
[Looking around, the one with the highest favorability toward me is the Crown Prince. Damn it, but I have a psychological aversion to his face!]
[Host, didn’t you say you’d choose the three with the highest favorability? The Crown Prince has 30 points—enough to claim two waves of rewards immediately. Aren’t you tempted?]
The system spared no effort in persuading Yu Miaohua, as the Crown Prince could easily trigger various side quests, providing more energy. Just the thought of an endless supply of energy made the system practically drool digital saliva.
Seeing that the Crown Prince’s favorability had reached thirty, Pei Lingyue felt gratified. His frequent praise of the Wise Consort in front of the Crown Prince had not been in vain—the Crown Prince had truly taken his words to heart, holding no resentment toward her and instead admiring her greatly.
A benevolent and broad-minded Crown Prince like this was the most suitable heir for Great Qi, forming a stark contrast to Chi Yao.
The Empress and the Empress Dowager were conflicted. On one hand, selecting the Crown Prince seemed beneficial for Great Qi.
On the other hand, his status… was far too likely to invite trouble.
However, since they had already mentally prepared themselves, their hesitation didn’t last long before they accepted the situation.
Yu Miaohua continued checking the favorability rankings.
[Shocked—am I seeing this right? The second-highest is actually Pei Yuheng? System, are you sure there’s no bug here? How is this possible? Pei Yuheng wanted to brand me a fraud earlier today, yet his favorability toward me is this high? Just below the Crown Prince’s, at a full twenty-five points.]
Compared to the Crown Prince, Pei Yuheng’s favorability was even more unexpected for Yu Miaohua.
[Host, perhaps he was completely won over by your compassionate and saintly goddess act today? He must have a thing for that type! Once you conquer a tsundere like him, he’ll be devoted for life! He’s enough for an immediate reward claim. A love-hate dynamic with an opposing faction character—so much tension, so much chemistry! Pick him! Pick him!]
The palace intrigue system was practically swooning with happiness. This route also offered abundant energy points—it loved this! The Marquis’ heir was truly impressive!
Pei Lingyue’s mood instantly plummeted. The last thing he wanted to see had happened.
Pei Yuheng had taken second place?
Would Yu Miaohua really choose him? But selecting him would grant an immediate first-wave reward.
Pei Lingyue’s emotions were complicated—on one hand, he coveted the rewards, but on the other, he couldn’t bear the thought of Yu Miaohua choosing Pei Yuheng. What if, through their interactions, she developed feelings for him?
[The third-ranked candidate’s favorability is twenty, enough for one reward claim.]
The system considered that the third-ranked candidate, the scholar, was also a type the host liked—perhaps she’d be more motivated to complete tasks involving him.
After examining the portraits of each candidate, Yu Miaohua finally made her decision.
[System, I’ll choose the Crown Prince, Pei Yuheng, and the scholar Shen Sushang.]
Hearing her decision, the system joyfully set off digital fireworks. The first wave of energy was secured!
[Host has confirmed final targets for affection route: Crown Prince route, tsundere heir route, scholar route. As the Crown Prince’s favorability is thirty, the heir’s is twenty-five, and the scholar’s is twenty, the host will immediately receive corresponding rewards.]
[You have completed the "Crown Prince’s Favorability Reaches 20" task. Reward: mature version of heated kang technology—improved heating efficiency, greater durability, and enhanced safety.]
[You have completed the "Crown Prince’s Favorability Reaches 30" task. Reward: a comprehensive manual on locust plague prevention. Host, please make good use of this handbook to prepare for the upcoming locust disaster.]
[You have completed the "Pei Yuheng’s Favorability Reaches 20" task. Reward: design blueprints for the curved plow suited to southern paddy fields and the straight plow for northern drylands—both significantly improving work efficiency and agricultural productivity.]
[You have completed the "Shen Sushang’s Favorability Reaches 20" task. Reward: detailed pig farming techniques, including feed ratios, disease prevention, and methods for optimizing pig breeds. If promoted widely, this knowledge can improve pork quality, lower prices, and allow commoners to enjoy tastier, more affordable meat.]
