As soon as Madam Su entered the room, she was met with a stern reprimand: "Second daughter-in-law, kneel down!"
Years of ingrained fear toward her mother-in-law compelled Madam Su to drop to her knees instinctively. But then it struck her—what had she done wrong? Why should she kneel?
"Old Madam, may I ask what offense I have committed?"
If it had been her elder sister-in-law, would her mother-in-law have treated her the same way?
Madam Su sniffed the air, catching the scent of medicinal herbs. Was Old Madam Qin ill and taking it out on her?
Old Madam Qin’s face was cold. "You still don’t admit your fault?"
Madam Su grew even more aggrieved. "Even if I am to be condemned, shouldn’t I at least know my crime?"
Old Madam Qin gritted her teeth. "A woman like you, guilty of theft—if I were to have my second son divorce you, even your own family would have nothing to say in your defense."
Madam Su was stunned. "When have I ever stolen anything?"
Old Madam Qin scoffed. "I never imagined you would be so brazen as to steal a medicinal recipe from my room. Tell me, what did you drink tonight?"
Madam Su felt utterly wronged. "I drank a tonic prescribed by my elder sister-in-law to regulate my health. How could it be your recipe?"
"Your sister-in-law couldn’t possibly have this recipe! Even now, you refuse to repent. It seems you have no respect for your elders!" After losing influence, Old Madam Qin had noticed how people treated her differently. She couldn’t tolerate her daughter-in-law stepping out of line. If she didn’t teach her a harsh lesson now, she would lose all authority in this household.
Madam Su explained, "This recipe is widely known in the capital now. Consort Hui made it public to raise funds for Lizhou. She hopes that those who benefit from it will donate to charity in return."
Inwardly, Madam Su scoffed. Old Madam Qin often praised the kindness and gentleness of the palace ladies, but in her eyes, how could Concubine Xian compare to Consort Hui?
Madam Su was no fool. Putting together Old Madam Qin’s earlier words, she realized the truth—the old woman had possessed this recipe all along and had accused her of stealing it. For years, Madam Su had tried every folk remedy and prayed to the gods for a child, something the entire household knew. Yet Old Madam Qin had watched her suffer without lifting a finger. How heartless!
She had always been filial to her mother-in-law, but this cold-hearted old woman never appreciated her.
Could it be that Old Madam Qin feared she would bear a child and claim a share of the family’s wealth?
The more Madam Su thought about it, the more it made sense. Her father-in-law valued his legitimate sons. If she had a child of her own, she would have a claim to the family’s resources.
Old Madam Qin swayed slightly, disbelief written across her face. "You’re saying Consort Hui released this recipe?"
Madam Su gathered her courage. "If you don’t believe me, ask around. I cannot bear the accusation of theft."
Her voice trembled with grievance.
Old Madam Qin’s ears rang.
What was Consort Hui thinking? Shouldn’t she have guarded the recipe carefully to restore her own health?
She glanced at Madam Su, still kneeling, and said, "Get up. I misunderstood you."
After dismissing Madam Su, Old Madam Qin sent invitations to some of her friends.
Since the family’s noble title had been revoked, she had avoided socializing out of shame. But now, she had no choice.
Though the Qin family had fallen from grace, they still had ties to the Second Prince. Thanks to that, her guests arrived swiftly.
When Old Madam Qin inquired about the recipe, one of them confirmed it.
"My niece has been drinking the tonic from Consort Hui’s recipe. It’s too soon to say if it works, but her cycles have become regular, and the pain has lessened."
"My sister-in-law suffers from cramps every month. She just bought the herbs yesterday."
"I pray this recipe will help my daughter-in-law conceive soon."
As the women chattered about the recipe, one turned to Old Madam Qin. "I remember your daughter-in-law has been praying for a child for years. Why not let her try it?"
Old Madam Qin forced a smile. "If it’s so effective, I’ll have her take it. If it works, I’ll donate in gratitude."
Madam Yang, her closest friend, sent a maid to fetch a copy of the recipe.
When Old Madam Qin saw it, she recognized it immediately—the very recipe she had once procured for the palace lady.
To think Consort Hui had given it away to the entire city!
Was she mad?
This couldn’t stand. She had to inform the palace.
Old Madam Qin swiftly submitted a request for an audience. She had worried the Empress might delay her, but to her surprise, permission was granted the very next day.
When she saw Concubine Xian, Old Madam Qin’s eyes stung.
In the past, the concubine’s attire had been elegantly understated, a deliberate display of humility—yet every piece had been of the finest quality. Even a slightly flawed jade pendant would never touch her. But now, the pearls in her hair were dull. In better days, such pearls wouldn’t have been fit for her face powder.
