"Hmm, I must have misheard."
Pei Chiyan replied calmly, "There are still some unresolved issues left by the salt merchants. I need to handle the remaining problems in the coming days."
A father knows his son best. With just one glance, Pei Lingyue could tell what his son was thinking.
Of course, he wouldn’t let his son brush it off so easily.
"I’ve reconsidered—ten poems aren’t enough. The treacherous Prince and his son will surely present more than ten. You might as well write twenty instead."
Pei Chiyan’s expression faltered—was his father serious?
He tactfully reminded him, "Consort Hui is Your Majesty’s concubine."
Shouldn’t the Emperor be the one writing them? Why had this become his task?
Pei Lingyue deliberately feigned anger. "I’d like to see who dares to spread slander about you and Consort Hui!"
"Enough, no more discussion. The important thing is to write those twenty poems well. Hmm, I’ll have Consort Hui select the three best ones to be framed and displayed in the ancestral temple alongside her portrait."
Pei Chiyan suspected that perhaps his father wanted to impress Consort Hui but wasn’t skilled at poetry, hence the delegation.
That made some sense. His father was probably too embarrassed to admit it outright.
"Your son obeys Your Majesty’s decree."
Seeing him accept the task, Pei Lingyue finally smiled in satisfaction.
"Put aside other matters for the next few days. I’ll grant you five days of leave."
Afraid the Crown Prince might change his mind and find excuses to refuse, Pei Lingyue refused to give him any chance to back out. "I must investigate the mysterious pit in the ancestral temple and discuss the promotion of new technologies with the ministers. You may withdraw now."
Ah, if only the Crown Prince’s favorability were higher—he could’ve claimed an extra reward.
After Pei Chiyan left, Pei Lingyue first made a show of ordering guards to investigate the pit in the ancestral temple. Once they were dismissed, he summoned his shadow guards and commanded them to fabricate evidence. He already had a scapegoat in mind—the northern steppes.
Coincidentally, his spies had recently discovered that envoys from the steppes had secretly infiltrated the capital, likely seeking new alliances after the salt merchant incident.
Pei Lingyue assumed they were up to no good, so pinning the blame on them didn’t trouble his conscience.
Besides, if given the chance, the steppes wouldn’t hesitate to scheme against the Pei dynasty. So he wasn’t entirely wrong to accuse them.
His gaze fell on the chest containing the divine book, and a faint smile touched his lips.
If he kept working hard, he would eventually unlock the mission to master the technique of forging such indestructible steel.
When he had carried the chest away earlier, the generals’ eyes had practically turned green with envy.
Honestly, how unbecoming!
Soon, steel like this would be abundant.
"Very well, summon Shen Sushang."
Before heading to the Guanju Palace for lunch, he would first meet with Scholar Shen to arrange his private painting session with Consort Hui.
Meanwhile, Pei Chiyan didn’t return directly to the Eastern Palace after leaving the Qian Yuan Hall. Instead, he went to the Fengyi Palace to pay respects to his mother.
When he arrived, the Empress was busy preparing gifts for the upcoming investiture ceremony.
Even though Consort Hui wanted everything simplified, the most basic rituals still had to be observed.
There was also the evening banquet—Consort Hui intended to host her relatives, so they had to ensure her dignity was upheld.
She instructed Aunt Fang, "Have Chef Zhang go to the Guanju Palace these next two days and showcase his skills."
Seeing her son arrive at this time, Empress Yang Zhaopei dismissed the others in the hall. Once they were alone, she smiled gently. "What’s the matter?"
Her son had grown increasingly reserved with age, so it had been a while since she’d seen him so troubled.
Pei Chiyan sighed. "His Majesty ordered me to write twenty poems for Consort Hui."
The Empress paused for a moment, then remained composed—she wasn’t surprised at all.
When she’d heard about the Prince composing odes for Miaohua on the spot, she’d guessed that the Emperor, with his competitive nature, wouldn’t let it slide so easily.
Her son was a target for triggering missions… There was no escaping it.
She said calmly, "Then write them well. Don’t let the Prince outshine you."
Pei Chiyan wondered if he was hallucinating again.
Why was even his mother saying this?
"It’s rather inappropriate."
The Empress remained unruffled. "How so? Are you worried about gossip? As long as you act with integrity and a clear conscience, there’s nothing to fear."
After a brief pause, she added, "But twenty is indeed a lot. The content mustn’t be repetitive or forced—it must come from genuine emotion."