Yu Miaohua had to admit that these rewards were indeed practical, enhancing the people’s quality of life in multiple ways. The locust plague manual was especially valuable—she vaguely recalled that raising chickens, ducks, and geese could help, but she lacked specifics on other countermeasures.
At least her grand performance today hadn’t been in vain. Thankfully, she had chosen the Crown Prince.
But with so many rewards—and technologies clearly ahead of this era—
[I’ll need to find a way to present all these at once! The imperial library and the Virtue Pavilion won’t work this time.]
Having settled this matter, Yu Miaohua looked up and suddenly realized that the Emperor, the Empress, and the Empress Dowager were still present! As for the Noble Consort, she had returned to her palace to change after notifying them.
Wait—
[What are they doing? Staring at me while I spaced out?]
[Probably worried about you. Today’s events were truly alarming, host. This shows they care!]
The Empress coughed lightly and spoke gently, "Wise Consort, rest well. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yu Miaohua maintained her frail act.
With no further excuse to linger and having learned what they needed, the three soon departed.
The Empress exchanged a glance with the Emperor—they still needed to discuss Yu Miaohua’s chosen candidates in detail.
After they left, Wang Yaning returned to keep Yu Miaohua company.
...
This time, Pei Lingyue and the others convened their discussion in the study of the Qianyuan Palace.
All attendants were dismissed, leaving only the three of them.
The Empress Dowager spoke first, "I never imagined she would still end up choosing Chi Yan and the Marquis’ heir."
The scholar was promptly disregarded.
Pei Lingyue gritted his teeth. "Originally, I had hoped she would select Chi Yan and Chi Yao. But Chi Yao has disappointed me too much."
At least the Crown Prince remained an option.
The Empress had now resigned herself—whatever tasks were assigned, she would carry them out. If the sky fell, the Emperor would bear the responsibility. Since he had orchestrated this, he would naturally handle the aftermath.
After venting his frustration, Pei Lingyue declared, "I intend to keep Pei Yuheng in the capital—he shall recite sutras and pray for the Wise Consort’s blessings."
This time, on the surface, Consort Hui suffered this calamity because of the Prince of Feng and his son. As one of the chief culprits, Pei Yuheng naturally had to pay the price.
Moreover, keeping him in the capital also meant holding an additional hostage.
When the time came, he would do his best to cooperate with the divine spirits to complete the task and claim all the related rewards.
Pei Lingyue was undeniably a born political creature. He quickly suppressed his negative emotions and began contemplating how to squeeze every last bit of value out of Pei Yuheng.
"Your Majesty, perhaps the Prince of Feng's heir could reside in the Crown Prince's residence?" the Empress suggested.
"Agreed."
After a moment of thought, Pei Lingyue added, "Consort Hui has received many rewards this time, and she likely won’t be releasing the library. I was thinking that once she has recovered, I would take her to the ancestral temple to pay respects to our forebears. I doubt she would miss such an opportunity."
The Empress also found this suggestion excellent. Generally, only the Empress had the privilege of accompanying the Emperor to worship at the ancestral temple.
But now, with Consort Hui’s divine aura, no one would dare oppose her at the height of her prestige—such a tactless move was unthinkable.
As for Noble Consort Xian, she would likely welcome this development.
Noble Consort Xian.
The Empress was no fool. Once she realized that Noble Consort Xian was not as indifferent as she appeared, she began to see the hidden threads lurking in the shadows.
Noble Consort Xian couldn’t even tolerate Consort Hui, who posed no threat to her interests—Consort Hui had never shown her the slightest disrespect. So how must she feel about the Empress, who always stood above her? No doubt, she and Chi Yan were thorns in Noble Consort Xian’s side, keeping the halls of Qiongming Palace restless.