Though Old Madam Qin resented how Concubine Xian’s actions had doomed the family, seeing her like this brought tears to her eyes. "Your Highness, you’ve suffered."
Concubine Xian smiled gently. "It is no hardship. If it atones for my father and brother’s sins, I welcome it."
Old Madam Qin’s sob caught in her throat.
Concubine Xian dismissed her attendants and guided her mother to a seat. "Don’t mind my words earlier, Mother. There may be spies among my maids, even around Prince Yao. I must be cautious."
Old Madam Qin’s discomfort eased slightly.
"Why does the Emperor distrust you so?"
It hadn’t been like this before.
Concubine Xian sighed. "Yao has been spoiled. He lacks discretion, and perhaps that drew the Emperor’s suspicion."
Old Madam Qin held up a finger. "Or perhaps it was her doing."
Concubine Xian changed the subject. "Why have you come today?"
Old Madam Qin’s expression darkened as she produced the recipe.
Concubine Xian examined it, puzzled. "Isn’t this the recipe you gave me?"
Old Madam Qin hissed, "Do you know? It’s now circulating throughout the capital!"
Concubine Xian froze. "How? Who leaked it?"
Old Madam Qin recounted everything she had learned.
Concubine Xian swayed, lightheaded. Had her mother not steadied her, she might have collapsed.
"Yu Miaohua made this public? To raise funds for Lizhou?"
"Yes!"
A mouthful of blood sprayed from Concubine Xian’s lips.
Old Madam Qin’s face turned pale. "Your Highness, quickly summon the imperial physician."
Concubine Xian gripped her hand tightly. "We can’t call for a physician. No one must know."
Tears streamed down Old Madam Qin’s face. Had her daughter’s situation deteriorated to the point where she couldn’t even request a physician?
After the Qin family’s noble title had been revoked, Old Madam Qin had still held onto some hope, comforted by the fact that her daughter and her imperial grandson remained in the palace.
But now, she felt utterly lost.
Was the Second Prince truly favored by the Emperor? Would His Majesty really reinstate the Qin family for his sake?
Concubine Xian gritted her teeth. "I must go and ask Consort Hui."
The name "Consort Hui" dripped with venom as it left her lips.
Concubine Xian couldn’t help but wonder—did the Empress know about this?
Yu Miaohua was foolish and would never think this far, but the Empress was different.
Once the Empress uncovered her schemes, how would she retaliate?
The mere thought sent a chill down Concubine Xian’s spine.
She forced herself to steady her breathing. "Mother, thank you for bringing me this news. I must go to Guanju Palace and have a proper talk with Consort Hui."
Old Madam Qin nodded and remained in Qiongming Palace to wait for her.
Before leaving, Concubine Xian deliberately stopped by the kitchen to pick up some dishes.
Even before she entered Guanju Palace, she could hear the clattering of tiles being shuffled. Concubine Xian knew this was the game Consort Hui had introduced—mahjong, which she claimed to have read about in a book.
Consort Hui often passed her time by summoning lower-ranking consorts to play with her.
Rumor had it that she disliked being flattered, never grew angry even when she lost, and gave generous rewards. Because of this, her reputation among the lower-ranking consorts had improved significantly.
They all praised her for having a "Bodhisattva’s heart," believing she was finding ways to support them.
A Bodhisattva’s heart? Nonsense. She was clearly using this to win them over.
Concubine Xian put on a gentle smile. "You lot are at it again, coaxing Consort Hui out of her treasures."
Consort Fu and the others stood to greet her.
Yu Miaohua chuckled. "Actually, they’re the ones keeping me company to pass the time."
She did give Consort Fu and the others gifts, but they reciprocated as well. Consort Fu’s embroidery surpassed even that of professional seamstresses, and she had made many exquisite handkerchiefs for Yu Miaohua. Consort Jiang played the zither beautifully and spoke in a soft, soothing voice that could melt hearts. Once Consort Lao warmed up to someone, her words flowed like a comedic performance, and Yu Miaohua could listen to her for hours without getting bored.
She stood and said, "Sister, what brings you here? I heard you’ve been copying scriptures for me. I’ve fully recovered now—please don’t exhaust yourself on my account."
Yu Miaohua noticed that Concubine Xian looked truly unwell.
Concubine Xian replied, "My kitchen prepared some pastries, and since I remembered you liked them, I brought some over."
Yu Miaohua beamed. "Thank you for always thinking of me."
Consort Fu, perceptive as ever, realized Concubine Xian had private matters to discuss with Consort Hui and tactfully excused herself along with the others.
