Three women make a drama, and Yu Miaohua's Guanju Palace was currently more lively than a theater stage. Early in the morning, concubines had been sending congratulatory gifts one after another, making it impossible for her to sleep in. She had no choice but to drag herself out of bed. Among them, Consort De's gifts were the most lavish—especially the coral bonsai and southern pearls, which looked incredibly valuable. Just by receiving these presents, she could make a small fortune.
The higher-ranking concubines, mindful of their status, merely sent gifts through their attendants to avoid appearing impatient. The lower-ranking ones, however, had no such reservations. They eagerly visited in person—some to size up their future rival, others with the intention of forming alliances, and still others, like Consort Xu, who came looking for trouble.
Consort Xu was the highest-ranking among the concubines present, having enjoyed the emperor's unwavering favor since entering the palace. Her beauty stood out even among the sea of stunning women in the harem—radiant as a peony, exceptionally talented, skilled in singing and dancing, and even credited with reconstructing a long-lost historical dance. Despite never bearing a child, she had still been elevated to the rank of Consort, a unique privilege in the palace.
Consort Xu had always believed she held a special place in the emperor’s heart—until Yu Miaohua appeared, rising through the ranks even faster than she had. Many whispered that it was time for the "old favorite" to step aside for the new, fueling Consort Xu’s fury. Though she knew these words were meant to provoke, she couldn’t help but be affected.
What stung even more was that Consort Xu had once asked the emperor for Guanju Palace—only to be refused. She had consoled herself with the thought that the emperor must have sealed off the palace due to lingering grief over Empress Zhenyi. Yet now, it had been granted to Yu Miaohua. Did this mean the emperor deemed her unworthy of Guanju Palace? He had once praised her dancing as "divine."
Old grudges and fresh resentment surged in her heart as she glared at Yu Miaohua with icy disdain. "I underestimated you, Lady Yu," she said with biting sarcasm. "Who knew our palace hid such a beauty, capable of catching His Majesty’s eye even from the cold palace? As sisters, why not teach us your ways? We veterans are too dull-witted compared to your cleverness."
The other concubines gasped—Consort Xu truly had no filter!
Fight, fight!
They were eager to see how Lady Yu would handle this, adjusting their own strategies accordingly.
A day had been enough for Yu Miaohua to steel herself. If no one envies you, you must be mediocre. She wouldn’t provoke others, but if someone came looking for trouble, she’d make sure they regretted it.
Bring it on—let’s hurt each other!
Lowering her head, Yu Miaohua smiled shyly. "I truly don’t know… But His Majesty isn’t one to be swayed by mere beauty. Perhaps he saw the goodness in my soul beneath this ordinary face."
Consort Xu nearly choked on her rage. The audacity—praising herself so shamelessly! Forcing a smile, she sneered, "I fail to see any such virtue in you." Though shamelessness was certainly evident.
Yu Miaohua waved her off magnanimously. "His Majesty is discerning—he notices what ordinary people cannot. Don’t feel too inadequate; it’s understandable."
Even the Palace Intrigue System was stunned. Was Yu Miaohua possessed by a war goddess today? In the half-year since their binding, the system had grown accustomed to her passive, carefree attitude. This sharp-tongued version was unexpected.
Could she have been body-snatched?
The system surreptitiously scanned her—nope, still the same person.
[Host, you’re being so bold! Aren’t you afraid of making a mortal enemy?]
Yu Miaohua multitasked, replying mentally.
[As long as I have the emperor’s favor, I’ll always be her thorn. Since nothing I do will change that, why hold back? ‘Hold back and get ovarian cysts; retreat and grow breast lumps.’]
Besides, if someone as hot-tempered as Consort Xu hadn’t been ambushed or cursed yet, maybe the harem wasn’t as cutthroat as she’d imagined. Most concubines had limits—people like Lin Shu, who harmed others without reason, were the exception.
The other concubines were practically clutching imaginary popcorn. This showdown was worth waking up early for. Lady Yu was far bolder than they’d expected, standing her ground even against a higher-ranked consort.
Was this the confidence bestowed by the emperor’s favor?
The thought made them sour with envy—though they consoled themselves that even without Lady Yu, there were still Consort Xu, Consort Li, and others ahead of them in the pecking order.
Consort Xu was seething. How dare this woman call her ‘ordinary’ to her face? In all her years in the palace, no one had ever insulted her so brazenly.