She made the final decision. "You’ve had little interaction with Consort Hui and don’t know her well, so it might be hard to write poems that suit her. I’ve spent much time with her and can share some insights to help you understand her better."
Out of twenty poems, at least five should leave a lasting impression on Miaohua.
She considered—this matter needed the Empress Dowager’s tacit approval.
If anyone dared to gossip later, the Empress Dowager would be the first to silence them.
Then the Empress smiled, "Later, you shall accompany me to pay respects to Her Majesty the Dowager Empress. In this palace, aside from myself, no one understands Consort Hui better than Her Majesty."
Pei Chiyan suddenly felt that coming to pay his respects to his mother today might not have been the wisest decision.
His ever-composed and virtuous mother had recently shown signs of being influenced by his father, her actions becoming increasingly unpredictable.
No—not just her… even the Dowager Empress was the same.
This change wasn’t entirely bad. Compared to her former flawless demeanor, his mother now seemed more lively.
But when her unpredictability was directed at him, he couldn’t help but feel a bit weary.
His mind echoed his mother’s earlier words:
"As long as your conscience is clear, that’s enough?"
……
Yu Miaohua remained unaware that the Emperor had already arranged everything for her.
The entire afternoon had been spent receiving gifts from visiting guests.
This time, nearly every consort in the rear palace had spared no expense, greatly enriching her personal treasury.
The most extravagant gift came from Consort Hui, Yuan Huirou—a golden Buddha statue so dazzling it nearly blinded her. Yet, this gift pleased Yu Miaohua immensely, precisely because it was valuable and easy to liquidate. She was just that pragmatic!
Consort Hui truly was her kindred spirit.
The high-ranking consorts were wealthy enough that she could always return the favor in future interactions. However, some lower-ranking consorts had limited stipends, and over the past year, they had frequently sent gifts. If this continued, their finances would surely become strained.
But if Yu Miaohua refused their gifts, they would only grow anxious.
She examined the gift list and circled the names of Consort Fu, Consort Jiang, and Consort Lao.
These three were among the earliest to enter the palace—childless, without favor, and their ranks had remained stagnant for years, keeping a low profile. Their gifts exceeded what was typical for their status by thirty percent, yet they made no overtures to win her favor. Clearly, they simply wished to secure a peaceful existence.
Yet, as Yu Miaohua continued to rise in rank, their accumulated gifts had inadvertently placed them at a disadvantage.
She instructed Cuiwei, "In a couple of days, invite these three to play mahjong with me."
Yu Miaohua’s mahjong skills were mediocre at best, but she had an insatiable love for the game. By intentionally losing a few rounds and offering silks and gold nuggets as prizes, she could balance the scales and ensure they didn’t suffer losses.
Cuiwei nodded, noting the arrangement.
Just as Yu Miaohua finished reviewing the gift list and was about to discuss the evening banquet menu with Qingluo, the Virtuous Consort arrived.
Only then did she remember—ah, right, the Virtuous Consort hadn’t sent her gift yet. Given this woman’s reputation for diplomacy, she would never commit such a breach of etiquette.
After all, she was the ever-gracious Virtuous Consort, renowned for her benevolence in the palace.
Putting on a warm smile, Yu Miaohua personally went out to greet her.
She had been mistaken earlier—the Virtuous Consort had no idea that she and her faction had already exposed themselves. Cooling relations now would only arouse suspicion.
Seeing Yu Miaohua come out personally, the Virtuous Consort’s eyes flickered, her smile deepening. "Elder Sister Consort Hui."
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but admire the woman’s audacity—she could call someone a full decade younger "elder sister" without batting an eye.
Feigning embarrassment, Yu Miaohua replied, "Sister Virtuous Consort, please don’t tease me. Let’s keep things as they were before. Between us, rank doesn’t matter—only sisterly affection."
[Hehe, System, has my palace intrigue skill improved?]
[Host, your progress is astounding! Keep this up, and we’ll be the undisputed rulers of the harem!]
The Virtuous Consort’s lips curled slightly. Whether Consort Hui’s words were sincere or not, they were undeniably pleasing to the ear.
She, too, disliked having to address Yu Miaohua as "elder sister" in public, making herself a laughingstock.
"Then I shall presume upon your kindness."
She followed Yu Miaohua into the hall.
Cuiwei, ever observant, promptly served the Virtuous Consort’s favorite tea.