After Consort Hui gained favor, rumors occasionally surfaced in the palace, attempting to sow discord between her and the Empress. These were likely Noble Consort Xian’s doing. Previously, the Empress had assumed Li Zhaoyuan was acting alone, but now it was clear—Li Zhaoyuan was merely a tool in Noble Consort Xian’s hands. After all, Li Zhaoyuan was related to Noble Consort Xian.
And then there was the earlier case of Consort Xu…
Noble Consort Xian’s schemes were undeniably deep. She had orchestrated so much, yet remained spotless, leaving no room for criticism.
But no matter how well she concealed her tracks, she had slipped up through her own son.
At this thought, the Empress nearly laughed. If Noble Consort Xian ever learned of this, she would likely be racking her brains in confusion.
The Emperor often regarded Consort Hui as the greatest gift the gods had bestowed upon Great Qi. But the Empress believed Consort Hui was also a gift from heaven to her.
Too much had happened today, and the Empress Dowager was genuinely exhausted. She had no intention of returning to the New Year’s banquet.
The Emperor and Empress personally escorted her back to Ningshou Palace before returning to the feast.
Given their status, they couldn’t afford to be as unrestrained as the Empress Dowager.
Noble Consort had arrived before them, already changed into a green gown.
As the imperial couple appeared, the assembly rose once more to bow.
Throughout this time, the court officials had been too preoccupied to enjoy the performances.
The day’s events had been momentous—first, the Emperor swiftly imprisoned several high-ranking ministers, then the Prince of Feng’s heir targeted Consort Hui, followed by Consort Hui sacrificing herself to divine the heavens.
Today’s affairs would surely be recorded in history.
Grand Tutor Yuan Xinji bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, how is Consort Hui’s condition?"
Yuan Xinji hoped for her recovery. Seeing how his daughter had wept inconsolably, it was clear the two shared a close bond.
Pei Lingyue allowed a faint smile. "After the qilin’s auspicious blessing, Consort Hui returned from death. Though still weak, she is out of danger."
He glanced around the hall. "Once Consort Hui recovers, I intend to take her to the ancestral temple to honor our ancestors. If the late Emperor watches from beyond, he will surely smile in contentment."
All eyes instinctively turned to the Empress—traditionally, only the Emperor and Crown Prince could enter the ancestral temple.
The current Empress had been granted this rare privilege due to the Emperor’s deep respect for her.
No one had expected Consort Hui to now join their ranks.
Yet even the most etiquette-obsessed officials from the Ministry of Rites couldn’t bring themselves to object.
The memory of Consort Hui coughing up blood remained vivid in their minds.
Who were they to oppose?
The Minister of Rites even prepared an excuse. "Your Majesty is wise. Consort Hui is a divine maiden, blessed by the qilin. She is undoubtedly worthy of paying respects to the late Emperor."
Precisely—Consort Hui would attend as a goddess, not merely as an imperial consort.
If anyone objected, let them become a divine maiden first.
Pei Lingyue smiled in satisfaction. "Well said."
His gaze then fell upon the Prince of Feng’s faction as he decreed, "The Prince of Feng’s household was deceived by villains, leading them to insult Consort Hui and tarnish her reputation. The heir, Pei Yuheng, shall remain in the capital to pray for Consort Hui’s blessings."
The Prince of Feng, Pei Lingyou, paled. The heir was his most valued successor. By detaining him in the capital, Pei Lingyue was clearly holding him as a hostage.
Yet he couldn’t refuse.
The Emperor’s reasoning was flawless—any refusal would only further blacken his already tarnished reputation. He could only pray for Consort Hui’s swift recovery, so the Emperor would have no pretext to keep his son.
Swallowing the rage rising in his throat, Pei Lingyou forced himself to appear grateful. "This humble subject is overwhelmed by the chance to atone for Consort Hui’s suffering. I accept Your Majesty’s decree."
Pei Yuheng also knelt to receive what was ostensibly an honor but in reality a punishment.
Yet strangely, he felt neither resentment nor fear. Instead, a faint anticipation stirred within him—would this mean he could see Consort Hui again?