She longed to retaliate, but Yu Miaohua’s words left no opening—she couldn’t very well imply the emperor had poor judgment without insulting herself.
Frustrated, Consort Xu seized on another pretext. Taking a sip of tea, she snapped, "Who brewed this? Trying to scald me to death? If you can’t discipline your servants, Sister, I’d be happy to teach them for you."
She hurled the teacup toward Cuiwei, who instinctively dodged. The cup grazed her skirt before shattering on the floor, tea splashing onto the hem.
Consort Xu’s rage flared—how dare a mere maid evade her? Being hit by her was an honor!
Yu Miaohua’s temper ignited.
Cuiwei had brewed the tea with the finest Qingming Longjing delivered that morning. The tea was excellent, Cuiwei was excellent—the only problem was Consort Xu’s deliberate provocation.
She would not let her people be bullied, least of all Cuiwei, who had stood by her through thick and thin. "Since Sister prefers cold tea to cool her temper," Yu Miaohua said coolly, "Cuiwei, bring her a fresh cup—chilled."
Cuiwei bowed and returned with a cup of tea that had been left to cool.
Consort Xu’s eyes blazed. "So this is Lady Yu’s hospitality? A mere palace maid is beyond my reproach now?"
Yu Miaohua smiled sweetly. "Sister lacks experience. Don’t worry—I’ll help you get accustomed to it."
Their locked gazes crackled with hostility, sparks nearly visible in the air.
The other concubines held their breaths, not daring to draw attention lest they become collateral damage.
Thrilling. Absolutely thrilling. The palace was going to be very entertaining from now on.
The Palace Intrigue System seized the moment to chime in, slipping in a shameless plug.
【If you’re not envied, you’re mediocre. There’s endless fun in outmaneuvering others. Palace intrigue main quest 1.21 unlocked: The malicious supporting character Consort Xu, consumed by jealousy, is making unreasonable demands. Host must subtly influence the Emperor to have Consort Xu placed under house arrest. Completing the task will reward the method for producing white sugar.】
White sugar already exists in this era, but the Qi Dynasty hasn’t yet developed the technology to produce it. Currently, the white sugar consumed is imported from overseas at exorbitant prices. Low-ranking concubines in the palace don’t even receive white sugar as part of their monthly allotment. Although Yu Miaohua’s allotment includes some, it’s limited—her main sweeteners are brown sugar and rock honey.
If she could obtain the method for producing white sugar, she’d have as much as she wanted.
Wait—Yu Miaohua vaguely recalled that sugarcane sugar already existed at this time. So, all she needed was to conduct a decolorization experiment to produce white sugar, right?
What materials could be used for decolorization?
Yu Miaohua cursed herself for forgetting most of her academic knowledge after entering the workforce. Truly, the pinnacle of most people’s intellectual prowess is during the college entrance exams. If she had transmigrated right after her exams, she wouldn’t have even glanced at this reward.
But still…
【Consort Xu is annoying, but she’s all talk. Getting her placed under house arrest won’t be easy.】
【You could frame her! With her personality, you wouldn’t even need to lift a finger—just provoke her, and she’ll definitely try to harm you first.】
Yu Miaohua: "..."
【I have principles! Did your system skip ethics class during manufacturing?】
This "System" had serious moral deficiencies, always scheming to set people up.
Consort Xu sneered and said to her maid, "Are you all dead? Slap her! Seize that insolent wretch who dares to disrespect her mistress."
She had initially wanted to target Yu Miaohua, but considering Yu Miaohua’s current favor with the Emperor, she wouldn’t dare order her maids to strike her—both the Emperor and Empress would never let her off.
If she couldn’t discipline Yu Miaohua, she could at least take it out on a mere servant.
...
Pei Lingyue arrived at this moment. The attendant who had been about to announce his presence was silenced with a raised hand.
He was in luck—his timing was perfect, catching the confrontation between Yu Miaohua and Consort Xu and even witnessing the System’s new task assignment.
Pei Lingyue’s lips curled slightly. He had known that the deity called "System" wouldn’t issue just one task—and here was proof.
This time, the reward was the method for producing white sugar?
Though not as enticing as the earlier reward of Champa rice, it was still valuable. All he had to do was get Consort Xu confined for a month—an excellent trade.
Listening to Yu Miaohua’s principled refusal to scheme, he shook his head slightly—Lady Yu was too rigid. She could stand to be more flexible.