After taking a sip, the Virtuous Consort dismissed her attendants. Recognizing this as a prelude to confidential conversation, Yu Miaohua also signaled for her own servants to withdraw.
Once they were alone, the Virtuous Consort said, "In recent days, Younger Sister suddenly grew distant. I feared I had inadvertently offended you. Seeing your warmth today, my heart is at ease."
Yu Miaohua had to admit—the Virtuous Consort was indeed skilled. Her earnest demeanor could easily make one see her as a trusted confidante.
But Yu Miaohua was prepared.
With a deliberately aggrieved tone, she replied, "Truthfully, my displeasure wasn’t directed at you, Sister. I don’t know how I’ve wronged the Second Prince, but whenever he sees me, his demeanor is anything but respectful—his eyes and nose are practically out of place! I was deeply hurt, thinking this was your doing."
"Only after you sent such generous gifts recently did I realize… I may have misjudged you."
Consort Xian never expected that while she had been meticulous in covering her tracks, her son would be undermining her efforts at every turn. She cursed him silently several times before quickly adding, "Chi Yao may naturally have a face that looks down on everyone, but in his heart, he treats you and me the same—there’s not a shred of ill intent."
Fortunately, Consort Hui was naive, and a little probing easily drew out the truth.
She studied Consort Hui’s youthful and radiant beauty—even if she wasn’t clever, the heavens favored her. In just a year since entering the palace, she had risen directly to the rank of Consort Hui, surpassing her in status.
Yu Miaohua let out a relieved sigh and said with a bright smile, "So it was just a misunderstanding! I knew it—sister would never be the kind of two-faced schemer who says one thing to my face and another behind my back. You’d never speak ill of me to the Second Prince in private. I’m sorry for giving you such a cold shoulder all this time."
Consort Xian, who had been the target of the veiled insult, forced a smile. "As long as the misunderstanding is cleared up, all is well."
"I heard you’ve been spending a lot of time with Noble Lady Sun lately?"
Yu Miaohua nodded. "She often comes to keep me company and has taught me several perfume recipes. The lily fragrance I’m wearing today is one of hers—don’t you think it’s quite elegant?"
Consort Xian replied, "It is indeed lovely. But now that you hold such an exalted position, many will seek to gain favor from you. You must be careful in judging their intentions, lest someone with ill designs harm you."
Yu Miaohua could only scoff inwardly.
[Isn’t this the pot calling the kettle black?]
[Host, if you had half her cunning, you could dethrone the Empress within three years and complete the "Favored Consort" mission.]
Yu Miaohua mentally blocked out the noise—nagging nonsense, as far as she was concerned.
With a cheerful smile, she said, "I believe that if I treat others with sincerity, they’ll do the same for me."
Consort Xian was momentarily speechless at her naïve optimism.
She could only feign concern. "I know your heart is pure, sister, but human nature is unpredictable… While you should never intend harm, you must always guard against it."
Yu Miaohua tilted her head. "Oh? So who should I be wary of? Please enlighten me, sister."
Of course, Consort Xian couldn’t outright name other consorts—that would ruin her carefully cultivated image.
But Yu Miaohua wasn’t about to let her off so easily. After a moment’s thought, she said, "Is it Concubine Shen, Beauty Concubine Zhao, and Li Zhaoyuan? They’ve tried to harm me before! I knew they hadn’t given up. Thank you for the warning—I almost forgave them!"
Consort Xian’s lips twitched. Li Zhaoyuan was one of her allies, and Concubine Shen and Beauty Concubine Zhao had been subtly swayed to her side. If Yu Miaohua decided to target them… disaster would follow.
She hastily interjected, "No, not them. I’ve spoken with them about this. They confided in me that they deeply regret their jealousy over the Emperor’s favor toward you. After all, whom the Emperor favors is his will alone—their actions were truly improper. Lately, they’ve been secretly copying sutras for you in the prayer hall."
"They seem genuinely remorseful."
Yu Miaohua clenched her fists. "Then who stirred them up? How vile!"
Next time during the morning greetings, she’d openly bring this up in front of everyone.
Consort Xian shook her head. "I don’t know. They wouldn’t tell me so much."
She paused, then put on her most earnest expression. "I only speak so frankly because I find your innocence truly endearing. Don’t take my words the wrong way. Sister, your position is lofty now, and your favor is unmatched. But without an heir, all this glory is like a castle in the air—it could collapse at any moment. You must seize the chance to bear a child."
[Host, have a baby!]