His imperial uncle had sorely underestimated her. With her character and divine status, Consort Hui deserved nothing less than the position of Empress, not merely a consort’s title.
After issuing the decree and delivering some ceremonial blessings, the New Year’s banquet concluded under an odd atmosphere.
The ministers and their families departed, eager to share the night’s extraordinary events with friends and relatives. The upcoming holiday visits would be filled with lively discussions.
As for Pei Yuheng, he was permitted to return to the Prince of Feng’s residence tonight. Once his quarters in the Crown Prince’s residence were prepared, he would move into the palace.
Meanwhile, Taoist Qingsongzi had already been taken away and imprisoned.
Back at his residence, Pei Lingyou angrily swept the tea set off the table. "Well played, Pei Lingyue!"
The Prince of Feng’s household had suffered a crushing defeat tonight.
Pei Yuheng said, "This is my fault for being deceived by Qingsongzi, causing you humiliation, Father."
Pei Lingyou sighed. "This isn’t your doing. Qingsongzi was simply too cunning. In a few days, arrange for him to die in prison."
Better that than risk him confessing under torture.
Previously, Qingsongzi had located an iron mine for them, spoken words that resonated with Pei Lingyou’s hidden ambitions, and demonstrated his "divine methods." It was no wonder Pei Lingyou had been swept up in the moment. He couldn’t blame his son.
Most crucially, none of them had imagined Consort Hui was a true goddess!
Having witnessed the qilin’s auspicious appearance, the Prince of Feng no longer doubted. He finally understood the capital’s citizens’ devout reverence for Consort Hui.
He muttered discontentedly, "I thought Father Emperor would resent Pei Lingyue because of Empress Zhenyi. I never expected he’d even appear to him in a dream! All these years, he hasn’t once visited me in my dreams!"
He had been far more filial than Pei Lingyue, dutifully burning incense for Empress Zhenyi every year, hoping his father would bless his ambitions in return.
Now it seemed all those offerings had been in vain.
Perhaps the late Emperor hadn’t loved Empress Zhenyi as much as he’d pretended.
Pei Lingyou even began to suspect that his father had used Empress Zhenyi as a pawn—a whetstone to sharpen the Empress Dowager and the current Emperor.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Otherwise, how else could Consort Hui’s sudden rise be explained?
He had been utterly deceived!
"My son will suffer in the days to come."
Pei Lingyou pitied his son, forced to remain under Pei Lingyue’s watchful eye.
Pei Yuheng, however, said, "I see this as an opportunity to get closer to Consort Hui."
"After today, her prestige will soar. If I can win her over and turn her to our side..."
Pei Lingyou studied his son—handsome, spirited, the perfect candidate for a honey trap.
But still...
"The sacrifice is too great. Would Consort Hui even agree?"
Pei Yuheng replied, "What if I offer her the position of future Crown Princess in return?"
Pei Lingyou’s voice darkened. "She is Pei Lingyue’s consort."
Pei Yuheng countered, "A true man should not be bound by trivialities. Don’t you want the Buddha’s favor through Consort Hui?"
Pei Lingyou was indeed tempted.
"Before you enter the palace, have some new robes made."
He resolved to summon the finest tailors in the capital!
---
In Qiongming Palace.
Pei Chiyao slammed his fist onto the table, his face twisted in fury.
Across from him, Consort Xian remained far calmer. "Careful, you’ll hurt your hand."
Perhaps she had already exhausted her anger earlier. Seeing her son more enraged than her forced her into composure.
Pei Chiyao gritted his teeth. "Mother, I’m indignant on your behalf."
His mother had borne him for the Emperor—a monumental contribution. Over the years, she had been gentle, attentive, the perfect confidante. Yet now, Consort Hui, a mere newcomer, had been chosen over her to preside at the ancestral temple rites.
From now on, among the three consorts—Xian, De, and Hui—Consort Hui would undoubtedly reign supreme.
Consort Xian sighed, her expression complicated. "If I were to rage over this, I’d spend the rest of my life in fury."