Once they were alone, Concubine Xian forced a casual tone. "My mother visited the palace and mentioned something—that a popular beauty tonic circulating in the capital is the same as the one she once procured for me. Did you know about this?"
Yu Miaohua flashed a radiant smile. "I asked my mother to share it."
Concubine Xian hadn’t expected her to admit it so bluntly and was momentarily stunned. Recovering, she asked, "Why would you spread it?"
Yu Miaohua blinked, feigning innocence. "Well, when the Emperor dined with me, he mentioned the recent disasters in Lizhou—collapsed homes, lost belongings. I wanted to help raise funds. The tonic you gave me worked wonders, and I heard many women suffer trying to conceive, wasting money on dubious remedies and being swindled by unscrupulous monks. I couldn’t bear to see them suffer, so I thought this would help. Plus, it eases the court’s financial burdens—a win-win, don’t you think?"
She added sheepishly, "There’s also… another reason—for you."
Concubine Xian couldn’t believe her ears. "For me?"
She was eager to hear how Yu Miaohua would spin this.
Yu Miaohua smiled coyly. "I heard you’ve been going through a rough patch lately, so I wanted to accumulate some merit for you. Since the tonic was originally yours, the heavens will surely bless you too."
She gazed at Concubine Xian with sparkling eyes, as if waiting for praise.
Her expression made Concubine Xian want to spit blood. How could she play the victim after sabotaging her and then act like she’d done her a favor?
[... Host, you’ve really outdone yourself! How can you be this shameless?]
[I told you—I’ve always had talent. I just never showed it before. Being invincible is so lonely.]
When Concubine Xian remained silent, Yu Miaohua pouted. "Sister, why aren’t you saying anything? Did I do something wrong? I’m still young and don’t understand these things—please teach me, Sister Xian."
[How many years have you been steeping in this act?]
Even the palace intrigue system was overwhelmed by her theatrics.
Concubine Xian longed to claw at that deceptively innocent face, but she couldn’t. Instead, she had to praise and thank her.
"You’ve done well. I just didn’t realize you cared so much," she said through gritted teeth.
Yu Miaohua nodded earnestly. "It’s only right."
Concubine Xian forced out another question. "You didn’t mention that I was the one who gave you the tonic, did you? Once I gifted it to you, it was yours. There’s no need to credit me."
Yu Miaohua declared righteously, "How could I steal your merit and virtue? I’m not that kind of person! So I told everyone—this was the tonic you kindly gave me."
Dizziness washed over Concubine Xian. "So… everyone knows?"
Yu Miaohua nodded cheerfully. "Yes! Don’t worry, Sister, everyone is grateful for your kindness."
The usually poised Concubine Xian stared at Yu Miaohua’s expectant, self-satisfied expression and wanted to scream.
Even if she had publicly credited her, no one would appreciate her "kindness"—because it was Yu Miaohua who had shared it, not her.
Anyone with half a brain would see through her original intentions.
Her carefully cultivated reputation was now in ruins.
Once, Concubine Xian had thought Yu Miaohua’s foolishness made her easy to manipulate. But now, she wished she were smarter.
She had never imagined that a fool’s misguided "good intentions" could be the most destructive force of all.
With a gentle push under the guise of kindness, Yu Miaohua had sent her tumbling into an abyss.
"Sister, why aren’t you speaking?"
"I know you’re too moved for words. Between sisters like us, there’s no need for thanks!"
Yu Miaohua nearly blurted out, "Just call me the living Lei Feng."
Thank me? Thank me for what?!
The day's events had been too overwhelming for Concubine Xian. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, she coughed up another mouthful of blood. Darkness clouded her vision, and she fainted on the spot.
Before losing consciousness, she faintly heard Yu Miaohua's voice.
"Concubine Xian is so moved she’s coughing up blood!"
"She’s fainted from sheer joy!"
"Ah, I told her not to thank me too much..."
...
Concubine Xian fell gravely ill, confined to her bed and unable to rise.
The Qiongming Palace brewed medicine daily.
Due to her condition, the Emperor and Empress excused her from all formal greetings. To the outside world, it was said that Concubine Xian had been deeply moved by Consort Hui’s selfless generosity, and her overwhelming emotions had caused her collapse.
Coincidentally, she had been nursing a lingering resentment in her chest over recent family matters. This sudden bout of vomiting blood had brought her hidden illness to light.
Everyone agreed that this episode was a blessing in disguise—had the pent-up resentment remained trapped in her chest, it would have festered and become incurable.
In other words, Yu Miaohua had provoked Concubine Xian into vomiting blood, yet everyone praised her for it, calling it a stroke of brilliance.