[Have a baby, my foot! At my age in my past life, I’d still be a minor! If you keep pushing this, I’ll report you for violating regulations!]
Yu Miaohua absolutely refused. Not serving the Emperor was just fine by her. She was perfectly content with her current life and had no desire to change it.
The system immediately fell silent.
Yu Miaohua saw through Consort Xian’s intentions—after all that buildup, it still came down to pressuring her to conceive.
She hated people who pushed for children!
Especially since Consort Xian’s "concern" wasn’t out of kindness—it was meant to disrupt the balance and drive a wedge between her and the Empress.
Though she had no such ambitions, Yu Miaohua was well aware that most consorts in this era saw bearing children as the ultimate honor. Her own views were the outlier.
She pretended to fret. "It’s not like I can just will a child into existence."
Consort Xian produced a slip of paper. "This is a fertility recipe my mother once obtained for me. After taking it for a while, I conceived Chi Yao."
Yu Miaohua took the paper and immediately had the system scan it.
[System, analyze this. Is this one of those recipes that makes you conceive easily but results in stillbirths? Or maybe it weakens the mother after childbirth?]
Having binge-watched plenty of palace intrigue dramas and novels lately, Yu Miaohua was well-versed in such schemes.
The system’s analysis came back swiftly.
【This prescription can indeed regulate a woman’s health, especially for those suffering from cold constitution or uterine coldness. Consort Xian didn’t deceive anyone this time.】
【So it’s usable?】
【Yes.】
Yu Miaohua accepted the prescription with a touched expression. "Thank you, elder sister. No wonder everyone in the palace praises you for your beauty and kindness. I didn’t understand you well enough before."
Hehe, she could play the good person later and distribute this prescription generously.
Lost in thought, she realized this year had seen disasters. This prescription could be used to raise funds.
Those noblewomen struggling with fertility would be better off donating their money to disaster relief rather than spending it on prayers and offerings.
Yu Miaohua wasn’t short on money now, and she planned to contribute some herself. Of course, she’d need to discuss this with the Emperor and the Empress first.
【A truly favored empress shouldn’t limit her vision to the inner palace. Host has triggered Main Quest 3.4: Raise 500,000 taels of silver for the Great Qi’s natural disaster relief. Reward: Complete Compendium of Gynecology.】
Yu Miaohua’s eyelid twitched. She’d only had a vague idea, but it had actually triggered a quest!
Looking closer at the reward’s description, it was a set of medical texts on gynecology, covering treatments for women’s ailments, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and even methods to handle difficult deliveries.
She even spotted instructions on using forceps—a lifesaving tool to reduce maternal mortality rates.
Yu Miaohua wasn’t usually enthusiastic about many tasks, but after seeing this reward, she felt this one was non-negotiable. If she could improve women’s chances of surviving childbirth, it would be an immeasurable virtue.
With her current status as the Divine Maiden, promoting these techniques would be relatively easy. Why not make use of it?
She glanced at the fertility prescription again, her eyes burning with determination: This prescription would be the key to completing the quest.
She decided to forgive Consort Xian… for one day!
"Thank you so much, Elder Sister Consort Xian."
Consort Xian could tell her gratitude was genuine. The corners of her lips curled into her usual gentle smile. "As long as it helps you, younger sister."
Her gaze drifted to the golden Buddha statue nearby, and she deliberately feigned surprise. "Did Consort Hui send that golden Buddha?"
Yu Miaohua nodded. "Consort Hui’s gift is too extravagant. I feel undeserving."
Consort Xian remarked, "I thought she would gift the Guanyin statue instead—it would suit you better—"
She covered her mouth. "But Consort Hui’s current gift is excellent."
Her overly conspicuous attempt to backtrack only made it more suspicious.
Consort Xian was clearly trying to drive a wedge between them.
Yu Miaohua saw through it. Consort Hui had already mentioned the Guanyin statue to her—if she had actually gifted it, they wouldn’t be true confidantes.
Still, in front of Consort Xian, she put on a puzzled expression.
Having achieved her goal, Consort Xian took her leave.
As she exited Guanju Palace, she turned back, gazing at the resplendent halls. A faint, determined smile—utterly unlike her usual gentle demeanor—curved her lips.
Once Consort Hui became pregnant, all she had to do was wait for the Empress to make a move. Then, after helping Consort Hui a few times, the latter would naturally become devoted to her.
She only needed to wait for good news from Guanju Palace.