She added bitterly, "Once Consort Hui recovers, the palace will likely welcome a new Noble Consort."
Originally, Consort Xian had hoped to drive a wedge between Consort Hui and the Empress, setting them against each other. But she hadn’t expected Consort Hui to surpass her so effortlessly, forcing her to bow in deference.
After witnessing tonight’s divine signs, however, Consort Xian no longer dared scheme against Consort Hui.
Pei Chiyao was aghast. "How long has she even been in the palace?"
Consort Xian’s lips curled into a cold smile. "An ordinary consort’s rank would hardly suit a goddess."
Pei Chiyao scowled, his dislike for Consort Hui deepening. "Are we just going to stand by and watch her become Noble Consort?"
Consort Xian studied her son’s undisguised resentment and warned, "For your sake, I can endure a few years of humiliation. Compared to us, Consort Hui poses a far greater threat to the Empress."
"Wipe that look off your face. From now on, in public, you must treat Consort Hui with the same respect you show me."
"In two days, take the century-old snow lotus from the treasury and deliver it to Guanju Palace."
Consort Xian planned to write to her mother, asking her to gather fertility remedies.
Consort Hui enjoyed unparalleled favor yet remained childless—an anomaly.
Consort Xian suspected an underlying condition. If she could procure the right prescription and present it to Consort Hui, she might earn her trust and gratitude.
The Empress maintained her unshakable position, playing the virtuous caretaker with flawless precision, precisely because Consort Hui bore no heir.
A pregnancy would shatter that equilibrium.
Even if Consort Xian wished to move against the Empress, she would have to wait until the Empress was deposed.
She could only hope Consort Hui wouldn’t disappoint.
Pei Chiyao obeyed his mother’s instructions. Not only did he retrieve the snow lotus, but he also had his followers scour for ginseng, deer antlers, and other rare tonics.
Eventually, they procured a 150-year-old ginseng.
In the past, he would have reserved such treasures for his mother—or perhaps his father.
Now, he had no choice but to lavish them on a mere consort. The injustice gnawed at him.
He consoled himself with the thought that once he ascended the throne, he would compensate his mother tenfold.
These extravagant gifts drained his annual stipend.
As an unenfeoffed prince, his income was limited to his imperial allowance. Though his mother occasionally supplemented him, Pei Chiyao disliked relying on her.
His followers’ tributes were meager in comparison.
His maternal relatives had once allied with the salt merchant Zhang family, who promised an annual tribute of 100,000 taels. Yet before he could enjoy a single coin, the Zhang family collapsed, leaving him seething. He even had to spend his own funds to ensure no scandal touched him or his mother.
Meanwhile, the Crown Prince lived in luxury. Rumor had it the Empress’s in-laws had amassed fortunes through sugar trade profits.
The Emperor’s favoritism knew no bounds—every privilege was reserved for the Crown Prince.
No matter how bitter he felt, Pei Chiyao dared not show it.
He gazed at the exquisitely wrapped medicines and ordered, "Deliver these to Guanju Palace."
Just as the servants were about to leave, he changed his mind.
"Hold them for now. In two days, I’ll take them to Qianyuan Palace myself."
If he was going to offer such lavish gifts, he might as well ensure the Emperor knew—and understood the financial strain it placed on him.
So Pei Chiyao gathered some unwanted jade pendants and gold ornaments—devoid of imperial markings—and ordered his guards to sell them in the capital.
The guard was stunned. "Your Highness, truly sell them?"
A prince reduced to such measures? The humiliation would be unbearable if word got out.
Pei Chiyao sneered. "Do as I say. Who’s the master here?"
The guard dared not argue and proceeded with the sale.
Pei Chiyao thought bitterly: Surely the Emperor wouldn’t favor the Crown Prince to such an extent. If his own followers could profit from the sugar trade, his financial woes would vanish.
His actions didn’t escape Consort Xian’s notice, but she didn’t interfere.
Instead, she felt a swell of pride—her son was finally learning to strategize.