Consort Xu noticed Pei Lingyue’s arrival before Yu Miaohua did. Instantly, jealousy surged within her, souring her mood.
This was the time when the Emperor usually handled official documents. None of the concubines dared to disturb him with gifts of soup or snacks, fearing his displeasure. Yet here he was, putting aside his duties to visit Guanju Palace. Was he so worried about Yu Miaohua?
Burning with resentment, Consort Xu’s eyes reddened as she put on a pitiful act. "Your Majesty, this concubine has been wronged. I came in good faith to congratulate Sister Yu, but her maid deliberately served me cold tea. I was so aggrieved that I wanted to discipline her, yet Sister Yu shielded her. As a mistress, how can I tolerate being disrespected by a mere servant? What’s the point of being a Consort if even a maid can trample over me?"
The other concubines exchanged glances.
Consort Xu was indeed skilled—this was a masterful play. Her usual arrogance made her current display of vulnerability all the more striking, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone watching.
Cuiwei, the maid who had served the tea, immediately knelt, her face pale. Her mistress had only just escaped the cold palace and was about to enjoy better days. If she caused Yu Miaohua to lose favor, she’d never forgive herself. Just as she was about to take the blame, Yu Miaohua stepped forward and bowed, claiming responsibility. She had been the one to instruct Cuiwei to serve the tea—there was no reason to let the maid suffer.
"This concubine was at fault. I mistakenly assumed Consort Xu disliked hot tea after she dropped her cup. Next time, I’ll confirm her preference before serving."
Consort Xu’s voice grew even more aggrieved. "It was your maid’s negligence—she deliberately served scalding tea, making me drop the cup!"
She turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for me. I know Sister Yu is young and impulsive, with no ill intent. As her elder, I’m willing to overlook her minor oversights. All I ask is for the disrespectful maid to apologize and make amends."
Consort Xu calculated that since Yu Miaohua was currently favored, being too aggressive might backfire. Instead, she opted for a tactical retreat—portraying herself as magnanimous while highlighting her suffering. The Emperor wouldn’t deny her such a small request. Surely, she still held some place in his heart.
If Yu Miaohua’s maid were punished today, she’d have won this round.
Pei Lingyue looked at Yu Miaohua. "Lady Yu, do you have anything to say?"
Yu Miaohua would never let Cuiwei take the fall. A maid’s life meant little in the eyes of others, and if she were blamed, who knew what punishment she’d suffer?
She lowered her eyes. "I was the one who instructed Cuiwei to serve the tea. I’ll learn from this and next time, I’ll prepare ten cups for Consort Xu to choose from, ensuring she gets the perfect one."
Pei Lingyue’s eyelid twitched—this wasn’t subtle manipulation; it was outright sarcasm.
Consort Xu wailed, "Your Majesty, look at her!"
Pei Lingyue said coolly, "Lady Yu, you were indeed wrong."
Hearing this, the concubines sighed inwardly—this time, Yu Miaohua had lost, and decisively so. Experience trumped youth.
Consort Xu lowered her head, unable to suppress a smirk—the Emperor still cared for her.
Meanwhile, the Palace Intrigue System was in a frenzy.
【Ahhh! Host, you fool! This isn’t how you play the game! Learn from Consort Xu—do you not understand the art of yielding to advance?!】
Yu Miaohua, however, remained firm.
【If I yield, Cuiwei will be punished. At worst, I’ll just be sent back to the cold palace.】
And if she really ended up back there… well, she could always rebuild the gate. Maybe she’d even make history as the first person to re-enter the cold palace within a day of leaving. Would that count as completing a task?
The next moment, Pei Lingyue spoke again. "Your mistake was giving Consort Xu too much face. You knew she was picking a fight, yet you indulged her."
"Rise. You’ve suffered enough this time."
Pei Lingyue had initially felt some guilt over confining Consort Xu to her quarters for the sake of the mission, but now even that trace of remorse vanished.
Someone as guileless and innocent as Yu Miaohua—and yet Consort Xu couldn’t tolerate her? She deserved this punishment.
His words left everyone present stunned. Wait—had they missed some crucial turn of events? Shouldn’t it have been Yu Miaohua who was reprimanded? How had Consort Xu ended up the one toppled instead?
Tears instantly spilled from Consort Xu’s eyes. If she had only been feigning distress earlier, now her anguish was genuine.
The Emperor was clearly biased!