With anticipation and delight in her heart, she departed.
……
An hour later, Yu Miaohua’s family entered the palace.
After paying respects to the Empress Dowager and the Empress, they arrived at Yu Miaohua’s quarters.
This time, aside from her mother, Wang Yaning, and her younger sister, Yu Miaoping, her maternal grandmother, Madame Zhong, and two cousins also came. Yu Miaohua had four cousins, but the other two were already married and had their own households, so they didn’t accompany the visit.
When her grandmother knelt to bow, Yu Miaohua immediately stopped her. "Grandmother, are you trying to shorten my lifespan? Please rise!"
Madame Zhong said solemnly, "Propriety must not be neglected." She paused. "The first audience with Your Majesty must include a full ceremonial bow."
She wanted the rest of the family to understand—no matter how close they were to Yu Miaohua, she was their sovereign. They must not blur the lines of hierarchy or presume upon kinship to demand favors.
Seeing the eldest among them perform the bow with utmost sincerity, the two Wang cousins also knelt properly in reverence.
Yu Miaohua could guess her grandmother’s intentions. Once the formalities were over, she instructed Cuiwei to bring out the pastries prepared earlier in the kitchen.
With a bright smile, she said to her cousin, "Jinhua, try the palace’s jujube paste cakes. See how they compare to the ones at home?"
Wang Jinhua adored jujube paste cakes. As a child, she often ate so many that she skipped meals, leading to strict daily limits on sweets. Back then, she would secretly trade her embroidered pouches for Yu Miaohua’s share.
Yu Miaohua didn’t forget to push the osmanthus cakes toward Wang Jinxin—she preferred those. By this season, osmanthus flowers had long withered, so the imperial kitchen used dried blossoms infused with osmanthus syrup, yielding a perfectly balanced sweetness. With each bite, the rich fragrance of osmanthus filled the mouth.
For her grandmother, who enjoyed soft, sweet treats at her age, the imperial kitchen had prepared fluffy sponge cakes.
Since there was still the evening banquet to consider, these snacks were just meant to tide them over, so not too many had been prepared.
The imperial concubines had all sent their gifts early, with Consort Xian being the latest. Knowing that Yu Miaohua was reuniting with her family, they had the sense not to disturb her.
Yu Miaohua happily brought out the mahjong set, and they played a few rounds—only for her to lose every single game, as expected.
Oh well, she might as well consider it a way to humor her elders. The winners were mostly her grandmother and her mother.
Madame Zhong remarked, "This is quite fun. I’ll have someone make a few sets when I return home."
After mahjong, it was time for dinner, and Madame Zhong got a full glimpse of just how doted upon her granddaughter was.
First came dishes bestowed by the Emperor, then by the Empress Dowager, followed by several more sent by the Empress herself.
Judging by her granddaughter’s nonchalant reaction, this was clearly a regular occurrence.
She even pointed at a dish of almond tofu and said, "The almond tofu from Her Majesty the Empress’s palace is the best I’ve ever had. I always arrive a quarter-hour early for my morning greetings just to have some."
Madame Zhong: "..."
Was it really appropriate to admit she was attending courtesies just to snack?
After dinner, Yu Miaohua tried to persuade them to stay for a couple of days.
But Madame Zhong and Wang Yaning firmly declined.
"Your Majesty must be extremely busy these days. Since we can’t be of help, the least we can do is not add to your burdens. Next time."
Part of their family business had moved to the capital, so Madame Zhong had brought her two granddaughters along, planning to arrange marriages for them while they were there. Her granddaughters were truly fortunate—with Yu Miaohua being elevated to Consort Hui, their marital prospects had risen significantly.
Knowing they meant well, Yu Miaohua nodded in agreement.
Then she remembered the prescription Consort Xian had sent her. Dismissing the attendants, she took it out. Yu Miaoping and the Wang sisters were led to a side chamber for tea—matters of palace intrigue were best kept from them.
"This was Consort Xian’s birthday gift to me—a tonic for health," she explained, summarizing Consort Xian’s words briefly.
Madame Zhong immediately cautioned, "Now is not the time for pregnancy."
"With so many concubines in the palace, why would Consort Xian single out Your Majesty to extend such a favor? She must have ulterior motives."
Fearing her granddaughter might be deceived, Madame Zhong laid it out plainly.
Yu Miaohua laughed. "I’m not that naive."
She paused, then added, "Besides, I have a feeling I won’t conceive anytime soon, no matter how much I try. It’s the price for revealing heavenly secrets."