She even discreetly spread word of his plight, carefully limiting the rumors to the Emperor’s frequented palaces like Qianyuan and Zichen Halls.
Unbeknownst to her, this move only confirmed the Emperor’s earlier suspicions about her.
Neither Consort Xian nor Pei Chiyao realized it.
Three days later, Pei Chiyao changed into a set of clothes that were only thirty percent new—finding something that "new" in his wardrobe was no easy feat.
The jade pendant he wore was not his usual mutton-fat white jade; the quality was somewhat murky, though the carving had a rustic charm.
Once fully prepared, Pei Chiyao took the medicinal herbs to the Qian Yuan Palace.
He didn’t have to wait long before he saw his father, Pei Lingyue.
Pei Lingyue spoke indifferently, "What brings you here?"
Pei Chiyao grumbled inwardly: Can’t I come if there’s no urgent matter?
Outwardly, however, he remained reverent. "Father, I deeply admire Noble Consort Hui’s noble virtues and have specially sought out some restorative herbs. I only hope these can help her recover swiftly."
Ever since discovering his second son’s hostility toward Noble Consort Hui, Pei Lingyue had ordered his shadow guards to monitor the boy—so he was well aware of everything Pei Chiyao had been up to lately.
He’s putting on quite the act. If not for the divine insight granted by the system, everyone would have been fooled by him and his mother.
Then came the reports from Prince Feng’s residence—and Pei Lingyue grew even angrier.
Prince Feng had been busy commissioning new robes for Pei Yuheng, buying exquisite jade pendants and ornate headpieces, dressing him up like a peacock spreading its tail. Wasn’t it obvious they were trying to seduce Noble Consort Hui with a beauty stratagem?
Though Pei Lingyue disliked Prince Feng, he had to admit they were far more cunning than his own son.
If only Chiyao’s favorability with the Tanhua scholar had been slightly higher, this father-son pair wouldn’t even be in the picture.
Chiyao is just too disappointing—short-sighted and petty.
As for the Tanhua scholar, Pei Lingyue held no grudge. The man had no prior connection to Noble Consort Hui, and twenty points of favorability was already decent.
After all, the Tanhua scholar had secured the pig-rearing techniques for him—a true pillar of the state.
Pei Lingyue redirected all his fury toward Pei Chiyao, his tone laced with rare sarcasm. "These herbs must have cost you a fortune. I heard you acquired a 150-year-old ginseng? Spent all this year’s stipend, didn’t you? And I also heard you sold off quite a few jade pieces and gold ornaments?"
Pei Chiyao was puzzled. This didn’t sound like praise. "If it aids Noble Consort Mother, no expense is too great. My mother and Noble Consort Hui are close—she worries daily for her health, wishing she could take her place."
"As for selling the jade… I simply lost interest in those pieces. I’ve grown older and no longer care for such adornments."
He played the humble card, avoiding any mention of financial struggles. Only this approach could evoke his father’s pity.
In the past, Pei Lingyue would have seen this as filial devotion and the virtuous nature of Consort Xian. Now, all he saw was hypocrisy and calculation.
He scoffed. "Should I commend you for your filial piety?"
Pei Chiyao finally realized his father’s displeasure was real. Who’s been poisoning his ears against me?
He wracked his brain but couldn’t recall any recent missteps. Could it be the Zhang family matter?
Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Pei Lingyue’s icy voice cut in.
"If not for your guard’s loyalty in privately reporting to me, I’d never have known how much you despise Noble Consort Hui—so much that you dream of killing her!"
"These herbs of yours? I dare not let Noble Consort Hui touch them."
"Chiyao, you’ve disappointed me deeply."
Pei Chiyao stiffened, lifting his head. His father’s cold, scrutinizing gaze struck him like a hammer, leaving him dizzy.
A guard betrayed me? Which one? Damn them!
And—
I dreamed of killing Noble Consort Hui? When? Why don’t I remember?
Pei Lingyue: Of course you don’t. Because I made it up.