The palace servants attending Concubine Xian were punished by Pei Lingyue for failing to care for their mistress properly, unable to detect her inner turmoil.
Some were given twenty lashes, while others were expelled from the palace entirely—including Concubine Xian’s most trusted aides, effectively severing her left and right arms.
Having suffered such a devastating loss, Concubine Xian had no choice but to express gratitude.
Yu Miaohua had initially considered visiting Concubine Xian but ultimately showed mercy.
It wouldn’t do to push her to the brink of death.
Patting her chest, she said to her system:
"I’ve gone soft—what can I say? I’m just too kind-hearted!"
"......"
"At least Concubine Xian won’t have the energy to stir trouble for the next six months."
Yu Miaohua was in high spirits.
Concubine Xian’s collapse did nothing to disrupt the charity auction.
"Congratulations, Host! You’ve completed Main Quest 3.4: Raise 500,000 taels in relief funds for Great Qi’s natural disasters this year. Reward: Encyclopedia of Women’s Knowledge."
"Congratulations, Host! You’ve completed Side Quest 3.1: Gift Pei Yuheng a self-embroidered pouch as thanks. Reward: Advanced tea-processing techniques, including stir-frying methods, to enhance tea quality."
"Pei Yuheng’s favorability toward you has reached 35. You’ve completed the ‘Pei Yuheng Favorability ≥ 30’ task. Reward: Improved compass technology—easier to manufacture, more precise, and adaptable to various environments."
"Shen Sushang’s favorability toward you has reached 30. You’ve completed the ‘Shen Sushang Favorability ≥ 30’ task. Reward: Shipbuilding technology 200 years ahead of this era."
"Ahhh, Host! We can level up again! Level 4, here I come! See you in half an hour!"
After excitedly announcing the completed tasks, the system hurried off to upgrade, leaving a bewildered Yu Miaohua behind.
Why had their favorability risen so sharply?
Wait—so Pei Yuheng had successfully bid on her pouch, completing the task?
And what about the Imperial Scholar’s favorability?
The compasses of this era relied on natural lodestones, making them prone to environmental interference.
Were these new rewards nudging Great Qi toward an age of maritime exploration?
With so many rewards to claim, how should she go about it?
She was still waiting for the system’s return when the Empress summoned her to discuss the auction’s results.
The Empress smiled warmly. "His Majesty assigned Imperial Scholar Shen to oversee the auction today. Do you know how much your ten pouches fetched?"
Yu Miaohua had estimated her items might raise 50,000 taels at most. But given how smoothly the quest had completed, it must have been more.
Her mother had brought over 160,000 taels on her first visit to the palace and 70,000 on the second, totaling 240,000. She’d thought they’d need more time, yet today’s auction alone had fulfilled the 500,000-tael goal.
She ventured a guess. "150,000 taels?"
Combined with her jewelry and the other consorts’ contributions, that should suffice.
The Empress shook her head. "You’ve underestimated. Just the ten pouches sold for 280,000 taels. With your other items, the total was 370,000 taels."
In other words, Yu Miaohua alone could have completed the quest without the other consorts’ contributions.
Even the Empress marveled at Yu Miaohua’s influence.
Yu Miaohua was stunned, stammering, "Th-that much?"
She trembled slightly.
The Empress explained, "The Feng Manor bought three pouches for 50,000 taels. The remaining seven sold for increasingly higher prices."
At first, the Feng Manor’s hefty bid had seemed foolish, but as prices soared, their early purchase turned out to be a bargain.
Yu Miaohua beamed. "This means more relief funds for the people of Lizhou."
Watching her radiant smile, the Empress softened. Before she could speak, Pei Lingyue’s cheerful voice echoed as he approached.
"Miaohua, you’ve rendered outstanding service this time. What reward would you like?"
Yu Miaohua suppressed a sigh. The Emperor was growing increasingly fond of surprise appearances.
"I lack nothing," she replied.
As a Consort Hui, further promotion was unlikely.
Pei Lingyue countered, "If such merit goes unrewarded, how will others dare accept my favors in the future? Don’t block their paths to glory."
Yu Miaohua hesitated. "Then... perhaps the newly imported spices from Fan Country?"
Pei Lingyue waved a hand. "Those were already meant for you."
In truth, the Empress had suggested reserving them for Yu Miaohua’s studies, but the Emperor had claimed credit.
The Empress kept her eyes downcast, not exposing him.
"You and Her Majesty are too kind. I truly need nothing." Yu Miaohua paused. "But if a reward must be given... perhaps my younger sister?"
Yu Miaohua’s sister?