She mentally patted herself on the back. Perfect—from now on, if anyone pressured her about bearing children, she’d just blame it on divine retribution. Let’s see if they’d dare argue with that.
At her words, her family’s expressions softened with sympathy.
Yu Miaohua avoided their gazes and continued, "Though I’ve already had a trusted imperial physician verify that the prescription is harmless, you should still consult a few more doctors after taking it back. The physician said it’s particularly effective for treating cold uterus and bodily chill."
Wang Yaning nodded. That was only prudent.
"And if it truly is a good prescription, what do you plan to do with it?"
Yu Miaohua’s lips curved. "Do you think noble ladies struggling with infertility due to cold uterus would be willing to pay for it?"
Madame Zhong frowned. "Our family doesn’t need the money. Don’t bother." She had, after all, brought a hefty sum of silver notes for Yu Miaohua this time.
Yu Miaohua blinked. "Sell it? Of course not! The prescription should be given freely. I only hope that if they do conceive, they might redirect some of the money meant for temple offerings toward disaster relief instead. Though if they’d rather not, that’s fine too—it’s entirely up to them."
Madame Zhong smiled. How could they refuse? The money would be spent regardless, and this way, they’d earn both merit and the favor of a high-ranking consort. They’d likely compete to contribute.
But then her smile faded.
"Your Majesty, this might offend Consort Xian."
Yu Miaohua grew serious. "I’ve considered that. I have my own plans."
She already knew how to handle it. Since Consort Xian would dislike her either way, she might as well follow her conscience.
Madame Zhong turned to her daughter. "Yaning, if the prescription is suitable, would you like to try it?"
Wang Yaning hesitated, then shook her head. "In this life, having Her Majesty and Miaoping is enough for me." Pride flickered across her face. "One Consort is worth a thousand sons."
In the past, people had criticized her for bearing only daughters and refusing to let the Yu family take concubines, warning that she’d leave them without heirs and become their disgrace. Now, no one dared say such things to her face.
Besides, at her age, if something were to happen during childbirth, who would protect her children?
Wei Xu loved her deeply, but if she passed, he might remain unmarried for a few years—but what about a decade or two later?
She didn’t dare gamble, nor did she want to invite potential trouble for her daughters.
This was enough.
Her gaze softened unconsciously.
After seeing off her relatives, Yu Miaohua retreated once more to her Guanju Palace, occasionally visiting friendly concubines for casual gatherings. She often invited lower-ranking consorts like Consort Fu to play mahjong, playing the generous host by letting them win.
Her peaceful routine was soon disrupted when Pei Lingyue assigned her a new task.
Three days later, the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar) Shen Sushang would paint her portrait anew.
Pei Lingyue frowned and said, "The recent portraits Shen painted failed to capture your essence. That’s why I’m giving him another chance. These paintings are meant to be displayed in the ancestral temple."
Yu Miaohua blinked in surprise. "So, I’ll have to spend the day with Lord Shen?"
Pei Lingyue nodded. "I’ll be occupied with official duties that day, so I won’t be able to accompany you."
"The Imperial Garden is in full bloom now—perfect for a painting backdrop. I’ll issue orders to keep unnecessary people away that day."
He also needed to remind his son to finish those twenty poems soon.
Yu Miaohua’s eyelid twitched.
[What is the Emperor up to? Is all this really necessary for a painting? The previous ones were already perfect—I looked like a celestial maiden!]
She imagined future generations would surely remember her as a peerless beauty.
[Ahh, Host, this is the perfect chance to complete the side quest! Don’t miss it!]
[Side Quest 1.1: Meet Tanhua Shen Sushang alone and personally thank him. Reward: Soap-making technique.]
The system once again pushed the previously triggered side quest, urging her to seize the opportunity.
[As an imperial consort, how could I possibly be without attendants? A private meeting? Dream on.]
Yu Miaohua thought the system was being unrealistic.
Pei Lingyue smiled. "Chai Xiu will also be there. If anything comes up, just give him your orders."
[See? I told you there’d be a crowd of unwanted observers. System, you might as well give up on this quest.]
The thought of Chai Xiu’s presence reassured her. He had always been reliable, and she had interacted with him frequently.
Pei Lingyue, however, found Yu Miaohua’s naivety amusing.
Chai Xiu’s real task was to discreetly lead her attendants away.
This time, he was determined to ensure the mission’s success!