Pei Lingyue considered it. Yu Miaohua clearly doted on her only sister—honoring her would surely earn goodwill.
On the spot, he decreed that in recognition of Consort Hui’s fundraising achievements, her sister Yu Miaoping would be granted the title of County Lady.
Typically, this title was reserved for great-granddaughters of princes or wives of fifth-rank officials, requiring formal petitions. Only exceptional merit warranted such an exception. With this status, Yu Miaoping could now attend palace New Year banquets independently.
Yu Miaohua’s eyes sparkled. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Best to secure the reward before the Emperor changed his mind.
Noticing her scheming, Pei Lingyue was both amused and exasperated. Did she think him so fickle?
A County Lady’s title was well within his power to bestow.
...
When the imperial edict arrived at the Yu residence, Yu Miaoping was midway through her fifth meal of the day. Stunned by the news, she froze until her mother nudged her into accepting the decree.
Wang Yaning was overjoyed. She slipped the palace eunuch who delivered the imperial edict a pouch containing a hundred taels of silver notes and ordered that everyone in the household receive three months' worth of wages as a bonus.
Life was always harder for women, but with the title of County Lady, Yu Miaoping now had an extra layer of protection. Her elder sister truly doted on her.
Neighbors nearby soon heard the news and came one after another to offer their congratulations.
Wang Yaning accepted their well-wishes but declined all gifts. As for hosting a banquet, that was unnecessary—their family was already conspicuous enough without drawing more envy by throwing a lavish feast.
She tapped her youngest daughter on the head. "Now that you’re a County Lady, you must behave properly. No more climbing trees or splashing around in ponds."
Yu Miaoping, still grinning foolishly, pouted. "Mother, as long as I follow the formal etiquette, that’s enough. If getting a title means I have to stifle myself even more, I’d rather not have it."
She then began daydreaming. "Actually, I’d rather be a great general. If only my sister could make me one!"
Wang Yaning laughed in exasperation. "You’re truly dreaming in broad daylight. Go copy calligraphy properly. Your handwriting looks like squirming tadpoles—what kind of general writes as messily as you?"
Yu Miaoping grumbled, "Fine, I’ll copy. But Mother, can I go horseback riding at the estate afterward? Our household is bound to be bustling for a while."
After a moment’s thought, Wang Yaning said, "Your elder sisters will accompany you."
Her two nieces were far more composed and could keep an eye on the little troublemaker.
……
The news of Yu Miaoping’s ennoblement as a County Lady spread swiftly through the palace and the capital.
While the imperial clan took it in stride, countless daughters of noble and official families burned with envy. More than coveting the achievements of fathers or brothers, they envied Yu Miaoping for having an elder sister who never forgot her.
When Old Madam Qin heard the news, she spat out a mouthful of blood in fury.
That title should have been theirs!
The prescription had been her discovery! She was the one who sent it to the palace!
Now, everyone sang praises of Consort Hui’s kindness, and the Yu family reaped immense benefits. Meanwhile, the Qin household gained nothing, and their own imperial concubine had not been restored to favor. Rumor had it she was still bedridden, sick with rage after Consort Hui’s provocations.
Every attempt Old Madam Qin made to enter the palace and check on her had been rebuffed.
The more she brooded, the more resentful she grew. Would she now have to bow to that little brat Yu Miaoping when they crossed paths? How could she endure such humiliation?
The Emperor was blatantly biased.
Was there truly no one who could curb Consort Hui’s influence?
How could the Empress tolerate her existence?
Old Madam Qin fervently wished a few peerless beauties would enter the palace this year to divert the Emperor’s favor from Consort Hui. Yet, to her frustration, there were no plans for a selection of new consorts this year.
Just then, her daughter-in-law Madam Li entered with an eager expression.
"Mother, Scholar Jiang has arrived in the capital."
Old Madam Qin waved dismissively. "Which Scholar Jiang? What does his arrival have to do with us?"
Could he make the Second Prince ascend the throne?
Madam Li explained, "Mother, don’t you remember? Scholar Jiang once tutored His Majesty for years and was left disabled because of him. The Emperor holds him in the highest regard."
Recognition dawned on Old Madam Qin—ah, that Scholar Jiang.
Madam Li continued, "Scholar Jiang lost his only son because of Empress Zhenyi. And now, Consort Hui in Guanju Palace is practically a reincarnation of Empress Zhenyi. Do you think he’ll look kindly upon her?"
"Moreover, he despises superstitions and tales of the supernatural."
And Consort Hui was hailed by the common folk as a divine maiden.
With a little instigation, once the two clashed, the spectacle would be worth watching.
